FAQs
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What is public policy?
Public policy encompasses principles, laws, regulatory measures, courses of action and/or priorities created by a governmental body. The underlying values and outcomes of public policy not only exist in traditional government, whether local, national or international, but also in private companies, nonprofit organizations and community-based organizations. A public policy degree is designed to empower students to have the tools and skills necessary for understanding and shaping public policy. -
What kind of jobs can I get with a BA/BS Public Policy degree?
BA/BS Public Policy graduates will have a diverse set of skills for employment in all areas of the public, private and nonprofit sectors, and will benefit from the Hobby School's extensive network of contacts.For example, recent employers of our Master of Public Policy alumni include Air Alliance Houston, American International Group Inc., British Consulate General Houston, CHILDREN AT RISK, Drug Enforcement Agency, Fort Bend County Office of Emergency Management, Harris County Budget Management, Harris County Public Health, Harris County District Attorney's Office, Houston-Galveston Area Council, Institute for Human Rights and Business, Invesco, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Office of Texas State Representative Mary Gonzalez, Office of U.S. Congressman Randy Weber, Rice University's Kinder Institute for Urban Research, Texana Center, Texas Civil Rights Project, Texas Legislative Budget Board, United Healthcare, U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
The average starting salary of a BA/BS Public Policy graduate will vary greatly by sector, geography and work experience. For example, entry-level policy analysts average over $50,000, and executive positions can earn over $100,000.
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What is the difference between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS)?
Most of the BA and BS degree is similar. The primary difference is the BA requires more foreign language-related classes and the BS requires more mathematics-related classes.Although this is a generalization, students that excel more at writing compared to math would likely prefer the BA, and students that are strong in math or want to improve these skills should consider the BS.
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How many hours are needed to complete the BA/BS Public Policy program?
Students need to complete 120 credit hours to earn the BA/BS.The BA/BS Public Policy academic maps, degree plans, and transfer guides are available online on the BA/BS Degree Requirements page and elsewhere.
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How do I apply for the BA/BS Public Policy program?
Incoming FreshmenFor complete details on how to apply, visit Undergraduate Admissions.
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What are the application deadlines for the BA/BS Public Policy program?
Please visit Undergraduate Admissions for the most current application deadlines. -
Does the Hobby School have an undergraduate minor?
Yes, as of Fall 2022, the Hobby School has a minor in Public Leadership.BA/BS Public Policy majors are not able to minor in Public Leadership.
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What are the application fees for the BA/BS Public Policy program?
The application fee for undergraduate domestic students is $75 and $90 for undergraduate international students. -
What semesters offer admission to the BA/BS Public Policy program?
Beginning Spring 2022, the BA/BS Public Policy programs offer admission for the Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. -
How much does the BA/BS Public Policy program cost?
For more information on program costs, please visit the Undergraduate Costs & Financial Aid page. -
What scholarships and other financial aid is offered?
Each semester, eligible students can receive a Hobby School Excellence Scholarship. The Hobby School Excellence Scholarship is available on a first-come, first-serve basis to highly qualified students. No separate scholarship application is needed for the Hobby School Excellence Scholarship. In addition, other scholarships, grants and loans are available.For more information on other scholarships and financial aid, please visit the Financial Aid page.
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Is the BA/BS Public Policy program offered online?
While some classes can be completed online, it's currently not possible for a student to completely earn this degree by only taking online classes. -
When are BA/BS Public Policy program classes held?
Classes are mostly held during the weekday in the mornings and afternoons, but some classes are offered in the evenings and online. -
What and when is the process for registering for classes as an incoming or current student?
Visit the Courses & Enrollment page for detailed instructions on how to register, steps to enroll, and more. The Enrollment Schedule page and individual student accounts show when students are eligible to register for a specific semester. -
What is the process for dropping classes?
Until the Official Reporting Day (ORD), classes can be dropped online, and the student will receive no grade.After ORD, students must drop a class by following these steps, and the student will receive a W if the student hasn't reached the 6 Ws grade limit.
Log in to your student account to drop your class online by the date listed in the UH Undergraduate Catalog's Academic Calendar. Paper forms are no longer used to drop a class. Undergraduates who have reached their 6 Ws grade limit must complete all classes.
Students should review the Undergraduate Enrollment Cap, Repeated Course Cap (Three-peat rule), Dropping Courses Policy (6 Ws) and Undergraduate Tuition Rebate information to avoid additional costs and penalties. Also, see information about attempted hours. Undergraduates who have exceeded their 6 Ws grades limit must complete all classes.
