Public Policy & Community Service
To inquire about this program:
Dr. Talmage Stanley | 276.944.6817 | Email
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The Public Policy and Community Service major and minor are designed to instill an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of the study of public policy making and community service, including the influence of social, cultural, political, economic, and religious factors in community life.
The major seeks to provide you with concepts and skills in community-centered analysis and action research and to help you better understand the impact of local, regional, national, and global structures, and institutions on social change. The Public Policy and Community Service major at Emory & Henry enables you not only to understand change but to become an agent of change.
The program involves a systematic and rigorous study of many central conceptual themes: citizenship, community service, religion, public ethics, diversity, public policy, globalization, social justice, and social change. The principal goal of the major is to provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to become fluent in these themes in both academic and practical dimensions.
In addition to acquiring knowledge of the policy-making process and models of social change, you will learn skills in community building, participatory research and leadership development. Shaped by the assumption that thought and action are inseparable elements of education, the PPCS major emphasizes critical thinking, analytic writing, communication skills, public problem solving, a significant reflection and analysis component, and a strong field component. Emory & Henry’s Appalachian Center for Community Service coordinates instruction and oversees service-learning opportunities for the program.
Planning a Course of Study
You may choose one of the following focus areas: Appalachian Studies, Church and Community, Environmental Studies, International Studies, Human Services, Political Economy, Recreation, Spanish, or Women’s Studies. You may also create your own focus area in consultation with your advisor. An associate program in Human Services is a good background for transferring students desiring a major in Public Policy and Community Service.
All core courses have community service components. For example, the introductory course requires 25 hours of one-on-one service outside of the classroom. Other core courses include community organizing, which requires a group community service project; politics and public policy; applied civic methodologies; race, class, gender and sexuality; and sustainable community development. Seniors take a three-course (nine hours) practicum related to their focus area, and a senior seminar, which involves working on a major project with the agency they worked with during the practicum.
Major and minor areas which relate well to the PPCS program are psychology, sociology, political science, religion, environmental studies, international studies, economics, Spanish, history, and mass communications. Challenging service placements and opportunities to attend regional and national conferences and workshops enhance the program. Additionally, students majoring in Public Policy and Community Service are often called upon to give leadership in a number of service activities on campus and in the surrounding communities. Several of our majors also benefit from Bonner, AmeriCorps, and Appalachian Center Associates scholarships that carry with them community service components in exchange for financial support.
Post-Graduate Educational and Career Opportunities
The Public Policy and Community Service major may lead you to a career with a nonprofit organization, volunteer agency, political campaign, or a human services agency. Or you may choose to attend graduate school to further study public policy, political science, sociology, social work, or community development, or to attend law school.
 Download Information Sheet
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Admissions inquiries
Office of Admissions
800.848.5493
Email: ehadmiss@ehc.edu
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