Skip to main content
Majors
myBYUI
Directories
A-Z Index
Give
  • Home
myBYUI
Directories
A-Z Index
Give
Majors
  • Home
Bachelor of Arts

Public Policy and Administration (B.A.)

Department of History, Geography and Political Science
Learn to shape public policy and lead programs that influence democracy at the local, state, and national levels.
A female student listens intently during a public policy history class
Learn More About the Policy and Administration Program
Request more information about the Policy and Administration program and discover how BYU-Idaho can help you reach your goals.

Request More Information
Get Involved

Public Policy and Administration Introduction

The Public Policy and Administration major at BYU-Idaho prepares students to effectively engage in and influence governance at the local, state, national, and international levels. Students develop a strong foundation in policy-making processes, public management, budgeting, ethical decision-making, and professional communication, equipping them to become thoughtful and capable leaders in the public sector.

This major integrates the study of public policy and public administration. Students learn to create, evaluate, and implement public policy through research, analysis, and an understanding of the policy environment, while also gaining practical skills in planning, managing, and assessing public programs. Coursework emphasizes leadership, cost-benefit analysis, collaborative governance, and organizational effectiveness.

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in civil service, education administration, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, executive leadership, and foreign service.

Find Out if This Degree Is Right for You!

Watch expert advice on how to succeed in this major + career options

Highlighted Courses

If you are interested in Public Policy, start with one of the following major-specific courses:
Introduction to Political Science
April 28, 2026 10:01 AM
POLSC 100
Get Involved
American Government
April 28, 2026 10:02 AM
POLSC 110
See Course Details
Human Resource Management
April 30, 2026 09:46 AM
BUS 270
Get Involved
State and Local Government
April 28, 2026 10:04 AM
POLSC 311
See Course Details
Principles of Public Administration
April 30, 2026 09:44 AM
POLSC 331
Get Involved
Public Policy and Administrative Theory
April 30, 2026 09:45 AM
POLSC 340
Get Involved
Epidemiology
April 30, 2026 09:46 AM
PUBH 370
Get Involved
American Foreign Policy
April 28, 2026 10:06 AM
POLSC 390
Get Involved
4-Year Plan
See Example Class Plan
See Example Class Plan
See all required courses

Salary Outlook for BYUI Graduates

Explore earnings data for BYU-Idaho graduates in public administration-related fields.

1 year

$41,695

Average Salary

Explore More Details

This data is based on outcomes for BYU-Idaho graduates with a degree in this major, using federal Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes (PSEO) data. It reflects actual earnings and employment over time, rather than job market estimates.

Career Possibilities for Public Policy and Administration

Graduates with a degree in Public Policy and Administration have a wide array of rewarding careers before them. Check out some of the top careers students get with this degree or explore more career options in I-Plan.

Career Options

Data Source: Industry and occupation employment and wage estimates are modeled using data from Lightcast, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other public sources. Figures are estimates and actual outcomes may vary by employer, experience, and location.

Dive Deeper Into Public Policy and Administration

Explore helpful articles about this major, including career paths, skills, and opportunities. Get the insight you need to make an informed decision about your future at BYU-Idaho.

Explore Major Discovery
American Heritage History class
Find the Right Fit
Student's Career Guide for Public Policy
August 10, 2026 04:27 PM
Public policy and administration is a widely applicable degree with many career opportunities in the community, business, and government. From working with families and human resources to working with lawmakers, you have the opportunity to plan your education however you see fit.
8 Min Read
Read More
Brother Tyler Watson explains Math Concepts to the students in his Epidemiology Class.
Find the Right Fit
What’s the Difference Between Political Science and Public Policy and Administration?
August 10, 2026 04:29 PM
Most people couldn’t tell you what the difference between Political Science and Public Policy is. People also define these topics differently, which makes understanding them even more difficult.
2 Min Read
Read More

AI in Academics

At BYU-Idaho, we are strategically integrating Artificial Intelligence to enhance academic excellence and prepare our students for an evolving world.

Learn more about AI in Academics
Advance Knowledge, Enhancing Learning, and Developing Workforce Readiness
AI in Academics means learning to advance knowledge, enhancing learning, and developing workforce readiness through tools that support (not replace) your effort and integrity.

Related Majors

BYU-I students simulate a State of the Union address in a political science class.
Political Science: American Government (B.S.)
Explore the political system, structure, and citizen participation in the United States government.
Get Involved
A BYU-Idaho student listens with great interest in a political science foreign affairs class
Political Science: Foreign Affairs (B.S.)
Study relationships and policies between different countries around the world.
Get Involved
Two students smile while viewing a computer with a faculty member in a social studies education history class
Social Studies Education Composite (B.A.)
Teach history and social studies subjects in middle and high schools.
Get Involved

Next Steps With BYU-Idaho

Learn How to Apply
Explore how to begin your academic journey at BYU-Idaho by starting your application today.
Get Involved
Change Your Major
Learn how to update your academic path with simple instructions for requesting a major change.
Get Involved

Learn More About the Public and Administration Program

Request more information about the Public and Administration program and discover how BYU-Idaho can help you reach your goals.

Request More Information