Public Policy Major | UMD School of Public Policy

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en" dir="ltr" prefix="og: https://ogp.me/ns#"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8" /> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-5WWH0R4N5C"></script> <script>window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || [];function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments)};gtag("js", new Date());gtag("set", "developer_id.dMDhkMT", true);gtag("config", "G-5WWH0R4N5C", {"groups":"default","page_placeholder":"PLACEHOLDER_page_location"});</script> <link rel="image_src" href="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/idfive-component-library/build/img/UMD_SPP_Social_Default_v2a.jpg" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="UMD School of Public Policy" /> <meta property="og:type" content="website" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Public Policy Major | UMD School of Public Policy" /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2020-08/z-Jacqueline-Ford_0.jpg?itok=jE0QuRYY" /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/idfive-component-library/build/img/UMD_SPP_Social_Default_v2a.jpg" /> <meta property="og:image:url" content="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/idfive-component-library/build/img/UMD_SPP_Social_Default_v2a.jpg" /> <meta name="twitter:card" content="photo" /> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/idfive-component-library/build/img/UMD_SPP_Social_Default_v2a.jpg" /> <meta name="Generator" content="Drupal 10 (https://www.drupal.org)" /> <meta name="MobileOptimized" content="width" /> <meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="true" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" /> <link rel="icon" href="/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/favicon.ico" type="image/vnd.microsoft.icon" /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://spp.umd.edu/your-education/undergraduate/public-policy-major" /> <link rel="shortlink" href="https://spp.umd.edu/node/536" /> <title>Public Policy Major | UMD School of Public Policy</title> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/themes/stable9/css/system/components/align.module.css?snbhxf" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/themes/stable9/css/system/components/fieldgroup.module.css?snbhxf" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/themes/stable9/css/system/components/container-inline.module.css?snbhxf" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/themes/stable9/css/system/components/clearfix.module.css?snbhxf" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/themes/stable9/css/system/components/details.module.css?snbhxf" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/themes/stable9/css/system/components/hidden.module.css?snbhxf" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/themes/stable9/css/system/components/item-list.module.css?snbhxf" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/themes/stable9/css/system/components/js.module.css?snbhxf" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/themes/stable9/css/system/components/nowrap.module.css?snbhxf" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/themes/stable9/css/system/components/position-container.module.css?snbhxf" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/themes/stable9/css/system/components/reset-appearance.module.css?snbhxf" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/themes/stable9/css/system/components/resize.module.css?snbhxf" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/themes/stable9/css/system/components/system-status-counter.css?snbhxf" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/themes/stable9/css/system/components/system-status-report-counters.css?snbhxf" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/themes/stable9/css/system/components/system-status-report-general-info.css?snbhxf" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/core/themes/stable9/css/system/components/tablesort.module.css?snbhxf" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/modules/contrib/paragraphs/css/paragraphs.unpublished.css?snbhxf" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/themes/contrib/idfive/css/index.css?snbhxf" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/idfive-component-library/build/css/index.css?snbhxf" /> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="https://cloud.typography.com/6494276/6739012/css/fonts.css" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="57x57" href="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/favicons/apple-touch-icon-57x57.png"> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="114x114" href="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/favicons/apple-touch-icon-114x114.png"> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="72x72" href="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/favicons/apple-touch-icon-72x72.png"> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="144x144" href="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/favicons/apple-touch-icon-144x144.png"> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="60x60" href="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/favicons/apple-touch-icon-60x60.png"> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="120x120" href="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/favicons/apple-touch-icon-120x120.png"> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="76x76" href="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/favicons/apple-touch-icon-76x76.png"> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="152x152" href="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/favicons/apple-touch-icon-152x152.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" href="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/favicons/favicon-196x196.png" sizes="196x196"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" href="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/favicons/favicon-96x96.png" sizes="96x96"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" href="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/favicons/favicon-32x32.png" sizes="32x32"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" href="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/favicons/favicon-16x16.png" sizes="16x16"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" href="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/favicons/favicon-128.png" sizes="128x128"> <meta name="application-name" content="UMD School of Public Policy"/> <meta name="msapplication-TileColor" content="#FFFFFF"> <meta name="msapplication-TileImage" content="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/favicons/mstile-144x144.png"> <meta name="msapplication-square70x70logo" content="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/favicons/mstile-70x70.png"> <meta name="msapplication-square150x150logo" content="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/favicons/mstile-150x150.png"> <meta name="msapplication-wide310x150logo" content="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/favicons/mstile-310x150.png"> <meta name="msapplication-square310x310logo" content="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/favicons/mstile-310x310.png">  <script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-MNBSK27');</script>  </head> <body class="internal spp"> <a href="#main-content" class="visually-hidden focusable"> Skip to main content </a> <div class="dialog-off-canvas-main-canvas" data-off-canvas-main-canvas> <header class="site-header" aria-label="Site header"> <div class="site-header__compartment compartment compartment--full">  <div class="site-header__logo"> <a href="/"> <img src="/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/idfive-component-library/build/img/logos/spp-main.svg" alt="University of Maryland School of Public Policy Header Logo"> </a> </div>  <a href="#offcanvas-nav" class="site-header__offcanvas-toggle" role="button" aria-controls="offcanvas-nav"> <div class="site-header__hamburger-icon"> <div role="presentation"></div> <div role="presentation"></div> <div role="presentation"></div> <div role="presentation"></div> </div> </a> <div class="site-header__offcanvas" id="offcanvas-nav"> <nav class="mobile-header__nav" aria-label="Main mobile navigation"> <div class="mobile-header__nav-top"> <form action="/search/node" class="mobile-header__search" role="search" aria-label="Mobile search"> <input type="text" class="mobile-header__search-input" aria-label="Search criteria" name="keys" placeholder="Search..."> <button type="submit" class="visible-for-screen-readers">Search</button> </form> <div class="silc-popover mobile-header__info-popover"> <button class="silc-popover__trigger" aria-haspopup="true" aria-controls="info-for-popup-mobile">Info For...