Program Overview

Public Policy and Administration

The Public Policy and Administration program at the University of Missouri-St. Louis is a branch of political science that addresses public concerns and problems. Policymakers influence lawmaking at the local, state, and federal levels to address these issues. Public administrators draft, analyze, and implement policies through a wide range of government agencies, directly impacting who has access to resources, general living standards, and opportunities for different communities.

Accelerated Program

The accelerated program is a unique dual-degree program that provides a pathway for students to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in Public Policy Administration with fewer total credit hours than would be required to complete each degree independently. Once all requirements have been met, students will be awarded both a BSPPA and an MPPA, enabling them to enter the job market with a competitive edge.

Program Type and Format

• The program type is a Major, BSPPA.
• The format of the program is online.

Bachelor of Science in Public Policy and Administration

The BS in Public Policy and Administration is designed for students interested in working in government or nonprofit organizations and who have a passion for making a positive impact on society. In this program, students gain an understanding of public and nonprofit administration and policymaking in the United States while developing sought-after and transferable skills, such as information-gathering and processing, analysis, research, decision-making, and oral and written communication.

Emphasis Areas and Concentrations

Students can choose from three emphasis areas: public administration, nonprofit management, and public policy. Areas of concentration for the public policy emphasis include:

• American politics
• International and comparative politics
• Urban politics
• Public law
• Labor studies
• Gender and politics

Internships and Practical Experience

In addition to formal coursework, internships provide students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning and gain practical field experience.

Outcomes and Career Outlook

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

• Explain the characteristics and impact of policy-making institutions and systems, including national, state, and local governments.
• Demonstrate an understanding of administrative systems and processes.
• Apply methods, tools, and sources to answer important management and policy questions.
• Analyze policies, programs, and relevant issues, formulate evidence-based recommendations, and communicate them with clarity and coherence.
• Apply public policy administration knowledge and engage in real-world problem-solving through an internship.
• Plan, execute, and defend a major research project.

Employment and Salary Projections

Employment of Political Scientists is projected to grow over 7% through 2032, with a median annual salary of $128,020, according to wage and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities for graduates include:

• Advocate
• Market Research Analyst
• Public Policy Director
• Public Relations Specialist
• Social Services Manager
• Veteran's Affairs Manager

Degree Information

Plan of Study

All majors must meet the general education requirements of the university in addition to completing degree-specific curriculum requirements.

Non-Missouri Residents

Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the UMSL state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.

Student Organizations and Involvement

Student Organizations

Students can make new friends and learn new skills by joining one of the Recognized Student Organizations, including:

• Political Science Academy
• Student Government Association
• Students of the University of Missouri

Honors College

The UMSL Honors College is a certificate program that can be paired with any major without adding extra classes or extending time to graduate. Classes in the Honors College are seminar-style, focusing on reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking.

Undergraduate Research

Students are encouraged and supported to engage in exciting activities in and outside of the classroom that enrich their academic and professional understanding of their chosen area of study. All majors are encouraged to participate in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship to produce discipline-specific intellectual or creative innovations to their field.

Related Majors

Students may also explore related majors, including:

• Organizational Leadership
• Political Science
• Business Administration
• Communication

College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences offers exciting degree programs that cover the academic spectrum from fine arts, humanities, and the social sciences, to the natural and applied sciences. An undergraduate degree from the College of Arts and Sciences provides the intellectual base for a host of career paths, advanced study, and research in many academic disciplines. Graduates are known for their professionalism on the job and their strong sense of civic responsibility.

Faculty and Research

The accomplished faculty provide students with a well-rounded, hands-on, and practical education to best prepare them for success in the modern workforce. Faculty are actively engaged in research and scholarship that advances knowledge, theory, and applied methods in their fields, providing an unparalleled academic experience.

Alumni and Career Success

The College of Arts and Sciences has prepared tens of thousands of graduates to become influential leaders and find career success in the region, nationally, and internationally. Alumni are notable journalists, writers, public relations professionals, and leaders in private and public sectors, among other professions. They are committed to their organizations and communities, sharing a constant motivation to inspire others, drive positive change, and transform the lives of others through their everyday work.

Academic Programs and Flexibility

The College of Arts and Sciences offers 31 baccalaureate, 16 master, and seven doctoral degrees, as well as dozens of minor and certificate programs designed to get students where they want to go. With dedicated academic advisors ready to create a personalized plan to help students succeed in their academic journey, students have a clear path from start to finish. The college also offers exceptional academics at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, with degree programs built to fit any schedule, whether on campus, fully online, during the evening, or weekends.

Rankings and Recognition

The University of Missouri-St. Louis is recognized for its affordability, ranking #1 in Missouri, and for its online bachelor's programs, ranking #11 nationally. It also offers over 60 non-degree certificate programs and is the #1 transfer destination in St. Louis and #5 nationally for adult education.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

UMSL is committed to making education affordable, with various financial assistance programs available. Students can explore these options to find the best fit for their needs.

Academic Advising

Students can talk to an advisor to learn how to enroll in courses and programs that match their interests, skills, and goals, ensuring they are on the right path to achieving their academic and professional aspirations.

Calculate Tuition

The net price calculator provides families with estimates on the total cost of attendance, helping them plan and prepare for the financial aspects of pursuing higher education at UMSL.