Undergraduate programs

Undergraduate studies at the Ford School are based in social science disciplines such as sociology, economics, and political science-layered with analysis of and engagement with real-world public challenges.

Our coursework emphasizes teamwork, writing, analysis, and class participation. Ford School undergraduate students become full members of our close-knit community, and work in small groups with some of the University of Michigan's top faculty members.

At a glance

	Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy	Minor in Public Policy
Description	Provides U-M students with knowledge and skills to analyze policy problems, understand the stakes, and create viable solutions.	Layer a U-M degree—engineering, sociology, business, or organizational studies, for example—with perspectives from the lens of public policy.
Public Policy credits completed in residence	30	12
Additional coursework (may be completed outside Ford)	STATS 250 or SOC 210: Introduction to Statistics (4 credits); Coursework in student-declared focus area (12 credits)	Coursework in Public Policy or approved non-Public Policy electives (4 credits, or 3 credits for students admitted for Fall 2025 and beyond)
Total required credits to complete Ford curriculum	46	16
Minimum credits required to reach degree completion	120 (includes total required credits to complete Ford curriculum)	Determined by a student’s enrollment (Ex. LSA BA 120; ENGIN ME 128)
Number of students per cohort	80	20-25
	Learn about our BA major. Download our BA brochure.	Learn about our BA minor.

More information

For prospective students, please use this calendar to schedule appointments with our admissions team or select a time to meet with Christian, our BA Admissions & Recruiting Ambassador, and address any questions regarding the Ford School, the BA Program, and/or the Minor in Public Policy. If these times do not fit your schedule, please feel free to email [email protected] to set up an alternative time with Christian.