School of Public Affairs

Preparing Public Service Leaders to Serve Communities in a Global Context

The School of Public Affairs at SDSU is a broad-reaching, multi-disciplinary academic unit offering five undergraduate and graduate degree programs in public administration, criminal justice and criminology, and city planning. Our student body and faculty embody diverse interests and backgrounds, but are bonded by concerns for achieving equitable and ethical social, institutional and built environments.

Learn More About Our School

Learn More About Our Programs

Graduate Program

The School of Public Affairs offers graduate degrees in City Planning, Criminal Justice, and Public Administration.

Undergraduate Program

The School of Public Affairs is a multidisciplinary academic unit in the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts. There are three undergraduate programs: the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice, the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Public Administration, and the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Social Equity and Governance.

Undergraduate Program Overview

Criminal Justice Major

Public Administration Major

Social Equity and Governance Major

Undergraduate Academic Advising

 

 

 

SDSU School of Public Affairs

Unrivaled Experience

Join Aztec Network. Stay Connected. Make an Impact.

Your connection to the SDSU School of Public Affairs doesn’t end at graduation. Stay involved by attending events, sharing your expertise, mentoring students, and connecting with fellow alumni. Join us in strengthening our community and supporting the next generation of public affairs leaders.

School of Public Affars - Fall 2025 Events

Stay up to date on events at the School of Public Affairs.

Oct
29

City Planning Program Graduate Info Session

5:00 PM

Minor in Public Administration

The Minor in Public Administration provides student a basic background in managing public service organizations. It is an helpful supplement to all degrees, particularly for students who will work for government and nonprofit organizations.

Find us on Social Media

 

 

News from the School of Public Affairs

City planning faculty member Dr. Bruce Appleyard contributes to national conversations on urbanism and mobility through research, public scholarship, and student mentorship.

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Bruce Appleyard on Planning, Mobility, and Equity

City planning faculty member Bruce Appleyard advances research, public scholarship, and student mentorship through recent publications, national podcast appearances, and support for graduate research in transportation and urban equity.

Dr. Marcus Weakley brings extensive experience in graduate writing support and rhetoric to his role as an embedded writing consultant for the School of Public Affairs.

SPA Enhances Graduate Student Success with New Writing Support

Beginning Spring 2026, the School of Public Affairs will offer dedicated graduate writing support through an embedded consultant, providing discipline-aware guidance via appointments and drop-in hours to complement campus resources.

Graduate students study together in a shared campus space. The SPA Graduate Lounge opens February 16 in Adams Humanities.

SPA Graduate Lounge Opens February 16 as Dedicated Space for Graduate Students

The School of Public Affairs announces the launch of its new Graduate Lounge, opening February 16, offering SPA graduate students a dedicated space to study, relax, connect, and recharge.

Read More Stories

Contact the School of Public Affairs

SDSU School of Public Affairs

5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182–4504
(619) 594-6224
[email protected]

Give to the School of Public Affairs

The School of Public Affairs supports its students through several available Scholarships. Learn more about the scholarships offered through the school, and help support our students.