Why Study Public Policy?
Those who study public policy examine how political processes create essential programs that work to change society.
Many fields contribute to policy. Hence, students in Duquesne University's Graduate Center for Social and Public Policy come from many backgrounds in the humanities and social sciences. In the Policy Center they pursue their interests in such policy areas as:
- Conflict resolution
- Energy policy
- Family life
- Foreign policy
- Health care
- International relations
- Mediation
- Poverty
- Reconciliation and peace-building
- Social justice
At Duquesne we give students a broad look at policy—how it is formulated, how it becomes a reality, and how it is evaluated. We also combine policy with conflict resolution—which adds a unique and exciting dimension to our program. Policy programs at other Pittsburgh universities focus on the administrative or statistical aspects of policy development.
"At Duquesne University's Policy Center, students get the best of both worlds. They are well trained in quantitative analysis, but also explore the normative and ethical thinking behind a policy decision. This reflects Duquesne's commitment to teaching truths that serve a higher purpose."
Dr. Joseph Yenerall, Director