Public Policies Studies in the College

Public Policy Studies is a multidisciplinary major grounded in the social sciences, with substantial inputs from economics, sociology, political science, and law, among other disciplines. The major recognizes that public issues are not neatly contained within traditional disciplinary boundaries, and, that analysts possessing a broad range of social scientific understanding, quantitative expertise, and communication skills are well placed to contribute to improved public policies. Public Policy involves direct contact with policy problems, ensuring that academic speculations are well-informed and connected to real-world conditions.

The Public Policy major strives to put analysis before advocacy, stressing that compelling policy analysis is a central component of effective advocacy. We aim to be open and helpful to students of all political persuasions, and challenge students to rethink clichéd responses to policy problems. The program of study for the BA degree in public policy studies is designed to introduce students to policy analysis and implementation, equip them to use quantitative and economic techniques and methods, train them in policy research, and give them a thorough grounding in one or more specific policy areas.

The program also encourages students to have an internship experience either during the academic year or during the summer. PBPL 29600 offers academic course credit for students completing an approved, policy-oriented internship. For more information about internship opportunities and requirements, students should consult the program administrator.

Students should contact the program director or the program administrator with questions about meeting requirements for the public policy studies degree.