Director and Graduate Adviser: PROFESSOR MAURICE WADE
Graduate Faculty and Advisers: PROFESSORS ADRIENNE FULCO and JOHN ALCORN
Graduate Adviser at the University of Connecticut School of Law: PROFESSOR TERRY J. TONDRO

The graduate program in Public Policy Studies leads to a Master of Arts degree and is intended for those who are preparing themselves to become policy analysis and/or the policy-making process. It is also intended for those who have a general interest in the theory and practice of public policy-making. The program attracts:

 - elected and appointed state and local public agencies
 - lawyers and legislators
 - people who are interested in policy and planning in the public sector, as well as the potential impact of such planning on the populace

ADMISSION

Admission is based upon the student's scholarly record, as well as the writing sample required at the time of application. Frequently, admission is also contingent upon successful performance in specified graduate courses at the College. No mathematics test will be required, but any student whose undergraduate record does not include a satisfactorily passed course in economics will be required to take Economics 801, Basic Economic Principles, for credit as one of the first two courses. Students who test out of Economics 801 will either have that course credited toward graduation, or the student may substitute an elective in its place.

TWO-TRACK MASTER'S PROGRAM

The aim of Trinity's Master's program in Public Policy Studies 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" of 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 Studies program provides two tracks or routes to the Master's degree. Both are 12-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 or quantitative skills. Analytical skills will not be neglected, but the viewpoint and the skill of argument will be stressed. The first four courses in the core are taken in common and students may use these to find their particular interest and preference within the two tracks. Students will be able to choose electives. The decision 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 director of Public Policy Studies before enrolling. It may be possible to substitute other courses or electives with permission of the director.

Electives may be chosen from across the graduate curriculum of Trinity College, from transfer credits from other graduate institutions (a maximum of two credits), and from the University of Connecticut School of Law (normally limited to one credit). A list of available courses at the School of Law can be obtained from Professor Terry Tondro (860) 570-5254.  Trinity students who wish to attend the School of Law in the spring term should plan ahead, since courses at the University of Connecticut often begin well before Trinity classes. All such students should speak to Professor Tondro in advance of registration at the university. Special forms for cross registration are available from the Office of Graduate Studies.

Students may also have the opportunity to enroll in an independent study with a focus on area organizations.

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)†

12 Credit Total

PUBLIC POLICY STUDIES
Introduction to the Policy-Making Process
Economics 801*
Moral Theory
Formal Analysis
Statistics/Research
Public Economics
Behavioral Social Science
Public Policy and the Art of Argument

Electives (2-3 credits)

Project (1 credit) or Thesis (2 credits)†

12 Credit Total
 
*All students are expected to take for credit ECON 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 will either have that course credited toward graduation or may substitute an elective in its place.

†It is anticipated that most students will choose one-credit projects in lieu of a two-credit thesis in order to maximize elective choice. However, students may enroll in a two-credit thesis, if they wish.