Department of Public Policy

Introduction

UNC Public Policy is an interdisciplinary social science major designed to provide students with the theoretical perspective, analytical skill, and substantive knowledge needed to respond to domestic and global policy challenges. Our mission is to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to improve the lives of others.

Our faculty have expertise in a wide range of global and domestic policy including education and labor markets, environment and human welfare, innovation and entrepreneurship, science and technology policy, social policy and inequality, health policy, bioethics, and human rights, international development policy, and global conflict and cooperation.

The undergraduate curriculum emphasizes research and experiential learning and includes exposure to multiple disciplinary fields including policy analysis, economics, history, political science, applied philosophy, research design, and statistics.

Advising

All majors and minors have a primary academic advisor in the Academic Advising Program. Students are encouraged to meet regularly with their advisor and review their Tar Heel Tracker each semester. UNC Public Policy’s director of undergraduate studies and student services officer meet with current and prospective students by appointment (see contact information above). For additional information on courses and undergraduate opportunities, see UNC Public Policy's website.

Graduate School and Career Opportunities

The undergraduate major in public policy provides students with conceptual and analytical skills that prepare them for the labor market and graduate school. The integration of a liberal arts education, writing and analytical abilities, and knowledge in a domestic or global policy field prepares students for many career paths. The public policy major can be a foundation for graduate work in a range of social science and professional disciplines, including law, business, education, social work, public health, public policy, public and international affairs, and city and regional planning. Alumni pursue careers in law, education, business, public policy, and global affairs, working in public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Public Policy offers a dual bachelor's-graduate (M.P.P.) degree. The M.P.P. degree requires 48 credits. It is possible to complete the requirements for the bachelor's degree and graduate degree within eight semesters and two additional semesters of study (and one summer), respectively. The M.P.P. includes a summer seminar/internship experience. New UNC Graduate School's dual degree policies allow 12 credit hours of double counting/crossover of bachelor’s credits and master’s credits. Most of the double counting of credits will take place during the second semester of the senior year.

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