School of Public and Environmental Affairs

Why study at the School of Public and Environmental Affairs?

Here, you will have the academic freedom to pursue whatever intrigues you — from criminal justice, forensic science, health services management, and public affairs — and you’ll be encouraged to do it. An IU SPEA degree will give you the tools to succeed for whatever’s next, whether it’s graduate school or your first job opportunity and beyond.

There are hundreds of career possibilities with a SPEA degree. We’ll help you find the one that’s right for you.

Learn from experts

Our faculty are not only brilliant researchers and sought-after experts but they’re also committed educators who instill passion in their students. They’ll be there for you on every step of your educational journey and beyond.

Learn beyond the classroom

The experience you gain here isn’t confined to a classroom. Your education will focus on solving issues in the community, finding solutions to practical everyday problems, and making a difference in the world — all before you even earn your degree.

Our classes take trips to explore different career paths, we host workshops and invite guest speakers to present on campus, connect our students with internships, allow students to work on real-world problems as part of their coursework, and so much more.

Once you graduate, the education you received here will offer a seamless transition to a wide variety of careers.

Find the career path that's right for you

The Trustees of Indiana University established the School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA) as a statewide program of the university in January 1972.

The School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IU Northwest offers academic programs at the associate, baccalaureate, and master's degree levels for both IU Northwest students and individuals working in public affairs, criminal justice, health services, human services, nonprofit organizations, or environmental affairs settings.

The school also operates a unit designed to address a variety of public issues and problems, in particular those of Northwest Indiana. SPEA conducts research on public problems, provides services to public agencies, and engages in educational programs designed to aid public officials and inform the public on a variety of public issues.

Study at an accredited program

NASPAA (Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration) is the global standard in public service and is a membership of graduate programs in the areas of public policy, public affairs, public administration, as well as public and non-profit management. SPEA at IUN successfully received NASPAA reaccreditation through 2027.

Statement of support for Social Justice

Dear SPEA Students,

The School of Public and Environmental Affairs supports the fight for justice and those who are on the frontlines fighting for and maintaining the peace. The protection of our life, liberty, and justice are in a continual balancing act; and we are here to assist you in the development of the tools and reasoning skills that are so necessary in the pursuit of justice and health in these tumultuous times.

Sincerely,

Ready to start in SPEA?

Undergraduate degrees     Graduate degrees