SMU students can now apply for a brand new minor. It’s called Public Policy and International Affairs and is offered by the Tower Center. The program is multidisciplinary and will allow students to get real world experiences in class and through internships. The catch? The minor is by invitation only. However, it is open to students from any major.

Diane Newton, the program’s director, has worked for both the State Department and the National Security Council. She knows the importance of hands-on experience. “Regardless of a student’s chosen field-of-study or career aspirations, policy will be relevant, and understanding how policy gets made will be essential,” Newton said.

The minor calls for 15 hours of political science classes. The minor also includes real-world problems which students work to solve for clients. It also has internship requirement which takes the student out of the classroom for real world experience.

The deadline to apply is quickly approaching. Students interested must submit their application by Oct. 15, 2014. For more information visit one of the program’s information sessions: 9/17 at noon, 10/1 at 4:30 pm or 10/8 at noon. Or visit their website www.smu.edu/towercenter.