B.S. in Public Policy Degree Requirements

Complete descriptions of requirements for Areas A through E of the Undergraduate Core Curriculum can be found in the "Academic Regulations" chapter of the Undergraduate Catalog. The number of semester hours credit required for each section is shown in parentheses.

Degree Requirements

Areas A-E

Area A: Essential Skills (9)
Area B: Institutional Options (4)
Area C: Humanities And Fine Arts (6)
Area D: Math, Technology And Science (11)
Area E: Social Science (12)

Area F: Courses Appropriate To The Major (18)

ECON 2105 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECON 2106 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
SOCI 1101 Introductory Sociology (3)
PSYC 1101 Introduction to Psychology (3)
Electives: Two three-hour courses chosen from the 1000-2000 level offerings of the College of Arts and Sciences, Robinson College of Business, College of Education (with restrictions), or the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies.

Area G: Major Common Core Curriculum (21)

Note: C or better grade is required

PAUS 3021 Citizenship, the Community, and the Public Sector
PAUS 3031 Policy Leadership
PAUS 3311 Critical Policy Issues
PAUS 4021 Working with Policy Data
PAUS 4031 Evaluating Public Policy
PAUS 4061 Introduction to Policy Analysis
PAUS 4941 Internship

Area H: Concentration (21)

Note: C or better grade is required
Students must choose one concentration from:

Nonprofit Leadership (21):

The nonprofit leadership concentration allows students to learn about the important role of nonprofit organizations in addressing social issues and interests in a democratic society and participating in the formulation and implementation of public policy. Through this concentration, students will become aware of the many and diverse career opportunities in the nonprofit sector, in areas such as the arts, social services, education, health care, the environment, policy advocacy, and international relief and development, and they will learn the skills, knowledge and challenges of leadership in this sector. This concentration involves a service learning component and will prepare students for entry level jobs in nonprofit management and for graduate study in nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, and related fields.
- Required courses (15):
  - PAUS 3210 Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector
  - PAUS 3213 Nonprofit Financial Resources
  - PAUS 3231 Nonprofit Management and Leadership
  - PAUS 3611 Introduction to Human Resource Development (HRD) in Public and Nonprofit Organizations
  - LGLS 3020 Introduction to the Law OR POLS 3145 Introduction to American Law
- Select two courses from the following (6):
  - PAUS 3411 Contemporary Planning
  - PAUS 3801 Public Administration and Politics
  - PAUS 4211 Issues and Problems in Personnel Management Systems for Public and Nonprofit Agencies
  - PAUS 4451 Economic Development Policy and Planning
Planning and Economic Development (21):

The planning and economic development specialization prepares students to work in both the public and private sectors addressing issues facing urban communities. This specialization is appropriate for students who want to pursue careers or further study in the planning, development and management of communities. Courses introduce students to forces shaping the development of urban regions. Special attention is paid to planning for economic development, environmental quality, housing, land use, neighborhood revitalization, and transportation.

During their studies, students learn about the variety of policies and strategies that citizens and planners can use to influence development.
- Required courses (15 hrs):
  - ECON 4300 Economics of Cities
  - PAUS 3011 Policy & Politics in the American City
  - PAUS 3411 Contemporary Planning
  - PAUS 4401 Planning Theory and Analysis
  - PAUS 4451 Economic Development Policy
- Choose two courses from the following (6 hrs):
  - ECON 4350 Economics of Poverty and Public Policy
  - ECON 4600 Economic Development
  - GEOG 4766 Urban Transportation Planning
  - PAUS 3111 Urban Political Economy
  - PAUS 3801 Public Administration and Politics
  - PAUS 3831 Governmental Budgeting
  - PAUS 4301 Local Governance
Public Management and Governance (21):

How does government work, and what can we do to make it work better? The public management and governance concentration is for students who are excited about how government operates and how policies are converted into action. These are fascinating topics for those interested in improving the lives of citizens in communities and nations, and learning how to better address specific policy issues. Students in this concentration will also get the skills needed to compete for entry level jobs in governments, consulting firms, and with government contractors. This is the type of knowledge that would also be useful for students contemplating a professional degree in public administration, law, planning, or some type of policy research (think tanks, advocacy groups, universities, and/or lobbying organizations).
- Required courses (15):
  - PAUS 3801 Public Administration and Politics
  - PAUS 3831 Governmental Budgeting
  - PAUS 4301 Local Governance
  - PAUS 4451 Economic Development Policy and Planning
  - PAUS 3411 Contemporary Planning
- Select two courses from the following (6):
  - PAUS 3111 Urban Political Economy
  - PAUS 3210 Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector
  - PAUS 3611 Introduction to Human Resource Development (HRD) in Public and Nonprofit Organizations
  - POLS 4115 Urban Politics
  - LGLS 3020 Introduction to the Law OR POLS 3145 Introduction to American Law

Public and Nonprofit Human Resource Policy (21):

This specialization prepares students for professional careers in the growing and dynamic field of human resources. This specialization is appropriate for students who wish to work in areas such as staffing and recruitment, compensation and benefits, employee relations, management and employee development, and/or career development, among others. Courses provide students with an overview of the human resources field as well as current workplace issues and trends that impact and are impacted by human resource practices and policies. A key element of this specialization is the internship or practicum, whereby students apply course content in an organizational setting.

Area I: Approved Electives (18)

Students make elective course selections with advisor approval.

Information For

B.S. in Public Policy Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements

Areas A-E

Area F: Courses Appropriate To The Major (18)

Area G: Major Common Core Curriculum (21)

Area H: Concentration (21)

Nonprofit Leadership (21):

Required courses (15):

Select two courses from the following (6):

Planning and Economic Development (21):

Required courses (15 hrs):

Choose two courses from the following (6 hrs):

Public Management and Governance (21):

Required courses (15):

Select two courses from the following (6):

Public and Nonprofit Human Resource Policy (21):

Required courses (15):

Select two courses from the following (6):

Area I: Approved Electives (18)

Total Semester Hours For Degree - 120

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