Patrick A. McLean, director, Gerald R. Ford Institute for Leadership in Public Policy and Service.
B.A., 1985, University of Dayton; M.A., 1987, Miami University (Ohio).
Amy N. Everhart, coordinator, Gerald R. Ford Institute for Leadership in Public Policy and Service.
The Ford Institute concentration is open to students with a serious interest in public service, regardless of their academic major. The program includes courses in ethics, public policy and communication, as well as a range of choices from courses in economics and management, English, modern languages, history and political science. Students must be admitted to the Ford Institute to pursue this concentration. Visit the Ford Institute website for information on the application process.
The major in public policy provides students with an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the mechanisms by which government interacts with stakeholders for the common good. It draws on the principles, practices, and research methods of the social sciences and philosophy to provide students with the theoretical and analytic skills relevant to today's most pressing global issues. The major prepares students for careers in government, for private-sector careers related to government policy, or for careers in the non-profit sector. It also provides strong preparation for students planning on attending law school or earning a master's degree and/or Ph.D. in public policy, public administration, public health or social policy.
One unit in statistics chosen from among Economics and Management 235, Mathematics 209.
Substitution as approved by the Ford Institute director.
One unit from among an internship, Honors thesis, or directed study in public policy approved by the Ford Institute Internal Advisory Committee.
A substantial paper and an oral presentation on a topic related to public policy. This paper and presentation will be completed as one of the requirements listed above.
Students who double major in public policy and another field may count up to one unit toward the requirements of both majors. If there is more than one unit of overlap between the majors, then the student must take additional electives in one of the majors to substitute for every unit of overlap beyond one in consultation with the department chair or program director.
Students who enroll in the Washington Semester program at the American University can receive up to two units of credit toward the requirements of the public policy major, subject to the approval of the Ford Institute director and the Ford Internal Advisory Committee.
A minimum of six and one-half units including the following. Note: Students must be admitted to the Ford Institute for Public Policy and Service to pursue this concentration.
Prerequisite: Membership in the Gerald R. Ford Institute for Leadership in Public Policy and Service.
Introduces new Ford Institute students to public policy and public service issues. Examines a broad range of themes including ethics, civic engagement, the history of public service in the United States and contemporary public policy concerns. Offered in the fall. McLean.
Offered on a credit/no credit basis. McLean.
Analysis of selected public policy issues. Colloquium includes discussion of the economics, politics, social and ethical factors that go into the making of public policy. Offered in the spring. McLean.