Department of Social and Decision Sciences
Department Office: Porter Hall 208
http://www.cmu.edu/dietrich/sds/
The Department of Social and Decision Sciences is a multidisciplinary department that offers undergraduate programs that seamlessly combine frontier knowledge in the social sciences with the practical skills needed to excel in key decision making roles in the public and private sectors and in advanced studies. Our students learn how to combine intellectual ideals with the realities of human and organizational behavior and to apply these lessons across a wide variety of endeavors, ranging from government service to leadership positions in the information economy.
The department offers undergraduate majors in Decision Science, International Relations and Politics, and Policy and Management. The majors leverage off of our departmental core that includes courses in decision analysis, empirical research, organizations, and policy analysis. In addition to completing this core, students also specialize in their major area through a set of required and elective courses.
Our faculty is committed to the academic success and growth of our students and many of our undergraduates work with faculty on research projects and internships. The directors of the majors are easily accessible and encourage students to talk with them about their curriculum, progress, and available opportunities.
The Department of Social and Decision Sciences has a long history of creating innovative and prescient undergraduate programs that combine key ideas from across the social sciences into cohesive majors that allow our graduates to excel in their chosen professions or in the pursuit of advanced studies. Our emphasis on the theory and practice of individual and social decision making linked with our high-quality, multidisciplinary social science faculty, provides a solid foundation from which graduates can embrace a variety of future paths.
The Major in Decision Science
Baruch Fischhoff, Faculty Director
Office: Porter Hall 219E
Connie Angermeier, Academic Advisor
Office: Porter Hall 208A
Email: cla2@andrew.cmu.edu
The interdisciplinary field of Decision Science seeks to understand and improve the judgment and decision making of individuals, groups, and organizations. Qualified graduates can continue to PhD programs in Decision Science or related fields (e.g., psychology, business), pursue professional degrees (e.g., MBA, MD, JD, MPH), or take professional positions in business, government, consulting, or the non-profit sector. Students work with faculty to tailor their education to their specific needs and interest.
Carnegie Mellon is one of the leading centers for the study of Decision Science - and offers the only such undergraduate major. Our faculty are involved in applying Decision Science in a wide variety of areas, allowing them to share practical experiences with students. These applications include medical decision making (e.g., conveying the costs and benefits of treatment options), legal decision making (e.g., understanding the effects of anger on attributions of responsibility), risk management (e.g., assessing and communicating the risks of terrorist attacks), marketing (e.g., understanding the effects of inter-temporal choice on purchasing decisions), and business (e.g., identifying unrecognized conflicts of interest).
Decision Science is grounded in theories and methods drawn from psychology, economics, philosophy, statistics, and management science. Courses in the major cover the three aspects of decision science: (a) normative analysis, creating formal models of rational choice; (b) descriptive research, studying how cognitive, emotional, social, and institutional factors affect judgment and choice, and (c) prescriptive interventions, seeking to improve judgment and decision making. In addition to gaining a broad education in the principles of judgment and decision making, Decision Science majors gain broadly applicable skills in research design and analysis. They also have the chance to think about and discuss decision making in many different areas.
The core courses in Decision Science cluster into two categories. The theory cluster presents fundamental theories and results from the empirical study of decision making, as well as the application of decision-making research to real-world problems. The research methods cluster introduces students to methods for collecting and analyzing behavioral data. For example, students learn to conduct surveys (e.g., uncovering consumer or managerial preferences), design experiments evaluating psychological and economic theories, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
The elective courses provide students with additional knowledge in areas of decision making that meet their personal, intellectual, and career goals. These courses are organized into six clusters: biological and behavioral aspects of decision making, managerial and organizational aspects, philosophical and ethical perspectives, economic and statistical methods, public policy, and research methods. Students can concentrate in one area or spread their studies across them. In addition to coursework, the department offers research opportunities for interested and qualified students. Participating in research helps students to extend their mastery of decision science, discover whether a research career is right for them, and get to know faculty and graduate students better.
Prerequisites
All Decision Science majors must complete mathematics and statistics prerequisites (see below), by the end of the sophomore year.
| Mathematics Prerequisite | Units | |
| 21-111-21-112 | Calculus I and Calculus II | 10-20 |
| or 21-120 | Differential and Integral Calculus | |
| 10-20 | ||
| Statistics Prerequisite | Units | |
| 36-201 | Statistical Reasoning and Practice | 9 |
108 unitsCurriculum
The core curriculum in Decision Science consists of two courses in empirical research methods and five courses providing the disciplinary perspectives of Decision Science.
| Disciplinary Perspectives | Units | |
| 88-120 | Reason, Passion and Cognition ** | 9 |
| 85-211 | Cognitive Psychology | 9 |
| 88-220 | Policy Analysis I | 9 |
| 88-223 | Decision Analysis and Decision Support Systems | 9 |
| 88-302 | Behavioral Decision Making | 9 |
| 45 | ||
** 88-120 should be taken in the freshman or sophomore year.
| Research Methods | Units | |
| 36-202 | Statistical Methods | 9 |
| 88-251 | Empirical Research Methods | 9 |
| 18 | ||
45 unitsElectives
Complete at least 45 units of courses from the following categories of courses. The selected courses may be from one category or from any combination of categories. Note that not all elective courses are offered every year.
