American Public Policy Concentration

The Department of Political Science at Western Michigan University offers a concentration in public policy.

Who is this major for?

  • Group of students in the public policy capstone class

    Public Policy Capstone Class, 2016 Federal budgeting simulations: Reducing the deficit

    Do you care about issues that affect people in US communities, states and across the country – issues like healthcare, poverty and income inequality, clean air and water, the environment, and the economy?
  • Do you want to help address these concerns by working in a government agency, non-profit organization, or private firm?
  • Thinking about pursuing a graduate degree in public policy, public management, political science, law, communications, or urban planning?

Then this major is for you!

Faculty

Faculty in American public policy hold Ph.D.s in political science, as well as professional degrees in urban planning, law and forest resource policy. They include recipients of grants and awards from the National Science Foundation, Fulbright Commission, and IBM Center for the Business of Government. Several have held practicing positions with local and federal public agencies, law firms and federal government contractors.

Internship Information

The Department of Political Science offers undergraduate internships in Kalamazoo, Lansing and Washington D.C.

Career and Student Employment Services

Have you filled out a profile on Handshake? Fill out a profile and regularly check to see if you have any matches for job listings. You can also find out more information at WMU Career and Student Employment Services.

Career-related links

Placement

Josh Simpson, PSCI Alum

Ryan Simpson, 2010, Community Development Division Director, Kinexus

WMU public policy graduates often choose to go directly from college into professional positions in:

  • local, state and federal government
  • non-profit organizations
  • political advocacy
  • campaign management
  • law firms and other private businesses

For example, recent graduates work at:

  • Kinexus in Benton Harbor
  • Southeast Michigan Council of Governments
  • Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce
    Ashley Horvat, 2010 PSCI Alum

    Ashley Horvat, 2010, VP Strategic Initiatives, PlugShare

  • PlugShare in California
  • Michigan House and Senate
  • US House and Senate, Michigan DEQ
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Gryphon Place
  • Dwight Eisenhower Memorial Commission
  • Spectrum Health
  • Jewish Federation of Ann Arbor

Advisors

Dr. Kevin Corder

Program information

Additional information on this concentration can be found in the WMU catalog.