Public policy in a democratic society articulates the guiding principles and objectives of a particular polity and addresses a range of issues or areas of concern affecting the lives of people at local, regional, state, and national levels of government.
Santa Monica College's Public Policy Institute provides non-partisan community programs exploring key economic, social, and political issues and a rigorous academic program in the state of California's only Associate in Arts Degree and Certificate of Achievement in Public Policy.
The Institute offers free, informative discussions on the policy issues that affect our daily lives. Public Policy programs at SMC equip graduates with the skills and resources necessary for successful participation in civic life, including critical evaluation and analysis of policy options, policy development, and effective implementation strategies, and the opportunity to work directly with governmental and non-governmental leaders in their organizations and agencies.
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Associate in Arts
This program consists of an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary course of study that presents an overview of the development and implementation of important public policies affecting the lives of local, regional, and state residents. This program is designed to equip students with the skills and tools to successfully engage in civic debate and to critically evaluate and analyze the development and implementation of substantive public policies while providing an opportunity to work with governmental and non-governmental organizations and agencies in a direct way.
Certificate of Achievement
This certifies students can present an overview of the development and implementation of important public policies affecting the lives of local, regional, and state residents. This program is designed to equip students with the skills and tools to successfully engage in civic debate and to critically evaluate and analyze the development and implementation of substantive public policies while providing an opportunity to work with governmental and non-governmental organizations and agencies in a direct way.
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Consider scheduling an appointment with a career advisor with knowledge of the public policy profession to discuss internship and jobs as well as steps you can take to become job ready.
