Public policy is a unique major, but it also has elements of the three other SPP programs: economics, political science, and sociology. Governmental structures frequently need to pass and apply policy changes (political science). Funding for policy programs is limited (economics). Individuals and society as a whole must accept new policies as legitimate for programs to be effective (sociology).
Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the degree, you can choose to meet with any of our three SPP advisors. We suggest you choose the one whose program most overlaps with your own public policy focus and interests.
The three advisors are Andrew Edwards (political science), Jennifer Edwards (sociology), and Laura Relyea (economics). Please use the “Book Now” link next to your chosen advisor. Also, before booking, please review the advising expectations and tips listed at the bottom of the page.
We look forward to speaking with you!
Political Science – Andrew Edwards
418B Bexell Hall
E-mail: andrew.edwards@oregonstate.edu
Andy Edwards is unsure of where his hometown really is; he needs his own concert t-shirt. He grew up in North Carolina, attended high school in Connecticut, and has lived in Arizona, Texas, Illinois, Tennessee, Indiana, Germany, and Oregon. He has bachelor’s degrees in history and political science from Northwestern and master’s degrees in College Administration from Indiana and Sociology from Oregon (boo, hiss!). Although he tries to suppress his inner geek, it does take over when discussing Lord of the Rings and the Muppets. He has been an academic advisor for multiple majors at various universities for over twenty years.
Sociology – Jennifer Edwards
418C Bexell Hall
Email: jen.edwards@oregonstate.edu
Jen Edwards was born and raised in the Southwest (New Mexico and Arizona), but loves living in the soggy Pacific Northwest. Jen taught high school theatre, history, and English for ten years before discovering the career of academic advising. She has been an academic and career advisor for over 14 years, and is passionate about helping students learn the value of earning a liberal arts degree and being able to promote these skills to meet their academic, career, and life goals. Her favorite quote is from Thoreau, “If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.” Jen has an undergraduate degree in theatre from Northern Arizona University, a master's in theatre directing from Roosevelt University, and graduate certificates in education from the University of Adelaide, Australia, and academic advising from Kansas State University. When not traveling with her husband, she loves cuddling with her rescue cat or going hiking or mushrooming with her rescue dog.
Economics – Laura Relyea
418E Bexell Hall
Email: laura.relyea@oregonstate.edu
Laura Relyea has worked in higher education for over 25 years, with previous experience in Office of the Registrar at another university, and Office of Admissions plus other academic departments at OSU. She brings her passion of motivating others to be their best into her academic advising, loves helping students develop degree plans in line with career goals and establishing plans to achieve them. With a degree in Music Education and a Certificate in The Leadership Program for Musicians, Laura has taught public school, private piano and voice lessons, directed choirs for all ages, and still serves as a church musician. Born and raised in Wisconsin and a self-proclaimed Cheesehead, when not assisting or advocating for students you’ll find Laura spending time with her husband, making music, knitting, quilting and cooking.
Advising Tips:
As the student, you should:
Your advisor should: