Public Policy A.B.
Chair, Department of Political Science and Public Policy: Associate Professor Eaves
A Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Public Policy requires the completion of the Elon Core Curriculum as well as the Major Requirements listed below.
Major Requirements
Foundation courses: 24 sh
| ECO 1000 | Principles of Economics | 4 sh |
| POL 1110 | American Politics | 4 sh |
| PUB 1000 | Introduction to Public Policy | 4 sh |
| POL 2200 | Research Methods in Political Science and Policy Studies | 4 sh |
| PUB 3010 | POLICY ANALYSIS | 4 sh |
| PUB 4970 | SENIOR SEMINAR IN POLICY STUDIES | 4 sh |
Select one course from the following: 4 sh
Double-majors in Policy Studies and Public Health Studies may substitute PHS 2020 Research Methods in Public Health for POL 2200. Double-majors in Policy Studies and Anthropology or Sociology may substitute ANT 2150/SOC 2150 Qualitative Research Methods and ANT 2160/SOC 2160 Quantitative Research Methods (both courses) for POL 2200.
The following foundation courses carry prerequisites, and should be taken in the proper sequence; see catalog descriptions for details: PST 2250, PST 3010, PST 4970.
Public Policy elective: 4 sh
Interdisciplinary electives : 16 sh
Choose four courses for interdisciplinary inputs to policy study and applications of policy analysis principles. No more than two courses (8 sh) can be from the same subject prefix. No more than two interdisciplinary electives can be at the 1000 level. A minimum of two interdisciplinary electives must be taken at the 3000/4000 level.
Some courses in the Electives list carry prerequisites or other registration restrictions; see Catalog course descriptions for details. If these courses are selected as electives, their prerequisites increase the number of hours for the major. Such courses may be most appropriate for students double-majoring in Public Policy and the subject areas for these courses.
It is recommended that Public Policy majors, in consultation with their advisors, select electives around an informal, interdisciplinary concentration to develop a depth of policy-relevant knowledge in a particular area.
Up to eight PUB internship hours may be applied to the major.
Program Outcomes
Writing and Communication Competency
Public Policy students should be able to effectively communicate complex ideas through various media formats which must include written, and could include oral, electronic, and other creative communication strategies.
Critical Reasoning and Policy Analysis Competency
Public Policy students should demonstrate the ability to engage in systematic and impartial analysis of social problems and their potential policy solutions. Such analysis should reinforce and demonstrate students’ critical and analytical reasoning, which are skills necessary for informed participation in our communities and civic life.
Information and Data Literacy
As fully enlightened citizens, and as future practitioners in public service, Public Policy students must be able to access, understand, and evaluate various types of information currently available to them.
Application
Public Policy students should demonstrate an ability to apply the practical skills, analytical tools, and substantive policy area knowledge for their studies to real-world challenges in communities, regions, governments, and global contexts. Application should be evident in coursework and/or experiential learning opportunities.
Total Credit Hours: 48-52