Politics, Policy & Public Administration

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Program Objectives

The major in Politics, Policy & Public Administration will build on the traditional strengths of the liberal arts, while at the same time providing the necessary management skills required for the unique responsibilities of the public sector. The program will introduce students to the political, economic, and legal environments of a variety of public sector and nonprofit organizations. It stresses the analytical and problem-solving skills required of public administrators and the need to creatively apply appropriate data evaluation methods and techniques. It will also prepare students for careers in public and non-profit agencies, as well as graduate study in public and private administration.

Learning Outcomes

• Content Knowledge: Produce effective and integrated application of the economic, legal, and political institutions, systems, and processes in the public sector.
• Critical Thinking: Evaluate the use of analytical and quantitative abilities and skills for defining and solving administrative systems and problems.
• Communication: Apply effective oral and written communication skills through interdisciplinary policy analysis. Civic Engagement: Demonstrate a commitment to civic responsibility through participation as an informed citizen in a variety of on and off-campus settings.

Means of Assessment

Politics, Policy & Public Administration majors are evaluated in a variety of ways. They complete with a grade of C- or better required and elective courses that reinforce their knowledge of the economic, legal, and political processes, institutions, and environments in the public sector and nonprofit organizations. 

Traditional assessment tools such as written and oral testing, oral presentations and written research papers, assessment using the analytic and problem-solving skills required of public administrators, and the application of appropriate data evaluation methods and techniques will provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning. Whenever applicable, proficiency guidelines identified in Program Learning Outcomes and General Education Outcomes will be presented and explained to students, and other scoring guides and rubrics will inform students of assessors’ expectations.

Students earning the Politics, Policy & Public Administration degree will complete their studies with a capstone project. In preparation for this individually designed applied research project, students will enroll in POLS 450 - Applied Policy Analysis  where they will conduct a detailed, critical analysis of a public sector policy issue. The conclusion of the Capstone project includes a presentation and discussion of the project to relevant faculty, and if appropriate, at the student research symposium at EOU, “Sharing the Learning.”

3+2 Accelerated Politics, Policy & Public Administration Major to Master of Public Administration

Embark on an accelerated educational journey with our Bachelor’s & Master’s 5-Year (3+2) Program, designed to propel ambitious students interested in a career in public administration and/or non-profit management. This innovative program combines the rigors of undergraduate education with the depth and specialization of graduate studies, offering a seamless transition for driven individuals seeking to maximize their academic and professional potential. Throughout the course of the student’s first three years at EOU, students work with their undergraduate advisor to ensure they satisfy all eligibility requirements prior to applying to the Master of Public Administration (MPA) in the winter of their junior year. 

Graduate Program Information

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program curriculum focuses on the implementation and processes of public policy and administration through a rural-informed lens. EOU’s location in rural Oregon and the University’s mission to serve rural communities allow the program and its faculty to provide students with a unique experience navigating all aspects of regional bureaucracy while still maintaining a global perspective. 

MPA Program Outcomes 

In our online MPA program, you’ll gain skills to connect your community to the wider world through public service. Students will have numerous opportunities to build a broad range of public administration skills throughout the program. 

You will be able to:

• Lead and manage in public governance.
• Participate in and contribute to the policy process in a variety of settings.
• Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions.
• Articulate and apply a public service perspective. 
• Communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry. 

Programs

• Master of Public Administration

• 3+2 Accelerated Politics, Policy & Public Administration Major to Master of Public Administration
• Politics, Policy & Public Administration Major

• Public Administration Minor

Return to: College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences