About Public Affairs
Make an impact on the public policy that shapes our communities.
Policy decisions at the local, state and federal levels affect the lives of every citizen. The public affairs concentration at PennWest California lets you focus your bachelor’s degree in political science on important areas such as public policy, public administration, nonprofit management and government service.
As local governments become more professional, demand has grown for political science graduates with a broad knowledge base and applied skills in public policy and public administration. The 21-credit public affairs concentration at PennWest California gives political science majors a competitive edge when seeking employment or applying to graduate school.
Turn your convictions into a rewarding career in politics or public service.
Student interest in public affairs has increased in recent years. Analysts attribute the trend to a heightened awareness of how political decisions affect our everyday lives and a “shift in values” that has drawn students to public service. Students also realize that a political science degree with a concentration in public affairs can lead to employment in government service, where many positions offer job security and other benefits.
The public affairs concentration at PennWest California is one of just a handful of undergraduate political science programs nationwide with a focus on public policy and public administration. PennWest California’s bachelor’s degree program offers a blend of theoretical and applied coursework in public affairs to prepare students for graduate-level studies or employment in the public or private sectors of the workforce.
Many PennWest California students in the political science degree program go on to pursue advanced degrees in public policy or public administration, law degrees, or dual degrees such as a Juris Doctorate and Master of Public Administration or a J.D. and Master of Arts.