Public Policy Administration BSPPA, Public Policy Emphasis
The BSPPA degree is designed for students who are interested in understanding and influencing public policy and administration, and who have a passion for making a positive impact on society. Students will gain understanding of developing, implementing, and evaluating public policy, and leading in public and nonprofit organizations. Students will have the chance to utilize those skills through an internship. In the public policy track, students work with a faculty advisor to develop a focus on a particular policy area in preparation for relevant jobs in the public, nonprofit or private sector.
The BSPPA degree has two emphasis areas and a track. The first is a public administration emphasis, which emphasizes management in both the public and nonprofit sectors; it may produce a terminal degree or be a precursor to graduate training. The second is a public policy emphasis in which a student may focus on a particular policy area and also acquire specialized analytic training and research skills, in preparation for relevant entry-level jobs in the public or the voluntary sector as well as in certain parts of the private sector. The track area focuses explicitly on the administrative and leadership concerns of organizations in the nonprofit sector, which constitutes a growing field of research and employment opportunities.
General Education Requirements
Majors must satisfy the university and college general education requirements. Political science courses may be used to satisfy the social sciences requirement.
Degree Requirements
All BSPPA majors must complete at least 33 but no more then 51, hours in political science. The following core curriculum is required of all BSPPA majors:
| Course Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Political Science | ||
| POL SCI 1100 | Introduction to American Politics (MOTR POSC 101) | 3 |
| POL SCI 1500 | Introduction to Comparative Politics (MOTR POSC 202) | 3 |
| POL SCI 3000 | Political Analysis | 3 |
| POL SCI 2400 | Public Administration | 3 |
| POL SCI 2420 | Introduction to Public Policy | 3 |
| POL SCI 3940 | Public Affairs Internship | 1-6 |
| POL SCI 4950 | Senior Seminar in Political Science | 3 |
| ECON 1001 | Principles of Microeconomics (MOTR ECON 102) | 3 |
| ECON 1002 | Principles of Macroeconomics (MOTR ECON 101) | 3 |
| Total Hours | 25-30 | |
In addition, students must provide a demonstration of computer proficiency through one of the following:
- INFSYS 1800 Computers and Information Systems, extension courses, or other study approved by the BSPPA coordinator.
- BSPPA students may take a maximum of 3 hours of political science on a satisfactory/ unsatisfactory basis, except for the following (which may not be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis):
| Course Number | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| POL SCI 1100 | Introduction to American Politics (MOTR POSC 101) | 3 |
| POL SCI 1500 | Introduction to Comparative Politics (MOTR POSC 202) | 3 |
| POL SCI 3000 | Political Analysis | 3 |
| POL SCI 2400 | Public Administration | 3 |
| POL SCI 2420 | Introduction to Public Policy | 3 |
| POL SCI 3940 | Public Affairs Internship | 1-6 |
| POL SCI 4950 | Senior Seminar in Political Science | 3 |
Public Policy Emphasis Area
Students will adopt a policy concentration of at least 15 credit hours with approval from the BSPPA coordinator. Possible areas of specialization include, but are not limited to, environmental policy, government and business, society and the legal system, urban policy, labor studies, health care, human services, and nonprofit service provision. In fulfilling the concentration requirement, students, in consultation with the BSPPA coordinator, will select courses from related disciplines including at least two political science courses related to the policy area.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Explain the characteristics and impact of policy-making institutions and systems, including national, state, and local governments.
- Demonstrate an understanding of administrative systems and processes.
- Apply various methods, tools, and sources to answer important management and policy questions.
- Analyze policies, programs, and relevant issues, formulate evidence-based recommendations, and communicate them with clarity and coherence.
- Apply public policy administration knowledge and engage in real-world problem solving through an internship.
- Plan, execute, and defend a major research project.
- Demonstrate an understanding of theories, concepts and practices relevant to the student’s chosen policy area.
- Compare and contrast different approaches and frameworks relevant to the student’s chosen policy area.
Sample Plan of Study
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| INTDSC 10031 | 1 | POL SCI 1500 | 3 |
| POL SCI 1100 | 3 | ECON 1001 | 3 |
| ENGL 1100 | 3 | CORE - Communication Proficiency | 3 |
| MATH 1030 | 3 | EXPLORE - Mathematics and Life/Natural Sciences | 3 |
| EXPLORE - Mathematics and Life/Natural Sciences | 3 | Elective or minor | 3 |
| EXPLORE - Humanities and Fine Arts | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| POL SCI 2400 | 3 | POL SCI 2420 | 3 |
| ECON 1002 | 3 | INFSYS 1800 | 3 |
| EXPLORE - Humanities and Fine Arts | 3 | POL SCI XXXX Policy Concentration Course | 3 |
| EXPLORE - Mathematics and Life/Natural Sciences | 3 | EXPLORE - Humanities and Fine Arts | 3 |
| Elective or minor | 3 | Elective or minor | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| POL SCI 3000 | 3 | ENGL 3100 | 3 |
| POL SCI XXXX Policy Concentration Course | 3 | POL SCI XXXX Policy Concentration Course | 3 |
| Elective or minor | 3 | Elective or minor | 3 |
| Elective or minor | 3 | Elective or minor | 3 |
| Elective or minor | 3 | Elective or minor | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| POL SCI 3940 | 3 | POL SCI 4950 | 3 |
| POL SCI XXXX Policy Concentration Course | 3 | POL SCI XXXX Policy Concentration Course | 3 |
| Elective or minor | 3 | Elective or minor | 3 |
| Elective or minor | 3 | Elective or minor | 3 |
| Elective or minor | 3 | Elective or minor | 2 |
| 15 | 14 | ||
| Total Hours: 120 | |||
- 1
INTDSC 1003 is required only for first-time freshmen and transfer students with less than 24 college credits.
Please Note: This plan is an example of what a four year plan could look like for a typical student. Placement exam scores in math as well as the completion of coursework may change the plan. It should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor each semester. All requirements are subject to change.