Overview

Ever wonder why governments do things that no one seems to understand? Ever want to know why your hometown has six stoplights on four blocks, or what exactly goes on inside of a “think tank”? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to be behind the political scene, helping to shape and inform the decisions that effect policy decisions.


A major in Public Policy Analysis will place you right at the heart of some of the most important economic and social decisions made by businesses and governments. Using statistical information, economic tools and theories such as cost benefit analyses and case studies, a Public Policy Analysis major will provide you with the skills you need to evaluate policy decisions. Whether you are working in the corporate world or with the federal and local government, you will be ready to formulate and critique policies that have a direct bearing on our society and environment.


Public Policy Analysis majors can play a number of roles given their strong background in mathematics and economics. You will improve your critical thinking skills as well as strengthen your organizational and decision-making abilities. When it’s all over, you will be ready to enter one of the fastest-growing fields in the job market.

SAMPLE CURRICULUM

  • Calculus

  • Data Analysis I

  • International Political Economy

  • Introduction to Policy Analysis

  • Normative Theories of Policy Analysis

  • Policy Process

  • Public Ethics

  • Quantitative Methods

  • Statistics

  • Theory of Public Finance


HIGH SCHOOl PREPARATION

A strong background in the liberal arts and the sciences, especially mathematics, is good preparation if you’re considering a major in Public Policy Analysis. The major consists of advanced calculus and statistics, so prepare yourself well in these areas.