At least three of these courses (27 units) must be Department of Social and Decision Sciences courses (88-xxx).
| 1. Biological and Behavioral Aspects of Decision Making | Units | |
| 85-352 | Evolutionary Psychology | 9 |
| 85-442 | Health Psychology | 9 |
| 88-360 | Behavioral Economics | 9 |
| 88-365 | Behavioral Economics and Public Policy | 9 |
| 88-377 | Attitudes and Persuasion | 9 |
| 88-388 | Psychological Models of Decision Making | 9 |
| 88-421 | Emotion: Physiology, Neurobiology, Expression, and Decision Making | 9 |
| 2. Managerial and Organizational Aspects of Decision Making | Units | |
| 70-381 | Marketing I | 9 |
| 70-460 | Mathematical Models for Consulting | 9 |
| 88-221 | Policy Analysis II | 9 |
| 88-419 | Negotiation | 9 |
| 88-444 | Public Policy and Regulation | 9 |
| 88-451 | Policy Analysis Senior Project | 12 |
| or 88-452 | Policy Analysis Senior Project | |
| 3. Philosophical and Ethical Perspectives on Decision Making | Units | |
| 19-426 | Environmental Decision Making | 9 |
| 80-208 | Critical Thinking | 9 |
| 80-221 | Philosophy of Social Science | 9 |
| 80-241 | Ethical Judgments in Professional Life | 9 |
| 80-245 | Medical Ethics | 9 |
| 80-305 | Rational Choice | 9 |
| 80-321 | Causation, Law, and Social Policy | 9 |
| 4. Economic and Statistical Methods for Decision Science | Units | |
| 70-460 | Mathematical Models for Consulting | 9 |
| 73-325 | Strategic Behavior in Non-cooperative Games | 9 |
| 73-347 | Game Theory for Economists | 9 |
| 73-435 | Economics of Negotiations | 9 |
| 80-337 | Philosophy Politics & Economics | 9 |
| 80-405 | Game Theory * | 9 |
| 88-316 | Game Theory * | 9 |
| 88-360 | Behavioral Economics | 9 |
| 88-387 | Social Norms and Economics | 9 |
* 80-405 and 88-316 are different courses and are not cross-listed.
| 5. Decision Science and Public Policy | ||
| 88-221 | Policy Analysis II | 9 |
| 88-365 | Behavioral Economics and Public Policy | 9 |
| 88-405 | Risk Perception and Communication | 9 |
| 88-408 | Attitudes the Media and Conflict in International Relations | 9 |
| 88-412 | Economics of Global Warming | 9 |
| 88-444 | Public Policy and Regulation | 9 |
| 88-451 | Policy Analysis Senior Project | 12 |
| or 88-452 | Policy Analysis Senior Project | |
| 6. Research Methods for Decision Science | Units | |
| 36-303 | Sampling, Survey and Society | 9 |
| 70-460 | Mathematical Models for Consulting | 9 |
| 88-252 | Empirical Research for Social Science and Policy | 9 |
| 88-388 | Psychological Models of Decision Making | 9 |
| 88-402 | Modeling Complex Social Systems | 9 |
| 88-435 | Analytical Methods for Complex Social Systems | 9 |
Note: Some courses have additional prerequisites.
Decision Science, B.S. Sample Curriculum
| Freshman or Sophmore Year | Junior Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Fall | Spring |
| 88-120 Reason, Passion and Cognition ** | 88-220 Policy Analysis I | 85-211 Cognitive Psychology |
| 36-202 Statistical Methods | 88-251 Empirical Research Methods | 88-223 Decision Analysis and Decision Support Systems |
| Open Prerequisite | 88-302 Behavioral Decision Making | Decision Science Elective |
| Elective | Elective | Elective |
| Elective | Elective | Elective |
| Senior Year | |
|---|---|
| Fall | Spring |
| Decision Science Elective | Decision Science Elective |
| Decision Science Elective | Decision Science Elective |
| Elective or Honors Thesis | Elective or Honors Thesis |
| Elective | Elective |
| Elective | Elective |
This is presented as a two-year (junior-senior) plan for completing major requirements, with the exception of 88-120 and 36-202. Its purpose is to show that this program can be completed in as few as two years, not that it must be. Students may enter their major, and begin major course requirements, as early as the start of the sophomore year, and in some instances in the freshman year. Students should consult their advisor when planning their program. Students who are planning to study abroad or to apply for the Heinz Accelerated Masters Program will have a very different curriculum map and should consult early – and often – with the Academic Advisor.
** This course should be taken as the first course in the Decision Science sequence. It is intended for students in their first or second year; it is offered in Spring semesters. It may be taken as late as the junior year.
Additional Major in Decision Science
Students who elect Decision Science as an additional major must fulfill all of the requirements of the Decision Science major.
Students pursuing International Relations and Politics with an additional major in Decision Science may only count 36-202, 88-220, and 88-251 toward the completion of both majors.
Students pursuing Policy and Management with an additional major in Decision Science and may only count 36-202, 88-220, 88-223, and 88-251 toward the completion of both majors.
Additional majors cannot count menu electives toward simultaneously fulfilling more than one major or minor. Students who are interested in an additional major in Decision Science should see the Academic Advisor of the Decision Science program.
