| George Mason University > University Catalog > School of Public Policy | |
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School of Public PolicyWeb: policy.gmu.edu
Rooted in the strong democratic government traditions of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the School of Public Policy (SPP) is committed to transcending traditional conceptual boundaries of research and teaching by integrating real world experience and problem solving into public policy education. The school's programs focus on the interplay of culture, organizations, and technology in a quest to find alternative approaches to public policy decisions and policymaking. Teaching and research are focused on, but not limited to, six themes:
The School of Public Policy contributes to new and innovative concepts in policy formation while building on the fundamental, pluralistic, and democratic characteristics of policymaking in the United States. SPP endorses creativity and responsibility in governance, public management, and the development of economic policy. For the most current information regarding SPP, visit the web site at http://policy.gmu.edu. AdministrationKingsley E. Haynes, Dean James H. Finkelstein, Senior Associate Dean Roger R. Stough, Associate Dean for Research, Development, and External Affairs Charles H. Wharton, Assistant Dean for Student Services Matthys van Schaik, Assistant Dean for Academic Administration William H. Coester, Administrator FacultyAddleson, Armor, Auerswald, Baker, Bowen, Button, Dinan, Fauntroy, Finkelstein, Fuller, Gifford, Gulledge, Haynes, High, Hill, Kash, LaPorte, Malawer, McNeely, Perry, Petersen, Pfiffner, Reinert, Rudder, Ruth, Schintler, Sesno, Sibley, Sluzki, Sommer, Stough, Thatchenkery, Tolchin, van Schaik, Wedel Associate FacultyAvruch, Bernold, Conlan, Dietz, Donahue, Fearnsides, Flood, Frase, Friesz, Guagnano, Heclo, Hennessey, Mahler, Paden, Regan, Scimecca Research and Visiting FacultyAbdalla, Benson, Bernold, Blau, Clarke, Cook, Davis, Ferrin, Frase, Garreau, Hall, Harrison, Jain, Johnson, Keenan, Kingston, Kulkarni, Leitch, Lugg, Luxenberg, Melmed, Nicogossian, Paelinck, Regan, Riggle, Rikhye, Robb, Schriefer, Segerson, Spalding, Wheeler, Woodcock Adjunct FacultyBensimon, Brown, Frendak-Blume, Gaske, Gianturco, King, Novins, Perito, Ravera, Robinson, Rogowsky, Rubenstein, Sando, Sullivan, Thompson, Varkonyi, Visco, Wallace Faculty EmeritusLipset, Warfield Course WorkThe School of Public Policy offers courses designated PUBP, ITRN, MNPS, and LRNG in the Course Descriptions chapter of this catalog. Further academic courses are offered in conjunction with the research activities of the Mason Enterprise Center in regional analysis and in entrepreneurship. Graduate ProgramsPublic Policy, Ph.D.(703) 993-2280 The Ph.D. in Public Policy program is distinctive in its heavy emphasis on the combined influence of technology, culture, and institutions on public policy. Participants in the program investigate the increasing tensions created by technologically driven organizational change. To investigate the policy issues associated with substantive policy areas, students develop in-depth understanding of American institutions, values, and culture; competence in research methods and advanced analytical methodologies; and a comparative, international perspective. At the time of admission, each student is assigned a faculty advisor who assists in the design and development of the student's program. Admission RequirementsThe program seeks students with exceptional potential for accumulating, sorting, analyzing, and communicating information and findings effectively. Public policy is inherently complex and value laden. In the end, high-quality policy analysis requires thoughtful and judicious management of complex and incommensurate information, both quantitative and qualitative. Potential students must be able to manage and integrate both kinds of information and produce persuasive, well-organized written syntheses and analytical insight. The ideal Ph.D. program applicant has demonstrated capabilities in research and writing, basic mathematical skills roughly equal to the first semester of calculus, competence in statistics, some background in economics, and a theoretical and working knowledge of public policy processes. Applicants with strong records who are lacking in one or more of these areas may be admitted to the program and will receive assistance in making up the deficiencies. The following items should be included with the application for graduate admission:
Prospective students are encouraged to meet with the program director. DeadlinesThe application deadline for students seeking financial aid is April 1. The deadline for all other students is May 1 for the fall semester. Students interested in admission for the spring semester are encouraged to meet with the program director. Degree RequirementsStudents are required to complete a minimum of 82 credits of course work, of which no more than 24 may be dissertation credits. Up to 30 credits from a prior master's degree may be applied toward the doctoral requirements at the discretion of the program director. Credit is not given for comprehensive examinations passed at other universities. Specific course work requirements for the doctorate include five core courses (two in research and analytic methods and three in foundational policy topics), two semesters of participation in the research colloquium, two courses in an area of program concentration, and four advanced courses tailored to the student's research needs and interests. Courses are determined in collaboration with the student's advisor and usually are drawn widely from other programs throughout the university as well as the school. At the completion of the first academic year of full-time study, students must pass a qualifying examination that evaluates their mastery of the first year's material and their ability to integrate that material in addressing important and complex public policy problems and issues. The program also requires that students pass a field examination structured around their specific field of proposed doctoral research, usually in the second or third year of study. Other requirements include the successful preparation and defense of both a doctoral research proposal and the ensuing dissertation. A complete description of the program policies, procedures, and requirements is contained in the SPP Student/Faculty Handbook published each year. Public Policy, M.P.P.