Public Policy Studies (PPS)
Public policy studies offers students the opportunity to pursue interdisciplinary study of domestic and international policy issues. The primary disciplines among the teaching faculty are economics, political science, public health and sociology. Course work emphasizes the application of these disciplines to real-world policy issues. The program of study for the 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 command of at least one particular policy area.
Students may focus their interests on domestic policy concerns or on international or foreign matters. Those interested in domestic issues can assemble a selection of courses from offerings in a variety of topics after completion of Introduction to Public Policy Studies (PPS 1). For example, students can specialize in urban problems, the influence of the labor market, the family, and social attitudes on the status of various income and racial groups. As a further example, students can specialize in policy implementation, taking courses in the economics of public management, organizational decision making, and complex organizations, among others.
The program also encourages students to have an internship experience either during the academic year or during the summer. Public Policy 80 offers academic course credit for students completing an approved, policy-oriented internship.
Program of Study (Proposed Degree Requirements)
Second Year
| PPS 1 | Public Policy Studies |
| PPS 2 | Politics and Policy |
| PPS 3 | Public Policy Analysis |
| PPS 4 | Problems of Policy Implementation |
| PPS 5 | Public Theology |
| CI 2 ab | Core Integration |
| Electives |
Third, Fourth Years
| PPS 80 | Public Policy Research |
| PPS 81 | Independent Reading in Public Policy Studies |
| PPS 82 | Senior Thesis Research |
| PPS 90 | Oral Presentation |
| PPS 91 | Public Policy Studies Writing |
| Electives |
Public Policy Courses 1-91
| PPS 1 | Public Policy Studies |
| PPS 2 | Politics and Policy |
| PPS 3 | Public Policy Analysis |
| PPS 4 | Problems of Policy Implementation |
| PPS 5 | Public Theology |
| PPS 15 a | Human Rights & Development Policy |
| PPS 15 b | Theory, History, and Practice of Human Rights |
| PPS 16 | Central Issues in American Foreign Policy |
| PPS 17 | Reporting Conflict: Media & Policy |
| PPS 18 | Critical Issues in Urban Public Policy |
| PPS 19 | Immigration Policy and Politics |
| PPS 20 | International Security Policy |
| PPS 21 | Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding & Development |
| PPS 22 | Health Policy |
| PPS 23 | Social Context of Education |
| PPS 24 | International Finance & Monetary Theory |
| PPS 35 | Advanced Data Analysis |
| PPS 80 | Public Policy Research |
| PPS 81 | Independent Reading in Public Policy Studies |
| PPS 82 | Senior Thesis Research |
| PPS 90 | Oral Presentation |
| PPS 91 | Public Policy Studies Writing |
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