Public Policy, B.S.

Return to: 2130 Department of Public Management and Policy  

Mission: The mission of the Public Policy program is to prepare students for roles as effective citizens, critical thinkers, and problem solvers for the public sector. Students in the Public Policy program learn about the institutions of a democracy and the ways in which policy making organizations relate to one another. Students acquire skills in policy writing, critical thinking, and analysis-evaluation that are in demand by governmental agencies and nonprofit groups, as well as graduate and professional schools. Above all, they learn how to make a difference by becoming engaged in civic and public life.

The career of the namesake of the School, Ambassador Andrew Young, illustrates how individuals can move from nonprofit organizations to public life and the private sector, while being a part of our increasingly global society. 

We seek talented and motivated students who want to develop the knowledge, skills, and values required to become responsible visionary leaders in a wide range of settings. While many graduates of our program choose to enter a career in the public sector or in nonprofit agencies, others make contributions to their community, state, and nation as a active citizen in the civic and public arenas. The Bachelor of Science in Public Policy, combined with participation in co-curricular experiences, will prepare students to:

1. Describe the public policy process and the main policy issues under current debate, addressing the questions facing public administrators-policy professionals
2. Describe American government system and the ways it affects the public policy process
3. Demonstrate critical thinking about policy sources, processes, and outcomes
4. Develop skills for civic engagement through required service learning
5. Demonstrate the ability to collect and interpret data to inform public policy
6. Apply the basic public policy analysis steps to analyze public policy questions
7. Apply analytical skills and techniques to basic policy evaluation
8. Demonstrate relevant policy writing and communication skills

Career Opportunities: A policy major can work as a city manager, community relations specialist, local or regional planner, policy analyst, environmental resource specialist, human resource manager, journalist, politician or campaign strategist, volunteer coordinator, nonprofit leader, or in many other exciting careers that make a difference.

Many graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Public Policy establish careers in public service. These alumni work in a variety of agencies including federal, state, and local governments as well as a number of public agencies. Others are employed in not-for-profit organizations that address many important needs. Some alumni work in the business world but use the knowledge and skills from their Public Policy degree to become better, more active citizens in the civic and public arenas. The degree program also provides an excellent preparation for graduate study in law, public policy and administration, and related fields.

A Top Ranked Program: The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies (AYSPS) is nationally recognized as having one of the elite programs in the field of public policy and management. U.S. News and World Report’s 2022 Best Public Affairs Schools issue ranks the Andrew Young School as a top 20 school of Public Affairs, with top 10 ranking in Urban Policy, Nonprofit Management, Public Finance & Budgeting, and Local Government. A B.S. in Public Policy provides students the resources to be leaders and innovators in the public sphere for years after they have graduated from the program.

Complete descriptions of requirements for Areas A through E of the Undergraduate Core Curriculum can be found in the “1400 University Degree Requirements and Graduation ” chapter of this catalog. The number of semester credit hours required for each section is shown in parentheses.