Online Public Policy Degree Programs

Want to make a difference in the world? Do you have solutions to some of the problems you see every day? As we become more aware of the multi-dimensional impact that public policy has on the world around us, there is increasing demand for policy experts. A degree in public policy could give you the start you need to make those very changes. The skills you can obtain may allow you to examine policy issues that impact social communities around the nation.

Public Policy Career Opportunities

Degrees in public policy groom students for leadership careers in many sectors, such as law, public service, private industry, and more. Depending on your desired career path, you may earn a bachelor's degree, master's degree, or doctoral degree in public policy. A degree in public policy can help you incorporate leadership and communication skills towards your career in public administrations, politics, or economics. Specifically, individuals may find jobs in government, scientific societies, federal agencies, industry organizations, and more.

Get the Career Training You Need

A degree in public policy can be just a few clicks away. There are numerous online study options available through the Internet with various course options. These advanced online degree programs offer students a deeper understanding of critical thinking, communication, decision making, economics, and business ethics. Below are a few highlights of each skill set that you will obtain with a degree in public policy:

• Critical thinking: evaluate different perspectives regarding public policy and create unifying solutions
• Communication: learn the necessary skills to articulate and explain the specifics of policy decisions to groups and general public
• Decision making: sharpen the skills you need to make authoritative decisions
• Economics: learn how to effectively analyze the changes in today's market economy
• Creating policy: understand the political, environmental, and social factors that shape policy during its inception
• Business ethics: examine the moral and ethical problems that commonly arise in the business world, from bribery to misleading financial analysis

Salary and Earnings Information

Your future salary largely depends on the career path you end up choosing. A degree in public policy opens the door to so many opportunities that salaries may vary significantly from job to job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) these positions earned the following annual median salaries in 2007:

• Political scientist: $91,580
• Social scientist: $55,300
• Budget analyst: $63,440
• Economist: $80,200

The job market for individuals interested in public policy careers should see significant growth through 2016. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these occupations should see the following job growth during the 2006-2016 decade:

• Economist (7 percent)
• Budget analyst (7 percent)
• Political scientist (5 percent)
• Social scientist (10 percent)

From local government to local school districts, think tanks and universities, public policy experts can make a difference in a variety of areas.

• Social Science
• Public Policy