School of Criminal Justice and Government Relations

Political Science (POS) Bachelor of Arts (teach-out effective July 1, 2026)

School of Criminal Justice and Government Relations

Welcome to the School of Criminal Justice and Government Relations.

Kentucky State University’s School of Criminal Justice and Government Relations provides extensive academic instruction for students interested in the criminal justice system, public policy, or political systems. Each program is interdisciplinary, drawing upon other academic areas such as sociology and psychology.

Criminal justice focuses on the criminal justice system including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Public policy focuses on policy-making processes, governance, and governmental relations. Political science focuses on the political system and offers three specialization options. The programs offer Bachelor of Arts degrees and minors. We look forward to helping you determine which program best suits your needs.

Criminal Justice Bachelor of Arts

Kentucky State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice prepares students for careers in law enforcement, the judicial system, and corrections. The curriculum emphasizes the foundations of the criminal justice system, theory, ethics, and experiential learning to develop the knowledge and skills required for criminal justice system professionals. Additionally, the program offers an academic foundation for students pursuing graduate study or professional programs

Careers in Criminal Justice

Law Enforcement, Corrections, Probation and Parole, Crime Scene Investigator (CSI), Forensic Scientist, Legal Assistant or Paralegal, Victim Advocate, Intelligence Analyst, Criminal Justice Professor or Educator, and Private Investigator.

Criminal Justice Core Values

Justice and Fairness

Integrity and Ethics

Public Safety and Security

Professionalism and Excellence

Community Engagement and Collaboration

Respect for Human Dignity

Political Science Bachelor of Arts (teach-out effective July 1, 2026)

Kentucky State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Political Science prepares students for professional careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The curriculum emphasizes the foundations of political systems, governance theory, civic engagement, and analytical research to develop the knowledge and skills required for political and public service professionals. Additionally, the program offers an academic foundation for students pursuing graduate study or professional programs

Careers in Political Science

Policy Analyst, Legislative Assistant, Political Campaign Staff, Government Relations Specialist, Public Affairs Specialist, Legal Assistant or Paralegal, International Relations Specialist, Nonprofit Program Coordinator, Journalist or Political Reporter, and Academic Researcher or Teacher.

Political Science Core Values

Democratic Principles

Political Accountability

Pluralism and Diversity

Civil Liberties and Human Rights

Critical Thinking and Scholarship

Public Service and Civic Engagement

Public Policy Bachelor of Arts

Kentucky State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy prepares students for professional careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The curriculum emphasizes the foundations of the policy-making process, governance, ethical decision-making, and experiential learning to develop the knowledge and skills required for public policy professionals. Additionally, the program offers an academic foundation for students pursuing graduate study or professional programs.

Careers in Public Policy

Policy analyst, legislative assistant/aide, budget analyst, political scientist, researcher, policy advocate, lobbyist, program developer, community relations coordinator, and public affairs specialist.

Public Policy Core Values

Stewardship of the Common Good

Evidence Before Advocacy

Equity and Social Justice

Transparency and Accountability

Civic Responsibility and Empathy

Pragmatism and Efficiency

Criminal Justice (CJE) Bachelor of Arts

Political Science (POS) Bachelor of Arts

Public Policy (PPL) Bachelor of Arts

Criminal Justice (CJE) Bachelor of Arts

Requirements

To satisfy the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice a student must complete a minimum of 120 semester hours, including 45 semester credit hours in Criminal Justice. The required courses are CJE 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice, CJE 215 Introduction to Criminal Law, CJE 220 Juvenile Justice, CJE 320 Law Enforcement, CJE 325 Courts, CJE 330 Corrections, CJE 335 Theories of Crime and Delinquency, CJE 340 Principles of Victimology, CJE 345 Comparative Criminal Justice, CJE 350 Criminal Justice Ethics, CJE 410 Criminal Justice Administration, CJE 415 Seminar in Criminal Justice, CJE 430 Criminal Justice Internship, CJE 433 Research Methods, CJE 434 Statistics in Criminal Justice. Students are also required to take one (1) Criminal Justice Elective course and three (3) support courses (i.e., SOC 203 Principles of Sociology, SOC 305 Contemporary Social Problems and ENG 216 Technical Writing or BUA 204 Business Writing).

