Select a Program or Choose Another Search Method
African American Studies American Studies Anthropology Art and Music Histories Art History Arts and Sciences/Art Arts and Sciences/Education (dual) Arts and Sciences/Engineering (Combined Degrees) Arts and Sciences/Music Arts and Sciences/Public Communications (dual) Biochemistry Biology Biophysical Science Chemistry Classical Civilization Classics Communication Sciences and Disorders Earth Sciences Economics English English Education Environmental Sciences European Literature Fine Arts French and Francophone Studies Geography Geology German Language, Literature, and Culture History History of Architecture International Relations Italian Language, Literature, and Culture Latin Latino-Latin American Studies Linguistic Studies Mathematics Mathematics Education Modern Foreign Language Music History Philosophy Physics Policy Studies (Public Affairs) Political Philosophy Political Science Professional Option in Dentistry, Law, Medicine, Optometry, or Podiatry Psychology Religion Religion and Society Russian and Central European Studies Russian Language, Literature, and Culture Science Education Selected Studies Social Studies Education Sociology Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture Women's and Gender Studies Writing Program

Policy Studies (Public Affairs)

Contact  William D. Coplin, Director, Public Affairs Program, 102 Maxwell Hall, 315-443-2348.

Faculty Kristi J. Andersen, Douglas V. Armstrong, John S. Burdick, Elletta S. Callahan, A.H. Peter Castro, Patrick J Cihon, Goodwin Cooke, William D. Coplin, Bruce W. Dayton, Marjorie L. DeVault, Craig A. Dudczak, Donald H. Dutkowsky, Jerry Evensky, Christine L. Himes, Kathleen A. Hinchman, Sandra N. Hurd, W. Henry Lambright, Elisabeth D. Lasch-Quinn, Julia Loughlin, Mary E. Lovely, Allan C. Mazur, Robert D. McClure, John Mercer, Don Mitchell, Mark Monmonier, Nancy R. Mudrick, Arthur Paris, William S. Pooler, Sarah B. Pralle, Grant D. Reeher, J. David Richardson, Robert A. Rubinstein, Mark Rupert, A. Dale Tussing, Michael Wasylenko, John C. Western, John M. Yinger

The major introduces students to historical, social, economic, and political factors shaping contemporary public policy issues. Students develop an expertise in a public policy topic area of their choice that provides a broad range of scholarly perspectives.
    Students also acquire practical skills by studying policy issues through coursework in the Public Affairs Program, other departments in the College of Arts and Sciences, Human Ecology, Management, and Newhouse. Students develop skills in social science research, computer applications, written and oral communications, interpersonal relations, planning, management, and problem solving. These skills are needed to obtain desirable entry-level positions in business, government, and the non-profit sector. They also serve as excellent preparation for admission to leading law schools and public, business, and health administration, as well as other graduate programs. The skills are also essential for participating effectively as a citizen in today’s world.
    Several of the required major courses involve internships and policy-related field work. An integral part of the policy studies major is the completion of a research project for a government agency or community organization. This study is frequently used by graduates to display their talents to prospective employers and graduate schools. A practicum is also required in which students complete an internship or work as a research consultant on an applied project. Students complete no less than 6 and as many as 15 credits in community-based coursework.
    Students take 60 percent of their coursework in a core that develops basic skills and covers essential concepts. The other 40 percent of coursework is taken in one of four topical specializations: (1) Society and the Legal System; (2) Environment; (3) Business and Government; and (4) Health, Education, and Human Services. A major in Policy Studies leads to a B.A. degree in the College of Arts and Sciences.
    Before admission to the major, students are expected to achieve a “B” or better in PAF 101 (Introduction to Analysis of Public Policy) and a “C” or better in MAX 201 (Quantitative Methods). Students must complete at least 35 hours of public service. An interview with Professor William D. Coplin, Director of the Public Affairs Program, is necessary before they are formally admitted as majors.
    For more information, go to www.maxwell. syr.edu/PAF.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
Students are required to take an 18-credit core and a 12-credit topical specialization. At least six courses must be numbered 300 or above.

Core
The core introduces research skills necessary to analyze public policy issues. The following are required:

PAF 101	An Introduction to the Analysis of Public Policy
MAX 201	Quantitative Methods
PAF 315	Methods of Public Policy Analysis and Presentation
PAF 410	Practicum in Public Policy
ECN 203	Economic Ideas and Issues
MAX 123	Critical Issues for the United States

Topical Specializations
Students complete 12 credits in one of the four Topical Specializations: (1) Environment; (2) Government and Business; (3) Health, Education, and Human Services; (4) Society and the Legal System. No more than 9 credits may be taken from any department other than Public Affairs. A course selection guide that lists course options in each area is available in the Public Affairs Program office every semester prior to registration. The courses chosen are to be approved by the policy studies advisor.