</button> <div id="info-for-popup-mobile" class="silc-popover__popup silc-popover__popup--right"> <ul class="list--unstyled"> <li > <a href="/info/students" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/23">Students</a> </li> <li > <a href="/info/faculty-staff" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/24">Faculty & Staff</a> </li> <li > <a href="/info/alumni" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/25">Alumni</a> </li> <li > <a href="/info/employers" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/26">Employers</a> </li> <li > <a href="/info/parents" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/27">Parents</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class="mobile-header__nav-list"> <ul class="list--unstyled"> <li> <a href="/our-community" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/18">Our Community</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/our-community/public-policy-maryland-way" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/261">The Maryland Way</a> </li> <li> <a href="/our-community/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-belonging" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/266">Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging at SPP</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/our-community/diversity-inclusion-belonging-spp/inclusion-resources" title="Inclusion Resources" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/11966">Inclusion Resources</a> </li> <li> <a href="/our-community/diversity-inclusion-belonging-spp/reports-plans-and-data" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/336">Reports, Plans and Data</a> </li> <li> <a href="/our-community/diversity-inclusion-belonging-spp/deib-goals-and-community-expectations" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/10353">DEIB Goals and Community Expectations</a> </li> <li> <a href="/our-community/diversity-inclusion-belonging-spp/get-involved" title="Get Involved With DEIB" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/11965">Get Involved</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/our-community/student-life" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/276">Student Life</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/our-community/student-life/policy-student-government-association" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/301">Policy Student Government Association</a> </li> <li> <a href="/our-community/student-life/student-groups" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/306">Student Groups</a> </li> <li> <a href="/our-community/student-life/kappa-omega-alpha-fraternity" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/311">Kappa Omega Alpha Fraternity</a> </li> <li> <a href="/our-community/student-life/pi-alpha-alpha-honor-society" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/316">Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/our-new-home" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/326">Our New Home</a> </li> <li> <a href="/our-community/school-leadership" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/281">School Leadership</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/our-community/school-leadership/deans-advisory-council" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/531">Dean's Advisory Council</a> </li> <li> <a href="/our-community/school-leadership/strategic-plan" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9792">Strategic Plan</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/our-community/faculty-staff?person_type%5B7%5D=7&person_type%5B8%5D=8" data-drupal-link-query="{"person_type":{"7":"7","8":"8"}}">Faculty & Staff</a> </li> <li> <a href="/our-community/alumni" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/286">Alumni</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/our-community/alumni/meet-board" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/6821">Meet the Board</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/our-community/partners" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/291">Partners</a> </li> <li> <a href="/our-community/giving" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/296">Giving</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/our-community/giving/giving-opportunities" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/7946">Giving Opportunities</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/your-education" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/19">Your Education</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/your-education/undergraduate" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/28">Undergraduate</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/your-education/undergraduate/public-policy-major" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/536" class="is-active" aria-current="page">Public Policy Major</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/your-education/undergraduate/public-policy-major/plans-study" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/10089">Plans of Study</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/your-education/undergraduate/minors" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/551">Minors</a> </li> <li> <a href="/your-education/undergraduate/co-curricular-programs" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/641">Co-Curricular Programs</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/your-education/masters" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/29">Master's</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/your-education/masters/master-public-policy" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/661">Master of Public Policy</a> </li> <li> <a href="/your-education/masters/master-public-management" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/676">Master of Public Management</a> </li> <li> <a href="/your-education/masters/mppmpm-specializations" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/671">MPP/MPM Specializations</a> </li> <li> <a href="/your-education/masters/dual-degrees" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/691">Dual Degrees</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/your-education/masters/dual-degrees/bachelorsmaster-public-policy" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/9027">Bachelor's/Master of Public Policy</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/your-education/masters/executive-master-public-management" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/681">Executive Master of Public Management</a> </li> <li> <a href="/your-education/masters/master-professional-studies-public-administration" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/686">Master of Professional Studies - Public Administration</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/your-education/phd" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/30">PhD</a> </li> <li> <a href="/your-education/executive-development" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/32">Executive Development</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/your-education/executive-development/state-and-local-government" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/6601">State and Local Government</a> </li> <li> <a href="/your-education/executive-development/international-programs" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/6571">International Programs</a> </li> <li> <a href="/your-education/executive-development/leadership-and-policy-programs" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/711">Leadership and Policy Programs</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/your-education/certificates" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/31">Certificates</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/your-education/certificates/nonprofit-management-certificate" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/7206">Nonprofit Management and Leadership</a> </li> <li> <a href="/your-education/certificates/science-technology-and-innovation-policy" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/11985">Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/your-education/courses" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/33">Courses</a> </li> <li> <a href="/your-education/experiential-learning" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/35">Experiential Learning</a> </li> <li> <a href="/your-education/study-abroad" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/34">Study Abroad</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/your-education/study-abroad/france" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8906">France</a> </li> <li> <a