About PACS
Welcome to the College of Public Affairs and Community Service
Hello and welcome to one of the most unique and exciting colleges at the University of North Texas!! One good way to describe the College of Public Affairs and Community Service (PACS) is to say that it is a college for students who want to make some kind of difference in the world. PACS faculty and professionals are experts committed to positive change within local, state, national and international communities. PACS students prepare for careers in public service, non-profit and for-profit enterprises including such diverse professional areas as criminal justice, aging, sociology, social work, addictions, emergency management, applied anthropology, behavior analysis, volunteer management, rehabilitation, public administration and. applied economics. Our graduates leave UNT prepared to work with people, groups and communities in ways that change things for the better.
PACS started in 1977 with three very small programs and has grown to become UNT’s fourth largest college. It is home to eight departments that offer a total of three doctoral, eight masters, and ten bachelor’s degree programs. We have hundreds of graduates throughout the Metroplex, Texas, the U.S. and the world who work as police and fire professionals, city managers, retirement home administrators, in business & industry, and in social services. Our purpose is to prepare professionals who are ready to pursue careers that matter to them.
The University of North Texas is on the fast track to establishing itself as a major student-centered research institution and PACS sees itself as integral to accomplishing that goal. PACS has a reputation for working closely with its students. Students who are admitted to a degree program in PACS become partners with our faculty and staff in completing those degrees. Graduation is the ultimate goal, but we want to do what we can to make the entire college experience something that will be a highlight of each student’s entire life.
PACS students not only reap the benefits of the extensive applied research activity that is a part of each faculty member’s world here, they frequently work directly with faculty in conducting it. We focus on learning in the classroom but some of the best learning experiences happen in the field through service learning, field placements and internships. PACS graduates finish their degrees with an understanding both about what they have learned and what they can actually do with they’ve learned.
As you take a look at our whole website, you will find many programs and opportunities that may relate to your interests. PACS is about individuals, community and society and we are proud of the diversity among our faculty, staff and students. We promote not only international study but international experiences that allow students to apply their learning within different countries and cultures. PACS’ role at UNT is to connect its students, faculty and staff to individuals, communities, cultures…and the entire world based on their career interests and direction. Thank you for visiting us here. After you learn more about us on this site, we hope you will want to know more and will contact us directly. It will be our pleasure to visit with you anytime.
Sincerely,
Thomas L. Evenson, Dean