undergraduate
Public policy analysis
Best schools with public policy analysis
What is a public policy analysis major?
Public policy analysis concentrates on the systematic analysis of public policy issues and decision processes. Students are instructed in the role of economic and political factors in public decision-making and policy formulation, microeconomic analysis of policy issues, resource allocation and decision modeling, cost/benefit analysis, statistical methods, and applications to specific public policy topics.
of students said a highlight of this major was the exposure to diverse perspectives.
of students found this major to be difficult.
of students said they were motivated to select this major because of a desire to make a difference.
of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.
of students said lots of reading was a challenging aspect of the major
How much do public policy analysis majors make?
median average salary
$80,000/yr
The national average salary for public policy analysis graduates in the United States is $80,000 per year. Those in the top 10 percent make over $227,000 a year, while the bottom 10 percent make under $30,000 a year. While salary ranges can vary by role, industry, and location, public policy analysis graduates typically make between $50,000 and $130,000 per year.
How popular is public policy analysis as a major?
Each year, around 2,230 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and fewer than 5 students obtain an associate degree in public policy analysis. In 2021, 2,603 students received a bachelor's degree and fewer than 5 students received an associate degree. This is 3% more public policy analysis majors than there were in 2020. Public policy analysis is one of the most popular majors within public policy and social services.
Advice from public policy analysis majors
Share your experienceMy advice would be to do your readings prior to the class and pay attention during lectures
I would tell them this is not the career for them if they aren't comfortable with speaking up for someone. I would say if there is a passion for being able to do for others what they can not do for themselves, then this is the career for them. I would say if advocating for others means anything to them then once again this is the right career move. I would also say that this career can sometimes involve politics. If you are not an open-minded person who respects diversity then this is the wrong career. I would stress that if becoming a creative inclusive leader serving the public and non-profit sectors and you want to learn and understand the anas and explanation of government and non-government responses to public problems here is where it will be taught. If your dream is to leave a legacy that says you were instrumental in helping to improve laws and regulations. this is the start of making that dream come true. I would remind them that you don't have to be in politics to be a PPA.
