Message from the Director
Welcome to the Fall 2025 semester at the School of Public Affairs at San Diego State University. Whether you are beginning your first semester or continuing your studies, we are delighted to have you as part of our vibrant academic community, dedicated to public service, equity, and ethical leadership.
This year marks exciting growth across our programs and partnerships. Our internship program is projected to place over 250 students in public, nonprofit, and community-based organizations, contributing more than 30,000 hours of service throughout the San Diego region. These hands-on experiences are a defining part of our School’s commitment to experiential learning, giving students the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom while making a real impact on the communities they serve.
We are also proud to welcome the inaugural cohort of our new JD/MPA concurrent degree program, offered in partnership with USD Law School. This innovative program prepares students to navigate complex legal and administrative environments by earning both a Juris Doctor and a Master of Public Administration—equipping them to lead in city government, public policy, and beyond.
Now in its second year, our City Management Fellowship continues to offer a transformative opportunity for MPA students interested in local government leadership. Fellows receive personalized mentorship from senior city and county officials that build critical skills and open doors to future careers in public management.
This fall also marks the official launch of our new Bachelor of Arts in Social Equity and Governance, an interdisciplinary undergraduate program designed to prepare students to lead efforts that advance justice, inclusion, and accountability in public service. With a curriculum grounded in ethics, data literacy, and community engagement, this new degree reflects our School’s evolving mission to equip the next generation of changemakers.
As we begin this new academic year, I encourage each of you to embrace the opportunities, challenges, and connections that will shape your journey. The School of Public Affairs is proud to support your growth as students, professionals, and engaged members of our communities.
Welcome to Fall 2025—we look forward to all that we will accomplish together.
Warm regards,
Roddrck Colvin, PhD
Director, School of Public Affairs
San Diego State University
