University Catalog 2007-2008

University Catalog > School of Public Policy

School of Public Policy

Finley Building

4400 University Drive, MS 3C6

Fairfax, VA 22030

Phone: 703-993-2280

Web: policy.gmu.edu

E-mail: spp@gmu.edu

3401 Fairfax Drive, MS 3B1

Arlington, VA 22201

Phone: 703-993-8200

Web: policy.gmu.edu

E-mail: spp@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 to find alternative approaches to public policy decisions and policy making. Teaching and research are focused on six themes: governance and public management; international commerce and policy; organizational informatics and e-government; regional development and transportation policy; science and technology policy; and society, culture, and values in public policy.

SPP contributes to new and innovative concepts in policy formation while building on the fundamental, pluralistic, and democratic characteristics of policy making in the United States. SPP endorses creativity and responsibility in governance, public management, and the development of economic policy.

Graduate Degree Programs

SPP and the School of Law offer a joint JD/MPP degree program in law and public policy studies. For more information, go to www.law.gmu.edu/academics/llm.html.

The school also offers certificate programs. For the most current information regarding SPP, go to policy.gmu.edu.

Administration

Kingsley 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

Faculty

Acs, Addleson, Armor, Auerswald, Baker, Button, Dinan, Fauntroy, Finkelstein, Florida, Frendak-Blume, Fritschler, Fuller, Gifford, Goldstone, Gulledge, Hart, Haynes, High, Hill, Hughes Hallett, Kelley, Koizumi, Krepinevich, LaPorte, Malawer, Marshall, Mayer, McNeely, Perry, Petersen, Pfiffner, Rajan, Reinert, Root, Rozell, Rudder, Ruth, Schintler, Sibley, Sommer, Stough, Thatchenkery, Tolchin, van Schaik, Wedel

Associate Faculty

Avruch, Bernold, Conlan, Donahue, Fearnsides, Flood, Frase, Friesz, Guagnano, Heclo, Hennessey, Mahler, Paden, Regan, Scimecca

Research and Term Faculty

Benson, Clarke, Cook, Courtot, Davis, Ferrin, Garreau, Ha, Hall, Holleman, Jain, Johnson, Keenan, Kil, Kingston, Kulkarni, Leitch, Lugg, Melmed, Nicogossian, Paelinck, Regan, Riggle, Rikhye, Robb, Spalding, Wheeler, Woodcock

Adjunct Faculty

Bensimon, Burris, Cherukupalle, Curtis, Gaske, Gianturco, Gordon, Kewley, Ravera, Robinson, Rogowsky, Rosenwasser, Sando, Spear, Sullivan, Thompson, Varkonyi

Faculty Emeritus

Kash, Warfield

Course Work

SPP offers courses designated PUBP, ITRN, MNPS, LRNG, and TELE in the Course Descriptions chapter of this catalog. Other academic courses are offered in conjunction with the research activities of the Mason Enterprise Center.

Graduate Programs

Public Policy, PhD

Phone: 703-993-2280

This program is distinctive in its heavy emphasis on the combined influence of technology, culture, and institutions on public policy. Students 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 Requirements

The 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 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 deficiencies.

Applicants must hold a master's degree from an accredited institution and have a GPA of 3.00 or higher. Prospective students are encouraged to attend an information session.

The following items should be included when applying:

Deadlines

The application deadline for international students and all students requesting funding consideration is February 1. The deadline for domestic students not requesting funding is March 1.

Degree Requirements

Students are required to complete a minimum of 82 credits of course work, of which no more than 12 may be dissertation credits. Up to 30 credits from a prior master's degree may be applied toward the doctoral requirements at the program director's discretion. Credit is not given for comprehensive exams passed at other universities.

Specific course work requirements include four core courses (two in research and analytic methods, and two 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 are drawn widely not only from SPP, but also from other programs at Mason.

At the completion of the first academic year of full-time study, students must pass a qualifying exam that evaluates mastery of the first year's material, as well as the ability to integrate that material when addressing important and complex public policy problems and issues. The program also requires that students pass a field exam 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 a doctoral research proposal and the ensuing dissertation.

A complete description of the program policies, procedures, and requirements is in the SPP student and faculty handbook, which is published annually.

Public Policy, MPP

Phone: 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 to be reflective practitioners who develop, implement, manage, analyze, evaluate, and effect innovative change in the public and private sectors through a course of study that emphasizes the fundamentals of policy development; the role of technology, analytic assessment, and modeling for policy evaluation; and the implications of international and global perspectives on policy formation. Courses are offered in late afternoon and evening to fit the schedules of busy professionals.

