The Institute of Public Service

Tanya Hayes, PhD, Public Affairs Director
Danielle Potter, MPA, Program Coordinator
Web: http://www.seattleu.edu/artsci/public-affairs/

Objectives

The major in public affairs welcomes students interested in the areas of policy-making, nonprofit management, urban planning, administration and advocacy for employment in nonprofit organizations, local, state and federal government. The public affairs major strengthens a liberal arts education by providing students with the tools they will need to solve real world social problems and serve their communities.

Public Affairs (PUBA) students gain problem solving skills to analyze and address public concerns. Students explore diverse perspectives, apply problem-solving skills, and engage in practical experiences that enable graduates to undertake important leadership responsibilities and challenging work in the public and nonprofit sectors. The public affairs program also offers an undergraduate minor in nonprofit and public administration.

Public Affairs students will be able to:

Utilize the tools needed for community leadership, including the ability to work with diverse persons/people and appreciate different perspectives.
Understand the interface of public affairs theory, policy development, and its application to service for a more just and humane world.
Develop critical thinking, research skills, and effective writing to shape public policy development and analysis.
Demonstrate the ability to work with others to translate public need into public policy and planning.
Develop human and financial management skills.

Students will choose from several areas of concentration; allowing them to shape their studies according to their interests and concerns. This degree is also excellent preparation for graduate or professional school, including nonprofit management, urban planning, public policy, administration, and law.