The Major in International Relations and Politics
Kiron K. Skinner, Faculty Director; kskinner@andrew.cmu.edu
Emily Half, Academic Advisor; ehalf@andrew.cmu.edu, Baker Hall A60C, 412-268-7082
http://www.cmu.edu/ir
The International Relations and Politics (IRP) major analyzes the role of politics at the national, regional, international, and transnational levels; examines political arrangements within and among these levels; and investigates the phenomenon of globalization. Statesmen, scholars, and policy makers often discuss globalization in terms of the deepening economic and political integration among states. Building on Carnegie Mellon University’s interdisciplinary approach to research, the IRP major investigates globalization as the intersection of international politics, culture, markets, and technology. Furthermore, the major examines, through interdisciplinary intellectual lenses, the way in which states construct grand strategy and the effect of grand strategy on the international system.
No single discipline can grapple fully with the ever-evolving process of globalization and the role played by grand strategy. The IRP major, rooted in the discipline of political science, relies upon analytical social science for important insights into these complex areas. The major also utilizes the intellectual strengths of the Department of Social and Decision Sciences, which include behavioral decision science, history, complex social systems, economics, and the department’s program in strategy, entrepreneurship, and technological change. Students’ understanding of globalization, international politics, and grand strategy is further informed by courses and colloquia offered by CMU’s top-ranked departments, divisions, and schools in business, computer science, engineering, and the humanities.
Knowledge of the theoretical underpinnings of international relations is the core objective of IRP. Thus, students pursuing this major will be trained to apply analytic tools to enduring problems in the international system. These tools include rational choice theory, political history, economic analysis, and theories of behavioral decision making.
Students are required to complete the intermediate (200) level, or its equivalent, in a modern language other than English. Advanced-level study is strongly encouraged.
Open to all Carnegie Mellon undergraduates, Carnegie Mellon University’s Washington Semester Program (CMUWSP) allows students to study public policy and intern in Washington for one semester. Courses taken through CMUWSP will count toward elective sequence requirements for IRP majors.
IRP majors interested in developing their research skills are encouraged to apply for a research position with the Center for International Relations and Politics. They are also encouraged to join student organizations focused on domestic or international politics. Becoming involved in the Social and Decision Sciences Department (SDS) and the Student Advising Council (SAC), as well as attending lectures and events sponsored by the Center for International Relations and Politics and SDS, will provide additional opportunities for students.
The International Relations and Politics major is offered through the Department of Social and Decision Sciences. It is available as a primary major and an additional major in the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Prerequisites
All International Relations and Politics majors must complete mathematics and statistics prerequisites (see below) by the end of the sophomore year.
| Mathematics and Statistics Prerequisites | Units | |
| 21-111-21-112 | Calculus I and Calculus II | 10-20 |
| or 21-120 | Differential and Integral Calculus | |
| 36-201 | Statistical Reasoning and Practice | 9 |
| 19-29 | ||
Curriculum
| Core Courses | Units | |
| 36-202 | Statistical Methods | 9 |
| 88-104 | Decision Processes in American Political Institutions | 9 |
| 88-205 | Comparative Politics | 9 |
| 88-220 | Policy Analysis I | 9 |
| 88-251 | Empirical Research Methods | 9 |
| 88-326 | Theories of International Relations | 9 |
| 54 | ||
Language Requirement
Students are required to complete the intermediate (200) level or the equivalent in a modern language other than English. Advanced level study is strongly encouraged.
45 unitsElectives
International Relations and Politics students will either:
Option 1) Take 45 units (five courses) from the following categories: International Political Economy, International Politics and Grand Strategy, and International Cultures. Students must take at least one course from each category, with no more than two courses from any given category. At least two of these courses (18 units) must be from the Department of Social and Decision Sciences (88-xxx). Most courses listed below are 9-unit courses, but some are fewer. When courses offered for fewer than 9 units are chosen, students should note that a minimum of 45 units is required, and should plan to take one or more additional courses as appropriate.
OR
Option 2) Complete all (or the majority) of their electives via the Washington Semester Program (CMUWSP) Public Policy elective sequence (45 units). Any elective units not fulfilled during CMUWSP may be completed through coursework from the International Political Economy, International Politics and Grand Strategy, and International Cultures elective lists.
