By Tyler Hansen
Nov. 21, 2018
In a state known for its innovative culture, progressive thinking and collaborative approach to crafting public policy, Oregon State University has developed a new program with those characteristics in mind and one that aims to meet the career aspirations and personal interests of students motivated by serving the public good.
In fall 2019, Oregon State will launch a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy (BSPP) program to be delivered 100 percent online in a partnership between the College of Liberal Arts and OSU Ecampus, the university’s nationally ranked online education provider.
The program will train the next generation of public policy professionals to tackle complex challenges including climate change, demographic and population shifts, rapid technology development and a global economy.
“As recent events in world politics have increased the general population’s awareness of how public policy affects our daily lives, Oregon State has developed this program to meet the career aspirations and personal interests of students everywhere,” said BSPP program lead Erika Wolters, who is also an instructor in the School of Public Policy and the director of OSU’s Policy Analysis Laboratory.
A pro-school program with a global cohort
Students will be admitted as part of a cohort each fall term, meaning they will develop more engaging connections with a worldwide network of classmates who follow the same degree plan. Oregon State Ecampus serves adult online learners in all 50 states and more than 50 countries.
The BSPP is a “professional school” program, in which students enroll in any Oregon State major that meets College of Liberal Arts baccalaureate requirements (e.g. economics, political science, sociology) and the BSPP prerequisites. Once a student meets all prerequisites and has reached junior-class standing, they can apply for admission to the program.
Applications for the online BSPP program will open in February 2019. The first cohort of students will begin in fall term 2019.
Oregon State Ecampus also delivers a Master of Public Policy program fully online. The BSPP program is a natural gateway for students to pursue a master’s in the same field.