href="/your-education/study-abroad/indonesia" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/7296">Indonesia</a> </li> <li> <a href="/your-education/study-abroad/peru" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/556">Peru</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/admissions" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/20">Admissions</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/admissions/undergraduate-admissions" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/42">Undergraduate Admissions</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/undergraduate-prospective-students" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/10277">Prospective Students</a> </li> <li> <a href="/admissions/undergraduate-admissions/admitted-students" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/11487">Admitted Students</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/admissions/masters-admissions" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/39">Master's Admissions</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/admissions/masters-admissions/admitted-students" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8106">Admitted Students</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/admissions/phd-admissions" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/40">PhD Admissions</a> </li> <li> <a href="/admissions/certificate-admissions" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/36">Certificate Admissions</a> </li> <li> <a href="/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/38">Financial Aid & Scholarships</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/robertson-fellows-program" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8841">Robertson Fellows Program</a> </li> <li> <a href="/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships/coverdell-fellows-program" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/8856">Coverdell Fellows Program</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/admissions/tuition-fees" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/41">Tuition & Fees</a> </li> <li> <a href="/admissions/connect-us" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/37">Connect with Us</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/research-impact" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/16">Research & Impact</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/research-impact/centers-institutes" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/43">Centers & Institutes</a> </li> <li> <a href="/research-impact/strategic-focus-areas" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/17">Strategic Focus Areas</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/research-impact/strategic-focus-areas/international-policy" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/51">International Policy</a> </li> <li> <a href="/research-impact/strategic-pillars/leadership-management" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/52">Leadership & Management</a> </li> <li> <a href="/research-impact/strategic-focus-areas/philanthropy-nonprofit" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/53">Philanthropy & Nonprofit</a> </li> <li> <a href="/research-impact/strategic-focus-areas/social-policy" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/55">Social Policy</a> </li> <li> <a href="/research-impact/strategic-focus-areas/sustainability" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/49">Sustainability</a> </li> <li> <a href="/research-impact/strategic-focus-areas/science-technology-policy" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/721">Science & Technology Policy</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/research-impact/projects-spp" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/45">Projects</a> </li> <li> <a href="/research-impact/publications" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/46">Publications</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/career-connections" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/21">Career Connections</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/career-connections/build-your-career-strategy" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/601">Build Your Career Strategy</a> </li> <li> <a href="/career-connections/broaden-your-experience" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/611">Broaden Your Experience</a> </li> <li> <a href="/career-connections/engage-professionals" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/606">Engage With Policy Professionals</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/news" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/13">News</a> </li> <li> <a href="/events" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/14">Events</a> </li> <li> <a href="/contact-spp" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/22">Contact</a> </li> <li> <a href="/our-community/faculty-staff" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/15">Faculty & Staff</a> </li> <li> <a href="/research-impact/projects/accelerator-fellows" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/10082">Accelerator Fellows</a> </li> </ul> </div> </nav> </div>  <nav class="desktop-header__nav" aria-label="Main desktop navigation"> <div class="desktop-header__nav--secondary"> <ul class="list--unstyled"> <li class="desktop-header__nav-item"> <a href="/news" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/13">News</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__nav-item"> <a href="/events" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/14">Events</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__nav-item"> <a href="/contact-spp" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/22">Contact</a> </li> </ul> <form action="/search/node" class="desktop-header__search desktop-header__search--gray" role="search"> <a href="#desktop-header-search-input" class="desktop-header__search-button" aria-controls="desktop-header-search-input" role="button"> <span class="visible-for-screen-readers">Toggle Search</span> </a> <input tabindex="-1" type="text" class="desktop-header__search-input" id="desktop-header-search-input" name="keys" aria-label="Search criteria" placeholder="Search..."> <button type="submit" class="visible-for-screen-readers">Search</button> </form> <div class="silc-popover"> <button class="silc-popover__trigger" aria-haspopup="true" aria-controls="info-for-popup">Info For...</button> <div id="info-for-popup" class="silc-popover__popup silc-popover__popup--right"> <ul class="list--unstyled"> <li > <a href="/info/students" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/23">Students</a> </li> <li > <a href="/info/faculty-staff" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/24">Faculty & Staff</a> </li> <li > <a href="/info/alumni" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/25">Alumni</a> </li> <li > <a href="/info/employers" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/26">Employers</a> </li> <li > <a href="/info/parents" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/27">Parents</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class="desktop-header__nav--primary"> <ul class="list--unstyled"> <li class="desktop-header__nav-item desktop-header__nav-item--lvl1"> <a href="/our-community">Our Community</a> <div class="desktop-header__dropdown"> <div class="desktop-header__dropdown-compartment"> <div class="desktop-header__dropdown-tagline">Join a powerful network of Terps committed to making a difference.</div> <div class="desktop-header__dropdown-list-container"> <ul class="list--unstyled desktop-header__dropdown-list desktop-header__dropdown-list--lvl2"> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/our-community/public-policy-maryland-way" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/261">The Maryland Way</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/our-community/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-belonging" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/266">Diversity & Inclusion</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/our-community/student-life" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/276">Student Life</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/our-new-home" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/326">Our New Home</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/our-community/school-leadership" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/281">School Leadership</a> </li> </ul> <ul class="list--unstyled desktop-header__dropdown-list desktop-header__dropdown-list--lvl2"> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/our-community/faculty-staff?person_type%5B7%5D=7&person_type%5B8%5D=8" data-drupal-link-query="{"person_type":{"7":"7","8":"8"}}">Faculty & Staff</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/our-community/alumni" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/286">Alumni</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/our-community/partners" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/291">Partners</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/our-community/giving" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/296">Giving</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="desktop-header__nav-item desktop-header__nav-item--lvl1"> <a href="/your-education">Your Education</a> <div class="desktop-header__dropdown"> <div class="desktop-header__dropdown-compartment"> <div class="desktop-header__dropdown-tagline">Gain the skills, experiences and networks you need to translate your passions to action.