Policy Analysis

Policy Analysis means applying research to public or social problems to find the best ways to solve those problems. Policy analysts work for government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and special interest groups. They create policy by identifying a problem, researching possible solutions, and evaluating the costs and benefits of each option.

They then write new policies and may also participate in measuring policy outcomes. For example, an analyst working in education policy might draft recommendations for a state education board to improve special education programs in that state.