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.

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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.

 

 

 

SDSU School of Public Affairs

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.

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.

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News from the School of Public Affairs

ALEO conference in 2024, photo courtesy of Ken Jacques

SDSU’s ALEO workshops provide resources for local officials

SDSU’s Academy for Local Elected Officials prepares local leaders to communicate with clarity and confidence through its latest workshop, featuring former BBC anchor Claire Strong.

Sungjin Lee will join the school as assistant professor of public administration at SDSU’s Imperial Valley campus. (photo courtesy of  Sungjin Lee)

SDSU School of Public Affairs welcomes Sungjin Lee to Imperial Valley Campus

Shawn Flanigan, Paul Kaplan and Kim Kras at Nelson Mandela statue in Pretoria. (Photo courtesy of Shawn Flanigan).

Advancing Public Affairs Through Global Collaboration

New School of Public Affairs and University of Pretoria partnership advances global research, teaching, and student engagement, highlighted by a lecture from South African scholar Dr. Stellah Lubinga

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Contact the School of Public Affairs

SDSU School of Public Affairs

5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182–4504

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.