Public Policy and Social Science (Double Degree)

The Public Policy and Social Science Double Degree program at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor offers students a comprehensive interdisciplinary education designed to prepare them for impactful careers in public service, policy analysis, social research, and community leadership. This rigorous program combines the strengths of the University’s renowned School of Public Policy and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, allowing students to earn two degrees simultaneously: a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and a Bachelor of Arts in a selected social science discipline such as Political Science, Sociology, or Economics. The program is tailored for students who are passionate about understanding and addressing complex societal issues through evidence-based policies and innovative social solutions.

Throughout the program, students engage in a challenging curriculum that blends policy analysis, quantitative and qualitative research methods, ethical considerations, and leadership development. They have opportunities to participate in internships, capstone projects, and policy labs that provide real-world experience and foster professional networks. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of societal structures, preparing graduates to work effectively in government agencies, non-profit organizations, research institutions, and private sector firms that influence public policy.

Designed to foster a collaborative learning environment, the program encourages interdisciplinary approaches, cultural competence, and civic engagement. Students benefit from the University of Michigan’s extensive resources, including faculty expertise, research centers, and partnerships with governmental and community organizations. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to analyze policy issues, craft strategic solutions, and contribute meaningfully to societal progress. Whether aiming for careers in policymaking, advocacy, research, or further academic study, students completing this double degree are positioned to become innovative leaders committed to social justice and sustainable development.

Prerequisites to the Major

SAC / RCHUMS 236 - The Art of the Film, and SAC 272 - Classical Film Theory, each completed with a minimum grade of C-. Prerequisites for the SAC major may be taken for a grade or may be taken P/F. 

Students will apply for entry to the major after having completed the prerequisites with a minimum grade point average of 2.0. In accord with LSA policies, students who do not meet the minimum grade requirement but still hope to declare the Screen Arts and Cultures major may retake one prerequisite course. If they meet the criteria above with the new grade they earn in the re-taken course, they may declare Screen Arts and Cultures as their major.

Requirements for the Major (30 credits). 

A grade of C– or better must be achieved in any course taken to satisfy the requirements for the major.

1. Core Required Courses (21 credits).
   1. Two history courses:
      SAC 352 - Film History: Origins to the French New Wave, and one additional history course selected from among the following: SAC 353 - Film History: Post New Wave, SAC 354 - New Media History, or SAC 355 - Television History.
   2. One theory course beyond the prerequisite selected from among the following:
      SAC 372 - Contemporary Film Theory, SAC 375 - Television Theory and Criticism, SAC 376 - New Media Theory, or SAC 461 - Explorations in Feminist Film Theory.
   3.  Introduction to production course:
      SAC 290 - Introduction to Media Production.
   4. Two production or writing courses selected from the following:
      • SAC 300 - Dramatic Narrative I
      • SAC 301 - Documentary I
      • SAC 302 - Television I
      • SAC 304 - Topics in Media Production I
      • SAC 305 - The Experimental Screen
      • SAC 306 - New Media Practices I
      • SAC 307 - Film Analysis for Filmmakers
      • SAC 310 - Screenwriting I:  The Feature Script
      • SAC 311 - Writing for Television I:  The Spec Script 
      • SAC 315 - The Experimental Screen
   5. One studies course selected from among the following in national, regional, or transnational cinema:
      • SAC 250 / JUDAIC 250 / NEAREAST 280 - Jewish Film: Race, Ethnicity, and Nationality
      • SAC / SLAVIC / RCHUMS 313 - Russian and Ukrainian Cinema
      • SAC / POLISH 314 - Polish Cinema
      • SAC / CZECH 315 - The Czech New Wave and Its Legacy
      • SAC / ITALIAN 316 - Screening Italian-Americans
      • SAC 332 / GERMAN 330 - German Cinema
      • SAC / GERMAN 333 - Fascist Cinema
      • SAC / AMCULT / COMM 334 - Race, Gender, Sexuality and U.S. Culture in Video Games
      • SAC / ASIAN 341 - Bollywood and Beyond:  An Introduction to Popular Indian Cinema
      • SAC / GERMAN / AMCULT 346 - Media Matter: From Print to Screen Culture
      • SAC 358 - Italian Film: History, Art, Entertainment
      • SAC 365 - Race and Ethnicity in Contemporary American Television
      • SAC 368 - Topics in Digital Media Studies
      • SAC / AMCULT / LATINOAM 380 - Studies in Transnational Media
      • SAC / AMCULT / LATINOAM 381 - Latinas/Latinos and the Media
      • SAC / AAS 440 - African Cinema
      • SAC 441 - National Screens
      • SAC / AAS 442 - Third World Cinema
      • SAC / ASIAN 458 - Film Culture in Korea
      • SAC / AAS 470 - Cultural Cinema
      • SAC 485 - The Global Screen
      • ITALIAN 358 - Italian Cinema
      • or a similar course pre-approved by the advisor.
2. Required Electives (9 credits; 3 courses): Three SAC courses at the 300 or 400 level, with no more than two courses in production
   
