Public policy

B.S.
Online You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online.*
delivery
$384 Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.†
per credit
4
start terms/year

Access to information about world politics has made people more aware of how public policy affects nearly every aspect of our daily lives. You can become a leading member of the next generation of well-rounded professionals who use research data to promote and sustain positive change when you earn a public policy bachelor’s degree online from Oregon State University.

This interdisciplinary program trains you to view the world and approach problem-solving through multiple lenses, giving you a nuanced and flexible approach to understanding the different angles of an issue. Gain the practical experience to analyze and address relevant issues that shape public policy, and graduate with the ability to develop innovative, evidence-based solutions that serve the public good.

Skills you’ll gain in OSU’s online public policy degree program

As a student in Oregon State’s online public policy degree program, you’ll gain the in-demand skills you need to stand out in the job market and level up your career. You’ll learn from expert Oregon State faculty who have real-world experience in the field.

  • State and local politics
  • Governmental problem-solving
  • Public administration
  • Ethical reasoning
  • Policy research
  • Public economics
  • Policy analysis
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Best Online Bachelor's Programs 2025 - U.S. News & World Report

Program details

The online coursework in the public policy online program offers a blend of economics, political science, sociology and specialization topics that will empower you to develop workable solutions for emerging issues. Gain the analytical, decision-making and communication skills you need to promote, implement and defend public policy initiatives.

The online public policy bachelor’s program is offered by Oregon State’s College of Liberal Arts.

Degree requirements

A minimum of 180 quarter credits are required to graduate with your public policy degree, including:

A person in the audience of a public event holds a microphone and speaks while facing the front of a room as attentive audience members listen.

Additional program features

When you pursue your public policy degree online, you’ll work with your academic advisor to choose from two options that allow you to focus your studies in an area of particular interest to you.

The program’s PPOL 410 practicum course requires you to take part in a supervised work experience in a public policy-related program. This internship with a public, nonprofit, private or international organization will result in a policy product for your portfolio that will help you stand out to prospective employers. Your academic advisor can provide more information once you're admitted

Some degree requirements may be transferred from other institutions. Please note that a minimum of 45 credits of the last 75 credits in this degree program must be completed at Oregon State (online or on campus) to meet the academic residency requirement.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admittance to OSU for appropriate articulation. Additional information about transferring credits is available through OSU’s Transfer Credit Central.

As an undergraduate degree-seeking student, you can apply to earn an honors degree online in your academic major. Earning this prestigious degree gives you the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on research, complete a comprehensive thesis experience and engage in co-curricular activities.

Get a jump-start on your Master of Public Policy or Executive Master of Public Policy degree while working toward your bachelor’s degree in public policy. Through Oregon State’s Accelerated Master’s Platform, current undergraduate students can take graduate-level courses online that will be applied to their bachelor’s degree.

he credits you earn will be transferred to the Master of Public Policy or Executive Master of Public Policy program. Students enrolled in Oregon State’s online graduate courses will pay the graduate tuition and fees rate.

You can gain highly specialized skills that are in demand by employers — and do it with less of a time and financial commitment — when you earn a certificate or microcredential online with Oregon State. Choose from a large collection of short-form offerings that can help you upskill quickly.

Public policy careers

The knowledge you acquire in Oregon State’s online public policy degree program will help you fill in-demand jobs in the global marketplace. You’ll graduate ready to showcase your abilities and provide insights in industries that need public policy experts — from government agencies and nonprofits to academia and private business.

Job market outlook

Use the interactive tool on this page to discover employment trends, top occupations and salary details for professionals who have skills related to public policy. Please be aware that completing a program related to the job market information shown here does not guarantee employment or a specific salary.