What are the true consequences of a policy? Even with good data, this question is often difficult to answer, as policies are rarely introduced in isolation. This means that patterns in data may demonstrate the effects of policies, but may also reflect the influences of various confounding factors. This course will introduce you to quantitative methods aimed at identifying the causal impacts of policies.
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Policy Research and Analysis
Understand the consequences of public policies and the processes for creating them.
Use data to drive policy forward.
Gain the quantitative, economic, political, and organizational skills to analyze and contribute to policy in the public and private sectors.
Areas of Focus
- Environment, energy, and health policy
- Global public policy and process
- Homeland security and crisis response
- Impact evaluation and program monitoring
- Social policy and inequity
- Quantitative methods and applied economics
Internship Experiences
You’ll use the skills you gain to address real policy issues. Prior to graduation, you’ll also complete a 300-hour internship at an approved site.
Previous Internship Sites
- Hill + Knowlton Strategies
- European Union Chamber of Commerce China
- China International Capital Corporation
- Weigao Group
- Government Accountability Office
- Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
Career Paths
Draw on research and analysis to understand and influence policy-making in private and governmental organizations.
Potential Workplaces
- National, state, and local governments
- Government agencies like the Government Accountability Office and U.S. Mint
- Leading consulting firms like Booz Allen Hamilton
Major Courses and Plans of Study
As a policy research and analysis major, you’ll gain the technical abilities to conduct a range of research activities that relate to government policy. You’ll also complete a set of required degree courses, which are outlined in the MPA plan of study.
View MPA plan of studyFeatured Courses
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This course sharpens and systematizes your understanding of incentives and psychological motivation, to identify and model strategic issues in real-world cases in public and international affairs. You’ll also learn how to communicate analysis compellingly and concisely.
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Become familiar with a powerful tool for the public sector that’s used in a variety of disciplines. This course gives you a solid foundation of the principles and applications of GIS, offers an introduction to the desktop software ArcGIS, and demonstrates its uses in the public sectors.
Faculty Experts
Learn from and work with faculty who have firsthand experience in collecting and analyzing data, researching policy issues, and informing policy decisions.
View All FacultyCenters, Institutes, and Initiatives
Gain experience in research, analysis, teaching, and service in the field of public policy.
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