Public Management, Leadership and Policy

Students can apply to Ohio State directly as majors in public management, leadership and policy at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. Current Ohio State students may declare the major at any time.  

The public management, leadership and policy major also pairs well with many other majors on campus as part of a double major program. 

Students in the major take core public affairs courses offered through the Glenn College. An array of minors are also offered in conjunction with other units throughout the university. Examples include nonprofit management, local government, law and public policy, and education policy. Students also complete a capstone research paper on a topic of their choosing. 

Course topics for the major: 

• Introduction to public affairs 

• Civic engagement 

• Public management 

• Leadership 

• Law and policy 

• Public budgeting 

• Public economics and finance 

• Policy analysis 

• Public affairs research paper 

• Public affairs specialization courses 

Students are encouraged to pursue internships that are related to their respective policy interest areas. Glenn College's career services helps students locate and secure internships in the greater Columbus area. Past interns have worked with local employers at organizations such as: 

• Ohio House of Representatives 

• Ohio Senate 

• Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation 

• Make-A-Wish Foundation 

• Columbus City Council and Mayor’s Office 

The Ohio Government Internship Program is designed to support students as they develop their careers in public service by interning in Ohio state or Columbus local government. Participants will earn 3 credit hours and will receive a $500 scholarship upon successful completion of the program. Examples of recent internship sites include state legislative offices, the Ohio Department of Higher Education and the Columbus City Council. 

The Glenn College’s Washington Academic Internship Program offers Ohio State juniors and seniors the opportunity to spend a semester in our nation’s capital interning at an organization with a public service focus that fits their unique policy interests and career goals. Through the program, students earn 12 academic credits that can be used toward the major. Students also engage in professional development activities throughout the semester. Examples of recent internship sites include Congressional offices, the Partnership for Public Service, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and Forbes Tate Partners.  

Glenn College Honors students can enhance their academic programs through Honors, upper-division and graduate-level courses along with the completion of enrichment activities such as the Washington Academic Internship Program or an Honors thesis under the guidance of a Glenn College faculty advisor. 

Students can join Kappa Omega Alpha (KOA) a professional, co-ed public policy fraternity at Ohio State that empowers students to engage with alumni, public service professionals, and community leaders through meaningful opportunities and connections. Benefits of KOA include mentorship, service projects and field trips, discussion and dialogue, tailored policy experiences, and alumni connections.  

Public Affairs Multicultural Association

The Public Affairs Multicultural Association is a student organization that brings together students of all ages, races, gender, religions, disabilities and backgrounds to create a welcoming community within the Glenn College and Ohio State. It strives to support, educate and encourage students, and aims to inspire citizenship and develop leadership among its members all while embracing diverse backgrounds and ideas. 

ICMA Student Chapter

The ICMA Student Chapter at Ohio State University, affiliated with the International City/County Management Association, connects students to careers in local government by offering hands-on experiences like municipal site visits, guest speaker events, and networking opportunities. The chapter aims to bridge academic learning with real-world public service, recently hosting a session at the 2025 OCMA Conference on ethics in city administration. Members benefit from access to ICMA resources, professional development, and involvement in shaping chapter activities. 

John Glenn Living Learning Community

Incoming first-year students also can participate in the John Glenn Living Learning Community, a vibrant community designed for students passionate about public policy, civic engagement, leadership, and service. Participants benefit from tailored programming such as public policy introductions, team building, service projects, and mentorship from second-year students. They also engage with public leaders, explore government institutions through experiential trips, including a spring trip to Washington, D.C., and live in Busch House, a centrally located residence hall. The program fosters lasting friendships and prepares students to become the next generation of civic-minded leaders by helping them turn their passion into policy  

If you’re interested in learning more, visit our webpage about the Glenn College student experience. 

Graduates of programs in the Glenn College are prepared for entry-level opportunities in management and/or analysis with government agencies and nonprofit organizations. On average, 98% of Glenn College alumni are employed or enrolled in graduate/professional programs after graduation.  

Glenn College graduates have entered the following positions: 

• Associate director for presidential personnel, the White House 

• Field organizer, Ohio Republican Party 

• Teaching fellow, KIPP Columbus 

• Legal analyst, Kohrman, Jackson & Krantz 

• Marketing and communications coordinator, Council of Development Finance Agencies 

• Safety coordinator, Ohio Department of Transportation 

Recent graduates earn an average salary of $55,000 per year, but salary figures can vary greatly depending on sector/occupation of choice. Career services works with students to prepare them for salary negotiations