Department of Public Policy


Department of
Public Policy
Breadcrumb
- RIT/
- College of Liberal Arts/
- Academics/
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- Department of Public Policy
Contact
Chintana Phetphanh
Sr. Staff Specialist
585-475-5291
cpuwp@rit.edu
Overview
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.
Latest News
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July 20, 2023
Would an occasional blackout help solve climate change?
The Los Angeles Times talks to Eric Hittinger, associate professor in the Department of Public Policy, about flexible demand energy programs.
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May 3, 2023
First students transition to law school as part of 3+3 program
RIT’s College of Liberal Arts partners with Syracuse University’s College of Law to offer an accelerated 3+3 law program. Students complete both a bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor degree in six years as opposed to the traditional seven-year timeline.
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April 12, 2023
Photo, science classes merge for climate change talk by Pulitzer-winning photojournalist
Salwan Georges of The Washington Post visited the RIT campus for a pair of lectures, including one that detailed his work photographing climate change for a project that received a Pulitzer Prize.
Featured Work
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...
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
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. Policy Analysis (PUBL-301) and Decision Analysis (PUBL-302) are offered especially for students who are considering the MS in public policy or who have an interest in analytical tools.
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 program