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 regular IU Northwest students and for individuals presently working in public affairs, criminal justice, health services, human services, or environmental affairs settings. The division also operates a unit designed to address a variety of public issues and problems, in particular those of northwest Indiana. The Great Lakes Center for Public Affairs and Administration conducts research on public problems, provides services to public agencies, and engages in educational programs designed to aid public officials and to inform the public on a variety of public issues.