Public Policy Foundations – Online Microcredential

Make an impact on our changing world

From health and the environment to housing and agriculture, all aspects of our lives are shaped by policy. Now, more than ever, we need critical thinkers who can help enact positive change in a rapidly evolving social and economic landscape. 

When you complete a microcredential in public policy foundations online from Oregon State University, you’ll learn how to conduct research, analyze and interpret qualitative data, and present this data to inform decision-making and new policies. These courses will teach you the process through which policies are created and implemented, so you can help create workable solutions for emerging issues in both the public and private sectors.

Coursework 

Required Courses (12 credits)

• PPOL 201 – Introduction to Public Policy (4)
• PPOL 371/PS 371 – Public Policy Problems (4)
• PPOL 372/PS 372 – Public Administration (4)

Skills

The in-demand skills you’ll develop as a student in this microcredential will give you what you need to stand out and level up in your career.

• Policy analysis
• Policy implementation
• Program evaluation

Start working toward a public policy degree or minor

Once you complete a microcredential in public policy foundations, you can apply the 12 credits you earn to Oregon State’s online bachelor's degree in Public Policy or the minor in public policy. 

If you plan to apply these credits toward a full degree, we encourage you to first contact the program to learn about the degree requirements. Please note that acceptance into a microcredential does not guarantee acceptance into a degree program.