Best Public Policy Programs?

[Anonymous]

DC is considering this major and looking into which schools gave strong programs.

No specific career plan - looking for something versatile that students have taken in different directions (policy, politics, non-profit, law, business?). Bonus if there’s still plenty of opportunity for a broad range of electives (humanities + science) outside of the major.

Anyone with recent experience and school recommendations? Thx.

[Anonymous]

I think if they want to work in public policy, they should have an area of expertise beyond a broad major in public policy.

[Anonymous]

William & Mary

[Anonymous]

aim for law school. after that, public policy follows. You need to understand how law shapes public policy to be a real mover and shaker

[Anonymous]

Thanks. Not asking for career advice. Asking about schools that have strong Public Policy majors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think if they want to work in public policy, they should have an area of expertise beyond a broad major in public policy.

Did you even read the OP? You are so DC hall monitor. What is your area of expertise? I'm sure you are dying to tell us. But don't get invited to any parties.

[Anonymous]

Harvard, Princeton, Georgetown

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think if they want to work in public policy, they should have an area of expertise beyond a broad major in public policy.

Sure, but a 17 or 18 year old kid doesn't need to have yet identified that area.

[Anonymous]

Duke

[Anonymous]

You would do an undergraduate degree and then a masters at the Kennedy School at Harvard or at a similar program. Other good masters programs in public policy at Princeton, Michigan. Or do a PhD in economics.

[Anonymous]

U of Chicago

[Anonymous]

I mean, it depends what you want to do and whether it not your kid is T25.

If I had it to do all over again, I would have looked harder at the DC schools. I had no interest in Georgetown whatsoever, and applied to American basically as a safety. Wound up at a school that was a fabulous school in general, but wasn't really invested in politics as a major, especially not with career services. Most of the kids went on to law school whereas I came straight to DC to work on the Hill after grad. I got all my political experience on my own (volunteered for our current President on his senate campaign, did my own app for a white house internship). I did all my own searching for places to apply for jobs.

It really depends what you want to do AND what you want from a school in general.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Duke

Plus one. Frank Bruni teaches there now.

[Anonymous]

Pomona

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Duke

Plus one. Frank Bruni teaches there now.

Plus two. I went there and it's a great program. Harvard and Princeton are strong too.

If you are looking for some non- reaches-for-all, consider Indiana. Best of luck!