Our Policy Studies program examines how decisions are made and how they affect government policies—at the international, federal, state, and local levels, as well as in private business and nonprofit organizations.
We also look at the policymaking process, the resulting impact, and how, in general, policies affect people's lives.
The major introduces students to historical, social, economic, and political factors shaping contemporary policy issues. Students develop an expertise in a policy area of their choice that provides a broad range of scholarly perspectives.
Requirements for Major and Minor
Policy Studies is an interdisciplinary major that requires 10 courses with six core courses and four courses completed in your chosen topical specialization.
Core Courses
- PST 101: An Introduction to the Analysis of Public Policy
- MAX 201: Quantitative Methods for the Social Sciences
- PST 315: Methods of Public Policy Analysis and Presentation
- PST 410: Practicum in Public Policy
- ECN 101 or ECN102: Introductory Mico or Macro Economics
- MAX 123: Critical Issues for the United States
>> Read descriptions for these and other courses offered to policy studies students.
Topical Specializations
- Environment;
- Government and Business;
- Health, Education, and Human Services;
- Society and the Legal System.
>> Visit the Course Catalog for more information on the requirements for a major in Policy Studies or
minor in Policy Studies.