BA in Public Policy Studies - Social Policy

Shortlist

# =34QS Subject Rankings

PoliticsMain Subject Area

Shortlist

Program overview

Main Subject

Politics

Degree

Study Level

Undergraduate

A major in public policy studies aims to teach students how to make a difference in the complex policy issues of today. Rigorous coursework provides students skills in political and economic analysis, knowledge about how to lead people and organizations, and a strong ethical foundation for decision-making. As liberal arts major, public policy studies teaches students to read critically, think analytically, and write concisely. A policy-oriented internship is a required part of the curriculum. The broad intellectual goals of any major should relate to the goals of a liberal arts education. The public policy major at Duke encourages students to work toward the goals outlined in visions of a liberal arts education, which are also reflected in the Philosophy of Trinity College. The goals of the major in public policy studies are both pedagogical and policy specific. First, we aim to create a learning environment in which students 1) draw on skills from multiple disciplines, 2) learn to write concisely and clearly, and 3) consider the ethical implications of their actions. Second, the topics explored in the major should lead students 1) to think in terms of global problems and international relations, 2) to analyze the policies surrounding new advances in science (i.e., genomics) and technology (i.e., intellectual property and the Internet), and 3) to engage in solving important social problems. Learning Objectives PPS majors should complete a series of interdisciplinary core and elective courses so they can analyze and evaluate contemporary public policy problems. PPS majors should learn to integrate skills learned in the coursework and the practice of public policy making. This is accomplished through required internships. PPS majors should become proficient in writing skills; both those skills that require substantive, clear, succinct analysis of contemporary policy-related issues and those that require more in-depth exploration and explanation of issues in the academic discipline of public policy studies. To gain an understanding of the scholarly context of public policymaking, PPS majors are strongly encouraged to participate, if possible, in an undergraduate research experience such as an honorâ€™s thesis, an independent study, a research service-learning course or project, or to work as a research assistant for a professor. Students who major in public policy may choose to focus their electives in Pathways. These are similar to â€œconcentrationsâ€ in other majors. They are not required but provide an opportunity to develop deeper knowledge in a specialized area of interest. Social Policy Social Policy has many facets, and four streams that draw on the core strengths of the school have been identified: The Poverty, Race, and Social Exclusion stream focuses on issues of equity related to socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity. The Child and Family Policy stream looks at children and education, as well as the changing American family system. In the Leadership and Ethics stream, students will have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills while examining issues of ethics, social entrepreneurship, and public values. Students who chose the Environmental Policy stream will examine domestic and international environmental issues, and the role of economics in determining environmental policy.

Program overview

Main Subject

Politics

Degree

Study Level

Undergraduate

Admission Requirements

IELTS

Other English language requirements : TOEFL with a paper-based score of 600.

Starting Month(s)

Jan-2000

Tuition fees

Domestic Students

Tuition Fee/year

0 USD

Tuition Fee (Out of State)

International Students

Tuition Fee/year

0 USD

Other Expenses

Scholarships

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