A leading research university located in Atlanta, Ga

B.S. in Public Policy

College: Andrew Young School of Policy Studies
Program: Public Policy
See Also: Andrew Young School of Policy Studies

Policymakers are the ones who shape our world: they work on solving problems that affect us all — such as improving the environment, providing affordable health care, planning transportation options, and improving the quality of life in communities. Recognizing the interdisciplinary nature of public policy, this major includes study in a wide variety of policy areas through different departments. Majors will develop the ability to synthesize information and knowledge from across the disciplines to formulate comprehensive analyses of existing or proposed public policies, and to be able to present these analyses to decision-makers.

Suggested Schedule of Courses

This is a suggested 4-year schedule of courses based on degree requirements in the 2009-2010 Undergraduate Catalog.  This guide is not a substitute for academic advisement — contact your advisement office if you have any questions about scheduling or about your degree requirements.  Also see the Undergraduate Catalog for a complete list of requirements and electives to choose from.

Students may choose to attend a summer term to reduce their load during fall or spring semesters but still stay on track to graduate in four years.

Freshman Year

Term 1
Course Hours
ENGL1101 3
MATH 1101 or higher 3
Lab Science “A” 4
GSU 1010 3
PHIL 1010 2
Total Hours 15
Term 2
Course Hours
ENGL 1102 3
POLS 1101 3
Lab Science “B” 4
SPCH 2050 3
PERS 2001 2
HIST 2110 3
Total Hours 18
Freshman Milestones:
  • Overall GPA 2.0 or higher
  • Complete all Area A requirements
  • Attend the major fair and declare a major


Sophomore Year

Term 3
Course Hours
PAUS 3021 or PAUS 3031 3
PSYC 1101 3
ECON 2105 3
Area E Elective 3
Area D Elective 3
Total Hours 15
Term 4
Course Hours
PAUS 3311 3
SOCI 1101 3
ECON 2106 3
Area C Elective 3
POLS 2401 3
Total Hours 15
Sophomore Milestones:
  • Register for the Regents Test
  • Transition from SAC: Meet with major advisor in OAA
  • Complete PAUS 3311 with C or higher
  • Complete University Core


Junior Year

Term 5
Course Hours
PAUS 3021 or PAUS 3031 3
Area F Elective 3
PAUS 4041 3
Area H Track course 3
Area I 3000-4999 Approved Elective 3
Total Hours 15
Term 6
Course Hours
PAUS 4051 3
Area F Elective 3
PAUS 4061 3
Area H Track course 3
Area I 3000-4999 Approved Elective 3
Total Hours 15
Junior Milestones:
  • Meet with faculty to discuss policy areas
  • Select a "track" (concentration) in policy
  • Complete PAUS 4041 with C or higher
  • Complete Area G Core
  • Apply for graduation


Senior Year

Term 7
Course Hours
Area H Track course 3
Area H Track course 3
Area H Track course 3
Area I 3000-4999 Approved Elective 3
Area I 3000-4999 Approved Elective 3
Total Hours 15
Term 8
Course Hours
Area H Track course 3
Area H Track course 3
PAUS 4941 - Internship 3
Area I 3000-4999 Approved Elective 3
Area I 3000-4999 Approved Elective 3
Total Hours 15
Senior Milestones:
  • Find and complete an internship
  • Meet OAA Adviser for graduation check out