Earn A bachelor's degree in public policy and administration
SPC's bachelor's degree in Public Policy and Administration prepares you to make decisions and influence a wide variety of public policies. You learn the ins and outs of policy making and how to become a leader. You also gain strong skills in policy analysis so you can design effective policies.
This academic program prepares you for the following careers. All job data is provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Legislators
Salary Data
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Metro Area Average
Florida Average
Projected employment for Florida
2023 Employment
1,170
2033
1,260
Percent Change
8
Projected Job Openings
100
Urban and Regional Planners
Salary Data
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL Metro Area Average
Florida Average
Projected employment for Florida
2023 Employment
2,840
2033
3,140
Percent Change
11
Projected Job Openings
260
SKILLS you learn in the Public Policy and Administration B.S. Degree
- Structure and processes of the government
- Economics of public administration
- Evolution of law and policy
- Tools used to implement policy
- How public policy is created and implemented
- Goals of public policy
- Methods and tools used to evaluate and design policy
- The role of the private sector in developing and implementing public policy
Public Policy and Administration Bachelor of Science
PPA-BS
Effective Beginning Catalog Term: Fall 2024 (640)
The requirements shown below are valid beginning Fall 2024 (640), and may not reflect degree requirements for current students. Current students should visit My SPC and view My Learning Plan to see specific degree requirements for their effective term.
Program Summary
The goal of this program is to prepare students for the dynamic nature of public policy and administration by providing critical thinking and problem solving techniques which will enable them to make sound decisions and influence policy affecting organizations, communities, a whole state or the entire nation. Graduates will be prepared to use advanced critical thinking and analytical skills to effectively solve the myriad problems which arise in a changing world and comply with modern demands for accountability. Students will demonstrate the advanced knowledge and tools necessary to:
- Evaluate and design public policy
- Apply the appropriate communication and negotiation skills within the structure and processes of government
- Use the technical skills and political astuteness required of a public policy/administration professional
- Demonstrate the management and leadership qualities of a public policy/administration professional who can readily anticipate issues and demonstrate the ability to adapt to governments that are in a constant state of flux.
Graduation Requirements
GRADE OF “C” OR HIGHER REQUIRED FOR ALL COURSES.
GENERAL EDUCATION: All students must complete the 36 credit general education requirement in order to graduate from this program. A.S. degree holders may need to complete an additional 15-21 general education credits to complete the thirty-six (36) credit hour general education requirement.(FLA. STAT. § 1007.25 (9) (2017)
FOREIGN LANGUAGE: If you have not completed two consecutive years of the same foreign language in high school or 8 credits in college, you will need to complete 8 credits of foreign language before completing the B.S. program.
CIVIC LITERACY: As per Florida Rule 6A-10.04213, baccalaureate degree students entering a Florida College System (FCS) or State University System (SUS) institution in the 2021-2022 academic school year and thereafter must demonstrate competency through successful completion of a civic literacy course AND by achieving a passing score on the Florida Civic Literacy Examination (FCLE).
Academic Pathways
The Academic Pathway is a tool for students that lists the following items:- the recommended order in which to take the program courses
- suggested course when more than one option exists
- which semester each course is typically offered
- if the course has a prerequisite
- courses that may lead to a certificate (if offered in the program)
Please verify the Academic Pathway lists your correct starting semester.
Program Leadership Information
Florida CIP Code
440401 - PUBLIC POLICY & ADMINISTRATION
Federal CIP Code
44.0401 - Public Administration.