Admission Requirements

Completed applications for fall and spring semesters are reviewed on a rolling basis, with late applications considered on a space-available basis. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with a preferred GPA of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale.

The following items must be included when applying:

Submission of GRE or GMAT scores is required only for students requesting merit-based funding consideration.

Students may be admitted for nondegree study and apply a limited number of credits toward the master's degree should they choose to apply to the degree program later, in accordance with university policy.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete 39 to 42 credits 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 through previous employment, a supervised internship, or an approved policy project activity. Students 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 the following:

Course Work Credits
SPP Common Core 8
PUBP 502 Governance and Policy Processes 4
PUBP 503 Culture, Organization, and Technology 4
Required Public Policy Courses 16
PUBP 700 Theory and Practice in Public Policy 3
PUBP 704 Statistical Methods in Policy Analysis 3
PUBP 720 Managerial Economics and Policy Analysis 3
PUBP 741 Financial Policy Processes and Procedures 3
ITRN 503 Investment and Macroeconomics 3
And one of the following:
Substantive Policy Concentrations 12
Electives are chosen from one of the following policy concentrations:
Professional Experience Requirement 0-3

Certification that the student has experience in the public policy process outside the classroom and is ready to take leadership responsibilities must be exhibited by one of two ways: previous professional experience, approved by the program director, or an approved internship.

Total Credits 39-42


Certificate Programs

Students pursuing the master's degree who complete an additional 9 semester credits in a specified concentration (for a total of 48 to 51 credits) will receive a certificate in addition to the master's degree. Otherwise, graduate certificates will be awarded to students in a substantive policy sequence upon the completion of at least 15 credits, which must include a 3-credit public policy core course and at least 12 credits 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; collaborations and learning in policy organizations; science and technology policy; international e-commerce and telecommunications policy; global medical and health policy; and national security. The programs are open to those individuals with a bachelor's degree who seek continuing education and the 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, MA

Phone: 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 such international economic issues as global trade and investment. The MA 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 augmented 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 U.S. Departments of Commerce and State, the Office of the U.S. 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 evening to fit the schedules of busy professionals. In addition to classroom study, the program emphasizes experiential learning by supporting student internships, cooperative education, and research activities with private- and public-sector employers, and sponsoring a variety of study-abroad experiences.

Admission Requirements

Students from all academic backgrounds are welcome to apply; however, some knowledge of economics, preferably through at least two undergraduate economics courses, is encouraged. While many students 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 nonbusiness occupations to careers in the global economy.

Complete applications for fall and spring semesters are reviewed on a rolling basis, with late applications considered on a space-available basis. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with a preferred GPA of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale.

The following items must be included when applying:

Submission of GRE or GMAT scores is required only for students requesting merit-based funding consideration.

Students may be admitted for nondegree study and apply a limited number of credits toward the master's degree should they choose to apply to the degree program later, in accordance with university policy.

Degree Requirements

The 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 that include 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 core courses to prepare for higher-level course work.

Course Work Credits
SPP Common Core 8
PUBP 502 Governance and Policy Processes 4
PUBP 503 Culture, Organization, and Technology 4
ICP Core Courses 22
ITRN 500 Approaches to International Commerce and Policy 4
ITRN 501 Research and Analysis Methods forInternational Commerce 4
ITRN 503 Investment and Macroeconomics for International Commerce 4
ITRN 504 Trade and Microeconomics for International Commerce 4
ITRN 603 International Trade Relations 3
ITRN 602 International Financial Institutions and Globalization 3 3
Electives 12
Total Credits 42

Certificate Programs

Students pursuing the MA who complete an additional 9 credits in a designated area (for a total of 51 credits) will receive a certificate in addition to the master's degree. Otherwise, graduate certificates will be awarded to students in one of the following areas upon completion of at least 15 credits, 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 individuals 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.

Transportation Policy, Operations, and Logistics, MA

Phone: 703-993-8200

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 communicate their analyses clearly and effectively through written and oral presentations.

Admission Requirements

Students are admitted for fall and spring semesters. Complete applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with late applications considered on a space-available basis. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with a preferred GPA of 3.00 or better on a 4.00 scale.

To apply, applicants must submit the following:

Submission of GRE or GMAT scores is required only for students requesting merit-based funding consideration.

Degree Requirements

The degree requires completion of 36 credits; time required to complete the degree varies. Part-time enrollees may take up to six years. Other students enroll in cohorts that complete courses at a pace equivalent to five 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 in a shorter time.

