exterior view of the UN building in Geneva

Public Policy

If you want to change the world, change the policies.

With a minor in public policy, students learn how to create real, tangible change across a variety of intersecting disciplines and areas.

student presenting at the 2022 public policy analysis challenge

Lake Forest College is home to students who dream of making the world a better place. With a minor in public policy, students of any major can learn how to bring about meaningful change to their communities and the world. This interdisciplinary program allows students to choose a path of study that aligns with their personal aspirations. Plus, students have the opportunity to work together with a dedicated mentor to craft their own policy analysis by participating in the annual Public Policy Analysis Challenge.

Public Policy

Faculty Requirements Alumni Advisory Council Public Policy Analysis Challenge

Why minor in public policy?

With a minor in public policy, students learn how to evaluate, assess, and analyze policy issues. The curriculum and programming are designed to help Lake Forest College students understand the importance of evidence-based public policy in all aspects of society.

We teach students how to approach problems from a variety of perspectives, to understand the circumstances and objectives of all constituency groups, to navigate government channels both locally and internationally to bring about change, and to develop substantive solutions. Plus, public policy minors benefit from one-on-one mentorship from experienced professors, which helps students build a network of professional connections and make career decisions with confidence.

Apply your passion

Our interdisciplinary approach to public policy enables students to focus on their areas of interest. By studying public policy in tandem with their major(s) or other minors, students gain insight into changing policy on issues surrounding their interests.

Pivotal internships

Our students are competitive when applying for graduate school, internships, and jobs, including opportunities with regional, state, and national campaigns, political offices, think tanks, and more. We connect students to internships relevant to their passions to help them maximize the impact of their studies.

a student smiling in front of a whiteboard in an office

Analyze the world

By analyzing a problem from all perspectives, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and nuances of creating evidence-based and sustainable policy. All Lake Forest College students also have the opportunity to compete in the annual Public Policy Analysis Challenge.

Make it your way: an interdisciplinary approach to public policy

Are you interested in environmental policy? Public health? Foreign policy? Criminal justice? At Lake Forest College, students can combine the public policy minor with any major, unlocking limitless potential for a unique and customized path. The public policy minor helps students gain knowledge and experience that can lead to a change-making career.

Intentional mentorship

The faculty who teach classes in the public policy program represent various areas of expertise from across the College in order to provide a wide breadth of knowledge and give students access to multiple avenues of policy work. We offer courses taught by faculty from the departments of African American studies, philosophy, history, sociology, politics and international relations, economics, religion, environmental studies, legal studies, education, communication and more.

Our faculty leave their personal politics at the door and lead with the belief that interdisciplinary discussions in a non-ideological setting are essential to understand and evaluate solutions to any policy problem. Public policy minors receive attentive mentorship from program faculty.

Plus, with opportunities to explore public policy in hands-on settings thanks to the resources and connections provided by the College and the program, students have an edge after graduation.

Share in $10,000 through the Public Policy Analysis Challenge

In addition to the core curricular requirements for the minor, the Public Policy Studies Program also hosts an annual Public Policy Analysis Challenge. The Challenge encourages students to craft public policy in a specific area. Themes for the challenge have included Privacy and the Internet, Violence in America, and Addressing Addiction.

Each year, the Public Policy Studies Program invites policy experts to campus to share their insights with students and provide unique opportunities for career advancement. All students are encouraged to enter the Challenge.

The top three teams share $10,000 in prize money.

Public Policy Analysis Challenge

“

A lot of policy issues are systemic, and they're not going to change overnight, but taking smaller steps toward individual issues will eventually make change. I have a lot more confidence in myself and my ability to create change than I ever did before.

Abby Mann '24