What is Public Policy?

Public policy is the process by which a government makes decisions about how it will spend its money and what policies it will put in place to meet the needs of its citizens. Public policy degrees teach students how to analyze data, conduct research, and write proposals to help solve complex problems. There are many different specialties within public policy, such as environmental policy, healthcare policy, or social policy. Public policy graduates can work in government, non-profit organizations, or the private sector. Some pursue careers in law or academia.

A degree in public policy will give you the skills you need to make a difference in your community. Master's and PhD programs in public policy offer even more opportunities for specialization and research. If you want to make a difference in the world, a degree in public policy is a great place to start.

Why is studying Public Policy is important?

Public policy is an important field of study for students who want to make a difference in the world. Public policy degrees teach students how to think critically and analyze data, which prepares them to develop legal solutions to complex social, political, and economic issues. Students have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest and public policy graduates are in high demand, which means the field of study opens doors in a variety of sectors.

What will I study during my Public Policy degree?

Public policy degrees are interdisciplinary, meaning that they draw on multiple disciplines such as economics, political science, sociology, and psychology. This makes for a well-rounded education that prepares students for a variety of careers. During your public policy degree, you will learn how to collect and analyze data, how to conduct research, and how to write proposals. You will also learn about the different areas of public policy, such as environmental policy, social policy, or healthcare policy.

What is a graduate certificate? A graduate certificate is a post-baccalaureate qualification awarded by colleges, universities, and technical schools around the world. Depending on where the certificate is awarded, a graduate certificate confers either bachelor- or master-level qualifications. For example, in the UK and other Commonwealth countries, a graduate certificate is awarded to undergraduate students; in the US, graduate certificates are a post-graduate qualification and may be issued as part of a master’s or PhD program. Students usually pursue a graduate certificate after completing at least one undergraduate degree. A certificate earned at a bachelor level may have a more limited scope than one earned at a master level because of the student’s different experience with her or his field of study. Scholars may pursue this education to gain a deeper understanding of their chosen field or to prepare themselves for a promotion. The cost of a graduate certificate will depend on the country and institution where you study, though in some countries the cost of a graduate certificate is significantly less than tuition in a traditional master’s degree program. A graduate certificate program may also take less time to complete than a full bachelor’s or master’s degree program.