Program Overview

Introduction to the Public Policy Bachelor's Degree Program

The public policy bachelor's degree program at Oregon State University is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to analyze and address relevant issues that shape public policy. This interdisciplinary program trains students to view the world and approach problem-solving through multiple lenses, giving them a nuanced and flexible approach to understanding the different angles of an issue.

Program Details

The online coursework in the public policy program offers a blend of economics, political science, sociology, and specialization topics that will empower students to develop workable solutions for emerging issues. The program is offered by Oregon State's College of Liberal Arts and requires a minimum of 180 quarter credits to graduate.

Degree Requirements

• OSU's Core Education B.S. requirements
• College of Liberal Arts Core (for all majors in OSU's College of Liberal Arts)
• Major requirements: Public policy

Additional Program Features

• Options: Students can choose from two options that allow them to focus their studies in an area of particular interest to them, including:
  • Environmental policy
  • Rural policy
  • Social policy
  • General policy
• Internship / Work experience: The program's PPOL 410 practicum course requires students to take part in a supervised work experience in a public policy-related program, resulting in a policy product for their portfolio.
• Transfer credits: Some degree requirements may be transferred from other institutions, with a minimum of 45 credits of the last 75 credits in this degree program must be completed at Oregon State to meet the academic residency requirement.

Skills and Career Outlook

The knowledge acquired in Oregon State's online public policy degree program will help students fill in-demand jobs in the global marketplace. Students will graduate ready to showcase their abilities and provide insights in industries that need public policy experts, from government agencies and nonprofits to academia and private business.

Skills You'll Gain

• State and local politics
• Governmental problem-solving
• Public administration
• Ethical reasoning
• Policy research
• Public economics
• Policy analysis

Tuition and Fees

The tuition rate for the public policy bachelor's degree program is $384 per credit, based on current tuition rates, with no additional charge for nonresident students. This rate does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.

Accelerated Master's Platform

Current undergraduate students can take graduate-level courses online that will be applied to their bachelor's degree through Oregon State's Accelerated Master's Platform, getting a jump-start on their Master of Public Policy or Executive Master of Public Policy degree.

Honors Degree and Certificates

Students can also apply to earn an honors degree online in their academic major, collaborating with faculty on research and completing a comprehensive thesis experience. Additionally, students can gain highly specialized skills with less time and financial commitment by earning a certificate or microcredential online.