Policy Studies

Gain the critical thinking skills to analyze and assess existing and proposed laws. The minor is ideal for students interested in law school.

With the exception of students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs with a major in policy studies, any IU student enrolled in a bachelor's degree program may pursue the minor in policy studies. Students who successfully complete the requirements will have the minor conferred with their degree.

A minimum GPA of 2.3 is required in courses taken specifically for the minor. At least 9 of the 15 credit hours must be taken on the IUPUI campus. During their final term of enrollment, students must also apply to have the minor conferred with their degree by completing the O'Neill Graduation Application.

O’Neill students earning an O’Neill minor may double count two minor courses.

Declare intention to pursue minor

Policy Studies minor curriculum (15 credit hours)

Required courses (6 credit hours)

• SPEA–V 170 Introduction to Public Affairs
• SPEA–V 376 Law and Public Policy 

Select one of the following (3 credit hours)

• SPEA–V 348 Management Science
• SPEA–V 379 Performancement Measurement and Program Evaluation

Select two of the following (6 credit hours)

• SPEA–J 272 Terrorism and Public Policy
• SPEA–J 305 Juvenile Justice
• SPEA–J 321 American Policing
• SPEA–J 331 Corrections
• SPEA–J 376 Principles of Public Safety
• SPEA–J 387 Foundations of Homeland Security
• SPEA–V 221 Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector
• SPEA–V 263 Public Management; or SPEA–V 362 Nonprofit Management and Leadership
• SPEA–V 264 Urban Structure and Policy
• SPEA–V 348 Management Science (if not already taken to satisfy the requirement above)
• SPEA–V 369 Managing Information Technology
• SPEA–V 372 Government Finance and Budgets
• SPEA–V 379 Performance Measurement and Program Evaluation (if not already taken to satisfy the requirement above)
• SPEA–V 450 Contemporary Issues in Public Affairs (as approved)
• POLS–Y 213 Introduction to Public Policy