Criminal Justice (CJE) Bachelor of Arts Major and Minor Plans of Study

Political Science (POS) Bachelor of Arts (teach-out effective July 1, 2026)

Requirements

To satisfy the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, a student must complete a minimum of 120 semester hours, including 30 semester credit hours in Political Science. The required courses are POS 160 State/Local Government, POS 201 Metropolitan Government, POS 211 Intro to Political Science, POS 300 Statistics for BSS, POS 301 Research Methods for BSS, POS 355 Class Political/Soc Theory, and POS 499 Senior Colloquium; and the selection of 6 semester credit hours from any two of the three specialization options (Constitutional Law, International Relations, and Legislative/Executive Politics) in consultation with the student’s advisor. Students seeking the Constitutional Law option must complete POS 331 American Constitutional Law and POS 431 Constitution/Civil Liberties. Students selecting the International Relations option must complete 6 semester credit hours from POS 311 Comparative Government, POS 361 World Politics, POS 363 International Organizations, POS 462 Politics of Developing Nations, or POS 464 African Politics. Students select the Legislative/Executive Politics option must complete 6 semester credit hours from POS 322 Legislative Process, POS 446 American Political Executive, or POS 461 American Politics.Students should consult their advisor for the availability of other specialization options. The student in consulting with his/her advisor must select a final 3 semester hours elective from a 300/400 level political science course to complete the 36-hour Political Science major. Additionally, the student must complete a minor. Also, students must complete POS 101 American Government as part of the Liberal Studies Requirement.

Political Science (POS) Bachelor of Arts Major and Minor Plans of Study

Public Policy (PPL) Bachelor of Arts

Requirements

To satisfy the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy, a student must complete a minimum of 120 semester hours, including 45 semester credit hours in the degree program core. The required courses are PPL 111 A Survey of Public Policy, POS 101 American Government, POS 201 Metropolitan Government, PPL 225 Urban Theory in Modern American Cities, PPL 245 Public Policy Legislative and Regulatory Processes, POS/CJE 300 Quantitative Methods, POS/CJE 301 Research Methods, PUA 301 Public Budgeting Processes, POS 331 American Constitutional Law, POS 361 World Politics, POS 363 International Organizations, PPL 390 Models of Public Policy-Making, PUA 400 Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation, PUA 414 Applied Human Relations, POS 431 Constitution/Civil Liberties, and PPL 440 Diplomacy and Leadership. Students seeking the Government and Public Affairs track must complete PUA 402 Human Resource Management in Public Agencies and PUA 499 Senior Seminar in Public Administration. Additionally, students must select 6 semester hours of required electives at the 300-400 level in consultation with their advisor, choosing from courses such as PUA 304 Comparative Administrative Systems and Policies and PUA 305 Contemporary Public Policy Issues.

Public Policy (PPL) Bachelor of Arts Major Plan of Study

Criminal Justice (CJE) Course Descriptions

Political Science (POS) Course Description s

Public Policy (PPL) Course Descriptions

Public Administration (PUA) Course Descriptions

Criminal Justice Course Descriptions

CJE 101: Intro to Criminal Justice

A survey course designed to study the criminal justice process. An analysis of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, court, and correctional agencies.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 215: Introduction to Criminal Law

The study of the development and history of criminal laws in the United States emphasizing the structure, definitions, and interpretations of criminal statutes.

Prerequisite: CJE 101 or consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 220: Juvenile Justice

A course designed to study the juvenile justice system from processing of the juvenile offender through treatment. Examines the nature and extent of delinquency in the United States and responses to juvenile crime.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 320: Law Enforcement

The study of the history and development of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and current issues in law enforcement.

Prerequisite: CJE 101 or consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 321: Private Security

The study of the historical and philosophical development of private security. Emphasis is placed on responsibilities and legal problems of private agencies.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 322: Criminal Investigations

An introduction to the techniques and methods used by police investigators. Attention is given to crime scene protection, collection, preservation, and identification of physical evidence.

