School of Public Affairs
For the common good.
At the School of Public Affairs, we are driven to create a more prosperous and just society for all. Our community consists of award-winning faculty and staff, passionate students, and a network of accomplished public service alumni and allied stakeholders. We offer three professional graduate degrees aimed at fostering ethical, purpose-driven leaders for the public, nonprofit, and private sectors.
Join the School of Public Affairs this evening for
"Civil Society Under Pressure and the Loss of NonProfit Civil Liberties"
Presented by Visiting Professor/Lecturer - Jennifer Alexander
and post-lecture panel discussion with:
Felicia Maxfield - Former CEO, Utah Global Diplomacy
Linda Lartigue - Executive Director, Alliance Community Services
Merinda Cutler - Executive Director, Unsheltered Utah
Master in Public Administration Master in Public Policy Master of Science in International Affairs and Global Enterprise
The Hinkley Institute of Politics -
October 27, from 530p to 830p
Click to Register
Connect with us.
Master of Public Policy
Our Master of Public Policy (MPP) combines public policy and economic theory with quantitative research methods to foster the analytical skills needed to address our most pressing problems. We offer the only MPP degree in the Utah System of Higher Education system, with multiple dual degree options including J.D., Public Health, Population Health Sciences, and City and Metropolitan Science. We also offer an online 15-credit Graduate Certificate in Public Policy.
Master of Public Administration
Our Master of Public Administration (MPA) empowers aspiring and continuing professionals to serve and lead for the public good. We are proudly accredited by the NASPAA, the global standard in public service education. We offer two program modalities: an evening MPA and an executive MPA, through which students with at five years of relevant experience (or similar) can graduate in 19 months through weekend and condensed class scheduling.
M.S. in International Affairs & Global Enterprise
Our Master of Science in International Affairs and Global Enterprise (MIAGE) is an interdisciplinary degree that builds the knowledge and skills needed to solve global issues. Our graduates fill competitive roles in international businesses, government agencies, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). We also offer a 15-credit online Graduate Certificate in International Affairs and Global Enterprise.
Learn More About M.S. in International Affairs & Global Enterprise
Public affairs scholarship
for the common good.
Public affairs research and education cover a wide range of theories, methods, and skills. Our faculty's expertise includes everything from environmental policy to nonprofit services to human resources, and our student and alumni network spans federal, state, county, and municipal government offices, nonprofits, and private sector organizations. Throughout all runs a genuine desire to improve the opportunities and conditions facing us all.
News
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Public Lecture: Civil Society Under Pressure and the Loss of Nonprofit Civil Liberties
Join the School of Public Affairs on October 27, 2026, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the Hinckley Institute of Politics as we celebrate the MPA Program’s 50th anniversary. Visiting Professor Dr. Jennifer Alexander will lead a timely discussion on the challenges facing nonprofit organizations, the role of civil society, and the future of democratic governance. A community panel featuring leaders from Utah Global Diplomacy, Alliance Community Services, and Unsheltered Utah will follow, exploring strategies for strengthening nonprofits and building resilient communities. Whether your interests are in public administration, public policy, nonprofit leadership, or advocacy, this event offers an opportunity to connect research with real-world impact. Please register using the link below—we look forward to celebrating with you!
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SPA Faculty Member Phil Dean Elected Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration
The University of Utah School of Public Affairs congratulates Phil Dean, SPA adjunct faculty member and Chief Economist and Public Finance Senior Research Fellow at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, on his election as a 2026 Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA). This prestigious recognition honors individuals who have made significant contributions to public administration and public policy. Dean brings extensive expertise in economics, public finance, and state and local policy to the classroom, helping prepare the next generation of public-sector leaders. SPA is proud to celebrate this well-deserved national recognition.
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New Nonprofit & NGO Concentration for MPA, MPP, and MIAGE Students
The University of Utah’s School of Public Affairs is introducing a new Nonprofit & Nongovernmental Organization (NGO) Concentration for graduate students in the Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Policy (MPP), and Master of International Affairs and Global Enterprise (MIAGE) programs.
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Professor Chris Simon Examines Bias, Fairness, and Police Promotion Systems
Research summarized on Police Research Hub highlights that facial traits strongly influence who gets promoted in policing, raising concerns about the meritocracy of promotion systems. A two‑phase experiment using archival police academy photos found that respondents consistently judged perceived leadership ability based on facial characteristics, and those perceptions accurately predicted real‑world promotional outcomes at rates well above chance (AUC ≈ .70). The study shows that attributes such as perceived trustworthiness and dominance shape who is seen as leadership material, despite having no relationship to actual job performance, suggesting that extra‑legal, appearance‑based biases may meaningfully shape career advancement in law enforcement agencies. The study was co-authored by University of Utah Public Affairs and Political Science alumni Professors Ian Adams and Scott Mourtgos (University of South Carolina); SPA Professor Chris Simon, and Regents Professor Emeritus Nicholas Lovrich, Washington State University.
