About the program

Beyond Public Policy: Conquering Wicked Problems for Human Flourishing

In a world drowning in information and riddled with complexity, conventional solutions often crumble. The Policy Studies program at Lafayette College empowers students to shatter disciplinary boundaries and chart their own paths to problem-solving and value creation.

This program explodes the confines of traditional “public” policy, plunging into the dynamic interplay between the public and private sectors. Recognizing that policy, as a principle of action, infiltrates every facet of society, the program cultivates a profound understanding of value creation and how the interdependence between sectors fuels or impedes prosperity.

Real-World Applications and Experiences

The program transcends the sterile classroom setting, emphasizing real-world applications and hands-on experiences that bridge theory and practice. Through immersive projects, students hone the skills to tackle “wicked problems,” complex challenges without clear solutions, rules, or historical precedents. These experiences nurture teamwork, adaptability, critical thinking, and the ability to transfer knowledge across domains.

For example, Policy Studies students are currently collaborating with the government of Moldova on its transition to a market-based economy, dismantling the remnants of its Soviet-era past. Another student team partners with the African Export-Import Bank to design a plan for Africa-Caribbean cooperation to establish a fabrication plant for advanced semiconductors and their supply chain for the materials required. A third project harnesses the Azure ML Studio platform to construct a digital twin of Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley region. This virtual replica informs decision-making across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors by providing a holistic view of how multiple factors interact to determine community health and well-being.

These and other opportunities for experiential learning make Policy Studies at Lafayette a unique degree experience.

A Multidisciplinary Approach Leverages Machine Learning

The multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving mirrors the principles of machine learning. Both learn to transfer and adapt solutions that work in one domain to another in a novel way. This approach ignites innovation and creativity, empowering students to collaborate with AI models to dissect and solve wicked problems. In other words, a multidisciplinary mindset unlocks the power of machine learning models trained on data across multiple domains.

Developing Problem Solvers

The Policy Studies program cultivates problem solvers who can challenge the status quo and shape a more prosperous, just, and sustainable world. The program champions active engagement and community building, going beyond mere coursework. Graduates emerge equipped with the skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of today’s world and to construct innovative solutions for human flourishing.

Career Opportunities

A Policy Studies degree opens doors to a diverse array of careers. Graduates have secured positions such as:

  • Head of Growth Equity Capital Raising, Goldman Sachs
  • Director of Client and Partner Group, KKR
  • Strategy & Consulting Senior Manager, Accenture
  • Human Capital Senior Consultant, Deloitte
  • Senior Commercial Operations Project Lead, Merck Group
  • Strategic Revenue Management, Nestle
  • Global CPG and Retail Strategy Lead, Mastercard Data & Services
  • Sustainability Consultant, EVORA Global
  • Sustainability Senior Associate, PwC
  • Clinical Innovation Director, Accompany Health
  • Streaming Data Analytics, Paramount
  • Assistant Professor of Political Science, Auburn University

Problem-solving, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration are the cornerstones of a Policy Studies degree from Lafayette College, enabling graduates to pursue diverse and impactful career paths.