Political Science and Public Administration
Department Head: Dr. Brian Shoup (Interim)
Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Dragan Stanisevski
105 Bowen Hall
Box PC
Mississippi State, MS 39762
Telephone: 662-325-2711
E-mail: dstanisevski@pspa.msstate.edu
Website: http://www.pspa.msstate.edu
The Department of Political Science and Public Administration offers graduate study leading to the following degrees:
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public Policy and Administration
- Master of Public Policy and Administration (M.P.P.A.)
- Master of Arts (M.A.) in Political Science
The department awards a limited number of graduate assistantships.
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Administration
Admission Criteria
A student admitted to the Ph.D. program must have earned a graduate degree from an accredited university with a master’s level grade point average of at least 3.35. Applicants must submit the results of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); three letters of recommendation; a current résumé, two samples of previously written research (e.g., graduate thesis or capstone analysis) or analytic work completed in his or her professional career; and a statement of professional intent. The Ph.D. committee interviews most applicants.
Any international applicant whose native language is not English must submit scores that are not more than two years old from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Language Testing Systems (IELTS). These applicants must achieve a score of 600 PBT (100 iBT) or better on the TOEFL or 7.5 on the IELTS.
Academic Probation
A student whose GPA fall below 3.00 will be placed on academic probation the following semester. See the complete Academic Probation policy in this catalog.
Unsatisfactory Performance
A student in the Ph.D. program will be dismissed if he or she receives a second grade of C or lower or fails the preliminary exams a second time.
Master of Public Policy and Administration
The 42-hour Master of Public Policy and Administration (M.P.P.A.) program strives to professionalize and diversify public service. The program prepares persons to serve effectively as public administrators at the national, state, and local levels of government.
Admission Criteria
A competitive applicant for the M.P.P.A. program must have completed the last two years of undergraduate work with a grade point average of 3.00; applicants with previous graduate work must have a grade point average of 3.00 on such coursework. Moreover, the applicant must submit three letters of recommendation, official transcript(s), and a Statement of Purpose. An applicant with a lower grade point average may be admitted provisionally if she or he has appropriate work experience.
Any international applicant whose native language is not English must submit scores that are not more than two years old from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS). These applicants must have a score of 600 PBT (100 iBT) or better on the TOEFL or 7.5 on the IELTS.
A student who has not been enrolled for one regular semester (fall or spring) is required to submit a readmission form and a new statement of purpose. The readmission must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator. If a student has not been enrolled for one calendar year, the applicant must submit a new application and statement of purpose to be considered for readmission. The M.P.P.A. program accepts applications for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.
Provisional Admission
An applicant who has not fully met the GPA requirement stipulated by the University may be admitted on a provisional basis. The provisionally-admitted student is eligible for a change to regular status after receiving a 3.00 GPA on the first 9 hours of graduate courses at Mississippi State University (with no grade lower than a B). The first 9 hours of graduate courses must be within the student's program of study. Courses with an S grade, transfer credits, or credits earned while in Unclassified status cannot be used to satisfy this requirement. If a 3.00 is not attained, the provisional student shall be dismissed from the graduate program. Academic departments may set higher standards for students to fulfill provisional requirements; a student admitted with provisional status should contact the graduate coordinator for the program’s specific requirements. While in the provisional status, a student is not eligible to hold a graduate assistantship.
Academic Probation
A student whose GPA fall below 3.00 will be placed on academic probation the following semester. See the complete Academic Probation policy in this catalog.
Unsatisfactory Performance
A student in the M.P.P.A. program will be dismissed if he or she receives a second grade of C or lower. He or she will also be dismissed if found responsible for violating the Student Honor Code for a second time. See the complete Graduate School policy on Academic Dismissal in this catalog.
Master of Arts in Political Science
Admission Criteria
A competitive applicant for the Master of Arts in Political Science program must have completed the last two years of undergraduate work with a grade point average of 3.00; an applicant with previous graduate work must have a grade point average of 3.00 on such coursework. Moreover, the applicant must submit three letters of recommendation. An applicant with a lower grade point average may be admitted if he or she has a competitive score on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing portions of the GRE.
