Public Policy (BA in Public Policy)

Public Policy

Public Policy is an interdisciplinary major that focuses on analytical decision making to study diverse subjects ranging from the processes of making, implementing and evaluating government policies to the ethical evaluation of contemporary social problems. It emphasizes quantitative and economic analysis, the study of political institutions that produce policy, and the examination of specific domestic and international policy areas where governments, the non-profit sector, and the private sector collaborate to address pressing issues of public concern. The Public Policy major draws on coursework primarily from Economics and Government, but also on courses in Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, and others. Graduates from the undergraduate Public Policy program pursue a wide array of careers in public service, policymaking and politics, finding employment in governments at all levels, consulting firms that work with governmental clients, regulated industries as well as non-profits. Public Policy graduates regularly pursue graduate studies in business administration, economics, environmental studies, health policy and administration, law, political science, psychology, public administration, public policy analysis, social work, sociology and urban affairs. In addition to preparing Public Policy majors to be participants in the policy process, an important goal is also to teach students to be well-informed, capable citizens.

Accelerated Bachelor of Arts/Sciences and Master of Public Policy

W&M undergraduate students are able to earn both a Bachelor’s degree in any undergraduate major (BA or BS) and a Master of Public Policy in five years. Candidates interested in this accelerated degree path must apply to and gain acceptance in their junior year. See the Graduate Program Catalog and the Public Policy Program website for details.

Course Requirements

Required Credit Hours: 42

Major Computing Requirement

The Major Computing Requirement is fulfilled by completion of one course listed under “Statistics” and one course listed under “Second Methods Course” in the Core of the Public Policy major.

Major Writing Requirement

The Major Writing Requirement is fulfilled either by:

• earning at least a C- in one of the courses listed under the “Capstone Experience” in the Core of the Public Policy major; or
• earning at least a C- in one course that fulfills the ECON writing requirement or GOVT writing requirement that has been approved by Public Policy.

Major Requirements

A major in Public Policy shall consist of a minimum of 42 semester hours selected from the courses listed below. Students take seven common core courses as follows:

¹

Students who have taken MATH 106 Elementary Probability and Statistics may petition the Public Policy Program for placement out of the Statistics requirement. If approved, by earning a C- or better, then students will need to take an additional 3 elective credits from the “Electives” list appearing below.

²

The list of electives changes over time. For the most up-to-date list, check DegreeWorks. In addition, students may petition the Public Policy Program to have a course that is not listed be approved for major elective credit, which can include topics courses and independent study in ECON, GOVT, SOCL, and other fields. Information on how to submit a petition appears on the Public Policy website.

³

as well as 300 and 400 level Topics courses in Economics, Government, History, Psychology and Sociology provided that the course has a strong public policy focus

⁴

as well as independent study in Economics, Government, History, Psychology and Sociology, provided that the project has a strong public policy focus