Public policy courses prepare students to address some of the world's most significant challenges by teaching them the knowledge and skills to analyze policy problems, understand the complexities of issues, and create viable solutions through public policy. As part of our public policy program, students pursue a second major in conjunction with public policy studies, allowing them to focus on an area of interest while gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for policy in that area. Students can choose from programs such as history, international studies, sociology, economics and journalism.
Gain insight into the procedures and decision-making processes of local, state and federal governments and how to positively affect those processes. Graduates have gone on to enroll in some of the best graduate and law schools in the U.S., apply their studies to the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, and work as legislative aides for the U.S. Congress or as staff assistants for various branches of government.
Program Requirements
Double Major
Public policy majors also complete a second major. Popular choices include political science, economics, history, sociology, international studies and communications/journalism. With that being said, you are welcome to combine your public policy degree with any other major at DU.
Core Courses
Analysis and Action
An analytical introduction to how American public policy is actually made.
Analytical and Critical Skills
Analyze competing points of view using empirical techniques and statistical inference.
Federal Budgetary Policy
Gain knowledge of the basics of government fiscal planning through a simulation of the federal budget process.
Evidence and Logic in Public Policy
Access the actual decision-making process within the executive and legislative branches of the federal government.
Power and Policy
Learn about the historical development of American 20th-century policy trends.
Economics for Policy
Core topics include consumer choice, choices in the public and private sector, the role of private self-interest and more.
The Supreme Court and Public Policy
Examine the policy-making role of the Supreme Court.
Core Courses
PPOL 3230
Analytical & Critical Skills
About this Course
Students gain the tools necessary to analyze competing points of view using empirical techniques and statistical inference. Students also learn the history and development of the scientific method; how to distinguish between speculation, theory, fact, and opinion; how to identify the validity of data; how to identify the intentional obfuscation of issues; and how to evaluate one’s own prejudices and vulnerability to argument.
PPOL 2802
Supreme Court & Public Policy
About this Course
Students examine the policy-making role of the Supreme Court in such areas as civil rights, economic policy, freedom of expression, and criminal justice, while studying the overall power of the Court to determine social policy.
PPOL 2000
Analysis and Action in American Public Policy
About this Course
This course is designed as a rigorous, analytical introduction for public policy majors to the ways in which American public policy is actually made and includes discussion of (1) Congress; (2) the President; (3) the Supreme Court; and (4) Regulatory agencies. The course is problem-centered and core policy dilemmas are discussed from both cost-benefit and decision-making perspectives. Key topics include the following interrelated issues: (a) fiscal policy and the federal budget; (b) entitlement reform; (c) health care; (d) national security; (e) the financial crisis and economic growth; (f) education; (g) criminal justice; and (h) environmental policy.
Featured Faculty
Application Information
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