Public Policy Analysis, Other.

Degree Overview

Public Policy Analysis, Other (CIP 44.0599) is a data-driven social science field focused on evaluating laws, programs, and government decisions to determine what works, what doesn’t, and how public policy can be improved. This classification includes flexible or specialized programs that do not fit neatly into traditional public policy, public administration, or political science categories. Instead, it allows institutions to design interdisciplinary degrees that emphasize evidence-based decision-making, program evaluation, and real-world policy problem-solving.

For a degree search site, Public Policy Analysis represents logic, impact, and influence without partisanship. Every major public issue—healthcare costs, education reform, housing shortages, climate resilience, transportation, criminal justice, and economic inequality—depends on policy choices. Policy analysts are the professionals who test assumptions, analyze outcomes, and help leaders understand the real consequences of decisions. This degree appeals to students who want a behind-the-scenes role shaping society through research, data, and strategic insight rather than political campaigning.

What Is a Public Policy Analysis Degree?

A Public Policy Analysis degree is an academic and applied program that teaches students how to study public problems systematically and evaluate potential solutions. Programs under the “Other” designation often emphasize customized or emerging approaches such as:

• Evidence-based policy evaluation
• Program assessment and impact analysis
• Economic and social policy modeling
• Data analytics for public decision-making
• Policy research in specialized sectors (health, education, environment)

Rather than focusing on politics or ideology, this degree emphasizes:

• Using data to evaluate policy effectiveness
• Comparing policy alternatives and tradeoffs
• Measuring costs, benefits, and outcomes
• Translating research into actionable recommendations
• Supporting informed, ethical decision-making

Colleges and universities offer this degree to:

• Prepare students for analytical roles in government and nonprofits
• Support evidence-based governance and reform
• Train researchers and analysts for complex public problems
• Provide a foundation for graduate study in public policy, economics, or law

This degree is often described as “applied social science with consequences.”

What Will You Learn?

Students learn how public policies are created, implemented, and evaluated in practice. You’ll study how to define policy problems, gather and analyze data, and assess whether programs achieve their intended goals. Coursework emphasizes objectivity, logic, and real-world constraints rather than theoretical debate alone.

You’ll also learn how to communicate complex findings clearly to policymakers, administrators, and the public.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Graduates typically develop skills such as:

• Policy analysis and evaluation—assessing effectiveness and outcomes
• Quantitative and qualitative data analysis—interpreting evidence
• Cost–benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis—comparing options
• Research design and methodology—collecting reliable data
• Critical thinking and problem definition—framing policy questions
• Statistical and economic reasoning—understanding impacts
• Professional writing and briefing—clear policy communication
• Ethical reasoning—responsible use of evidence

These skills are highly transferable across government, research, and consulting roles.

Topics You May Explore

Because this is an “Other” classification, coursework varies by institution but commonly includes:

• Public Policy Foundations: how policies are made and implemented
• Policy Analysis Methods: tools for evaluating programs
• Statistics and Data Analysis: applied quantitative skills
• Economics for Public Policy: incentives and tradeoffs
• Program Evaluation: measuring outcomes and effectiveness
• Social, Health, or Environmental Policy: sector-specific analysis
• Policy Modeling and Forecasting: predicting impacts
• Ethics and Equity in Policy: fairness and distributional effects
• Capstone or Policy Project: real-world policy analysis

Many programs include internships or research assistantships with public agencies or think tanks.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

A Public Policy Analysis degree prepares students for analytical and research-oriented roles in public service, nonprofits, and consulting. Career outcomes often improve with experience or graduate education.

Common career paths include:

• Policy Analyst: evaluating laws and programs
• Program Evaluation Specialist: measuring impact and outcomes
• Research or Data Analyst: public sector or nonprofit research
• Legislative or Policy Assistant: supporting lawmakers
• Think Tank or Research Associate: applied policy research
• Public Affairs or Government Relations Analyst: policy impact analysis
• Consulting Analyst (Public Sector): advising governments
• Graduate School Path: public policy, economics, law, or public administration

Many senior roles require a master’s degree such as an MPP or MPA.

Where Can You Work?

Graduates work in organizations that shape or evaluate public decisions:

• Local, state, and federal government agencies
• Legislative offices and committees
• Policy research institutes and think tanks
• Nonprofit and advocacy organizations
• Public sector consulting firms
• Healthcare, education, and environmental organizations
• International development and policy organizations

Policy analysts often influence decisions long before the public sees the results.

How Much Can You Earn?

Earnings vary by sector, experience, and education level.

Typical ranges include:

• Entry-level policy or research roles: often $45,000–$60,000
• Experienced policy analysts or evaluators: commonly $60,000–$90,000
• Senior analysts, consultants, or directors: can reach $95,000–$130,000+

Advanced degrees and technical skills significantly increase earning potential.

Is This Degree Hard?

Public Policy Analysis, Other is considered academically demanding. Students must be comfortable with statistics, data interpretation, writing, and abstract reasoning. Success requires discipline, objectivity, and the ability to work with complex, incomplete information.

The challenge lies in turning messy real-world problems into clear, evidence-based conclusions.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a strong fit if you:

• Enjoy data, analysis, and problem-solving
• Want to influence policy without being partisan
• Like evaluating whether systems actually work
• Are interested in government, economics, or social issues
• Are considering graduate study in policy or law

How to Prepare in High School

To prepare for a public policy analysis program:

• Take government, economics, statistics, and math courses
• Develop strong writing and analytical thinking skills
• Learn how to interpret data and graphs
• Follow current events and public policy debates
• Participate in debate, research, or civic engagement activities

Public Policy Analysis, Other (CIP 44.0599) is a powerful degree for students who want to shape society through evidence rather than rhetoric. It equips graduates with analytical tools, research skills, and ethical frameworks to evaluate public decisions that affect millions of lives. For those drawn to logic, impact, and long-term change, this degree offers a clear pathway into influential and intellectually rigorous careers.