BA Public Policy and Public Service

The BA in public policy and public service (PPPS) educates students on challenges facing policymakers, communities, governments, non-governmental organizations (NGO’s), activists, and other stakeholders in addressing contemporary issues. Geared to students interested in public service, the degree offers grounding in theory and methodology of both governmental and non-governmental public policy and service, while also providing opportunities for fieldwork with public officials, think tanks, NGOs, labor unions, community leaders, and interest and advocacy groups, including social movement organizations. The degree is unique in that it links ideas of public policy with public service on issues ranging from local to global. Students may take courses and seek mentorship with a range of faculty in areas such as government and international affairs, civic engagement, community governance and leadership, social justice and human rights, sustainability, geographic information systems, urban planning, statistics, economics, and economic development, globalization, cultural and religious diversity, and ethics. Students are encouraged to develop interdisciplinary curricula by selecting electives based on their own interests, in consultation with their public policy adviser and the program dean.