In this track students concentrate on the ability of public policy to improve the well-being of all people in a society. This could be achieved by increasing earnings and other aspects of material well-being, improving educational outcomes, reducing discrimination, and addressing the causes and consequences of social behaviors such as teen pregnancy, divorce, delinquency and crime. Policy decisions have the power to improve the design and delivery of support services to children and low income individuals, increase the quality and quantity of learning in educational institutions, boost the productivity of the work force, encourage stable and healthy households, and increase the overall quality of life in a nation. These are among the topics covered in the many courses that make up this track.
Students are able to craft their programs to concentrate on their areas of specific interest.
Recent graduates of the program who have specialized in education, social or family policy are employed at the US Department of Education, the Urban Institute, the US Department of Health and Human Services, the Brookings Institution, the White House Domestic Policy Council, the Office of Management and Budget, the American Federation of Teachers, the Civil Rights Leadership Conference, the National Urban League, Child Trends, and the National Fatherhood Initiative, and numerous other government, private, and nonprofit organizations.