About the Programme
The world we live in is changing rapidly. This emerging scenario poses new and unprecedented challenges for the governments of countries and international institutions as well. In this backdrop, well-crafted and strategically implemented public policies and the corresponding good governance paradigm can act as ‘game-changers’ in resolving contemporary political, economic, social and public problems at the national and international levels.
The BA (Hons.) in Public Policy and Governance at the School of Liberal Education at Galgotias University, prepares the ambitious next-generation policy makers to understand dynamic changes in the field of public policy globally and grooms them as future policy makers and policy analysts. The main goal of this programme is to approach the art and science of policy making with an in-depth knowledge of public policy, its formulation, implementation and evaluation, coupled with ensuring its constant relevance to solution of constantly evolving challenges.
This programme is interdisciplinary and meets the currently growing demand for Courses in Public Policy and Governance at the undergraduate level, a trend that was initiated by the IITs and IIMs, with their launch of separate Masters degree programmes in Public Policy and Governance. It is based on the application of political science, economics, sustainable human development, qualitative and quantitative research methods, data and statistics, and other relevant fields to help the future policymakers engage in addressing the most challenging public policy issues on ground.
Being a multidisciplinary field, the subject of Public Policy and Governance has pervasive relevance, as knowledge of this field is indispensable in solving diverse public problems. The successful execution of public policies corresponds with sound governance. Thus, the design and implementation of effective public policies is enhanced by knowledge of this field.
The course translates into a set of desirable skills, from being able to define a policy problem and assess it from legal, political and economic perspectives to imagining and offering solutions within a set of constraints.
The themes within this course will hence equip the class to draw upon varied sources, forms and quantities of data towards targeted answers. Where practicable, the specialization emphasizes the ability to relate and connect the course material and current affairs. The students will be able to keep track of the news cycle, what gets covered and how it is variously presented, the role of the media in agenda setting, including the uses and abuses of data.
The Public Policy and Governance electives strive to produce well-rounded Policy Analysts who can analyze issues rigorously and communicate the results well. The introductory courses acquaint students with the disciplinary threads mentioned above, from thought and theory to the basic applied aspects in each. Intermediate courses concern practical skills that call for foundational cross-disciplinary knowledge, such as those on Policy Evaluation and Measurement of Governance. The advanced courses dive into complex fields and the design of Policy Instruments or into specific sectors such as Rural Development, Environmental Policy and e-Governance.
The specializations visualize to produce graduates who will either join a coveted Masters in Public Policy (MPP) or make competent interns for government, intergovernmental or non-governmental agencies alike (Government of India, state governments, United Nations, World Bank, government of other countries). Some may pursue careers in the Civil Service. Public Policy graduates are also sought in public and private think tanks, advocacy groups, CSR divisions, non-profits, media houses and compliance consultancies.