About the Political Science/Master of Public Policy 4+1 Program
Political Science is the study of power and authority and the forms they take in life. It deals with a whole range of human behavior, relationships, and values that affect the daily lives of everyone. Politics is the process by which individuals make collective decisions, set goals and priorities, and formulate policies to pursue them. Public policy includes the laws, rules, actions, and choices that governments make to deal with public issues. It is how a society decides on rules and priorities for things like healthcare, education, the environment, public safety, and the economy.
A Political Science degree will give you an understanding into how governments function, how policies are made, and how power is shared at different levels. You will strengthen your critical thinking, research, and communication skills, preparing you for careers in law, public service, international relations, journalism, and advocacy.
Earn Your BA and MPP Degrees in 5 Years
If you’re looking to accelerate your career and expand your opportunities, consider the Political Science/Master of Public Policy (MPP) 4+1 program. You will learn how to analyze complex issues, engage in informed discussions, and make a real impact on society. The program will give you the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of public policy, as well as a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved in policy formulation, analysis, and implementation.
The MPP will cover areas such as climate justice, criminal justice reform, public health, and urban development. You will develop the leadership skill needed to influence public decision-making, ultimately allowing you to contribute meaningfully to your communities and society as a whole.
What You’ll Learn
Some courses in the Political Science/Master of Public Policy 4+1 program include:
- POLI 206 – POLITICAL THEORY
- POLI 223 – AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
- POLI 323 – CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS
- POLI 318 – POLITICS OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
- PUBL 602 – STATE AND LOCAL PUBLIC POLICY & GOVERNANCE
- PUBL 616 – ECONOMETRICS AND ANALYSIS
- PUBL 621 – POLITICAL ECONOMY
Hands-on/Experiential Learning
The Political Science faculty encourages both traditional and innovative approaches to the major emphasizing American legislative, executive, and judicial decision making, international and comparative politics, and the theoretical and practical connections between politics and social issues and institutions. We encourage students to apply knowledge they acquire in the classroom to the real world.
Follow in the footsteps of other political science majors and find internships at organizations such as: American Association of People with Disabilities, offices of U.S. Senators, House of Representatives, and NJ Governor and State legislators, Department of Health, NJ State Police, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Embassies and Diplomatic Missions, the United Nations Development Programme, International Rescue Commission, Health Care Institute of NJ, and law firms in the Greater New York region.
The Political Science works closely with the Washington Internship Institute (WII) to search and place students in appropriate internship opportunities in Washington D.C., where they will spend a semester working and taking courses that count toward their graduation. The major is also designed to accommodate a semester for students wishing to study abroad to enrich their world view and widen their career path. For more info on study abroad, contact Ramapo’s Roukema Center.
The Ramapo chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, provides special recognition and programming for outstanding Political Science students. Other ways to get involved are through various on-campus clubs such as the Model UN (contact Professor Dean Chen who is currently the Model UN Advisor). If you are interested in law school admission, contact our pre-law advisors–Professors Jeremy Teigen and Michael Unger.
The Master of Public Policy provides students with the chance to intern in various policy settings, such as local and state governments and the offices of U.S. Senators, allowing you to follow your areas of interest. Ramapo College leverages its strong network and community partnerships throughout the program.
Careers & Outcomes
A Political Science degree combines analytical skills with advanced communications abilities valuable to many potential career possibilities.
A Master of Public Policy is an interdisciplinary degree that prepares students to work with and for the government in public and private sector jobs. Many people who earn a Master of Public Policy will seek positions with non-profits, advocacy organizations, think tanks, and corporations in addition to more traditional pathway of work at the local, state, or federal government level.
Many jobs pertaining to an MPP are growing faster than the national average. In New Jersey, positions such as public relations and fundraising managers are expected to grow by 12% in the next eight years.
Read more about Careers
Career Paths
Some professions for Political Science or Master of Public Policy graduates include*:
- Attorneys
- Administration in Corporate, Government, and Nonprofit Sectors
- City Planning • Communications Directors
- Policy Analysis
- Labor Relations
- Journalism in Traditional and New Media
- Intelligence officers
- Legislative Liaisons and Lobbying
- Polling and Public Opinion Research
- Campaign management
- Publishing
- Public Affairs Advisor for Corporate and Non profit organizations
- Interest groups
- State and Local Governments
- High School Social Studies Teacher
- University Researcher or Professor
Related Programs
Law and Society
The Law and Society degree is a broad-based interdisciplinary study in the humanities and social sciences. That means that it provides a solid foundation for many career options, including public service, law enforcement, healthcare, social services and legal administration.
Political Science
Political Science is the study of power and authority and the forms they take in life. It deals with a whole range of human behavior, relationships, and values that affect the daily lives of everyone.
Masters of Public Policy (MPP)
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is for individuals who aspire to create a significant and positive impact in the world. This includes areas related to policymaking, public service, or driving social change.
How to Apply
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