<p>Hi I was looking into Pomona's public policy analysis (PPA) major and saw that there are numerous areas of concentration within the major. I am drawn to the anthro/socio/psych/bio/chem concentrations (haven't looked at them that in depth yet). What I am wondering is which, if any, of the existing concentrations/classes will deal with specializing in health(care) policy, public health policy, and things of that sort. Also, how is this major at Pomona? Is it one of the more popular ones, good quality, and wide range of classes readily available each semester?</p>
<p>The PPA major is quite comprehensive and demands that one take courses in Politics & Public Policy, Economics, and Quantitative methods - among the requirements of one’s concentration. Because it is so comprehensive, it is quite long, so one has less time to explore other options, which some consider to be one of its main drawbacks. But although the major is really structured, one does still have the option to select their electives and internship topics.
The major actually requires a 216-hour policy internship either in Southern California or Washington, DC (through CMC’s Washington semester). In my opinion, the PPA-specific classes like Intro PPA, Policy Implementation & Evaluation, and the Senior Thesis really do a great job of linking theory and practice.
The major has become more popular in recent years, with up to 30 students in one class majoring in PPA. But it is still a small program, and the Chair and Director are both really accessible and interested in meeting with students and helping them develop their course of study. That being said, course selection can be limited, with some required courses only being offered once a year/every 2 years, so one really has to plan ahead to make sure their schedules will work. But plenty of students still manage to study abroad or participate in the Washington DC program (or both). </p>
<p>The PPA website actually has a wealth of relevant information about what past students have done: [The</a> Public Policy Analysis Program (PPA) - Pomona College](<a href=“http://www.pomona.edu/academics/departments/public-policy-analysis/]The”>Public Policy Analysis Program | Pomona College in Claremont, California - Pomona College)</p>
<p>This isn’t necesarily Health(care) Policy, but here is information about Global Health: [Global</a> Health - Pomona College](<a href=“http://www.pomona.edu/academics/departments/public-policy-analysis/global-health/index.aspx]Global”>http://www.pomona.edu/academics/departments/public-policy-analysis/global-health/index.aspx)</p>
<p>I also know of students who have developed their own concentrations with the help of the PPA advisors and professors who specialize in their field of interest.</p>
<p>Thank you for that informative and extensive post! I had no idea that the major was that long and thus limits exploring outside courses. My primary major of choice is either Neuro or Molecular/Cell Bio. Does Pomona make it easy to double major or to minor?</p>
<p>I know of at least one student who is double majoring with PPA-Bio & Sociology. It can be done, but I’m sure it’s taken a lot of planning. </p>
<p>The PPA major has 12-14 required classes plus the internship and 2 senior seminars, which usually adds up to around 15-17 required classes. One only needs 32 classes to graduate from Pomona, so if one is majoring in PPA, it is possible that one could also pick up a minor or double major - if one uses their time wisely! There are also the Breadth of Study and Language Requirements, which are flexible but something to consider when planning. </p>
<p>This site recently constructed by a Pomona student has basic information about the requirements for all the majors: [Pomona</a> Majors - mariabzhu](<a href=“http://mariaboya.■■■■■■■■■■/pomona-majors.html]Pomona”>http://mariaboya.■■■■■■■■■■/pomona-majors.html) </p>
<p>If a student is interesting in double-majoring, it can definitely be done, and about 10-15% of students do pursue that, but I’ve also heard professors steer students away from double-majoring so they could focus on their one major while exploring other possible interests as well. It’s up to the student though and how they want to use their liberal arts experience.</p>