Public Policy majors learn how to drive political processes to serve citizens. You’ll learn how to navigate complex issues like education, national security and immigration to create generational change. Bentley was the first university in Massachusetts to offer an undergraduate Public Policy degree, and we’re a leading educator in the discipline today. Our program combines coursework in domestic and global policy with real-life experiences offered through an immersive semester-away program in Washington, D.C.. Or, you can apply your learning with other agencies or causes that inspire you.
As a Public Policy major, you will graduate with a broad knowledge of business by completing courses that are part of the Business Administration minor. You will also have the option of complementing your Public Policy major with a Business Administration major, or any other approved Bentley major, by using some of your free electives to take additional courses.
Bentley by the numbers
$68K
Median Starting Salary
BENTLEY UNIVERSITY CAREEREDGE
99%
Job Placement Rate
BENTLEY UNIVERSITY CAREEREDGE
87%
of students complete at least one internship
BENTLEY UNIVERSITY INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH
Explore our Public Policy degree
class spotlight
Politics of Risk (GLS 330)
This course provides an introduction to the governance of public risks or large-scale hazards and disasters impacting a broad cross-section of society. It surveys the policies and practices used to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the damage done by emerging diseases, natural disasters, environmental hazards, technological incidents, and other naturally occurring and human-made problems. This course will help students understand how nations, international institutions, non-governmental entities, and even private organizations work to identify and, subsequently, manage risks and hazards.
“My research allows me to create a piece of knowledge that can help make the world a better place and inform people.”
Alex Duarte '19 took one public policy course with associate professor Rob DeLeo and it changed his plans for the better.
Juliana King '14 took her passion for policy to government offices, and uses her skills to make a positive impact across the state
"The Public Policy major at a business school is a distinct combination. I can really understand the business dynamics of government policy."
Connect with Bentley Public Policy faculty
