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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Degree requirements
Admission to the BSPP program requires a minimum of 90 quarter credits (60 semester credits) from a regionally accredited university or college(s), a 3.0 cumulative GPA and four prerequisite courses with a B grade or higher. Grade exceptions may be considered on an individual basis. Applicants are encouraged to concentrate the initial 90 credits of their degree on satisfying the Baccalaureate Core and College of Liberal Arts requirements. To earn your degree you must complete 180 credit hours in these areas:
- Four public policy prerequisites, or equivalent, are required for admission: 15 credits
- ECON 201 – Introduction to Microeconomics
- PS 201 – Introduction to U.S. Government and Politics
- SOC 204 – Introduction to Sociology
- MTH 245 – Math for Management, Life and Social Sciences; OR ST 201 – Principles of Statistics; OR ST 351 – Introduction to Statistical Methods
- Baccalaureate core: 48 credits, plus a Writing Intensive Course (WIC) of at least 3 credits
- College of Liberal Arts core: 15 credits
- B.S. requirements: 15 - 24 credits
- Public policy major: 60 credits
- Public policy core: 22 credits
- Methods: 8 credits
- Specialization area: 20 credits
- Practicum: 5 credits
- Capstone: 5 credits
- Electives: as needed to meet the 180 credit minimum to graduate
Complete degree requirement and curriculum information is available on Oregon State's academic catalog.
Specialization areas
Public policy spans a wide variety of interests related to social and policy issues. The specialization topics provide you the opportunity to deepen your skills and knowledge in an area of interest. Select one of the three specialization areas, or work with the program advisor to create a specialization that fit your interests, to fulfill the 20 credit program requirement.
- Environmental policy
- Rural policy
- Social policy
Transfer credit
Some of the degree requirements can be transferred from other colleges and universities. Please note that a minimum of 45 credits of the last 75 must be completed at Oregon State (online or on campus) to meet the academic residency requirement. Previously earned credits will need to be reviewed upon admittance into OSU for appropriate articulation. Additional information about transferring credits is available through the Single Course Search tool provided by OSU's Office of Admissions.
Add a minor
Oregon State Ecampus students have the ability to add a minor to their 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 courses 100% online. Some courses may require proctored exams in your local area.
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