How do you want to change the world?

Do you see yourself working in a nonprofit organization or in a governmental agency? As a lobbyist or in public advocacy? Have you ever thought about running for office some day? If so, consider adding the Public Affairs Minor.

The Public Affairs Minor is an interdisciplinary program that introduces you to the world of public policymaking and administration. You will learn about how and why governments do what they do, and you will explore a policy area of your choosing—for example environmental, family, health, or criminal justice policy. You will also learn about a wide variety of public-service careers and graduate degree programs.

Select one of the following:4
SOCI 041Social Problems 
SOCI 051Introduction to Sociology 
Select one of the following:4
ECON 053Introductory Microeconomics 
ECON 055Introductory Macroeconomics: Theory and Policy 
Select one of the following:4
POLS 011Introduction to Comparative Politics 
POLS 041U.S. Government and Politics 
Select one of the following public policy/administration courses:4
POLS 119Government in Action: Public Policy Analysis 
POLS 128Introduction to Public Administration 
Select one of the following research methods courses:4
COMM 160Communication Research Methods 
ECON 161Empirical Methods 
INTL 101Social Science Research Methods 
POLS 133Political Science Research 
SOCI 171Social Research Methods 
Select one of the following topic courses:4
COMM 117Public Advocacy 
COMM 143Intercultural Communication 
ECON 131Public Finance 
ECON 157Environmental and Natural Resource Economics 
ECON 180Labor Economics 
ECON 183Health Economics 
HIST 132American Immigration 
HIST 133Women in United States History 
HIST 136American Environmental History 
INTL 174Global Environmental Policy 
POLS 170U.S. Foreign Policy 
SOCI 033Criminology 
SOCI 111Environment and Society 
SOCI 125Sociology of Health and Illness 
SOCI 161Urban Society 

Note: 1) 16 units must be completed at Pacific.

Contact Us

Students standing in front of Capitol building
Department of Political Science, Law and International Studies
209.946.2927