Public Policy - Majors & Minors

Contact

Andrew Civettini

Chair & Associate Professor of Political Science; Chair of International Relations; Chair of Public Policy

2 East South Street

Galesburg, IL 61401

309-341-7380

acivetti@knox.edu

Major, Minor

How We Work

We have a passion for solving problems. We look at the world and ask, “How can we do better?” Then we craft solutions by collaborating with others, analyzing data, and utilizing critical thinking.
We know what we're talking about, and you will, too. Our faculty have an impressive breadth of knowledge in a wide array of policy areas. Through our interdisciplinary coursework, students are sure to gain a solid foundational knowledge in the creation of public policy.
We help you discover and polish skills that the professional world will value. General social science research methods, policy analysis, and quantitative analysis are just a few examples of the skills you will acquire.
We make sure that you gain practical know-how. Students will complete an immersive experience—that is, an internship—in policy engagement.
We care about what’s right. Students will explore the ethical concerns of public policy and will complete a course in ethics.

Curriculum

Our program is interdisciplinary, empowering students to be engaged in the formation, implementation, and analysis of public policy. The program design ensures that students develop a foundation of knowledge in the public policy process, including a particular understanding of the role of institutions in shaping policy. Students can tailor their major or minor to develop specialties, and they will further engage multiple substantive policy areas of concern while developing a skill set to both understand and produce public policy analysis. By combining policy study with policy engagement and ethical consideration, the program ensures students are fully prepared for either advanced study in public policy or work in the policy field.

How We Learn

Students who come to Knox are active, engaged citizens with a passion for the communities around them and the world in which they live. Our public policy program is designed to ensure students have the knowledge and skills to engage in work in government or outside of it, seeking to impact the course of public policy.

Public Policy majors and minors will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of the policy process, including the central role of institutions
Engage multiple substantive policy areas
Produce and disseminate public policy analysis
Articulate the ethical ramifications of public policy decisions and outcomes

Professor Claudia Fernandez observes two students in a conversation-based exam.

Zachary Stephenson '06 in the Minnseota statehouse.

Zachary Stephenson ’06 served on Student Senate for four years; now, he’s a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives.