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Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy
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Redlands
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Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy

Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy

Explore the world of policy making and skillful decision making approaches that shape how we address collective challenges, with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy degree from the University of Redlands.

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Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Arts

Program Types

Undergraduate, Major, Minor

Mode of Study

On Campus

Department

Public Policy

School / College

College of Arts and Sciences

What is a public policy degree?

Simply put, policy is whatever government decides to do or not to do. Policymakers grapple with ways to improve how people live and work together, and the Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy enables you to develop ethical decision-making and innovative problem-solving skills through interdisciplinary study and practice. Our major prepares you to influence decisions made by local, state, national, and international governments and agencies that make decisions for, about, and with communities and societies. Through study and internship experience, you'll develop a close understanding of problems and the analytical tools that are essential for public policymaking.

Why should you major in public policy at Redlands?

Majoring in public policy at Redlands gives you the chance to make a real difference in how policies are shaped and implemented at local, national, and global levels. You will learn how to analyze complex social, economic, and political issues and develop practical solutions that can improve communities and institutions. With a strong focus on critical thinking, research, experiential learning, and hands-on experience, this program prepares you for a career in government, non-profits, law, or advocacy. You will also have the opportunity to participate in internships and study-away programs. 

Classes you'll take

*The following courses are subject to change. Please check the latest university catalog for all coursework information, program requirements, and learning outcomes. To receive a B.A. degree, the student must complete:

Complete ALL of the following courses (1 Course/4 Credits):

  • PLCY100 - Introduction to Public Policy Analysis

Complete ALL of the following Courses (2 Courses/8 Credits):

  • ECON100 - Economics and Society
  • OR ECON101 - Principles of Economics
  • POLI111 - Introduction to American Politics

Complete at least 1 of the following Courses (1 Course/4 Credits):

  • PHIL110 - Contemporary Moral Issues
  • PHIL212 - Humans and Other Animals
  • PHIL213 - Animal Ethics and Policy
  • PHIL215 - Bioethics: Doctors and Patients
  • PHIL216 - Bioethics: Technology and Justice
  • PHIL221 - Ethical Theory
  • PHIL320 - Ethics and Law
  • PHIL332 - Philosophy of Science
  • REL120 - Religion & Ethics
  • REL122 - Religion & Ecology: Environmental Ethics
  • BUS434 - Applied Business Ethics

Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:

  • POLI200 - The Study of Politics
  • POLI202 - Statistical Analysis and Mapping of Social Science Data
  • POLI300 - Advanced Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences
  • ECON358 - Introduction to Econometrics
  • EVST110 - Intro to Spatial Analysis & GIS
  • EVST399 - Research Methods & Design
  • MATH111 - Elementary Statistics With Applications
  • PSYC250 - Statistical Methods
  • SOAN300 - Research Methods & Design

1 to 4 credits: In order to meet the major requirements, the Public Policy Internship must have a University of Redlands faculty sponsor and be approved by your major advisor. One credit equals 40 hours of work, including approximately 35 hours on site plus coursework.

Complete ALL of the following Courses:

  • PLCY381 - Public Policy Internship

Complete ANY of the following courses:

  • POLI495 - Political Science Capstone
  • ECON465 - Senior Seminar in Economics
  • EVST475 - Capstone Senior Project in Evst
  • WGS459 - Senior Seminar
  • POLI456 - Education Policy
  • POLI457 - Health Care Policy

Requirement options for single majors

Public Policy majors who do not major in any other field (i.e. single majors) may either:

  • complete a capstone in their primary substantive field of study (e.g., POLI 495, ECON 465, EVST 475, WGS 459, or other capstone approved by the Director).
  • complete POLI 456 Education Policy, or POLI 457 Health Care Policy

Requirement options for double majors:

Public Policy majors who also major in another field (i.e., double majors) may either:

  • complete two separate capstone experiences; one in Public Policy and one in the second major (e.g., POLI 495, ECON 465, EVST 475, WGS 459, or other capstone experience approved by the Director)
  • complete a shared capstone that integrates the student’s learning outcomes in both majors with Director’s approval.

Regardless of which option is selected, the capstone must focus on a public policy issue and address all of the Public Policy major learning outcomes.

Students must develop a concentration with consultation with their Policy advisor. Students should take 3 courses. Students must take 3 Public Policy courses, which can come from a variety of departments. Minimum credits from concentration are 12. 

Note: Many more Public Policy courses are available in the course catalog. Check with your advisor for the suitability of each for your major concentration. 

