The Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Policy Programs
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Earning a public policy degree online allows you to understand the variables that affect governmental decision making, including political and economic factors. Public policy influences how society functions, and learning all you can about the field is essential. Your public policy degree prepares you to work as a policy analyst, political lobbyist, or public relations specialist. Those with a bachelor’s in Public Policy, can become Policy Analysts and earn an average annual salary of $128,020.
Featured Online Colleges
The Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Policy Degree Programs
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
University Park, PA- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$13,484
- Out-of-state$13,484
- In-State$21,682
- Out-of-state$21,682
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students EnrolledN/A
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix
- Phoenix, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,710
- Out-of-state$28,800
- In-State$11,720
- Out-of-state$26,160
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled11,420
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Wilmington University
- New Castle, DE
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,430
- Out-of-state$11,430
- In-State$8,784
- Out-of-state$8,784
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled14,730
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment75%
- AccreditationYes
Indian River State College
- Fort Pierce, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,496
- Out-of-state$9,360
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled16,942
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
Utica College
- Utica, NY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$21,560
- Out-of-state$21,560
- In-State$21,480
- Out-of-state$21,480
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate87%
- Students Enrolled4,947
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment61%
- AccreditationYes
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Best Online Programs
Bachelor’s in Public Policy
2023
Online Bachelor’s in Public Policy Degree Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyChoosing a Program
The public policy degree online curriculum mirrors that of a traditional classroom. Courses cover business, communication, and ethics in addition to public relations, public health, and fiscal management. Moreover, you can expect to strengthen your public speaking and research skills to communicate effectively and gather, analyze, and articulate data. Some public policy degree programs offer concentrations designed to fit your specific area of interest. Common specializations include disaster preparedness and healthcare administration.
The program and school you select will determine your degree requirements, and students should carefully evaluate each school under their purview. For example, some programs may be offered fully online and allow you to attend class at your convenience, while others may require you to attend campus occasionally. Certain programs also require internships, thesis papers, or capstone projects as part of the curriculum. Additionally, be aware of specific start dates for your program, as some schools only allow enrollment at certain times of the year. Regardless of the program you select, a public policy degree will prepare you to manage an organization’s strategies and develop plans in abidance with laws and regulations.
Online Bachelor’s in Public Policy Careers
Featured Online Colleges
Your public policy degree affords you the opportunity to select a career that touches lives in a meaningful way. Your degree equips you with the management skills necessary for key roles within several types of organizations, three of which we’ve covered below.
- Urban and Regional Planner
- These professionals help develop communities by carefully examining population shifts and establishing which facilities are necessary to accommodate them. The profession entails frequent collaboration with government officials and citizens to ensure consensus for the use of public land and resources. Earning a graduate degree in public policy can further hone your problem-solving skills and position you for senior planning roles.
- Median Annual Salary: $79,540
- Projected Growth Rate: 4%
- Public Relations Specialist
- An expert in public relations helps organizations maintain a positive image for the public and media through press releases, client coaching, and speech writing. A master’s degree in public policy can help you further sharpen the writing capabilities required in this profession.
- Median Annual Salary: $67,440
- Projected Growth Rate: 6%
- Social and Community Service Manager
- These managers design, coordinate, and implement all aspects of programming, giving community residents access to needed services. In addition to carefully monitoring and assessing programming to ensure its quality, service managers collaborate with internal and external partners. An advanced public policy degree can further help you develop skills in strategic planning, people management, and fundraising.
- Median Annual Salary: $74,240
- Projected Growth Rate: 9%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
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