Public Policy Minor
With Salve Regina University's minor in public policy, you can turn what you learn in your major area of study into policies that can help solve local, national or even global problems. It's where theory meets practice.
Activate Your Knowledge to Solve Important Problems
As public policy crosses many disciplines, our minor prepares you to pursue careers that address policy across a wide range of industries. It pairs with virtually any major.
The curriculum is focused on developing the ability to think critically about complex problems, assess possible solutions and communicate effectively. You'll learn how the policy-making process works, and how to apply qualitative and quantitative research methods to gather and synthesize information to inform policy proposals.
Students can opt to develop specialized knowledge with a focus on democracy policy, international policy, environmental policy or social/education policy. Through coursework in public policy, coupled with hands-on experience and an internship, you'll develop career-ready skills in leadership, research, problem solving, communication and collaboration.
Pell Center
Our on-campus think tank focused on politics, policy and ideas, the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy is a unique asset, offering a continual slate of speakers, small group meetings with change leaders, the Nuala Pell Leadership program, internship and experiential opportunities and more.
Mercy Values Meet Public Policy
In keeping with our University mission, Salve's public policy minor guides students to recognize the sacredness of community in service of the common good, working to make the world more just, kind and merciful.
Career Paths in Public Policy
Knowledge of public policy is a sought-after skill across many sectors, from education to transportation, labor and employment discrimination, conservation, business data analytics, international organizations, nonprofits and more.
Possible careers include:
- Attorney
- Community outreach coordinator
- Consultant
- Executive director
- Legislative assistant
- Lobbyist/government relations
- Policy analyst
- Public service/advocacy
- Think tank writer and researcher
Meet Our Public Policy Faculty
Our faculty have expertise in public policy, communications, political science, economics, history, natural science, psychology, sociology, anthropology, criminal justice, social work, theater, art, education and philosophy. All of our faculty have earned doctorates or terminal degrees in their field of study, and many have public policy experience at the local, state and/or national levels.
