BA in Public Policy & Management

The Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy & Management is a joint major/minor program designed to introduce students to practices, policies, and issues in government and society. The program focuses on how public problems are defined, and how responses to the problems are designed, implemented, and evaluated. It guides students through an interdisciplinary approach to develop their analytic abilities, research skills, and knowledge in various policy areas, while allowing students the flexibility to study topics of special personal interest.

Requirements for the Major in Public Policy & Management

For more detailed information see the BA in Public Policy and Management Manual.

The major in public policy and management is a combined major and minor program requiring a minimum of 54 credits.

• 12 semester-length courses (36 credits)
• Approximately 6 courses in a field of concentration (18 credits). This concentration, designed by the student in consultation with an adviser, fulfills the University's requirement for a minor field of study.

Core Courses in Public Policy (36 Credits)

• ECO 110M Principles of Economics I: Microeconomics
• ECO 111M Principles of Economics II: Macroeconomics
• PUB 140 Introduction to Public Policy
• PAD 204 Computer Modeling for Decision Support
• PAD 303 Public Administration and Management
• PUB 316 Methodological Tools for Public Policy
• PAD 329 Bureaucratic Politics
• PUB 340 Introduction to Policy Analysis
• PUB 498 Internship in Public Affairs
• PUB 499 Senior Seminar in Public Affairs

Two additional policy-related courses selected from the following courses:

• PAD 302 Understanding Public Organizations
• PUB 302/304 Public Policy in Theory & Practice
• PUB 307 Professional Applications for Public Administration and Policy
• PUB 321 State & Local Government
• PAD 324 Policy Analysis in Complex Systems
• PUB 328 Law & Policy
• PUB 330 Topics in American Policy History
• PUB 399 Selected Topics
• PAD 414/PUB 414 Policy Analysis in Public Administration
• PAD 424 Systems Thinking and Strategy Development
• PUB 532 Government and Policy in New York State

Approved Concentration (18 Credits)

In consultation with a faculty adviser and the Director of the Public Policy Program, the student develops a concentration in a particular area of public policy. This concentration fulfills the University's requirement for a minor field of study. The concentration may utilize courses from several departments. Three of the six courses must be at the 300-level or above or have at least one prerequisite.

Policy Concentrations Include:

• Economics
• Education Policy
• Environment and Society
• International
• Local Government
• Public Administration
• Study of Society
• Urban Issues
• Women, Gender, & Policy

Students may work with their adviser to develop a concentration in other issue areas.

Requirements for the Minor in Public Policy

Due to considerable demand, the Department of Public Administration and Policy instituted an alternative for those students interested in obtaining a general understanding and exposure to public policy. The Minor in Public Policy requires students to successfully complete 18 credits, with 6 of those credits chosen from a list of restricted electives. The Minor’s primary objective is to provide students with the core knowledge and skill-set in a public policy and administration program in a limited setting. If you are interested in the minor program, please contact the program advisor for details on how to declare and outline a coursework plan.

Internship Opportunities

Students in the Public Policy program complete the Internship in Public Affairs (PUB 498). The internship is an integral part of the Public Policy degree. The University's location in the New York State Capital affords students extensive opportunities for internships directly related to their fields of interest. These internships can be in the Legislature, State agencies, private firms, and nonprofit organizations. Internships give students practical experience, professional contacts, and advantages in graduate admissions and job placement. Students may also choose to complete their internship in Washington, DC, other cities, or while doing a semester abroad.

Career Opportunities

The Public Policy curriculum combines a strong academic program with opportunities to develop expertise in a particular policy area and hone communications and analytical skills. Graduates of the Public Policy program are employed in all areas of government, industry, and the nonprofit sector, with many going on to graduate study and careers in public and private management and law. Majors in Public Policy with strong academic records also may enroll in a combined undergraduate/graduate program allowing them to complete both the undergraduate major and a Master's degree in Public Policy or Public Administration in one less semester than would normally be required for both degrees.

For more information about these see Careers & Internships.

Additional details on the Public Policy and Management Program may be found in the Program Manual for the BA in Public Policy.