BPS Policy Studies at Syracuse University

Programme overview

Fully online bachelor's degree in policy studies covering how policy is made and implemented at international, federal, state and local levels and in business and nonprofit organizations. Students build expertise in a policy area of choice; learning blends asynchronous and weekly live sessions. Up to 90 credits can be transferred.

Faculty: College of Professional Studies with the Maxwell School | Duration: 120 credits (8-week courses, six start dates a year, part-time option) | Study mode: online | Location: Syracuse, NY, United States

What you will study

Sample courses: PST 101 Introduction to the Analysis of Public Policy, PSC 202 Introduction to Political Analysis, ECN 101 Introductory Microeconomics, PSC 121 American National Government and Politics, PST 367 Smart Cities and Urban Policy, PST 315 Methods of Public Policy Analysis and Presentation, SOC 102 Social Problems.

Career pathways

Public relations and fundraising manager, medical and health services manager, policy analyst, research analyst, project manager, information security analyst, policy director.

Official programme page

Application information

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Students may apply for the fall or spring semester. First-year fall applicants may apply through Early Decision I, Early Decision II, Early Action or Regular Decision. Transfer applicants may apply for fall or spring.

First-year deadlines: Early Action November 1; Early Decision I November 1; Early Decision II January 5; Regular Decision January 5. Fall transfer applications are due July 1; spring applications (first-year and transfer) are due November 15. Some programmes have earlier deadlines (for example Drama acting and musical theater application and prescreen December 1; architecture portfolio January 5).

First-year students apply through the Common Application or the Coalition Application powered by Scoir. SAT/ACT scores are not required for Fall 2026, Spring 2027, Fall 2027 or Spring 2028 admission, and students who do not submit scores remain eligible for merit scholarships. An application fee waiver can be requested in writing by the school counselor to [email protected].

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities