Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Social Services
Public policy and social services together provide the guidelines and the infrastructure for a functional, civilized society. Drawing on disciplines in the social sciences, this interdisciplinary major will help you understand public policy in theory and practice and grasp its importance for the creation and delivery of social services. Throughout the program, your experience and knowledge will play an important role in the classroom. You will examine how political, financial, and ethical concerns are balanced in developing policies that support social services. You will discuss and utilize basic conceptual tools and available information to evaluate public policy alternatives in areas of education, healthcare, income, transportation, and housing. You will learn how to compare the development and implementation of social services regionally, nationally, and internationally and evaluate their effectiveness. This major will also enhance your ability to use knowledge to make ethical decisions and communicate them confidently and effectively. An integrative project, in which you apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate setting, brings the learning process to bear on a specific issue.
Program Requirements
Total - 180 credit hours
Writing - 4 qtr. hrs
Common Learning Experience - 40 qtr. hrs
Major - 40 qtr. hrs
Electives - 96 qtr. hrs
Admissions Requirements
Candidates for BACP are evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Must have completed 40 quarter hours of transferable credits in academic subjects.
- The applicant’s professional commitment and written language skills are evaluated through the Statement of Purpose and Commitment and the confidential recommendations
- At least three years of work experience beyond high school.
- The applicant will participate in a interview with as many as three members of the DU community.
- Entrance examinations such as the ACT or SAT are not required.
Our programs are developed and updated with the input of advisory boards composed of industry leaders and employers. This ensures that you’ll learn what employers are looking for, and gain the most current information with a view to future industry trends, connecting you to future success.