Public Policy Design
This course will teach the core principles of policy-making, emphasizing evidence-based strategies informed by robust data analytics and grounded in public law. Students will discuss ethics in the public sector, focusing on legal frameworks and ethical considerations that guide decision-making processes
- Credits: 3 credits
- Course ID: PPD 720
What You'll Learn
Explain the stages of the policy process including agenda setting, policy formulation, adoption, implementation, evaluation, and modification/termination.
Analyze how political, organizational, and legal factors influence each stage, emphasizing the role of public law in shaping policy frameworks and ensuring compliance with legal standards.
Apply a design-centered approach to develop and propose a comprehensive public policy solution for a specific real-world problem, incorporating data analysis and evidence-based decision-making.
Evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of different policy options, considering political, economic, social, legal, and ethical factors, and propose recommendations for policy improvement.
Design and present a comprehensive policy proposal that addresses a complex public policy challenge, incorporating data-driven insights, stakeholder engagement strategies, and a plan for implementation and evaluation.
Ready to Wake to Your
Next Chapter?
Your goals are within reach—and we’re here to help you get there.
Course FAQs
What is asynchronous?
Asynchronous learning means that the instructor and the students in the course all engage with the course content at different times (and from different locations). The instructor provides students with a sequence of units which the students move through as their schedules permit.
What is the course structure?
Courses are offered fully online and are asynchronous. There is an optional, live interactive session offered weekly so students can engage with one another and with the faculty member. 

How long is each course?
Our mini-sessions (or terms) are 7.5 weeks long, and courses are offered in each mini. Each semester consists of 2 mini-sessions.
How many courses can I take in a mini-term?
We have structured our courses so students can take one course at a time; this is especially important for students balancing full-time employment. We do permit students to take a maximum of two courses in 1 mini-term (i.e. 6 credits over a 7.5 week period). While taking more than two courses in one semester may seem appealing, these online accelerated courses can be difficult to manage, especially while working full-time. In addition, taking more than one course in a mini session could cause conflicts in your weekly live sessions (i.e. they could be offered on the same day and time). 

What is a part-time course load vs. a full-time course load?
Part-time in SPS is defined as 3 credits (1 course) per semester, and full-time is defined as 6 or more credits (2 or more courses) per semester. Every course at SPS is 3 credits.
How fast can I earn a master's degree?
You can finish an SPS program in as little as 16 months if you take a course every mini semester*. If you need more time, that's okay too! We offer flexibility so you can go your own pace.
*This is for 30 credit hour programs only.
*This is for 30 credit hour programs only.