Public Affairs, BA, Two-Year Plan
Transfer plan for the Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs
Sample Plan for New Students
The sample shows a typical plan to complete the degree based on current degree requirements and course offerings, and is not the only possible plan. The number of credits for each course is in parentheses. Some classes have prerequisites, and the order of courses in the sample plan accounts for these. Each new student, in consultation with their advisor, will complete a personal academic plan tailored to their specific goals and interests.
- Semester Degree Plan (for students who enroll in Summer 2027 or beyond)
- Quarter Degree Plan (for students who enroll prior to Summer 2027)
For more information about Seattle University's transition to the semester calendar, visit SU Moves to Semesters.
The example below assumes that you enter Seattle University with junior standing (90 credits), have earned a transferable associate degree, and have successfully completed an equivalent to the following:
| Seattle University Course Number and Title | Washington State Community College Common Course Number |
|---|---|
| Language 1150, 1250, and 1350 | Foreign Language or ASL 121, 122 and 123 or demonstrated proficiency |
Visit the Transfer Equivalency Guide for more information. Some courses not listed on the Transfer Equivalency Guide may still transfer to SU. For courses not found on this tool, compare course descriptions with SU’s Course Catalog to determine equivalent courses at your college/university.
Important Major Information
- Minimum Credits to Graduate: 120 semester credits or 180 quarter credits
- Credits in Major: 34-37 semester credits or 60 quarter credits
- Minimum Major GPA: 2.0
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.0
Semester-Based Degree Plan
Two-Year Plan for Students with Junior Standing
| Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1 |
PUBA 2020 (3) |
PUBA 3800 (3) |
| Course 2 |
PUBA 3100 (3) |
PUBA 4410 (3) |
| Course 3 |
PUBA Concentration Course I (3) |
PUBA Concentration Course II (3)
|
| Course 4 |
UCOR 2000 (2) |
UCOR Stage 2 (3) |
| Course 5 |
UCOR 1500 (3) |
General Elective (3) |
| Course 6 |
General Elective (1) |
|
First Transfer Year Steps for Success
- Meet with your Academic Advisor
- Meet with Career Engagement Office
- Submit Course Plan for approval via MySeattleU
| Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1 |
PUBA 4300 (3) |
PUBA 3110 (3) |
| Course 2 |
PUBA 4400 (3) |
PUBA 4900 (3) |
| Course 3 |
PUBA Concentration Course III (3) |
PUBA 4950 (1-4) |
| Course 4 |
UCOR Stage 2 (3) |
UCOR 3300 (3) |
| Course 5 |
General Elective (3) |
General Elective (3) |
Second Transfer Year Steps for Success
- Meet with Advisor for Senior Graduation Check
- Apply for Graduation
- Continue Post Graduation Planning
University Core Requirements
Prospective students can preview the semester-based University Core by reviewing the University Core Stages Visual Plan (PDF) or explore the current University Core curriculum at seattleu.edu/core.
Curriculum Notes
Curriculum Notes specific to this sample degree plan will be updated throughout 2026.
Plan your courses and work closely with your academic advisor on your educational plan. You are responsible for tracking changes and ensuring you meet all degree requirements.
Visit the Seattle U Advising Services page for support or reach out to the Advising Center. Email CAS Advising at ASCAdvising@seattleu.edu.
Resources for Success
Soar during your time here:
- Find support for academic success, inclusion, and professional formation from the Student Success division.
- Receive equal access to courses, programs, and activities with Disability Services.
- Get answers to common questions at the Student Resource Network.
Excel in every class:
- Sign up for academic support with Learning Assistance Programs.
- Strengthen your writer’s voice at the Writing Center.
- Level up your skills at the Math Lab.
Source the best research:
- Connect with your librarians for support on research and assignments.
- Search the expansive network of books, eBooks, databases, journals and more.
Graduate on time:
- Map out your degree plan with academic advising.
- Keep your momentum going with Summer Programs.
Build your future career:
- Meet with a Career Advisor from the Career Engagement Office.
- Explore career options at the “What Can I Do With This Major” page.
Expand your horizons:
- Apply for Undergraduate Research Funding Opportunity.
- Create something at the Media Production Center or Billodue Makerspace.
