Minor in Public Policy Analysis

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. Through four electives, students will expand on these core courses 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 a variety of government positions, and many of them are transferable to contexts beyond public policy in government settings.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental concepts in public policy and the politics of policy.
• Demonstrate awareness of the breadth of public policy areas and applications and the range of academic approaches that touch on them.
• Demonstrate 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.

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.

Core Courses

• CAS PO 141 Introduction to Public Policy
• CAS PO 399 Data Science for Politics

Electives

Four public policy electives from a list maintained on the Political Science department website.

Additional Activities

Policy minors will also be encouraged to participate in what we hope will be an active, both socially and intellectually, community for policy students. We hope to bring students together, whatever their primary degree program, for talks, discussions, and other events.