The Policy Studies Major enables students to understand the effects of policy decisions made on the federal, state, and municipal levels, and by non-governmental actors, corporations, and nonprofit organizations. The Policy Studies Major grounds students in a liberal arts education, while providing the essential skills, knowledge, and networks to embark on a rewarding career that enables them to work within the policy-making arena to improve the lives of others. Students will acquire practical skills by studying policy issues; and develop skills in policy analysis, problem solving, data analysis, communications, policy creation, and assessment. A core component of the program is student’s participation in a capstone internship project for 6 credits, which can be taken with community partners locally, or in Washington, DC through the Washington Center Program. Through this capstone experience, students will undertake projects that will enable them to demonstrate their skills to future employers.