(703) 993-8200 The master's program in public policy leads to a degree for aspiring or experienced professionals who seek career advancement through cutting-edge education and training in policy analysis and development in increasingly technical and global environments. The program prepares the students as reflective practitioners to develop, implement, manage, analyze, evaluate, and effect innovative change in both the public and private sectors through a course of study emphasizing (1) the fundamentals of policy development; (2) the role of technology, analytic assessment, and modeling for policy evaluation; and (3) the implications of international and global perspectives on policy formation. Courses are offered in late afternoon and in the evening to fit the schedules of busy professionals. Admission RequirementsComplete applications for both fall and spring semesters are reviewed on a rolling basis, with late applications considered on a space-available basis. To enter the program as a degree candidate, a student must meet the following minimum requirements:
Students may be admitted for non-degree study and take individual courses that satisfy requirements for a certificate. Students may apply courses toward the master's degree should they choose to apply to the degree program, in accordance with university policy. Degree RequirementsTo earn a master's degree in public policy, students must complete 3942 credit hours of course work through a combination of core courses, a sequence of courses in their area of concentration, and a professional experience requirement. Appropriate professional experience can be demonstrated either through previous employment, a supervised internship, or an approved policy project activity. A student will also be exposed to the global nature of public policy activity through the core requirement of international comparative policy assessment. One of the courses in the concentration sequence will also have an international focus. The plan of study includes:
Certificate ProgramsStudents pursuing the master's degree who complete an additional nine semester hours in their specified concentration (for a total of 4851 hours) will receive a certificate in addition to their master's degree. Graduate certificates will be awarded to non-degree students in a substantive policy sequence upon the completion of at least 15 credit hours, which must include a three-hour public policy core course and at least 12 hours of a policy concentration sequence. Certificate programs are offered in transportation policy, operations, and logistics; regional economic development and technology planning; governance systems and policy management; international governance and institutions; culture, values and social policy; organizational informatics in the policy enterprise; collaborations and learning in policy organizations; science and technology policy; international e-commerce and telecommunications policy; and national security. The programs are open to those with a bachelor's degree who seek continuing education and skills to remain competitive in an increasingly complex global economy. Admission requirements are the same as those for the master's program above. International Commerce and Policy, M.A.(703) 993-8200 The International Commerce and Policy (ICP) program is an interdisciplinary course of study to help students from around the world prepare for jobs in the new economy. Unlike traditional international affairs programs, the degree is focused on international economic issues such as global trade and investment. The Master of Arts in International Commerce and Policy differs from an M.B.A. program by providing training in the political, social, and technological aspects of the global economy. In today's world, it is critical for all participants in global markets to understand the multifaceted environment in which they work. The core faculty is supplemented by adjunct faculty who bring a wealth of practical knowledge and experience, as well as strong academic qualifications, to the program. Adjuncts are drawn from the United States Departments of Commerce and State, the Office of the United States Trade Representative, and the International Trade Commission, among other government agencies, as well as from the private sector, the think tank community, and trade associations. Courses are offered in the late afternoon and in the evening to fit the schedules of busy professionals. In addition to classroom study, the program emphasizes experiential learning by supporting student internships, cooperative planning, and research activities with private- and public-sector employers, and by sponsoring a variety of study abroad experiences. Admission RequirementsStudents from all academic backgrounds are welcome to apply, though some knowledge of economics, preferably at least two undergraduate economics courses, is encouraged. While many may have prior educational and work-related training in business and economics, others see the ICP program as a bridge from government, education, and other non-business occupations to careers in the global economy. Complete applications for both fall and spring semesters are reviewed on a rolling basis, with late applications considered on a space-available basis. To enter the program as a degree candidate, a student must meet the following minimum requirements:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a preferred GPA of 3.00 or better (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 semester hours of baccalaureate study. Submit two official transcripts of all university work completed. International students are also required to submit an evaluation and/or translation of all foreign-earned degrees.
