policy

Public Policy Studies

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SETTING POLICY IN MOTION

Prepare yourself for a variety of careers in government, human services, social work and more with a minor in Public Policy Studies. The program combines theoretical perspectives and analytical tools in the disciplines of economics, political science, sociology and ethics. Unique to HWS, you’ll pay particular attention to policy implementation as part of the policy building process.

Public Policy Studies News

Student SpotlightKelsey Johnston '23

Major: Sociology
Minors: Public Policy Studies; Economics 

"My favorite class I’ve taken has been The Politics of Reproduction as it was my first introduction to the effects policy can make on an individual’s life and how change can be created throughout policy. 

Professor of Sociology Renee Monson has been my adviser since this course and I’ve really enjoyed all the classes I have taken with her. She introduced me to the Public Policy Studies minor and as an adviser, she’s challenged me academically and always pushes me to be a better student."

 

Experiential EducationCreating Change

Be introduced to policy making jobs during Day on the Hill in Washington D.C. or gain skills to lead through the Public Leadership Education Network, a national organization dedicated to preparing college women for leadership in public policy.

At Hobart and William Smith, learning goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. You’ll gain high-impact practical experience that deepens learning and opens doors.

Learn More About Day On the Hill Participate in PLEN Explore and Experience at the HWS Centers

 

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No Borders:Global Education

Study policy implementation in Belgium or non-profit advocacy in Portugal.

Wherever you go, our top-ranked global education program will allow you to apply classroom knowledge, develop cultural understanding and build global connections that expand your personal capacity and sense of purpose.

Study Abroad Options
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Belonging, Diversity and Equity

All of the courses cross-listed with Public Policy Studies address issues of inequality, justice, social inclusion, and/or democratic representation.

Examples include:

  • ECON 325 Economics of Inequality & Distribution and SOC 375 Social Policy: Examine how inequality and poverty are defined and measured, how class, race, and gender influence the risk and the lived experience of poverty, and whether and how government policies have reduced or contributed to poverty and inequality.
  • POL 324 American Congress and SOC 370 Religion, Politics, & Lifestyle: Question how social institutions within the modern American state contribute to social conflict and/or its effective resolution in a context of religious pluralism, racial and ethnic diversity, and the durability of existing power structures.

 

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Explore how Public Policy Studies shapes modern life and vice versa.

BIDS 214 THE POLITICS OF REPRODUCTION

Examine contemporary policy debates concerning technological advancements in human reproduction.

ECON 207 ECONOMICS OF EDUCATION

Apply the tools of economic analysis to the issue of education in the United States.

ECON 248 POVERTY AND WELFARE

Discover the nature and extent of poverty, theories of its causes, and the range of public policies aimed at easing or ending poverty.

SOC 225 WORKING FAMILIES

Explore questions, ideas and expectations behind the “working family.”

POL 324 AMERICAN CONGRESS

Study the constitutional, theoretical, and practical behavior of members of the legislative branch in relation to American public policy, other political institutions and the American public at large.

Public Policy Studies Courses and Curriculum Public Policy Studies Faculty Directory
 

Alum ImpactStudying to Make a Difference

KAYLA LISZEWSKI ’21
GRADUATE STUDENT AT UNIVERSITY OF BUFFALO MASTERS OF PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM

From job shadowing at schools and marketing firms to working with refugees, Kayla’s path at HWS was filled with many exploratory and hands-on opportunities. Her studies and interest in health care led Kayla to pursue a master’s degree in public health at the University of Buffalo.

Read Kayla's StoryMeet More Recent Grads

COMPANIES THAT EMPLOY OUR GRADUATES

  • Americorps
  • Bank of America Corporation
  • Big Brothers and Big Sisters
  • Cambridge Advisory Group, Inc.
  • Cape Henry Collegiate School
  • Cowart Insurance Group 
  • Fannie Mae
  • Friends of Mark Warner
  • Human Rights Campaign
  • Mathematica Policy Research
  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
  • National Head Start Association
  • New York State Democratic Party
  • NYC Department of Education
  • Office of U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen
  • SRA International, Environmental Consultant
  • U.S. Department of State
  • U.S. Peace Corps

UNIVERSITIES WHERE OUR GRADUATES ARE STUDYING

  • Albany Law School
  • Babson College
  • Georgetown University
  • Indiana University
  • Northeastern University
  • Northwestern University School of Law
  • Roger Williams School of Law
  • Simmons University 
  • Stellenbosch University
  • Syracuse Law School
  • University at Buffalo 
  • University of Baltimore School of Law
  • University of Connecticut
  • University of North Carolina
  • University of Pittsburgh Law School
  • Villanova School of Law