School of Education & Social Policy
Social Policy

Social Policy

What is Social Policy?
The Social Policy program explores how policies function as the guiding principles that serve as the foundation for social programs. The Social Policy Program analyzes the ways in which social policies and social institutions influence the course of human lives, and the ways in which people can influence social policies. The program provides a strong background in the social sciences and a familiarity with current social policy issues. The interdisciplinary program also draws upon current research in the fields of African American Studies, Anthropology, Communication Studies, Economics, Gender Studies, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Public Health, and Sociology.

Core course work explores the development of public policy in such fields as:

  • Education
  • Poverty
  • Urban systems
  • Social welfare
  • Child care and development
  • Aging

What are the degree requirements?
Students in the Social Policy concentration (or major) earn a Bachelor of Science in Education and Social Policy (BSEd). Forty-five credits (or courses) are required for the degree. View a brief description of each course. There are four broad requirement areas for the Social Policy major:

  1. Concentration Requirements
  2. Core Requirements
  3. Distribution Requirements
  4. Elective Credits
  • 18 credits of concentration courses
    • Introduction to Community Development (SESP 202)
    • Introduction to Social Policy (SOC POL 201)
    • Social Policy and the Human Services (SOC POL 304)
    • Education Policy (SOC POL 307)
    • Introduction to Macroeconomics (ECON 201)
    • Introduction to Microeconomics (ECON 202)
    • Introduction to American Government and Politics (Poli Sci 220)
    • 11 courses from the approved concentration course list (seven of which must be at the 300 level). Approved courses may be taken from within SESP and across Northwestern, including (but not limited to the following departments):
      • African American Studies
      • Anthropology
      • Economics
      • Gender Studies
      • History
      • International Relations
      • Linguistics
      • Philosophy
      • Political Science
      • Sociology
      • Communication Studies
      • Public Health
  • 8 credits of core courses
    • Introduction to Statistics and Research Methods (SESP 201)
    • Methods of Observing Human Behavior (SESP 372)
    • Childhood and Adolescence (SESP 201) or Adulthood and Aging (SESP 203)
    • 1 Development class chosen from:
      • Childhood and Adolescence (SESP 201)
      • Adulthood and Aging (SESP 203)
      • Moral Values and Human Development (SESP 316)
      • Gender and the Life Course (SESP 317)
      • Adult Development and Work Careers (SESP 318)
      • Learning and Understanding (LOC 212)
    • 4 practicum credits (SESP 383 and SESP 385)
  • 10 credits of distribution (general education) courses
    • 2 science courses
    • 2 formal studies (math, logic, etc.) courses
    • 2 historical studies courses
    • 2 values (philosophy, religion, etc.) courses
    • 2 literature and arts courses
    • View a complete list of courses that currently fulfill the distribution requirements.
    • Up to seven (7) distribution credits may be fulfilled by AP or IB credit. View detailed information regarding test credit.
    • NOTE - SESP does not have a language requirement. We do, however, strongly encourage students to develop their skills in another language.
  • 9 credits of elective courses
    • Any courses of the student's choosing (with some minor exceptions)

To learn more about the numerous course offerings at Northwestern, view the undergraduate catalog.


Second majors and minors
Social Policy students may earn a second major in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences (WCAS). Many Social Policy students earn a second major or minor in Economics, Gender Studies, History, Political Science, Sociology, etc. For full details regarding second majors or minors, refer to the SESP Student Handbook.


Interdisciplinary specialization
An interdisciplinary specialization is a set of five classes within the concentration, organized around a particular area of interest, such as the following:

  • Public health/health care
  • Poverty issues
  • Legal issues
  • Urban affairs
  • Education reform
  • Environmental policy
  • Pre-medical studies
  • International policy

The Interdisciplinary Specialization does not appear on the student's transcript, but is an effective planning tool. Social Policy students interested in an interdisciplinary specialization should consult with Kenneth Powers, the Social Policy adviser.