Public Service, BA

Program Details

The Bachelor of Arts in Public Service from the University of Colorado Denver is exclusively offered in an online format and taught by the same award-winning faculty as the face-to-face classes at CU Denver School of Public Affairs the top-ranked public affairs school in Colorado and among the best in the nation.

Whether you’re an undergraduate student, a public service professional looking to advance in your career or a professional seeking a career change, the online BA in Public Service will prepare you with the communication skills, ethical decision-making, cultural awareness and other competencies needed to excel in your public service career.

Tailor your BA in Public Service degree with one of three career-focused specializations:

• Emergency Management — Learn how emergency management aims to reduce the harmful effects of all hazards, including disasters. Public servants respond to emergencies but also focus on preparedness, mitigation, resilience, and recovery. You will graduate from the program prepared to apply this knowledge in a career with government and nonprofit agencies.
  
  
• Environmental Policy and Management — Study the laws, regulations, and policy mechanisms that the government and organizations use to manage environmental issues. Environmental policy balances protection, conservation, and sustainability of natural resources with affordable energy and economic growth while understanding how human activities affect the environment.
  
  
• Nonprofit Management — Prepare for a wide variety of careers in the exciting world of nonprofit organizations. Throughout your degree, you will learn about the history and context of nonprofit organizations, while gaining practical skills needed to manage and lead in this sector. In addition, CU Denver School of Public Affairs' affiliation with the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance gives you the opportunity to earn the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential through completion of the Nonprofit Management Concentration coursework and additional required extracurricular activities.

Timeline

The Bachelor of Arts in Public Service requires a total of 120 credits, including 45 credits earned in the major. At least 12 of those 45 credit hours must be upper-division (3000-4000 level) courses.

The credits are comprised of:

• 21 credits in core/required public service courses
• 24 credits in approved electives
  
• 3-credit internship required for pre-service students

  • These credits can be offset by your professional work experience in public service through an internship waiver. Eligibility for the waiver is determined by your BA in Public Service Academic Advisor and the Program Director.

Full-time students can complete the program in as little as eight semesters, although you determine your own pace of completion.

Admissions

Admission requirements and deadlines vary based on the program. In addition, you will have different requirements depending on if you are a first-time student, a transfer student or an international student. 

Learn more about the admissions process by filling out the form above or contacting an Enrollment Navigator today.

Career Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the government and nonprofit sectors make up approximately 25% of all jobs in the U.S., with 30% of all government employees currently eligible to retire. This growing demand for public sector workers coupled with an aging workforce means that a degree in public service is in high demand!

The BA in Public Service can lead to fulfilling careers, such as:

• City or County Manager
• Management Consultant
• Homeland Security
• Nonprofit Executive Director
• Emergency Management Coordinator
• Urban Planner

Courses

Courses at CU Denver are offered three times a year — fall, spring and summer. Not all courses are available every semester. For most programs, courses last 15 weeks, plus one week for finals. This is a big commitment, but we believe the extra time you spend dedicated to your studies pays off!