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Public Policy Studies

Undergraduate Degrees

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The Public Policy major prepares you to address some of the world's most significant challenges. You’ll acquire the knowledge and skills to analyze policy problems, understand the complexities of issues, and create viable solutions through public policy.

The major will prepare you for a wide range of careers. Our graduates go everywhere, attending top graduate and law schools in the U.S., serving as legislative aides for the U.S. Congress or as staff for various branches of government, and working in business or non-profit organizations.

 

Program information

Program length

183 credits

Degree awarded

Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy

Course delivery

On Campus

Admission & merit aid priority deadline

Early Decision and Early Action November 1
Early Decision II and Regular Decision January 15

Term length

10 week quarter

Your greater good starts here

Shape tomorrow from a vibrant academic community in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Core Courses

Specializations

Minor in Public Policy

JumpStart BA + MPP

Study Abroad

Core Courses

  • PPOL 1910 - Introduction to Public Policy
  • PPOL 2000 - The Politics of American Policymaking
  • PPOL 2701 - Public Policy Analysis and Presentation
  • PPOL 2701 - Professional Skills for Public Policy
  • PPOL 3115 - Economics for Public Policy
  • PPOL 3300 - Ethics in Public Policy

44 credits are needed to earn the major

Download our degree information sheet below for a comprehensive look at the full program requirements.

Program Details

Where our alumni make an impact:

Specializations

Tailor your degree and build in-depth knowledge in any of the following areas or work with your advisor to customize your degree plan.

  • Development
  • Economic Policy
  • Social Policy
  • Environmental Policy

Minor in Public Policy

Required courses for a Public Policy Minor:

    • PPOL 1910 – Introduction to Public Policy
    • PPOL 2000 – The Politics of American Policymaking
    • 16 additional Public Policy Electives

24 total credits to earn a minor.

To add a minor contact your undergraduate academic advisor.

JumpStart BA + MPP

Accelerate your career with JumpStart, our 5-year joint BA + MPP program.

You apply in your junior year, complete graduate level courses while still an undergraduate, and leave with both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as one additional year of study.

Plus, JumpStart Students receive a 50% graduate tuition scholarship!

Learn more

Study Abroad

Study abroad to learn first-hand about another culture, grow personally and earn academic credit that may be applied toward the major. The University of Denver currently has partnerships with approximately 150 study abroad programs and universities around the world. DU’s Cherrington Global Scholars program allows eligible students to spend a quarter studying abroad at no additional cost beyond that of a term at DU.

Learn more

People you’ll meet

Our faculty are leading economists, political scientists, and sociologists who work on international trade, finance, and economic development. They have extensive real-world experience as practitioners and advisors to the United Nations, the World Bank, the World Trade Organization, national and state governments, and the private sector.

View all faculty

Explore DU your way

Have questions? You can choose your favorite way to connect — from emailing or chatting with an admissions advisor to joining a virtual info session.
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Apply to DU

Review our admissions checklist to ensure you have all the required documents. Once you’re ready, you can start your application. We look forward to learning more about you.

View admission checklist
Undergraduate Application Steps

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