Overview

The Public Policy Studies program of Vanderbilt University prepares students for admission to graduate or professional schools or for careers in law, government, public service, activism, research, or business. It cultivates a sophisticated, in-depth understanding of the vast array of issues—both global and national—that influence policy problems and outcomes.

Many PPS majors do a semester abroad as well as an internship, and classes taken abroad may count towards the requirements for the major. An Honors program allows students to conduct in-depth research projects during their senior year.

Key Facts

In addition to building a strong foundation of general knowledge about public policy and a set of skills to use in analysis, the program encourages students to specialize in an area of concentration. This consists of three courses taken in at least two departments from set course lists for the following areas: Advanced Quantitative Methods for Public Policy; Economic Policy; Social Policy; Environmental, Resource, and Energy Policy; International and Foreign Policy; and Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy.

After Vanderbilt

PPS majors have gone from Vanderbilt to law school, careers on Capitol Hill, graduate studies in public health and other policy-related areas, and service in Teach for America and the Peace Corps, to name just a few of the many paths these students have chosen.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Social Contexts of Public Policy

History and Ethics of Public Policy

Cities in the 21st Century

Public Finance

Public Advocacy

Research Methods for Public Policy Analysis

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

130

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TOEFL^® IBT

100

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IELTS

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Nashville, United States

Disciplines

Philosophy Finance Public Policy View 320 other Bachelors in Public Policy in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

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Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

All required parts of the Coalition Application or Common Application

$50 nonrefundable application fee, or fee waiver for qualified students

Official high school transcript

Counselor letter of recommendation

Two academic teacher letters of recommendation

Optional for students applying for fall entry: SAT or ACT scores

International applicants will be prompted to complete an international section of the Common Application

Official results of the TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS, PTE Academic, or Duolingo English Test if applicable

A completed College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile, if applicable

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

67934 USD / year

≈ 67934 USD / year
Out-of-State

67934 USD / year

≈ 67934 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

67934 USD / year

≈ 67934 USD / year

Living costs

Nashville

United States

1183 - 2197 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Public Policy Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key Facts

After Vanderbilt

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Nashville

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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