Public Policy Analysis Graduate Certificate Program Summary

Description What it is: The Graduate Public Policy Analysis Certificate (G-PPAC) is an interdisciplinary program designed for those interested in public policy. The program provides knowledge of the policy process and the methodological skills for analyzing and evaluating public policies. Upon completing the program, students receive a Certificate in Public Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation. Who it's for: Students interested in policy issues for a thesis/dissertation or future career opportunities with government or the private sector will benefit. Degree-seeking graduate students in any program at UNL or UNO are eligible. Non-degree students who hold a BA or BS from any accredited institution of higher education are also eligible. Delivery: UNL and UNO have a joint agreement whereby certain courses at each campus can be used for the certificate requirements. How to apply Students must be admitted to a degree program to complete the Public Policy Analysis certificate. Contact the Policy Analysis coordinator to set up a plan of study. Application Deadline Variable

Public Policy Analysis Students in the Public Policy Analysis Certificate program combine courses from their degree program and Political Science to create an experience that provides an in-depth understanding of policy analysis in their field. Contact Faculty Contact Professor John Comer Department of Political Science Oldfather Hall 509 jcomer@unl.edu 402-472-3222 Department Website http://polisci.unl.edu/public...

Required courses

The certificate requires 15 credit hours of course work plus a 3 credit hour internship or policy analysis project for a total of 18 credit hours. Some graduate programs that allow or require an outside minor will count the Certificate as meeting this requirement.

1. Six credit hours of theory, processes, models, and methods of policy analysis. (No substitutions.)

POLS 831 - Core Seminar in Policy Theory and Processes
Focuses on the field of public policy including the following: theoretical frameworks, the role of institutions in the policy process, and the motivations of policy actors.

POLS 836 - Public Policy Analysis Methods and Models
Explores both qualitative and quantitative approaches to public policy analysis. Topics include the nature of politics and policy, the formation of public policy, the analysis of policy content, methodological triangulation, participatory policy making designs, and the role of the policy analyst.

2. Three credit hours that provide an appreciation of the politics and/or political context of the policy specialization.

POLS 810 - The Administrative Process
Internal dynamics of public and private organizations.

POLS 825 - Congress and Public Policy
The policy-making role of the Congress including the institutionalization of the House and the Senate, an analysis of congressional behavior, the committee process, and the policy

POLS 868 - Organizing World Order
Structures and forces relevant to creation of order in world politics. Contents vary according to semester and instructor involved. Examples: trends within the United Nations system; transnational economic integration; patterns in arms control and disarmament; prospects for a United States of Europe; human rights and international violence; the United States response to terrorism and guerrilla warfare; the management of conflict; economic development and world order.

POLS 874 - Comparative Institutions
Formal and informal institutions such as constitutions, electoral rules, property rights, and civil rights. How and why people in different groups, countries, and cultures construct institutions to facilitate collective action. Whether different groups construct distinctly different institutions to deal with similar problems and why similar institutions seem to work differently in distinct societies.

POLS 931 - Seminar in Public Policy
Topics include, but are not limited to, agriculture, cities, education, environment, health, and rural communities.

At UNO:

PA 8300 - Public Policy Design and Implementation
This course examines the formulation, adoption, implementation and evaluation of public policy. Important topics include the basic features of American government, the causes and determinants of public policies, the dynamics of decision-making in the public sector, the obstacles to "successful" public programs, and the criteria for the assessment of a public program's impact. Special emphasis is given to the role public managers play within the policy process.

PA 8566 - Intergovernmental Management
This course is directed at those who wish to improve their knowledge and understanding of intergovernmental relations as it impacts policy and administration in the United States. The course will look at history and theoretical underpinnings of intergovernmental relations, the different elements of these relationships and review specific management arenas that are affected by these relationships.

3. Six credit hours in the student's policy specialization.

Students should seek approval from the policy certificate coordinator or an advisor from their policy specialization prior to registering for the courses.

4. Three credit hours of internship or field research project (capstone experience).

Students work with the certificate coordinator or advisor from their policy specialization to locate an internship in a governmental or non-profit agency.