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 public policy degree, including:
- OSU's Baccalaureate Core (general education)
- B.S. requirements
- College of Liberal Arts Core (for all majors in OSU's College of Liberal Arts)
- Major requirements: Public policy
Honors degree online
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.
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 four 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 »
General policy
Explore comprehensive policy principles through diverse disciplines for a well-rounded perspective on contemporary issues. View the curriculum »
Sample course topics
- State and local politics
- Public policy problems
- Public administration
- Ethics in public policy
- 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.
Accelerated Master's Platform
Get a jump-start on your Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree while working toward your undergraduate degree in public policy. Through Oregon State’s Accelerated Master’s Platform, current undergraduate public policy students can take graduate-level courses online that will be applied to their bachelor’s degree, and the credits earned will be transferred to the Master of Public Policy (MPP) program. Students enrolled in Ecampus graduate courses will pay the graduate tuition and fees rate.
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 will need to be reviewed upon admittance to OSU for appropriate articulation. Additional information about transferring credits is available through OSU’s Transfer Credit Central.
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 and compliance.
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Important dates
See our academic calendar for our full quarter term schedule.
Degree quick facts
* 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.
† Based on current tuition rates. No additional charge for nonresident students. Does not include course materials and associated fees and expenses.
‡ You can complete all or nearly all requirements of this program online. View the curriculum.
Find application deadline
View required or recommended deadlines for your student type on our application deadlines page.
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