University President Kyle Marrero recently approved new degree programs for Georgia Southern, one of which is a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Public Policy. This fully online program was approved on Aug. 12.
This new degree is housed in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences (CBSS), administered by the Dean of CBSS, Dr. Ryan Schroeder, as well as the Chair of the Department of Public and Nonprofit Studies, Dr. Trent Davis. The pair played a role in the program’s development and approval.
This fully online program was created with adult learners and military-connected students in mind. The new major was designed “so you can be anywhere and complete the degree,” Davis said.
While similar undergraduate programs are currently available, such as the B.A. in Political Science or the B.S. in Public Relations, the Public Policy degree offers unique skills that set it apart from these programs.
“What distinguishes it is the ability to apply theories of policy in analyzing issues,” Davis explained, “and then the application to evaluate and determine whether those are effective policies or not.”
Dean Schroeder has eagerly waited for the program’s addition to GSU. “I’m most excited that this program is designed to be attractive to the adult population. What we’re trying to do is bring people back into Georgia Southern with degree programs that are accessible, high-quality, and lead to in-demand careers. This one checks all those boxes,” he said.
As of now, the university is not looking to add a Master’s of Public Policy, as a Master’s in Public Administration is already available at GSU. However, both Dean Schroeder and Dr. Davis expressed hope that a Ph.D. program in Public Policy and Administration could be on the long-term horizon for Georgia Southern.
In the meantime, the B.S. in Public Policy is available now, and the C.B.S.S. faculty is eager to see what the new degree has in store.
2025-08-26 01:58:00