The major in public policy (833, 833D) prepares students for entry-level jobs in government, politics and public affairs within the public, non-profit, or private sectors, or for graduate education in law, politics, public administration, public affairs, and public policy.
The major introduces students to the use of analytical techniques to better understand public problems and evaluate alternative solutions to those problems. Examples of such problems include income inequality, the cost of health care, climate change, and the lack of an immigration policy.
SAS students may pursue Public Policy as their first major and remain within SAS. SEBS students may pursue Public Policy as a second major in order to remain within SEBS. SAS and SEBS students can apply for the Public Policy major by visiting the school’s website. Contact undergrad@ejb.rutgers.edu for more information.
Applicants must have achieved a minimum grade of “C” or better in each of the pre-requisite courses and be in good academic standing.
Students are advised to declare the Public Policy major no later than their first semester of junior year to ensure completion of the major by their anticipated graduation date.
Only courses with “C” or better may be counted towards the major, and students must complete the Core Curriculum requirements of their primary school. The degree is awarded jointly by the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy and the School of Arts and Sciences.
Transfer students seeking the Public Policy major must have at least 30 credits before applying to the Bloustein School. Successful applicants will have completed the prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or better, and have achieved an overall GPA of at least 2.5.
Transfer students from New Jersey community colleges are encouraged to complete lower division prerequisite courses and the Associate’s Degree in order to benefit from articulation agreements..
This program is designed to accommodate the needs of transfer, adult and nontraditional students. For more information, please visit http://ucc.rutgers.edu/professional-schools.
*Students with a minimum 3.4 cumulative GPA may replace 775:499 with 10:833:495, 496 Public Policy Honors Thesis I and II (3, 3). Students seeking to replace 775:499 with Bloustein Honors Research (3, 3) should contact their advisor.
Exceptional, well-prepared students who wish to pursue graduate studies in Public Policy are encouraged to seek advising about the 3-1-1 master of public policy (MPP) program.