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Where do I find deadlines for adding classes, dropping classes, applying to graduate, and other important enrollment and registration items?
Visit the UH Undergraduate Catalog's Academic Calendar. -
How do I set up an academic advising appointment if I'm a current student?
Log into your student account via AccessUH, click on the "Navigate" icon, and follow the steps to request a face-to-face, phone, Teams, or Zoom meeting.For more information and troubleshooting, please review the UH Quick Start Guide for Advising Appointments.
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How can I view my personalized degree plan?
All undergraduate students can pull an Academic Degree Progress Report in their Student Center by selecting "Academic Requirements" in the drop down of the "Academics" section. This report will display the student's current academic progress and list what degree requirements have been satisfied, not satisfied, or in-progress.Students are highly encouraged to carefully review this report every semester to make sure that they are fully aware of their degree progress. In addition, transfer students (and students with AP/Advanced Placement and Credit by Exam) should carefully review this report to make sure that all transferable credits are displaying properly. If a previously declared or completed major, minor, or course does not appear to be included on the report, please contact the Hobby School.
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How do I change my major, add BA/BS Public Policy as a double major, or add Public Leadership as a minor if I'm a current UH student?
Current UH students who wish to change their majors to the Hobby School's BA/BS Public Policy, add BA/BS Public Policy as a double major, or add Public Leadership as a minor must have established at least a 2.00 minimum cumulative UH GPA. Students must complete the requirements of the BA/BS Public Policy based on the catalog year requirements in effect at the time the major was declared.Students with less than a 2.00 grade point average are encouraged to obtain academic advising from the Hobby School. However, they are not eligible to officially change their major until the required GPA is attained.
In order to formally request a major change, double major, or minor, students should download and complete the Undergraduate General Petition and e-mail this to Scott Mason at smason@uh.edu for review.
This form must be submitted by the Hobby School at least two weeks prior to the start of the next term for this major change to potentially be accepted for that term.
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Can the BA/BS Public Policy/Master of Public Policy Accelerated Pathway Program be used to satisfy the college requirement of needing at least one of the following options - double major; minor; certification; or dual degree?
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Can I transfer courses from another school?
Yes, and the Hobby School encourages transfer students. UH and the Hobby School will evaluate student transcripts to determine how many credit hours transfer and which classes can be counted toward the degree plan, but we will always try and allow for the most benefit to the student. -
How do I petition for transfer credit to count towards a different course?
Some credits (especially upper division and out-of-state credit) may be transferred as general elective credit or elective credit within a subject area. Students may choose to complete a Transfer Credit Petition eForm once they have reviewed their Transfer Credit Summary—both of which are available via AccessUH.The Transfer Petition eForm is a more efficient way to submit for faculty/department review. Petitions will be reviewed by faculty in the appropriate college and department to determine if the work and credit are of suitable content and rigor. This process takes place during the first enrolled term. The application of transfer credit toward a degree at the university cannot be determined until the transcripts have been evaluated and a degree plan is processed.
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What is the process for graduation and commencement?
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What are the requirements to graduate with honors?
Undergraduate students will graduate with the stated academic honors if they complete at least 54 hours at UH and achieve the following grade point averages earned in the last 54 hours (all of which must be A, B, C,… letter grade courses) completed at the University of Houston. Cum Laude (with honors) is 3.50 to 3.69. Magna Cum Laude (with high honors) is 3.70 to 3.89. Summa Cum Laude (with highest hours) is 3.90 to 4.0. -
Where can I go if I need additional academic assistance and tutoring?
Start by working with your professor. If you need additional academic assistance and tutoring, visit LAUNCH (Learning Advancement for Undergraduate Cougars of Houston). -
Who should I contact if I have any questions about the BA/BS Public Policy program?
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Where are Bates Building/Bates Law and Teaching Unit 2 located (Hobby School's current administrative office and classroom locations)?
Bates Building/Bates Law (BL) and Teaching Unit 2 (TU2) are located in the old UH Law Center complex near the new John M. O'Quinn Law Building and the Elgin Street Parking Garage. Classrooms are located in both the Bates Building and Teaching Unit 2.In Bates Building, faculty offices are on the First Floor and Second Floor; the Office of the Dean is Room 104; Business Operations is Room 101; Information Technology is Room 19; Student Lounge is Room 105; Student Services is Room 5; and the Teaching Assistant and Research Assistant Room is Room 205.
In Teaching Unit 2, Communications and Marketing is Room 102.
For more information, please visit the Hobby School's Visitor Information page.