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Students explore how the world of public policy formulation encompasses national, state and local government including public relations, public interest organizations, issue-advocacy organizations, political parties, and many other entities.

Students learn about public relations, public interest organizations, issue-advocacy organizations, political parties and many other entities.


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Public Policy has taught me more about our political landscape today and has helped me form and strengthen my already-existing political opinions.

- Jinhyoung, Public Policy Student


The VANTAGE Experience

The professional world of public policy formulation encompasses national, state, and local government, public relations, public interest organizations, issue-advocacy organizations, political parties and many other entities. In Public Policy, students explore this world and understand the entities and elements participating in public policy formulation. 

Students are paired with a one-on-one mentor for the year as part of the VANTAGE program. Each semester, they work on external company projects, working on a real-world problem/challenge. Students receive valuable insights through guest instruction and enriching site visits that align with their academic curriculum. Throughout this experience, students develop and hone essential skills such as professionalism, teamwork, effective communication, problem-solving and leadership.


Register for Public Policy if you are interested in: 

  • How public policy is formulated
  • Earning college credit through AP and CIS classes
  • Fulfilling an English credit with a class that explores research and evidence-based arguments
  • Fulfilling a social studies credit while also earning four University of Minnesota credits

Course Credit

Grades offered: 11-12
MHS credits: 2.0

  • AP Seminar (1.0 English credit - weighted)
  • CIS Political Science 1001: American Democracy in a Changing World (1.0 social studies credit - weighted)

CIS University of Minnesota credits: 4.0

  • CIS Political Science 1001: American Democracy in a Changing World