Public Policy (BA)
Empower change in your community.
Now more than ever, our communities need informed decision-making and thoughtful leaders to spearhead the policies that impact our everyday lives. Our Public Policy major – drawing on the insights of three different departments – will prepare you to think analytically and ethically about our social and political contexts so you can take action to build a better future.
- Time to Completion
- 4 years
- Format
- On Campus
- Degree(s)
- Bachelor of Arts
Next steps
Why Study Public Policy at Mary Baldwin?
At Mary Baldwin University, we recognize that policy makers need a diverse education. That’s why our program consists of courses from the departments of Political Science, Sociology, and Economics. Our students learn how to draft and enact policy, interpret its socio-cultural impact, and analyze the financial consequences of policy-making.
We want our students to gain real world experience during their education. That’s why our Public Policy major offers course credit for internships and community projects. These course-alternatives give students the first-hand policy and leadership experience they learn about in the classroom.
We also offer electives that focus on particular cultural communities, healthcare initiatives, judicial decisions, and other in-depth topics. We want to empower students to go beyond generalizations and engage specific communities as they enter the workforce as legislators, lawyers, non-profit organizers, and community leaders.
Next steps
“”Public Policy is super cool because you get to experience and learn about politics in a way that is fun and educational – through trips to city council, learning about the U.S. government… Then you get to take that information and actually apply it to everyday life.”
Grace Grindstaff, undergraduate
Courses and Curriculum
Our interdisciplinary courses offer comprehensive overviews of federal and state governmental and legislative processes. They also focus on the concerns of real communities and policymakers, in particular issues related to our national and international presence.
Examines Virginia government and public policy through a comparative analysis of all fifty states and their local governments. Focuses on federalism, the structure and contemporary functions of state and local governments, and how these laboratories of democracy are managing diversity among competing social, political, and judicial pressures.
Critically examines the goals of economic development, measurements and indicators of progress and growth for less developed countries, and policies directed toward development (including the concept of sustainable development). Discusses progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals and policy options for agriculture, education, women’s rights, health care, and international trade.
Applies a justice perspective to explore issues of race and ethnicity in the United States, with particular emphasis on the racialized effects of the criminal justice system. Examines the social construction of race and ethnicity in the U.S., traces shifts in racial and ethnic categorization to the present day, and explores their intersections across class, gender, and place.
Make a Difference with Your Degree
A degree in Public Policy from Mary Baldwin will give you the skills, experience, and confidence to pursue careers at:
- Government agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- Legislative staffs
- Political campaigns
- Consultant firms
It will also prepare you for success in one of the following graduate programs:
- Law degree
- Master of Public Policy
- Master of Public Administration
- PhD in Public Policy
- PhD in Political Science
Are you ready to make a positive difference in your community?
Cost & Financial Aid
A great education is worth it. Here’s how Mary Baldwin helps you pay for it: generous financial aid packages, a broad range of scholarships, transferring maximum credit hours from previous coursework or relevant work and life experiences — the list goes on. Our mission is to help you level up your skills and bring your aspirations to life.
A bachelor’s degree requires 120 credit hours of study.