Public Policy at W&M
Public Policy focuses on how societies mobilize public, private and non-profit resources to solve pressing problems. In our program, you will develop skills in analytical decision-making across diverse subjects, such as quantitative and economic analysis, the study of political institutions that produce policy and the examination of specific policy areas such as health and welfare, the environment, education, international development and state and local affairs. Core courses focus on broadly applicable analytical skills while electives allow students to explore a wide variety of different policy topics. Coursework is primarily in economics and government, but also includes courses in psychology, sociology, law, philosophy and others.
Applied Learning
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Courses
Take a wide range of policy courses including the Economics of U.S. Health Policy (PUBP 324), Innovation for Defense (PUBP 390), Social Network Analysis (PUBP 419) and Negotiation and Public Leadership (PUBP 491).*
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Research
Students and faculty collaborate via individual mentoring and also in organized groups like the Health Policy Journal Club to discuss recent research articles.
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Public Policy Club
Join this undergraduate club, which hosts speakers, job and internship panels and develops community projects to serve the campus and local community.
Upcoming Events
Schroeder Center for Health Policy
The Schroeder Center for Health Policy at William & Mary informs and educates current and future decision-makers on a broad array of public policies related to healthcare and population health.
Rankings
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Top 30Best Colleges for Public Policy in AmericaNiche 2025
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Top 10Best Public School for Making an ImpactThe Princeton Review 2024
Outcomes
A public policy degree provides excellent preparation for careers in public service. Graduates work for government agencies in the executive and legislative branches at the federal, state and local levels. Public Policy graduates also often work with non-profit organizations, advocacy groups and private sector consulting firms. Further, having a public policy degree provides a strong background for graduate study in law, business, economics, political science and more advanced degrees in public policy. Overall, this program teaches students to be well-informed citizens who have skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on their communities. Our majors go places!
Alumni & Friends
Please keep us updated so we can keep students, alumni, and faculty informed. We invite all alumni and friends of the Public Policy program to send us your news.
Support Public Policy
Your contribution to the Public Policy program will help our faculty members provide the best learning experience to our students.
Contact The Public Policy Program
Public Policy
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Mailing Address
W&M Program in Public Policy William & Mary P.O. Box 8795 Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
Contact Us
- Phone: 757-221-2368
- Email: publicpolicy@wm.edu
Courses Disclaimer
*Courses listed are examples. Course availability changes each semester.