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Public policy and social services


What are public policy and social services majors?

Public policy and social services programs focus on the ways in which governments and other institutions make policies that affect society, and how those policies are implemented and delivered. As a public policy and social services major, you’ll learn about the various systems and programs that provide social services to individuals, families and communities. You’ll also examine the impact of public policy on individuals, groups and communities as well as how to develop and evaluate effective policies and programs.

How much do public policy and social services majors make?

Public policy and social services graduates typically make between $38,800 and $85,000 per year. The national average of reported salaries for public policy and social services degrees is $58,000. The highest paying major within public policy and social services is Public policy analysis with an average salary of $80,000. The lowest paying major within public policy and social services is Human services with an average salary of $50,000.
Public policy and social services majorsAverage salarySalary
Public policy analysis$80,000
Public administration$76,000
Social work and youth services$52,000
Human services$50,000
Community organization and advocacyNo data
Family and community servicesNo data
Medical social workNo data
Non-profit and public managementNo data
Urban studies and affairsNo data
Urban, community and regional planningNo data

Popular public policy and social services majors by degrees awarded

On average, around 47,700 students obtain a bachelor's degree or associate degree in all public policy and social services fields each year. In 2021, the most popular major within public policy and social services was social work and youth services with 22,222 students obtaining a bachelor's degree and 1,738 students obtaining an associate degree. The least popular major was medical social work with 160 students obtaining a bachelor's degree and 120 students obtaining an associate degree. Overall, public policy and social services is a relatively popular area of study.