A minor in Public Policy Analysis provides a student with foundational knowledge and skills that are then developed and applied in substantive policy areas the student is most interested in. Through two required core courses, students receive an introduction to public policy, the politics of public policy, and basic technical and analytical skills essential to making sense of public policy. Students will expand on these core courses through four electives and learn more about substantive public policy questions and applications in areas that align with their interests. Through the minor, students will gain analytical tools and knowledge that will help them make sense of public policy issues and debates at various levels of government. These skills and expertise are also valuable for work in various government positions, and many of them are transferable to contexts beyond public policy in government settings.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate (a) knowledge of fundamental concepts in public policy and the politics of policy  (b) awareness of the breadth of public policy areas and applications and the range of academic approaches that touch on them (c) basic competence with critical data skills and analytical tools to make sense of and work with public policy debates and questions.

Acquire deep familiarity with key policy questions and issues in at least one area of applied public policy, such as health, education, environment, criminal justice, housing, and others.

Minor Requirements

  • The minor in Public Policy Analysis requires a total of SIX courses, as specified below.
  • Up to TWO courses taken as part of a student’s major requirements may be used to fulfill the requirements of the minor in Public Policy Analysis.
  • Courses taken to fulfill minor requirements must be completed with a grade of C or higher.
  • The six total courses must be taken in at least TWO different departments.
  • The required courses for this minor are strictly enforced and cannot be substituted with any other college-level course.

Required Core Courses:

  • CAS PO141 Introduction to Public Policy (Taught in Spring Semesters)
    *Cannot be substituted
  • CAS PO399 Data Science for Politics (Taught in Fall Semesters)
    *Cannot be substituted

Four substantive electives (from the 200 level or above, with the exception of KHC freshman seminars) from the list below:

*Please note that students are required to take at least these courses in at least TWO different departments.

* Please note that pre-requisites are not listed here. Check the class search or course catalog on MyBU for up to date pre-requisites and course time. 

*Please note that departments sometimes change course numbers so be sure to follow course titles rather than numbers just in case the number changes. 

If you have further questions, please reach out to the Minor Academic Advisor, Jon Eyberse (jeyberse@bu.edu).