SPEA

Leading the way to a better world

Walk through the doors of the School of Public & Environmental Affairs (SPEA) and you’ll feel it. There’s an energy here you won’t find anywhere else. A certainty that what we’re doing has the power to create change. We’re committed to working together to make a better world.

A degree from SPEA at IU Northwest can prepare you for a career in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The degrees offered by SPEA can aid your career goals and provide you with the experiences, knowledge, and skills to not only be successful but to change the world.

We offer four undergraduate degrees in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Health Services Management, and Public Affairs along with a Master of Public Affairs.

These degrees are linked to numerous careers that all make a difference. In SPEA, we don't want you to just land a job, we want you to find a career you're passionate about and will remain invested in throughout your life.

School highlights

Diverse learning experience

  • Classroom instruction with small classes available
  • Internship opportunities
  • Networking possibilities while earning a degree and after graduation

Expert faculty

  • Faculty are experts in their field
  • Serve as valuable resources to students
  • Can assist in career development and job placement

Flexible learning environment

  • Earn a degree at your own pace
  • Options for students who work full- or part-time

What can I do with a SPEA degree?

The School of Public and Environmental Affairs educates students in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. A SPEA degree opens the door to numerous career possibilities, such as:

  • Project management specialist
  • Medical and health services manager
  • Forensic science technician
  • Probation officer
  • Social and community service managers
  • ATF agent
  • Health policy analyst
  • Community activist
  • Insurance agent
  • Police and sheriff officer
  • And much, much more

SPEA bachelor's degrees

Criminal Justice

Start your journey toward a career in criminal justice.

Forensic Science

Join a demanding career field and study forensic biology, forensic chemistry, or criminalistics.

Health Services Management

Prepare for management-level positions within the healthcare field.

Public Affairs

Gain knowledge for career opportunities in the public or nonprofit sectors.

NASPAA Accreditation

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.