This minor equips students with the knowledge and skills to understand how policies are developed and carried out within complex political and organizational settings. Students study policy and management concepts, governance institutions, and leadership approaches that shape decision‑making across sectors. The curriculum emphasizes applied analysis and effective communication, helping students connect theory to real‑world policy challenges.
Designed to complement a wide range of majors, the minor prepares aspiring leaders and managers for careers in government, public service, nonprofit organizations, consulting, advocacy, and policy‑focused roles, while also providing a strong foundation for graduate study and professional growth in public policy and management.
Contact the minor advisor through Patriot Connect.
This minor has been designated as a "Workforce-Ready Minor," meaning it is aligned with at least one of Virginia's high-demand career fields and includes career-relevant assignments as well as the opportunity to earn academic credit through an internship.
Policies
Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor and students must earn a minimum grade of 2.00 (grade of C or better) in all courses applied to the minor. For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.
Minor Requirements
Total credits: 18
Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GOVT 103 | Introduction to American Government (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GOVT 351 | Administration in the Political System | 3 |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select four elective courses from the following: | 12 | |
| Administration in the Political System | ||
| Responsible Innovation | ||
| Nonprofit Sector in Society | ||
| Public Personnel Administration | ||
| Public Budgeting and Finance | ||
| Urban Planning | ||
| Nonprofit Financial Planning | ||
| Introduction to Environmental Policy | ||
| Intermediate Environmental Policy | ||
| Science and Technology Institutions/Policy | ||
| Public Policy Making | ||
| Public Policy Analysis | ||
| Money, Markets and Economic Policy (Mason Core) | ||
| Tools for Economic Policy Analysis | ||
| Cybersecurity Policy | ||
| Issues in Political Analysis | ||
| Administrative Law and Procedures | ||
| Surveillance and Privacy in Contemporary Society | ||
| Governance in Space | ||
| Public Interest Technology | ||
| Artificial Intelligence: Technological and Societal Implications | ||
| Issues in Public Policy and Administration | ||
| How Washington Really Works | ||
| Philosophy, Politics, and Economics | ||
| Internship/Experiential Learning | ||
| Internship (when relevant, up to 3 credits of internship may be applied to electives with approval of Schar School advisor) | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |