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G Public Affairs 

 

The Program

Public Affairs Graduate Program

Apply Now  for Fall Admission!

The Master's Program in Public Affairs can be completed in four semesters, including the Public Affairs Internship.  The semesters are fall-spring-summer-fall (16 months).

We prepare students for a future in one or more of the following areas:

  • Professional work in campaign strategy and management, governmental relations and advocacy, grassroots and community organizing, strategic communications, journalism, and teaching.
  • Further graduate studies in Public Affairs in a Ph.D. program or a J.D. program at a law school.

Program of Study

The program of study includes 33 units and the following four requirements:

Public Affairs Internship - A unique and key feature of the program is the Public Affairs Internship. The Internship is arranged, facilitated and directed by faculty along with an onsite supervisor. The internship takes place in the final fall semester of study and is served at a public affairs organization including political campaigns, advocacy agencies, community organizations, neighborhood associations, public/government offices, and other similar entities.

Core Graduate Courses (see Courses  for details) - Students complete six core graduate courses (3 units each).

Elective Courses (see Courses for details) - Students complete five elective courses (3 units each) from a range of elective courses.

Master's Capstone Project (see Courses for details)

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Sample Program - Four-Semester Master's Program (16 months) 

 

Fall

Spring-Select Two Electives

Summer-Select Three Electives
Year 1
  1. Public Affairs and Democratic Accountability (3-unit core course)
  2. Research Methods for Public Affairs and Applied Statistics (3-unit core course)
  3. Writing for Political Professionals (3-unit core course)
  1. American Democratic Theory (3-unit core course)
  2. Organizing and Advocacy (3 units)
  3. Strategic Communications (3 units)
  4. Media and Politics (3 units)
  5. Campaign Management (3 units)
  6. Non-profits and Public Policy (3 units)
  1. American Urban Public Policy (3 units)
  2. Campaigns and Elections (3 units)
  3. Mobilizing for Political and Legislative Action (3 units)
  4. San Francisco Urban Politics (3 units)
  5. Intergovernmental Relations and Lobbying (3 units)
  6. Issue Advocacy (3 units)
Year 2
  1. Public Affairs Internship (0 units)
  2. Public Affairs Colloquium (3-unit core course)
  3. Master's Capstone Project (3-unit core course)