Program Details
Public Policy - Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of ArtsWilliam & Mary
Public Policy is an interdisciplinary major that focuses on analytical decision making to study diverse subjects ranging from the processes of making, implementing and evaluating government policies to the ethical evaluation of contemporary social problems. It emphasizes quantitative and economic analysis, the study of political institutions that produce policy, and the examination of specific policy areas such as environment and health. The Public Policy major draws on coursework primarily from Economics and Government, but also on courses in Psychology, Sociology, Law, Philosophy, and others. Graduates from the undergraduate Public Policy program pursue a wide array of careers in public service, policymaking and politics, finding employment in governments at all levels, consulting firms that work with governmental clients, regulated industries as well as non-profits. Public Policy graduates regularly pursue graduate studies in business administration, economics, environmental studies, health policy and administration, law, political science, psychology, public administration, public policy analysis, social work, sociology and urban affairs. In addition to preparing Public Policy majors to be participants in the policy process, an important goal is also to teach students to be well-informed, capable citizens.
Program Overview & Guidance

| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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| Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | |
| Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between William & Mary and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | If you are applying to W&M as a true transfer student, meaning you have graduated from high school AND have at least one full time semester in college SINCE your high school graduation, AND you have earned an Associates of Arts, Associate of Sciences, or Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in a baccalaureate-oriented program from the Virginia Community College System or Richard Bland College you are granted junior academic status (you'll get at least 54 transfer credits). You will also have some of our general education requirements met via your Associates degree. An associate's degree in General Studies is not considered a baccalaureate-oriented program, unless approved as such by the State Council on Higher Education for Virginia. Students transferring (not new freshmen) who have earned an Associates degree after their High School graduation date, with an Associate of Arts, Associate of Sciences, or Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in a baccalaureate-oriented program from the Virginia Community College System or Richard Bland College are granted junior academic status (defined as at least 54 credits). An associate's degree in General Studies is not considered a baccalaureate-oriented program, unless approved as such by the State Council on Higher Education for Virginia. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students entering as new freshmen, who have earned an Associates degree concurrent with their High School graduation date, will NOT have the same guarantees as a Transfer student who has earned an Associates degree post their High School graduation date. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | William & Mary does accept as transfer credit, credit for prior learning. Please check out this webpage to view the places where we do award transfer credit. https://www.wm.edu/offices/registrar/studentsandalumni/transfercredit/apib/index.php |
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College Level Information

| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | Answer these questions to help you decide if William & Mary is right for you! Do you want to go to school in a small-ish town, but has easily accessible larger cities nearby (like Washington DC, Richmond, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach)? Do you want to conduct research with a factulty member as an undergraduate? Do you want to have (mostly) small class sizes? Do you want to take part in service activities? Do you want to have fun, like take part in the "Seventh Grade Comedy Club", or participate in club sports and organizations? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then William & Mary might be right for you. Our students work hard and play hard. Be sure to dig deep into our web page to find out more about all there is to learn and do at W&M! |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. Https://catalog.wm.edu |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determined by first semester of attendance. |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://www.wm.edu/admission/undergraduateadmission/how-to-apply/transfers/vccs_students/index.php |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Mary Baldwin University | Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Regent University | B.A. in Government | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-1031.00 | Legislators | Develop, introduce, or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, state, or federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions. | Management Occupations |
| 25-1065.00 | Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 19-3094.00 | Political Scientists | Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-4061.00 | Social Science Research Assistants | Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
Cost To Complete

