Policy Making and Quantitative Analysis

What impact do statistics and past history have on future policy initiatives? What are the unintended versus unanticipated consequences of creating policy? How does one negotiate public opinion and quantitative data into a well crafted policy when the two conflict? Step into the role of a policy analyst and examine key issues through the lens of social science and economics. Participate in policy debate and support your arguments using both classical and emerging political theory, historical precedent, public opinion, and quantitative analysis. Be prepared to grapple with current political topics such as healthcare, taxation, education and foreign policy. Utilizing the same quantitative methodologies and statistical coding software as policy analysts, you will leverage theory and technical skill to engage contemporary hot-button policy issues. Application process includes: online application, qualifying documents (test scores or portfolio), $40 application fee, 2 essays, transcript, 2 letters of recommendation. To be eligible for VSA, students may either submit ACT, SAT, or PSAT scores or a recent individual ability/achievement test at the 95th percentile and above in one or more subject areas. In lieu of the above mentioned test scores, students may prefer to submit a portfolio for further assessment and review. . Need-based scholarships are available with the completion of an additional scholarship application.