COURSE CURRICULUM

The Public Administration and Political Science curriculum provides students with a broad understanding of government institutions, public policy processes, and the leadership and management of public and nonprofit organizations. The program begins with foundational courses such as Introduction to American Politics, Diversity and Equality, and Introduction to International Relations, which introduce students to political systems, democratic values, and global political interactions. Students also develop research and analytical skills through courses such as Applied Social Statistics and Research Design, enabling them to evaluate public policies and political behavior using quantitative and qualitative methods. As students progress, they explore specialized topics including campaigns and elections, state and local government, public policymaking, nonprofit administration, and political behavior. Additional courses examine issues such as race and public policy, education policy and politics, and power and wealth in world politics, providing a deeper understanding of how social, economic, and political factors influence governance and decision-making. Advanced coursework covers areas such as American foreign policy, conflict and diplomacy, constitutional law, democracy and democratization, globalization and governance, and international political economy, allowing students to analyze global political systems and international relations. The curriculum also addresses leadership and administrative practices through courses in public sector leadership, organizational behavior, and public administration. At the graduate level, the program provides advanced training in public administration through courses such as Foundations of Public Administration, Public and Nonprofit Budgeting, Human Resource Administration, Program Evaluation, and Public Finance for Policymakers. Students also study intergovernmental relations, policymaking processes, and economic analysis for public policy. Practical experiences such as internships, directed readings, seminars, and capstone projects allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world public service settings. The program culminates in advanced research opportunities, specialized topics, and dissertation work for doctoral-level study. Overall, the curriculum prepares students for careers in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, policy research institutions, and international organizations while also providing strong preparation for graduate study and leadership roles in public service and governance.