UG
PPLD 1010: Foundations of Public Policy Leadership
3 credits
Theories and principles of public policy formation, implementation, and assessment.
Undergraduate
Public Policy Leadership, B.A.
Prepare for leadership in an increasingly complex world.
"The Public Policy Leadership Program offers undergrads an unusual chance to focus intensely on policy. You just dive in and learn the analytical skills you need to write legislation and policy proposals."
Joe Caplis (B.A. in Public Policy Leadership '21)
J.D. Candidate, Harvard Law School
About the Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy Leadership
The Department of Public Policy Leadership in the College of Liberal Arts offers the B.A. in Public Policy Leadership. The degree prepares high-performing students for positions of leadership in an increasingly complex world.
Turning ideas into action is the focus of the public policy leadership major. Students combine the study of public policy with the study of the leadership qualities necessary to plan and implement successful policy. The interdisciplinary curriculum incorporates economics, geography, history, philosophy, political science and psychology.
- PPL majors gain a broad knowledge of public policy and skills in policy analysis, organizational leadership, social science research, critical thinking, written communication, oral communication, consensus building, and decision-making.
- Students acquire an understanding of the ethical imperatives of leadership, and a clear appreciation of the global nature of responsible decision-making.
Students must be admitted to the Trent Lott Leadership Institute in order to enroll in the Public Policy Leadership degree. The deadline for application to the program is January 10. In partnership with the Trent Lott Leadership Institute, the department offers enriching experiences to students through interactions with policy makers/practitioners, summer study abroad, and internships.
Public Policy Leadership is the only interdisciplinary undergraduate program of its kind in the SEC.
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Program Information
Degree
B.A. in Public Policy
Required Credit Hours
120
Program Type
Major
Minor
Program Location
School
Duration
4 years
What are some courses you will take to earn a Public Policy Leadership Degree?
Here are some of the classes you may take while earning your Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy Leadership. See all Public Policy Leadership courses.
UG
PPLD 2110: Reading Seminar
1 credits
Analysis of current issues in public policy leadership. May be repeated once for credit. Z grade
UG
PPLD 2120: Critical Thinking, Comm & Public Policy
3 credits
Principles and methods of critical thinking and effective oral and written communication.
UG
PPLD 3700: Philosophy of Leadership
3 credits
This course is an examination of classic texts dealing with leadership and politics.
UG
PPLD 3710: Nonprofit Organizations
3 credits
The course will expand student awareness of the scope and breadth of the nonprofit sector in the United States, examine the inner workings of nonprofit organizations, and provide a foundation for further study related to the field of nonprofit organizations.
UG
PPLD 3750: Regional Economic Development
3 credits
This course examines how local governments and community groups examine their opportunities for improving the economic and employment base.
Strengthen your individual leadership skills witht he Leadership Endorsement
The Trent Lott Leadership Institute in partnership with the Declaration of Independence Center for the Study of American Freedom and The Center for Practical Ethics introduced a leadership development opportunity for members of our campus community. Students learn and understand the theory, philosophy, and practice of leadership, while also examining the moral frameworks and ethical issues that arise in many professions. Through this immersive study, students will be able to successfully develop their individual leadership skills to enhance their ability to lead.
Upon completion of the courses, students will receive a letter of endorsement that they can share with prospective employers or graduate programs regarding their in-depth leadership study and related competencies.
Departmental Opportunities
What are the resources for success at the university? How do you get involved in the department community? How do you best prepare for life after graduation?
Video: What is Public Policy?
Learn more about Public Policy Leadership from our faculty and students.
What Can You Do With a PPL Major?
- Senior Associate, KPMG
- Sr. Operations Manager, US Chamber of Commerce
- Digital Media Relations Manager, National Restaurant Assoc
- Press Secretary, Office of a Senator
- Asst. Deputy Chief for Policy, US Dept. of Education
- Associate Attorney, Forman, Watkins, Krutz
- Executive Committee, Dem. National Comm.
- Policy Analyst for CFO, Dept of Homeland Security
- Head of Communications, Brightshop
- Development & Alumni Relations, Vanderbilt Univ.
- Dir. of Member Services, Congressional Republican Conference
- Development Facilitator, City of Denton
- Associate Attorney, Baker Botts
- Flight Commander, US Air Force
- Policy Analyst, Republican Governor's Assoc
- Law Fellow, Southern Poverty Law Center
Welcome to the College of Liberal Arts
As Coordinator of Student Recruitment for the College of Liberal Arts, I work with students, and their parents, who are interested in attending UM for their undergraduate degrees. I coordinate personalized visits to our departments, answer questions about the majors and programs in the CLA and handle all recruitment communications from the CLA. Please feel free to send me any questions you may have. It is my job to make sure you have everything you need to make an informed decision on where to spend your college career, and I hope it will be with the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Mississippi!
Annabelle Harris
CLA Coordinator of Student Recruitment
Future CLA Students
College of Liberal Arts Undergraduate Students
We invite future undergraduates to learn about the College of Liberal Arts, the value of the liberal arts education, our programs, career opportunities, and resources to help you succeed. You can also request a personalized degree sheet.
Next Steps
Explore Affordability
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Apply to the University of Mississippi
Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?