Prerequisite: CJE 101 or consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 325: Courts

A course designed to study the American judicial system including the function of courts, judicial process and procedures, rules of evidence, constitutional issues, and the roles and responsibilities of key court personnel.

Prerequisite: CJE 101 and CJE 215 with grades of C or better

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 330: Corrections

The study of the correctional process, including jails, prisons, probation and parole. Emphasis is on an analysis of correctional theory and practice.

Prerequisite: CJE 325 or consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 332: Comm. Relations Crim Justice

The study of the relationship of the community to law enforcement, correctional institutions, and other criminal justice agencies. Emphasizes techniques for conflict resolution.

Prerequisite: CJE 320 or consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 335: Theories Crime & Delinquency

A course designed to study the major theoretical explanations of crime and delinquency.

Prerequisite: CJE 101 and CJE 215 with grades of C or better

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 340: Principles of Victimology

Study of crime, its victims, and their relationship to the criminal justice process. Emphasizes psychological, financial, and medical needs and problems of the victim. CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOURS.

Prerequisite: CJE 325 and PSY 200 or consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 345: Comparative Criminal Justice

A course designed to examine the nature, location, and impact of crime in the United States including its historical foundations, theories of criminality, measurement of crime, typologies, and public policies concerning crime control with emphasis on cross-cultural perspectives.

Prerequisite: CJE 101 and CJE 215 with grades of C or better

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 350: Criminal Justice Ethics

A course designed to examine the theoretical foundations of ethics, ethical decision-making, and ethical issues confronting the criminal justice system, its processes and personnel.

Prerequisite: CJE 101 and CJE 220 with grades of C or better

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 410: Criminal Justice Admin

The study of the principles of organization, administration, leadership, management, and function of criminal justice agencies, including problem-solving, planning, and evaluation techniques used by criminal justice administrators.

Prerequisite: CJE 101 and CJE 220 with grades of C or better

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 415: Seminar in Criminal Justice

The study of special issues in criminal justice. Special emphasis is placed upon solutions to particular administrative problems

Prerequisite: CJE 410 or consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 430: Criminal Justice Internship

A supervised placement in a criminal justice agency which enables students to obtain practical experience in a criminal justice setting.

Prerequisite: CJE 215 and CJE 330 or consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 433: Criminal Justice Research Meth

An in-depth research effort. To include an introduction to basic logic, knowledge and skills of research design and methodology.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 434: Statistics for Crim Justice

This course serves as an introduction to the use of statistics as a method of describing and analyzing data from research in criminal justice with an emphasis on applied methods. (Three hours of lecture, one hour of laboratory per week)

Prerequisite: CJE/SOW 433 and MAT 111 or higher

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 451: Foundations of Executive Leade

This foundational course will introduce contemporary leadership theories, ethical frameworks, and personal resilience strategies. It will examine leadership styles, the role of character and accountability in policing, and methods for sustaining wellness in high-stress roles. Legal obligations and ethical dilemmas common in command positions will also be covered to prepare police leaders for responsible decision-making.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 452: Strat. Comm. & Org. Mamgt.

This course will emphasize the strategic responsibilities of police leaders. Topics include long-term planning, problem-solving frameworks, team development, resource management, and workforce planning. Police leaders will analyze how to align organizational goals with community needs, efficiently manage personnel, and make informed budgeting decisions that support agency priorities and the proposed strategic mission.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 453: Leadership in Law Enforcement

This applied course teaches leaders how to design and implement internal and external communication systems that build organizational legitimacy and community trust using procedural justice, transparency, and culturally responsive practices.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 6

CJE 454: Oper. Leader. Through Ev.-Base

This course will enable operational leaders to read, design, interpret, and apply rigorous evidence to everyday policing decisions so that crime reduction strategies are ethical, effective, and sustainable

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 455: Command College Capstone

A practice‑focused capstone that guides sworn leaders to identify an agency problem, design, and pilot an evidence‑based intervention, and deliver a command‑ready implementation plan and professional briefing.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 6

CJE 495: Spec. Top in Criminal Justice

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 500: Sem. in Adv. Crimin. Procedure

This graduate-level seminar course examines the processes and legal principle relating to the United States judicial system. This course takes an advanced look at case law, statutes, constitutional framework, procedural rules and governing practice in criminal casework.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 505: Sem. in Law Enforce. Admin.

