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Public Policy

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School of Humanities and Sciences

Public Policy is an interdisciplinary program connecting the theoretical and analytical tools of economics, political science, philosophy, psychology, and law with their real-world policy applications.

What You'll Study

The Public Policy major develops the skills necessary for understanding the political constraints faced by policy makers, assessing the performance of alternative approaches to policy implementation, evaluating the effectiveness of policies, and appreciating the sharp conflicts in fundamental human values that often animate the policy debate. Courses in the major provide students with a background in economics and quantitative methods, political science, law, philosophy, ethics, organizational behavior, and social psychology. Public Policy students are prepared to participate effectively in policy and political discussion as citizens and as paraprofessionals in a variety of fields, to fill entry-level positions in policy research projects and organizations, and to pursue graduate studies in law, management, the health professions, and a variety of academic disciplines, including economics and political science.

Degrees Offered 

  • BA
  • Minor
  • Honors
  • MA
  • MPP

More Information

Learn more about Public Policy in the Stanford Bulletin

Exploratory Courses

PUBLPOL 1

Introduction to Public Policy

PUBLPOL 55N

Public Policy and Personal Finance (ECON 25N)PUB

PUBLPOL 101

Introduction to American Politics and Policy: Democracy Under Siege? (AMSTUD 123X, POLISCI 102, PUBLPOL 201)

PUBLPOL 103C

Justice (ETHICSOC 171, PHIL 171, POLISCI 103, POLISCI 336S)

PUBLPOL 134

Ethics on the Edge: Business, Non-Profit Organizations, Government, and Individuals (PUBLPOL 234)

PUBLPOL 154

Politics and Policy in California

PUBLPOL 156

Health Care Policy and Reform (HUMBIO 122A)

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