I want to thank all the professors, faculty, and staff at Empire State University
for making my undergraduate program smooth, efficient, and enjoyable.
Bachelor's of Arts
Bachelor's of Science
Bachelor's of Professional Studies
Public Affairs
Make an impact in government, policy, and public service with a public affairs bachelor’s degree online from SUNY Empire.
This interdisciplinary program explores governance, policy analysis, law, and civic engagement, equipping you with the knowledge to influence social change. You’ll develop skills in research, leadership, and decision-making, preparing for careers in government, nonprofit leadership, and public administration. With flexible online coursework, you can earn your degree on your schedule while preparing for meaningful roles in public service.
Jump to
Our team can help you prepare for the next step in your career.
Public Affairs
Next term starts
Fall 2025
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Foundation #1: Theoretical and Philosophical Concepts Courses that meet this guideline include but are not limited to:
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EMGT 2005
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LEST 1005
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PAFF 1005
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PAFF 2005
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PAFF 2122
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PAFF 2132
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PAFF 3127
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POLI 3005
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SOCI 1005
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Foundation #2: Comparative Perspectives Courses that meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):
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ANTH 3122
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CRJS 4010
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HLAD 3015
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PAFF 3003
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PAFF 4005
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POLI 3020
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POLI 3065
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SOCI 3065
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Foundation #3: Historical Perspectives Courses that meet this outcome include (but are not limited to):
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HIST 2025 & HIST 2030 US History to 1865: What Does it Mean to be a Free Nation? and US History From 1865 to the Present
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HLAD 2010
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POLI 2005
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POLI 3005
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POLI 3105
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POLI 3110
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POLI 3115
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Foundation #4: Social Contexts of Power and Privilege Courses that meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):
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ANTH 3122
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CRJS 3065
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CRJS 4030
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CUST/GSST 3152
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GSST 2005
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POLI 4015
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SOCI 1005
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SOCI 2010
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SOCI 3010
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SOCI 3025
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SOCI 3040
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SOCI 3045
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SOCI 3055
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SOCI 3090
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SOCI 3095
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SOCI 4030
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Foundation #5: Legal Environment Courses that meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):
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CRJS 3009
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EMGT 3045
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LEST 3015
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LEST 4005
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LEST 4010
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PAFF 3127
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PAFF 4132
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POLI 3115
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Foundation #6: Economic, Financial or Budgetary Issues Courses that meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):
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ECON 2005
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ECON 2015
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ECON 2020
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ECON 3035
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ECON 3085
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ECON 3100
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ECON 3105
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INFT 4005
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PAFF 4122
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Foundation #7: Ethics and Values Courses that meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):
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PAFF 3122
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PAFF 4132
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SOCI 4035
Privacy Security & Freedom: Social Concerns for the 21st Century
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Foundation #8: Research Skills and Information Analysis Courses that meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):
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BUSN 3127
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COMM 3027
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CRJS 3020
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GSCI 3200
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INFT 2015
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INFT 3005
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INFT 4010
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MATH 1065
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MATH 2065
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PAFF 4127
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SOSC 2010
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SOSC 3020
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SOSC 3025
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Foundation #9: Technical Knowledge Courses that meet this guideline include (but are not limited to):
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ACCT 1005
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BUSN 2015
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BUSN 3122
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CRJS 3045
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EDST 1122
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EMGT 3015
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EMGT 3020
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EMGT 3025
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EMGT 3050
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EMGT 3035
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EMGT 4122
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ENSC 3304
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GSCI 2200
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GSCI 3200
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HLAD 3005
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HLHS 1023
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HSCI 3200
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HSCI 4200
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HUSV 3147
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HUSV 3142
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HUSV 4045
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HUSV 4157
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INFT 2015
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INFT 2020
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INFT 3020
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PAFF 3003
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PAFF 4127
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PAFF 4000
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Ready to Apply?
The deadline for the Fall 2025 term is August 1. How to Apply
Gain the Knowledge to Shape Public Policy
What you'll learn
- Analyze public institutions and policymaking processes
- Examine legal, economic, and ethical issues in government
- Understand power structures and social impact
- Develop leadership and decision-making skills
Prepare for a Career in Public Affairs
An online degree in public affairs opens doors to careers in government, law, and nonprofit leadership. Possible career paths include:
- Policy Analyst
- Public Administrator
- Government Relations Specialist
- Nonprofit Manager
- Legislative Assistant
Interested? Take the Next Steps
1
Take the First Step Toward a Career in Public Affairs
We're here to support you every step of the way, making your journey to a public affairs degree as engaging and rewarding as possible. Our dedicated advisors provide the guidance
and resources you need to analyze public policy, develop leadership skills, and move
closer to a career in government, public administration, or nonprofit management.
Request Info
2
Check for Prior Learning Credits
Put your past experience toward your degree. Use transfer credits, work experience, or life skills to get a head start, save money, and earn your degree faster.
Normal Program Length
Your Prior Learning
Your Prior Learning
3
Apply for a Public Affairs Program
Make sure you have all the admissions requirements and complete your application to be ready for our next term!
Next start term
Fall 2025
Deadline to apply
August 1
Start Your Degree
as soon as September 2, 2025.
Meet Your Professors
Our experienced faculty bring decades of real-world expertise in public affairs. They’re here to help you develop the skills to analyze government policies, understand social systems, and explore the impact of law and public administration on communities.
All Faculty
Deborah Amory
Professor
Gennaro Bonfiglio
Lecturer
Interested in Public Affairs?