Bachelor of Professional Studies in
Policy Studies
Make your impact in the public, private or nonprofit sectors with a fully online degree. This program has been developed in cooperation with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, ranked #1 in the nation for public affairs. (U.S. News & World Report).
Let's Talk
Take the next step toward the career you want. Call (680)-207-2521 or fill out the form for more information about the online programs at Syracuse University.
Shape the Public Good
What goes into the policymaking process? How do relevant decisions impact people and communities worldwide?
These are some of the topics you’ll tackle as a policy studies major. You’ll be introduced to the historical, social, economic and political factors shaping issues at the local, state, national and global levels. And you’ll benefit from immersive fieldwork and a research project completed for a government agency or community organization—often used by students to showcase talents to prospective employers and graduate schools.
Prepare for careers across private business, government and nonprofits with your Bachelor of Professional Studies (BPS) in Policy Studies. BPS programs focus on professional competency and practical skills for online, part-time learners with busy schedules. With the BPS in Policy Studies, you’ll be highly trained and ready to make an immediate impact.
National public affairs school
U.S. News & World Report
6 Start Dates a Year
8-Week Courses
Transfer Up to 90 Credits
Study Part Time, 100% Online
Blend of Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning
Selected Faculty
Bill Coplin
Professor and Chair, Policy Studies B.A. Program, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
Since arriving on campus in 1969, Coplin has received almost all of Syracuse University’s teaching awards. He introduced the highly successful policy studies major in 1977 and has managed it since then. More than 40,000 students have taken Coplin’s introductory course to public policy at Syracuse University. He has published more than 115 books and articles in the fields of international relations, public policy, political risk analysis, and education and citizenship.
Austin Zwick
Assistant Director, Assistant Teaching Professor and Honors Director, Policy Studies, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
With a focus on social and economic transformation brought about by technological change, Zwick’s research has been published in Planning Theory & Practice, Review of Policy Research, The Canadian Geographer and GeoJournal. His work has won scholarships and awards with the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, American Collegiate Schools of Planning and the Regional Studies Association.
Program Details
Tuition and Financial Aid
Syracuse University makes tuition very affordable for part-time students. In addition, we offer generous financial aid and scholarships to help make our already low part-time tuition even more affordable. There are also benefits and support for active-duty, veteran, and military-connected students, including tuition in online undergraduate degrees for active-duty members that’s covered 100% by military tuition assistance (TA) and unlimited participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Dedicated Student Support
Each Syracuse University student is assigned a dedicated academic advisor who will work with you every step of the way, from registration to graduation, including general advising, transcript evaluation, career exploration and more. We’ll also help you navigate procedures and processes that might be unfamiliar to you if it’s been a while since you’ve attended school. Your advisor will help you come up with a personalized game plan to achieve your goals, with a focus on ensuring your success as an online student. These strategies for success include new-student onboarding, a technical overview of the online environment, tips for engaging successfully in the online classroom and more.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions for Syracuse University's online undergraduate programs are accepted on a rolling basis. Apply anytime.
- High school diploma or GED, or official transcripts from all previous higher education institutions attended
- For students transferring college credit, minimum 2.5 grade point average
- For students with no college credit to transfer, high school transcript must be submitted with application
- In certain instances, the admission committee may request letters of recommendation
- Interview with an advisor (can be conducted by phone)
Hybrid Learning Model
Our online courses are structured so that most work can be completed on your own time throughout the week. Weekly real time class sessions give online students an opportunity to meet with professors and fellow classmates to expand on course content or to gain a better understanding of material.
Online Programs to Match Your Ambition
Wherever life finds you, we offer flexible, high-quality online degree programs to match your ambitions. Discover just a few benefits of earning your degree online at Syracuse University.
Career-Focused Degree Programs
Gain skills in key areas to advance your career or take it in a new direction. Courses focus on experiential learning, providing you with plenty of opportunities to apply your studies to real-world scenarios.
Engaged Learning Community
Connect and collaborate with your peers and professors throughout your program—including weekly live interactive learning sessions to discuss and expand on that week's content.
World-Class Instruction
Experience the same academic rigor, learning from the same talented faculty, as students who are on the Syracuse University campus.
Benefits for Military & Veterans
Whether you’re a veteran or are currently serving in the armed forces, Syracuse University is proud to help you succeed by offering special education benefits, including tuition at the TA rate for active-duty members.
Flexible Options to Fit Your Busy Life
With programs designed for working professionals, you’ll have flexibility to balance your education with other life obligations without sacrificing quality. Looking to finish faster? We offer accelerated, 8-week-long classes with six starts throughout the year.
Dedicated Student Support
Have a question about financial aid, your career search, or another topic? Enjoy peace of mind that dedicated academic advisement and support is just a call, email, or live chat away.
Go Beyond What's Possible
Don’t wait another day to forge the future you want. Call (680)-207-2521 or fill out the form on this page to learn more about our online, part-time degree programs.