BS in Govt.: Politics/Policy to MAPP: Think Tank/Policy
Help Shape Public Policy and Make a Difference with Liberty’s BS to MAPP in Think Tank and Policy Research
Have you ever thought about a career in public policy? Our Bachelor of Science (BS) in Government – Politics and Policy degree and Master of Arts in Public Policy (MAPP) – Think Tank and Policy Research degree can help. This dual degree program offers comprehensive education in public policy and government through an accelerated format. This BS to MAPP program can help enable you to fast-track your education, offering rigorous academic and biblical instruction in policy analysis without compromising on quality.
Through this public policy degree program, you can gain insight into the intricate connection between a system of constitutional limitations on government and the dynamics of the free market economy. Additionally, you can gain an understanding of how a Christian worldview shapes perspectives on governance and economics.
This dual BS to MAPP degree program could help set the foundation for your future career by allowing you to explore the breadth, methods, and principal theories of political science, including its connections to history, economics, and related disciplines. You can gain insights into the implications of current or proposed public policies on individuals, institutions, and American society. Your studies can help equip you to understand what it takes to fashion public policy and become a positive contributor to the field of public service.
Credit Hours
View CoursesNext start date: Aug 18, 2025
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC
Highlights
Highlights of Our BS to MAPP Degree
Study in the Helms School of Government
When you pursue the BS in Government to MAPP in Think Tank and Policy Research, you become part of Liberty’s Helms School of Government. This department is dedicated to promoting the traditional values and conservative principles of its namesake, Sen. Jesse Helms.
Take Advantage of a Strategic Location
Located near Washington, D.C., Liberty offers unique access to internships with influential organizations and government agencies. You can potentially apply what you study in class to real-world experiences that align with your academic and career goals.
Join a Nationally Recognized Honor Society
As a student in this program, you may be eligible to join Pi Sigma Alpha, the only honor society in the U.S. for government and political science students. This organization is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies and can help you build valuable academic and professional connections.
Explore Every Side of Public Policy
Whether your passion is crafting, enacting, or defending policy, you can prepare to do it all here. You’ll have the chance to deeply explore the policy areas that matter most to you and analyze them from every angle.
Position Yourself for Impact
This degree pathway can help equip you to take on roles where you influence policy at the research or implementation level. Through critical study and practical engagement, you can gain the tools to make a meaningful contribution to the public arena.
Career Potential
What Can You Do with a BS in Government to MAPP – Think Tank and Policy Research Dual Degree?
Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Government with a specialization in Politics and Policy and our Master of Arts in Public Policy with a specialization in Think Tank and Policy Research can help prepare you for the following occupations:
- Chamber of Commerce manager
- City manager
- Community outreach coordinator
- Government relations specialist
- Legislative aid
- Political activist
- Political scientist
- Politician
- Program analyst/manager
- Public administrator
- Public interest/advocate group member
- Public policy analyst
- Research associate
#4 Best College Campus in America
At Liberty, you’ll find an affordable, high-quality education designed to help equip students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as the #4 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com.
Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.
Courses
What Will You Study in Our BS to MA in Public Policy Degree?
Our dual degree program seamlessly integrates a Bachelor of Science in Government with a Master of Arts in Public Policy – Think Tank and Policy Research, offering an in-depth exploration of government functions, public policy formulation, and strategic policy analysis. Starting with the undergraduate level, you can delve into the structure and powers of government agencies, studying the intricacies of federal, state, and local governments within the context of American federalism. Our curriculum covers the evolution of political and economic theories since the 16th century, highlighting the significant influence of Christian and Western concepts of freedom and justice on modern governance.
You’ll examine the dynamic trends across conservative and liberal eras, focusing on the foundational roles that Judeo-Christian and classical beliefs have played in shaping our societal framework. This comprehensive approach extends to understanding the major schools of political science, their methodologies, and how they intersect with other disciplines to offer a nuanced view of governance and policymaking.
Transitioning to the Master of Arts in Public Policy, you can dive deeper into the nexus of economics and public policy, assessing the ramifications of government actions on the economy and society. The program emphasizes the development of servant leadership qualities and can help you hone the analytical skills that may be useful for impactful public service. You can engage with the thoughts of seminal political philosophers, analyze America’s position on the global stage, and strategize on interfacing with international entities and diverse worldviews.
A distinctive feature of our public policy program is the opportunity to conduct thorough policy analysis over several semesters. This allows you to critically evaluate a policy area of your choosing, applying your academic insights to real-world challenges and laying the groundwork for a potential career in public policy. Through this dual degree, you can explore the important attributes of being a well-rounded leader who is prepared to make significant contributions to public service and governance, embodying the principles of servant leadership and strategic policy intervention.
Featured BS in Government Courses
GOVT 324 – Applied Ethics in Public Policy
GOVT 474 – American Political Parties
PPOG 502 – Economics and Public Policy
PPOL 501 – Foundations of American Governance: An Introduction to Public Policy
Degree Information
- This program falls under the Helms School of Government
- View the Degree Completion Plan
- Check out our course catalog
- Transfer in up to 75% of the credits for the BS in Government and up to 50% of the credits for the MAPP
BENEFITS
Why Choose Liberty’s Government Bachelor’s and Public Policy Think Tanks Master’s Degree?
Pursue a Unique Path in Public Policy
If you’re passionate about advancing your understanding of public policy, Liberty University offers a distinctive dual degree opportunity that combines undergraduate and graduate-level training. Our location in Central Virginia also benefits you from proximity to Washington, D.C., opening the door to potential engagement and collaboration with nearby organizations.
Connect Your Degrees for Greater Impact
You can pair our bachelor’s specialization in politics and policy with our master’s in think tank and policy research to gain a cohesive, in-depth academic experience. This program explores the nuances of policy analysis and can help you build a strong foundation in conducting research and critically examining complex policy issues.
Strengthen Your Research and Policy Analysis Skills
At Liberty, we emphasize experiential learning to help you turn classroom knowledge into practical application. Your training is designed to help prepare you for meaningful work in think tanks, research institutes, and other settings where sound policy analysis is essential.
Gain Recognition for Academic Excellence
As a student in this program, you may be eligible to join Pi Sigma Alpha, the only honor society for college and university government students in the U.S. This prestigious membership is a mark of academic achievement and reflects your dedication to the field of political science.
Admissions
How Do You Become a BS Govt. And MAPPS Think Tank and Policy Program Student?
Every application is reviewed by the admission committee on a case-by-case basis, meaning there are no set minimums for acceptance. However, all applicants must submit the following documents* for admission:
- Admission application
- Official high school transcripts
- Official college transcripts (if applicable)
- Admission essay
Results from the CLT, SAT, or ACT are not required for admission, but may be used in consideration for merit-based aid.
*Note that additional documentation may be requested by the admission committee after your application has been received.
Have Questions?
We’ll make sure you have the information you need to take your next step.