Undergraduate degrees: BA or BS
Undergraduate minor
About the Major
What do sustainable city planning, community change, food security, transportation planning, and nonprofit administration have in common? All are rooted in making a difference in our communities, states, and countries. Choose to study in the School of Planning, Public Policy and Management (PPPM) and you鈥檒l discover how governments, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector firms address some of the most important problems facing society鈥攁nd how you can play a key role in finding innovative solutions.
As a PPPM major you鈥檒l gain a thorough grounding in the principles of civic responsibility, environmental sustainability, and international understanding. Experiential learning, evidence-based decision-making, and interdisciplinary study will be at the core of your PPPM curriculum. You鈥檒l learn from and work with faculty members who are internationally recognized scholars with a wide range of training and research interests. Your courses will focus on concepts and skills and explore how to implement them within communities, organizations, and governments.
More Info
- Many classes work with local professionals, agencies, and organizations to help analyze and solve real issues.
- PPPM students may choose to complete an internship as a way to explore and clarify career goals, apply academic learning, enhance and learn new skills, gain experience, and network with professionals.
- Students can earn academic credit for their major and minor through a PPPM faculty-led study abroad opportunity. Recent examples include: Nongovernmental Organizations of Southeast Asia and Bicycle Transportation in Denmark and The Netherlands.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions and fellowships in local, state, and federal agencies, as well as nonprofit organizations and private firms that address public sector issues. Examples include:
- Public health advisor, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Transportation planner, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
- Oakland development manager, SPUR
- Economic development coordinator, City of Banks (Oregon)
- Development assistant, Northwest Association for Blind Athletes
- Patient access specialist, OHSU鈥檚 Doernbecher Children鈥檚 Hospital
- Marketing and communications coordinator, School on Wheels, Inc.
- Language and culture assistant, Spanish Government, Department of Language, Culture, and Sport
- Coastal program analyst, California Coastal Commission