Public Policy (AA) *Financial aid approval pending*
Program Code: AAPBPL
Credential: Associate in Arts
Program is also available online
The Associate in Arts (A.A.) in Public Policy program provides students with a solid foundation in the principles of public policy analysis, development, and implementation. The curriculum integrates key areas of economics, geography, history, and political science, preparing students to analyze and address pressing public policy issues. Students will gain essential skills in research, communication, and policy evaluation, making them well-equipped for entry-level positions in government, non-profit organizations, and private sector policy roles. This program also serves as a seamless pathway for students planning to transfer to four-year institutions to pursue advanced degrees in public policy, political science, public administration, or related fields.
Program Requirements
- Academic Reading and Writing Levels of 6
- Demonstrated interest in the social sciences or public service, although no prior coursework in political science or related fields is required.
- All courses must be completed with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Minimum Credits Required for the Program: 60
Full-Time Students
| First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 111 or ENG 111X |
Composition I or Composition 1 |
4 |
| PLS 112 | Introduction to American Government | 3 |
| Arts/Humanities Elective(s) | 3 | |
| Math Elective(s) (MTH 160 recommended) | 3 | |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Composition II | ||
| Fundamentals of Speaking | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Oral Interpretation of Literature | ||
| Persuasion | ||
| Family Communication | ||
| Nonverbal Communication | ||
| Small Group Communication | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Arts/Humanities Elective(s) | 3 | |
| Restricted Elective(s) : Any HST course | 3 | |
| AAPBPL Restricted Electives | 3 | |
| Nat. Sci. Elective(s) | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| ECO 211 | Economic Principles I - Macro 1 | 3 |
| PLS 220 or PLS 250 |
Politics and the Media or Campaigns and Elections |
3 |
| Restricted Elective(s) : Any HST course | 3 | |
| AAPBPL Restricted Electives | 3 | |
| Nat. Sci. Lab Elective(s) | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| ECO 222 | Economic Principles II - Micro | 3 |
| Restricted Elective(s) : Any HST course | 3 | |
| AAPBPL Restricted Electives | 6 | |
| Open Elective(s) to reach a minimum of 60 total credits. (Any course 100-level or above and transferrable) | 5 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- 1
An Academic Math Level 3 is required for ECO 211.
Minimum Credits Required for the Program: 60
Part-Time Students
| First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 111 or ENG 111X |
Composition I or Composition 1 |
4 |
| PLS 112 | Introduction to American Government | 3 |
| Credits | 7 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Composition II | ||
| Fundamentals of Speaking | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Oral Interpretation of Literature | ||
| Persuasion | ||
| Family Communication | ||
| Nonverbal Communication | ||
| Small Group Communication | ||
| Intercultural Communication | ||
| Arts/Humanities Elective(s) | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| Restricted Elective(s) : Any HST course | 3 | |
| Math Elective(s) (MTH 160 recommended) | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| AAPBPL Restricted Electives | 3 | |
| Nat. Sci. Elective(s) | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Fifth Semester | ||
| ECO 211 | Economic Principles I - Macro 1 | 3 |
| Arts/Humanities Elective(s) | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Sixth Semester | ||
| ECO 222 | Economic Principles II - Micro | 3 |
| AAPBPL Restricted Electives | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Seventh Semester | ||
| PLS 220 or PLS 250 |
Politics and the Media or Campaigns and Elections |
3 |
| Restricted Elective(s) : Any HST course | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Eighth Semester | ||
| AAPBPL Restricted Electives | 3 | |
| Restricted Elective(s) : Any HST course | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Ninth Semester | ||
| AAPBPL Restricted Electives | 3 | |
| Nat. Sci. Lab Elective(s) | 3 | |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Tenth Semester | ||
| Open Elective(s) to reach a minimum of 60 total credits. (Any course 100-level or above and transferrable) | 5 | |
| Credits | 5 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- 1
An Academic Level 3 is required for ECO 211.
AAPBPL Restricted Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACC 111 | Principles of Financial Accounting 1 | |
| ACC 122 | Principles of Managerial Accounting | |
| ANT 201 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | |
| BMG 231 | Nonprofit Management | |
| ECO 110 | Introduction to Economics | |
| GEO 101 | World Regional Geography | |
| PHL 205 | Ethics | |
| SOC 205 | Race and Ethnic Relations | |
| Any PLS course | ||
| Any ARB, FRN, GRM, JPN, SPN course | ||
- 1
Academic Math Level 3 or MTH 125 or MTH 125X or MTH 160 or MTH 160X are prerequisites for ACC 111.