Courses of Study 2024-2025 
    
    Nov 21, 2024  
Courses of Study 2024-2025

Public Policy BS


In the Brooks School of Public Policy 

The study of public policy is a comprehensive exploration of the politics and mechanisms that shape policy formulation and execution, coupled with an assessment of their effects on society’s welfare and quality of life. Students who choose to major in public policy engage with a broad range of topics, including governmental policies impacting areas such as children and families, crime prevention, democratic processes, educational systems, environmental conservation, financial sectors, social inequality, public health initiatives, market regulations, and workplace dynamics, among others.

The major’s distinctive strength lies in its cultivation of robust theoretical frameworks, rigorous quantitative analysis skills, critical analytical thinking, strategic planning abilities, and the application of these skills to address real-world policy challenges. These competencies are highly sought after in both governmental and private sector settings, making public policy graduates valuable assets capable of navigating complex policy landscapes and driving positive societal change.

Introduction to Public Policy (4 credits)


Public Policy Electives (30 credits)


Students are required to complete a minimum of 30 credits of 2000, 3000, or 4000-level public policy courses, in addition to fulfilling the core requirements. However, PUBPOL 4030 , PUBPOL 4980 , and PUBPOL 4990  cannot be used to fulfill this particular requirement.

Please note that up to 3 credits from PUBPOL 4000 , PUBPOL 4010 , and PUBPOL 4020  can be counted towards this requirement.

Engaged Learning (0-3 credits)


All students must complete an engaged learning course or experience in the field of public policy.

The experience must be equivalanet to at least 135 hours of policy relevant work and can include engaged coursework, community applied research, or external internships.  Experiences must be approved through the Engaged Learning Milestone Form. Questions regarding the Engaged Learning Milestone Form should be directed to the Brooks Office of Admissions, Student Services and Career Management.

If a course is chosen it must be taken for a letter grade.  Additional coursework can be reviewed via the curriculum substitution petition.  This requirement may overlap with another major requirement.

Example engaged learning coursework includes, but is not limited to:

First-Year Writing Seminars (6 credits)


Both required first-year writing seminar courses must be completed within the first two semesters at Cornell.

Public Policy Introductory Microeconomics (3 credits)


Public Policy Intermediate Microeconomics (4 credits)


Choose one of the following:

Public Policy Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)


Choose one of the following:

Public Policy Mathematics (3-4 credits)


Choose either of the following:

  • A score of 4 or 5 on the AP Calculus BC exam
  • Any 3-credit Cornell math course except MATH 1101  and MATH 1710  (must be taken at Cornell)

It’s important to note that while AP Calculus AB credit (with a score of 4 or 5) may be applied as elective credits, it does not fulfill this specific requirement.

Public Policy Natural Science (6-8 credits)


Natural Science I (3-4 credits)

This fulfills the college distribution natural sciences requirement.

Choose one of the following:

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Please note that if AP Physics is not used to fulfill this requirement, then the course must be taken at Cornell. No lab is required.

Natural Science II (3-4 credits)

Select any 3-4 credit course with a course distribution code of BIO, PBS, BIOLS-AG, or BIONLS-AG.

Please note that AP credit is not accepted, and the course must be taken at Cornell.

Public Policy Language (3 credits)


Any course in a non-English language is acceptable.

Please note that AP credits cannot be used to fulfill this requirement.

Public Policy Arts, Literature, and Culture (3 credits)


Any course with the distribution code ALC is acceptable.

Public Policy Historical Analysis (3 credits)


Any course with a HA or HST distribution code.

Public Policy Electives (variable)


Any courses that are not taken in the areas mentioned above will count as Electives.

Public Policy Physical Education (2 courses)


While Physical Education is a graduation requirement, it does not count toward the minimum credit requirements for full-time status at the college or university level, nor does it contribute to the 120 credits required for graduation.

Public Policy Swim Test


Completion of a successful swim test is required for graduation.