The Washington Semester Program (CMUWSP) Public Policy Elective Sequence includes:
- Academic Seminar (27 units)
- Internship and Internship Class (9 units)
- Research Seminar (9 units)
| International Political Economy | Units | |
| 70-365 | International Trade and International Law | 9 |
| 70-430 | International Management | 9 |
| 73-328 | Health Economics | 12 |
| 73-331 | Political Economy of Inequality and Redistribution | 9 |
| 73-371 | International Trade and Economic Development | 9 |
| 73-372 | International Money and Finance | 9 |
| 73-375 | History of Money and Monetary Policy | 9 |
| 73-394 | Development Economics | 9 |
| 79-298/80-447 | Special Topics: Global Justice | 9 |
| 79-386 | Entrepreneurs in Africa, Past, Present and Future | 9 |
| 80-136 | Social Structure, Public Policy & Ethics | 9 |
| 80-244 | Environmental Ethics | 9 |
| 80-247 | Ethics and Global Economics | 9 |
| 80-344 | Management, Environment, and Ethics | 9 |
| 80-348 | Health Development and Human Rights | 9 |
| 88-352 | Environmental Economics and Policy | 9 |
| 88-368 | Conflict, Human Rights and Development | 9 |
| 88-378 | International Economics | 9 |
| 88-391 | Technology and Economic Growth | 9 |
| 88-408 | Attitudes the Media and Conflict in International Relations | 9 |
| 88-410 | The Global Economy: A User's Guide | 9 |
| 88-411 | The Rise of the Asian Economies | 9 |
| 88-412 | Economics of Global Warming | 9 |
| 88-413 | Energy and Climate: History, Science, Technology, & Policy in the US 1776-2076 | 9 |
| 88-419 | Negotiation | 9 |
| 88-423 | Institutions, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation | 9 |
| International Politics and Grand Strategy | Units | |
| 19-609 | Public Policy and Regulation | 9 |
| 19-662 | Special Topics: Technology and Development in China & India | 12 |
| 24-484 | Decision Tools for Engineering Design and Entrepreneurship | 12 |
| 79-231 | American Foreign Policy 1945-Present | 9 |
| 80-135 | Introduction to Political Philosophy | 9 |
| 80-235 | Political Philosophy | 9 |
| 80-321 | Causation, Law, and Social Policy | 9 |
| 80-335 | Deliberative Democracy: Theory and Practice | 9 |
| 88-223 | Decision Analysis and Decision Support Systems | 9 |
| 88-302 | Behavioral Decision Making | 9 |
| 88-314 | Politics through Film | 9 |
| 88-336 | Autocrats and Democrats | 9 |
| 88-349 | War and Peace | 9 |
| 88-357 | Comparative Foreign Policy: China, Russia, and the US | 9 |
| 88-359 | Globalization | 9 |
| 88-362 | Diplomacy and Statecraft | 9 |
| 88-370 | African Politics | 9 |
| 88-380 | Grand Strategy in the United States | 9 |
| 88-384 | Conflict and Conflict Resolution in International Relations | 9 |
| 88-388 | Psychological Models of Decision Making | 9 |
| 88-389 | Terrorism and Insurgency | 9 |
| 88-405 | Risk Perception and Communication | 9 |
| 88-415 | Global Competitiveness: Firms Nations, and Technological Change | 9 |
| 88-423 | Institutions, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation | 9 |
| 88-435 | Analytical Methods for Complex Social Systems | 9 |
| International Cultures | Units | |
| 300-level language course (at most one for this category) | ||
| 70-342 | Managing Across Cultures | 9 |
| 76-318 | Communicating in the Global Marketplace | 9 |
| 76-322 | Global Masala: South Asians in the Diaspora | 9 |
| 76-327 | Special Topics in Literary and Cultural Studies | 9 |
| 76-386 | Language & Culture | 9 |
| 79-205 | 20th Century Europe | 9 |
| 79-212 | China and Its Neighbors: Minorities, Conquerors and Tribute Bearers | 9 |
| 79-213 | Nationalities and the New States of the Former USSR | 9 |
| 79-220 | Caribbean: Cultures and Histories | 9 |
| 79-221 | Development and Democracy in Latin America | 9 |
| 79-222 | Between Revolutions: The Development of Modern Latin America | 9 |
| 79-224 | Mayan America | 9 |
| 79-227 | Introduction to African History: 1780-1994 | 9 |
| 79-229 | Origins of the Arab-Israeli Conflict, 1880-1948 | 9 |
| 79-230 | Arab-Israeli Conflict and Peace Process since 1948 | 9 |
| 79-233 | The United States and the Middle East since 1945 | 9 |
| 79-235 | Caribbean Cultures | 9 |
| 79-236 | Introduction to African Studies | 9 |
| 79-251 | India/America: Democracy, Diversity, Development | 9 |
| 79-255 | Irish History | 9 |
| 79-256 | 20th Century Germany | 9 |
| 79-257 | Germany and the Second World War | 9 |
| 79-259 | France During World War II | 9 |
| 79-261 | Chinese Culture and Society | 9 |
| 79-262 | Modern China | 9 |
| 79-263 | China's Cultural Revolution | 6 |
| 79-264 | China in the Age of Reform, 1978-Present | 6 |
| 79-265 | Russian History: From the First to the Last Tsar | 9 |
| 79-266 | Russian History: From Communism to Capitalism | 9 |
| 79-267 | The Soviet Union in World War II: Military, Political and Social History | 9 |
| 79-275 | Introduction to Global Studies | 9 |
| 79-280 | Experiencing Globalization | 9 |
| 79-282 | Europe and the World | 9 |
| 79-286 | Gandhi and King: Nonviolent Leadership in a Globalized World | 9 |
| 79-288 | Bananas, Baseball, and Borders: A History of Latin America - US Relations | 9 |
| 79-290 | States/Stateless Societies and Nationalism in West Africa | 6 |
| 79-291 | Globalization in East African History | 6 |
| 79-292 | China Inside Out: Going Global, 19th to 21st Centuries | 9 |
| 79-299 | Trafficking Persons: Children in a Global Context | 9 |
| 79-307 | Religion and Politics in the Middle East | 9 |
| 79-309 | 20th Century China Through Film | 9 |
| 79-312 | International Human Rights Institutions in Theory and Practice | 6 |
| 79-314 | The Politics and Culture of Memory | 9 |
| 79-334 | Law, Ethics, and the Life Sciences | 9 |
| 79-342 | Introduction to Science and Technology Studies | 9 |
| 79-368 | Poverty, Charity, and Welfare | 9 |
| 79-375 | China's Environmental Crisis | 9 |
| 79-377 | Food, Culture, and Power: A History of Eating | 9 |
| 79-381 | Energy, Environment, Globalization in the Americas | 9 |
| 79-383 | Epidemic Disease and Public Health | 9 |
| 79-385 | The Making of the African Diaspora | 9 |
| 79-392 | History of Modern Warfare | 9 |
| 79-398 | Documenting the 1967 Arab-Israeli War | 9 |
| 79-399 | US-Arab Encounters | 9 |
| 82-304 | The Francophone World | 9 |
| 82-320 | Contemporary Society in German, Austria and Switzerland | 9 |
| 82-323 | Germany, Austria and Switzerland in the 20th Century | 9 |
| 82-333 | Introduction to Chinese Language and Culture | Var. |
| 82-342 | Spain: Language and Culture | 9 |
| 82-343 | Latin America: Language and Culture | 9 |
| 82-344 | U.S. Latinos: Language and Culture | 9 |
| 82-345 | Introduction to Hispanic Literary and Cultural Studies | 9 |
| 82-361 | Introduction to Italian Culture | 9 |
| 82-362 | Italian Language and Culture | 9 |
| 82-404 | Francophone Realities: Africa | 9 |
| 82-426 | Topics in German Literature and Culture | 9 |
| 82-441 | Studies in Peninsular Literature and Culture | 9 |
| 82-451 | Studies in Latin American Literature and Culture | 9 |
| 82-455 | Topics in Hispanic Studies | 9 |
| 82-474 | Topics of Japanese Studies | 9 |
| 82-491 | Literature, Politics and Film in Russia & East Europe Today | -1 |
| 82-541 | Special Topics: Hispanic Studies | -1 |
| 85-375 | Crosscultural Psychology | 9 |
NOTE: Some courses have additional prerequisites.
