Compare two majors
Pick any two majors to see courses, skills, and typical career roles side by side. Useful if you're weighing two options that sound similar, like Computer Science vs. Data Science, or Biology vs. Biochemistry.
Law & Public Policy
Public Policy
Analyzing and designing solutions to public problems.
Typical courses
- ✓Introduction to Public Policy
- ✓Policy Analysis Methods
- ✓Statistics for Policy Analysis
- ✓Economics for Policy
- ✓Political Institutions & Policy Process
- ✓Cost-Benefit Analysis
Skills you'll build
Policy analysis and evaluationStatistical and quantitative reasoningUnderstanding tradeoffs and cost-benefit analysisClear writing for policymakers and the publicUnderstanding political and institutional processesResearch designPresenting analysis to non-specialist audiences
Good fit if you...
- ★Interested in solving public problems with evidence and analysis
- ★Comfortable with statistics and quantitative reasoning
- ★Enjoys weighing tradeoffs across competing values and interests
- ★Considering government, think tanks, or advocacy work
Roles this could lead to
Social Sciences
Political Science
How power, government, and political systems work.
Typical courses
- ✓Introduction to American Government
- ✓Comparative Politics
- ✓International Relations
- ✓Political Theory
- ✓Research Methods in Political Science
- ✓Public Policy Analysis
Skills you'll build
Political and institutional analysisResearch and argumentative writingUnderstanding policy processesCritical evaluation of political claims and mediaPublic speaking and debateComparative and historical reasoningData analysis for political and social questions
Good fit if you...
- ★Interested in government, policy, and current events
- ★Enjoys debate, discussion, and argumentative writing
- ★Comfortable engaging with controversial or contested topics evenhandedly
- ★Considering law, public service, or policy-related paths
Roles this could lead to
This comparison covers what each field of study typically includes. It's not a ranking, and it isn't a guarantee of course availability or outcomes at any specific school. See our disclaimer.