PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION COURSES

PUB 231. PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 4 sh

This course introduces the student to the complexities of administering government activities and emphasizes the basic principles of organizations, decision making, fiscal management, personnel management and other forms of action in the public sector. Offered fall and spring.

PUB 328. PUBLIC POLICY  4 sh

This study of public policy making emphasizes policy content and focuses on the stages and options in the process, especially the complex relationships between the branches and levels of government within the structure of federalism. Students trace the development of selected public policy positions and focus on options available to contemporary decision makers. Offered fall.

PUB 334. GIS APPLICATIONS FOR ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNING  4 sh

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is an indispensable tool in public policy research, analysis and implementation. Students will develop expertise in the use of GIS software through the use of case studies, specific research projects and practical applications of this new technology in both the public and nonprofit sectors. Offered every other year.

PUB 335. ETHICS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR  4 sh

The course seeks to develop awareness of the responsibilities associated with discretionary power; to develop an understanding of the ethical standards, values and virtues associated with civil service; and to build skills in using moral imagination and ethical reasoning to assess and deal effectively with ethical dilemmas that arise in public service. Offered fall.

PUB 428. COMPARATIVE PUBLIC POLICY  4 sh

Focusing primarily on various countries in Europe and Eurasia, with comparisons to the United States, this course examines the differences in the formation and implementation of a variety of public policies. It also explores differences in political culture, economic structure, political institutions and national approaches to domestic social policies, and how those differences impact the policy process and policy content. Offered fall.

PUB 431. POLICY ANALYSIS AND PROGRAM EVALUATION  4 sh

Two aspects of the public policy process are covered in this course. Policy analysis focuses on the formulation stage of the policy process and attempts to isolate both the intended and many unintended effects of public policy. Program evaluation determines the degree to which a program is meeting its objectives and considers problems and side effects. Prerequisite: POL 220 or permission of instructor. Offered spring.

PUB 433. URBAN POLITICS  4 sh

Advanced study in areas of the urban politics field centers on varying topics to be decided by the instructor. Selections might include urban management, urban public policy, urban problems, etc. Prerequisite: POL 222 or permission of instructor.

PUB 461. SEMINAR IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION  4 sh

The capstone experience for senior Public Administration majors involves review of the discipline’s conceptual approaches and discussion and development of research strategies. Students must present a work of original scholarship. Prerequisite: senior majors only. Offered fall.

PUB 481. INTERNSHIP IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION  1-16 sh

Work experience in a nonprofit, business, governmental or legal setting requires students to establish experiential goals and to reflect on the learning experience. Offered on an individual basis when suitable opportunities can be arranged.

PUB 485. WASHINGTON INTERNSHIP IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION  1-12 sh

Work experience in a partisan, nonprofit, business, governmental or legal setting in the Washington, D.C. area, requires students to establish experiential goals and reflect on the learning experience. Offered on an individual basis when suitable opportunities can be arranged.

PUB 491. INDEPENDENT STUDY  1-4 sh

PUB 499. RESEARCH  1-4 sh

This course is an opportunity for students to undertake an empirical or theoretical study of a topic in public administration in collaboration with a departmental faculty member. Research projects may include a review of research literature, developing a research design, data collection and analysis, and a presentation or report when the study is completed. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. A research proposal form completed by the student in conjunction with the faculty member is required for registration. Students may register for one to four hours of credit per semester and may register for more than one semester of research for a total of eight hours of research credit toward the major. Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and have completed 28 semester hours of undergraduate work.