International Relations and Politics, B.S.
These sample curricula represent a plan for completing the requirements for the B.S. in International Relations and Politics. International Relations and Politics students are encouraged to spend a semester studying and interning in Washington, DC, through the CMUWSP, and/or study abroad. The plan below demonstrates that a semester off-campus fits well into the curriculum. As with most majors in the Dietrich College, the International Relations and Politics major can be completed in as few as two years of undergraduate study, not that it must be. Students may declare the B.S. in International Relations and Politics and take appropriate courses as early as the second semester of the freshman year and as late as the junior year, and should consult frequently with the academic advisor (see above) about their course of study.
| Freshman | Sophomore | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring |
| 36-201 Statistical Reasoning and Practice | 76-101 Interpretation and Argument | 88-220 Policy Analysis I | 88-205 Comparative Politics |
| 79-104 Global Histories | Freshman Seminar | 88-326 Theories of International Relations | Language Course or Gen Ed |
| 21-120 Differential and Integral Calculus* | 36-202 Statistical Methods | Language Course or Gen Ed | IRP Elective |
| 88-104 Decision Processes in American Political Institutions** | Language Course or Gen Ed | IRP Elective | Elective |
| Language Course or Gen Ed | Gen Ed or Elective | Gen Ed or Elective | Elective |
| 99-101 Computing @ Carnegie Mellon | |||
*If required to start with 21-111 in fall of freshman year, complete 21-112 in spring of freshman year.
**This course should be taken as the first course in the International Relations and Politics major sequence. It is intended for students in their first or second years.
| Junior | Senior | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring |
| 88-251 Empirical Research Methods | CMUWSP or STUDY ABROAD* | 66-501 H&SS Senior Honors Thesis I** | 66-502 H&SS Senior Honors Thesis II** |
| IRP Elective | IRP Elective | IRP Elective | Elective |
| Language Course or Elective | Elective | Elective | Elective |
| Elective | Elective | Elective | Elective |
| Elective | Elective | Elective | Elective |
| Elective | |||
*All students are strongly encouraged to participate in the CMUWSP and/or in a study abroad program. Spring semester of the junior year is a popular semester to study off-campus. However, International Relations and Politics majors may instead choose to participate in the CMUWSP or study abroad in spring of sophomore year, fall of junior year, or fall of senior year. Students should consult the academic advisor when planning their curricular program.
**Students are not required to complete a college honors thesis. However, many International Relations and Politics majors choose to apply for the senior honors thesis program. Students who do not pursue a senior honors thesis should select an elective in its place.
Additional Major
Students who elect International Relations and Politics as an additional major must fulfill all of the requirements of the International Relations and Politics major.
Students pursuing Decision Science or Policy and Management with an additional major in International Relations and Politics may only count 36-202, 88-220, and 88-251 toward the completion of both majors. Additional majors cannot count menu electives toward simultaneously fulfilling more than one major or minor.
The Major in Policy and Management
Paul Fischbeck, Director
Office: Porter Hall 208F
Connie Angermeier, Academic Advisor
Office: Porter Hall 208A
Email: cla2@andrew.cmu.edu
The Policy and Management major prepares students for key decision-making and management roles in government, non-profit organizations, and business. The major emphasizes analytic approaches to decision making and practical management skills necessary for graduates to excel in both the public and private sectors. The multidisciplinary curriculum merges frontier knowledge on both the ideals of decision making, policy, and organization, as well as the realities of individual and organizational behavior that must be confronted if high-quality outcomes are going to be attained.
The major is comprised of four clusters of courses. The Analytic Methods requirement consists of four courses that provide theoretical training and practical experience in problem solving and decision making. These courses provide systematic methods for dealing with the complexities that make decisions difficult, ranging from incorporating issues of risk and uncertainty in decision making to dealing with choices that have mutually conflicting objectives. For example, a business or government agency may need to decide on a policy for mitigating the uncertain impacts of air pollution while simultaneously trying to minimize the costs of such a policy on manufacturing. A firm might want to consider the uncertain reductions in security dangers from alternative policies to protect against terrorism. In this requirement, students will gain an appreciation of the economic analysis of complex decisions, as well as the trade-off between economic and political-based decision making.
