Bachelor's Degree in Public Policy
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
A bachelor’s degree in Public Policy is ideal for students interested in driving change through research, analysis, and the creation of effective policies that address critical issues like education, environment, health care, and housing. The program prepares graduates for civic leadership roles and for careers in government, law, nonprofit organizations, consulting, and advocacy, equipping them with the skills to influence decision-making at local, state, and national levels.
Program Overview
Public policy is an interdisciplinary program that applies tools from economics, political science, finance, and management to help students solve problems that matter to people and communities. Students in public policy hone their skills in internships, research, and leadership roles at UK and leave prepared to tackle society’s most pressing issues with integrity. The program’s focus on analytical and communication skills prepares students for meaningful careers directly after graduation, as well as for the demands of law school and graduate programs in public policy and other fields.
Many public policy students find that the program’s flexibility affords them opportunities such as pursuing a second major or a minor, specializing in a policy area, and education abroad experiences.
Related Careers
- Policy Analyst
- Nonprofit Leadership
- Public Affairs Communication
- Legal Careers
- Legislative Aide
- Management Consultant
- Government Relations and Advocacy
- Community Engagement
- Budget Analyst
- Research Associate
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What You'll Learn
The Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy program prepares students to analyze and influence the policies that shape communities, governments, and economies. Students develop a deep understanding of policy design, implementation, and evaluation through coursework in economics, political science, ethics, and data analysis. With an emphasis on evidence-based decision-making and social impact, the program equips graduates to address complex societal challenges and pursue careers in government, nonprofit organizations, advocacy, or graduate study in law, public administration, or related fields. Expand the menu below to view a sample curriculum plan.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Transfer in using our KCTCS Pathway
This program has a degree pathway from KCTCS, allowing students a seamless transfer process to obtain their bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky.
View Pathways
Get a Head Start with an
Accelerated Pathway
This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a related master's degree, this program can save you time and money with dual credit hours when you sign up.
Admission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
- Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.
Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.
Application Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Program Specific Requirements
Students apply and enter this program as “Pre-Public Policy” majors. Students are fully admitted to the program when they complete the pre-major requirements with a 2.75 GPA. View specifics in the Academic Catalog.
In the spring semester of their first year, Public Policy students who plan to pursue law school may apply for the Martin School’s accelerated 3+3 program with the Rosenberg College of Law. Students must have Pre-Public Policy as a primary major, a GPA of at least 3.65, and be on track to complete all major requirements by the end of the third year. Students who complete the program will be eligible to apply to the Rosenberg College of Law during their junior year. If accepted, students take the first year law courses during their senior year.
Application Deadlines
Freshman
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Early Action
- 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
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Regular Decision
- 02/15/2026
Transfer
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Fall Scholarship
- 06/15/2025 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
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Fall
- 08/01/2025
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Spring
- 11/15/2025
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Summer
- 04/15/2025
I chose to study Public Policy because I knew I wanted to be a public servant, but going into college, wasn’t quite sure where I wanted to land within that field. Public Policy, especially at UK, prepares students for a multitude of different journeys following graduation. Whether it’s law school, graduate school, working in politics, government agencies, nonprofits, or anything in-between, Public Policy at UK in the Martin School will set you up for success. I chose the Martin School and UK because the small Public Policy program allows me to have an individualized learning experience, while still getting to utilize all the resources, culture, and alumni network of a large state school such as UK. I couldn’t think of anywhere better!
Explore Financial Aid Options
Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.
Program Specific Funding Opportunities
Students are encouraged to view the scholarship opportunities specific to the Martin School at https://martin.uky.edu/undergraduate-scholarships.
Tuition Rate
For residents of the states listed below, this program qualifies you to receive the University of Kentucky's in-state tuition rate through the Academic Common Marketplace.
South Carolina
Expand Your Learning
The Public Policy program encourages students to participate in learning experiences outside the classroom for course credit.
• Internships – Public Policy students have high-impact internships at local, state, and national levels, including government executive and legislative branch agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private law, consulting, and communications firms. They may complete up to 6 hours of academic credit for these experiences.
Many Public Policy students have completed internships in Washington, DC through UK’s WilDCats at the Capitol program.
• Research – The Martin School supports undergraduate research through its summer research fellowship, through research assistant positions with faculty, and through academic course credit.
• Education Abroad – Students in the Public Policy major often pursue education abroad experiences during the summer, or fall or spring semesters.
Students may also benefit from extracurricular activities through the Public Policy Society, a student-run organization.
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
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Complete the form to get the latest updates on this program, including special events and application deadlines.
Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
