Study Policy at UIC
Introduction
The BA in Public Policy curriculum is designed to give you analytical skills, a strong foundation in the policy process, and opportunities to apply what you learn in real-world settings. Whether you want to work with data, shape legislation, or advocate for your community, our program prepares you to lead ethically and with evidence.
Our core courses are designed to help students achieve three learning outcomes:
1. Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze and distinguish between the institutional structures and management practices of public and private sector organizations.
- PPOL 303: Policy Implementation and Management
- PPOL 491: Internship Experience in Public Policy and Urban Studies
2. Students will apply appropriate quantitative and qualitative research methods to systematically assess evidence related to the effectiveness of public policies and programs.
- PPOL 105: Programming and Data Analysis for Public Policy I
- PPOL 205: Programming and Data Analysis for Public Policy II
- PPOL 305: Policy Analysis
- PPOL 405: Evaluating Public Policies and Programs
3. Students will identify and evaluate the roles of key actors across the various stages of the policy-making process.
- PPOL 100: Individual Action and Democratic Citizenship
- PPOL 210: Introduction to Public Policy
Program Highlights
Hands-On Skills in Data and Policy Analysis
Our analytically grounded curriculum teaches you to work with real data, assess policy tradeoffs, and communicate findings clearly to decision-makers. You’ll build skills from the ground up—no prior experience needed. Our courses prepare you to stand out in today’s workforce, where employers demand both quantitative skills and clear communication.
- In Programming and Data Analysis for Public Policy I & II (PPOL 105 & 205), you’ll learn how to analyze, visualize, and interpret policy-relevant data and develop skills using Excel and the R programming language.
- In Policy Analysis (PPOL 305), you’ll develop the professional writing skills needed to craft compelling policy memos and evaluate alternative solutions.
- In Evaluating Public Policies and Programs (PPOL 405), you’ll understand the theories and research methods used in the social sciences to evaluate public programs.
Strong Foundation in Policy Institutions and Democratic Values
Public policy students develop a strong understanding of how governments work, who holds power, and how decisions are made. This values-driven training helps you become a thoughtful and ethical policy professional ready to lead in diverse environments.
- Courses like Introduction to Public Policy (PPOL 210) and Individual Action and Democratic Citizenship (PPOL 100) ground you in democratic theory and the U.S. policymaking process, and allow you to engage in current policy debates.
- In Policy Implementation and Management (PPOL 303), you’ll understand the complexities of policy implementation in the modern administrative state and learn how the internal and external factors revolving around the public bureaucracy shape policy implementation.
- In Contemporary Issues in Public Policy (PPOL 101), you’ll engage in critical policy debates and explore how your values shape your understanding of effective governance.
Flexibility to Specialize in What You Care About
You’ll have the opportunity to explore a wide range of policy specialization areas, allowing you to focus on the issues that matter most to you.
- Economic Development Policy
- Education Policy
- Environmental Policy
- Fiscal Policy
- Health Policy
- Foreign and Global Policy
- Social Policy
Real-World Experience in Chicago and Beyond
Through internships and applied coursework, you’ll connect with leading government agencies, advocacy organizations, and research institutes. This practical experience prepares you for today’s workplace.
- In Internship Experience in Public Policy and Urban Studies (PPOL 491), you’ll gain practical experience through an internship or job placement approved by the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs.