The major in public policy introduces students to the use of analytical techniques to better understand public problems and evaluate alternative solutions to those problems. Examples of such problems include income inequality, the cost of health care, climate change, and the lack of an immigration policy.
Bloustein School provides students a unique opportunity to pursue their passion for public service and research and offers bachelor degrees in five major fields. The school also offers seven minor programs. With an undergraduate population of approximately 800 students, the Bloustein School is small enough to offer students individual academic support and the focus of a professional school, but large enough for students to enjoy all the benefits, resources, and opportunities of a leading public research university.
First Semester Planning
We recommend that students register for approximately 15 credits each semester and no more than 16 credits in their first semester. Your schedule should be well-balanced and include coursework from a variety of subjects. A diverse schedule will help you begin your studies in potential majors and minors; explore a breadth of new knowledge across departments at Rutgers to meet SAS Core Curriculum learning goals; and survey broader academic interests through elective courses as you work to attain the required 120 degree credits for graduation.
Your schedule will look something like this:
|
College Writing or English course per placement results (3 credits) Major Exploration course (3-4 credits) Major or Minor Exploration course (3-4 credits) Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits) Course beyond main academic interest, such as SAS Core or elective course (3 credits) Byrne or First-Year Interest Group Seminar (FIGS) (1 credit) Total Credits: 15-16 |
Introductory courses recommended by faculty. Include at least one of these in your schedule:
|
Course Title |
Course Number |
Credits |
Subject on University Schedule of Classes |
|
Intro to Planning, Policy & Health |
10:775:101 |
3 |
Public Health (832) |
| Principles of Public Policy | 10:833:210 |
3 |
Public Policy (833) |
| Introduction to Public Administration | 10:843:209 | 3 | Public Administration and Management (843) |
Your first year of college is an opportunity for you to explore fields of interest to enhance your understanding of yourself, the world around you, and your main academic and career goals. Think of your schedule as including courses you must take (English, courses to explore potential majors, etc.) and courses you can take (everything else!) All courses are part of your degree - if necessary, review the components of the SAS degree on this page. Through these degree components, you will curate your own unique educational experience - but we understand that this level of flexibility and freedom can feel overwhelming for new students. Like a recommendation based on a book or TV show you enjoyed, the information below can help you identify related courses to consider in your first semester. Course Title Course Number Credits Subject on University Schedule of Classes
The Schedule of Classes provides information about the courses being offered in a particular semester. There are literally thousands of courses offered each semester at Rutgers, and you may find it helpful to narrow down your options by looking for courses in subjects related to your potential major or minor. Use the recommendations below to find possible introductory courses in other subjects. To find potential courses in other subjects related to this one: 1. On the Schedule of Classes, select the current term, location "New Brunswick" and level "undergraduate". Click continue. 2. In the Search By box, click the "search multple subjects" link. Select the following departments: Criminal Justice (202) Economics (220) Political Science (790) Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (988) Students considering this discipline are strongly encouraged to also incorporate the study of a world language into their Rutgers degree. This can be starting anew language or continuing a language per your World Language placement test results! 3. In Section Status, deselect Closed 4. In Level of Study, deselect 300 and 400. In general, 100 and 200 are appropriate for first-year students, 300 and 400 are often more appropriate for students with more familiarity with the subject. If you are interested in registering for a 300 or 400 level course, consult with an advisor before registering. Review these courses for possible inclusion in your first-semester schedule, or to consider for future semesters. Additional information Beyond the Classroom For your first semester, we want you to focus on selecting appropriate courses, begin to understand the expectations and rigor of college, and identify resources to help you succeed at Rutgers. But, we also know that it is important to provide information for future planning. In addition to the information below, students interested in exploring possible career options may find this resource from the Office of Career Exploration and Success helpful - you'll find that a degree in this subject prepares you for a wide variety of career options! Public Policy students are required to complete a semester-long internship. Opportunities are available for students interested in pursuing research with faculty. Students are able to take part in semester and summer study abroad experiences through Rutgers Study Abroad. Public Policy majors are eligible for the Bloustein Honors Research Program (BHRP), which is a two-semester program for students in their senior year. Students must apply and be selected for this program – https://bloustein.rutgers.edu/undergraduate/bloustein-honors/.
The Public Policy major prepares students for entry-level jobs in government, politics and public affairs within the public, non-profit or private sectors; or for graduate education in law, politics, public administration, public affairs, and public policy. Specific examples of job titles and employers can be found here: https://careers46.rutgers.edu/public/new_webpage_CareerMajorsNew.cfm?major_id=92.
American Government
01:790:104
3
Political Science (790)
Intro to Micreconomics
01:220:102
3
Economics (220)
Quantitative Methods of Psychology
01:830:200
4
Psychology (830)
Minority Groups in American Society
01:920:108
3
Sociology (920)
Any World Language
3-4
See Course Planning Sheet for languages offered