Students may be admitted for non-degree study, and take individual courses that satisfy requirements for a certificate. Students may apply courses toward the master's degree should they choose to apply to the degree program, in accordance with university policy. Degree RequirementsThe ICP program requires 42 credits of course work. All degree candidates must take 30 credits of work in the required courses, as described below. The remaining 12 credits, which must be chosen in consultation with an ICP faculty advisor, consist of electives including internships, independent studies, and study abroad. Most electives are grouped into thematic areas, such as international trade and finance, international marketing, international trade relations, and technology and international commerce. Many students focus their studies on a particular region of the world, a policy issue, or a business sector. Students entering the program first complete the core courses in order to prepare them for higher-level course work.
Certificate ProgramsStudents pursuing the International Commerce and Policy, M.A. who complete an additional nine semester hours in a designated area (for a total of 51 hours) will receive a certificate in addition to their master's degree. Graduate certificates will be awarded to non-degree students in one of the following areas upon completion of at least 15 credit hours, which must include ITRN 500. Certificate programs are offered in global trade management; international business planning; international market analysis; managing international commerce; regional trade policy and planning; and science, technology, and the global economy. The programs are open to those with a bachelor's degree who seek continuing education and skills to remain competitive in an increasingly complex global economy. Admission requirements are the same as those for the master's program above. Enterprise Engineering and Policy, M.S.(703) 993-8099 The Enterprise Engineering and Policy (EEP) M.S. degree program provides a technology degree for those interested in designing, integrating, and managing technology-enabled private and public organizations using modern enterprise solutions. The program is focused on teaching students how to design, integrate, manage, and optimize the extended enterprise, which includes customers, suppliers, and other organizational claimants. It emphasizes the impact that enterprise integration is having on the way organizations manage their business processes. This includes the implementation and tuning of enterprise resource planning systems, business-to-business extensions (including customer- and supplier- facing solutions), and other standard software solutions. The EEP program is designed to provide students with significant experience in working with enterprise solutions in a problem-solving environment. This program is focused not on software development or engineering, but rather on integrating and implementing commercial software solutions in public and private organizations. It is focused on the engineering implementation consulting aspects of standard replicable software from major enterprise vendors, that is, enterprise consulting at the applications level. Understanding the distinction between enterprise engineering and proprietary system development is critical. Enterprise engineering focuses on the configuration and integration of commercial software for replicable business processes. Proprietary design and development focuses on building new nonreplicable systems to meet particular needs. The Schools of Information Technology and Engineering (IT&E) and Public Policy (SPP) jointly administer the EEP Program. Admission RequirementsCourses are open to students who hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, and who hold a B.S. or B.A. degree in any engineering, math, science, computer science, business (with a quantitative background), economics, or other analytic-related discipline. The following is required: a background in managerial accounting; proficiency in a procedural or object-oriented programming language; database familiarity (at least Access); and college-level mathematics through linear algebra, multivariate calculus, and statistics. Depending on their prior background, some applicants may be required to complete 3 to 6 credit hours of preliminary course work before enrolling in any of the core courses or specialty courses in the program. A minimum 3.000 undergraduate GPA is required. Complete applications for both fall and spring semesters are reviewed on a rolling basis, with late applications considered on a space-available basis. To enter the program as a degree candidate, a student must meet the following minimum requirements:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a preferred GPA of 3.000 or better (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 semester hours of baccalaureate study. Submit two official transcripts of all university work completed. International students are also required to submit an evaluation and/or translation of all foreign-earned degrees.
