New Public Policy Certificate to Launch in Fall 2025
In addition to core courses in Economics and Political Science, the new Public Policy Certificate curriculum also integrates topics such as Environmental Studies, Business Law, Health, Aging and Sustainability.
Galloway, N.J. — app prides itself on the interdisciplinary nature of its educational programs.
A new Public Policy Certificate offered by the School of Behavioral Sciences starting this fall will capitalize on that by offering undergraduate students an opportunity to become better advocates for societal change.
“Public policy is spread all across the university in smaller pockets already,” said Tina Zappile, associate professor of Political Science and the faculty director of the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy. “We have students majoring in , Sustainability, Economics and Political Science doing concentrations in Public Policy. This is about bringing all that together to offer a standalone, interdisciplinary certificate that any undergraduate student can add.”
Zappile defines public policy as the study of rules, regulations and laws established by government. However, that can also include regulatory agencies creating standards that protect the environment, defining educational guidelines or designing infrastructure plans for society as a whole.
“It’s anything that regulates or tells people how to organize,” she said. “Basically, the rules for how we live.”
By studying these policies, Stockton students can evaluate whether resources are being distributed fairly, whether policies are helping to reduce inequality, and whether they are creating conditions for people to lead safe and fulfilling lives.”
Lauren Balasco, associate professor of Political Science
“Whether it’s through tax laws, environmental initiatives, social welfare programs, or public infrastructure projects, public policy determines who has access to essential services and opportunities,” said Balasco, who’s one of the leaders of the new certificate. “By studying these policies, Stockton students can evaluate whether resources are being distributed fairly, whether policies are helping to reduce inequality, and whether they are creating conditions for people to lead safe and fulfilling lives.”
In addition to core courses in Economics and Political Science, the certificate curriculum also integrates topics such as Environmental Studies, Business Law, Health, Aging and Sustainability, which Stockton was one of the first universities in the country to offer as a major.
The certificate offers two paths for students — one focuses on econometrics or developing quantitative policy analysis skills, and the other provides an opportunity for students to drill down on a specific subject area. Each path includes five classes for a total of 20 credits.
Students interested in advanced analytical tools can also pursue a , preparing them to use technology for analyzing trends and presenting policy data.
The certificate is one of 14 Stockton currently offers, but Public Policy is one of only a few available to undergraduate students. Balasco added that students can also engage in policy research through the Hughes Center and get hands-on experience and earn up to four credits through the Washington Internship Program.
“I would say we are pretty uniquely situated to offer this certificate because we have so many faculty involved in studying public policy or informing policymakers on their issue area,” Zappile said. “It’s sort of baked into the university.”
— Story by Mark Melhorn, photo by Susan Allen
