Public Policy Major

The Public Policy major offers exciting opportunities to learn about the creation, adoption, implementation and analysis of public policy. In this multidisciplinary major, students will learn how, for whom, and under what conditions policy succeed or fail. A goal of the major is that students experience the policy process outside as well as inside the classroom.

Goal 1:  Learn Fundamental Knowledge:  Students will gain foundational knowledge in the primary subfields of Public Policy and understand the content, core concepts, and theories within the discipline.

Outcome 1.1:  Students will identify, define, and explain the content, core concepts, and theories that guide the creation of public policy from an integrated, interdisciplinary perspective.

Goal 2: Think and Make Arguments: Students will think critically and develop arguments based on evidence.

Outcome 2.1: Students will articulate verbally and/or in writing an argument which defines, explains, and/or analyzes the content, process, and outcomes of public policy.

Goal 3: Think and Apply their Skills to Analysis: Students will evaluate arguments based on empirical evidence and assertions rooted in the discipline.

Outcome 3.1: Students will apply a variety of tools, methods, and perspectives to critically analyze and evaluate issues relevant to the discipline of Public Policy.

Goal 4: Apply their Skills to the “Real World”: Students will be prepared for entry into professional careers and other avenues related to Public Policy as a discipline.

Outcome 4.1: Students will demonstrate career preparation through experiential learning opportunities that are closely related to Public Policy or a related field through the development of interpersonal, analytical, and/or problem-solving skills.

The traditional undergraduate programs includes a minimum of 120 credits distributed across three components: A General Education component divided into Signature Courses, Variable Courses, and an Integrative Learning requirement; a Major and Divisional component; and Free Electives. In addition to course requirements as specified in each area, students must complete one certified course in each of the following overlay areas¹:

1. Diversity, Globalization or Non-western Area Studies,
2. Ethics Intensive
3. Writing Intensive, and
4. Diversity

¹

Overlay requirements are part of the 120 credit requirements

General Education Signature Courses

See this page about Signature courses. 

General Education Variable Courses

See this page about Variable courses. Six to Nine courses

General Education Overlays

See this page about Overlays.

General Education Integrative Learning Component

See this page about Integrative Learning Component. Three courses:

     Any three upper division courses in College of Arts & Sciences excluding ECN, POL, and SOC courses.

Major Requirements