Graduate programs in public affairs deal with the relationship between an organization and the people it affects. For example, this can refer to businesses and leaders, teachers and schools, governments and politicians, a legislative body and the police who enforce its laws. Those who work in public affairs are responsible to strengthen their organization’s standing, establish common ground with stakeholders, and influence policy.
There are many different program options within public affairs. Depending on which career you plan to pursue, you could earn your master’s degree in criminal justice, legal studies, education policy, or international relations.
Each of these areas, in turn, represents a variety of possibilities. Criminal justice could lead you to a local police department, to the international sphere, or to cyberspace. In educational policy, you could explore the connection between policy and practice, or make breakthroughs on longstanding controversies. As a student of international relations, your curriculum could revolve around social justice, foreign policy, or environmental regulation.
In all of these examples, there’s an industry need for talented minds who understand the sources and impacts of relevant issues, who can craft policies to address real challenges, and who can build buy-in among stakeholders.
A master’s degree in public relations can open doors anywhere that policy and communications play an important role, from international relations to corporate environmental responsibility. Some possible career options include public affairs director, media relations specialist, press secretary, translator, policy analyst, and financial examiner.
