Public Affairs

Public Affairs at Indiana University Bloomington is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for impactful leadership and effective policy-making in a complex and rapidly changing world. The program offers a multidisciplinary approach, integrating elements of political science, public administration, economics, and communication to equip graduates with the analytical and practical skills necessary to address pressing societal issues. Students in the Public Affairs program engage in rigorous coursework that covers topics such as government and politics, public policy analysis, nonprofit management, environmental policy, and urban planning. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and collaborative problem-solving, fostering an environment where students can develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges. Beyond classroom instruction, the program provides experiential learning opportunities through internships, research projects, and partnerships with local government agencies and nonprofit organizations. Students are encouraged to participate in community engagement initiatives, gaining firsthand experience in policy advocacy, program development, and public service. The faculty members are distinguished scholars and practitioners dedicated to mentoring students and advancing knowledge through research and professional practice. Graduates of the Public Affairs program at Indiana University Bloomington are well-prepared for careers in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, and private sector firms that require expertise in public policy, management, and leadership. They also find a solid foundation for further graduate study in public administration, public policy, law, or related fields. The program is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment that encourages open dialogue, critical inquiry, and active citizenship. With access to IU’s extensive resources, vibrant campus community, and strong alumni network, students are positioned to make meaningful contributions to society and become effective leaders shaping public policy locally, nationally, and globally.

Core Requirements

The following three courses are required for all Public Affairs students:

Research Tool Skills

Required research skills include a two-semester quantitative analysis sequence and two additional elective courses or proficiency in a foreign language.

The two-semester quantitative analysis sequence can be fulfilled a number of different ways, including one of the sequences listed below.

• SPEA-V 606 Statistics for Research in Public Affairs I (3 cr.) and SPEA-V 607 Statistics for Research in Public Affairs II
• BUS-G 651 Econometric Methods in Business I (3 cr.) and BUS-G 652 Econometric Methods in Business II (3 cr.)
• ECON-E 572 Statistical Techniques in Economics II (3 cr.) and ECON-E 671 Econometrics I (3 cr.)
• POLS-Y 576 Political Data Analysis II (3 cr.) and POLS-Y 577 Advanced Topics in Political Science (3 cr.)
• SOC-S 554 Statistical Techniques in Sociology I (3 cr.) and SOC-S 650 Stastical Techniques in Sociology II (3 cr.)

In addition, students must demonstrate either

• advanced proficiency in quantitative analysis or specialized research skills by completing two additional courses approved by the student’s Progress Review Committee

or

• proficiency in a language proficiency exam from the appropriate language department at Indiana University.

Major Fields

Students select two of the four SPEA Public Affairs major fields to prepare for their qualifying examinations. For each field, the student must complete required courses and approved electives. The fields and the required courses are:

Public Management

The design and operation of government and not-for-profit institutions, including strategic/operations management and interrelationships between public, private, and civil society organizations.

Required courses:

Public Finance

The theory and practice of fiscal administration, including public budgeting, revenue administration, and financial management.

Required courses:

Public Policy Analysis

Research methods and quantitative techniques for policy analysis, including the content, design, and evaluation of public programs.

Required courses:

Environmental Policy

Economics, law, politics, and implementation of environmental policies in the United States and abroad.

Required courses:

Major Junctures

Progress Review Committee

Each student is assigned an advisor on arrival in Bloomington. If the advisor sufficiently reflects a student’s research interests, then the student can request that the advisor serve as chairperson of the student’s Progress Review Committee. The student may also select another professor who is more suited to the student’s research interests.
At the end of the first year, the student develops a Progress Review Committee. The committee, in cooperation with the student, defines program objectives, supervises the selection and completion of the minor field, monitors overall progress toward completion of course work requirements, and assists in preparing for the qualifying exams. Members of the Progress Review Committee should be scholars who know the student’s academic record and who are recognized experts in the fields in which the student will stand examination. The committee will consist of four to five members chosen by the student in consultation with the director of Ph.D. in Public Affairs/Ph.D. in Public Policy—Bloomington the Ph.D. program. At least one member of the Progress Review Committee will be chosen from each of the student’s two major fields. It is required that one member of the Progress Review Committee be a non-School professor and represent the outside minor.