Any international applicant whose native language is not English must submit scores that are not more than two years old from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS). These applicants must achieve a score of 600 PBT (100 iBT) on the TOEFL or 7.5 on the IELTS.
Readmission
A student not enrolled for one regular semester (fall or spring) is required to submit a readmission form and a new statement of purpose. The readmission must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator. If a student has not been enrolled for one calendar year, the applicant must submit a new application and statement of purpose to be considered for readmission into his/her program of study.
Provisional Admission
An applicant who has not fully met the GPA requirement stipulated by the University may be admitted on a provisional basis. The provisionally-admitted student is eligible for a change to regular status after receiving a 3.00 GPA on the first 9 hours of graduate courses at Mississippi State University (with no grade lower than a B). The first 9 hours of graduate courses must be within the student's program of study. Courses with an S grade, transfer credits, or credits earned while in Unclassified status cannot be used to satisfy this requirement. If a 3.00 is not attained, the provisional student shall be dismissed from the graduate program. Academic departments may set higher standards for students to fulfill provisional requirements; a student admitted with provisional status should contact the graduate coordinator for the program’s specific requirements. While in the provisional status, a student is not eligible to hold a graduate assistantship.
Academic Probation
A student whose GPA fall below 3.00 will be placed on academic probation the following semester. See the complete Academic Probation policy in this catalog.
Unsatisfactory Performance
A student in the Master of Arts program will be dismissed if he or she:
- receives a second grade of C or lower, or
- fails the comprehensive examination a second time, or
- receives unsatisfactory grades for two semesters in PS 8000 (thesis only), or
- is found to be responsible for violating the Student Honor Code for a second time.
See the complete Graduate School policy on Academic Dismissal in this catalog.
Accelerated Program
Highly qualified PSPA undergraduates (3.50 GPA and above) are encouraged to apply to the Accelerated Program. This program permits students to earn up to 15 hours of graduate level coursework during their final year of undergraduate studies. Students can take graduate level courses and earn both undergraduate and graduate credit simultaneously. Students need to consult with a potential graduate advisor to ensure graduate credit could be applied to a Program of Study for the graduate degree. Application to this program may be made as early as the end of the junior year (i.e., after completion of 90 or more hours of graded undergraduate courses). Students interested in applying to the Accelerated Program should see Accelerated Programs for complete information and contact the Department's Accelerated Program Director, Dr. Leslie Baker.
Master of Arts in Political Science - Thesis
| Approved coursework in research methods and public policy | 6 | |
| PS 8000 | Thesis Research/ Thesis in Political Science | 6 |
| PS XXXX | Additional political science courses | 12 |
| Approved electives | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
The thesis program is open to anyone who obtains approval by the M.A. Committee. A minimum of 12 hours excluding thesis credits at the 8000-level is required.
Master of Arts in Political Science - Non-Thesis
| Approved coursework in research methods and public policy | 6 | |
| PS XXXX | Additional political science core courses | 12 |
| Approved electives 1 | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 33 | |
| 1 | If all or part of the elective coursework is completed outside of political science, students must choose courses from no more than two other departments. |
A minimum of 15 hours at the 8000-level is required.
The non-thesis program is open to anyone with at least 18 undergraduate semester hours in social science courses, including 9 hours in political science, who meets the minimum admission requirements.
Master of Public Policy and Administration
| Core Courses | ||
| PPA 8103 | Seminar in Public Administration | 3 |
| PPA 8703 | Government Organization and Administrative Theory | 3 |
| PPA 8713 | Public Personnel Management | 3 |
| PPA 8723 | Public Budgeting and Financial Management | 3 |
| PPA 8733 | Public Program Evaluation | 3 |
| PPA 8743 | Administrative Law | 3 |
| PPA 8803 | Research Methods for Public Affairs | 3 |
| PPA 8903 | Public Policy | 3 |
| PPA 8983 | Integrative Capstone | 3 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Courses in selected concentration | 12 | |
| Internship | ||
| Public or non-profit internship 1 | 3 | |
| Total Hours | 42 | |
| 1 | The internship is waived for students possessing at least one year of relevant work experience. |
Core courses provide broad training in public policy and administration. These courses cover the fundamental competencies essential for professional practice in the field of public policy and administration. Each student must complete a 12-hour elective concentration to augment knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired in required courses. These courses are tailored to the student’s career objective.
