Bachelor of Science in Public Policy, Management, and Planning
SPPD offers an exciting major for undergraduate students at USC — the Bachelor of Science in Public Policy, Management, and Planning (PMPL). This program is for future leaders and problem solvers who want to better manage our systems of governance and who care about the well-being of our neighborhoods, communities, cities, country, and the world.
The PMPL program blends a strong liberal arts foundation with professional competence and skills in management, policy analysis, and urban planning and development
Dedicated to the notions of innovative governance, place-based solutions, and better communities worldwide, the PMPL appeals to students interested in managing and leading public and private organizations, designing, building and improving communities, protecting the environment, creating change for future needs, and advocating for the public good. Our students go on to graduate school and/or careers in government, law, nonprofits, healthcare, urban planning, and real estate development. Through the PMPL program, students:
- Learn to analyze policy alternatives and make recommendations that have a profound impact on society
- Manage, plan and examine virtually every aspect of public service delivery by city, county, state and federal agencies
- Partner with business and community organizations to improve quality of life
In addition, PMPL can choose to focus on one of our five tracks — public management, public policy, urban planning, real estate development, or health policy and management. An internship enables them to obtain firsthand experience in their field of interest. As graduates of SPPD, they draw on this knowledge and training to help create new forms of governance and to effect place-based solutions to problems facing communities around the world.
What makes the PMPL program so unique?
Pursuing the PMPL degree provides students with a rigorous and wide-ranging undergraduate education. Students interact with faculty who are leading scholars and researchers in their respective fields, as well as with working professionals who are some of industry’s most accomplished practitioners. Students are encouraged to meet one-on-one with faculty members. Each student also may be paired with an SPPD alumnus in the early fall and participate in several workshops, networking nights, and career seminars.
PMPL students receive career-planning guidance and may participate in resume-writing and interviewing workshops. They receive information about internships, jobs, and on-campus career events, and enjoy access to career preparation books, interviewing tips, and job listings in government, planning, healthcare, nonprofits, private corporations, and consulting organizations. They are invited to networking nights, career fairs, and information sessions with prospective employers.