Program: Policy Studies, BPS - Syracuse University

2023-2024 Undergraduate Course Catalog

Apr 01, 2025

Contact:

Associate Dean:

Ryan O. Williams, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Professor of Practice

College of Professional Studies, rywillia@syr.edu

Administrative Director:

Maria C. Borte, Academic Program Administrator,

College of Professional Studies, mcborte@syr.edu

Program Questions, contact the College of Professional Studies at 315-443-9378, or email parttime@syr.edu

Faculty List

Description:

The Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) in Policy Studies examines how decisions are made and how they affect government policies-at the international, federal, state, and local levels, as well as in private business and nonprofit organizations.

Student Learning Outcomes

Apply problem-solving techniques to ameliorate societal problems.
Describe how public policy is implemented.
Collect information in a variety of ways.
Analyze quantitative data for use in decision making.
Communicate effectively in verbal and written modes.
Demonstrate ability to work effectively on team projects.

Liberal Studies Core (30-33 credits)

The Liberal Studies Core gives a foundation in writing, language or quantitative skills, humanities, social science, natural science, and critical reflections. It draws upon lower-division courses in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Writing (6 credits)

Quantitative Skills (Choose 6-8 credits)

Complete Quantitative Skills Sequence Requirement outlined in the Liberal Arts Core Guidebook.

Humanities (Choose 6 credits)

Any course listed in the Humanities Division of the Liberal Arts Core Guidebook.

Social Science (Choose 6 credits)

Any course listed in the Social Sciences Division of the Liberal Arts Core Guidebook.

Natural Science (Choose 3-4 credits)

Any course listed in the Natural Sciences Division of the Liberal Arts Core Guidebook.

Critical Reflections on Ethical & Social Issues (Choose 3 Credits)

Any course listed in the Critical Reflections on Ethical & Social Issues Division of the Liberal Arts Core Guidebook.

Professional Competencies Core (30 credits)

The Professional Competencies Core covers fundamental knowledge and abilities required in the modern workplace, such as ethics and critical thinking, problem solving, human relations, diversity and change management, budgeting and resource management, and teamwork. The Professional Competencies Core includes an introductory course, and a capstone experience required of all B.P.S. students. Designed to draw together issues from across the entire B.P.S. program, these courses summarize concepts covered in the curriculum and develop students’ skills in strategic decision-making that looks to the future.

Required Courses: (9 credits)

Choose 7 Courses (21 Credits) from list below:

Major Requirements (30 credits)

Core Courses (24 credits)

Major Electives (6 Credits)

Credits may be from any Upper Division Maxwell course or from the following list.

(NOTE: cannot be a duplicate class taken in the Professional Competencies Core)

Electives (27-30 credits)

Note:

The degree is administered by the College of Professional Studies. Each student should consult with their Academic Advisor to structure a plan for degree completion.

Note:

The degree is administered by the College of Professional Studies. Each student should consult with their Academic Advisor to structure a plan for degree completion.