The Organizational Context requirement is a course that emphasizes the analysis of how people organize and coordinate their behavior to perform complex tasks that are beyond the capability of any single individual. The course uses a multidisciplinary approach to analyze the potential shortcomings of large organizations, such as inertia, group-think, coordination failure, and bureaucratic infighting.
The Research Methods requirement is comprised of two courses focused on key methods for collecting and analyzing data that are needed to make informed decisions. Students learn to use interviews, surveys, experiments, and econometric methods to enhance their ability to test existing, and design new, policies.
Finally, the Electives requirement consists of five courses chosen by the student, in coordination with the Academic Advisor, to add depth and breadth to the major. These courses are chosen from five categories that emphasize different aspects of decision making and management: (1) policy making, (2) management, (3) technology and information, (4) international policy, and (5) political science and law. The selected courses may be from one category or from any combination of categories.
The Policy and Management major provides an excellent combination of theoretical and practical skills for students who intend to seek managerial positions. Because of its strong analytic orientation, it is also an excellent major for those who intend to go on to professional school programs in law, business, or public policy. It is also an appropriate choice for students pursuing graduate degrees in economics, political science, or decision science. One such graduate option is the accelerated masters program offered by the H. J. Heinz III School of Public Policy and Management, in which a student earns both a B.S. in Policy and Management and a M.S. in Public Policy and Management in five years.
Prerequisites
All Policy and Management majors must complete mathematics and statistics prerequisites (see below), by the end of the sophomore year.
| Mathematics Prerequisites | Units | |
| 21-111-21-112 | Calculus I and Calculus II | 10-20 |
| or 21-120 | Differential and Integral Calculus | |
| 21-122 | Integration, Differential Equations and Approximation | 10 |
| or 21-256 | Multivariate Analysis | |
| 20-30 | ||
| Statistics Prerequisite | Units | |
| 36-201 | Statistical Reasoning and Practice | 9 |
| 9 | ||
111 unitsCurriculum
| Analytical Methods | Units | |
| 88-220 | Policy Analysis I | 9 |
| 88-221 | Policy Analysis II | 9 |
| 88-223 | Decision Analysis and Decision Support Systems | 9 |
| 88-451 | Policy Analysis Senior Project | 12 |
| or 88-452 | Policy Analysis Senior Project | |
| 39 | ||
| Organizational Context | Units | |
| 88-260 | Organizations | 9 |
| 9 | ||
| Research Methods | Units | |
| 36-202 | Statistical Methods | 9 |
| 88-251 | Empirical Research Methods | 9 |
| 18 | ||
45 unitsElectives
Complete at least 45 units (a minimum of five courses) from the following categories of courses. Most courses listed below are 9-unit courses, but some are less. When courses offered for less than 9 units are chosen, students should note that a minimum of 45 units is required, and should plan to take one or more additional courses as appropriate. The categories were created only to help in your selection process. You may select courses from one category or from any combination of categories.
At least 27 units (a minimum of three courses) must be Social and Decision Sciences courses (88-xxx).
| 1. Policy Making | Units | |
| 36-303 | Sampling, Survey and Society | 9 |
| 73-328 | Health Economics | 12 |
| 73-331 | Political Economy of Inequality and Redistribution | 9 |
| 73-340 | Labor Economics | 9 |
| 73-352 | Public Economics | 9 |
| 73-357 | Regulation: Theory and Policy | 9 |
| 73-420 | Monetary Theory and Policy | 9 |
| 79-305 | Juvenile Delinquency: Images, Realities, Public Policy, 1800-1967 | 9 |
| 79-306 | Delinquency, Crime, and Junvenile Justice: 1970s to the Present | 9 |
| 79-335 | Drug Use and Drug Policy | 9 |
| 79-338 | Education and Social Reform | 9 |
| 79-374 | American Environmental History: Critical Issues | 9 |
| 80-321 | Causation, Law, and Social Policy | 9 |
| 88-352 | Environmental Economics and Policy | 9 |
| 88-365 | Behavioral Economics and Public Policy | 9 |
| 88-412 | Economics of Global Warming | 9 |
| 88-423 | Institutions, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation | 9 |
| 88-435 | Analytical Methods for Complex Social Systems | 9 |
| 2. Management | Units | |
| 70-321 | Negotiation and Conflict Resolution | 9 |
| 70-332 | Business, Society and Ethics | 9 |
| 70-342 | Managing Across Cultures | 9 |
| 70-430 | International Management | 9 |
| 80-241 | Ethical Judgments in Professional Life | 9 |
| 80-243 | Business Ethics | 6 |
| 80-244 | Environmental Ethics | 9 |
| 80-344 | Management, Environment, and Ethics | 9 |
| 88-252 | Empirical Research for Social Science and Policy | 9 |
| 88-341 | Organizational Communication | 9 |
| 88-360 | Behavioral Economics | 9 |
| 88-363 | Behavioral Economics Theory | 9 |