</div> <div class="desktop-header__dropdown-list-container"> <ul class="list--unstyled desktop-header__dropdown-list desktop-header__dropdown-list--lvl2"> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/your-education/undergraduate" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/28">Undergraduate</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/your-education/masters" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/29">Master's</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/your-education/phd" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/30">PhD</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/your-education/executive-development" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/32">Executive Development</a> </li> </ul> <ul class="list--unstyled desktop-header__dropdown-list desktop-header__dropdown-list--lvl2"> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/your-education/certificates" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/31">Certificates</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/your-education/courses" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/33">Courses</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/your-education/experiential-learning" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/35">Experiential Learning</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/your-education/study-abroad" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/34">Study Abroad</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="desktop-header__nav-item desktop-header__nav-item--lvl1"> <a href="/admissions">Admissions</a> <div class="desktop-header__dropdown"> <div class="desktop-header__dropdown-compartment"> <div class="desktop-header__dropdown-tagline">Find your new home at the center of the policy world.</div> <div class="desktop-header__dropdown-list-container"> <ul class="list--unstyled desktop-header__dropdown-list desktop-header__dropdown-list--lvl2"> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/admissions/undergraduate-admissions" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/42">Undergraduate Admissions</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/admissions/masters-admissions" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/39">Master's Admissions</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/admissions/phd-admissions" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/40">PhD Admissions</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/admissions/certificate-admissions" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/36">Certificates</a> </li> </ul> <ul class="list--unstyled desktop-header__dropdown-list desktop-header__dropdown-list--lvl2"> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/38">Financial Aid & Scholarships</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/admissions/tuition-fees" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/41">Tuition & Fees</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/admissions/connect-us" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/37">Connect With Us</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="desktop-header__nav-item desktop-header__nav-item--lvl1"> <a href="/research-impact">Research & Impact</a> <div class="desktop-header__dropdown"> <div class="desktop-header__dropdown-compartment"> <div class="desktop-header__dropdown-tagline">Learn how SPP is advancing the frontiers of knowledge at home and around the world.</div> <div class="desktop-header__dropdown-list-container"> <ul class="list--unstyled desktop-header__dropdown-list desktop-header__dropdown-list--lvl2"> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/research-impact/centers-institutes" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/43">Centers & Institutes</a> <ul class="list--unstyled desktop-header__dropdown-list desktop-header__dropdown-list--lvl3"> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl3"> <a href="https://cgs.umd.edu/">Center for Global Sustainability</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl3"> <a href="https://cissm.umd.edu/">Center for International & Security Studies at Maryland</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl3"> <a href="https://gotech.umd.edu/">Center for Governance of Technology and Systems</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl3"> <a href="https://civic.umd.edu/">Civic Innovation Center</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl3"> <a href="https://dogood.umd.edu">Do Good Institute</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl3"> <a href="https://ipl.umd.edu/">Institute for Public Leadership </a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> <ul class="list--unstyled desktop-header__dropdown-list desktop-header__dropdown-list--lvl2"> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/research-impact/strategic-focus-areas" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/17">Strategic Focus Areas</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/research-impact/projects-spp" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/45">Projects</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/research-impact/publications" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/46">Publications</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </li> <li class="desktop-header__nav-item desktop-header__nav-item--lvl1"> <a href="/career-connections">Career Connections</a> <div class="desktop-header__dropdown"> <div class="desktop-header__dropdown-compartment"> <div class="desktop-header__dropdown-tagline">Harness the power of your degree to take the next big step in your career.</div> <div class="desktop-header__dropdown-list-container"> <ul class="list--unstyled desktop-header__dropdown-list desktop-header__dropdown-list--lvl2"> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/career-connections/build-your-career-strategy" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/601">Build Your Career Strategy</a> </li> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/career-connections/broaden-your-experience" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/611">Broaden Your Experience</a> </li> </ul> <ul class="list--unstyled desktop-header__dropdown-list desktop-header__dropdown-list--lvl2"> <li class="desktop-header__dropdown-item desktop-header__dropdown-item--lvl2"> <a href="/career-connections/engage-professionals" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/606">Engage with Policy Professionals</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </nav> </div> </header> <main id="main-content"> <noscript> <p><strong>This site requires JavaScript. See <a href="https://www.enable-javascript.com">how to enable JavaScript in your browser</a>.