Political Science with Specialization in Public Policy and Management, B.A.
The processes, politics, and outcomes of public policy formulation, enactment, and execution are inescapably important to the conduct of any society but are particularly important to understand in a free society. The Public Policy and Management concentration exposes political science students to an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to equip graduates with a range of knowledge and skills that will separate them from others pursuing a career in public service. Required courses in economics, public and business management and organizational theory, public budgeting, and public sector ethics, along with elective coursework in areas like public finance, public policy analysis, and internet & media politics provide Public Policy and Management majors with an exceptional academic foundation for career exploration and advancement. Internship opportunities in public, non-profit, and for-profit organizations marry this academic foundation with experiential learning that gives students a meaningful head start in their professional pursuits after graduation.
A minor is required with this major.
Outcomes
Political Science Majors, upon graduation, will be able to:
comprehend the basic structures and processes of different government systems as these operate in national and/or comparative contexts;
explain the nature of, interplay and relationship between, interests, institutions, and ideas in government and politics;
communicate arguments about significant political processes, events, and concepts using appropriate evidence; and
apply methods appropriate for accumulating and interpreting data applicable to the discipline of political science.
Requirements: (39 credits)
Core Courses:
| PS 110 | American Government/Politics | 3 |
| PS 230 | American State & Local Govt | 3 |
| PS 260 | Public Administration | 3 |
| PS 450 | Public Sector Ethics | 3 |
| PS 446 | Power, Money, and Politics: The Public Budgeting Process | 3 |
| ECON 201 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| MGT 295 | Fundamentals of Management and Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| PS 250 | Approaches to Political Science | 3 |
Electives:
At least 3 credits for the major must be taken at the 300-400 level in Political Science and 6 credits must be taken at the 400-level in Political Science and 6 credits at the upper level must be taken in Management. An Internship is highly encouraged. Students must also complete a minor in an area relevant to their policy interests.
| MGT 305 | Human Resource Management | 3 |
| or | |
| MGT 345 | Organizational Analysis & Change Management | 3 |
| or | |
| MGT 348 | Management Systems | 3 |
| or | |
| MGT 390 | Management Topics | 3 |
| or | |
| MGT 340 | Ethical/Social Issues for Mgr | 3 |
| or | |
| MGT 425 | Labor/Management Relations | 3 |
| or | |
| MGT 432 | Human Resource Development and Training | 3 |
| or | |
| MGT 460 | Staffing | 3 |
| or | |
| MGT 497 | Internship in Management and Organization | 1- 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 39