This graduate-level seminar provides a comprehensive examination of law enforcement administration, including relative theory, practice and contemporary matters. This course also studies organizational, managerial, and leadership effecting law enforcement agencies. Critical and analytical skill are employed to address complex problems faced by law enforcement administrators.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 510: Seminar in Correctional Admini

This graduate-level seminar offers a wide-ranging examination of issues, policies, and practices within correctional administration. This course analyzes management, operations and challenges encountered in correctional administration. It draws upon theoretical perspectives, empirical research and case studies pertaining to administration in the correctional setting. Special focus is given to rehabilitation, institution safety concerns and maintaining constitutional standards.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 520: Sem in Juven. Justice Admin.

This graduate-level seminar course provides instruction in the administration, policies, and practices within the juvenile justice system. It focuses on the historical, theoretical, and practical dimensions of juvenile justice and administration. Subject matter includes organization and management concerns, legalities, intervention strategies and other challenges faced by juvenile offenders.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 521: Sem. in Private Sec. Admin.

This graduate-level seminar course offers examination theory, practice and other relevant issues in private security administration. It focuses on the establishment of the knowledge and skills necessary for management in private security organizations. Emphasis is directed at strategic leadership, risk management, asset preservation, data utilization, and personnel matters.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 522: Sem. in Prob. & Paro. Admin.

This graduate-level seminar course provides an exploration of the theory, practice, and issues associated with probation and parole administration. It focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary to manage probation and parole systems from effective reentry to public safety. Including leadership, decision-making, and collaboration with stakeholders.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 6

CJE 530: Cyber Crimes

This graduate-level seminar course provides in-depth exposure to cybercrime. It focuses on case studies, legal frameworks, emerging trends, computer crimes, social media and other challenges to law enforcement. Additional topics include theoretical perspectives, investigative techniques, and strategies for prevention and response.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 531: Principles of Cybersecurity

This graduate-level seminar course offers an advanced overview of principles, practices and concepts relevant to cybersecurity operations. Knowledge will be obtained in the area of digital assets, cyber threats, confidentiality, integrity, and information systems, among others.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 532: Sem. in Cyber Crime & Cyberter

This graduate-level seminar provides a comprehensive overview of cybercrime and cyberterrorism. It addresses the theoretical, legal, and practical aspects relevant to challenges faces in society. Focus is placed on understanding cybercriminal and cyberterrorism activities and proactive strategies for prevention, detection, and response.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 540: Criminal Justice Reform

This graduate-level provides an in-depth exploration of the theories, policies, and practices shaping contemporary efforts to reform the criminal justice system. The course focuses on critically evaluating the current state of the criminal justice system. Focus areas encompass mass incarceration, racial disparities, police practices, sentencing reform, and alternatives to incarceration.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 541: Restorative Justice Practices

This graduate-level delves into the theory, principles, and applications of restorative justice as an alternative approach to conventional criminal justice practices. Restorative justice, a key aspect of criminal justice reform, prioritizes healing harm, encouraging accountability, and fostering dialogue among offenders, victims, and the community.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 6

CJE 542: Community Engagement, Learning

This graduate-level is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for effective and ethical engagement with diverse communities. This course examines community engagement, community-based learning, and cross-cultural competency, highlighting the need for collaboration and understanding.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 6

CJE 600: Adv. Crimin. & Crimino. Theory

This graduate-level seminar course focuses on advanced concepts, debates, and empirical research relating to criminological theory. Key theoretical perspectives are explored relating to the etiology of crime, the social construction of deviance, and criminal behavior. Exploration includes theoretical readings, empirical studies, and application.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 605: Adv. App. Stat for Crim. Justi

The graduate-level seminar course provided comprehensive knowledge of advanced statistical methods and application within criminology and criminal justice research. Instruction and practical application is conducted to ensure understanding of data collection, management, analysis, and data interpretation. Emphasis is placed on techniques to address research hypotheses, policy evaluation, and decision-making within the criminal justice system.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 610: Adv. Res. Meth. in Crim.Justic

This graduate-level course explores advanced research methodology used in criminology and criminal justice research. Advance emphasis is placed on methodology, ethics, and quantitative and qualitative methods used.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 680: Dir. Stud. in Crim. Justice

The Directed Study in the Criminal Justice course offers graduate students the opportunity to engage in self-directed research or scholarly study of a particular management or problem within criminal justice. Study takes place under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The course provides the opportunities to explore areas of interest not covered in existing coursework.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 681: Intern in Crim. Just.

