Policy Studies, BPS
Contact
Interim Dean
Ryan O. Williams, Interim Dean of Academic Affairs
Professor of Practice College of Professional Studies, rywillia@syr.edu
Program Director
Austin Zwick, Associate Teaching Professor
College of Professional Studies, alzwick@syr.edu
Program Questions, contact the College of Professional Studies at 315-443-9378, or email parttime@syr.edu
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.
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Studies Core | ||
| Writing | ||
| WRT 105 | Studio 1: Practices of Academic Writing | 3 |
| WRT 205 | Studio 2: Critical Research and Writing | 3 |
| Quantitative Skills | ||
| Complete 6-8 credits of Quantitative Skills Sequence Requirement outlined in the Liberal Arts Core Guidebook. | 6-8 | |
| 15 credits of Liberal Arts Coursework as defined in the Syracuse University Liberal Arts Core Guidebook or transfer equivalent per NYSED Liberal Arts & Sciences Guidelines for a BPS degree, as approved by the College of Professional Studies | 15 | |
| Note: 6 credits can be shared with the PST Major Requirements | ||
| Critical Reflections on Ethical & Social Issues | ||
| Select 3 credits from any course listed in the Critical Reflections on Ethical & Social Issues Division of the Liberal Arts Core Guidebook. | 3 | |
| Professional Competencies Core | ||
| 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 | ||
| BPS 101 | Orange Immersion: First Year Seminar | 3 |
| BPS 211 | Introduction to Professional Studies | 3 |
| BPS 411 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| Select seven of the following: | 21 | |
| Introduction to Change Management | ||
| Practical Financial Management for the Working Professional | ||
| Assertiveness in the Workplace for Professional Studies | ||
| Rhetorical Awareness and the Diverse Workplace | ||
| Design Thinking for Organizations | ||
| Customer Relations Leadership | ||
| Leading Cooperative Negotiations | ||
| Business Organizations | ||
| Organizational Leadership | ||
| Professional Issues in Creative Leadership | ||
| Strategic Leadership | ||
| Foundations of Project Management | ||
| Project Communications and Stakeholder Management | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| Core Courses | ||
| PST 101 | An Introduction to the Analysis of Public Policy | 3 |
| PSC 121 | American National Government and Politics | 3 |
| PSC 202 | Introduction to Political Analysis | 3 |
| ECN 101 | Introductory Microeconomics | 3 |
| SOC 102 | Social Problems | 3 |
| PST 315 | Methods of Public Policy Analysis and Presentation | 3 |
| PST 367 | Smart Cities and Urban Policy | 3 |
| PST 410 | Practicum in Public Policy | 3 |
| Major Electives | ||
| 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) | ||
| Select six credits of the following: | 6 | |
| Introduction to Change Management | ||
| Practical Financial Management for the Working Professional | ||
| Assertiveness in the Workplace for Professional Studies | ||
| Global Leadership | ||
| Rhetorical Awareness and the Diverse Workplace | ||
| Design Thinking for Organizations | ||
| Conflict Management | ||
| Customer Relations Leadership | ||
| Leading Cooperative Negotiations | ||
| Business Organizations | ||
| Digital and Business Communications for Professional Studies | ||
| Organizational Leadership | ||
| Analysis & Decision Models for Leaders | ||
| Professional Issues in Creative Leadership | ||
| Strategic Leadership | ||
| Introduction to Computer Networking and Cloud Computing for Professional Studies | ||
| Introduction to Information Security for Professional Studies | ||
| Introduction to Knowledge Management | ||
| Foundations of Project Management | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select 27-30 (or however many needed to reach 120) credits of Electives | 27-30 | |
Total Credits: 120
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.
Undergraduate University Requirements
The following requirements and experiences apply to all Syracuse University Undergraduate matriculated degree programs.