BA in Public Policy

Program Overview

The Public Policy and Urban Studies program at the University of Illinois Chicago provides a comprehensive education in public policy analysis and implementation. Students complete core coursework in policy analysis, economics, and policy implementation, and choose from a range of policy specializations, including economic development, education, and health policy. The program emphasizes practical experience through an internship and offers opportunities for students to customize their learning experience through electives and specialization choices.

Program Outline

Outline:

• General and Basic Education Requirements:
• 29-33 semester hours distributed across six categories.
• Two required courses in the major are approved for General Education credit.
• Includes courses in:
• Academic Writing
• College Algebra
• Microeconomics
• Understanding the Past, Creative Arts, World Cultures, and Natural World
• Core Program Requirements:
• 36 semester hours including:
• Required courses:
• Individual Action and Democratic Citizenship
• Microeconomics or Urban and Community Economics
• Introduction to Public Policy
• Policy Implementation and Management
• Policy Analysis
• Evaluating Public Policies and Programs
• Internship Experience in Public Policy and Urban Studies
• Three Policy Specialization courses
• Three Policy Specialization courses:
• Students choose from lists of courses or customize their own specializations.
• Options include:
• Economic Development Policy
• Education Policy
• Environmental Policy
• Fiscal Policy
• Health Policy
• Foreign and Global Policy
• Social Policy
• Electives:
• 51-55 semester hours required outside of the Basic and General Education and Core Program Requirements.
• Students may choose electives that serve as prerequisites for their specialization courses.

Other:

• The program is housed in the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois Chicago.
• Students must consult the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs section for additional degree requirements and college academic policies.
• The program offers opportunities for students to customize their learning experience through the choice of specialization and electives.