Public Policy

Major / Minor

The Public Policy Program combines political science, sociology, philosophy, economics, social psychology, history and other academic fields to create a rigorous, interdisciplinary major. It is intended for individuals who seek to analyze public policy issues and implement solutions based on qualitative and quantitative research.

The program is designed to give students the tools and background needed to understand the role of public policy in society, how public policies are developed and implemented, appreciate the conflicts in fundamental human values that often animate policy debates, understand the political constraints faced by policy makers, assess the performance of alternative approaches to policy implementation, and how to evaluate policy options.

See courses and more information in the W&J College Catalog.

Public Policy Snapshot

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Courses

Global Ethics

Global Resource Politics and Policy

Policy Analysis Seminar

Public Policy

Public Policy Internship Experience and Colloquium

Regulatory Policy

Special Topics in Public Policy

U.S. Environmental Policy

Research and Internships

Careers After W&J

The Public Policy Program prepares students for admission to graduate or professional schools or for careers in law, government, public service, activism, research, or business. It cultivates a sophisticated, in-depth understanding of the vast array of issues-both global and national-that influence policy problems and outcomes. Graduates will be prepared to work for public agencies, nonprofits, the private sector or nongovernmental organizations.

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Beyond the Classroom

Students are required to do an internship while in the public policy program. This will provide an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge acquired through coursework in a professional setting, as well as to expand valuable social network connections.

Public Policy students learn to draw upon skills from multiple disciplines to analyze and evaluate contemporary public policy problems. They apply their academic skills through internships and undergraduate research, develop their communication skills by writing policy briefs and papers for more in-depth analyses of issues in the academic discipline of public policy studies, and conduct public policy research and policy analysis.

Our student learn to address public policy questions such as:

Given rising fuel costs, should state and local governments invest more dollars in alternative fuel sources or increase subsidies for public transportation?
Which educational programs and methods have proven most effective for improving the high school graduation rates of children from low-income families?
How can we best secure our nation’s borders?
What are the best approaches to solving “wicked problems” in public policy, like climate change, poverty, and health care?

Adriana Rodriguez-Ruiz’s career path was founded at W&J, and she credits the College’s strong liberal arts curriculum for connecting her varying interests and helping her launch a career she loves.

Adriana Rodriguez-Ruiz '21

English, Environmental Studies, First Year Seminar, Public Policy, Physics

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“I don’t think I could have done this anywhere else or on any other team,” Davis said. “I definitely think it’s the uncommon integrity mindset. Everybody here is a different level of human being, really.”

Jacob Davis '25

Political Science, Public Policy

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“My W&J education has encouraged me to travel and experience cultures that are different from what I know. My independent research gives me the opportunity to get experience studying something that I will have a career in in the future,” Kelsea said.