Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy & Administration
The Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy & Administration at Dubois College is an interdisciplinary,
justice-focused program designed to prepare students for leadership in government, nonprofit, and
civic sectors. Grounded in Black political thought and equity-centered governance, the program
blends theory, data analysis, and management skills with a commitment to dismantling structural
inequality and advancing the public good.
Students will explore the formulation, analysis, and implementation of public policy through the
lenses of race, class, gender, and power. The curriculum emphasizes culturally responsive
leadership, ethical public administration, and community-centered problem-solving. Graduates will
emerge with strong skills in policy research, budgeting, program evaluation, and advocacy-ready to
shape a more just and effective public sector.
This degree prepares students for careers in government agencies, policy institutes, NGOs, or for
graduate study in public administration, law, or public policy.
Program Highlights
– Emphasis on Black leadership, social equity, and decolonizing policy structures
– Coursework in policy analysis, governance, budgeting, and nonprofit management
– Training in public ethics, urban policy, research methods, and civic data
– Capstone projects with real-world application in public service or policy reform
– Tuition-free, fully online, and designed for working and aspiring public leaders
Year 1 - Spring Semester
– U.S. Government & the Policy Process
– Race, Power & Public Institutions
– Ethics in Public Service
– Data Literacy & Civic Technology
– Visualizing Inequality: Media, Data & Society
Year 1 - Spring Semester
– U.S. Government & the Policy Process
– Race, Power & Public Institutions
– Ethics in Public Service
– Data Literacy & Civic Technology
– Visualizing Inequality: Media, Data & Society
Year 2 - Fall Semester
– Public Administration Fundamentals
– Policy Analysis & Program Design
– Urban Policy & Housing Justice
– Budgeting & Public Finance
– Elective (e.g., Environmental Justice Policy, Community Policing)
Year 2 - Spring Semester
– Social Policy & Economic Equity
– State & Local Government Systems
– Research Methods for Public Affairs
– Law & Public Policy
– Elective (e.g., Transportation Equity, Public Health Policy)
Year 3 - Fall Semester
– Leadership in Public & Nonprofit Organizations
– Grant Writing & Resource Development
– Internship I: Government Agency, Policy Lab, or Advocacy Org
– Strategic Planning & Decision-Making
– Elective (e.g., Labor Policy, Technology & Governance)
Year 3 - Spring Semester
– Comparative Public Policy (Global South Focus)
– Public Sector Innovation & Digital Governance
– Public-Private Partnerships & Equity
– Equity Impact Assessments & Evaluation
– Elective (e.g., Indigenous Sovereignty, Education Policy)
Year 4 - Fall Semester
– Capstone Proposal & Policy Simulation
– Public Sector Law & Regulation
– Internship II or Independent Policy Research
– Seminar: Democracy, Governance & Liberation
– Elective (e.g., Crisis Management, Reparative Policy)
Year 4 - Spring Semester
– Capstone Project: Policy Report, Strategic Plan, or Legislative Toolkit
– Policy Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
– Senior Seminar in Systems Thinking & Change Management
– Career Development: Fellowships, MPA/MPP Prep
– Elective (e.g., Disability Policy, Racial Justice Administration)