No more than 2 courses should be drawn from any single department/program. Concentration courses must be at the 200 level or above. 

Approved concentrations have been developed in the following areas:

  • Business Policy    
  • Education
  • Environmental
  • Economic Policy
  • Gender and Sexuality Policy
  • Health
  • Law and Governance
  • National Security
  • Race and Immigration
  • Research Methods
  • Build your own! 

Students may develop their own concentration in consultation with their advisor. 

Minor in Public Policy

Minoring in public policy will help you understand how decisions shape society, enhances your critical thinking, and boosts your influence on real-world issues. It’s a great complement to any major and equips you with skills valued in any field. To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current university catalog. Completion of the minor in Public Policy requires a minimum of 24 credits in the following policy-related courses.

Public Policy Analysis (1 course/4 credits):

  • PLCY 100 Introduction to Public Policy Analysis

Complete (2 courses/8 credits):

  • ECON 100 Economics of Society (4) 
  • -or- ECON 101 Principles of Economics (4)
  • POLI 111 Introduction to American Politics (4) 

Complete (1 course/4 credits): 

  • POLI 200 The Study of Politics (4) 
  • POLI 202 Statistical Analysis and Mapping of Social Science Data (4) 
  • POLI 300 Advanced Quantitative Methods (4) 
  • ECON 358 Introduction to Econometrics (4) 
  • ECON 400 Introduction to Econometrics (4) 
  • EVST 110 Introduction to Spatial Analysis & GIS (4) 
  • EVST 399 Research Methods for Environmental Scientists (4) 
  • MATH 111 Elementary Statistics with Applications (4) 
  • PSYCH 250 Statistical Methods (4) 
  • SOAN 300 Research Methods in the Social Sciences (4) 
  • SOAN 307 Mapping People, Mapping Places (4) 
  • CS 110 Introduction to Programming (4) 
  • GIS 100 Foundations of Spatial Thinking (4) 
  • GIS 110 Introduction to Spatial Analysis & GIS (4) 

Complete (2 Courses/8 credits):

Take two approved Public Policy courses at the 200-level or above. See courses listed in this guide. 

  • One approved course in policy, 200-level or above 
  • One approved course in policy, 200-level or above 

Approved concentrations have been developed in the following areas:

  • Business Policy    
  • Education
  • Environmental
  • Economic Policy
  • Gender and Sexuality Policy
  • Health
  • Law and Governance
  • National Security
  • Race and Immigration
  • Research Methods
  • Build your own! 

Students may develop their own concentration in consultation with their advisor. 

Undergraduate application deadlines
Fall Term - First Year

Early Action 1: November 1
Early Action 2: December 1
Regular Decision: January 15*

Spring Term - First Year
Deadline: November 1*
Fall Term - Transfer
Priority Deadline: March 1*
Spring Term - Transfer
Priority Deadline: November 1*
Note
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline based on capacity.
Apply now

What you'll learn

You will learn how to demonstrate mastery of knowledge about public policy issues and approaches by summarizing and evaluating existing literature in the field.
You will learn how to apply a range of relevant theories, concepts, and approaches taken from the social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and ethics to the critical analysis of public policy problems.
You will learn to demonstrate knowledge about the feasibility of solving complex social problems within the context of existing political and economic institutions and processes.
You will learn how to use appropriate quantitative and/or qualitative methods to systematically analyze public policy issues. You will learn how to communicate knowledge effectively through verbal and written forms.
View catalog to learn more

What you'll learn

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Graduates pursue careers as

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Graduates pursue careers as

With public policy expertise, you can champion community voices with visionary leadership as a government affairs specialist, policy analyst, advocate, legislative staff member, press secretary, or as a representative in office.
As a legislative assistant, you will support lawmakers by conducting research, drafting legislation, and managing constituent relations.
As a lawyer you will deliver justice with expert legal insight and unwavering advocacy.
Develop effective strategies that connect with and energize voters.
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Redlands' Signature Experiences

The Core Four Framework

At Redlands, our students’ success is at the heart of everything we do. We offer experiential learning opportunities, but our CORE Four initiative takes that commitment to a deeper, intentional level. More than a set of experiences, the CORE Four is a framework for transformation. Learn more about how students can prepare for their academic journey.

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Featured faculty

Every Redlands faculty member is an active practitioner in their field. The classes they teach emerge from their unique research and practices, and they’re passionate about what they’re sharing. At Redlands, faculty are invested in and committed to your success.

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