</strong></p> </noscript> <div class="section silc-mtop--5 silc-mbottom--6"> <div class="compartment compartment--full"> <h1>Public Policy Major</h1> <div class="breadcrumb"> <ol class="breadcrumb__list"> <li class="breadcrumb__list-item"> <a href="/">Home</a> </li> <li class="breadcrumb__list-item"> <a href="/your-education">Your Education</a> </li> <li class="breadcrumb__list-item"> <a href="/your-education/undergraduate">Undergraduate</a> </li> <li class="breadcrumb__list-item"> Public Policy Major </li> </ol> </div> </div> </div> <div class="section silc-mtop--0"> <div class="compartment compartment--full"> <div class="silc-display--flex-800">  <nav class="sidebar-nav" aria-label="Sidebar Navigation"> <ul> <li> <a class="sidebar-nav__link" href="/your-education/undergraduate">Undergraduate</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/your-education/undergraduate/public-policy-major" class="sidebar-nav__link sidebar-nav__link--expanded sidebar-nav__link--active is-active" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/536" aria-current="page">Public Policy Major</a> <ul> <li> <a href="/your-education/undergraduate/public-policy-major/plans-study" class="sidebar-nav__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/10089">Plans of Study</a> </li> </ul> </li> <li> <a href="/your-education/undergraduate/minors" class="sidebar-nav__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/551">Minors</a> </li> <li> <a href="/your-education/undergraduate/co-curricular-programs" class="sidebar-nav__link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/641">Co-Curricular Programs</a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav> <div class="page-content"> <figure class="page-content__hero"> <img loading="lazy" src="/sites/default/files/styles/spp_featured_image/public/2020-08/z-Jacqueline-Ford_0.jpg?itok=vS0Z-z3q" width="1100" height="445" alt="students with testudo wearing KOA sweatshirts" /> </figure> <h2>Gain the tools and perspectives needed to translate your passions into real action. Launch a career as a bold problem solver and fearless changemaker. <br /> </h2> <a href="https://spp.umd.edu/node/536#curriculum" class="link--cta"> Jump to: Curriculum </a>  <section> <p>The Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy is a hands-on, interdisciplinary program that gives you the analytical and decision-making skills to make a positive difference. Focused on problems and solutions rather than theories or institutions, the public policy major prepares you to be an effective champion of real change. Whether you are passionate about reducing poverty and inequality, tackling climate change, reforming immigration or any issue that inspires you, the public policy major is the foundation you need to make an impact.</p> <h3>Highlights</h3> <ul> <li>Take a diverse set of courses that bring together an understanding of how to think about complex problems with the tools and approaches to create real solutions and positive change.</li> <li>Engage in hands-on learning and work with clients on real-world projects through internships and coursework.</li> <li>Access the expansive professional opportunities found in the national capital region, from the corridors of the US Capitol to the hallways of Annapolis.</li> </ul> </section> <a href="/admissions/undergraduate-admissions" class="button button--cta"> Declare the Major </a>  <div class="cards-grid silc-grid silc-mbottom--6-1200"> <div class="cards-grid__col silc-grid__col silc-grid__col--4-1200"> <div class="card card--overlay card--overlay-normal card--red" aria-labelledby="card-grid-0c9e77e1-81fb-409f-b782-31d54f7c2e3d-card-heading"> <a aria-hidden="true" href=" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjVynLvfbOo " class="card__cta" tabindex="-1" target="_blank"><span class="visible-for-screen-readers">Learn more about </span></a> <div class="card__media card__media-normal" style="background-image: url( /sites/default/files/2023-07/1_c_0.jpg )"></div> <div class="card__content"> <h2 id="card-grid-0c9e77e1-81fb-409f-b782-31d54f7c2e3d-card-heading"></h2> <p>What is Public Policy?</p> <a href="#" class="link--cta"> Watch Video </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="cards-grid__col silc-grid__col silc-grid__col--4-1200"> <div class="card card--overlay card--overlay-normal card--red" aria-labelledby="card-grid-958b6da9-2ac9-463b-adf7-c31850c0f8b6-card-heading"> <a aria-hidden="true" href=" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6URxJ6eMdAI " class="card__cta" tabindex="-1" target="_blank"><span class="visible-for-screen-readers">Learn more about </span></a> <div class="card__media card__media-normal" style="background-image: url( /sites/default/files/2023-07/2_c_0.jpg )"></div> <div class="card__content"> <h2 id="card-grid-958b6da9-2ac9-463b-adf7-c31850c0f8b6-card-heading"></h2> <p>Public Policy Careers</p> <a href="#" class="link--cta"> Watch Video </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="cards-grid__col silc-grid__col silc-grid__col--4-1200"> <div class="card card--overlay card--overlay-normal card--red" aria-labelledby="card-grid-49be57d7-5df9-4980-836a-bbc274ebb51c-card-heading"> <a aria-hidden="true" href=" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kDPMMq7aiQ " class="card__cta" tabindex="-1" target="_blank"><span class="visible-for-screen-readers">Learn more about </span></a> <div class="card__media card__media-normal" style="background-image: url( /sites/default/files/2023-07/3_c_0.jpg )"></div> <div class="card__content"> <h2 id="card-grid-49be57d7-5df9-4980-836a-bbc274ebb51c-card-heading"></h2> <p>Life as a Policy Terp</p> <a href="#" class="link--cta"> Watch Video </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <section> <p><a></a></p> </section> <blockquote class="blockquote"> <div class="blockquote__content">Being so close to the center of this nation’s political sphere is an unmatched perk of studying public policy at SPP. So many opportunities present themselves in this area.</div> <div class="blockquote__personal-info"> <div class="blockquote__portrait" style="background-image: url( /sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/2019-07/card_teixeira_07092019.jpg?itok=kYaM3zW8 )" role="img" aria-label="Jordan Teixeira"></div> <cite class="blockquote__cite"> <span class="blockquote__name">Jordan Teixeira</span> </cite> </div> </blockquote> <section> <h3>Curriculum</h3> <p>The public policy major curriculum consists of two components - a <strong>required</strong> set of courses that provides a conceptual, analytical and practical foundation in public policy, and an <strong>elective</strong> set of courses (a pre-designed focus area, a self-designed focus area, or a general set of policy electives) that allow a deeper exploration of particular topics. You must complete 120 total credits (58 credits for the public policy major and your general education requirements) to graduate with a degree in public policy. </p> </section> <div class="silc-accordion" id="accordion-c5c71576-251d-4bd8-a319-ce61f06f0cf0" data-silc-accordion-open-multiple data-silc-accordion-animated> <div class="silc-accordion__section"> <button id="accordion-c5c71576-251d-4bd8-a319-ce61f06f0cf0-section-5ec660f8-427c-4add-9e3b-c8c56595d3d5-label" class="silc-accordion__label" aria-controls="accordion-c5c71576-251d-4bd8-a319-ce61f06f0cf0-section-5ec660f8-427c-4add-9e3b-c8c56595d3d5-content"> Required Courses </button> <div class="silc-accordion__content" id="accordion-c5c71576-251d-4bd8-a319-ce61f06f0cf0-section-5ec660f8-427c-4add-9e3b-c8c56595d3d5-content" aria-labelled-by="accordion-c5c71576-251d-4bd8-a319-ce61f06f0cf0-section-5ec660f8-427c-4add-9e3b-c8c56595d3d5-label"> <div class="silc-accordion__content-compartment"> <h4>Benchmark Requirements</h4> <p>Students are expected to demonstrate continuing progress in their major by successfully completing the following courses in the specified timeframes:</p> <h5>Benchmark Requirement 1 </h5> <p><em>Must be completed by the end of <strong>two semesters</strong> into the major</em></p> <ul> <li><a href="/your-education/courses/plcy100">PLCY100</a> Foundations of Public Policy</li> <li>HIST201 Interpreting American History: From 1865 to the Present</li> </ul> <h5>Benchmark Requirement 2</h5> <p><em>Must be completed by the end of <strong>four semesters</strong> into the major</em></p> <ul> <li><a href="/your-education/courses/plcy101">PLCY101</a> Great Thinkers on Public Policy</li> <li>STAT100 Elementary Statistics and Probability or higher (STAT100 equivalent accepted)</li> </ul> <h4>Core Requirement</h4> <ul> <li><a href="/your-education/courses/plcy201">PLCY201</a> Public Leaders and Active Citizens </li> <li><a href="/your-education/courses/plcy203">PLCY203</a> Liberty and Justice for All: Ethics and Moral Issues in Public Policy </li> <li><a href="/your-education/courses/plcy300">PLCY300</a> Governance: Collective Action in the Public Interest (Pre-req: PLCY100)</li> <li><a href="/your-education/courses/plcy302">PLCY302</a> Examining Pluralism in Public Policy </li> <li><a href="/your-education/courses/plcy303">PLCY303</a> Public Economics: Raising and Spending the People's Money (Pre-req: ECON200) </li> <li><a href="/your-education/courses/plcy304">PLCY304</a> Evaluating Evidence: Finding Truth in Numbers (Pre-req: STAT100 or equivalent) </li> <li><a href="/your-education/courses/plcy306">PLCY306</a> Public Policy Analysis in Action (taken after 60 credits)</li> <li><a href="/your-education/courses/plcy309">PLCY309</a> Policy Internship (OR Approved Study Abroad) </li> <li><a href="/your-education/courses/plcy400">PLCY400</a> Senior Capstone (taken after 90 credits; Pre-req: PLCY306)</li> <li><a href="/your-education/courses/plcy401">PLCY401</a> Contemporary Issues in Public Policy (taken after 90 credits)</li> <li>ECON200 Principles of Microeconomics  </li> <li>Introduction to Public Policy <strong>Focus Area</strong> or <strong>General Policy</strong> elective</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class="silc-accordion__section"> <button id="accordion-c5c71576-251d-4bd8-a319-ce61f06f0cf0-section-d7a0bb40-01a7-4258-bd86-9f0406a598f1-label" class="silc-accordion__label" aria-controls="accordion-c5c71576-251d-4bd8-a319-ce61f06f0cf0-section-d7a0bb40-01a7-4258-bd86-9f0406a598f1-content"> Electives </button> <div class="silc-accordion__content" id="accordion-c5c71576-251d-4bd8-a319-ce61f06f0cf0-section-d7a0bb40-01a7-4258-bd86-9f0406a598f1-content" aria-labelled-by="accordion-c5c71576-251d-4bd8-a319-ce61f06f0cf0-section-d7a0bb40-01a7-4258-bd86-9f0406a598f1-label"> <div class="silc-accordion__content-compartment"> <p><span>In addition to the required core courses for the Public Policy major, Policy majors must take four policy elective courses. Students have two options when it comes to selecting electives: 1) They can choose to declare a focus area, working with an advisor to select a focus area (listed below), or (2) they can choose general policy electives from either within or outside the School of Public Policy.