   Production Courses

• SAC 300 - Dramatic Narrative I
• SAC 301 - Documentary I
• SAC 302 - Television I 
• SAC 304 - Topics in Media Production I
• SAC 305 - The Experimental Screen
• SAC 306 - New Media Practices I
• SAC 307 - Film Analysis for Filmmakers
• SAC 310 - Screenwriting I:  The Feature Script
• SAC 311 - Writing for Television I:  The Spec Script  
• SAC 400 - Dramatic Narrative II
• SAC 401 - Documentary  II 
• SAC 402 - Television II
• SAC 403 - Television Sketch Comedy
• SAC 404 - Topics in Media Production II 
• SAC 405 - Screendance
• SAC 406 - New Media Practices II
• SAC 410 - Screenwriting II: The Rewrite
• SAC 411 - Writing for Television II: Pilots 
• SAC 423 - Practicum for the Screenwriter 
• SAC 427 - Screenwriting III

Screenwriting Submajor (optional)

Honors

The Honors plan in the Department of Screen Arts and Cultures offers qualified Screen Arts and Cultures majors a special opportunity. Upper-level students with strong academic records and a demonstrated ability to carry out the independent work required to complete an Honors thesis, screenplay, film, video or digital production are encouraged to apply. The Screen Arts and Cultures Honors major is not restricted to students who have been in the College Honors Program in their freshman and sophomore years.

Upon successful completion of the Honors plan, students may graduate with Honors, High Honors, or Highest Honors in Screen Arts and Cultures, depending on the evaluation of their thesis, screenplay, or project. These Honors designations appear on their diploma along with any College Honors designations they earn from their overall grade point.

Students accepted into the Honors plan also become members of the Honors Program of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. As members of the LSA Honors Program, they gain access to a variety of special services such as possible financial support for their Honors work. In addition, students may also apply for competitive scholarships administered by the Department of Screen Arts and Cultures to help with costs associated with Honors projects.

Admission. To be considered for the Honors major, students must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher in the Screen Arts and Cultures major. Students must also identify a Screen Arts and Cultures faculty sponsor and file an application for admission to the Honors plan no later than three terms prior to the intended graduation date. 

1. You must apply via The Common Application, and submit the University of Michigan Questions. International students are not eligible for application fee waivers.
2. All undergraduate first-year applicants are required to submit test results from either the SAT with writing or the ACT with writing.
3. Submit the School Report.
4. Submit one Teacher Evaluation (academic teacher).
5. Submit a Counselor Recommendation (encouraged, but not required).
6. Submit your high school transcript. An official English translation is required to accompany the transcript if the transcript is not issued in English by the school. (Students who have already completed high school, including university transfer applicants, should be sure to have final high school transcript submitted showing the graduation date. Also provide a detailed explanation of any educational gaps.)
7. If you are a speaker of English as a second language, you will need to submit your MELAB, TOEFL, or IELTS scores.
8. Please note that international students on temporary visas are not eligible for financial aid, and should expect to pay the full cost of attendance. Scholarships are generally not available.   

Do not submit any extra documents unless specifically requested, as this may only delay your decision.

The Public Policy and Social Science (Double Degree) program at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor offers students a comprehensive financial aid package to support their studies. The university provides a variety of funding options, including scholarships, grants, fellowships, and work-study opportunities, aimed at reducing the financial burden on students and enabling access to quality education regardless of economic background. Scholarships are often awarded based on academic merit, leadership qualities, and commitment to public service, with specific scholarships designated for students enrolled in the Public Policy and Social Science programs. Additionally, many students finance their studies through federal and state financial aid programs, including student loans and grants, which are administered through the university’s Office of Financial Aid. The university also encourages applicants to explore external funding sources, such as private foundations and organizations offering fellowships tailored to students pursuing social sciences and public policy. Work-study programs provide students with part-time employment opportunities on campus, allowing them to earn funds directly contributing to tuition and living expenses. The university’s financial aid office offers counseling services to help students navigate their options, complete application processes, and plan their budgets effectively. For international students, there are specific scholarships and funding opportunities to facilitate their participation in the program. Overall, the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor commits to making the Public Policy and Social Science (Double Degree) program financially accessible through a combination of institutional resources and external funding sources, ensuring that talented students can pursue their academic and career goals without undue financial hardship.

The Public Policy and Social Science (Double Degree) program at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of policy analysis, social sciences, and public affairs. This interdisciplinary program aims to equip students with the analytical skills, theoretical knowledge, and practical experience necessary to address complex societal issues. The curriculum typically merges coursework from the Ford School of Public Policy and various social science departments, including Political Science, Sociology, Economics, and more, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career goals.

Students enrolled in the program have the opportunity to engage in rigorous coursework that covers topics such as policy evaluation, quantitative and qualitative research methods, public administration, urban and regional planning, and international policy. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, data analysis, and effective communication, preparing graduates for careers in government, non-profit organizations, research institutes, or private sector entities involved in policy development and implementation.

The program often includes internships, research projects, and collaborative initiatives with government agencies or NGOs, providing practical experience and professional networking opportunities. Students also benefit from access to the university’s extensive resources, including specialized libraries, research centers, and mentorship from faculty members regarded for their expertise in public policy and social sciences.

Graduates of this double degree program are well-positioned to impact public decision-making processes, conduct influential research, and contribute to policy reforms at local, national, or international levels. The program’s interdisciplinary nature fosters a holistic approach to understanding societal challenges, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives and evidence-based solutions. Overall, the program aims to develop well-rounded professionals capable of advancing social equity, economic development, and governance through innovative policy work.