Public Policy vs. Political Science

<p>What's the main difference between these two majors?</p>

<p>Public policy is the study specifically of why and how certain policies are chosen over others. Political Science is much broader and encompasses other aspects of politics such as elections, participation, etc...PoliSci also strongly emphasizes abstract theory and quantitative analysis. </p>

<p>The difference between an undergrad major in PoliSci and one in public policy is very small. No matter which one you choose, you will learn many of the same things and be competitive for the same sorts of jobs.</p>

<p>Often, people major in political science to give them a larger foundation and then continue on to master's programs in public policy. Regardless of which you decide to pursue, make sure that you give yourself a broad base. Take some American, Comparative, International Relations, and Political theory classes. You will find that political science is like a spider web, all the subfields intertwine in some way.</p>

<p>At my college, the politics department is divided into American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Politics, and Political Theory. Public policy courses are within the American politics division, and are a small part of the study of politics.</p>