</span></p><p><strong>General Elective Plan</strong></p><p>Students who wish to take a variety of Public Policy courses and not declare a focus area may select four electives to round out their Policy curriculum. These students have the option to choose from courses within the School of Public Policy (PLCY courses) or select electives from other schools/departments. </p><p><span>- If all four electives are PLCY courses, no approval is needed. Students may choose any four electives that interest them from the School of Public Policy.</span><br><span>- If any of the four electives are outside of the School of Public Policy, students must have their course plans approved by their academic advisor and should complete the </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc3xUKV4aD584NeIryS7HAO0RtpAJL-pLYlXSNDb4cjZ3yxpQ/viewform?usp=sf_link"><span>Using Non-PLCY Courses as Electives Form</span></a><span>.</span></p><p><span><strong>Focus Areas</strong> </span></p><p><span><strong>Gender and Racial Justice</strong></span></p><p><span>Students pursuing the Gender and Racial Justice Focus area must take the required anchor course as well as three additional electives from the list below.  Students should then complete the </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSTZGHDd2kwDEx5H2RHaOCbG20MRBq6LpQS0pZQqCR1LuE5w/viewform"><span><strong>Focus Area Approval Request Form</strong></span></a><span>.</span></p><ul><li><em><span><strong>PLCY288A:  Introduction to Public Policy Topics; 21st Century Racial Justice and Gender from the Bullhorn to the Ballot</strong></span></em><span><strong> </strong></span><em><span><strong>(required anchor course)</strong></span></em></li><li><span>PLCY311:  Women in Leadership</span></li><li><span>PLCY388A:  Special Topics in Public Policy:  Child and Family Policy Impact</span></li><li><a href="https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/files/2024-05/Gender%20and%20Racial%20Justice%20courses%20outside%20of%20the%20School%20of%20Public%20Policy.pdf"><span>Other courses</span></a><span> outside of the School of Public Policy upon approval </span></li></ul><p><span><strong>Global Action and Problem Solving (GAP) </strong></span></p><p><span>Students in the GAP Focus area must take the required anchor course as well as three additional electives from the list below.  Students should then complete the </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSTZGHDd2kwDEx5H2RHaOCbG20MRBq6LpQS0pZQqCR1LuE5w/viewform?usp=sf_link"><span>Focus Area Approval Request Form</span></a><span>.  Students wanting additional courses focused on global and international issues can look for sections of core classes designated as global as well as the Politics and Pandemics section of PLCY401.</span></p><ul><li><em><span><strong>PLCY288W: Special Topics in Public Policy; Global Action and Problem Solving (Required anchor course)</strong></span></em></li><li><span>PLCY388C: Special Topics in Public Policy; Cybersecurity Policy: Practical Hacking for Policymakers</span></li><li><span>PLCY288Q: Special Topics in Public Policy; Introduction to International Security</span></li><li><span>PLCY388R: Special Topics in Public Policy: Nuclear Security Policy</span></li><li><span>ANTH265 Anthropology of Global Health</span></li><li><span>ANTH323 Plagues, Pathogens and Public Policy</span></li><li><span>AREC365 World Hunger, Population, and Food Supplies</span></li><li><span>CCJS325 Slavery in the Twenty First Century: Combating Human Trafficking</span></li><li><span>ENST 233 Introduction to Environmental Health</span></li><li><span>ENST436 Emerging Environmental Threats (pre-req of </span>ENST233<span>)</span></li><li>FGSM310--FGSM390 (<a href="https://www.federalfellows.umd.edu/">Federal Fellows</a> and <a href="https://www.globalfellowsdc.umd.edu/">Global Fellows</a> courses, as relevant)</li><li><span>FMSC110S Families and Global Health</span></li><li><span>SOCY335 Sociology of Health and Illness</span></li><li><span>Other courses outside of the School of Public Policy upon approval </span></li></ul><p><span><strong>International Security Policy</strong></span></p><p><span>Students in the Security Policy Focus area must take the required anchor course and then choose three additional electives from the list below.  Students should then complete the </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSTZGHDd2kwDEx5H2RHaOCbG20MRBq6LpQS0pZQqCR1LuE5w/viewform?usp=sf_link"><span>Focus Area Approval Request Form</span></a><span>.  Students wanting an additional course in the core can take the Modern Warfare section of PLCY401 or the Politics and Pandemics section of PLCY401.</span></p><ul><li><em><span><strong>PLCY288Q: Special Topics in Public Policy; Introduction to International Security (required anchor course)</strong></span></em></li><li><span>PLCY388C: Special Topics in Public Policy; Cybersecurity Policy: Practical Hacking for Policymakers</span></li><li><span>PLCY388R: Special Topics in Public Policy: Nuclear Security Policy</span></li><li><span>PLCY699K: Civil Conflict and Terrorism (by permission)</span></li><li><span>PLCY 798M: Cooperative Security, Arms Control, and Nonproliferation Policy (by permission)</span></li><li>FGSM330/HNUH 338T: Homeland & National Security Policy (<a href="https://www.federalfellows.umd.edu/">Federal Fellows</a>)</li><li>FGSM355/HNUH359T: International Security and Intelligence (<a href="https://www.globalfellowsdc.umd.edu/">Global Fellows</a>)</li><li>FGSM350/HNUH358T: Critical Regions & International Relations (<a href="https://www.globalfellowsdc.umd.edu/">Global Fellows</a>)</li><li>FGSM360/HNUH368T: U.S. Diplomacy (<a href="https://www.globalfellowsdc.umd.edu/">Global Fellows</a>)</li><li><span>Other courses outside of the School of Public Policy upon approval </span></li></ul><p><span><strong>Nonprofit Leadership and Social Innovation</strong> </span></p><p><span>Choose four courses from the </span><a href="/your-education/undergraduate/minors#nonprofit"><span>Nonprofit minor course list</span></a><span> and complete the </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSTZGHDd2kwDEx5H2RHaOCbG20MRBq6LpQS0pZQqCR1LuE5w/viewform?usp=sf_link"><span>Focus Area Approval Request Form</span></a><span>.</span></p><p><span><strong>Public Leadership</strong> </span></p><p><span>Choose four courses from the </span><a href="/your-education/undergraduate/minors#public"><span>Public Leadership minor course list</span></a><span> and complete the </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSTZGHDd2kwDEx5H2RHaOCbG20MRBq6LpQS0pZQqCR1LuE5w/viewform?usp=sf_link"><span>Focus Area Approval Request Form</span></a><span>.</span></p><p><span><strong>Sustainability Studies</strong> </span></p><p><span>Choose four courses from the </span><a href="/your-education/undergraduate/minors#sus"><span>Sustainability minor course list</span></a><span> and complete the </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSTZGHDd2kwDEx5H2RHaOCbG20MRBq6LpQS0pZQqCR1LuE5w/viewform?usp=sf_link"><span>Focus Area Approval Request Form</span></a><span>.</span></p><p><span><strong>Create your own Focus Area </strong></span></p><p><span>Students interested in building their own focus area should create a sample plan including four electives that share a common area of study.  