A public policy degree is worth it and can help you get a good career in public policy which is in demand and will always be in demand.
You do need a masters degree to be a policy analyst in a senior level position although if you're just getting into an entry level position as a policy analyst then you only need a bachelor's degree.
You need a PhD or at least a JD to be a policy analyst and you also need a bachelor's degree to be a policy analyst.
Most policy holders have at least either a JD or PhD along with their bachelor's degree and employers who are looking to hire policy analysts look for people that have experience with policy analyst even in entry level positions.
The difference between a policy advisor and a policy analyst is the policy advisor is more hands on and influential in the policy development and the implementation process and a policy analyst role is more centered on research and analysis.
However both positions as a policy advisor and policy analyst involve informing and shaping policy decisions.
Possible job titles include policy analyst, program analyst, program specialist, social scientist, policy coor- dinator, and management and policy analyst.
Using a specialized skill set, this detailed-oriented professional as a policy analyst evaluates and reviews policies and legislation that can impact populations at the local, state or federal level.
An advanced education can help prepare aspiring analysts for this important role.
As a policy analyst you would gather and analyze data and statistics from various sources, like surveys and focus groups, write reports of research findings and summaries and reviews of current policies, write policy proposals explaining the potential impacts, costs and benefits of the change.
Policy Analysts are often faced with intricate challenges that require nuanced solutions.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are crucial for dissecting issues, identifying underlying causes, and developing innovative solutions.
Policy analysts may study topics, such as public opinion, political decision making, and ideology, may analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities and they also may conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.
Many policy analysts have degrees in economics, public policy, public administration, or public affairs, but others have degrees in business, environmental science, education, philosophy, psychology, or public health.
Some analysts have law or medical degrees.