Public Policy Careers
Find out what careers you can achieve with a Public Policy degree from MBU, and how you can get there!
Public Policy Careers
These are just some of the many careers a Public Policy BA can prepare you for. Select a career to learn about the job, average salary, employment outlook, required education level, and more.
Policy & Law
Use the resources below to find more career profiles on these and hundreds of other jobs you could achieve with a Public Policy BA.
Career Spotlights
Legislator
Develop, introduce, and enact laws and represent interests of constituents
Education: Degree preferred
Workplaces: Local, state, and federal government agencies
Median Pay: $108,510
Job Outlook: 3% (average)
Urban Planner
Create plans and programs to use land and facilities within cities and metropolitan areas
Education: Master’s degree
Workplaces: Local and state government agencies, architectural and engineering firms, consulting firms
Median Pay: $83,720
Job Outlook: 3% (average)
Lawyer
Advise and represent clients in legal proceedings
Education: Doctorate or professional degree
Workplaces: Legal services, local, state, and federal government agencies, self-employed
Median Pay: $151,160
Job Outlook: 4% (average)
MBU Alumni Employers
Public Policy majors are commonly employed by local, state, and federal government agencies, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and consulting firms.
Companies and organizations that have hired our alumni:
- 8th Judicial Circuit
- Amentum
- Capital One
- City of Richmond
- Commonwealth of Virginia
- Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)
- Dominion Energy
- Erickson Immigration Group
- Henley & Henley
- LexisNexis
- Loudoun County Government
- Maples Group
- Melone Hatley, P.C.
- Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division
- Point Broadband
- QualX, LLC
- Rees Broome, P.C.
- Syndax Pharmaceuticals
- The Harris Law Firm
- U.S. Army
- United Nations
- Virginia Office of the Attorney General
- Western Digital
What’s your path?
MBU offers dozens of complementary minors, majors, clubs and more to enhance your study of English and put you on the right path to your dream career.
Consider pairing your Public Policy major with…
A minor in:
- African American Studies
- Biology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Communication
- Criminal Justice
- English
- Healthcare Administration
- History
- Homeland Security
- Leadership Studies
- Management
- Marketing
- Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Religious Studies
- Sexuality & Gender Studies
- Sociology & Anthropology
- Spanish Language & Hispanic Cultures
A double-major in:
- Applied Behavior Analysis & Autism Studies
- Applied Mathematics
- Biology
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Elementary Education
- English
- Health Sciences
- Healthcare Administration
- History
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Special Education
- Strategic Communication
Build one of these Skill Stacks to gain an edge in the job market:
- Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Inclusivity
- Collaboration
- Leadership
Join one of these MBU clubs or professional organizations for connection and networking:
- Psychology Club
- Sociology Club
- Social Work Club
- Criminal Justice & Leadership Club
- Baldwin Program Board
- A Brighter Tomorrow
- Student Senate
- Inter-Club Council
- Student Standards Board
- American Society for Public Administration
- Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management
- The League of Women Voters
- Virginia Institute for Public Policy
- Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society
Consider pairing your Public Policy major with…
A minor in:
- African American Studies
- Biology
- Business
- Chemistry
- Communication
- Criminal Justice
- English
- Healthcare Administration
- History
- Homeland Security
- Leadership Studies
- Management
- Marketing
- Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Religious Studies
- Sexuality & Gender Studies
- Sociology & Anthropology
- Spanish Language & Hispanic Cultures
A double-major in:
- Applied Behavior Analysis & Autism Studies
- Applied Mathematics
- Biology
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Elementary Education
- English
- Health Sciences
- Healthcare Administration
- History
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Special Education
- Strategic Communication
Build one of these Skill Stacks and gain an edge in the job market:
- Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Inclusivity
- Data Fluency
- Leadership
Join one of these MBU clubs for connection and networking:
- Psychology Club
- Sociology Club
- Social Work Club
- Baldwin Program Board
- A Brighter Tomorrow
- Student Senate
- Inter-Club Council
- Student Standards Board
- American Society for Public Administration
- Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management
- The League of Women Voters
- Virginia Institute for Public Policy
- Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society
Consider our outstanding MBA graduate program:
Explore Internships
No matter your major, an internship is a chance to explore your interests, build real-world skills, and give you a real competitive edge in the job market. The McCree Center for Career Success can help find the right opportunity for you.
Planning for Graduate School
If you’re considering graduate school in Public Policy or a career requiring an advanced degree, explore your options early. Requirements vary, but most programs require transcripts, recommendations, and personal statements. Research programs early to understand requirements and plan ahead.
Graduate programs vary in their prerequisites and application requirements. Research programs early to plan your MBU coursework, including any additional courses in economics, statistics, mathematics, history, political science, law, or related fields.
In addition to academic and experiential requirements, your application may include an entrance exam such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examinations). Students interested in law school should also be aware of the LSAT (Law School Admission Test).
These exams can require weeks or months of preparation. Knowing early whether an exam will be included in your application will give you more time to prepare.
See what graduate programs Mary Baldwin has to offer!
McCree Center for Career Success
The McCree Center for Career Success helps students connect their education to their future careers. Services include:
- Career exploration and planning
- Resume and cover letter support
- Interview preparation
- Internship and job searches
- Networking and professional development
- Graduate school preparation
Visit us to learn more!
