Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy, University of Illinois Springfield

Springfield - Illinois, Illinois

48 Months

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About this course

The Public Policy Bachelor’s Degree at UIS is designed for students interested in careers in government, law, and advocacy. Located in Springfield, the program offers unique opportunities for hands-on experience through a six-credit internship with local government or policymaking agencies. The curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of policy processes, including implementation and program evaluation, with a focus on ethical questions, policy-making conditions, and effectiveness. Classes are taught by faculty and practitioners with diverse expertise in public policy, providing students with insights into health, education, environment, social welfare, and agricultural policies. Students are encouraged to participate in experiential learning, develop communication skills crucial for policy analysis, and explore various professional paths in the public sector.

Why this course is highly recommended

This program is ideal for students seeking practical experience in public policy, especially given its location in Illinois' state capital. The internship component offers valuable real-world exposure, helping students explore various policy careers such as lawmakers, analysts, or lobbyists. The comprehensive curriculum addresses critical ethical and effectiveness questions in policy-making, preparing students for graduate study or professional roles in the public sector. Additionally, the opportunity to participate in honors and conduct independent research makes it attractive for motivated students aiming to excel academically and professionally.

Specialisation

The program offers specialized courses in areas such as health, education, labor law, social welfare, environmental, and agricultural policy. Students can tailor their studies with electives including topics like LGBTQ law, legislative politics, public opinion, and foreign policy analysis. The curriculum is designed to equip students with analytical tools for advocacy, drafting, and evaluating public policies, and includes a capstone seminar to synthesize learning through a research project.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

16.14L

Living cost

Degree requirements

To complete the Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy, students must earn a total of 38 credit hours. Core courses include fundamentals of public policy, ideas and ethics, policy analysis, empirical political analysis, and a capstone seminar. Electives cover diverse topics like legislative politics, public opinion, foreign policy, and social issues, with a selection of courses from outside political science approved with faculty permission. The program also requires a six-hour internship and completion of ECCE requirements, including community engagement and global awareness components.

English language test

IELTS

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates of the Public Policy program are prepared for careers as lawmakers, policy analysts, legislative aides, community activists, lobbyists, or attorneys. The program also supports further graduate study in public policy. The internship experience, combined with coursework on policy implementation and evaluation, helps students develop practical skills applicable in government agencies, NGOs, advocacy groups, and private sector consulting firms focused on policymaking and program analysis.

FAQs

What is the internship requirement in this program?

Students must complete a six-credit internship with a local government or policymaking agency as part of their program, which provides practical experience and can be tailored to individual policy interests.

Are there honors options available?

Yes, students with a GPA of 3.50 or higher in at least 15 hours of public policy courses can participate in an honors program by completing an independent research project in PSC 488.

Do students need to take a specific prerequisite course?

Yes, students are required to have completed either ECO 202 or ECO 315 before enrolling in the program.