Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs (BSPA)

One core skill set with multiple paths to serve the greater good

Whether you’re interested in launching a career on Capitol Hill, learning how to manage and motivate people, or protecting the planet, a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs (BSPA) degree equips you with the skills to make a difference. With SPEA’s core public affairs coursework, you’ll study the basics of policymaking, budgeting, and finance. You’ll also pick a major and develop leadership and analytical skills that can be applied to your specific area of interest.

BSPA majors

Environmental Management

Study the business and regulatory side of environmental issues—crafting policy and laws, ensuring sustainable practices, and helping divergent groups work together to protect the planet we share.

Human Resource Management

Learn how to make a successful hire, build complex compensation systems, and understand employment law. You’ll graduate ready to attract, retain, and manage top talent.

Law and Public Policy

Discover how to use the law to make change happen. You’ll also learn from faculty with IU’s Maurer School of Law and be prepared to work in any sector or go on to graduate school.

Management

Gain leadership skills that can take you inside corporate board rooms or into committee meeting with elected officials.

Policy Analysis

Study everything from urban problems and solutions to national and international policy so you'll graduate ready to launch a career in your hometown, your state capital, Washington, D.C., or the United Nations.

Public Financial Management

Learn accounting, auditing, and taxation, and graduate ready to manage the finances—and balance the budgets—of public and private organizations.

Nonprofit Management and Leadership

Gain the skills you need to lead nonprofit organizations—learning how to manage people and projects along the way.

Public Management and Leadership

Be prepared to lead in the public sector, ready to manage people and projects in positions related to government and governmental agencies.

Don't see your major?

For IU Bloomington students enrolled in the Public and Nonprofit Management major prior to fall 2015, find your information here.

SPEA School of Public and Environmental Affairs

Undergraduate