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Program Description
The Public Policy and Leadership Across Sectors (PPLAS) minor is appropriate for anyone interested in contemporary public policy, but it has been designed with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and business majors in mind. The minor introduces you to the practice of policy analysis, the process of policymaking and the values of public service. You will develop skills for effective cross-sectoral collaboration in the making and implementation of public policies.
Recognizing the multi-sector future of public policy is what drives the PPLAS curriculum. Popular courses in STEM and business fields provide pathways into the minor. Two required courses on policy analysis and leadership provide core skills for understanding and shaping public policies. Additional courses challenge you to apply those core skills to a variety of vexing policy problems and round out your preparation for inter-sectoral work. Whether you enter public service at the start, middle, or end of your career, the PPLAS minor provides you with an understanding of why that service is important to our society and how to approach it.
The program is a part of the Next Generation Service Corps (NextGen) initiative supported by the Volcker Alliance. Enrolling in the minor gives you the opportunity to participate in NextGen program activities ranging from lectures by policy leaders to service-learning activities. You will also be able to participate in the activities of any NextGen partner institution. These activities are not strictly required, giving you maximum flexibility to use the NextGen program to fulfill your interests.
What is Public Policy and Leadership Across Sectors?
Public policy shapes the decisions that impact our communities, institutions, and daily lives. It forms the foundation for how governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations address complex social challenges. The Public Policy and Leadership Across Sectors minor provides students with the knowledge and skills to understand, analyze, and engage in policymaking and leadership across various sectors, including government, business, and civil society.
You Might Like This Program If...
- You are interested in how public policies shape society and want to understand the policymaking process.
- You want to develop leadership skills that apply across government, business, and nonprofit sectors.
- You are passionate about addressing social challenges through policy and advocacy.
- You enjoy problem-solving, critical thinking, and working with diverse stakeholders to create meaningful change.
- You aspire to a career in public service, law, nonprofit management, business strategy, international affairs, or related fields.
- You are considering graduate study in public policy, law, business, or a related field.
Program Requirements
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| Requirements for the Minor | 18 |
Requirements for the Minor
A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor, as specified by Senate Policy 59-10. In addition, at least six credits of the minor must be unique from the prescribed courses required by a student's major(s).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Prescribed Courses | ||
| Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| PUBPL 304W | Public Policy Analysis | 3 |
| PUBPL 305 | Leadership Studies | 3 |
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
| Racial and Ethnic Inequality in America | ||
| Race and Public Policy | ||
| Economic Inequality and Public Policy | ||
| Seminar in Environmental Policy | ||
| Seminar in Health Policy | ||
| Seminar in Public Policy | ||
| Homelessness in America | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
Science, Ethics, Policy, and Law  | ||
| Business Law I: Introduction to Contracts, Liability Issues, and Intellectual Property | ||
| Science, Technology and Public Policy | ||
| Foundations: Civic and Community Engagement | ||
| Dynamics of Contemporary School Leadership | ||
| Cornerstone Engineering Design | ||
| Policy and Administration | ||
| Information, People and Technology | ||
| Legal and Regulatory Environment of Information Science and Technology | ||
| Employment Relationship: Law and Policy | ||
| Ethics of Climate Change | ||
| Science and policy of global greenhouse gas emissions and management | ||
| Establishing Workforce Diversity and Inclusion | ||
| Social Entrepreneurship | ||
| Sustainable Behavior of Consumers, Firms, and Societies | ||
| Organizational Theory and Functions for Leaders | ||
| Evidence-Based Leadership | ||
OLEAD 409 | ||
| Communication Skills for Leaders in Groups and Organizations | ||
| Collective Decision Making | ||
| American Public Policy | ||
| Analyzing Public Policy in the American States | ||
| National Security Policies | ||
| Policy Making and Evaluation | ||
| State, Society, and Public Policy | ||
| Seminar in National Security Policy | ||
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
University Park
Liberal Arts Academic Advising
814-865-2545
Use the Liberal Arts Meet the Academic Advisers web page to see the contact information for the specific adviser(s) of this program
Career Paths
The Public Policy and Leadership Across Sectors minor equips students with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in a wide range of fields that require an understanding of policy, leadership, and cross-sector collaboration. Graduates of this program are prepared to work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and businesses, leveraging their policy expertise and leadership abilities to drive meaningful change.
Careers
Graduates with this minor may pursue careers in:
- Federal, local, and state government and legislatures as policy analysts, legislative aides, or public administrators
- Nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups as program managers, policy researchers, or community engagement specialists
- Private sector roles in corporate social responsibility (CSR), business strategy, consulting, or public/government affairs
- International organizations and think tanks focused on policy research and global governance
- Law and legal professions, including public interest law and regulatory affairs
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
This minor provides an excellent foundation for students interested in pursuing advanced degrees, including:
- Master of Public Policy (MPP) or Master of Public Administration (MPA) – for students seeking careers in policy analysis, program evaluation, or public service leadership
- Law School (JD) – for those interested in practicing law
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) – for careers in corporate strategy, social impact, or leadership roles in the private sector
- Master's or Ph.D. in Political Science, International Affairs, or Public Affairs – for students aiming for academic, research, or policy-focused careers
- Master's in Nonprofit Management or Social Entrepreneurship – for those interested in leading mission-driven organizations
Contact
University Park
SCHOOL of PUBLIC POLICY
501 Susan Welch Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-4856
publicpolicy@psu.edu