This graduate internship in criminal justice course allows students to earn academic graduate credit while engaging in an immersive experiential learning opportunity within the criminal justice system (CJS). These opportunities include practical experience, supervised field placement, reflective practice, ethical considerations, critical analysis and hands-on activities. Internships may be completed with or without compensation.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

CJE 690: Comprehensive Exa + Grad Elect

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 6

CJE 699: Capstone Option

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 6

Political Science Course Descriptions

POS 101: American Government

A study of the formal and informal institutions of American national government and politics, including the Constitution, the presidency, Congress, the federal court system, etc.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

POS 160: State/Local Government

An examination of the structure and function of state and local political institutions, the forms of political participation, and various policy issues.

Prerequisite: POS 101 or consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

POS 201: Metropolitan Government

A study of municipal government and metropolitan problems, including politics, the role of the city council, the mayor, and the city manager.

Prerequisite: POS 101 or consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

POS 211: Intro to Political Science

An introduction to the study of behavior in a political context, including an analysis of behavioral concepts such as political roles, groups, and power.

Prerequisite: POS 101 or consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

POS 291: Political Science Internship I

A semester or session of supervised practical experience to complement classroom instruction. Final grade, placement, and number of semester credit hours determined by student’s advisor.

Prerequisite: Political Science major or minor and consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3-12

Contact Hours: 3-12

POS 300: Statistics for BSS

This course serves as an introduction to the use of statistics as a method of describing and analyzing data from research in the behavioral and social sciences.

Prerequisite: A background in basic algebra

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

POS 301: Research Methods for BSS

This course introduces the basic logic, knowledge, and skills of research design and methodology in the behavioral and social sciences.

Prerequisite: POS/PSY/SOC 300 or consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

POS 311: Comparative Government

An analysis of the major political systems of Europe, with emphasis on Great Britain, France, the German Federal Republic, and the Soviet Union.

Prerequisite: POS 211 or consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

POS 322: Legislative Process

An analysis of the constitutional development of separation of powers, federalism, the regulation of commerce, contracts, taxing and spending, and the state police power.

Prerequisite: POS 160

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

POS 331: American Constitutional Law

An examination of western political philosophy from Plato to Marx with emphasis on Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Marx.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

POS 355: Class Political/Soc Theory

An examination of the dynamics of world politics, international tension, conflict, and resolution.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

POS 361: World Politics

An analytical examination of the origins and character of the various international organizations, especially the United Nations.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

POS 363: International Organizations

Its importance, relevance, and roles as instruments for solving conflicts in the global system will be explored.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

POS 391: Political Sci Internship II

A semester or session of supervised practical experience to complement classroom instruction. Final grade, placement, and number of semester credit hours determined by student’s advisor.

Prerequisite: Political Science major or minor and consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3-12

Contact Hours: 3-12

POS 431: Constitution/Civil Liberties

An examination of constitutional development: the definition of American rights in the areas of freedom of speech, press, assembly, association, and religion.

Prerequisite: POS 160 and POS 211

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

POS 446: American Political Executive

An analytical examination of the powers, duties, and functions of American political executives in national, state, and local governments.

Prerequisite: POS 201, POS 211, and POS 331 or consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

POS 461: American Politics

An advanced political science course that addresses the American political heritage. Specific emphasis is placed on the Constitution, political behavior, and electoral systems.

Prerequisite: POS 160 or consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

POS 462: Politics of Developing Nations

A comparative analysis of political culture, processes, and problems of selected nations, the majority of which have become independent since World War II.

