Planning, Public Policy and Management (BA/BS)

What do sustainable city planning, community change, food security, transportation planning, and nonprofit administration have in common? All are rooted in making a difference in our communities, states, and countries. Choose to study in the School of Planning, Public Policy and Management (PPPM) and you’ll discover how governments, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector firms address some of the most important problems facing society—and how you can play a key role in finding innovative solutions.

As a PPPM major you’ll gain a thorough grounding in the principles of civic responsibility, environmental sustainability, and international understanding. Experiential learning, evidence-based decision-making, and interdisciplinary study will be at the core of your PPPM curriculum. You’ll learn from and work with faculty members who are internationally recognized scholars with a wide range of training and research interests. Your courses will focus on concepts and skills and explore how to implement them within communities, organizations, and governments.

Program's Admission Requirements

Please visit the program's website.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Synthesize core principles and policies guiding nonprofit and public organizations.
• Engage in evidence-based dialogue about urgent social, environmental, and economic issues.
• Apply learned skills to professional-level planning, nonprofit, and public policy projects by participating in courses that work on real-world issues with community partners.
• Build high-demand skills that public sector and nonprofit employers are seeking.
• Utilize professional development tools, like cover letter and resume writing or internship experience, to support their career interests in public service.

Planning, Public Policy and Management Major Requirements

Students should expect extensive writing, analysis, and collaborative projects as part of their education in PPPM. For more information, contact an academic advisor in the College of Design.

Fields of Interest

Students are encouraged to work with a College of Design academic advisor to identify electives in one or more fields of interest.

Fields of interest may include the following:

• arts and cultural leadership
• environment and sustainability
• equity and social justice
• global sustainability and development
• nonprofit administration
• public leadership and management
• social and health policy
• urban planning and development

Internship

Internships are optional but highly recommended for all PPPM students as a way to explore and clarify their interests and career goals, apply academic learning, develop new skills, and network with professionals. These career-building experiences help prepare students for fellowships, professional positions, or further academic study. Students interested in the PPPM Internship Program should enroll in PPPM 412 Internship and Professional Development and meet with the PPPM Undergraduate Internship Director.  More information is on the School website.

Thesis and Honors Program

Students may pursue an undergraduate thesis in PPPM if they are accepted in the honors program, or if they are enrolled in the Clark Honors College. Students may not pursue the thesis option without prior approval; interested students should contact the PPPM Undergraduate Program Director by the end of their sophomore year for more information. Students must have a 3.75 GPA to be considered for the honors program; a thesis is required.

 Four-Year Degree Plan

The degree plan shown is only a sample of how students may complete their degrees in four years. There are alternative ways. Students should consult their advisor to determine the best path for them.

Bachelor of Arts in Planning, Public Policy and Management

Bachelor of Science in Planning, Public Policy and Management