Major Mondays – Public Policy
Overview: The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Public Policy is an interdisciplinary major that focuses on the analysis of policy, both international and domestic. Each student chooses an emphasis that will narrow down their classes and the topics they study. These tracks include:
Health Policy and Management
Philanthropy, Nonprofits and Social Innovation
Public Policy and Law
Public Policy and Data Analysis
The overall mission of the major – for all students, no matter which track they choose – is to work towards improving the quality of life for every individual and their communities. Most classes have a component where students are engaging in real-world issues and current events, while simultaneously preparing to apply the skills they develop to their career post-graduation.
Major Highlight: There are numerous amazing opportunities for Public Policy students to take classes where they get involved in the local Los Angeles community. PPD 371: “The Nonprofit Sector and the Public Interest” is a prime example of community engagement. In group settings, students have the unique opportunity to develop their own philanthropic approach to a foundation or cause, and spend the entire semester evaluating and innovating their approach. At the end of the semester, one group is chosen to provide a grant of $10,000 to the foundation they dedicated an ample amount of time to.
Another way Public Policy students get involved is through their capstone project. Every Price student is required to complete a senior capstone, and there are opportunities to take that course as a Maymester program. This course focuses on partnerships in broader, national communities each spring, and students travel to the place they have studied and apply hands-on work. Many of these Maymesters are completed in areas that have not seen significant investments in decades, allowing legitimate and effective engagement from Public Policy students. Additionally, Public Policy students can also apply their knowledge and gain hands-on experience from the several study abroad programs Price offers!
How to Apply: There are no additional application requirements to apply to this major at USC. A genuine desire to learn about how to improve the community will show in a student’s application and allow students to succeed.
Written by: Rehanna Fikre, USC Student Ambassador