Program Overview

College of Arts & Sciences

The College of Arts & Sciences offers a range of programs, including the Public Policy graduate program.

Public Policy Graduate Program

Academics & Curriculum

The Public Policy graduate program includes a Policy Research Seminar (PRS), which is a one-semester research and writing intensive real-world experience. This seminar is the program's version of a capstone project for second-year students.

Policy Research Seminar (PRS)

The PRS is a client-driven policy analysis project where small teams of students complete research projects for clients. The seminar allows students to hone their skills in implementing analytical tools of policy research and communicating their results effectively to policymakers.

Project Examples

• Analysis of Megasite Impacts: This project involves analyzing the impacts of large industrial sites on surrounding areas. The client, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, aims to investigate lessons learned from other megasites around the country.
• Analysis of Airport Operations Counting Technology Grant: This project examines the impact of Airport Operations Counting Technology on small airports' efficiency and security. The client, the North Carolina Department of Transportation, seeks to understand the benefits and challenges of implementing this technology.
• Election Litigation in the Courts: This project involves developing an approach for considering the details of election litigation cases. The client, the Election Law Program, aims to provide practical assistance to judges resolving difficult election law disputes.
• Sustainable and Resilient Coastal Communities: This project involves developing a water adaptation and innovation economic development initiative for coastal communities. The client, Virginia Sea Grant, seeks to improve coastal ecosystems, communities, and working waterfronts.
• Medicaid Expansion, Income Thresholds, and Access to Care: This project involves understanding the impact of Virginia's Certificate of Public Need (COPN) law on charity care provided to the medically uninsured. The client, the Lackey Clinic, aims to learn about the implications of changing the law to expand eligibility beyond current limits.

Departments & Programs

The College of Arts & Sciences offers a range of departments and programs, including:

• Africana Studies
• American Studies
• Anthropology
• Art & Art History
• Biology
• Biochemistry
• Business
• Chemistry
• Center for Geospatial Analysis
• Classical Studies
• Computational & Applied Mathematics & Statistics
• Economics
• Education
• English
• Environment & Sustainability
• Film & Media Studies
• Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies
• Geology
• Global Studies
• Government
• Health Sciences
• History
• Integrative Conservation
• International Relations
• Judaic Studies
• Linguistics
• Marine Science
• Mathematics
• Medieval & Renaissance Studies
• Military Science
• Modern Languages
• Music
• Neuroscience
• Philosophy
• Psychological Sciences
• Public Health
• Public Policy
• Religious Studies
• ROTC (Army)
• ROTC (Navy)
• Self-Designed
• Sociology
• Speech
• Theatre & Performance