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Administration
| Public Administration Core Courses | ||
| PPA 9603 | Scope of American Public Administration | 3 |
| PPA 9703 | Organization Behavior in the Public Sector | 3 |
| PPA 9713 | Administration of Human Resources in a Public Sector Environment | 3 |
| PPA 9723 | Public Budgeting Processes and Their Policy Implications | 3 |
| PPA 9613 | Rural Government Administration I: Theoretical and Environmental Aspects | 3 |
| PPA 9203 | Constitutional and Political Framework of Public Administration. | 3 |
| PPA 9303 | Foundations of Public Administration | 3 |
| PPA 9403 | Comparative Public Administration | 3 |
| PPA 9903 | Public Policy Formulation and Implementation | 3 |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Any graduate-level courses approved by the student's committee | 6 | |
| Research Methodology | ||
| PPA 9803 | Multivariate Analysis and Design for Public Affairs | 3 |
| PPA 9993 | Research Design and Philosophy of Science | 3 |
| PPA 9503 | Qualitative Research for Public Affairs | 3 |
| PPA 9813 | Advanced Quantitative Analysis for Public Affairs | 3 |
| Dissertation | ||
| PPA 9000 | Dissertation Research /Dissertation in Public Policy and Administration | 20 |
| Total Hours | 65 | |
The program focuses primarily on preparing graduates for teaching careers and for research careers.
The program's secondary focus is preparing graduates for management careers in federal, state, and local administration.
Assistantships are available for full-time study. An applicant interested in being considered for financial assistance must indicate that interest at the time of application. Applications for financial assistance are due by March 1.
A student who has not been enrolled for one regular semester (fall or spring) is required to submit a readmission form and a new statement of purpose. The readmission must be approved by the Graduate Coordinator. If a student has not been enrolled for one calendar year, the applicant must submit a new application and statement of purpose to be considered for readmission.
Political Science
PS 6163 The Chief Executive: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PS 1113 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. Historical and comparative study of chief executives, including governors and mayors, with special emphasis on the Presidency
PS 6173 Legislative Process: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PS 1113 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. Organization, work, and procedure of legislative bodies and other law-making authorities
PS 6183 Judicial Process: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PS 1113 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. Process and structure of the American legal system and the role of the judiciary
PS 6193 Mississippi Judicial System: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PS 1113). Three hours lecture. A study of the interrelationship of the actors within Mississippi's judicial system. Emphasis is placed on judicial decision-making, selection process, and resource allocation
PS 6203 Political Parties and Electoral Problems: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PS 1113 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. The development and operation of American political parties, with special attention to electoral problems
PS 6213 Campaign Politics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PS 1113 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. Survey of the theory of political campaigns, the resources and techniques they employ, and their effects on voters
PS 6223 The Dynamics of American Democracy: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PS 1113 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. Analysis of factors affecting the translation of public opinion into public policy within a national institutional context
PS 6233 Interest Groups: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PS 1113 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. The study of the politics and practices of interest groups within the American political process
PS 6243 State Election Policy and Politics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior or graduate standing, or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. A survey of the fundamental challenges of election reform, from regulating access to voter registration and turnout, drawing electoral districts, improving voting technology, to successfully counting votes
PS 6253 Southern Politics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PS 1113 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. Survey of the politics of the Confederate and border states, examination of party development, leadership, and impact of the South in national politics
PS 6263 Mississippi Government and Politics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PS 1113 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. A study of the organization, powers, processes and politics of state government in Mississippi
PS 6273 African American Politics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PS 1113). Three hours lecture. The nature, processes, structures, and functions of African American politics in the domestic arena and international arena. (Same as AAS 4273)
PS 6283 Public Opinion: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PS 1113 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. The nature of public opinion; the influence of the press; pressure groups and propaganda techniques; the means of political communication
PS 6293 Political Behavior: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PS 1113 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. Examination of the foundations and types of individual political activity; emphasis on psychological, social and cultural factors influencing personal political behavior
PS 6303 US Foreign Policy: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PS 1313 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. An examination of the decision-making processes, institutions and structures that influence the formulation and execution of past and current U.S. foreign policy
PS 6313 Principles of International Law: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PS 1313 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. The nature, sources and scope of international law as found in custom, international convention, the teachings of authoritative writers, and judicial decisions
PS 6323 International Organization: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PS 1313 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. A study of the development of international organization and a concentration on the structure, processes and functions of the United Nations and its specialized agencies
PS 6333 Theories of International Relations: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PS 1313 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. This course critically examines traditional and contemporary, normative and behavioral, qualitative and quantitative theories of international relations
PS 6343 International Conflict and Security: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PS 1313 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. Study of the patterns, causes, and consequences of armed conflict between nations
PS 6353 International Political Economy: 3 hours.
