Department: Public Affairs

The Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs major prepares students to analyze problems and effectively solve issues with the principle goal of enhancing all aspects of public life. It prepares students to tackle social justice issues and uplift our communities both domestically and internationally.  The emphasis is on  establishing a strong foundation of skills focusing on policy, advocacy, and analysis/critical thinking.

The BSPA requires 120 credits: a minimum of 30 public affairs credits and another 90 credits from the CUNY Pathways general education curriculum. In the Pathways curriculum, the college option for BSPA students is a liberal arts minor. Minors relevant to public affairs include law, environmental sustainability, information studies, and survey research. BSPA students are not eligible to double major, but can obtain a double minor. 

Public affairs courses are offered both in-person, on-line, and hybrid. Classes are small with 20-25 students. The professors are accomplished scholars with Ph.D. degrees from major universities or lecturers with current and previous positions as top policy leaders. The curriculum examines how public and nonprofit organizations are involved in the policy process. Civic engagement skills are developed in economic and financial analysis, political negotiations, qualitative and quantitative methods, and rhetoric. Policy areas of interest include the arts, community development, education, the environment, health care, housing, immigration, and social welfare.

BSPA Internships: In addition to the curriculum, BSPA students apply their knowledge through experiential learning. Several credit-bearing internship courses are offered that allow students to become immersed in real-world opportunities that create building blocks to the careers they are seeking. Students have the opportunity to work at the local, state, and national levels, as well as, within a myriad of nonprofit organizations. Review the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs internships for more information.

Accelerated BSPA to MPA: The Accelerated BSPA to MPA program allows students to complete their Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs (BSPA) and Master of Public Administration (MPA) degrees in five years. Undergraduates who have applied and been accepted to the MPA program can begin taking MPA courses as undergraduates and count them toward both their BSPA and MPA requirements. The program requires a total of 141 credits and all 45 credits of the MPA degree. Click here for program details. For more information, contact the Marxe School Advisement.