Quarter-Based Degree Plan
Two-Year Plan for Students with Junior Standing
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) |
| Course 2 | PUBA 2020 – Power, Participation, & Social Change (5) | PUBA 3800 – Community Development (5) | ECON 2130 – Principles of Economics-Macro (5) |
| Course 3 | ECON 2110 – Principles of Economics-Micro (5) | PUBA 4300 – Financial Management & Control (5) |
PUBA 4410 – Policy Analysis (5) |
First Transfer Year Steps for Success
- Meet with your Academic Advisor
- Meet with Career Engagement Office
- Submit Course Plan for approval via MySeattleU
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | PUBA 4400 –Research Design & Statistics (5) | †HIST 1200, 1210 OR 2310 (5) | UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5) |
| Course 2 | PUBA 4950 – Internship (3-6) | PUBA 4900 – Senior Synthesis (5) | PUBA 4110 – Understanding Organizations (5) |
| Course 3 | PUBA Concentration (5) | PUBA Concentration (5) | PUBA Concentration (5) |
†Choose HIST 1200 – Constructing Past & Present I (5), HIST 1210 – Constructing Past & Present II (5), OR HIST 2310 – US in the World (5)
Second Transfer Year Steps for Success
- Meet with Advisor for Senior Graduation Check
- Apply for Graduation
- Continue Post Graduation Planning
University Core Requirements
UCOR classes are listed in the sample plan as Module I, II, and III. See below for UCOR course titles listed by Module. See my.seattleu.edu for prerequisites and www.seattleu.edu/core for course descriptions. Honors and Matteo Ricci students have different Core requirements.
Module I:
Module I is waived for students with a Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) associate degree
- UCOR 1100 Academic Writing Seminar
- UCOR 1200 Quantitative Thinking
- UCOR 1300 Creative Expression & Interpretation
- UCOR 1400 Inquiry Seminar in the Humanities
- UCOR 1600 Inquiry Seminar in the Social Sciences
- UCOR 1800 Inquiry Seminar in the Natural Sciences
Module II:
- UCOR 2100 Theological Explorations
- UCOR 2500 Philosophy of the Human Person
- UCOR 2900 Ethical Reasoning
Module III:
UCOR 3100 waived with a DTA degree
- UCOR 3100 Religion in a Global Context
- UCOR 3400 Humanities and Global Challenges
- UCOR 3800 Natural Sciences and Global Challenges
Curriculum Notes
- It is strongly suggested that students meet with the Program Director to discuss their interest in Public Affairs prior to declaring the major.
- Public Affairs Concentration (15 credits): Students are required to take at least three courses in a particular area of interest. Concentration courses can be selected from one of the following areas, or a student may choose to design their own. Concentration options include Urban Studies, Nonprofit Management, or Policy and Politics. Courses will be determined with consent of the student’s major advisor.
- Students planning to apply to the graduate Master of Public Administration degree program must have 3.0 or higher cumulative GPA.
- For complete information on courses, prerequisites, etc., please consult the Explore & Compare Programs page.
Use MySeattleU Student Planning to plan your courses and work closely with your academic advisor on your educational plan. You are responsible for tracking changes and ensuring you meet all degree requirements.
Visit the Seattle U Advising Services page for support or reach out to the Advising Center. Email CAS Advising at ASCAdvising@seattleu.edu.
Resources for Success
Soar during your time here:
- Find support for academic success, inclusion, and professional formation from the Student Success division.
- Receive equal access to courses, programs, and activities with Disability Services.
- Find the perfect spot to study at the Lemieux Library.
- Get answers to common questions at the Student Resource Network.
Excel in every class:
- Sign up for academic support with Learning Assistance Programs.
- Strengthen your writer’s voice at the Writing Center.
- Level up your skills at the Math Lab.
Source the best research:
- Connect with your librarians for support on research and assignments.
- Search the expansive network of books, eBooks, databases, journals and more.
Graduate on time:
- Map out your degree plan with academic advising.
- Keep your momentum going with Summer Programs.
Build your future career:
- Meet with a Career Advisor from the Career Engagement Office.
- Explore career options at the “What Can I Do With This Major” page.