What is a degree in public policy

What is a degree in public policy

Earn A bachelor's degree in public policy and administration

SPC's bachelor's degree in Public Policy and Administration prepares you to make decisions and influence a wide variety of public policies. You learn the ins and outs of policy making and how to become a leader. You also gain strong skills in policy analysis so you can design effective policies.

  • Career Info
  • Skills
  • Courses
  • Admissions

This academic program prepares you for the following careers. All job data is provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.

no occupation data

Legislators

Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Metro Area Average

Florida Average

Projected employment for Florida

Projected Job Openings

100

Urban and Regional Planners

Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Metro Area Average

Florida Average

Projected employment for Florida

Projected Job Openings

330

SKILLS you learn in the Public Policy and Administration B.S. Degree

  • Structure and processes of the government
  • Economics of public administration
  • Evolution of law and policy
  • Tools used to implement policy
  • How public policy is created and implemented
  • Goals of public policy
  • Methods and tools used to evaluate and design policy
  • The role of the private sector in developing and implementing public policy

Public Policy and Administration Bachelor of Science

PPA-BS
Effective Beginning Catalog Term: Fall 2022 (610)

The requirements shown below are valid beginning Fall 2022 (610), and may not reflect degree requirements for current students. Current students should visit My SPC and view My Learning Plan to see specific degree requirements for their effective term.

Program Summary

The goal of this program is to prepare students for the dynamic nature of public policy and administration by providing critical thinking and problem solving techniques which will enable them to make sound decisions and influence policy affecting organizations, communities, a whole state or the entire nation.

Graduates will be prepared to use advanced critical thinking and analytical skills to effectively solve the myriad problems which arise in a changing world and comply with modern demands for accountability. Students will demonstrate the advanced knowledge and tools necessary to:
• Evaluate and design public policy
• Apply the appropriate communication and negotiation skills within the structure and processes of government
• Use the technical skills and political astuteness required of a public policy/administration professional
• Demonstrate the management and leadership qualities of a public policy/administration professional who can readily anticipate issues and demonstrate the ability to adapt to governments that are in a constant state of flux.

Graduation Requirements

GRADE OF “C” OR HIGHER REQUIRED FOR ALL COURSES

All students must complete the 36 credit general education requirement in order to graduate from this program. A.S. degree holders may need to complete an additional 15-21 general education credits to complete the thirty-six (36) credit hour general education requirement.(FLA. STAT. § 1007.25 (9) (2017)

FOREIGN LANGUAGE:
If you have not completed two consecutive years of the same foreign language in high school or 8 credits in college, you will need to complete 8 credits of foreign language before completing the B.A.S. program.

CIVIC LITERACY:
As per Florida Rule 6A-10.04213, baccalaureate degree students entering a Florida College System (FCS) or State University System (SUS) institution in the 2021-2022 academic school year and thereafter must demonstrate competency through successful completion of a civic literacy course AND by achieving a passing score on the Florida Civic Literacy Examination (FCLE).

ADMISSIONS COURSES A.A. Degree or A.S. Degree

ADMISSIONS COURSES ADDITIONAL GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES - Grade of “C” or higher

B. HUMANITIES/FINE ARTS

6

D. NATURAL & PHYSICAL SCIENCES

6

E. SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

6

G. COMPUTER/INFORMATION LITERACY COMPETENCY

STATE MANDATED PREREQUISITES The following three courses are required & may be used as part of the General Education Requirements

MAJOR CORE COURSES Complete 45 credits

MAJOR ELECTIVE COURSES Select 15 credits

** It is highly recommended that students enroll in PUP 3002 in the first term of their program.

Academic Pathways The Academic Pathway is a tool for students that lists the following items:

  • the recommended order in which to take the program courses
  • suggested course when more than one option exists
  • which semester each course is typically offered
  • if the course has a prerequisite
  • courses that may lead to a certificate (if offered in the program)

If you are starting the program this term,
VIEW THE RECOMMENDED ACADEMIC PATHWAY

If you have already started the program,
VIEW THE ARCHIVED ACADEMIC PATHWAYS

Please verify the Academic Pathway lists your correct starting semester.

Program Leadership Information

Florida CIP Code

1104404011: PUBLIC POLICY & ADMINISTRATION (BS)

Federal CIP Code

44.0401: Public Administration.

Admission requirements

Download Admission Guide

  • Paralegal Studies
  • Public Policy and Administration
    • Ethics for Students
    • Public Policy and Administration B.S. Degree
    • Public Policy and Administration A.A. Transfer Plan
  • Public Safety

Is a degree in public policy worth it?

Yes, a master's in public policy is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 5% job growth in life, physical, and social science occupations over the next 10 years. Common public policy careers in this field include political scientist, urban or regional planner, and survey researcher.

What do people do with a public policy degree?

Graduates can work as policy analysts with state or federal agencies. They can also work as administrators for local governments. Graduates can also begin careers in academia, business, and public relations.

What is public policy as a major?

Public Policy majors learn how to formulate, evaluate, and promote policy options that can make a difference in their cities, nation, and the world. The Public policy major draws from many disciplines, including law, economics, political science, sociology, history, urban studies, geography, and environmental studies.

What is the difference between political science and public policy?

Political science studies politics. Public policy studies what governments do. So, one studies how societies govern themselves--form governments--the other studies what these governments do.