Third Semester Review

During the third semester each student holds a third semester review meeting with the Progress Review Committee. The purpose of the meeting is to reach an agreement between the student and the committee about the character and status of the student’s program. This meeting also serves as a formal evaluation of the student’s performance and prospects and includes a presentation of a research paper prepared by the student.
In this progress review meeting, the committee members review the student’s record of past and planned courses, the likely dissertation topic, and the quality of the research paper and its presentation. The committee determines whether the proposed program of courses will prepare the student for the examinations to be taken at the end of the course work as well as for the dissertation.
The principal objective of the research paper is to allow the faculty to judge whether the student has the ability to complete all requirements for this research-oriented degree in a timely fashion. Thus, of most importance will be that the paper demonstrates the student’s ability to carry out reasonably independent research and write the results in a well-reasoned and coherent fashion. The paper should also demonstrate that the student has a good command of the literature in the area and has the ability to use appropriate research methods in carrying out the analysis. It is anticipated that the progress review paper will be a revision of a substantial research paper prepared to fulfill a requirement for a regular course. (The student can, however, submit an entirely new paper to fulfill this requirement.) The paper should be of a quality warranting presentation at a professional society meeting.

Qualifying Examinations

After completion of course work, students take a written exam in each of their two major fields. The Examination Committee for each field may also require an oral examination at its discretion. If there is an exam requirement in the minor department, then the student must also complete a third exam. Once the examinations are successfully completed, the student is formally admitted to candidacy.

Dissertation

After filing for candidacy status, the doctoral candidate forms a Research Committee consisting of at least four faculty members, including one representative of the candidate’s minor field. This committee may be but is not necessarily identical to the Progress Review Committee. The selection of Research Committee members should reflect the dissertation topic and expertise of the faculty chosen.
The candidate prepares a dissertation proposal to present and defend in a meeting of the Research Committee. The Research Committee is ultimately responsible for determining whether the dissertation is acceptable.

Placement

The Ph.D. Office, the director of the program, and individual faculty members work hard to ensure that graduates of the program are placed in academic or research organizations. Although the Public Affairs program has been operational only since 1993, graduates have been very successful recently in obtaining such positions. Recent placements include North Carolina State University, The Ohio State University, University of Colorado, Syracuse University, Brigham Young University, Iowa State University, the U.S. Department of Labor, National Taipei University, and Yonsei University in South Korea.

Requirements

• Application form (Online)
• A 300-500 word Statement of Purpose regarding your current goals, plans for your professional career, and reasons for selecting a field of study (upload to online application)
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions attended (uploaded online).
• Official results of the Graduate Record Examinations
• Three letters of recommendation (uploaded online by recommender)
• Your CV or resume with your timeline that includes your teaching, research and/or industrial experiences; a publications list, and any college or professional honors and awards.
• An application fee of $65 USD.
• If you are from a country in which English is not the primary language, you should also take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

The public affairs program at Indiana University Bloomington offers a variety of financing options to support students throughout their academic journey. Tuition fees for in-state students are typically lower than those for out-of-state students, with the exact rates subject to annual adjustments. Scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate students, including merit-based awards, departmental scholarships, and private funding opportunities. Indiana University also participates in federal financial aid programs, enabling eligible students to apply for Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, and federal student loans.

Graduate students pursuing the public affairs program can access assistantships, which often include teaching or research responsibilities in exchange for a stipend and tuition remission. Additionally, many students leverage private loans and employer-sponsored educational assistance programs, depending on their individual circumstances. The university's Office of Student Financial Aid provides comprehensive counseling to help students identify the most suitable financing options and complete necessary application processes.

It's important to note that the cost of attendance may vary based on factors such as residency status, course load, and housing arrangements. Indiana University Bloomington regularly offers information sessions and resources to ensure prospective and current students are well-informed about financing opportunities. The university encourages early application for financial aid and scholarships to maximize funding potential.

In summary, students enrolled in the Public Affairs program at Indiana University Bloomington have access to a robust array of financing options, including institutional scholarships, federal aid, private loans, and assistantships, designed to make their educational goals attainable.

The Public Affairs program at Indiana University Bloomington offers students a comprehensive education designed to prepare them for leadership roles in government, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. The curriculum emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating political science, public policy, administration, and communication to equip students with the analytical and practical skills necessary to address complex societal challenges. Students in this program have the opportunity to engage in experiential learning through internships, community projects, and collaborations with public agencies, providing valuable real-world experience. The program also encourages students to develop critical thinking, ethical judgment, and effective communication skills vital for careers in public service. Faculty members are experts in their fields, offering mentoring and guidance to help students achieve academic and professional success. The program aims to foster a deep understanding of public affairs issues both locally and globally, preparing graduates for diverse careers such as policy analysts, government administrators, nonprofit managers, and advocacy leaders. Additionally, the program promotes a commitment to civic engagement and social responsibility, inspiring students to contribute positively to society. Indiana University Bloomington's strong ties with government bodies, community organizations, and industry leaders facilitate networking opportunities and partnerships that enhance student learning and career prospects. The Public Affairs program also offers various specialized tracks and electives, allowing students to tailor their education according to their interests and career goals. Overall, Indiana University's Public Affairs program is dedicated to developing competent, ethical, and innovative professionals equipped to tackle the pressing issues facing contemporary society.