Overview

The Social Policy program of Northwestern University provides a strong background in the social sciences and an understanding of current social policy issues. This interdisciplinary program also draws upon current research in the fields of African American studies, anthropology, communication studies, economics, gender studies, history, philosophy, political science, public health and sociology.

In addition to core courses in life span development, research and statistics, students have the flexibility to tailor the program to their unique interests by creating an interdisciplinary specialization. Many students choose to double major or minor while maintaining social policy as their primary focus.

Students may pursue research apprenticeships and independent study opportunities with faculty members in the School of Education and Social Policy or the Institute for Policy Research. Faculty research projects include studies of welfare and poverty, community development, public opinion and policy, achievement gaps in education, homelessness and education reform.

Career paths

Social Policy students combine their strong academic training with real-world experience working with people to open a variety of doors after graduation. Many graduates go directly into the workforce upon graduation while others go to graduate school, often for law, public policy, medicine or public health, or pursue a fellowship. Graduates frequently find jobs of interest in public policy, government, advocacy, policy research and analysis, education, law-related fields, nonprofits and business. Below are some examples of the types of jobs and education programs recent graduates have pursued.