Examples include Education Policy, Criminal Justice Policy, Election Security, etc. Students who wish to take this route must have their sample plan of study approved by their academic advisor by completing the </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdSTZGHDd2kwDEx5H2RHaOCbG20MRBq6LpQS0pZQqCR1LuE5w/viewform?usp=sf_link"><span>Focus Area Approval Request Form</span></a><span>. </span><br> </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="silc-accordion__section"> <button id="accordion-c5c71576-251d-4bd8-a319-ce61f06f0cf0-section-f74a0969-9b1b-43d1-9f29-9f7899950e17-label" class="silc-accordion__label" aria-controls="accordion-c5c71576-251d-4bd8-a319-ce61f06f0cf0-section-f74a0969-9b1b-43d1-9f29-9f7899950e17-content"> General Education </button> <div class="silc-accordion__content" id="accordion-c5c71576-251d-4bd8-a319-ce61f06f0cf0-section-f74a0969-9b1b-43d1-9f29-9f7899950e17-content" aria-labelled-by="accordion-c5c71576-251d-4bd8-a319-ce61f06f0cf0-section-f74a0969-9b1b-43d1-9f29-9f7899950e17-label"> <div class="silc-accordion__content-compartment"> <p>The foundation of undergraduate education at the University is its general education program, with all students taking series of courses within specially designed categories. The general education program provides you with fundamental skills, broad knowledge, and approaches to intellectual inquiry that will benefit you regardless of your area of study.</p><h4>Fundamental Studies</h4><p>Fundamental Studies courses ensure that you have the basic skills in written and oral communication, in mathematical analysis and in critical thinking that are important to your success across the curriculum and in your career.</p><h4>Distributive Studies</h4><p>Distributive Studies courses expose you to a variety of disciplines even as you concentrate in your chosen field. They offer insights into the methods of different disciplines, the kinds of questions disciplines asks, and their standards for judging answers.</p><h4>I-Series</h4><p>I-Series courses speak to important issues that spark the imagination, demand intellect, and inspire innovation. They challenge you to wrestle with big question, and examine the ways that different disciplines address them.</p><h4>Diversity</h4><p>Diversity courses investigate the complexities of human difference and commonality, emphasizing the promises and problems of plural societies and the challenges that must be addressed to achieve just, equitable, and productive societies. </p><p><a href="http://www.gened.umd.edu/">Learn more about the General Education Program at the University.</a></p> </div> </div> </div> </div>  <div class="cards-grid silc-grid silc-mbottom--6-1200"> <div class="cards-grid__col silc-grid__col silc-grid__col--4-1200"> <div class="card card--overlay card--overlay- card--red" aria-labelledby="card-grid-1d7dc337-cd23-43e0-909e-de56bf97b6d5-card-heading"> <a aria-hidden="true" href=" https://spp.umd.edu/news/aoy-staples-25-turns-passion-action-congressional-and-international-policy-internships " class="card__cta" tabindex="-1" target="_blank"><span class="visible-for-screen-readers">Learn more about </span></a> <div class="card__media card__media-" style="background-image: url( /sites/default/files/2023-02/card_Staples_02162023.jpg )"></div> <div class="card__content"> <h2 id="card-grid-1d7dc337-cd23-43e0-909e-de56bf97b6d5-card-heading"></h2> <p>Aoy Staples ’25 Turns Passion into Action With Congressional and International Policy Internships</p> <a href="#" class="link--cta"> Read More </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="cards-grid__col silc-grid__col silc-grid__col--4-1200"> <div class="card card--overlay card--overlay- card--red" aria-labelledby="card-grid-2f523afc-01e1-4758-afed-d65a1bf828e5-card-heading"> <a aria-hidden="true" href=" /news/goc-celebration " class="card__cta" tabindex="-1" target="_self"><span class="visible-for-screen-readers">Learn more about </span></a> <div class="card__media card__media-" style="background-image: url( /sites/default/files/2020-08/audreyawasom%20%281%29.png )"></div> <div class="card__content"> <h2 id="card-grid-2f523afc-01e1-4758-afed-d65a1bf828e5-card-heading"></h2> <p>Doing Good with Audrey Awasom '18</p> <a href="#" class="link--cta"> Read More </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="cards-grid__col silc-grid__col silc-grid__col--4-1200"> <div class="card card--overlay card--overlay- card--red" aria-labelledby="card-grid-5e461d63-eebb-4183-a037-bcc1e905165e-card-heading"> <a aria-hidden="true" href=" /news/capstone-career-elise-johnson-19 " class="card__cta" tabindex="-1" target="_blank"><span class="visible-for-screen-readers">Learn more about </span></a> <div class="card__media card__media-" style="background-image: url( /sites/default/files/2019-12/card_elisejohnsonundergrad_12132019%20%281%29.jpg )"></div> <div class="card__content"> <h2 id="card-grid-5e461d63-eebb-4183-a037-bcc1e905165e-card-heading"></h2> <p>From Capstone to Career: Elise Johnson '19</p> <a href="#" class="link--cta"> Read More </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <a href="/your-education/courses" class="link--cta"> Explore all policy courses </a>  <a href="/your-education/undergraduate/public-policy-major/plans-study" class="link--cta"> View plans of study and checklists </a>  <section class="section" aria-labelledby="faculty-434bf8b1-c85a-463d-8983-7e5285fed313-heading"> <h2 class="h3" id="faculty-434bf8b1-c85a-463d-8983-7e5285fed313-heading">Our Faculty</h2> <div class="carousel carousel--two-column carousel--faculty silc-mbottom--7-800"> <div> <div class="carousel__slide"> <div class="carousel__image" style="background-image: url(https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2019-06/person_washburn_06202019_0.jpg?itok=NdY02orS);" role="img" aria-label="Susannah Washburn"></div> <div class="carousel__content"> <a href="/our-community/faculty-staff/susannah-washburn" aria-hidden="true" class="overlay-link silc-display--block-799 silc-display--none-800"><span class="visible-for-screen-readers">Learn more about Susannah Washburn</span></a> <div class="carousel__heading h3">Susannah Washburn</div> <div class="carousel__subheading">Clinical Professor; Levenson Family Professor; College Park Scholars Public Leadership Program Director; Senior Advisor, DGI</div> <p>Susannah Washburn directs the College Park Scholars Public Leadership Program at the University of Maryland.</p> <div class="label silc-mbottom--2">Areas of Interest</div> <ul class="list--unstyled silc-mbottom--4">  <li >National service; nonprofit management; social entrepreneurship; experiential learning; leadership development</li> </ul> <a href="/our-community/faculty-staff/susannah-washburn" class="link--cta">Read Full Bio</a> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="carousel__slide"> <div class="carousel__image" style="background-image: url(https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2019-06/person_bory_06212019.jpg?itok=1so8onLB);" role="img" aria-label="Patricia Bory"></div> <div class="carousel__content"> <a href="/our-community/faculty-staff/patricia-bory" aria-hidden="true" class="overlay-link silc-display--block-799 silc-display--none-800"><span class="visible-for-screen-readers">Learn more about Patricia Bory</span></a> <div class="carousel__heading h3">Patricia Bory</div> <div class="carousel__subheading">Associate Clinical Professor; Director, iGive Living-Learning Program</div> <p dir="ltr">Patricia Bory is the Director of iGIVE, a living-learning program at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy where she uses applied learning practices to teach leadership, innovation, and social change to incoming students.</p> <div class="label silc-mbottom--2">Areas of Interest</div> <ul class="list--unstyled silc-mbottom--4"> </ul> <a href="/our-community/faculty-staff/patricia-bory" class="link--cta">Read Full Bio</a> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="carousel__slide"> <div class="carousel__image" style="background-image: url(https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-07/card_apoloniacalderon_07302024.jpg?itok=gb2btW0-);" role="img" aria-label="M. Apolonia Calderon"></div> <div class="carousel__content"> <a href="/our-community/faculty-staff/m-apolonia-calderon" aria-hidden="true" class="overlay-link silc-display--block-799 silc-display--none-800"><span class="visible-for-screen-readers">Learn more about M. Apolonia Calderon</span></a> <div class="carousel__heading h3">M. Apolonia Calderon</div> <div class="carousel__subheading">Assistant Professor; Senior Fellow, IPL</div> <p dir="ltr">Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Apolonia Calderon earned both her Bachelors degree (2013) and Ph.D. (2018) in Political Science from Texas A&M University.