The program adopts an interdisciplinary approach, integrating contributions from Political Science, Law, Sociology, Public Administration, and Applied Linguistics, with an emphasis on critical perspectives and discourse analysis.

Area of Concentration

Public Policies, State and Society

Objectives

General Objective

To train researchers with analytical and critical capabilities to contribute to knowledge production and the improvement of public policies.

Specific Objectives

• Understand the public policy cycle;
• Analyze relationships between the State, power, and society;
• Investigate social inequalities and their impacts on public policies;
• Develop methodological competencies in scientific research;
• Prepare professionals for work in the public and social sectors.

Research Lines

• State, Governance, and Public Policies

Focuses on studies related to the functioning of the State, political institutions, and public management.

Topics:
governance, federalism, public policies, social participation, public management, policy evaluation.

• Discourse, Power, and Inequalities

Examines the relationships between language, power, and social exclusion within public policies.

Topics:
political discourse, gender, race, class, representation, symbolic violence, media, and politics.

Technology, Innovation, and Society

Analyzes the impact of technologies on public policies and democracy.

Topics:
digital government, social networks, disinformation, digital platforms, technology regulation.

Curriculum Structure

Duration: 24 months
Minimum Requirements: 24 credits + master’s dissertation

Required Courses

• Theories of the State and Public Policies
• Research Methodology in Social Sciences
• Epistemology and Interdisciplinarity
• Research Seminar

Elective Courses (examples)

• Public Policy Analysis
• Discourse and Power
• Gender and Public Policies
• Race and Social Inequality
• Political Communication
• Democracy and Participation
• Digital Technologies and Governance
• Public Policy Evaluation

Academic Activities

• Research seminars;
• Participation in research groups;
• Scientific article production;
• Qualification examination;
• Dissertation defense.

Graduate Profile

Graduates of the program will be able to:

• Critically analyze public policies;
• Develop interdisciplinary research;
• Work in public and private institutions;
• Produce knowledge with social impact.

Final Requirement

An academic dissertation with potential for scientific publication.