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UNCW students gaze upward during a tour of the U.S. Capitol

Public Policy & Administration, B.S.

Master Policy Analysis and Learn To Lead
  • 9%

    Employment Growth for Management Analysts Through 2034

  • 3%

    Employment Growth for Urban and Regional Planners through 2034

  • 4%

    Employment Growth for Fundraisers through 2034

Our Alumni Have Careers As:

Study how government agencies operate and recommend ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs, strengthen customer service and modernize operations. These analysts often work for consulting firms or directly within government.

Research public issues, analyze data, evaluate policy alternatives and prepare reports that help elected officials and administrators make informed decisions.

Determine whether government or nonprofit programs are meeting their goals, measure outcomes, recommend improvements and track organizational performance.

Develop budgets, forecast revenues and expenditures, analyze financial trends and help organizations allocate public resources efficiently.

Oversee the daily operations of local government, supervise departments, implement policies adopted by elected officials, prepare budgets and manage public services. Most managers and administrators begin as management analysts or assistant/deputy managers before advancing.

Identify grant opportunities, prepare proposals, administer grant-funded projects, ensure compliance with regulations and report outcomes to funding agencies.

Work with local governments to attract businesses, revitalize neighborhoods, administer redevelopment projects, secure grants and encourage economic growth.

Learn To

Identify, research and evaluate complex organizational and public policy problems using qualitative and quantitative evidence

Assess the effectiveness, efficiency and outcomes of government and nonprofit programs using established evaluation methods

Improve organizational effectiveness through process analysis, performance measurement and evidence-based recommendations

Assist public managers and leaders by preparing analyses, coordinating initiatives and providing information that supports strategic decision-making

“ The B.S. in Public Policy and Administration provides students clear paths to careers where they will solve public, nonprofit, and civic problems through various management and political lenses. ”
Dr. John Brennan Associate Professor, Public and International Affairs
Program Overview

Building Skills That Set Policy Into Action

Policy analysts and public administrators study the facts, processes and theories that underlie how government is formulated and operated at the local, state and federal levels of government. Through this, they contribute to the core of civic and governmental functions in our state and in the nation. The B.S. in Public Policy and Administration teaches students the analytical and applied skills they need to succeed in careers across a broad expanse of public, civic and nonprofit affairs.

Classes in this major focus on the personal, theoretical, financial and practical knowledge that is essential to engage citizens, governments and civic organizations. Students will acquire advanced skills and analytical tools to support them in their professional growth, along with a strong civic understanding of our public institutions that empowers them to make significant contributions as informed citizens and future leaders.

A student speaks before the UNCW Board of Trustees

Sample Courses

  • PLS 101: American National Government
  • PLS 217: Ethics and Leadership in Public Life
  • PLS 312: Political Analysis
  • PLS 351: Urban Government and Politics
  • PLS 361: Nonprofit Resource Management
  • PLS 434: Nonprofit Leadership Experience
SEE THE FULL CURRICULUM

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Department

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