Public Policy Analysis Certificate

The Program

The Undergraduate Public Policy Analysis Certificate (U-PPAC) is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with knowledge of the policy process and the methodological skills for analyzing policy problems and programs. Students interested in policy issues, acquiring a set of analytical and methodological tools for evaluating policies, or seeking a policy-related job in the public or private sector will benefit from the U-PPAC.

The public policy faculty in UNL’s Political Science Department administers and teaches in the certificate program. Faculty members with expertise in the policy process, the principal methodologies for studying public policies, and specific policy areas have responsibility for teaching the foundation courses of the certificate program, as well as overseeing the internship experience. Faculty members from other disciplines also offer courses in specific policy areas. As a research-based institution, UNL’s faculty does more than just teach the courses. They are the people who create knowledge and innovative solutions to enhance public policy as a whole.

Who Should Consider This Program?

• Persons pursuing local, state or national government employment
• Persons currently employed in local, state, and national government
• Persons interested in enhancing their knowledge of the policy process and various methods of analysis appropriate to the study of public policy
• Military personnel who would benefit from analysis of public policy for their military and/or post-military careers
• Independent, self-motivated individuals with a strong commitment to advancing their education

Method of Delivery

The flexibility of online course offerings allows students to advance their education while working full-time, regardless of students’ locale. Interaction with faculty and classmates is built into the courses through e-mail communication and online discussion board postings.

Academic Year 2012-2013

Tuition rates are effective for the academic year listed. Tuition is subject to change in August of each year.

UNL tuition is determined by a variety of factors. It is recommended students visit the UNL Tuition and Fee Schedule for the most up-to-date information.

STUDENTS ENROLLED IN ONLINE/DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSES ONLY

Nebraska Resident:

Non-Resident:

Note: Students will be charged a $20 registration fee per semester.

STUDENTS ENROLLED IN A COMBINATION OF ON-CAMPUS AND DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSES

Nebraska Resident:

Non-Resident:  

Fees for Students Enrolled in a Combination of On-Campus & Distance Education Courses:
In addition to the above tuition and fees, all students enrolled in distance education courses will be assessed $25 per credit hour and all enrolled students (except students enrolled only in Distance Education courses) must pay University Program and Facilities Fees based on their total hours of enrollment each semester. The rates are as listed below:

                                                                Hours of Enrollment        Rate

                                                                1 to 6 hours                    $279.00

                                                                7 or more hours              $518.00

Note: Students will be charged a $20 registration fee per semester.

Requirements for the Undergraduate Policy Curriculum (18 hours)

Four principles train students to analyze systematically and coherently public policies, negotiate multiple and competing interests, and develop in-depth knowledge and application in substantive policy issue(s).

First Level courses cover the theories, processes, models, and methods of policy analysis. (6 hours; both courses required):

• POLS 235 Public Policy Concepts and Processes
• POLS 236 Public Policy Analysis: Methods and Models

The Second Level course examines the interpersonal, interagency and inter-group negotiation processes within which policymaking occurs. (3 hours):

• POLS 261 Conflict & Conflict Resolution

Third Level courses apply models, methods, and the understanding of the policy process in substantive policy arenas. (6 hours)

Students consult with the policy certificate coordinator to create a specialized plan of study for this level by choosing one of the following policy arenas. Courses selected must be from the same arena:

Criminal Justice Policy (choose two courses):

• CRIM 450 – Drugs & Crime
• CRIM 451 – Violence
• CRIM 475 – International Criminology
• SOCI 311 – Juvenile Delinquency

Foreign and Military Policy (both courses required):

• POLS 463 – U.S. Foreign Policy & the Military
• POLS 479 – Insurgency, Guerilla Warfare and Terrorism

Gerontology Policy (both courses required):

• GERO 435 - Issues in Aging: Senior Housing
• GERO 475 - Mid-life Career Change and Pre-Retirement Planning

Global Governance (both courses required):

• POLS 361 - The U.N. and World Politics
• POLS 362 - Globalization, Human Rights and Diversity

Health Policy (both courses required):

• NUTR 100 - Nutrition, Exercise and Health
• NUTR 253 - Cultural Aspects of Food and Nutrition

Note: Some courses may require pre-requisites.

The Fourth Level course consists of an internship or fieldwork experience (3 hours; capstone experience). Students will secure an internship in a governmental or non-profit agency relating to their issue area of expertise. The internship occurs after completing or during the last semester of course work for the U-PPAC. Academic requirements for the internship will be set by the U-PPAC coordinator.

• POLS 395 Internship

For those students with extensive work/practical experience, a policy relevant paper based on their work/practical experience may be substituted for the internship at the discretion of the U-PPAC coordinator. For more information re: the U-PPAC, please contact:

Professor Kevin Smith
Department of Political Science
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
511 Oldfather Hall
Lincoln, NE 68588-0328
402-472-0779 (phone)
402-472-8192 (fax)
ksmith1@unl.edu  

Web: Undergraduate Certificate Requirements in Political Science

Admission Requirements

The Undergraduate Certificate Program Application is for students seeking an Undergraduate Certificate, not an undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. If this does not describe you please select a different application type.

Students seeking to enroll in the Undergraduate Public Policy Analysis Certificate will need to:

1. Apply by downloading a paper application from UNL Admissions (make sure to sign and date your application)
2. Pay the $45 application fee
3. Provide proof of high school graduation or equivalent such as a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). An official transcript needs to be mailed to the Office of Admissions directly from the high school or from the testing agency that issued the diploma.
4. Submit written Statement of Intent. Contact Kevin Smith by phone at 402-472-0779 or by e-mail at ksmith1@unl.edu  for more information.

Once all materials have been received, you will be notified by mail of your acceptance status.

Application Deadlines

• Spring – December 1
• Summer/Fall - May 1