Public Policy and Urban Studies

The Graduate Center offers an interdisciplinary concentration in Public Policy and Urban Studies. Students enrolled in any one of seven programs—anthropology, economics, history, philosophy, political science, psychology (environmental), and sociology—may select interdisciplinary work in public policy or urban studies as an area of concentration.

The work in public policy involves students in the analysis of basic questions and approaches concerning the direction and governance of contemporary metropolitan areas. It prepares students to work in public agencies and private organizations focusing on policy development and innovation; to work in city, state, and federal agencies; to work with neighborhoods, cities, and regions; to staff administrative and legislative bodies; and to work as journalists, writers, and research scholars.

Each graduate student interested in pursuing this field should draw up a program plan with his/her adviser. The plan must be approved by the Executive Officers of the programs participating in the student's comprehensive exams.

Courses on the policy process, policy analysis, public administration, comparative public policy, and national political institutions are provided in political science to students from the seven programs.

Course offerings in environmental psychology, urban anthropology, urban history, urban economics, and urban sociology may also be included in a student's curriculum under this program.

Opportunities for applied study of demographic change, economic development, health services, housing, education, environmental planning, and criminal justice in New York City are available under supervision of faculty in the seven programs.

For further information contact Professor John H. Mollenkopf, M.A./Ph.D. Program in Political Science, The Graduate Center, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, 1-212-817-2046.

[Bulletin, 10/01; pp. 292-308]