School of Public Policy
Web: policy.gmu.edu 4400 University Drive, MS 3C6 3401 North Fairfax Drive, MS 3B1 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 Catherine E. Rudder, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Roger R. Stough, Associate Dean for Research, Development, and External Affairs Keith B. Segerson, Assistant Dean for Research Administration and Outreach Matthys van Schaik, Assistant Dean for Academic Programs and Student Services William H. Coester, Administrator FacultyAddleson, Armor, Auerswald, Baker, Bowen, Button, Dinan, Fauntroy, Finkelstein, Fritschler, Fuller, Gifford, Goldstone, Gulledge, Haynes, High, Hill, Kash, LaPorte, Liu, Malawer, Mayer, McNeely, Perry, Petersen, Pfiffner, Reinert, Rudder, Ruth, Schintler, Sesno, Sibley, Sommer, Stough, Thatchenkery, Tolchin, van Schaik, Wedel Associate FacultyAvruch, Bernold, Conlan, Donahue, Fearnsides, Flood, Frase, Friesz, Guagnano, Heclo, Hennessey, Mahler, Paden, Regan, Scimecca Research and Term FacultyAbdalla, Benson, Blau, Clarke, Cook, Courtot, Davis, Ferrin, Garreau, Gremminger, Ha, Hall, Holleman, Jain, Johnson, Keenan, Kil, Kingston, Kulkarni, Leitch, Lugg, Luxenberg, Melmed, Nicogossian, Paelinck, Regan, Riggle, Rikhye, Robb, 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, EEP, 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, PhD703-993-2280 The PhD 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 PhD 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, MPP703-993-8200 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 39-42 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 a specified concentration (for a total of 48-51 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, MA703-993-8200 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 MBA 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:
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, MA who complete an additional 9 credits in a designated area (for a total of 51 credits) 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, MS703-993-8099 The Enterprise Engineering and Policy (EEP) MS 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 BS or BA 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:
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, MS703-993-1142 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 PhD in Public Policy; the MA in International Commerce and Policy; the MA in Telecommunications; the MA 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, MA703-993-1142 The Master of Science in New Professional Studies: Knowledge Management (KM) is a 36-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. Master's 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 21 hours required for the master's degree. These consist of 12 credit hours of required courses, 6 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 21 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, MA703-993-8200 The Transportation Policy, Operations, and Logistics (TPOL) MA 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, MS703-993-8200 The New Professional Studies: Peace Operations, MS 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:
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 AnalysisDirector: Steve Fuller, PhD The Center for Regional Analysis (CRA) focuses on economic development in technologically intensive regions. The CRA maintains a corporate technology database for the National Capital Region. The CRA provides economic forecasting services to government agencies at all levels around the world. Policy Analysis CenterDirector: Thomas Gulledge, PhD The Policy Analysis Center (PAC) is a clearinghouse for research on topics such as peacekeeping policy, enterprise integration, and information technology. Areas of focus include business-to-business electronic commerce, implementation planning for standard software solutions, and enterprise integration. Center for Transport Policy and LogisticsDirector: Kenneth J. Button, PhD The Center for Transport Policy and Logistics works with federal and state authorities to find better ways to manage existing transport networks from surface to air to space. The center is extremely active in the areas of intelligent transportation systems and aviation policy. International Center for Applied Studies in Information TechnologyDirector: Stephen Ruth, PhD The International Center for Applied Studies in Information Technology (ICASIT) is a consulting group dedicated to delivering the power of the Internet to businesses, underserved markets, and developing countries. The center has contracts in more than 20 countries. The Mason Enterprise CenterDirector: Roger Stough, PhD The Mason Enterprise Center (MEC) is dedicated to creating and developing businesses in the Washington, D.C., area. MEC is the synthesis of seven programs designed to meet the needs of growing businesses and focuses the energy, skills, and intellectual capital of the university on enterprise creation, expansion, and restructuring. MEC is highly focused on providing its clients with services that add value to their organizations. The center specializes in business development, entrepreneurship, government contracting, international business, technology ventures, and telework, making MEC a business development center unlike any other. In addition, the center conducts seminars and conferences related to its areas of expertise. Center for Science and Technology PolicyDirector: Philip Auerswald, PhD The Center for Science and Technology Policy helps facilitate the exchange of information and ideas between the worldwide science, foreign affairs, trade, and technology communities. Areas of emphasis include international trade and science and technology. The Office of International Medical PolicyDirector: Arnauld Nicogossian, MD The Office of International Medical Policy provides leadership and focus on global medical and public health policies and processes. OIMP works collaboratively with health, science, and medical organizations in the public and private sectors and academic organizations to address pressing global policy concerns. Center for Executive Education and Leadership in Public PolicyDirector: A. Lee Fritschler, PhD The Center for Executive Education in Leadership and Public Policy is designed to help executives better understand, develop, and implement public policy, positive leadership roles, public and private sector cooperation, programming, and more. Programs focus on what business needs to know about government and public policy processes and what government and public policy makers need to know about business and private sector management. State Economic Development CenterDirector: Roger Stough, PhD The State Economic Development Center provides education, training and research support for state level economic development policy and programs. While the primary focus is to provide assistance to agencies and organizations in Virginia, the center also works with other state (provincial) government organizations in the U.S. as well as abroad. Methods employed by the center include round table discussions, formal focus groups, survey research, statistical analysis, and mathematical models. The Center for Entrepreneurship and Public PolicyDirector: Roger Stough, PhD The Center for Entrepreneurship and Public Policy focuses on entrepreneurship policy research and program delivery. Economic development policy has been shifting dramatically from a business and industry attraction strategy to a more entrepreneurship approach, and CEPP offers programs in research, collaboration, and analysis. Center for Aerospace PolicyDirector: Ken Button, PhD The mission of the Center for Aerospace Policy is to develop the U.S. aerospace sector by providing educational and research resources. The center assists national agencies, such as NASA, in enhancing their internal efficiency, as well as smoothing the interface between U.S. agencies and other government agencies, the private sector, and foreign counterparts. |
