Public Policy (BS)

Brooks School of Public Policy

Program Website

Program Description

The study of public policy is a comprehensive exploration of the politics and mechanisms that shape policy formulation and execution, coupled with an assessment of their effects on society’s welfare and quality of life. Students who choose to major in public policy engage with a broad range of topics, including governmental policies impacting areas such as children and families, crime prevention, democratic processes, educational systems, environmental conservation, financial sectors, social inequality, public health initiatives, market regulations, and workplace dynamics, among others.

The major’s distinctive strength lies in its cultivation of robust theoretical frameworks, rigorous quantitative analysis skills, critical analytical thinking, strategic planning abilities, and the application of these skills to address real-world policy challenges. These competencies are highly sought after in both government and private sector settings, and our graduates are equipped to navigate complex policy landscapes and drive positive social change.

Academic Standards

Program Policies

Academic Support Courses

1000-level academic support courses do not count towards graduation requirements but do contribute towards maintaining full time semester status and towards good academic standing requirements. 

First Year Writing Seminar courses

First Year Writing Seminar (FWS) courses may only apply toward the FWS requirement. For example, an FWS in the MATH department may not meet the Mathematics requirement.

Semester Credit Limits

Full-time matriculated students must carry a minimum of 12 credits (excluding physical education) to maintain their full-time status. 

Undergraduate students enrolled in the Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy are typically limited to taking 18 credits per semester. However, students who have completed more than two semesters at Cornell and have maintained a GPA of at least 3.5 may petition to take up to 22 academic credits. 

Students who have been at Cornell for less than two semesters or have a GPA lower than 3.5 may only petition for additional credits if they are for physical education or academic support classes (e.g., MATH 1006 Academic Support for MATH 1106).

Eligibility to petition does not guarantee approval to exceed 18 credits. Students must also have the support of an academic advisor from the Brooks School Office of Admissions, Student Services and Career Management. Approval for additional credits will only be granted after a meeting with an advisor. An advisor may require a meeting to discuss your petition. 

Please be aware that approvals to exceed 18 credits are granted under limited circumstances, and petitions to enroll for more than 18 credits are not accepted during the pre-enrollment period.

Study Abroad Credit Limits

Students participating in full semester study abroad programs offered via the office of global learning may take no more than the equivalent of 18 Cornell credits abroad per semester.

Credits taken through an approved global learning program will automatically count towards the 120 credits needed to graduate.  

To request to have a course count towards a major or distribution requirements, students must complete a curriculum substitution petition. Public Policy Core Courses cannot be taken abroad. If a student receives approval for multiple courses to count towards Public Policy Elective credits, no more than 8 credits per semester abroad may apply towards the Public Policy Elective credits.

Teaching Apprenticeship 

Students cannot TA (PUBPOL 4030 Course Assistantship ) the same course for credit more than once or take and TA the same course simultaneously. PUBPOL 4030 Course Assistantship does not fulfill any requirements towards the major. Registration for PUBPOL 4030 Course Assistantship may not exceed 5 credit hours per semester.

Tracking Graduation Requirements

Undergraduate students must track their progress towards graduation by reviewing degree requirements in this catalog. It is the responsibility of students to plan their course selections carefully to ensure they meet all graduation requirements within eight semesters. Transfer students may have a different timeline based on the number of transferable credits they receive upon admission. Students who require additional semesters to fulfill graduation requirements must schedule a meeting with an advisor at the Brooks Office of Admissions, Student Services, and Career Management. During this meeting, they can request to petition for an extension.

Transfer Credit Policies

All students are expected to follow the university transfer credit policy.   

Prior to enrolling in the course, students must complete a petition to have an external course count towards a Brooks School requirement. Petitions are not required for test credit. See the curriculum requirements tab for more information about how test credit may meet degree requirements.

Academic Standing

Bachelor of Science students in Public Policy are expected to meet the following academic standards: 

  • Maintain a minimum semester and cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
  • Complete at least 12 credits per semester, excluding physical education courses, unless an approved petition for a reduced course load has been granted. 
  • Complete the First-Year Writing Seminar (FWS) requirement during the first two semesters at Cornell.
  • Make satisfactory progress toward a Brooks School bachelor’s degree.
  • Carry no more than two incomplete grades at any time. 
  • Students who matriculated as first-year students: Complete a minimum of one 3-credit PUBPOL course each semester during their first four semesters, excluding winter and summer sessions.
  • Transfer students: Complete six credits of PUBPOL coursework in each of their first two semesters in the Brooks School.   
  • Receive a grade of C- or better in major requirements.

For additional information about the academic standing review process, refer to the Brooks School Policies and Procedures.