This program is available at the following locations:

• Corvallis
• Ecampus

The discipline of public policy is closely connected to the practice of policy and this program ensures that students interact with policy-makers as well as the knowledge-producers who support policy decisions. Graduates of the BSPP will have the skills necessary for understanding the political, economic, and social constraints faced by policy makers, assessing the performance of alternative approaches to policy implementation, evaluating the effectiveness of policies, and appreciating the sharp conflicts in fundamental human values that animate critical policy debates. The Public Policy Major will provide students with a set of research, analytical, and management skills that will be transferable across sectors and across issue areas. The undergraduate program will prepare graduates for a career not only in public service (federal, state, and local government), but also in not-for-profit and for-profit organizations, as well as admissions to competitive graduate programs in a wide range of programs through which they may further broaden their intellectual and practical experience and expertise.

The BSPP is designed with an emphasis on substantive interdisciplinary knowledge about important policy issues, analytic skills, and policy practice. Students will have the opportunity to pursue their individual interests and passion in specialization areas, each of which is supported by a wealth of experience and expertise in both the School of Public Policy and across the OSU campus. 

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.
• 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 52 credits in major-required courses. None of the 52 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 (BCC)

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Writing Intensive Course (WIC)

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.