School of Public Affairs

About the school

The Arizona State University (ASU) School of Public Affairs (SPA) is a renowned institution and national public affairs education and research leader. It is dedicated to preparing students for impactful careers in public service, policy analysis, and administration. It provides high-quality graduate degree programmes, executive education, and professional development courses. The school presents a comprehensive range of programmes to equip students with the skills needed to address complex societal challenges. Some notable and recognised programmes include Emergency Management, Public Administration, Program Evaluation and Data Analytics, and Public Policy.

Where is the school located?

The Arizona State University- School of Public Affairs is in Phoenix, the capital city of Arizona. It is located at the intersection of Polk Street and Central Avenue.

Life at School of Public Affairs

The School of Public Affairs furnishes a dynamic community of dedicated faculty members, fellow students, and staff. It creates an environment with a resolute commitment to instigate meaningful change. The accredited programmes help students advance their careers and achieve their imagined impact.

You can access invaluable opportunities to experiment with innovative solutions and nurture your growth as a change-maker. Various clubs and organisations are available to enhance the learning experience. Students can join the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Arizona State Therapeutic Recreation Association, International Association of Fairs and Exposition, and Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Student Association.

Additional benefits of studying at School of Public Affairs

Students at the School of Public Affairs engage and learn in a diverse and inclusive campus. It fosters interactions between peers from various backgrounds and provides opportunities for cross-cultural learning. The school offers access to faculty members with a wide range of expertise.

Some of the additional benefits of studying at the School of Public Affairs include:

• Scholarships: International and continuing students can apply for available scholarship options. The scholarships that are available include the Barrett Endowed Scholarship, Brent Whiting Brown Scholarship, and James A. Hogan MPA Scholarship.

• Opportunities for Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The school encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and enables students to forge connections with other ASU departments, as well as with industry and the community. The interaction occurs through both research and educational activities.

• Internships and Student Organisations: Students can capitalise on opportunities for experiential learning. Various internships and student organisations assist students to develop beyond traditional classroom learning.

• Office of National Scholarship Advising (ONSA): ONSA helps students prepare to compete for national and international awards of merit. The organisation’s goals are to provide opportunities, enhance the educational experience, and help students to realise their potential and highest aspirations.

Admissions criteria

Admission to the School of Public Affairs is highly competitive and is based on academic qualifications, experience, career interest, and programme fit. Students must conduct proper research and prepare before applying to any programme. A general list of the eligibility criteria and required documents is provided below:

• Application Letter: A filled-out official ASU Graduate Application
• Resume/ Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Purpose: A 1-2 page long and single-spaced written statement of your educational and career goals and how your chosen programme will help you accomplish it
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in the U.S. or from an international institution recognised by that country
• GPA Requirement: You must have maintained a “B” (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) grade point average (GPA) in the last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of undergraduate coursework
• The official verbal, quantitative, and analytical scores on the GRE/GMAT may vary depending on the programme.
• Official transcripts of all graduate credits from previously attended schools.
• Two letters of recommendation from professional (work-related) or academic (faculty) sources.
• Students with GPA below 3.4 must provide three recommendation letters.
• Every graduate degree has an associated programme fee for students pursuing that programme. The fee varies for each course.

It’s advised that students submit the required application material 2 weeks before classes begin to prevent last-minute frustration. The administration will review your application and share an immediate admission decision.

Here is the list of some additional requirements for international students: - Proof of English proficiency: You must obtain the minimum score in the following exams to be eligible- TOEFL Internet-Based exam: 80, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 105, and PTE: 60.

Job placements

The Arizona State University's School of Public Affairs offers its students a wide range of benefits and resources, including job placements for its Master's programmes.

• High Job Placement Rates: Around 80% of graduates receive placement opportunities within 6 months after graduation. Some recent job placements of the graduates include the Arizona Department of Education, the International University of Japan (IUJ), the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Illinois at Chicago, among many other prestigious institutions.
• Comprehensive Career Support Services: The college provides multiple recruitment tools to help students search for suitable job positions. The online platform, Handshake, has a job posting feature and an employer profiles section, among other functionalities. Additional resources available include the SPA internship and Career e-bulletin, used by students to stay updated with work-learning and employment announcements from established government agencies and nonprofit organisations.
• Strong Industry Links: Clubs like Meeting Professionals International Student Club and Nonprofit Leadership and Management Student Association help you connect and interact with companies and other interested students. These clubs allow you to explore your field of interest and increase your chances to gain internships, industry education, part-time and full-time jobs, and participation in international initiatives.