</p> <div class="label silc-mbottom--2">Areas of Interest</div> <ul class="list--unstyled silc-mbottom--4">  <li >Public administration; public policy immigration; policy & enforcement; nonprofit & philanthropy; race & ethnic politics</li> </ul> <a href="/our-community/faculty-staff/m-apolonia-calderon" class="link--cta">Read Full Bio</a> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div class="carousel__slide"> <div class="carousel__image" style="background-image: url(https://spp.umd.edu/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-10/card_JenLittlefield_10152024.jpg?itok=t1O0n891);" role="img" aria-label="Jennifer Littlefield"></div> <div class="carousel__content"> <a href="/our-community/faculty-staff/jennifer-littlefield" aria-hidden="true" class="overlay-link silc-display--block-799 silc-display--none-800"><span class="visible-for-screen-readers">Learn more about Jennifer Littlefield</span></a> <div class="carousel__heading h3">Jennifer Littlefield</div> <div class="carousel__subheading">Lecturer; Director, Undergraduate Studies</div> <p>Jennifer Littlefield is the director of undergraduate studies in the School of Public Policy.  She previously served as the director of the College Park Scholars Public Leadership Program and associate director of the Do Good Institute. Littlefield was involved with the Public Leadershi</p> <div class="label silc-mbottom--2">Areas of Interest</div> <ul class="list--unstyled silc-mbottom--4"> </ul> <a href="/our-community/faculty-staff/jennifer-littlefield" class="link--cta">Read Full Bio</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> <div class="cards-grid silc-grid silc-mbottom--6-1200"> <div class="silc-grid__col silc-grid__col--4-800 silc-mbottom--5-799"> <div class="callout"> <div class="callout__compartment compartment silc-p--0"> <h2 class="h4">Tuition & Fees</h2> <p>We are committed to making higher education accessible and affordable. <a href="/admissions/tuition-fees">Learn more</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="silc-grid__col silc-grid__col--4-800 silc-mbottom--5-799"> <div class="callout"> <div class="callout__compartment compartment silc-p--0"> <h2 class="h4">Aid & Scholarships</h2> <p>See the <a href="/admissions/financial-aid-scholarships">financial aid and scholarships</a> that are available to help fund your education. </p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="silc-grid__col silc-grid__col--4-800 silc-mbottom--5-799"> <div class="callout"> <div class="callout__compartment compartment silc-p--0"> <h2 class="h4">Connect with Us</h2> <p><a href="/admissions/connect-us">Visit us</a> on campus, on the road or online and find out more about the School.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="cards-grid silc-grid silc-mbottom--6-1200"> <div class="cards-grid__col cards-grid__col-stacked silc-grid__col silc-grid__col--12"> <div class="card card--overlay card--overlay-stacked card--red" aria-labelledby="card-grid-3085005f-db77-4056-a7ac-78899edd074d-card-heading"> <a aria-hidden="true" href=" /your-education/masters/dual-degrees/bachelorsmaster-public-policy " class="card__cta" tabindex="-1" target="_self"><span class="visible-for-screen-readers">Learn more about Interested in both a Bachelor's and Master's degree?</span></a> <div class="card__media card__media-stacked" style="background-image: url( /sites/default/files/2019-07/card_twograds_07092019.jpg )"></div> <div class="card__content"> <h2 id="card-grid-3085005f-db77-4056-a7ac-78899edd074d-card-heading">Interested in both a Bachelor's and Master's degree?</h2> <p>Earn your Bachelor's and Master's degree in Public Policy in as few as five years with our dual Bachelor's/Master's program.</p> <a href="#" class="link--cta"> Learn More </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </main> <footer class="site-footer"> <div class="footer__main"> <div class="compartment"> <div class="footer__logos silc-mbottom--4-800"> <img src="/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/idfive-component-library/build/img/logos/spp-white.svg" alt="University of Maryland School of Public Policy Footer Logo" class="footer__site-logo"> <div class="footer__accreditations silc-display--none-799"> <img src="/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/idfive-component-library/build/img/logos/naspaa.svg" alt="NASPAA"> <img src="/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/idfive-component-library/build/img/logos/apsia.svg" alt="APSIA"> <img src="/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/idfive-component-library/build/img/logos/appam.svg" alt="APPAM"> </div> </div> <div class="footer__contact-info"> <address class="silc-mtop--2-800"> <p><strong>Thurgood Marshall Hall</strong><br /> 7805 Regents Drive<br /> College Park, MD 20742<br /> Phone: <a href="tel:+13014056330">301-405-6330</a></p> </address> <ul class="footer__social list--unstyled"> <li class="footer__social-item"> <a class="link--icon link--icon-yellow link--icon-facebook" href="https://www.facebook.com/publicpolicy" target="_blank"> <span class="visible-for-screen-readers">Facebook</span> </a> </li> <li class="footer__social-item"> <a class="link--icon link--icon-yellow link--icon-twitter" href="https://twitter.com/umdpublicpolicy" target="_blank"> <span class="visible-for-screen-readers">Twitter</span> </a> </li> <li class="footer__social-item"> <a class="link--icon link--icon-yellow link--icon-instagram" href="https://www.instagram.com/umdpublicpolicy" target="_blank"> <span class="visible-for-screen-readers">Instagram</span> </a> </li> <li class="footer__social-item"> <a class="link--icon link--icon-yellow link--icon-youtube" href="http://www.youtube.com/user/UMDPublicPolicy" target="_blank"> <span class="visible-for-screen-readers">Youtube</span> </a> </li> <li class="footer__social-item"> <a class="link--icon link--icon-yellow link--icon-linkedin" href="http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=46307" target="_blank"> <span class="visible-for-screen-readers">Linkedin</span> </a> </li> <li class="footer__social-item"> <a class="link--icon link--icon-yellow link--icon-flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/marylandpublicpolicy/albums" target="_blank"> <span class="visible-for-screen-readers">Flickr</span> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class="footer__bottom"> <div class="compartment"> <div class="footer__copyright"> © 2024 <span class="silc-display--none-799">UMD School of Public Policy</span> <span class="silc-display--none-800">UMD School of Public Policy</span> </div> <div class="footer__nav--secondary"> <ul class="list--unstyled"> <li><a href="/directions-parking">Directions & Parking</a></li> <li><a href="/our-community/faculty-staff">Directory</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.umd.edu/web-accessibility">Web Accessibility</a></li> <li><a href="https://umd.edu/privacy-notice">Privacy Policy</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </footer> </div> <script type="application/json" data-drupal-selector="drupal-settings-json">{"path":{"baseUrl":"\/","pathPrefix":"","currentPath":"node\/536","currentPathIsAdmin":false,"isFront":false,"currentLanguage":"en"},"pluralDelimiter":"\u0003","suppressDeprecationErrors":true,"google_analytics":{"account":"G-5WWH0R4N5C","trackOutbound":true,"trackMailto":true,"trackTel":true,"trackDownload":true,"trackDownloadExtensions":"7z|aac|arc|arj|asf|asx|avi|bin|csv|doc(x|m)?|dot(x|m)?|exe|flv|gif|gz|gzip|hqx|jar|jpe?g|js|mp(2|3|4|e?g)|mov(ie)?|msi|msp|pdf|phps|png|ppt(x|m)?|pot(x|m)?|pps(x|m)?|ppam|sld(x|m)?|thmx|qtm?|ra(m|r)?|sea|sit|tar|tgz|torrent|txt|wav|wma|wmv|wpd|xls(x|m|b)?|xlt(x|m)|xlam|xml|z|zip","trackDomainMode":1},"user":{"uid":0,"permissionsHash":"6df45db0fa860f4e032ac7815051b26feb4ec0094d674d1d2fc7edd678c11e73"}}</script> <script src="/core/assets/vendor/jquery/jquery.min.js?v=3.7.1"></script> <script src="/core/misc/drupalSettingsLoader.js?v=10.3.9"></script> <script src="/core/misc/drupal.js?v=10.3.9"></script> <script src="/core/misc/drupal.init.js?v=10.3.9"></script> <script src="/modules/contrib/google_analytics/js/google_analytics.js?v=10.3.9"></script> <script src="/themes/contrib/idfive/js/index.js?v=10.3.9"></script> <script src="/sites/default/themes/custom/umd_spp/idfive-component-library/build/js/index.js?v=10.3.9"></script> <script src="https://js.adsrvr.org/up_loader.1.1.0.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> ttd_dom_ready( function() { if (typeof TTDUniversalPixelApi === 'function') { var universalPixelApi = new TTDUniversalPixelApi(); universalPixelApi.init("gag0g0k", ["xtrysrt"], "https://insight.adsrvr.org/track/up"); } }); </script> <script> !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) {if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)}; if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,document,'script', 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); fbq('init', '590444765256022'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); </script> <noscript> <img height="1" width="1" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=590444765256022&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/> </noscript> <noscript> <iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-MNBSK27" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe> </noscript> </body> </html>

CINXE.COM

Public Policy Major | UMD School of Public Policy