While the School of Public Affairs is brand new, its departments and programs are very well established and have distinguished track records in teaching, research, and community outreach. As part of the university’s reorganization, the school brings together four departments, Criminal Justice, Economics, Geography and Planning, and Political Science, that share the common goal of producing graduates that go on to highly successful careers in the private, public, and non-profit sectors.

The school was established in July 2011 and closed in June 2023. The school's departments and units were administratively moved to other schools and colleges at St. Cloud State. The remaining material will stay here until further notice.