Public Affairs

Latest review
Enjoyment 4.0Career 3.03.5Overall4.0Enjoyment3.0Career

Difficulty

Generally manageable

Average difficultyBased on 1 student.View review makeupEarly data

Share of students at each rating

Class-year breakdown needs more responses.It appears after at least two class years have 5 difficulty ratings each.

What makes this major demanding?

Worth it?

100% would recommend it

Recommend

“Public Affairs is a great choice for a student who is passionate about social justice issues; immigration, women's rights, housing justice, and environmental justice are examples of topics covered in Public Affairs classes.”

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Anonymous studentJunior
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Student paths

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What you will study and do

Curriculum and careers

Public Affairs major focuses on how government, policy, and society interact. Students learn about public policy, economics, political systems, and leadership, with the goal of solving real-world social problems. The major prepares graduates for careers in government, nonprofits, law, or public service by building skills in analysis, communication, and decision-making.

Core course themes

Public Policy Analysis

Teaches how to evaluate, design, and assess public policies using data and research methods.

Microeconomics for Public Policy

Introduces economic principles used to analyze policy decisions and resource allocation.

Public Administration

Explores how government agencies are organized and managed, including budgeting and leadership.

Urban and Regional Planning

Studies how cities and communities are developed, including land use and infrastructure planning.

Public Budgeting and Finance

Introduces government budgeting, taxation, and financial management processes.

Common roles

  • Policy Analyst
  • Government Relations Specialist
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Urban Planner
  • Legislative Assistant
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Why salary figures are not shownSalary data appears only when its source, geography, occupation mapping, and date can be verified.

Public Affairs by school

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Community

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Student reviews

1 review

Courses & teachingPositive

Public Affairs is a great choice for a student who is passionate about social justice issues; immigration, women's rights, housing justice, and environmental justice are examples of topics covered in Public Affairs classes.

Anonymous studentJunior
Math
2.0/5
Writing
5.0/5
Apr 2026

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