Overview
College of Public Affairs (CPA) offers an in-depth and engaged educational experience with a clear public service ethos. Drawing from IARSAC International University’s expansive resources in Public Policy, Social Welfare, and Urban Planning, the major combines critical thinking, social science methodology, and experiential learning, connecting the dots between theory and action.
The study of public affairs is concerned with the formation and administration of the managerial policies of public, private and non-profit agencies involved in public sector governance. The Public Affairs curriculum focuses on issues such as public resources, budgeting, public accountability and the description, analysis, solutions and synthesis of contemporary managerial problems in governance. Areas of career focus can include corporate public affairs, corporate government affairs, market research analyst, political action committees, legislative issues aides, corporate social policy analyst, foreign relations.
As a professional in the public sector, you're dedicated to making a difference through community services. But in today's highly politicized environment, the right degree is essential for getting your voice heard. You can earn a public administration graduate degree while maintaining current commitments. Tomorrow's workplace is even more complex than today's. The College of Public Affairs prepares the problem-solvers who will analyze policy and lead public, nonprofit, health-care and third sector organizations of the future.
Our faculty, staff, students and alumni contribute to a diverse and inclusive environment that celebrates the fundamental value and dignity of everyone. We create safe spaces for civil discourse that acknowledges and embraces diverse perspectives on issues and challenges that affect our community.
In the classroom, they urge you to analyze today's pressing policy issues to inform your contribution to national and international public affairs of tomorrow. Our academic programs capitalize on the University's distinction in the fields of public administration.
Offering undergraduate, master's and doctoral level degree programs in public administration, political science, criminal justice, and international affairs, as well as graduate certificate programs, we pride ourselves on preparing dynamic leaders who will shape the public policies of the future.
Experiential Learning
What is experiential learning?
Experiential learning is when students learn by doing outside of the classroom and then reflect on and analyze their experience. It can be anything from internships to laboratory studies to special projects designed to allow students to practically apply their skills.
Experiential learning, when paired with a rigorous theoretical knowledge base, can help you get more value out of your degree program, expand your professional network, and better prepare you for employment in your chosen field.
All undergraduates in the College of Public Affairs must complete an Experiential Learning (EL) designated course. This may include 0-credit courses designed to document co-curricular activities recognized as Experiential Learning.
How Experiential Learning works
The required Workshop in Public Affairs (domestic and international) and other courses match student groups with public, nonprofit, and private organizations to address real-world challenges. While completing these client-based projects, students gain practical experience applying the tools of political, economic, and statistical analysis and evaluation. They also gain experience writing an in-depth report and presenting it to their client.
Clients range from local, state, and national government offices to international development organizations for whom students produce research-based, analytical, evaluative, and prescriptive reports.
Lead and Advocate for Change
We are the IARSAC International University connects you to study public affairs, education, and communication.
Whether you're interested in politics, public policy and administration, teaching, educational administration, or interpersonal and mass-mediated communication—we want to help you to take the next step in your educational journey.
Our world-class programs emphasize interdisciplinary, experiential learning and prepare students for leadership roles and careers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors or to seek further education.
Our Core Values
The IIU School of Public Affairs recognizes and commits to the values of the University. In addition, the College of Public Affairs is committed to:
- Collaboration, open and honest communication, and a culture of respect.
- Public service values, knowledge transfer, and engagement with the community.
- Faculty, staff, students, and alumni serving as positive ambassadors of the values espoused by the College.
- Student achievement through the development of current and future leaders.
- Fostering integrity and upholding professional standards in teaching, scholarship, and outreach.
- Collegiality and interdisciplinary efforts, with both internal and external partners.
Our Mission Statement
The mission of IARSAC International University College of Public Affairs is to provide quality education, research, and public service to prepare leaders in public administration, nonprofit management, community development, and planning. We engage in public policy, scholarship, and outreach activities in an urban region to meet community, national, and global environmentally healthy and sustainable needs
Our Vision
The vision of IARSAC International University College of Public Affairs is to become a premier community-centered hub for public affairs recognized nationally, internationally, and urban affairs dedicated to building and maintaining an intellectually challenging and stimulating educational environment and research.
Scholarship of Engagement
Empowering Future Leaders, Fostering Inclusive Communities, Creating Innovative Solutions
The College of Public Affairs promotes the scholarship of engagement by:
- Engaging in service that advances the university’s mission through partnerships with community and professional organizations.
- Fostering an environment where all learners can access high-quality educational offerings designed to promote skill development and civic engagement that prepares students for career pursuit and advancement.
- Conducting socially responsive research that advances scientific knowledge.