Transform Policy. Drive Change.
Build your expertise in policy analysis, research and evidence-based decision-making—preparing you to transform policies and drive change across government, corporate and nonprofit sectors.
Locations
- Online
Why Major in Public Policy at Georgia Southern?
- 100% online and asynchronous—study anywhere, anytime
- Emphasis on policy analysis and evaluation— prepares you to assess public challenges and propose solutions
- Flexible design for working professionals, non-traditional students and military-connected learners
- Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s (ABM):
- Earn up to 12 credits toward Georgia Southern’s NASPAA-Accredited MPA program.
- Learn from dedicated faculty with expertise in public policy research and education
- Applied learning opportunities with local and regional government, corporate and nonprofit organizations
The Bachelor of Science in Public Policy at Georgia Southern prepares students to become active, responsible citizens ready to tackle global issues and address society’s biggest challenges with innovative solutions.
You’ll expand your perspective and develop the skills needed to thrive in the fast-changing world of public policy. Whether you focus on national crises or local issues, you will learn the skills and critical thinking to measure success and find new solutions.
Ready to Apply?
Or, you can:
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Public Policy?
Our world-class faculty train students in the core analytical and applied skills needed to assess public challenges and propose effective solutions. Students learn to collect, analyze, and interpret data relevant to policy decisions; apply research methods and evidence to evaluate policy effectiveness; and assess the trade-offs and implications of policy alternatives. They also develop the ability to communicate findings clearly to policymakers and stakeholders, collaborate across sectors and with diverse partners in policy evaluation, and translate research into actionable recommendations.
With public policy expertise, our graduates are prepared to champion community voices with visionary leadership. They go on to serve in government agencies, multinational corporations, nonprofit organizations, and beyond.
Where our graduates work:
- Federal, state and local government
- Staff of state or national officials
- Military Bases
- Corporations
- Law firms
- Nonprofit organizations
- Public interest advocacy groups
- Public relations firms
- Colleges and universities
What our graduates do:
- Public Policy Analyst
- Government Affairs Specialist
- Budget Specialist
- Civilian Analyst
- Lawyer
- Research Analyst
- Development Director
- Public Affairs Specialist
- Corporate Government Affairs
- Nonprofit Leader
What You’ll Learn
The public policy major explores the critical issues facing our communities locally, nationally and globally. Through our program, students master the analytical and research methods to assess public challenges, evaluate existing policies, and build evidence-based recommendations for solutions. Through the coursework, you’ll learn how to:
- Proficiently collect and interpret data relevant to policy making
- Utilize research methods and factual evidence to fortify policy propositions
- Assess the effectiveness of existing policies
- Craft strategies and oversee policy enactment, including orchestrating stakeholder interactions and strategizing for successful policy launches.
Public policy is more than rules and guidelines; it is the ideals that shape good governance which are ultimately connected to our daily lives- whether they are social, economic or environmental.
See the CurriculumBuild Your Experience
The opportunities available to public policy majors at Georgia Southern are as diverse as your career prospects. Tailor your academic experience to your interests and strengths.
Applied Learning Opportunities
Students have the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills gained in the major to a real-world policy problem. Working in small teams, students produce actionable, client-centered, public policy analysis for a government agency or nonprofit organization.
Intern with Impact
Gain valuable real-world experience and even more valuable connections with exciting internship opportunities.
Engage in Projects
Broaden your understanding of the world through community-based projects that will help you develop skills in collaboration, leadership, communication, professional etiquette and time management.
Take Action
Follow these steps to complete the Georgia Southern application:
- Create an application account.
- Complete our online application using the PIN you received after creating your application account.
- Once complete, pay the $30 application fee or upload a valid fee waiver. Previous Georgia Southern applicants and dual enrollment students do not need to pay the fee.
You can check your application status at My.GeorgiaSouthern.edu/admissions three days after completing your application. This page contains live information about your admission status, including a checklist of missing documents we need to make a decision.
Apply as a First-Year Student Transfer to Georgia SouthernThe following student learning outcomes are expected for graduates of the Anthropology program:
- Discuss economic, normative, and political perspectives for defining the public interest and justifying government action.
- Analyze contemporary public policy issues, evaluate policy alternatives, and develop policy recommendations based on evidence and community input.
- Utilize, and critically evaluate others’ use of, quantitative analytic methods to address practical problems of governments and communities.
- Create written documents and oral or visual presentations appropriate to the discipline of public policy.
- Collaborate with a diverse team to plan, initiate, manage, complete, and evaluate policy-relevant projects.
- Identify career pathways in the field of public policy and demonstrate the professional skills necessary to pursue career goals.
Related Programs
Take the Next Step
Gain a deep understanding of humanity across the ages, along with the professional skills you need to tackle social problems. Learn more about earning your BA in Anthropology at Georgia Southern.
Contact Us
Program Coordinator
Trent Davis
912-478-5430
tjdavis@georgiasouthern.edu