Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs Undergraduate Program By Washington State University |Top Universities

Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs

Main Subject Area

Public PolicyMain Subject Area

Program overview

Main Subject

Public Policy

Degree

Other

Study Level

Undergraduate

Public Affairs Degrees are offered at the undergraduate level exclusively on the WSU Vancouver Campus. The Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs (BAPA) seeks to develop critical thinking about political and social values and develop the ability to conduct objective analysis of public infrastructures and bureaucratic processes. The degree program is designed to educate people for service in public and nonprofit agencies and to prepare students for graduate or law school. In addition to core courses, students complete a concentration in public policy and politics, public administration and management, or justice studies. The program's multidisciplinary perspective provides for the blending of theory, methodology, and experience in an academically rigorous degree format. Studying Public Affairs enables students to become ethical, engaged and competent professionals, in public administration, public management and public policy. Graduates from our programs are well prepared for careers in public service at the local, state, national or global levels, or for pursuing further studies. The program offers an intersection between rigorous academic research and practical application. Our goal is to foster evidence-based reasoning and practice on the part of those working for the public good, including students, community members, legislators, practitioners, scholars, and issue stakeholders. Students in public affairs are expected to demonstrate learned capacity in the universally required competencies of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) as appropriate for the student’s level of study (i.e. undergraduate or graduate). NASPAA’s universal required competencies include the following: To lead and manage in public governance; To participate in and contribute to the policy process; To analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions; To articulate and apply a public service perspective; and To communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.

Program overview

Main Subject

Public Policy

Degree

Other

Study Level

Undergraduate

Public Affairs Degrees are offered at the undergraduate level exclusively on the WSU Vancouver Campus. The Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs (BAPA) seeks to develop critical thinking about political and social values and develop the ability to conduct objective analysis of public infrastructures and bureaucratic processes. The degree program is designed to educate people for service in public and nonprofit agencies and to prepare students for graduate or law school. In addition to core courses, students complete a concentration in public policy and politics, public administration and management, or justice studies. The program's multidisciplinary perspective provides for the blending of theory, methodology, and experience in an academically rigorous degree format. Studying Public Affairs enables students to become ethical, engaged and competent professionals, in public administration, public management and public policy. Graduates from our programs are well prepared for careers in public service at the local, state, national or global levels, or for pursuing further studies. The program offers an intersection between rigorous academic research and practical application. Our goal is to foster evidence-based reasoning and practice on the part of those working for the public good, including students, community members, legislators, practitioners, scholars, and issue stakeholders. Students in public affairs are expected to demonstrate learned capacity in the universally required competencies of the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) as appropriate for the student’s level of study (i.e. undergraduate or graduate). NASPAA’s universal required competencies include the following: To lead and manage in public governance; To participate in and contribute to the policy process; To analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions; To articulate and apply a public service perspective; and To communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.

Admission requirements

6+

Tuition fee and scholarships

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

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Where to look for scholarship opportunities

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How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

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A list of available scholarships around the world

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More programs from the university

Washington State University is a top-tier public research university where scholars strive to make the world a better place. Students volunteer 75,000+ hours of service annually. Undergraduates learn hands-on, alongside professors whose discoveries resonate globally. Research addresses issues in health, food, energy, sustainability, social opportunity, and global security.

  • 200+ FIELDS OF STUDY. Many undergraduate programs rank among America’s best. Broadcasting students gain practical experience at student-run television and radio stations. Organic agriculture students work on a 30-acre certified organic teaching farm. Business majors study overseas to experience cross-cultural practices.
  • LEARN BY DOING. Students enter national competitions in robotics, clean energy, business, and more. They present papers at conferences and publish findings in scholarly journals.
  • INTERNATIONAL EMPHASIS. Study abroad programs span 86 countries. The Honors College immerses students in discussion of international issues. 1,700+ international students enrich cultural diversity on campus.
  • 76 MASTER’S AND 66 DOCTORAL PROGRAMS. Plus, professional programs include business administration, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. An independently accredited medical school is planned for the Spokane Health Sciences Campus.
  • STATEWIDE AND WORLDWIDE REACH. At the flagship Pullman campus, Cougar spirit unites 18,000+ students. WSU also has locations in Spokane, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Everett. Extension offices occupy every county. Online education is accessible worldwide.

Washington State University is a top-tier public research university where scholars strive to make the world a better place. Research addresses issues in health, food, energy, sustainability, social opportunity, and global security.

  • 76 MASTER’S AND 66 DOCTORAL PROGRAMS, PLUS PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS. Professional programs include business administration, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. An independently accredited medical school is planned for the Health Sciences Campus in Spokane.
  • NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FACULTY. WSU scholars include members of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and recipients of numerous national awards and fellowships. WSU researchers garner worldwide recognition for their discoveries. Many stand among the most widely published and frequently cited scholars in the nation.
  • COLLABORATION WITH NATIONAL LAB AND U.S. AGENCIES. WSU scholars team with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory on research for sustainable production of bioproducts and biofuels. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service works seamlessly with WSU researchers from on-campus offices.
  • STATEWIDE AND WORLDWIDE REACH. The main WSU campus in Pullman, nestled among the rolling hills of southeastern Washington, serves 18,000+ students. The Health Sciences Campus sits along the scenic riverfront in Spokane. Additional locations include Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Everett. Online education is accessible worldwide.

Undergrad programs 666