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 government and private sector settings, and our graduates are equipped to navigate complex policy landscapes and drive positive social change.
The public policy major is administered through the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, while the public policy minor is administered through the Department of Government.
Requirements
In addition to the major requirements, students must meet their admitting college’s graduation requirements: Arts and Sciences Graduation Requirements
In addition to the major requirements outlined below, students must meet their admitting college’s graduation requirements: Arts and Sciences Graduation Requirements
Double Majoring
No more than 12 credits applied towards the economics, government, or sociology major requirements can also count towards the PUBPOL major requirements.
Overlapping Credits:
Each course may only meet one major requirement. The only exception to this policy is the engaged learning requirement which may overlap with any major requirement.
Study Abroad:
Students must complete a curriculum substitution petition to request to have study abroad coursework meet Public Policy elective credits. No more than 8 credits of study abroad coursework per abroad semester can count towards the Public Policy elective credits requirement. No other public policy major requirements may be completed abroad.
Public Policy Credits:
Students must take major requirements under the PUBPOL section in order for it to meet the major requirements, unless an alternate section is specified in the requirements.
Curriculum
- Instruction Mode: In Person
- Location: Primarily in Ithaca, NY, with options for a semester abroad or in Washington, D.C.
- Length of Program: Full time, 4 years, 120 credits
In addition to meeting all Arts and Sciences Distribution requirements, Public Policy, Bachelor of Arts students must meet the following prerequisites and major requirements.
Program Prerequisites:
To be eligible to declare the Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy degree, the following requirements must first be completed with a C- or better.
Introduction of Public Policy (4 credits):
- PUBPOL 2301 Introduction to Public Policy
Introductory Microeconomics (3 credits). Complete one of the following:
- ECON 1110 Introductory Microeconomics
- score of 5 on AP Microeconomics exam
- score of 7 on IB HL Economics exam
Introductory Sociology (3 credits). Choose one of the following:
- PUBPOL 2250 Social Problems in the U.S.
- SOC 1101 Introduction to Sociology
Introductory Government (4 credits). Choose one of the following:
- GOVT 1111 Introduction to American Government and Politics
- GOVT 1313 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics
- GOVT 1817 Making Sense of World Politics
Statistics (4 credits). Choose one of the following:
- ECON 3130 Statistics and Probability
- PUBPOL 2101 Statistics for Public Policy
- SOC 3010 Statistics for Sociological Research
Major Requirements:
Students must receive a C- or better in all major requirements. S/U grade may not be used for any major requirement unless it is the only grading option available for those courses.
Intermediate Microeconomics (4 credits). Choose one of the following:
- PUBPOL 2000 Intermediate Microeconomics
- ECON 3030 Intermediate Microeconomic Theory
Economics of the Public Sector (3-4 credits). Choose one of the following:
- PUBPOL 2040 Economics of the Public Sector (4 credits)
- ECON 4260 Public Finance: The Microeconomics of Government (3 credits)
Political Science (6-8 credits). Choose two of the following:
- PUBPOL 2320 Global Democracy and Public Policy
- PUBPOL 2857 Global Governance and Policy
- PUBPOL 3583 Comparative Public Policy: Political Pathways to Equality
Public Policy Core Courses (15 credits). Cross-listed versions in any A&S department may be used for this requirement. Complete all of the following:
- PUBPOL 2030 Population and Public Policy (4 credits)
- PUBPOL 2370 Race, Racism, and Public Policy (4 credits)
- PUBPOL 3100 Multiple Regression Analysis (4 credits)
- PUBPOL 3830 Ethics for Public Policy (3 credits)
Public Policy Electives (22 credits):
- Students must take a minimum of 22 credits of 2000, 3000 or 4000 level public policy (PUBPOL) courses in addition to the core requirements.
Note: A maximum of 3 credits of special studies coursework (PUBPOL 4000, PUBPOL 4010, and PUBPOL 4020) can count here.
PUBPOL 4030, PUBPOL 4980, and PUBPOL 4990 may not be used to fulfill this requirement.
Engaged Learning (3 credits):
This requirement may overlap with another major requirement.
- Any PUBPOL course that has the CU-CEL attribute as of fall 2025.
Enrollment
Enrollment for the B.A. in public policy begins in Fall ’25. If you are interested in applying for this major, please contact:
Brooks-studentservices@cornell.edu
Registrar Phone: (607) 254-5675
Advising Phone: (607) 254-3451
Office Location: 2201 Martha Van Rensselaer Hall
