Department of Public Policy
Department of
Public Policy
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
![elderly woman sitting in a chair outside of her home with an oscillating floor fan pointed at her.]()
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
![college student standing in front of a bookcase.]()
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
![Salwan Georges projects one of his climate change-related images on a screen.]()
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.
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.