
International students can study the Public Policy Analysis at The Ohio State University on the Columbus campus in United States of America. This Bachelor degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 4 years and is offered at the Columbus campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on August 24, 2027.
About Bachelor of Public Policy Analysis
Public Policy Analysis
Degree: BS
Campus: Columbus
School: Public Affairs
Everyone has a cause they are passionate about. A degree in public policy analysis gives you the tools to put your passion to action.
The John Glenn College of Public Affairs is committed to inspiring and developing future public
leaders and professionals who will tackle challenging societal problems. With a degree in public policy analysis, students learn to develop policy solutions to make positive change in their communities and receive extensive interdisciplinary training in techniques used to assess the government's adoption of public policies. Students can specialize in an area of policy they are passionate about and build a foundation in other aspects of public affairs such as civic engagement and public management and leadership. Whether students see themselves tackling homelessness in their community, taming the growing national debt or creating educational opportunities for impoverished women around the globe, a degree from the Glenn College will provide them with the knowledge and skills to get the job done.
Students in the public policy analysis program learn to develop policy solutions for real-world societal problems and receive extensive interdisciplinary training in techniques used to assess the government's adoption of public policies. Students can specialize in an area of policy that is of interest to them and build a foundation in other aspects of public affairs such as civic engagement and public management and leadership.
Get started
Students can apply to Ohio State directly as majors in public policy analysis in the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. Current Ohio State students may declare the major at any time.
Public policy analysis also pairs nicely with many other majors on campus as part of a double major program.
Curriculum
Students in the major take core public affairs courses offered through the Glenn College and can take additional methods courses from departments such as political science and economics. An array of specialization tracks and minors are also offered in conjunction with other units throughout the university. Examples of specialization areas include education policy, science and technology policy, and health policy. Students also complete a capstone research project on a topic of their choosing.
Course topics for the major:
- introduction to public affairs
- public policy analysis
- public policy evaluation
- civic engagement
- public affairs decision making
- public economics and finance
- public management/leadership
- data analysis/research methods
- public affairs research paper
- public affairs specialization courses
Study abroad
Students can apply to pursue the Global Option in Public Affairs to gain international expertise without adding time to graduation. Students in this program complete advanced public affairs and language courses, write a senior capstone paper or thesis related to international or global issues, and participate in an academic study abroad experience, summer global internship or approved internationally focused internship.
Internship
Students are encouraged to pursue internships that are related to their respective policy interest areas. Glenn College's career services helps students locate and secure internships in the greater Columbus area. Past interns have worked with local employers at organizations such as:
- Ohio House of Representatives
- Ohio Senate
- Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation
- Make-A-Wish Foundation
- Columbus City Council and Mayor’s Office
The Ohio Government Internship Program is designed to support students as they develop their careers in public service by interning in Ohio state or Columbus local government. Participants will earn 3 credit hours and will receive a $500 stipend upon successful completion of the program. Examples of recent internship sites include state legislative offices, the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Columbus City Council.
The Glenn College’s Washington Academic Internship Program offers Ohio State juniors and seniors the opportunity to spend a semester in our nation’s capital interning at an organization with a public service focus that fits their unique policy interests and career goals. Through the program, students earn 12 academic credits that can be used toward the major. Students also engage in professional development activities throughout the semester. Examples of recent internship sites include Congressional offices, the Partnership for Public Service, the Federal Judicial Center, The Brookings Institution and EMILY’s List.
Honors and Scholars
Glenn College Honors students have the opportunity to enhance their academic programs through Honors, upper-division and graduate-level courses along with the completion of enrichment activities such as the Washington Academic Internship Program or an Honors thesis under the guidance of a Glenn College faculty advisor.
Student organizations
Students can join the John Glenn Civic Leadership Council (CLC). A two-time recipient of the Outstanding Student Organization award at Ohio State, the CLC plans programs and events based on policy, academics, service and community. Examples of recent CLC programming include policy discussions with nationally-renowned speakers, community service trips and local projects, and academic/professional development seminars.
The Public Affairs Multicultural Association is a student organization that brings together students of all ages, races, gender, religions, disabilities and backgrounds to create a welcoming community that enables and encourages collaboration among peers on topics related to diversity and inclusion. It strives to support, educate and encourage students who are passionate about multiculturalism and diversity and inclusion. We aim to inspire citizenship and develop leadership among its members all while embracing diverse backgrounds and ideas.
IGNITE OSU encourages and empowers young women to develop their political ambition, civic engagement and leadership skills to create a supportive female community within The Ohio State University and to build the next generation of women leaders. IGNITE OSU supports women in their political aspirations by providing training, resources and access to a network of elected officials. We also create opportunities for
Incoming first-year students also have the opportunity to participate in the John Glenn Civic Leadership Community. Students in this program live together in Baker East residence hall, enroll in a public affairs class as a group during the fall semester, participate in a number of academic, social and policy-oriented programs throughout the year, and take a group trip to Washington, D.C.
For more information about the Glenn College's co-curricular undergraduate programs, visit glenn.osu.edu under the "Student programs" tab.
Possible careers
Graduates of programs in the Glenn College are prepared for entry-level opportunities in management or analysis with government agencies and nonprofit organizations. According to the Partnership for Public Service, the federal government will need to hire over 600,000 new employees over the next four years. The International City/County Management Association estimates that one-third of state and local government employees are over the age of 50, so state governments will also need entry-level talent in upcoming years. These figures indicate a need for young talent which the John Glenn College hopes to provide.
Glenn College graduates have entered the following positions:
- budget analyst, State of Illinois
- analyst, Ohio Department of Education
- special projects coordinator, the Columbus Partnership
- benefit analyst, Mercer Health & Benefits
- associate consultant, Health Philanthropy Service Group
- legal analyst, Kohrman, Jackson & Krantz
- staff assistant, U.S. House of Representatives
- legislative assistant, City of Columbus
Salary estimates
Graduates earn an average starting salary of $42,000 per year, but salaries can vary greatly depending on sector/occupation of choice. Career services works with students and recent alumni, especially from underrepresented backgrounds, to prepare them for salary negotiations
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Public Policy Analysis at The Ohio State University
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Public Policy Analysis at The Ohio State University
How to Apply for Bachelor of Public Policy Analysis at The Ohio State University
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.

United States of America, Columbus