Policy Specialization
This specialization prepares students to create positive social change in lives and communities through a focus on policy work at the governmental level.
Students develop competencies in policy design and analysis; research and writing for policy deliverables like policy briefs and white papers; planning and executing advocacy campaigns; and lobbying. In the context of careers such as legislative aides, policy analysts, community organizers and lobbyists, students are ready to confront issues of health care reform, urban education and income disparity.
Students graduating with the Policy specialization are qualified for a broad range of policy-related careers in the public, voluntary, and private sectors. This specialization prepares students to find high-impact policy positions at local, state, and national levels both the executive and legislative branches of government.
Concentration Requirements:
- Evaluation: Social Policy Analysis and Evaluation (3 credits)
Specialization Requirements: 9 Credits
- Local and Municipal Policy and Advocacy (3 credits)
- State Level Lobbying (3 credits)
- 3 additional credits of policy coursework from courses such as:
- Economics of Social Welfare
- Advanced Policy Analysis: Policy Impact Assessment
- Benefit Cost Analysis
- Public Administration, Finance, and Government Budgeting
Practicum
The Policy specialization requires 120 hours of policy-related tasks during the concentration practicum. Sample Policy practicum sites include:
- Ada S. McKinley Community Services
- Asian American Youth Foundation
- SKIP Designed
- Rici Foundation
- Environmental Defense Fund
- City of St. Louis Treasurer’s Office
- National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials
Policy specialization students also have opportunities to pursue practica with legislators and other policy-makers in Missouri’s capital, Jefferson City, as well as in Washington, D.C.
Additional Resources
The Brown School hosts an active program of education, discourse and research to promote reasoned, evidence-based public policy. Students benefit from panels, lectures and visits from policymakers, as well as sponsored practicum and networking opportunities with a policy focus.
Specialization Chair
Anna Goldfarb Shabsin holds both her JD and her MSW degrees and has used them in combination to inform her teaching and practice. Prior to joining Brown, Anna practiced law in St. Louis for a decade.
Featured Graduate
“Whether you are a future analyst or advocate, the Brown School brings a critical analysis of social problems—plus an emphasis on evidence-based interventions, innovative transdisciplinary solutions, and serving as partners of and advocates for marginalized communities.”
—Aaron Beswick, MSW/MPH ’15, Senior Policy Manager, Illinois Department of Public Health