BA in Public Policy in Chicago United States | DePaul University

The Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy equips students passionate about policy to promote societal welfare and foster justice, following the principles of St. Vincent de Paul. This field examines governmental decision-making processes and their societal effects, requiring both broad understanding and specialized expertise to address public challenges. Students explore how policies are created, executed, and assessed, along with how issues gain governmental attention through agenda-setting and framing. Public policy professionals find opportunities across government agencies, nonprofits, and private organizations. The program readies graduates for diverse career paths while providing foundations for advanced studies in graduate programs or law schools. Students gain practical experience through internships, research projects, and Global Learning Experiences (GLE). The curriculum includes core courses on policy theory, analytical methods, and key environmental/urban issues, plus a chosen data analysis course. Microeconomics, statistics, or GIS coursework is recommended. The program culminates in a capstone where students investigate complex policy issues under faculty guidance.