Public Affairs

As a student of public affairs, you will be well-equipped to serve society through public service, civic engagement, political and government careers, public communications, and work in the nonprofit sector and public policy arena. The interdisciplinary public affairs area of study will prepare you with leadership and decision-making skills to operate in the public interest, addressing social issues and societal concerns.

As you work toward your degree, you will examine the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of your chosen concentration, meanwhile gaining an understanding of American governmental and public institutions, within their social context, and become familiar with the broad and complex economic, financial and legal environments within which public institutions function. Students in public affairs have the opportunity to engage intellectually with ethical questions related to the area of concentration, and the values that drive the development of public policy. As a public affairs student, you will sharpen your skills in writing, research and critical reading and thinking, as, together with a faculty mentor, you create a program to meet your specific needs and goals.

Student can pursue concentrations in: Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

Empire State College also offers a B.S. in Criminal Justice and a B.S. in Security Studies.

Why choose a degree in public affairs?

The practical skills and breadth of knowledge you obtain through your degree can prepare you for:

• graduate school
• Law School
• government and public service
• journalism
• leadership in emergencies
• policy making
• public administration.