Prerequisite: POS 211

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

POS 464: African Politics

A survey course designed to introduce students to African political structure, its historical background, the impact of colonization, recent trends, and ideologies.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

POS 491: Political Sci Internship III

A semester or session of supervised practical experience to complement classroom instruction. Final grade, placement, and number of semester credit hours determined by student’s advisor.

Prerequisite: Political Science major or minor and consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3-12

Contact Hours: 3-12

POS 495: Directed Study in Pol Sci

Course content, instructional activities, and student assignments are tailored to specific needs.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

POS 499: Senior Colloquium

This course is designed to develop analytical skills, interpretation and research; and to nurture intellectual self/reliance and critical thinking.

Prerequisite: Senior Classification

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

Public Policy (PPL) Course Descriptions

PPL 111: A Survey of Public Policy

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of public policy in the modern world. Students will explore the processes of policy development, implementation, and analysis across various sectors such as health, education, environment, and social welfare. Through case studies and practical examples, the course examines the role of government institutions, non-governmental organizations, and stakeholders in shaping policy outcomes.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

PPL 225: Urban Theory in Mod. Amer. Cit

This course will analyze the evolution of urban theory and cover the main theorists who have shaped its development. Urban theoretical approaches will be used to explain the actions and policies of American cities towards their own development. This course examines the political dynamics and governance structures shaping modern American cities, focusing on how power, policy, and social issues intersect in urban environments. Additionally, this course highlights the role of American Political economy in shaping the urban structure of cities.

Prerequisite: POS 201

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

PPL 245: Pub Pol. Leg.& Reg. Process

This course provides in-depth examination of the legislative and regulatory processes that shape public policy in modern governance. The course will cover the procedures whereby laws are proposed, debated, and enacted within legislative bodies, and how regulatory agencies implement and enforce those laws. Key topics include the roles of elected officials, interest groups, and bureaucratic institutions. The course emphasizes practical understanding through the analysis of contemporary issues as well as the tools to assess the complexities of policymaking and regulatory frameworks and its processes.

Prerequisite: PUB 111 and POS 101 or consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

PPL 390: Models of Pub Pol Making

This course provides an outline of the various models of how public policies are created in the United States and internationally. The course will examine key models such as rational choice, incrementalism, institutionalism, the advocacy coalition framework, and punctuated equilibrium theory, among others. The course emphasizes the ways in which these models explain the complexity of model formation, decision making, implementation, and evaluation in different political, economic, and social contexts. The assumptions, strengths, and limitations of each model are addressed.

Prerequisite: PUB 111, POS 101, PUB 245 or consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

PPL 440: Diplomacy & Leadership

This course explores the overlapping relationship between diplomacy and leadership in international relations, focusing on the skills, strategies, and principles that define effective diplomatic management. The course will examine the role of diplomacy in the implementation of U.S. foreign policy, negotiation, conflict resolution, and international cooperation, as well as the qualities of strong leadership in a complex global environment. Diplomatic protocols, cross-cultural communication, crisis management, and the evolving role of international organizations are assessed.

Prerequisite: POS 361 and POS 363 or consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

Public Administration (PUA) Course Descriptions

PUA 301: Public Budget Process

An examination of the managerial components of budgetary processes in the government agencies.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

PUA 304: Comparat Adm Sys/Policies

An analysis of public management in selected nations with specific focus on the comparison of public policies, programs, and their implementations.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

PUA 305: Contemporary Public Policy Iss

Examination of one or more public policy issues currently confronting the United States.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

PUA 400: Pol Analysis/Program Eval

Analysis of the impact of programs and policies in the public sector.

Prerequisite: PUA 305 or consent of instructor

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

PUA 402: Human Resources Mgt

An introduction to human resource management. The topics may include recruitment, personnel development, job analysis, productivity, employee assistance services, and grievance analysis.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

PUA 414: Applied Human Relations

Applies human relations theory and practice to the public sector to develop a people/in/systems focus that will meet the needs of government workers.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

PUA 499: Senior Sem. In Public Policy

A capstone experience for public administration majors. The seminar will integrate theory and research with practice.

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 3

Academic Catalog

School of Criminal Justice and Government Relations