About the Program
Public policy focuses on how societies mobilize public, private and non-profit resources to solve pressing problems. This program emphasizes analytical decision-making across diverse subjects, such as quantitative and economic analysis, the study of political institutions that produce policy and the examination of specific policy areas such as health and welfare, the environment, education, international development and state and local affairs. Core courses focus on broadly applicable analytical skills while electives allow students to explore a wide variety of different policy topics. Coursework is primarily in economics and government, but also includes courses in psychology, sociology, law, philosophy and others.
Take a Peek into the Public Policy Program
What Makes Us Different
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Visiting Speakers
Public policy practitioners visit campus to give talks, meet with classes and offer career advice.
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Proximity to Metropolitan Areas for Applied Learning
W&M is one hour from Richmond (the Virginia state capital) and three hours from Washington, D.C., allowing access to policy practitioners, legislators, advocates and analysts.
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Research Assistantships
Undergraduates have opportunities to work as research assistants on applied projects conducted by master's in public policy students.
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Support for Internships
Competitive stipends are provided to students who take low- or no-pay summer internships in public policy fields.
Rankings
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Top 30Best Colleges for Public Policy in AmericaNiche 2025
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Top 10Best Public School for Making an ImpactThe Princeton Review 2024
Applied Learning
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Courses
Take a wide range of policy courses including the Economics of U.S. Health Policy (PUBP 324), Innovation for Defense (PUBP 390), Social Network Analysis (PUBP 419) and Negotiation and Public Leadership (PUBP 491).*
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Research
Students and faculty collaborate via individual mentoring and also in organized groups like the Health Policy Journal Club to discuss recent research articles.
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Schroeder Center for Health Policy
Obtain valuable experience in a real-world setting through internships.
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Public Policy Club
Join this undergraduate club, which hosts speakers, job and internship panels and develops community projects to serve the campus and local community.
Outcomes
A public policy degree provides excellent preparation for careers in public service. Graduates work for government agencies in the executive and legislative branches at the federal, state and local levels. Public policy graduates also often work with non-profit organizations, advocacy groups and private sector consulting firms. Further, having a public policy degree provides a strong background for graduate study in law, business, economics, political science and more advanced degrees in public policy. Overall, this program teaches students to be well-informed citizens who have skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on their communities.
Public policy alumni accomplish many things after graduation.
Talk to Us
Want to learn more? Our current students and faculty want to connect with you.
Public Policy Program
Contact Us
- Get an inside look: Contact a current public policy major
- Ask the faculty: Contact the Public Policy Program
Courses Disclaimer
*Courses listed are examples. Course availability changes each semester.
