Bachelor of Science in Public Administration​ Degree

3 Credits

This course is an introduction to the set of perspectives on human life that allows us to understand how our personal lives are affected by our place in society. It explores ways of looking at the world that allow us to understand how the events and experiences of our lives are part of group dynamics, of social institutions, and of cultural meanings. It allows us to see personal events and meanings as affected by historical forces and to see how historical events may be shaped by personal choices.

3 Credits

This course introduces the basic concepts of human nutrition to highlight ways that students can integrate healthy nutrition into their lifestyles. Principles of digestion and absorption, the function of nutrients, lifecycle nutrition practices, disease prevention, diet modifications, and weight management are covered. Practical application of these principles to the students' lives is emphasized.

3 Credits

Students in this course will explore the implications of ethnicity, culture, and diversity within the context of society. Students will be introduced to racial and ethnic relations, prejudice, stereotypes, discrimination, and adaptation and conflict in diverse cultures.

3 Credits

This course overviews the foundations of psychology as the field applies to everyday life. The physical and mental aspects of psychology are traced through lifespan development with emphasis on psychological health and wellness. Further study focuses on personality; thinking, learning and memory; motivation and emotions; and gender and sexuality. Based in various historical traditions, the course is set in the context of contemporary psychological principles.

3 Credits

This course introduces students to the constitutional foundations and governing institutions of the federal government. Throughout the course, students address common political themes, such as the nature and scope of governance, democracy, and patterns of political behavior.

3 Credits

This course focuses on a historical view of human development leading to the current life span approach to form an understanding of the developing individual, and it explores influences on human development, ranging from individual models to cross-cultural groups. Emphasis is given to personality, social, intellectual, and physical development, and the major theories used to describe how people change throughout their life span.

3 Credits

This course is designed to educate students about issues of race, ethnicity, gender, disability and other diversity issues in the United States.

3 Credits

This course provides a survey of the major historical developments, structural cosmology, symbolic interpretation, and values of the Judaic, Christian, and Islamic religious traditions.

3 Credits

This course examines traditions and developments in the visual and performing arts genres including music, dance, theater, cinema, visual arts, and architecture. Students will be introduced to the elements of each genre, along with an overview of its historical development in Western European tradition.

3 Credits

This course covers the skills necessary for effective written and oral communication in the work environment and in modern society. The course reviews basic communication theories and discusses the fundamentals of interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills. This course emphasizes applying these theories and skills to group processes and professional situations.

3 Credits

This course provides students with an introduction to the organization, administration, and functions of American state and local governments. The relationship between state and federal governments is also analyzed.

3 Credits

The course provides an introduction to the most prominent forms of media that influence and impact social, business, political, and popular culture in contemporary America. It explores the unique aspects of each medium as well as interactions across various media that combine to create rich environments for information sharing, entertainment, business, and social interaction in the United States and around the world.

3 Credits

This course provides a foundational perspective for ethics and social responsibility in relationship to individuals, organizations, and the community. Emphasis is placed on the interrelated nature of ethics, morality, legal responsibility, and social issues.

3 Credits

This course is an introductory overview of the organization and jurisdictions of local, state, and federal law enforcement, judicial and corrections agencies, and processes involved in the criminal justice systems. It examines the historical aspects of the police, the courts, and the correctional system, as well as the philosophy. Additionally, career opportunities and qualifying requirements, terminology, and constitutional limitations of the system will be covered.

3 Credits

This course serves as an introduction to the study and practice of public administration. The history of public administration, the issues and theories that confront it, and the political climate and management issues of ethics, staffing, budgeting, and implementing policies are analyzed.

3 Credits

This course introduces students to the foundations of communication in a public sector setting. Students are exposed to various topics related to interpersonal and group communication within the context of public sector applications. Students will develop skills in various mediums of verbal, nonverbal, and written communication genres. The utilization of social media and technology will be explored along with cross-cultural communications. Upon completing the course, students will have an awareness of various communication styles and genres and be able to identify areas for further exploration of communication as a skill.

3 Credits

This course explores the dynamic field of public policy development and examines decision-making in the ever-changing political environment. This course will require students to discuss multiple sources of policy input ranging from grassroots to legislative arenas. Current data sources and the application of analytical tools will be presented as a means to best satisfy multiple needs.

3 Credits

This course provides students with the skills necessary to lead and manage dynamic and diverse civic workforces. Students learn to review resumes, prepare job descriptions, interview candidates, draft performance evaluations, and progressive discipline protocols. Issues such as affirmative action, diversity and labor relations also are discussed.

3 Credits

This course examines the public sector budgetary process and related financial theories and methods.

3 Credits

This class examines the relationship and potential of partnerships between local, state, and the federal government as well as nonprofit and private organizations.

3 Credits

This course analyzes the ethical processes related to the nature, formation, and system of law in the United States, as applied to the public administration environment.

3 Credits

This course examines public sector financial policy, processes, theories, and fiscal responsibility in public administration.

3 Credits

This course will provide students with the methodology and research techniques used by public administrators. It includes an introduction to public programming, grant writing, statistics, and data collection analysis for public administration issues.

3 Credits

This course examines the theories and skills needed for public programs and grant writing for public organizations. It also explores the process of analyzing programs including conducting research to improve decision-making in the public administration field.

3 Credits

This course examines leadership theories and their applicability to public administration entities. Actions resulting in success or failure are examined as are issues of conflict resolution, negotiation, and general leadership skills that provide accountability between the public and the administration.

3 Credits

This class addresses the importance of planning for future growth along with evolving land use patterns.  Issues like urban and suburban sprawl, infill, density, redevelopment, and transportation modalities will be covered. Tools for implementing general plans, zoning, and eminent domain are addressed.

3 Credits

This course explores crisis management, recovery, mediation skills, problem-solving, collaborative strategies, and strategic thinking that mitigates risk. Students will develop skills to manage, resolve, negotiate and mediate conflict in and out of the organization. Students also will explore issues of cultural values, beliefs and differences related to conflict resolution.

3 Credits

his class will review major literature in Public Administration and explore challenges and solutions to existing issues in the field.