Bachelor of Public Policy at Stanford University

Stanford University

United States of America, Stanford

University Rank:#3

Stanford University offers the Bachelor of Public Policy as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Stanford , United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for public policy and related professional fields. Tuition fees are USD 19,231 / term, and the next available intake begins on June 24, 2314.

About Bachelor of Public Policy

The mission of the undergraduate program in Public Policy is to provide students with the concepts and tools used in evaluating policy options and outcomes, and to prepare students for entry-level positions in organizations concerned with such analysis. The focus is chiefly on issues such as health, education, environmental, regulation, and science and technology policy, applicable anywhere in the world.

Courses in the major provide students with a background in economics and quantitative methods, political science, law, philosophy, ethics, organizational behavior, and social psychology. Economics and quantitative analyses are central to but not sufficient for modern public policy analysis; political science, law, philosophy, organizational behavior, and psychology are among other necessary disciplinary perspectives. Political science offers insights into the decision-making process and information needs of a democracy. Political philosophy and ethics form the foundations of public policy. Organizational behavior focuses on the decisions made outside the market environment in hierarchies, bureaucracies, and teams.

Seniors have a research capstone requirement consisting either of an honors thesis or participation in a team practicum project, conducting applied policy research for an outside client, typically a nonprofit or government agency. Students majoring in Public Policy are prepared for careers in a wide variety of fields, including elected or appointed public office; business, law, and governmental agencies; research institutes; or for further study in graduate programs.

The Public Policy undergraduate major develops the skills necessary for understanding the political constraints faced by policy makers, assessing the performance of alternative approaches to policy implementation, evaluating the effectiveness of policies, and appreciating the sharp conflicts in fundamental human values that often animate the policy debate.

There are four course elements to the major: preparatory, core, concentration, and senior capstone. Freshman and sophomore years are generally devoted to completing preparatory courses offered in economics, math, and psychology. After completing core courses primarily during the sophomore and junior years, students apply these skills by focusing their studies in one of several areas of concentration. The areas of concentration address a specific field of public policy, various types of institutions, or a deeper development of the tools of policy analysis. Seniors may complete the senior capstone either by participating in a practicum, a team policy research project for an outside client, and/or by writing an honors thesis.

Public Policy students are encouraged to secure a faculty adviser within the first two quarters in the major, and must secure a faculty adviser no later than the end of Winter Quarter of the junior year. The director, student services staff, and peer advisers can assist by suggesting suitable faculty advisers. Advisers must be approved by the program director. The adviser need not be affiliated with the Public Policy program, but does need to be a member of Stanford's Academic Council.

The Public Policy program encourages students to attend the Bing Stanford in Washington Program and to participate in appropriate Stanford internship programs, especially those available through the Haas Center of Public Service and Stanford in Government.

Learn the concepts and tools used in evaluating policy options and outcomes, and prepare for entry-level positions in organizations concerned with such analysis. You'll focus on issues such as health, education, environment, regulation, and science and technology policy, applicable anywhere in the world.

The Public Policy Program expects its undergraduate majors to be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes. These learning outcomes are used in evaluating students and the program. Students are expected to:

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of public policy analytical tools.
Evaluate applied theoretical and empirical work in policy-relevant research.
Apply skills and knowledge acquired in the curriculum to analyze policy issues and make policy recommendations.
Communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively in written and oral forms.
Demonstrate mastery of the above outcomes in the senior capstone project.

Disciplines

Public Policy

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Public Policy at Stanford University

Entry Requirements

At Stanford, we practice holistic admission. Each piece in your application is part of an integrated and comprehensive whole.

One piece tells us about your background and life experiences, another about your school and your academic achievement. We learn from others about your character and intellectual contributions. In your essays, we learn about your ideas and interests, and what is meaningful to you.

Each year we aim to enroll a class of diverse backgrounds and experiences, talents, academic interests, and ways of viewing the world.

In a holistic review, we seek to understand how you, as a whole person, would grow, contribute and thrive at Stanford, and how Stanford would, in turn, be changed by you.

Academic Excellence

The primary criterion for admission to Stanford is academic excellence. We look for your preparation and potential to succeed. We expect you to challenge yourself throughout high school and to do very well.

The most important credential for evaluating your academic record is your high school transcript. Please know that our evaluation goes beyond any numerical formula. There is no minimum GPA or test score, nor is there any specific number of AP or honors courses you must have on your transcript in order to have your application reviewed or be admitted to Stanford.

For more complete information on our curriculum guidelines for first-year students, please visit our Academic Preparation page.

Intellectual Vitality

We want to see your commitment, dedication and genuine interest in expanding your intellectual horizons, both in what you write about yourself and in what others write on your behalf. We want to see the kind of curiosity and enthusiasm that will allow you to spark a lively discussion in a first-year seminar and continue the conversation at the dinner table. We want to see the energy and depth of commitment you will bring to your endeavors, whether that means in a research lab, as part of a community organization, during a performance or on an athletic field. We want to see the initiative with which you seek out opportunities and expand your perspective.

Extracurricular Activities

Learning about your extracurricular activities and nonacademic interests helps us understand your potential contributions to the Stanford community. Students often assume our primary concern is the number of activities in which a student participates. In fact, an exceptional depth of experience in one or two activities may demonstrate your passion more than minimal participation in five or six clubs. You may also hold down a job or have family responsibilities. These are as important as any other extracurricular activity. In general, we want to understand the impact you have had at your job, in your family, in a club, in your school or in the larger community, and we want to learn of the impact that experience has had on you.

In some cases, exceptional abilities in athletics may influence our decision if the applicant is otherwise well qualified, but such abilities never, by themselves, ensure admission to Stanford.

Context

Just as no two Stanford students are the same, each applicant to Stanford is unique. This means that as we review each application, we pay careful attention to unique circumstances. We take into account your background, educational pathway, and work and family responsibilities. By focusing on your achievements in context, we evaluate how you have excelled in your school environment and how you have taken advantage of what is available to you in your school and community.

It is important to know these variables are not listed in order of importance in our evaluation and selection process. We review applications holistically. No portion of the application is considered without the rest of the application.

English Requirements

TOEFLMin 100

Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Public Policy at Stanford University

Tuition Fee

19,231 / term

Application Fee 90

How to Apply for Bachelor of Public Policy at Stanford University

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Bachelor of Public Policy at Stanford University

Stanford University

United States of America, Stanford