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Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy
Explore the world of policy making and skillful decision making approaches that shape how we address collective challenges, with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy degree from the University of Redlands.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts
Program Types
Undergraduate, Major, Minor
Mode of Study
On Campus
Department
Public PolicySchool / College
College of Arts and SciencesWhat is a public policy degree?
The public policy degree will prepare you to change communities and societies through the critical analysis of problems and solutions. While mastering the art and science of effective public policy, you will develop a deep understanding of the principles and methodologies essential for making impactful decisions that can transform communities and organizations. Policymakers grapple with ways to improve how people live and work together. The Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy enables you to develop ethical decision-making and innovative problem-solving skills through interdisciplinary study and practice.
Why should you major in public policy at Redlands?
Majoring in public policy at Redlands gives you the chance to make a real difference in how policies are shaped and implemented at local, national, and global levels. You will learn how to analyze complex social, economic, and political issues and develop practical solutions that can improve communities and institutions. With a strong focus on critical thinking, research, experiential learning, and hands-on experience, this program prepares you for a career in government, non-profits, law, or advocacy. You will also have the opportunity to participate in internships and study-away programs.
Classes you'll take
Core
Complete ALL of the following courses:
- PLCY100 - Introduction to Public Policy Analysis
Foundations of Public Policy Analysis
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
- ECON100 - Economics and Society
- OR ECON101 - Principles of Economics
- POLI111 - Introduction to American Politics
Ethics
Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:
- PHIL110 - Contemporary Moral Issues
- PHIL212 - Humans and Other Animals
- PHIL213 - Animal Ethics and Policy
- PHIL215 - Bioethics: Doctors and Patients
- PHIL216 - Bioethics: Technology and Justice
- PHIL221 - Ethical Theory
- PHIL320 - Ethics and Law
- PHIL332 - Philosophy of Science
- REL120 - Religion & Ethics
- REL122 - Religion & Ecology: Environmental Ethics
- BUS434 - Applied Business Ethics
Methods
Complete at least 1 of the following Courses:
- POLI200 - The Study of Politics
- POLI202 - Statistical Analysis and Mapping of Social Science Data
- POLI300 - Advanced Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences
- ECON358 - Introduction to Econometrics
- EVST110 - Intro to Spatial Analysis & GIS
- EVST399 - Research Methods & Design
- MATH111 - Elementary Statistics With Applications
- PSYC250 - Statistical Methods
- SOAN300 - Research Methods & Design
Internship Requirement
1 to 4 credits: In order to meet the major requirements, the Public Policy Internship must have a University of Redlands faculty sponsor and be approved by your major advisor. One credit equals 40 hours of work, including approximately 35 hours on site plus coursework.
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
- PLCY381 - Public Policy Internship
Capstone
Complete ANY of the following courses:
- POLI495 - Political Science Capstone
- ECON465 - Senior Seminar in Economics
- EVST475 - Capstone Senior Project in Evst
- WGS459 - Senior Seminar
- POLI456 - Education Policy
- POLI457 - Health Care Policy
Requirement Options for Single majors
Public Policy majors who do not major in any other field (i.e. single majors) may either:
- complete a capstone in their primary substantive field of study (e.g., POLI 495, ECON 465, EVST 475, WGS 459, or other capstone approved by the Director).
- complete POLI 456 Education Policy, or POLI 457 Health Care Policy
Requirement Options for Double majors:
Public Policy majors who also major in another field (i.e., double majors) may either:
- complete two separate capstone experiences; one in Public Policy and one in the second major (e.g., POLI 495, ECON 465, EVST 475, WGS 459, or other capstone experience approved by the Director)
- complete a shared capstone that integrates the student’s learning outcomes in both majors with Director’s approval.
Regardless of which option is selected, the capstone must focus on a public policy issue and address all of the Public Policy major learning outcomes.
Why should you minor in public policy at Redlands?
Minoring in public policy will help you understand how decisions shape society, enhances your critical thinking, and boosts your influence on real-world issues. It’s a great complement to any major and equips you with skills valued in any field. To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current university catalog.
- PLCY 100 Introduction to Public Policy Analysis
- ECON 100 Economics and Society or ECON 101 Principles of Microeconomics
- POLI 111 Introduction to American Politics
- Methods - 1 Course:
- POLI 202 Statistical Analysis and Mapping of Social Science Data
- POLI 200 The Study of Politics
- ECON 400 Introduction to Econometrics
- EVST 110 Introduction to Spatial Analysis and GIS
- MATH 111 Elementary Statistics and Probability with Applications
- PSYC 250 Statistical Methods
- SOAN 300 Research Methods in the Social Sciences
- WGS 330 Feminist Research Methods
- Applied Public Policy - 2 courses required as a "Concentration:
- Two approved Public Policy courses at the 200-level or above; these must be approved by the Public Policy Director. Please complete a Minor Contract form in consultation with the Director (renee_vanvechten@redlands.edu).
Undergraduate application deadlines
Fall 2025 - First Year
November 15, 2024 - Early Action
Fall 2025 - First Year
January 15, 2025 - Regular Decision*
Fall 2025 - Transfer
March 1, 2025 - Regular Decision*
Note
*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis after the deadline based on capacity.
What you'll learn
You will learn how to demonstrate mastery of knowledge about public policy issues and approaches by summarizing and evaluating existing literature in the field.
You will learn how to apply a range of relevant theories, concepts, and approaches taken from the social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and ethics to the critical analysis of public policy problems.
You will learn to demonstrate knowledge about the feasibility of solving complex social problems within the context of existing political and economic institutions and processes.
You will learn how to use appropriate quantitative and/or qualitative methods to systematically analyze public policy issues. You will learn how to communicate knowledge effectively through verbal and written forms.
What you'll learn
I really like how interdisciplinary the program is. I get to talk about different things that impact public policy. When you’re in a public policy class, you get to talk about race, ethnic studies, history, women and gender studies. You also look at how everything interconnects, and I think it is really representative of a liberal arts education.
Alexandra Riffel ’26, public policy
Graduates pursue careers as
With public policy expertise, you can champion community voices with visionary leadership as a government affairs specialist, policy analyst, advocate, legislative staff member, press secretary, or as a representative in office.
As a legislative assistant, you will support lawmakers by conducting research, drafting legislation, and managing constituent relations.
As a lawyer you will deliver justice with expert legal insight and unwavering advocacy.
Develop effective strategies that connect with and energize voters.
Graduates pursue careers as
Featured faculty
Every Redlands faculty member is an active practitioner in their field. The classes they teach emerge from their unique research and practices, and they’re passionate about what they’re sharing. At Redlands, faculty are invested in and committed to your success.
Renée Van Vechten
Professor, Fletcher Jones Endowed Chair in American Politics and Policy
Greg Thorson
Professor, Ken and Lynn Hall Endowed Chair
Valerie Rountree
Assistant Professor
Jennifer Nelson
Professor
Want to know more?
Get in touch with our admissions team.
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