Students with academic deficiencies may be accepted conditionally pending removal of the deficiencies. Courses taken to remove admission deficiencies extend the minimum requirements for the degree. Students whose undergraduate training was in the quantitative social sciences or quantitatively oriented business administration may be allowed to complete a portion of the mathematics prerequisite by taking SYST 500. All decisions related to the student's course of study must be approved by his or her advisor, with consent of the director of the EEP program. Degree RequirementsThe program consists of 33 graduate credits.
New Professional Studies: Organizational Learning, M.S.(703) 993-1142 The Program on Social and Organizational Learning (PSOL) is an integrated, 21-month program designed for professionals with several years of work experience. Providing conceptual tools and practical guidance to foster organizational change, the program focuses on three related areas: creating and leveraging knowledge through networks of people who communicate and collaborate; understanding and managing change by integrating the diverse roles of people, processes, and technology; and enhancing and facilitating collaboration by building effective relationships in technology-rich environments. A feature of this program is the group- oriented approach to learning. This is supported by the use of web-based collaborative computer technologies. Students develop the competencies to apply these technologies to make organizations more effective. Admission RequirementsApplicants are admitted for the fall semester as a cohort. Admissions for the spring semester are on a limited basis. To enter the program as a degree candidate, a student must meet the following minimum requirements:
Degree RequirementsOrganizational Learning is a 36-credit, part-time program. The participants work in teams and complete most of the courses in sequence. The second academic year includes an action learning component where participants undertake projects in organizations and apply research methods. Overall, the process and methods of evaluation stress the cumulative development of competencies and the capacity to apply the insights gained. Students are expected to have easy access to a computer with Internet access. Minimum computer specifications can be obtained from the program office. Successful completion of the following courses is necessary to fulfill the course requirements of the program.
* Certain sections of MNPS 700, 702, and 703 are designated for the PSOL program, and only those will satisfy the degree requirements. Individual LRNG courses and sequences of courses serve to fulfill requirements and restricted electives in a number of additional graduate programs, including the Ph.D. in Public Policy; the M.A. in International Commerce and Policy; the M.A. in Telecommunications; the MNPS in Transportation Policy, Operations, and Logistics; and the Master's in Public Policy. LRNG courses can satisfy students wishing to concentrate in a variety of areas. New Professional Studies: Knowledge Management, M.S.(703) 993-1142 The Master of Science in New Professional Studies: Knowledge Management (KM) is a 37-credit hour program offered jointly with the National Defense University (NDU) Information Resources Management College (IRMC). Admission is limited primarily to holders of NDU certificates, although other applicants will be considered for a graduate certificate in Knowledge Management. Masters degree applicants must have completed either the Chief Information Officer (CIO) Program or Advanced Management Program (AMP) offered by the NDU IRMC or its equivalent. These applicants will generally be eligible to transfer in 15 hours of graduate credit towards their master's degree. Courses offered by George Mason University comprise the additional 22 hours required for the master's degree. These consist of 16 credit hours of required courses, 3 hours of electives, and an experiential component of 3 credits. The courses focus on the social-organizational aspects of knowledge management. Students undertake a series of projects in their organizations and their learning is supported by the use of collaborative technology. Admission RequirementsStudents entering the MNPS in Knowledge Management must have completed an approved NDU program in order to be eligible. To enter the program as a degree candidate, a student must meet the following minimum requirements:
Degree RequirementsThe 22 credit hours offered by George Mason University are as follows:
* Certain sections of MNPS 700, 702, and 703 are designated for the PSOL program, and only those will satisfy the Knowledge Management degree requirements. Certificate ProgramStudents who do not hold NDU certificates may be awarded a certificate upon completion of the George Mason University component of the Knowledge Management master's degree, as described above. Admission requirements are the same as those for the master's program above. Transportation Policy, Operations, and Logistics, M.A.(703) 993-8200 The Transportation Policy, Operations, and Logistics (TPOL) M.A. program is designed for students and practicing professionals engaged in planning, regulating, managing, and operating transportation facilities and services. Students obtain a working knowledge of the theory, policy, law, research, and practices required for effectively and efficiently supplying and operating transportation facilities and services. They also learn to think critically and analytically about the problems and challenges in this field, and to communicate their analyses clearly and effectively, both through written and oral presentations. Admission RequirementsThe TPOL program admits students for the fall and spring semesters. Complete applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with late applications considered on a space-available basis. To enter the program as a degree candidate, a student must meet the following minimum requirements:
Degree RequirementsThe degree requires completion of 36 credit hours. The time to complete the degree varies. Part-time enrollees may take up to a maximum of six years. Other students enroll in cohorts that complete courses at a pace equivalent to 5 courses per year; these students complete the degree in two years. Accelerated programs for cohort groups from the same employer are actively promoted allowing completion of the 36 credits in a shorter time.
