If you are interested in the political process, policy, and public service, the major in public policy and public service combines all of those areas in one degree. You will develop a deep understanding of modern policy challenges, as well as the leadership skills to meet them.
This program includes:
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Foundation in Four Core Areas: Cross-cultural and Global Affairs; Ethics and Public Policy; Institutions, Policymaking, and Historical Development; Interest Groups and Social Movements.
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Interdisciplinary & Individualized Study: Courses in eight different disciplines; design your own concentrations based on your interests.
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Local, National, & International Internships: Get practical, applied, professional experience with public and private policy institutions, including government agencies, elected officials, think tanks, community, and interest groups.
Major and Concentrations
The BA in Public Policy and Public Service is a multidisciplinary program that allows students flexibility to design their own concentrations.
Also available is a minor in public affairs. Visit our program website for additional information.
Required Courses
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Introduction to Public Policy
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One course in Statistics
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One course in Social Science Methodology
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One course in four core areas:
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Cross-Cultural and Global Affairs
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Ethics and Public Policy
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Institutions, Policymaking, and Historical Development
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Interest Groups and Social Movements
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Internship
Concentrations
All students also are required to complete a concentration of at least 18 semester hours. Below is a list of some typical concentration areas. Click a concentration listing to see suggested coursework for each.
Peter S. Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency
Together with Hofstra's conferences on the American presidency, the Peter S. Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency and the Peter S. Kalikow Chair in Presidential Studies make Hofstra one of the very few institutions in the country with a unique focus on the presidency.
Your Professors
Meet Dr. Meena Bose
Meena Bose, executive dean for public policy and public service programs at the Peter S. Kalikow School, is director of Hofstra’s Peter S. Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency. A nationally recognized scholar on the American presidency, she is a frequent media commentator, appearing in outlets like Fox News Radio, CBS Radio, The New York Times and Newsday.
Dr. Bose has developed nonpartisan courses sponsored by The Washington Center in connection with the national party conventions and key political issues. She recently co-authored Executive Policymaking: The Role of the OMB in the Presidency, which examines the operations and responsibilities of the Office of Management and Budget.
Also of interest ...
The Hofstra Cultural Center, and the Center for Civic Engagement regularly present a packed schedule of thought-provoking discussions and highly respected guest speakers who discuss the issues currently affecting young people, their families, and the communities in which they live.
The Hofstra Cultural Center
The Hofstra Cultural Center (HCC) is the force behind the University's noted presidential conference series, and it works on a regular basis with the faculty of the Political Science Department to present speakers, symposia, and other events.
The Center for Civic Engagement
The Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) organizes forums, conferences, debates, workshops, exhibitions, cultural gatherings, and performances around several important themes including nonviolence, social justice and sustainability, the democratic process, and globalization. CCE offers a minor in civic engagement and internships.
Internships, Opportunities
Internships offer real-world experiences beyond the classroom and prepare students for professional careers.
Hofstra students have interned for the government, media organizations, nonprofit organizations, think tanks, and advocacy groups. Examples include ABC/ABC News, American Legislative Exchange Council, Citizens Committee for NYC, Congressman Peter King, Doctors Without Borders, International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children, National Legal Aid and Defender Association, Planned Parenthood, Uniondale Community Council, Voice of America, and the public relations agency Zimmerman/Edelson, Inc.
In addition, students may want to take advantage of the following opportunities:
The Washington Semester Program
This program invites Hofstra students to become interns in Congress, the executive branch, the federal judiciary, and various nongovernmental organizations. In recent years, Hofstra students have worked for various senators and representatives in the State Department and the Justice Department, for the Office of the Clerk of the United States Supreme Court, and for such groups as the American Defense Institute.
The New York State Assembly Session Internship
This internship involves working in the office of a member of the New York State Assembly in Albany. Interns are assigned research and administrative responsibilities in an assembly office, spending a minimum of 30 hours at the capital each week. In addition, interns enroll in a course on legislative politics, for which required readings are provided and which meets periodically.
The Washington Center Internships and Academic Seminars
Hofstra University partners with the nation’s largest internship organization, The Washington Center (TWC), so you can intern or participate in academic seminars in D.C. while earning academic credit. TWC provides a diverse selection of world-class internship programs and seminars in the heart of Washington, D.C. Through TWC, students will become equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive in the workplace.
Read about our most current cohort of Washington Center Seminar students
The Outlook
In a survey of recent Hofstra graduates who majored in the social sciences:
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96% of respondents reported that they were employed and/or attending or planning to attend graduate school within a year of graduation
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90% of those students who reported employment said they secured their position within six months of graduation.
Examples of where our alumni are working:
- AmeriCorps VISTA
- Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
- CNN
- Department of Justice
- Edison Research
- Global Security Institute
- Massachusetts State Senate
- Midland County District Attorney's Office
- NY State Assembly
- Office of the Nassau County Comptroller
- U.S. House of Representatives
Examples of where our alumni are pursuing advanced degrees:
- American University
- Boston University
- Columbia University
- George Washington University
- Johns Hopkins University
- New York University
- Pepperdine University
- Temple University
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Washington and Lee University
Contact Us
External Advisory Council
Executive Dean for Public Policy and Public Service Programs
Meena Bose
The Peter S. Kalikow Chair in Presidential Studies
Professor of Political Science
516-463-7316