Public Policy

Public policy affects every facet of society—from education and healthcare to the environment and civil rights. At Gettysburg College, our Public Policy program empowers students to become informed decision-makers, ethical leaders, and change agents in a rapidly evolving world. With an interdisciplinary foundation and a strong commitment to real-world application, this program prepares you to make an impact on local, national, and global issues.

Why Study Public Policy at Gettysburg?

Public Policy is more than just an academic discipline—it’s a call to action. Our interdisciplinary program equips you to think deeply, communicate clearly, and act decisively. Drawing on fields such as economics, political science, philosophy, and environmental studies, you’ll learn to evaluate problems from multiple angles and craft real solutions that make a difference.

At Gettysburg you'll receive a consequential education: rigorous, relevant, and designed to empower you to be a changemaker. Through hands-on internships, off-campus study opportunities, and one-on-one faculty mentorship, you'll connect your studies to real-world impact—whether in Washington, D.C., your local community, or across the globe.

Whether you're passionate about social justice, economic development, healthcare reform, or sustainability, Gettysburg gives you the academic freedom and faculty mentorship to design a path that fits your goals. With opportunities for internships, off-campus study, and independent research, you’ll gain firsthand experience that sets you apart in graduate programs and the job market.

Major in Public Policy

The Public Policy major at Gettysburg College is intentionally flexible, designed for students who want to address the most urgent challenges of our time. You’ll start with foundational courses in policy analysis, economics, and politics, and then shape your own path by choosing electives that reflect your interests and career goals.

Your culminating experience is a senior research project or honors thesis, where you’ll engage deeply with a policy issue of your choice—producing original research that demonstrates your ability to Do Great Work with clarity, ethics, and purpose.

Curriculum

The Public Policy major consists of 12 courses, thoughtfully structured to provide both depth and breadth in the discipline:

• Core Courses: These include Introduction to Public Policy, Political Science 101, Economics 103, and Statistics, which give you a solid grounding in policy frameworks and research methods.
• Policy Focus Area: Choose four electives based on your interests, such as Environmental Policy, Health and Society, or Ethics and Public Policy.
• Capstone Project: All students complete a senior policy research seminar or honors thesis. This independent project reflects your intellectual interests and showcases your ability to apply interdisciplinary analysis to real-world issues.
• Experiential Opportunities: Take advantage of off-campus study, including programs in Washington, D.C., and globally, or apply for prestigious public policy internships in government, non-profits, or think tanks.

Learn more about the Public Policy curriculum at Gettysburg.

Why Choose Public Policy?

What sets Gettysburg’s Public Policy program apart is its interdisciplinary nature and the freedom it gives you to tailor your education to yChoosing Public Policy at Gettysburg means choosing an education that matters. Our students graduate with a distinctive blend of critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and ethical awareness—skills that are vital in today’s policy landscape.

You’ll benefit from small classes, close faculty mentorship, and a supportive community of learners who care deeply about creating a more just and equitable world. Graduates of the program pursue careers in public service, nonprofit leadership, law, journalism, and public health—or continue on to top graduate programs across the country.

At Gettysburg, you won’t just study policy—you’ll learn how to change it. That’s the power of a consequential education.

Take the Next Step

Ready to make a difference in the world? Start your journey today by applying to Gettysburg College or requesting more information. Our Public Policy program will prepare you to lead with insight, compassion, and purpose.