Innovative degree program designed to shape future leaders for careers in governance,
advocacy, and public-service leadership
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky State University will soon offer a new Bachelor of Arts
in Public Policy, providing students with a direct pathway to understand how laws,
regulations, and public policies are shaped — and how those decisions affect communities.
Approved Jan. 30, 2026, by the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE), the program
is set to begin in the Fall 2026 semester.
Housed in the School of Criminal Justice and Government Relations within the College
of Arts and Sciences, the degree is designed to prepare future leaders for careers
across government, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. Coursework will
emphasize policy analysis, data-informed decision-making, professional communication,
and ethics — skills that translate to real-world work in areas such as health care,
economic development, public safety, housing, environmental policy, and digital governance.
“This program gives students a clear line of sight from the classroom to the public
square,” said Dr. Frederick A. Williams Jr., chair of the School of Criminal Justice
and Government Relations. “Public policy shapes what communities experience every
day, and this degree will help our graduates build the skills to lead, collaborate,
and deliver results in Kentucky and beyond.”
The curriculum is aligned with core learning outcomes associated with the Network
of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). Those outcomes
include leading and managing in the public sector, participating effectively in the
policy process, applying a public-service perspective, and communicating productively
with teams and stakeholders.
Dr. Eslam M. Omar, who served as the subject matter expert in curriculum development,
said the program was built to balance theory with applied learning. “Students will
learn how to evaluate policy options, interpret data, and communicate recommendations
clearly,” Dr. Omar said. “Just as important, the curriculum reinforces ethics and
accountability — core expectations for anyone preparing to serve the public.”
The 120-credit-hour degree blends foundational and applied learning through specialized
courses, including PUB 111 A Survey of Public Policy; PUB 225 Urban Theory in Modern
American Cities; PUB 245 Legislative and Regulatory Processes; PUB 390 Models of Public
Policy-Making; and PUB 440 Diplomacy and Leadership. Students may also choose to double
major in Public Policy and Political Science to strengthen interdisciplinary preparation
across law, economics, and the social sciences.
Graduates will be prepared for roles such as legislative aide, policy analyst, government
relations specialist, regulatory compliance professional, nonprofit advocate, and
careers connected to public administration and community-focused leadership.
Kentucky State is working to expand the pathway in the future through a master’s-level
public policy option for students seeking advanced training and leadership roles.
In other action, CPE approved a new Bachelor of Science in Aquatic Science and a Master
of Public Health in Nutrition at Kentucky State University. The nutrition program
will also require review and approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) before launch. Separately, SACSCOC has approved
a new Master of Science in Sports Analytics degree program.
For more information about the B.A. in Public Policy, contact Dr. Frederick A. Williams
Jr. at frederick.williams1@kysu.edu.