The aim of Trinity’s Master’s Program in Public Policy is to develop the skills required to articulate public issues, analyze alternative policies, facilitate the adoption and implementation of specific public choices, and evaluate their effects.

This program has a commitment to the liberal arts approach to public policy, which includes the importance of the economic/technical component of making collective choices, and both normative and empirical analysis of a problem drawing from the theory and practice of a cross-section of humanities and social science disciplines.  The policy analyst is a producer of policy arguments.  The “craft” policy analysis concerns the ends of the policy as well as the means, and focuses on the arguments that can be constructed around a public policy problem and the standards and values associated with finding a feasible solution to it.

The Public Policy program provides two tracks or routes to the Master’s degree.  Both are 11 course programs with slightly different emphases.

One track, Public Policy Analysis, is designed for someone with a strong interest or ability in economics and/or quantitative skills who wishes to use the standard tools of the policy analyst.  Most students choosing this route will be expected either to test out of Economics 801 or to do exceptionally well in it prior to advancing.

The other track, Public Policy Studies, is for someone preferring a more eclectic, broader view of public policy with less emphasis on analytical and quantitative skills, and where the viewpoint and the skill of argument will be stressed. 

The decision regarding which track to choose need not be made immediately and should be decided in consultation with the Program Director.  Students who believe that some of the courses in the required core are repetitious of their undergraduate work should contact the Graduate Director of Public Policy before enrolling.  It may be possible to substitute other courses or electives with permission of the Director.

 Community Research Project

Matriculated Public Policy students also have the opportunity to enroll in an independent study that includes a research  project, PBPL 950 Community Research and Public Policy.  This elective course is offered in conjunction with an area nonprofit organization dealing with public policy issues.  Projects vary and are available in such fields as transportation, education, legislation, and community economic development.

THE PROGRAM OF STUDY

PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS Introduction to the Policy-Making Process Economics 801* Moral Theory Formal Analysis Statistics/Research Microeconomic Theory Public Finance Analysis Application or Statistical Application Electives (2-3 credits) Project (1 credit) or Thesis (2 credits)† 11 Credit Total

PUBLIC POLICY STUDIES Introduction to the Policy-Making Process Economics 801* Moral Theory Formal Analysis Statistics/Research Policy Analysis Public Policy and the Art of Argument Electives (2-3 credits) Project (1 credit) or Thesis (2 credits)† 11 Credit Total

 

*Students are expected to take Economics 801, Basic Economic Principles, for credit except those students who present an appropriate undergraduate background or who test out of Economics 801.  Students who test out of Economics 801 may substitute an elective in its place.