Department of Public Policy
Department of
Public Policy
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Contact
Chintana Phetphanh
Sr. Staff Specialist
585-475-5291
cpuwp@rit.edu
Public policy explores the intersection of policy, technology, society, and the natural world. Analysis of these intersections plays a critical role in being able to address the many environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges facing society today and in the future.
The programs and coursework in the Department of Public Policy allow you to combine your interests in science, technology, government, economics, and other social science fields and obtain the skills and knowledge needed to analyze and, ultimately, advocate for policy change in government or private organizations.
Academic Programs
Graduate Programs
Our innovative graduate program emphasizes analysis of engineering, science, and technology policy and draws on coursework from a variety of relevant disciplines. Building on RIT’s strength as a technological university, you’ll interact directly with faculty members and researchers who are working on scientific developments and technological innovations that drive new public policy considerations.
In this science, technology, and public policy ms, you'll have a significant impact on public policy affecting the environment, transportation, science, emerging technology, and scientific developments.
Learn more about the Science, Technology and Public Policy MS program
Minors and Immersions (Undergraduate)
This immersion provides students with a clear understanding of public policy, the policy process, and policy analysis. Students have the opportunity to develop perspectives on a variety of contemporary public policy issues, especially those that emerge from scientific and technological advancements.
Learn more about the Public Policy Immersion programThe public policy minor provides students with a foundation in the field of public policy and allows them to make connections between public policy and other fields of study. The minor underscores the role of public policy on science and technology-based problems. Students obtain a deeper understanding of public policy and the policy making process, how policy analysis impacts policymaking, and how public policies operate within a number of specific science or technological domains.
Learn more about the Public Policy Minor programBS/MS, Accelerated MS, and Dual Degree Program Options
Learn more about BS/MS in Public Policy, Accelerated MS for science and engineering undergrads, and dual degree options with science, computing, engineering, and other programs within the College of Liberal Arts.
See BS/MS, accelerated MS, and dual degree program options for the Department of Public Policy
Latest News
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November 25, 2024
White House Event Highlights Career Impact During NSC Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
“Don’t be afraid to jump at opportunities and push your own boundaries” is the advice that Nala Mitas, a senior public policy major with urban studies immersion, lives by now. After attending the National Security Council Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at the White House earlier this semester, she’s inspired by a freshly expanded view of possibilities for making a positive difference.
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November 8, 2024
Passion for prioritizing accessibility inspires alumna
Valerie Horn believes accessibility should be at the forefront of entrepreneurs’ minds when developing their businesses. This belief pushed her to co-found Zestability, a consultation firm that advocates for prioritizing accessibility and inclusive business practices.
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August 22, 2024
Giving students interdisciplinary perspectives on the evolving cryptocurrency industry
Students will work with real-world data and industry-level software, and will leave the course with the knowledge and experience that the government and private sectors are looking for when recruiting new hires. Students also earn two industry-recognized certifications: Chainalysis Cryptocurrency Fundamentals Certification and Chainalysis Reactor Certification.
Featured Work and Profiles
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RIT Grad’s Vision for Accessibility Sparks a New Era of Inclusive Solutions
Valerie Horn ’19 (public policy), ’19 MS (science, technology, and public policy) co-found Zestability. to empower businesses to cater to the global disability market.
Read More about RIT Grad’s Vision for Accessibility Sparks a New Era of Inclusive Solutions -
Mikkael Lamoca Receives Fulbright Award for Pioneering Neuroprotection Research
Mikkael Lamoca '24, a biomedical engineering and public policy graduate, is set to advance his groundbreaking research on neuroprotection using magnetic stimulation as a Fulbright U.S. Student awardee...
Read More about Mikkael Lamoca Receives Fulbright Award for Pioneering Neuroprotection Research -
Professor Pioneers Research for a Greener Energy Future
Eric Hittinger Associate Professor Eric Hittinger, Ph.D., is tackling the economic and environmental challenges of clean energy technologies, from electric vehicles to renewable sources, through innovative research...
Read More about Professor Pioneers Research for a Greener Energy Future -
RIT Researchers Explore Synthetic Alternatives to Horseshoe Crab Blood for Drug Testing
Kristoffer Whitney and Jolie Crunelle from RIT highlight the vital importance of horseshoe crab blood in testing intravenous drugs while advocating for the development and adoption of synthetic...
Read More about RIT Researchers Explore Synthetic Alternatives to Horseshoe Crab Blood for Drug Testing -
New ways to identify "predicate creep" for improving the FDA’s 510K process for clearing medical devices
Sandra Rothenberg Are there new ways to identify potential “predicate creep” —a cycle of technology change through repeated clearance of devices based on predicates with slightly different technological characteristics...
Read More about New ways to identify "predicate creep" for improving the FDA’s 510K process for clearing medical devices
Alumni Outcomes
- Director, Social Research Center, Public Policy Consultant,
- American University Central Asia, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- Project Manager, Armenia Sustainable Energy Finance Project, International Finance Corporation
- Consultant to World Bank on Energy Issues
- Energy Sector Analyst, Dragon Capital, Ukraine
- Project Manager, Energy Solutions, Oakland, CA
- Ph.D. in Communications at the University at Buffalo
- Information Technology Risk and Audit Management Associate, Royal Bank of Scotland, Stamford, CT
- Fulbright Visiting Scientist – Mechanical Engineering, Energy Studies Institute – National University of Singapore
- Spacecraft Vehicle Engineer, The Boeing Company, Washington, DC
- Energy Efficiency Analyst, Integral Analytics, Cincinnati, OH
- Program Manager, ENERGY STAR Appliance Program, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Ph.D. University of California – Davis, Transportation Policy
- Ed.D. Executive Leadership, St. John Fisher College, Rochester, NY
- Associate Staff Member, Dynamis, Washington, DC
- Program Analyst, Department of Veterans Affairs, Rochester, NY
- Dockets Analyst, Bloomberg, Skillman, NJ
- Assistant Director Research Relations, Rochester Institute of Technology
- Project Manager, Magna Powertrain, Troy, MI
- Training & Support for Deaf in Developing Countries, The Nippon Foundation, Tokyo, Japan
- Assistant Director, Public Safety Initiatives Center, City of Rochester & RIT Collaborative
- Ph.D. Candidate in Energy and Environmental Policy at University of Delaware
- Project HOPE Director, DEAF, Inc., Boston, MA
- Researcher, Data Analyst, GIS Specialist, Energy & Environmental Research Associates
- Senior Crime Research Specialist, Rochester Police Department
- International Program Manager, Center for Energy & Resource Development, American University at Kosovo, Rochester Institute of Technology
- Program Coordinator, Huther-Doyle Memorial Institute, Rochester, NY
- Ph.D., Water Resources Engineering, SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry
- Energy Efficiency & Conservation Advisor, U. S. Department of State, Washington, DC
- Research Assistant, United States Senate, Washington, DC
Career, Application, and Thesis Resources for Students
Career and Networking Resources
- Science Policy Job X (formerly Twitter) feed
- Engaging Scientists and Engineers in Policy Coalition
- Daybook
- STPI’s Policy Fellowship Program
- STPI’s Summer Associate Program
- NSF Summer Scholars Internship Program
Forms and Policies