Bachelor of Science - Public Policy

The Public Policy major gives students the applied tools, theoretical knowledge, and professional writing skills to implement the highest quality policy analysis. This major prepares students for careers in social justice organizations, government agencies, elected office, non-profits, and non-governmental organizations.  The program emphasizes issues of justice and equality, applied research skills, a combination of both quantitative and writing skills, and the importance of women’s leadership in government.

With an emphasis on applied policy research, this major helps students use economic and political tools to identify policy problems and evaluate the impact of policies and programs. Students will learn the political context of public policy as well as the underlying economic models in order to understand how to build a just and sustainable society.

The Public Policy major exemplifies St. Catherine’s mission to integrate the liberal arts with professional education. In the Public Policy major, students will be take courses across a range of disciplines and also learn professional skills in analysis and writing. The backbone of the Public Policy major includes courses drawn from economics and political science that address the theoretical underpinnings of the economy and political process. Students are also encouraged to take electives in sociology that examine structural inequality.

This broad theoretical work is paired with applied skills needed in today’s policy analyst roles - including cost benefit analysis, policy evaluation, data visualization, and how to craft an effective policy memo. This combination provides students with the applied professional skills needed to succeed in their careers, in-depth knowledge of economic and political processes, and a deep appreciation for  fundamental questions of fairness, equality, and justice.