Prerequisite: PS 1313 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. This course will systematically address the relationship between politics and economics in an international context
PS 6363 International Peacekeeping: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite:PS 1313 or PS 1513). An examination of peacekeeping operations with an emphasis on identifying reason for success or failure and on the role of international actors in rebuilding war-torn societies
PS 6373 International Terrorism: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior standing or greater, PS 1513, or Instructor Consent). Three hours lecture. This course will examine theories of international terrorism, the political significance of terrorism, types of tactics, and the political consequences of terrorism in the contemporary world
PS 6383 National Security Policy: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PS 1313 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. An examination of those policies and issues affecting American national security with attention to the institutions, organizations and processes which shape them
PS 6393 The Global Context: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Examination of selected issues of current importance to international relations
PS 6403 Ancient Medieval Political Theory.: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PS 1113 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. Political philosophy from Plato and Aristotle through the Middle Ages
PS 6423 20th Century Political thought: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PS 2403 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. An examination of selected thinkers, text, and ideas in the history of political thought from the late 19th Century to the present
PS 6433 American Political Theory: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PS 1113 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. Major schools of political thought in America from the colonial to the contemporary period
PS 6453 Western Political Theory: Plato to Marx: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PS 1113 or PS 2403). Three hours lecture. Chronological survey of central thinkers, texts, ideas, and movements in Western political thought from Plato to Marx
PS 6523 Democracy and Inequality: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PS 1513 or Instructor Consent). Three hours lecture. This course is a survey of approaches to the comparative study of inequality and democracy in the United States and abroad, focusing on race, class, sexuality and gender
PS 6543 African Politics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PS 1513 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. contemporary sub-Saharan Black Africa; prospects for political development or decay. Role of parties, bureaucracy and military and their relation to elite formation and political integration. (Same as AAS 4543)
PS 6553 Western European Politics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PS 1513 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. Governments of countries of Western Europe with emphasis upon England, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain
PS 6593 Latin American Politics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PS 1513 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. Background, organization, and structure of the governments of the various Latin American countries
PS 6613 Civil Wars and Intra-State Conflicts: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior standing or greater, PS 1513, and/or Instructor Consent). Three hours lecture. This course examines the causes of intra-state conflicts in the modern world as well as possible solutions
PS 6623 Politics of the 3rd World: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PS 1513 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. Political processes of developing nations. Prospects for development and decline considered. Relationship between political, economic and cultural dimension during the process of social change
PS 6633 Democracy and Democratization: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PS 1513). Three hours lecture. This course examines aspects of the evolution of democracy from its historical and conceptual origins to the present,explores democracy's classical definition and its understanding within modern political science, and considers efforts to measure democracy
PS 6643 Ethnic Conflict: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior standing, PS 1513, or Instructor Consent). This course will examine theories of ethno-genesis, the political significance of identity, and the ways that ethnicity impacts conflict processes
PS 6653 Nationalism: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Junior standing, PS 1513, or instructor consent). The course examines the theories underlying contemporary notions of nationalism and the ways that nationalist ideologies manifest in comparative politics
PS 6703 Principles of Public Administration: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: PS 1113 and junior standing). Three hours lecture. Bureaucratic politics and power; administrative responsibility in a pluralist democracy; public administrative organization; public personnel administration; and public budgeting
PS 6743 Environmental Policy: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PS 1113, PS 2703, or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. History, development, and practice of environmental policy in the United States
PS 6990 Special Topics in Political Science: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
PS 7000 Directed Individual Study in Political Science: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
PS 8000 Thesis Research/ Thesis in Political Science: 1-13 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
PS 8523 Reading in Local Government and Politics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of instructor). Reading assigned material in state government and politics and making reports thereon under the supervision of a member of the graduate faculty
PS 8533 Readings in National Government and Politics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of instructor). Reading assigned material in an appropriate subfield of national government and making reports thereon under the supervision of a member of the graduate faculty
PS 8543 Readings in Comparative Government and Politics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of instructor). Reading assigned material in an appropriate subfield of comparative government and making reports thereon under the supervision of a member of the graduate faculty
PS 8553 Readings in International Relations: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of instructor). Reading assigned material in an appropriate subfield of international relations and making reports thereon under the supervision of a member of the graduate faculty
PS 8803 Research Methods in Public Affairs: 3 hours.
