Public Policy

The School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy (SUAPP) offers the Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy that provides students the opportunity to examine complex public issues and the policies developed to address them through a multiple set of disciplines such as Sociology, Education, Leadership, History, and Political Science.  The Public Policy degree integrates concepts across different disciplines equipping students with the tools required to examine and understand the purpose and impacts of public policies that address the social, economic, political and environmental conditions affecting communities in the U.S. and globally.  Within a liberal arts context, the program focuses on building core skills and professional dispositions so students can  effectively take on public policy roles of responsibility that contribute to communities and society at large.  In addition, students can pursue their individual interests through a minor that fosters a depth of understanding within a specific content area and through directed electives that provide more exploratory opportunities.   

Under the guidance of an interdisciplinary faculty and through field-based learning activities, students will develop the capacity to engage in policy analysis and policy formation and  gain knowledge and skills that will help them to understand social issues and policy impact on equity, democracy, and the viability of people and places.   The degree is designed to develop students’ curiosity, confidence, and engagement through the direct interaction with challenging, real-world issues and with those whose responsibility it is to address them.  

As a result, Public Policy majors will learn how to effect change in the public, nonprofit and private sectors, specifically preparing them to be entry-level policy analysts, public officials, and community/ civic leaders.   Majors will also be prepared for graduate work in law, public administration, environmental studies, public policy, and health care administration as well as being able to pursue Masters and Ph.D. degrees in the School of Urban Affairs & Public Policy.

Students who wish to change from another major in the University are encouraged to contact the program chair, Audrey J. Noble, Ph.D. at ajnoble@udel.edu for more information.

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Sample Job Titles

Check the Dictionary of Occupational Titles under section 050 for additional related careers.

Enhancing Employability

Some Employers of Public Policy Majors

*state/federal government     
*city/county/local government     
*nonprofit organizations
*community service agencies       
*chamber of commerce            
*think tanks  
*business & industry         
*research groups/centers

Other Sources of Information

General Links

Vault Online Career Library
(provides extensive information about careers and companies/organizations; log in via Blue Hen Jobs)  

American Management Association
www.amanet.org

American Society for Public Administration
www.aspanet.org/scriptcontent/index.cfm

Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management
www.appam.org

Federal/State/Local Government and Related Sites (multiple websites)
www.udel.edu/CSC/netfed.html

Nonprofit Sites 
www.udel.edu/CSC/netnp.html

Public Service Careers.org
www.publicservicecareers.org

Society for Human Resource Management
www.shrm.org

The Riley Guide
www.rileyguide.com

Resources for Finding Employment

University of Delaware Career Resource Center Materials Available

• Blue Hen Jobs -- Internships, Part-time, Summer, and Full-time Jobs -- All in one place
• Job Opportunities in Business (CSD 129)
• Vault Guide to the Top 50 Consulting Firms (CSD 137)
• Directory of Executive Recruiters (CSD 165)
• The Harvard College Guide to Careers in Public Service (CSD 411)
• 100 Best Nonprofits to Work For (CSD 412)
• Jobs and Careers with Nonprofit Organizations (CSD 413)
• Career Opportunities in the Nonprofit Sector (CSD 414)
• From Making a Profit to Making a Difference (CSD 415)
• Vault Guide to the Top Government & Nonprofit Employers (CSD 430)
• Careers in Focus - Business (CSE 85)
• Careers in International Business (CSE 100)
• Management Consulting (CSE 111)
• Opportunities in Human Resource Management Careers (CSE 121)
• Opportunities in Government Careers (CSE 442)
• Careers for Patriotic Types & Others Who Want to Serve Their Country (CSE 636)
• Washington Internships in Law and Policy (EXR 1)
• The Congressional Internship Book (EXR 2)
• Internships in Washington, DC and Abroad (EXR 5)
• Internships with Community and Social Service Agencies (EXR 68)
• Federal Internship Directory (EXR 70)
• Guide to America's Federal Jobs (GV 20)
• The Everything Guide to Government Jobs (GV 45)
• Careers in Focus - Government (GV 49)
• Federal Resume Guidebook (GV 61)
• www.udel.edu/CSC/netresources.html CSC's Internet Resources

Further information including: Skills to Develop, Strategies for Contacting Employers, Grad School Information and where to get assistance is available in the CAREER RESOURCE CENTER located at 401 Academy Street.

Last updated: October 22, 2009 (CH)