Policy studies combines the disciplines of government studies at all levels with leadership, nonprofit management, social science, and community development. You can also choose classes built around your specific interests, such as the environment, city government and planning, metropolitan development, or other areas.
Skills and abilities this major develops: strategic planning, critical thinking, and leadership.
Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IU Indianapolis’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.
Employment of urban and regional planners is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 3,600 openings for urban and regional planners are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024).
According to the IUPUI (now called IU Indianapolis) First Destination Survey in 2023, the average starting salary reported for O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs graduates with a bachelor's degree was $48,197, and the median salary was $47,300.
The national median annual salary for urban and regional planners was $81,800 in 2023 (Occupational Outlook Handbook).
(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)
Policy studies majors often pursue advanced degrees in the following areas:
EEnterprising
SSocial
IInvestigative
This major is part of the Enterprise, Policy, and Planning (EPP) cluster. The EPP cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing or interested in business; economics; labor studies; organizational leadership; public and environmental affairs; sport management; and tourism, conventions, and event management.
