Course Descriptions

COM 323 – Group Communication (upper division GE)

Studies principles and methods of small group communication. Develops individual and group skills through application of theory to practice. Emphasis is on intra-group behavior.

POLS 360 – Public Administration

Analysis of the executive function in governmental processes together with a survey of the principles of administrative organization, personnel management, financial administration, and public relations. Problems and trends in government service as a career are discussed.

MGT 360 – Management and Organizational Behavior

Introduces basic concepts in management and organizational behavior. Applies these concepts to the management of people and resources for the accomplishment of organizational goals. Emphasizes organizational applications of behavioral science concepts, interpersonal skills, and team building.

POLS 462 – Ethics in Politics and Administration

Examines the various kinds of ethical problems faced by elected and non-elected government personnel. Focuses on the scope and limits of individual responsibility in the practice of politics and the management of public organizations.

POLS 361 – Introduction to Public Policy

Introduces the student to public policy approaches, contexts, processes and outcomes.

POLS 372/372L – Principles and Methods of Political Science/Lab

Introduction to the history, nature and current developments of research in politics.

One of the following two courses:

COM 356 – Intercultural Communication (upper division GE)

Cultural factors in interpersonal communication, such a perception, roles, language codes and non-verbal communication. Students will apply and evaluate theories of intercultural communication

SOC 307 – Ethnic Diversity in American Society (upper division GE)

Describes and analyzes contemporary, changing ethnic cultures and lifestyles in American society. Focused analysis of ethnic cultures/lifestyles by social class, family form, sex role and orientation, age grouping and influences of social movements and popular culture.

POLS 406 – Fundamentals of Policy Analysis

A systematic and critical approach to designing public policies. Integrates theory and social science techniques so students may apply the methods, models and tools of policy analysis to particular cases and problems that confront policy makers.

MGT 370 – Management Skills Development

Examines major concepts of the behavioral sciences that apply to organizational management. Focuses on understanding factors and developing skills, which affect the behavior and ultimately the performance of individuals and groups within organizations.

POLS 407 – Policy Implementation and Program Evaluation

Provides an overview of policy implementation and program evaluation, by looking at the strategies, the techniques and tools used most frequently by policy makers and evaluators. Students will be introduced to major theories and applications so they can assess projects and programs in terms of impact, process and cost.

MGT 454 – Leadership, Power and Politics

Concentrates on the ability of individuals to lead others in important undertakings. Focuses on the management of organizations, the management of large-scale change, and resolution of complex problems. Examines behavioral approaches to leadership, particularly attaining and exerting power and managing the political subsystem.

POLS 466 – Politics of Public Spending

Critical analysis of how government financial policies are formulated and controlled within a context of conflicting views and interests. Examines the influence of the system of checks and balances, the effects of cooperation among chief executives, administrators, budget bureaus, legislators, pressure groups, and the general public, and the impact of government spending on the private economy.

COM 309 – Advanced Public Speaking (upper division GE)

Applies principles of audience analysis to the preparation, presentation and evaluation of persuasive messages.

COM 454 – Communication and Technology

The study of the impact of new communication technologies on interpersonal communication patterns. Emphasis is placed on implementation of technology in organizational settings.

MGT 460 – Strategic Human Resources Management

Examines the formulation and implementation of Human Resources policy at the strategic level. Emphasis on how HR functions integrate with overall organizational strategy to make the firm more competitive.

Electives #1, #2 and #3

The elective package will be selected by partnering agencies in consultation with the Program Director. Three appropriate courses will be selected from a vast array of offerings from the Departments of Political Science, Sociology, Urban Studies and Planning, and Communication Studies.

POLS 498C – Internships, Field Assignments and Reports

Selected as appropriate

COM 495 – Internship in Organizational Communication