The ongoing spread of public affairs as an organizational function calls for a more integrated and systematic approach to teaching program development in this field. In many countries we see a process of "publicization," with increasing visibility of lobbying behavior and emphasis on accountability. Also in many countries, the reality of public affairs has become more complex as new players and issues enter the public and political arenas. There is more attention within and outside the community of practitioners to the way in which public affairs can move on in professionalization and solidify itself in the political and social environment. The way forward is to further build a recognizable academic domain that can help shape and consolidate the knowledge identity of public affairs and make public affairs activities more clearly evidence based. This contribution presents what may be called an "ideal" academic education program on public affairs, to be embedded and taught at the graduate level. For this to be grounded well, it is necessary to re-address the concept of public affairs and consider the main elements of the body of knowledge and skills that can inform further education development. On this basis, three learning lines are distinguished for a modular approach to teach an integrated graduate program on public affairs in which the boundary spanning roles of a next generation of public affairs professionals can be performed effectively and responsibly. 1 | INTRODUCTION This contribution presents what may be called an "ideal" program of public affairs at the graduate level. The adjective "ideal" is meant to stimulate developments in this direction. The line of argument towards this public affairs program begins with the concept of public affairs and the main components of the body of knowledge and skills. The concept and content of public affairs are first re-addressed to create a vantage point for developing a truly integrated higher education program. This is necessary because in many countries, interest representation and lobbying are exposed to "publicization," that is, ever increasing public visibility and accountability. The challenging task of maintaining a strong and legitimate position in society has become a central element of public affairs, next to lobbying in the policy process. This is what is giving the concept of public affairs its fuller meaning today. Moving to education, three learning lines can be distinguished, based on the main components of the body of knowledge. And next, within these three learning lines, modules (or courses, pick the term) flesh out the body of knowledge and skills.