| 88-387 | Social Norms and Economics | 9 |
| 88-402 | Modeling Complex Social Systems | 9 |
| 88-403 | Network and Social Systems | 9 |
| 88-419 | Negotiation | 9 |
| 3. Technology and Information | Units | |
| 19-402 | Telecommunications, Technology Policy & Management | 12 |
| 19-448 | Science, Technology & Ethics | 9 |
| 73-474 | The Economics of Ideas: Growth, Innovation and Intellectual Property | 9 |
| 79-342 | Introduction to Science and Technology Studies | 9 |
| 80-341 | Computers, Society and Ethics | 9 |
| 88-345 | Perspectives on Industrial Research and Development | 9 |
| 88-347 | Complex Technological Systems: Past, Present, and Future | 9 |
| 88-371 | Entrepreneurship, Regulation and Technological Change | 9 |
| 88-391 | Technology and Economic Growth | 9 |
| 88-413 | Energy and Climate: History, Science, Technology, & Policy in the US 1776-2076 | 9 |
| 88-415 | Global Competitiveness: Firms Nations, and Technological Change | 9 |
| 4. International Policy | Units | |
| 79-278 | Rights to Representation: Indigenous People and their Media | 9 |
| 79-280 | Experiencing Globalization | 9 |
| 80-247 | Ethics and Global Economics | 9 |
| 80-447 | Global Justice | 9 |
| 88-362 | Diplomacy and Statecraft | 9 |
| 88-368 | Conflict, Human Rights and Development | 9 |
| 88-370 | African Politics | 9 |
| 88-384 | Conflict and Conflict Resolution in International Relations | 9 |
| 88-408 | Attitudes the Media and Conflict in International Relations | 9 |
| 88-410 | The Global Economy: A User's Guide | 9 |
| 88-411 | The Rise of the Asian Economies | 9 |
| 88-412 | Economics of Global Warming | 9 |
| 5. Political Science and Law | Units | |
| 70-364 | Business Law | 9 |
| 70-365 | International Trade and International Law | 9 |
| 73-408 | Law and Economics | 9 |
| 79-334 | Law, Ethics, and the Life Sciences | 9 |
| 80-235 | Political Philosophy | 9 |
| 80-321 | Causation, Law, and Social Policy | 9 |
| 88-181 | Topics in Law: 1st Amendment * | 9 |
| or 88-184 | Topics of Law: The Bill of Rights | |
| 88-389 | Terrorism and Insurgency | 9 |
| 88-444 | Public Policy and Regulation | 9 |
* only one course (either 88-181 or 88-184 ) may count toward an elective requirement in the Policy and Management major.
NOTE: Some courses have additional prerequisites.
Policy and Management, B.S. Sample Curriculum
| Freshman or Sophomore Year | Junior Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Fall | Spring |
| 36-202 Statistical Methods | 88-220 Policy Analysis I | 88-221 Policy Analysis II |
| Open Prerequisite | 88-251 Empirical Research Methods | 88-223 Decision Analysis and Decision Support Systems |
| Open Prerequisite | Elective | 88-260 Organizations |
| Elective | Elective | Elective |
| Elective | Elective | Elective |
| Senior Year | |
|---|---|
| Fall | Spring |
| 88-452 Policy Analysis Senior Project or P&M elective | 88-451 Policy Analysis Senior Project or P&M elective |
| Policy and Management Elective | Policy and Management Elective |
| Policy and Management Elective | Policy and Management Elective |
| Elective | Elective |
| Elective | Elective |
This is presented as a two-year (junior-senior) plan for completing major requirements. Its purpose is to show that this program can be completed in as few as two years; not that it must be. Students may enter their major, and begin major course requirements, as early as the start of the sophomore year, and in some instances in the first year. Students should consult their advisor when planning their program. Students who are planning to study abroad or to apply for the Heinz Accelerated Masters Program will have a very different curriculum map and should consult early - and often - with the Academic Advisor.
Additional Major
Students who elect Policy and Management as an additional major must fulfill all of the requirements of the Policy and Management major.
Students pursuing Decision Science with an additional major in Policy and Management may only count 36-202 , 88-220 , 88-223 , and 88-251 toward the completion of both majors.
Students pursuing International Relations and Politics with an additional major in Policy and Management may only count 36-202, 88-220, and 88-251 toward the completion of both majors.
Additional majors cannot count menu electives toward simultaneously fulfilling more than one major or minor. Students who are interested in an additional major in Policy and Management should see the Academic Advisor of the Policy and Management program.
The Minor in Policy and Management
Paul Fischbeck, Faculty Director
Office: Porter Hall 208F
Connie Angermeier, Academic Advisor
Office: Porter Hall 208A
Regardless of major, many Carnegie Mellon graduates will face managerial challenges and responsibilities in their professional lives. Whether these are in their area of expertise or in more general settings, these roles will to some degree require assumption of the responsibility for directing the work of others. The Policy and Management minor is intended for students who expect to need these management concepts and skills. At most, one course may be double-counted with another major or minor.
