Policy Studies

Policy Studies Overview

Students in the policy studies program gain skills in political, social, economic, and historical analysis, communication, and problem-solving. And since our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and experience you need to rise to leadership in your field, you’ll be encouraged to explore careers through an active internship program and to play leadership roles within the campus community.

Program School

College of Arts & Sciences

Chatham students in policy studies are fortunate to have small class sizes that enable intense learning opportunities both from peer-to-peer interactions and one-on-one mentoring from faculty. Programs are flexible and designed to meet the unique interests and abilities of each student. They graduate with a profound understanding of both how policymaking happens and how they can contribute to the process in meaningful ways.

鈥擠R. JENNIE SWEET-CUSHMAN, Associate Professor

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NEW Leadership Pennsylvania鈩� Promotes Women in Politics聽

The Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics (PCWP) at Chatham University combats gender inequity in politics by hosting the NEW Leadership Pennsylvania™ summer institute—an intensive, non-partisan, six-day residential program.

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Courses & Curriculum

Chatham’s policy studies program is designed to prepare students for a career in developing domestic or international policy in public or private settings, such as in public service, elected office, or government agencies. It’s also an appropriate background for work in non-governmental policy organizations, and forges a strong foundation for graduate work in public policy, law, and other academic fields. Click the button below to explore sample courses and curriculum.

Explore Policy Studies Curriculum

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Capstone Seminar

Every policy studies student participates in a capstone seminar, where they apply their knowledge and skills to a discipline-specific project related to their field of interest. Experienced faculty mentors provide guidance, fostering critical thinking and preparing students for future careers or studies.

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Joint BA & Masters Program

Graduate with an advanced degree through one of our partnerships, including the at , , and the Early Assurance Program with the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the .

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International Studies Certificate

Students can enhance their degree with a certificate in international studies in one of five major global regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. The certificate includes a language requirement, history and culture courses, and an international field experience (which Chatham helps to fund).

Explore Certificates

Public Leadership Educational Network (PLEN)

Chatham University is a founding member of Public Leadership Educational Network (PLEN) which offers week-long seminars and summer internships in Washington, D.C. The seminars include sessions with people on Capitol Hill, and feature topics on public policy, pre-law, science policy, women in Congress, and women in international policy.

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Preparing for Law School

Chatham's pre-law program is designed to encourage and support students with an interest in careers in law. It also helps students prepare to attend law school. The program includes the pre-law advisor, a pre-law minor, co-curricular programs offered in partnership with the , as well as the support of an advisory committee.

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Program Faculty

If one word could best sum up Chatham's faculty, it would be engaged. Professors bring their experiences to relate the course lessons to real-world situations. Meet the policy studies faculty by clicking the button below.

Meet the Faculty

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Internship Opportunities

Students have interned at various settings, including organizations such as the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, League of Women Voters, City of Philadelphia Mayor’s Office, Haitian Families First, Pittsburgh Public Schools, U.S. Senate, U.S. Congress, and the City of Pittsburgh.

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Career Opportunities

Policy studies graduates have gotten include Student Defense Counsel, US Marine Corps; Co-Chair, Mt. Lebanon Environmental Team; Associate Attorney in Immigration Law, Seth Law Center; Assistant Director of Executive Education Programs, Carnegie Mellon University; Staff Attorney, Domestic Violence Service Center; Data Scientist, ADM Associates; and graduate student in the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.

BA in Policy Studies

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