This program is available at the following locations:

• Corvallis
• Ecampus

The discipline of public policy is closely connected to the practice of policymaking and this program ensures that students interact with policymakers as well as the knowledge-producers informing policy decisions. BSPP graduates will develop the necessary research, analytical, and management skills for understanding the political, economic, and social constraints faced by policy makers, assessing alternative approaches to policy implementation, evaluating policy effectiveness, and appreciating the diverse human values that animate critical policy debates. On their journey, students will have the opportunity to pursue their individual interests and passions in specialization areas, each supported by a wealth of expertise in both the School of Public Policy and across the OSU campus. As such, the undergraduate program will prepare graduates for careers in public service (federal, state, and local government), not-for-profit, and for-profit organizations, as well as graduate degree programs through which they can further broaden their intellectual and practical expertise.

Major Code: 801

Upon successful completion of the program, students will meet the following learning outcomes:

• Apply social science methods and policy analysis to practical problems of government, communities, regions, and/or global issues.
• Apply oral and written communication skills in public appearances, written reports and documents.
• Demonstrate critical thinking about public policy issues.
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct professional analyses of social, political, and economic structures and bureaucratic processes.

• Majors are required to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 across public policy major requirements. In addition, majors must have a C or better for courses applied to the methods core.
• Majors are required to take a minimum of five courses in their major specialization within the School of Public Policy (ECON, PPOL, PS, SOC).
• Majors must complete a minimum of 60 credits in major-required courses. None of the 60 credits may be taken S/U.
• A maximum of 8 credits from any combination of PPOL blanket courses may be applied to the major, although additional credits from courses in this range may be applied to general graduation requirements. PPOL 410 is allowed for a maximum of 4 credits.

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Baccalaureate Core course. Applies to general education requirements for undergraduate students in a catalog year up to 2024-2025

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Core Education course. Applies to general education requirements for undergraduate students in catalog year 2025-2026 and beyond

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Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC) course

Major Code: 801 

Degree plans are subject to change and the following is only an example of how students may complete their degree in four years. Students should consult their advisor to determine the best degree plan for them. Contact details for advisors can be found on the Academic Advising page.

*

Baccalaureate Core course. Applies to general education requirements for undergraduate students in a catalog year up to 2024-2025

+

Core Education course. Applies to general education requirements for undergraduate students in catalog year 2025-2026 and beyond

^

Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC) course