Public Policy and Management, B.A.

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Description

This program is about learning how to solve public problems. The Public Policy and Management major serves as a gateway for students to delve into the world of public service and its profound impact on society. As the demand for knowledgeable, ethical, and innovative leaders in public service continues to rise, our program aims to empower students not only to understand these roles but also to visualize a career path that resonates with their individual interests and core values.

A hallmark of our major is its interdisciplinary approach. Students will not be confined to understanding public service from a singular vantage point. Instead, they will gain insights into how individuals and organizations from the public, nonprofit, and even private sectors collaboratively strive to achieve the public good.

What careers can this major prepare you for?

Graduates hold managerial and administrative roles in real estate development, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private companies. You may go on to hold positions including: Community Engagement Manager, Communications Officer, Community Development Specialist, Data Analysis, Economic Development Specialist, Executive Director, Financial Administration, International Business Development, Neighborhood Stabilization, Program Specialist, Project Coordinator, Public Service, Real Estate Development, Site Location Analyst, Urban Planner, Workforce Development.

What skills are developed within this major?

Following graduation, the goal is for students to not only possess an enriched understanding of the world of public service but also be equipped with the practical skills, analytical prowess, and ethical grounding to make meaningful contributions in their chosen careers. Whether aspiring to be policy analysts, public administrators, nonprofit leaders, or civic-minded professionals in the private sector, graduates from this program are poised to champion the public good in diverse and impactful ways.

Specific skillsets include communication, problem solving, critical and analytical thinking, managing teams, ethical decision making, and a passion for public service.

Additional Information

Internship opportunities are available to all students, and scholarships are available to qualified students.
The Columbus Seminar provides on-site involvement in government.
A formal mentoring program is available in which juniors and seniors are paired with public service practitioners working in the student’s area of interest.
Students with substantial prior learning/professional experience may apply for credit through the Assessment and Accreditation of Prior Learning Experience program.
Opportunities to participate in small seminar groups, research projects, and online courses are available.

Hours Required for Degree

Minimum hours required for degree: 120

Minimum hours required for major: 33

School Requirements

Students must fulfill all School of Urban Affairs Requirements , including completion of UST 200 , UST 205 , UST 207 , and UST 404 .

Major Requirements

Required Courses (8 courses)

Electives (3 courses)

Choose three classes, including at least one Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC), from the following.

Honors Program/University Scholars Requirements

Honors/Scholars students pursuing a major within the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs (Community Planning, B.A. , Environmental Studies, B.A. , Nonprofit Administration, B.A. , Organizational Leadership, B.A. , Public Policy and Management, B.A. , and Public Safety Management, B.A. ) are required to take a minimum of 12 credit hours of 300-400 level honors courses as described below.

Honors Thesis or Exit Requirements (choose one):

Honors/Scholars students may choose to pursue an Honors thesis, consisting of original research supervised by an Urban Affairs faculty member.
Honors/Scholars students may take UST 489 - Advanced Senior Seminar , UST 452 - Management of Urban and Nonprofit Organizations or another capstone requirement as a contract course.

The remaining 9 credit hours of Honors courses shall consist of any combination of contract courses and regular Honors offerings within the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs, with at least one course in the student’s major field.

Accelerated Graduate Programs

Qualifying undergraduates in the School of Urban Affairs may pursue an accelerated graduate degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning and Development, or Nonprofit Management. See Public Administration, Accelerated Master’s BA/MPA , Urban Planning and Development, Accelerated BA/MUPD , and Nonprofit Management, Accelerated Master’s BA/MNM for program requirements.