Public Policy

What is Public Policy?

Public policy is often defined as the course of action created by a government, in response to 'real world' problems impacting the public. In other words, the work of creating rules, laws and regulations. In your studies, you will not only investigate policy itself, but also the relationships among all of the entities that have a voice in the policymaking process. You will study theories to support your public policy analysis skills. You will also apply policy analysis in economics, political science and sociology classes and assess the impact of policy on individuals, businesses, and society.

Ways to Study Public Policy

This program is available as a major and a minor. Many students often decide to double major or add minors to their studies. Some common additional areas of study that students interested in public policy also pursue include:

• Economics
• Political Science
• Communications
• International Relations
• Sociology
• Criminal Justice

The public policy minor is designed to provide students with a firm understanding of policy from several viewpoints, including political science, public administration, sociology, economics, and international relations.

4+1 B.A./M.S. program in Public Policy

Saint Joseph University’s 4+1 program in public policy offers Saint Joseph's students an exciting opportunity to begin their graduate work in public policy while completing their undergraduate degree. Starting their senior year, students will take graduate courses that will count toward both their undergraduate and graduate degrees. At the completion of one additional year, students will complete their Public Policy M.S. degree and be poised for a rewarding and meaningful career. This unique program is available to current Saint Joseph's University undergraduates with a public policy major or minor. Interested students should discuss this opportunity with their advisor and the public policy program director. Students are encouraged to apply to the 4+1 graduate program during their junior year.

How Will A Public Policy Degree from Saint Joseph's University Prepare You for Your Future Career?

With a public policy degree, you will be prepared for a successful career and to be an engaged citizen. You will obtain the critical thinking, communication and leadership skills necessary to understand and shape public policy. The curriculum covers many disciplines and offers experiential learning opportunities for hands-on learning. By studying public policy at a Jesuit university, you will also develop ethical decision-making skills. This will help you develop and promote policies to will elevate those most marginalized in society.

A Philadelphia university, Saint Joseph's offers internships that connect you to the real-life experiences of city government, nonprofits and more. Public policy majors take part in a wide variety of career-enhancing opportunities including The Washington Center, The Saint Joseph’s Summer Scholars Program, the Brussel Study Abroad program and other service-learning experiences.