Curriculum
The BSPP online coursework provides interdisciplinary knowledge that combines 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.
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Do you have questions about the curriculum or admission process for the online BSPP program? Send us an email and we’ll be glad to answer your questions.
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Degree requirements
A minimum of 180 quarter credits are required to graduate with your bachelor's degree in public policy. Major requirements and curriculum information are available on Oregon State's academic catalog.
For details about OSU's Baccalaureate Core, please visit our bacc core details page.
Specialization options
These specialization topics provide you the opportunity to deepen your skills and knowledge in an area of public policy interest. Select one of the three options.
Environmental policy
Discover how laws and politics shape the decisions around climate change, natural resources, renewable energy and other issues in the environmental policy option. View the curriculum »
Rural policy
Take an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex set of challenges facing rural communities that are exacerbated by globalization and technological change. View the curriculum »
Social policy
Examine social issues that challenge existing knowledge, policies and institutions, such as poverty, inequality, hunger, homelessness, access to education, and child care. View the curriculum »
Sample course topics
- State and local politics
- Public policy problems
- Public administration
- Ethics in public policy
- Policy research
- Public economics
- Population trends and policy
- International political economy
- Policy research
Additional program features
Internship / Work experience
The curriculum's PPOL 410 practicum course requires you to take part in a supervised work experience in a public policy-related program. Your academic advisor can provide more information once you're admitted.
Transfer credits
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. Find more information about transferring credits using the Office of Admissions’ single-course search tool.
Add a minor
As an OSU Ecampus student, you can add a minor to your degree program. OSU offers a diverse selection of minors online that complement the BSPP major, including leadership, sustainability and resource economics or health management and policy.
Notice: Oregon State University students may now take part in internships anywhere in the United States. Read more about Ecampus’ authorization to operate in your state.
Important dates
See our academic calendar for our full quarter term schedule.
Degree details
* Oregon State University is on a quarter-term system. There are four quarters each year and classes are 11 weeks long. This program's 180 quarter credits are equal to 120 semester credits.
† Cost per credit is calculated using tuition per credit for the current academic year. It does not include associated fees, course materials, textbook expenses, and other expenses related to courses.
‡ You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online. View the curriculum.
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