Public Policy Degree

The public policy program at University of Southern Maine prepares students for careers as legislators and politicians, political staff, policy researchers, and lobbyists. The program focuses on the systematic analysis of public policy issues and decision processes. Program courses include: role of economics and political factors in public decision-making and policy formulation, microeconomic analysis of policy issues, resource allocation and decision modeling, cost/benefit analysis, statistical methods, and application to specific public policy topics. Get more details below including other Maine colleges that offer public policy degrees.

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University of Southern Maine (SMCC)

2 Fort Road, South Portland, ME

University of Southern Maine provides a variety of program options for students to guide them in their growth and development. The school is located in Portland, ME and publically funded. Approximately 9,700 students are enrolled yearly at USM.

Areas of study offered at University of Southern Maine include:

• Health And Clinical Professions
• Business And Marketing Studies
• Legal Professions And Studies
• Social Sciences
• Psychology

To be considered for admissions, applicants may be asked to fill out an application, provide letters of recommendations, and submit school records, which are then evaluated by admissions staff. Either the SAT or ACT exam can be taken in order to apply to this school. Scores between 19 - 22 on the ACT or 1320 - 1650 on the SAT are required to greatly increase the chance of acceptance. Roughly 80 percent of all applicant were accepted at this school, with 25 percent of those admitted choosing to enroll. More information from the admissions office can be found here.

The cost of undergraduate tuition is different for in-state and nonresidents. In-state residents pay close to $9,800, while nonresidents pay $23,000 per year. On-campus housing is available for students, and generally costs about $5,500 annually. This school may provide financial aid for students that qualify as loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.

Athletic programs are available at University of Southern Maine through the NCAA, allowing students to compete in intercollegiate sports. Athletic programs available may include but not limited to:

• Baseball (NCAA Division III)
• Basketball (NCAA Division III)
• Track & Field (NCAA Division III)

Students who would like to get more about this school can visit their website at http://www.usm.maine.edu.

Students Enrolled in the Public Policy Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. SMCC has offered the following programs for students:

• Less Than One Year Certificate
• Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate Degree

Students by Academic Level (2019)

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Legislators

Description

Develop, introduce or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, State, or Federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, legislators employment is expected to shrink at a rate of -0.7% from 2014 to 2024

Political Scientists

Description

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decision-making, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).