COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Management at the University at Albany is structured to prepare students to understand and address complex policy challenges through a combination of economics, political science, management, and quantitative analysis. The program begins with foundational coursework that helps students build a strong analytical and conceptual base for understanding how public systems operate. Core courses include Principles of Economics I: Microeconomics and II: Macroeconomics, Introduction to Public Policy, Understanding Public Organizations, Methodological Tools for Public Policy, and American Politics. Together, these courses provide essential knowledge of economic behavior, government structure, policy formation, and organizational management within the public sector.After completing the core requirements, students choose elective courses designed to strengthen their analytical and practical skills. These electives are divided into areas such as Management and Politics, which focuses on how policies are designed and implemented, and Quantitative Methods and Policy Analysis, which emphasizes statistical and data-driven approaches used to evaluate policies and model real-world systems. Students take two courses in each area, with at least one at the upper-division level, and select them in consultation with faculty advisors based on availability and academic goals.The program also allows students to pursue a concentration in a specialized area of public policy and management. Students may choose six courses within a single concentration or design a customized path by combining courses from two areas, ensuring at least half are at the advanced level.To complete the degree, students participate in a capstone experience, which includes an Applied Public Affairs Internship and a Policy Capstone course. These experiences allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world policy environments, preparing them for careers in government, public administration, policy analysis, and related fields.