Stress on research designs and methods, survey research and other techniques and measuring data. focus on applied approaches for mathematically analyzing governmental data. (Same as PPA 8803)
PS 8903 Public Policy: 3 hours.
Nature, determinants, and effects of public goods and services; policy formulation and implementation; seminar emphasizes contemporary issues such as strategic planning, leadership, and managerial control. (Same as PPA 8903)
PS 8990 Special Topics in Political Science: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
PS 9103 American Political Institutions: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Seminar addressing theoretical and empirical issues per- taining to the dynamics of American political institutions
Public Policy and Administration
PPA 7000 Directed Individual Study in Political Science and Public Administration: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
PPA 8103 Seminar in Public Administration: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: consent of instructor). Detailed examination of the major elements of the field of public administration, with particular emphasis on emerging trends in the field
PPA 8123 State Government Administration: 3 hours.
Seminar in the practice and principles of state government administration, including judicial and legislative administration
PPA 8133 City and County Management: 3 hours.
Seminar focus on small town and county management in quasi-bureaucratic settings. Detailed consideration of problem solving capabilities as they relate to different forms of local government structure
PPA 8143 Civil Rights and Affirmative Action: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: consent of the instructor). A seminar which examines the various civil rights laws and acts and court decisions related to affirmative action in the workplace and public policy
PPA 8153 Seminar in Privatization: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Examination of the theoretical and practical issues of public-private partnerships
PPA 8183 Local Government Finance: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Local government finance principles including revenue policy and administration, budgeting, and financial management at the subnational level
PPA 8193 Seminar in Intergovernmental Relations: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: 9 hours of graduate work). Three hours lecture. Examines the current day functioning of the American federal system. Focuses upon national-state, national-local, interstate, state-local and interlocal relationships as well as fiscal federalism
PPA 8400 Public Administration Internship: 1-6 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of instructor). Hours and credits to be arranged. Individual work experience under faculty guidance in a governmental or public agency. Scholarly paper on approved topic required. Student evaluations are assigned on satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis
PPA 8653 Health Policy and the Health Policy Process: 3 hours.
Comprehensive review of health policy and the policy process in the U.S., illustrating how public policies affect the health care sector
PPA 8703 Government Organization and Administrative Theory: 3 hours.
Detailed survey of organization theories and managerial techniques as they relate to the public sector
PPA 8713 Public Personnel Management: 3 hours.
Course considers major developments in the issues and management practices affecting personnel such as affirmative action, unions, and civil service reforms
PPA 8723 Public Budgeting and Financial Management: 3 hours.
Analysis of current financial and budgetary techniques as they apply to the public sector. Capital budgeting, debt administration, and financial management
PPA 8733 Public Program Evaluation: 3 hours.
Techniques and analytical methods of assessing governmental program success. Special emphasis will be given to program designs, data collection and quantitative applications
PPA 8743 Administrative Law: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PS 4703/6703). Three hours lecture. An environmental study of the legal nature and effect of policies and attitudes of government toward business, especially the power and limitations of regulatory agencies
PPA 8763 Local Government Planning: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Introduction to the public management practice of planning with an emphasis on local government processes, politics and techniques for planning
PPA 8803 Research Methods for Public Affairs: 3 hours.
