Public Policy Studies (PPS) explores the role and impact of decision-making by governments. The discipline includes knowledge of both process and substance of a particular policy area. Thus, a student in public policy must have both generalist and specialist skills to apply to a particular public problem. In terms of political process, the study of public policy examines questions of how public policy is formulated, implemented, and evaluated over time. It also explores notions of agenda-setting and framing of issues that lead to a problem gaining the attention of the government. Public policy specialists and analysts are hired by all levels of government. During the past several years in addition to the government sector, the nonprofit and private sectors have sought public policy analysts for employment. Therefore, the curriculum prepares students for being public policy specialists in both the private and nonprofit sectors in addition to the public sector. The curriculum also is tailored to prepare students who would like to continue their education in graduate programs or law schools. The faculty members of the department work closely with students to place them in internships, and when possible, employment positions.
The BA in Public Policy is housed within the School of Public Service (SPS) which also offers masters degrees in Public Policy (MPP), Public Administration (MPA), Nonprofit Management (MNM), International Public Service (IPS) and specialized graduate certificates. BA in Public Policy students can pursue a combined bachelor's/master's degree within the School. BA in Public Policy students take a common core of courses dealing with public policy theories, processes, policy practices and analyses, and urban policy issues. Data analysis skills come from courses in microeconomics, statistics and geographical information systems (GIS). Beyond the core BA requirements, a capstone course reconvenes the students at the end of their program to study a public policy problem in-depth under the direction of a public policy professor.
In addition, the School of Public Service's undergraduate curriculum in public policy studies also offers minors in Public Policy and in Nonprofit Organizations, and jointly delivers undergraduate certificates in Energy Policy and Management, Disability Justice, Rights, and Policy Studies, and in Emergency Management Administration.