New Professional Studies: Peace Operations, M.S.(703) 993-8200 The New Professional Studies: Peace Operations, M.S. program is designed for students and practicing professionals engaged in the planning, regulation, management, and conduct of peace operations. Through this program, students obtain a working knowledge of the theory, policy, law, research, and practices required for effectively and efficiently participating in, and/or conducting, a peace operation. Students also learn to think critically and analytically about the problems and challenges in this field, and to communicate their analyses clearly and effectively, through both written and oral presentations. Admission RequirementsComplete applications for both fall and spring semesters are reviewed on a rolling basis, with late applications considered on a space-available basis. To enter the program as a degree candidate, a student must meet the following minimum requirements:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a preferred GPA of 3.00 or better (on a 4.0 scale) in the last 60 semester hours of baccalaureate study. Submit two official transcripts of all university work completed. International students are also required to submit an evaluation and/or translation of all foreign-earned degrees.
Degree RequirementsStudents must complete 39 credit hours. Part-time enrollees may take up to a maximum of six years. Other students enroll in cohorts that complete courses at a pace equivalent to 5 courses per year. All students are required to take the three Common Courses and four Core Courses listed below (24 credits), as well as three electives (9 credits). Following consultation with their advisor, students will complete the remaining six credits by either: a) writing a thesis, or b) taking a fourth elective and completing a project or internship.
* Certain sections of MNPS 700, 702, and 703 are designated for the Peace Operations program, and only those will satisfy the degree requirements. Research CentersCenter for Regional Analysis Steven Fuller, Director The Center for Regional Analysis provides a forum for local, national, and international research on regional economic development issues and trends. It provides information and research services to local governments and private organizations. Among these are the Washington Economic Index and the Fairfax County Economic Index, both published monthly. Additionally, the center accepts commissions and grants to support research on economic topics ranging from economic and fiscal impact analysis to employment and income forecasts. The center also provides survey research services and conference and training services. Policy Analysis Center (PAC)Thomas Gulledge, Director The Policy Analysis Center provides research and teaching in the analytical aspects of public policy. Focus areas include defense and international security policy; enterprise integration, including implementation planning for standard software solutions; management and policy aspects of information technology, information systems, and systems engineering economics; and policy and planning aspects of electronic commerce. The PAC is concerned with analytical methods to support the management and improvement of organizational processes. International Center for Applied Studies in Information Technology (ICASIT)Stephen Ruth, Director ICASIT's theme is leveraging the benefits of information technology in the work place. The center has received large research grants to study cost effectiveness of distance learning, knowledge management, and Internet diffusion. ICASIT currently has information technology projects in more than 30 countries on five continents. Center for Science and Technology PolicyPhilip Auerswald, Director The Center for Science and Technology Policy investigates the interdependence of technological innovation and national social/economic performance. A major area of attention is the role technological innovation plays in world trade. The center facilitates the exchange of information and knowledge among researchers and practitioners in the worldwide science, technology, trade, and policy communities. Center For Transport Policy, Operations and LogisticsKenneth Button, Director The Transport Center is concerned with all aspects of transportation policy and in the ways transportation interacts with the wider economy. The expertise of its core faculty extends across economics, planning, geography, political science, and transportation modeling. The center conducts research, and is involved in graduate training, across all modes of transportation at the local, state, federal, and international levels. It embraces the National Center for Intelligent Transportation Systems Deployment Research, one of the 44 national university transportation centers supported by the Research and Special Projects Administration of the United States Department of Transportation. Mason Enterprise Center (MEC)Roger Stough, Director The Mason Enterprise Center provides business assistance and development assistance through a set of federal supported franchise organizations, including several small business development centers, a procurement and technical assistance program, and a mentor protégé program. The center manages three telework centers and two business incubators in Fairfax and Arlington County. MEC has recently initiated a new business mentoring program in collaboration with the Virginia Center for Innovative Technology called the STAR Technology Program, which guides technology ventures through the business and initial financing process. Finally, the MEC has initiated courses in seven different schools and departments, along with a university-wide introductory course in entrepreneurship. |