Stress on research designs and methods, survey research and other techniques and measuring data. Focus on applied approaches for mathematically analyzing governmental data. (Same as PS 8803)
PPA 8833 Systems in Public Administration: 3 hours.
(Prerquisite: BIS 1013, CS 1013, TKT 4273/6273, or equivalent). Three hours lecture. Role of automated, computer-based systems in govenment; their impact on the workplace, government institutions, and the governmental systems; selected topical applications
PPA 8903 Public Policy: 3 hours.
Nature, determinants, and effects of public goods and services; policy formulation and implementation; seminar emphasizes contemporary issues such as strategic planning, leadership, and managerial control. (Same as PS 8903)
PPA 8983 Integrative Capstone: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites:Consent of Instructor).Three hours lecture. A groups-based consulting project on an issue currently facing a governmental or nonprofit organization. (should be taken in terminal semester of degree program )
PPA 8990 Special Topics in Political Science and Public Administration: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
PPA 9000 Dissertation Research /Dissertation in Public Policy and Administration: 1-13 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
PPA 9103 American Political Institutions: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Seminar addressing theoretical and empirical issues pertaining to the dynamics of American political institutions. (Same as PS 9103)
PPA 9203 Constitutional and Political Framework of Public Administration.: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Examination of public administration from a constitutional perspective; social, political, historical, and institutional impact of governments in democratic societies
PPA 9303 Foundations of Public Administration: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Examination of the theory of public administration with emphasis on over-arching metaphors of public administration that often guide both theory and practice
PPA 9403 Comparative Public Administration: 3 hours.
Examination of the different ways public administration is practiced around the world
PPA 9413 Normative Analysis of American Public Policy: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Seminar exploring issues in American politics and public policy from a normative perspective. (Same as PS 9413)
PPA 9503 Qualitative Research for Public Affairs: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. Examination of qualitative research, and the application of qualitative social research in public administration and public policy
PPA 9603 Scope of American Public Administration: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of the Instructor). Seminar dealing with historical background and development of American Public Administration as a discipline, and a review and analysis of current topics in the field
PPA 9613 Rural Government Administration I: Theoretical and Environmental Aspects: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of the Instructor). A seminar dealing with the principles of democratic theory as they affect the role of government and citizens' participation in government in rural settings
PPA 9623 Rural Government Administration II: Implementation Aspects: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of the Instructor). A seminar dealing with program implementation by rural and small town governments, including adoption and diffusion of management innovation by public administrators as change agents
PPA 9703 Organization Behavior in the Public Sector: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of the Instructor). Seminar dealing with major topics, issues, concerns of individual and group behavior in public organizations
PPA 9713 Administration of Human Resources in a Public Sector Environment: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of the Instructor). A seminar dealing with current basic research concerning management in the public sector environment
PPA 9723 Public Budgeting Processes and Their Policy Implications: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor). A seminar dealing with norms and behaviors of budget process participants, their impact on budget policy and implications of budget actions for democratic government
PPA 9803 Multivariate Analysis and Design for Public Affairs: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of the Instructor). A seminar dealing with public policy formulation, implementation and evaluation which stresses the theoretical aspects of policy processes
PPA 9813 Advanced Quantitative Analysis for Public Affairs: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: PPA 9803 or consent of instructor).Three hours lecture. Examination and application of advanced statistical techniques for quantitative research in public affairs
PPA 9893 American Political Behavior: 3 hours.
(Prerequsite: PPA 9803 and consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Seminar in American political behavior including public opinion, socialization, participation, and voting behavior. (Same as PS 9893)
PPA 9903 Public Policy Formulation and Implementation: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of the Instructor). A seminar dealing with public policy formulation implementation and evaluation which stresses the theoretical aspects of policy processes
PPA 9993 Research Design and Philosophy of Science: 3 hours.
Three hours lecturs. A hands on examination of applied and theoretical approaches to research design in public policy research