54 unitsCurriculum
36 unitsRequired Courses
| 88-220 | Policy Analysis I | 9 |
| 88-221 | Policy Analysis II | 9 |
| 88-223 | Decision Analysis and Decision Support Systems | 9 |
| 88-260 | Organizations | 9 |
18 unitsElectives
Complete two courses from the following categories. At least one of the courses (9 units) must be a Social and Decision Sciences course (88-xxx).
| 1. Policy Making | Units | |
| 36-303 | Sampling, Survey and Society | 9 |
| 73-328 | Health Economics | 12 |
| 73-331 | Political Economy of Inequality and Redistribution | 9 |
| 73-340 | Labor Economics | 9 |
| 73-352 | Public Economics | 9 |
| 73-357 | Regulation: Theory and Policy | 9 |
| 73-420 | Monetary Theory and Policy | 9 |
| 79-305 | Juvenile Delinquency: Images, Realities, Public Policy, 1800-1967 | 9 |
| 79-306 | Delinquency, Crime, and Junvenile Justice: 1970s to the Present | 9 |
| 79-338 | Education and Social Reform | 9 |
| 79-335 | Drug Use and Drug Policy | 9 |
| 79-374 | American Environmental History: Critical Issues | 9 |
| 80-321 | Causation, Law, and Social Policy | 9 |
| 88-352 | Environmental Economics and Policy | 9 |
| 88-365 | Behavioral Economics and Public Policy | 9 |
| 88-412 | Economics of Global Warming | 9 |
| 88-423 | Institutions, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation | 9 |
| 88-435 | Analytical Methods for Complex Social Systems | 9 |
| 2. Management | Units | |
| 70-321 | Negotiation and Conflict Resolution | 9 |
| 70-332 | Business, Society and Ethics | 9 |
| 70-342 | Managing Across Cultures | 9 |
| 70-430 | International Management | 9 |
| 80-241 | Ethical Judgments in Professional Life | 9 |
| 80-243 | Business Ethics | 6 |
| 80-244 | Environmental Ethics | 9 |
| 80-344 | Management, Environment, and Ethics | 9 |
| 88-252 | Empirical Research for Social Science and Policy | 9 |
| 88-341 | Organizational Communication | 9 |
| 88-360 | Behavioral Economics | 9 |
| 88-363 | Behavioral Economics Theory | 9 |
| 88-387 | Social Norms and Economics | 9 |
| 88-402 | Modeling Complex Social Systems | 9 |
| 88-403 | Network and Social Systems | 9 |
| 88-419 | Negotiation | 9 |
| 3. Technology and Information | Units | |
| 19-402 | Telecommunications, Technology Policy & Management | 12 |
| 19-448 | Science, Technology & Ethics | 9 |
| 73-474 | The Economics of Ideas: Growth, Innovation and Intellectual Property | 9 |
| 79-230 | Arab-Israeli Conflict and Peace Process since 1948 | 9 |
| 79-342 | Introduction to Science and Technology Studies | 9 |
| 80-341 | Computers, Society and Ethics | 9 |
| 88-345 | Perspectives on Industrial Research and Development | 9 |
| 88-347 | Complex Technological Systems: Past, Present, and Future | 9 |
| 88-371 | Entrepreneurship, Regulation and Technological Change | 9 |
| 88-391 | Technology and Economic Growth | 9 |
| 88-413 | Energy and Climate: History, Science, Technology, & Policy in the US 1776-2076 | 9 |
| 88-415 | Global Competitiveness: Firms Nations, and Technological Change | 9 |
| 4. International Policy | Units | |
| 79-278 | Rights to Representation: Indigenous People and their Media | 9 |
| 79-280 | Experiencing Globalization | 9 |
| 80-247 | Ethics and Global Economics | 9 |
| 80-447 | Global Justice | 9 |
| 88-362 | Diplomacy and Statecraft | 9 |
| 88-368 | Conflict, Human Rights and Development | 9 |
| 88-370 | African Politics | 9 |
| 88-384 | Conflict and Conflict Resolution in International Relations | 9 |
| 88-408 | Attitudes the Media and Conflict in International Relations | 9 |
| 88-410 | The Global Economy: A User's Guide | 9 |
| 88-411 | The Rise of the Asian Economies | 9 |
| 88-412 | Economics of Global Warming | 9 |
| 5. Political Science and Law | Units | |
| 70-364 | Business Law | 9 |
| 70-365 | International Trade and International Law | 9 |
| 73-408 | Law and Economics | 9 |
| 79-334 | Law, Ethics, and the Life Sciences | 9 |
| 80-235 | Political Philosophy | 9 |
| 80-321 | Causation, Law, and Social Policy | 9 |
| 88-181 | Topics in Law: 1st Amendment * | 9 |
| or 88-184 | Topics of Law: The Bill of Rights | |
| 88-389 | Terrorism and Insurgency | 9 |
| 88-444 | Public Policy and Regulation | 9 |
* only one course (either 88-181 or 88-184 ) may count toward an elective requirement in the Policy and Management minor.
NOTE: Some courses have additional prerequisites.
Washington Semester Program
Kiron Skinner, Faculty Director; kskinner@andrew.cmu.edu
Emily Half, Academic Advisor; ehalf@andrew.cmu.edu; 412-268-7082, Baker Hall A60C
http://www.cmu.edu/ir/academic-programs/washington-semester-program/index.html
From embassy headquarters to non-governmental organizations, think tanks to advocacy organizations, and consulting firms to media outlets, Washington, DC, is a focal point for many international and public policy activities.
Undergraduates from any course of study who would value firsthand policy experience are invited to apply to Carnegie Mellon University's Washington Semester Program, sponsored by the university's Center for International Relations and Politics. In this semester-long program, students live, work, and study in Washington, DC, coming into direct contact with political, business, and community leaders and learning about the most pressing policy issues of the day.
The Center for International Relations and Politics sponsors policy events and forums in Washington for CMU students participating in the program to further enrich their experience and enhance their understanding of how Washington functions as a hub of international and public policy decision making.
Students should contact the academic advisor for more information or to discuss how the CMUWSP may fit into their curriculum.