Jeanett Castellanos, Director
2231 Social Science Plaza B
949-824-6298
http://www.spps.socsci.uci.edu/
The major in Social Policy and Public Service (SPPS) provides an interdisciplinary perspective on the study of policies and society, both at the individual and group level. Using the knowledge and methods of various social science disciplines, SPPS majors analyze the influence of social inequalities, policies, and the role of social institutions. A degree in this major prepares students for careers in government organizations, public policy, non-profit organizations, public administration or public health, academic research, social work, and education.
The curriculum for the major covers various research methods and statistics, contemporary social policy issues, public and social policy, and leadership. Requiring students to conduct action research at a local non-profit or a government agency, the curriculum involves the examination of societal inequalities across groups and systems. A year-long field placement requirement facilitates an in-depth understanding of social science research. Students also gain internship experiences in community, public, and educational organizations. To ensure competency in a specific area, students choose one of three focus areas: 1) Education, 2) Governance, or 3) Health.
