What are some of your school's core values and how do they come across in the courses and programs that you offer?
- Excellence in teaching
- Critical thinking
- Leadership and public engagement
- Research and innovation
- Diversity in all its forms
- Collaboration
- Global Engagement
What types of programs do you offer?
1. UNDERGRADUATE
• Bachelor of Arts in Economics
• Bachelor of Arts in International Economics & Modern Languages
• Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Social Entrepreneurship
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Science in Economics
• Bachelor of Science in Public Policy
• Bachelor of Social Work
2. GRADUATE
• Master of Arts in Economics — STEM
• Master of Interdisciplinary Studies in Criminal Justice Administration
• Master of Interdisciplinary Studies in Urban Studies
• Master of Public Administration
• Joint Master of Public Administration / Juris Doctor
• Master of Public Policy
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice
• Master of Social Work
• Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice & Criminology
• Doctor of Philosophy in Economics — STEM
• Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy
• Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy (With Georgia Institute of Technology)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Studies
DUAL DEGREE - Eligible students can opt for the dual degree program in economics to complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree within five years
3. GRADUATE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS
• Nonprofit Management & Social Enterprise
• Planning & Economic Development
• Policy Analytics
• Public Management & Leadership
4. MICROCREDENTIALS
• Leadership 2033: Skills to Futureproof Your Career
• Data Visualization for a Public Audience
How are you helping to prepare students for careers in public service?
Advances in data collection and analysis and new technologies are changing how governments and nonprofits serve their constituencies. In response, the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies (AYSPS) at Georgia State University is developing and promoting innovative new degree and research programs to lead future policymakers and industry professionals into the digital landscape.
The school is recognized internationally for its impact on issues that affect government and nonprofits and its work to improve economic opportunity, human rights and social justice.
In Atlanta, the hub of one of the nation’s largest concentrations of government and nonprofit offices, students are immersed in empowering experiences and networking opportunities. Led by nationally acclaimed faculty and researchers with an interdisciplinary approach, they are challenged to engage in new forms of learning, innovative research projects, career-building community outreach and partnerships.
What opportunities are available to students to get work experience while learning?
1. Public Management and Policy Internship Course
• COURSE DESCRIPTION, GOALS, AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES Internships are what GSU calls a signature experience. These are a form of experiential learning, giving students the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow in a temporary setting. Students are required to secure internships, which will have these qualities: • Opportunities to work in a responsible role, providing value added to the organization, and contributing in a substantive manner; • Relevant to the career or academic interests of the student; • Application of skills and knowledge gained through study or experience; • Exposure to the opportunities and realities of a career option.
2. PMAP 8900 Capstone: Advanced Projects for Public and Nonprofit Organizations
• The purpose of this course is to apply the knowledge and skills of management, finance, economics, criminal justice and/or public policy through a consulting project. This course is a requirement for earning the Master of Public Policy/Administration or Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree. The course’s defining features are that students work on a project with a client; the project requires integrating and applying knowledge acquired in multiple courses; and students work in teams to complete the project. Learning to work effectively in teams is a major element of this course and an essential skill in any organization. The course involves projects that address important problems facing public and nonprofit organizations. They may require service delivery assessment, best practice identification, operations analysis, program evaluation, fiscal analysis, policy analysis, or combined elements of these. While projects vary, all require developing and implementing a work plan for evaluating a public problem, collecting and analyzing data, developing findings, writing a final white paper/report, and articulating findings in a professional presentation.
3. The Office of Career Services and Alumni Relations helps our students more from college to careers. The staff works with students and alumni to help them explore potential career paths; create and polish resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles; conduct an effective internship/job search; prep for interviews; and land great internships and jobs. For those students so interested, they help prepare grad school applications.
What is something unique about your institution?
Named after the esteemed civil rights leader, diplomat and public servant, Ambassador Andrew J. Young, our school embodies Andrew Young’s spirit of public service and dedication to social justice. His legacy serves as a guiding light for our community, inspiring us to tackle the most pressing challenges facing our world with courage, compassion and determination. His commitment to opportunity and inclusion shapes our mission and values, driving us to create positive change in our society and beyond. We are proud to carry forward Andrew Young’s vision by advancing knowledge, fostering innovation and empowering future leaders to build a more just and equitable world.
As a community of scholars and practitioners, we are committed to advancing knowledge and creating positive change through rigorous research, innovative teaching and impactful engagement with the community. The Andrew Young School houses five academic units: the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Department of Economics, Department of Public Management and Policy, School of Social Work and the Urban Studies Institute. In addition, various policy-critical research centers, clusters and labs engage with numerous collaborators and partners in government, industry and the nonprofit sectors to advance our mission.
For example, our Georgia Health Policy Center works to improve health and well-being by integrating research, policy and programs in more than 1,500 communities — nationally and internationally.
What advice do you have for prospective students?
Evidence-based policy helps the public and private sectors accomplish many things. It helps economies grow, identifies the best ways to pay for infrastructure, education and healthcare, and ultimately, improves lives. Our faculty, staff, students, alumni and partners bring research to policy development throughout the United States and across the world. Whether you are a prospective student, a current member of our community or a partner in our efforts, we invite you to explore all that the Andrew Young School has to offer. Together, we can make a difference and build a better future for all.
Anything else you'd like to share?
The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies ranks No. 3 in urban policy, No. 5 in public finance & budgeting, No. 6 in nonprofit management and No. 9 in local government management graduate programs, and No. 16 among the nation’s public affairs colleges. (U.S. News & World Report, Best Grad Schools, 2024-25)