Public Policy Minor

Return to: School of Public and International Affairs

The Public Policy minor equips students with the necessary skills and experience to transform knowledge into tangible impact. This program enhances students’ primary degree or major by enabling them to bridge their area of study with meaningful contributions in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Public policy processes and decisions have a profound influence on every facet of society, ranging from the provision of police services and advancements in civil rights to the safety of our water and food supplies, as well as our endeavors in space exploration. Through this minor, students develop an understanding of how leaders at various levels of government assess and tackle contemporary challenges. Students also have the opportunity to engage with policies and community organizations aligned with their career aspirations.

Students who pursue a minor in Public Policy are equipped with the knowledge and skills to:

• How public policy processes work. Understanding public service & the principles of ethical & effective service.
• Outline the roles of elected officials, administrators,  nonprofit organizations, citizens, and business firms in making public policy decisions.
• Recognize the role of intergovernmental relations and how federal, state, and local jurisdictions cooperate and compete to create policy outcomes and solve complex problems.  Understanding policy issues at multiple levels of government.
• Effective communication skills to influence public policies
• How to use data to analyze problems and identify whether policies and programs work. Structure, interpret, and communicate data to inform the policy process, balanced by social values.  Demonstrate an understanding of policy analysis & program evaluation practices.