Online B.S./B.A. in Politics, Policy and Public Administration: Curriculum

An overview of the historical foundations of our democratic system of government, appraisal of key political institutions and actors, with the intent of promoting informed and active citizenry by students.

This course will study the purposes and roles of public service organizations in a market-based economy and democratic society. Throughout the course, we will discuss our own values, different public service career options, pathways to promoting the public good, and engaging in civil civic discourses.

An examination of the primary issues confronting the international system, including the environment, nationalism, transition to democracy and human rights, along with attempts to regulate political, economic, social and military conflict.

An introduction to the basic concepts and techniques used in social science research, including social scientific inquiry and research design, quantitative data gathering and analysis and qualitative data gathering and analysis. Prerequisites: Math 095.

This course evaluates the structural factors, actors, political economy and primary policy challenges confronting state and local government in the United States. Prerequisite: Any lower division Political Science course. Student must have at least sophomore standing to register for this course. EOY Even.

An analysis of the political economy of the mass media, its role in the American electoral system, and the impact of new and emerging forces (Internet, e.g.) on democracy. Student must have at least sophomore standing to register for this course.

This course introduces the public policy process in the context of American democracy. There are many forces at play working for and against policy change. Students in this class learn about rules and norms, system complexity, and the role of policy actors and institutions in modern democratic governance. Through this course, you will be evaluated on your ability to remember, understand, and apply concepts, themes, and arguments related to policymaking.

This course provides an understanding of budget preparation, adoption and execution; proposed reforms of the budget process; revenue strategies; and competing theories of the politics of budgeting. The course will be structured around a series of case studies and practical exercises.

Cumulative course to assess acheivement before finishing degree, complete with a research design and paper.  

In this course, you will explore a variety of policy related topics such as the politics of policy making, interpreting and constructing policy ‘problems,’ examining policy alternatives, evaluating outcomes, communicating success and defining failure. Through engaging these topics, you walk out of this course with a more complete understanding of the life cycle of policy and a better understanding of the complexity and context sensitivity that characterizes the policy process. This course qualifies for advancement into the accelerated MPA program.

This course will cover the foundations of public administration theory and praxis. Students will learn about the values, concepts, and challenges salient in public administration and apply them in a rural context. Through this exploration, students will have a better understanding of how public problems ‘uniquely’ manifest in rural areas and how public administrators can position themselves to solve them. This course qualifies for advancement into the accelerated MPA program.