Learn by Doing.
Policy Studies Undergraduate Program
Today’s challenges require big-picture problem solvers who can work collaboratively and respond dynamically. Tomorrow’s leaders in business, government and nonprofits need to be prepared—and practiced—to work across areas of expertise and disciplines to shape the public good.
As an undergraduate policy studies major, you will be introduced to the historical, social, economic and political factors shaping contemporary policy issues at the local, state, national and global levels. You will gain a deep understanding of the policymaking process and how decision outcomes affect people and communities worldwide.
Immersive fieldwork is built into several required courses. You will complete a research project for a government agency or community organization, which is often used by students to showcase their talents to prospective employers and graduate schools.
Policy studies courses are led by Maxwell’s award-winning social sciences faculty as well as those who teach in the #1-ranked graduate professional program. Upon graduation, you will be prepared for lifelong careers across private business, government and nonprofits.
Are you looking for information about our public administration and international affairs graduate programs? Follow this link to learn more.
of 2020-21 Remembrance Scholars, one of SU’s highest honors, are policy studies students
volunteer hours logged by policy studies student in 2020
policy studies majors per year build skills through experience as teaching assistants
Build Skills Through Experience
Policy studies students build skills and experience in and out of the classroom. You can earn up to 15 credits—the equivalent of a full semester—through fieldwork, internships, volunteer programs, directed research, study abroad and more.
Connect with Partners
Through these experiences, you will learn to:
- Apply problem-solving techniques to address societal problems
- Describe how public policy is implemented
- Collect information in a variety of ways
- Use computer programs to analyze quantitative data
- Communicate effectively in verbal and written modes
- Demonstrate ability to work effectively on team projects
- Explain the causes and policies of societal problems in at least one area
15
Policy studies majors are encouraged to spend a semester away from campus and may apply 15 credits from study abroad or internships.
I am Maxwell.
As a first-generation college student, I was never passionate about school until I entered the policy studies program and found what I was truly good at. The program motivated me to make the most of my college experience and gain skills in a variety of different fields. I was able to triple-major. This desire for growth and development led me to pursue my Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) and a data analytics certificate. At graduation, I accepted a position in D.C. that will allow me to apply everything that I’ve learned in college. My parents and I could not be happier with this outcome, and we attribute a lot of my success to the policy studies program.
Zackary Blas ’20 B.A, ’21 M.P.A.
Triple major: policy studies, political science, and environment, sustainability and policy; public sector advisory associate, Grant Thorton
Policy Studies in Action
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