Course Work Credits
SPP Common Core 12
PUBP 501 Policy and Organizational Analysis 4
PUBP 502 Governance and Policy Processes 4
PUBP 503 Culture, Organization, and Technology 4
TPOL Core Courses 15
PUBP 715 Transportation Systems 3
PUBP 716 Transportation Operations and Logistics 3
PUBP 718 Transportation Planning and Policy 3
PUBP 721 Transportation Economics 3
>PUBP 722 Practicum in Transportation Policy, Operations, and Logistics 3
Electives 9

Students may choose the remaining three electives. All eligible electives will be circulated via e-mail each semester by the program director. Students may take courses not listed but only with the program director's approval.

Total Credits 36


New Professional Studies: Organization Development and Knowledge Management, MS

Phone: 703-993-8200

The Organization Development and Knowledge Management (ODKM) Program is an integrated, 18-month program taught in executive format and designed for professionals who have 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 supported by the use of web-based collaborative computer technologies. Students develop the competencies to apply these technologies to make organizations more effective.

Admission Requirements

Complete applications for fall and spring semesters are reviewed on a rolling basis, with late applications considered on a space-available basis. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with a preferred GPA of 3.00 or higher on a 4.00 scale.

The following items must be included when applying:

Submission of GRE or GMAT scores is required only for students requesting merit-based funding consideration.

Degree Requirements

ODKM is a 36- to 39-credit executive format program. Students work in teams and complete most of the courses in sequence. The second academic year includes an action learning component, in which 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 and the Internet. 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.

Course Work Credits
SPP Common Core 12
PUBP 501 Policy and Organizational Analysis 4
PUBP 502 Governance and Policy Processes 4
PUBP 503 Culture, Organization, and Technology 4
Core Courses 9
MNPS 700 The New Professionalism: Theory and Practice* 3
MNPS 702 The New Professional as Reflective Practitioner* 3
MNPS 703 Technology and Learning in the New Professions* 3
Additional Requirements 12
LRNG 602 Group Dynamics and Team Learning 3
LRNG 672 Organizations Learning Laboratory 3
LRNG 762 Strategic Knowledge Management 3
MNPS 720 Learning Community 3
Electives (minimum of one course) 3
Experiential Component 0-3

In the absence of an approved relevant professional experience, a 3-credit internship is required. This requirement can be waived, with the approval of the program director or dean, for students with appropriate work experience.

Total Credits 36-39

* Certain sections of MNPS 700, 702, and 703 are designated for the ODKM Program, and only those will satisfy the degree requirements.



New Professional Studies: Peace Operations, MS

Phone: 703-993-8200

This program is designed for students and practicing professionals engaged in the planning, regulation, management, and conduct of peace operations. Students obtain a working knowledge of the theory, policy, law, research, and practices required for effectively and efficiently participating in or conducting a peace operation. Students also learn to think critically and analytically about the problems and challenges in this field and communicate their analyses clearly and effectively through written and oral presentations.

Admission Requirements

Complete applications for fall and spring semesters are reviewed on a rolling basis, with late applications considered on a space-available basis. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with a preferred GPA of 3.00 or better on a 4.00 scale.

To apply, applicants must submit the following:

Submission of GRE or GMAT scores is required only for students requesting funding consideration.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete 39 credits. 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 five 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 6 credits by either writing a thesis, or taking a fourth elective and completing a project or internship.

Course Work Credits
SPP Common Core 12
PUBP 501 Policy and Organizational Analysis 4
PUBP 502 Governance and Policy Processes 4
PUBP 503 Culture, Organization, and Technology 4
Peace Operations Core Courses 12
CONF 501 Introduction to Conflict Analysis and Resolution (or equivalent) 3
MNPS 700 The New Professionalism: Theory of Peace Operations* 3
MNPS 702 The New Professional as Reflective Practitioner: Practice of Peace Operations* 3

MNPS 703 Technology and Learning in the New Professions: Experiential Applications in Conflict and Post-Conflict Environments* 3


Electives 15

Students choose electives with the assistance of the program director to develop a specific substantive policy area. No more than two courses may be at the 500 level.

Total Credits 39

* Only those sections of MNPS 700, 702, and 703 designated for the Peace Operations Program will satisfy degree requirements.



New Professional Studies: Knowledge Management, MA

Phone: 703-993-8200

This 36-credit program is 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 the Chief Information Officer Program or the Advanced Management Program offered by the NDU IRMC or its equivalent. These applicants will generally be eligible to transfer in 15 graduate credits toward the master's degree.

Courses offered by Mason comprise the additional 21credits required for the master's degree. These consist of 12 credits of required courses, 6 credits 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; learning is supported by the use of collaborative technology.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must have completed an approved NDU program. In addition, they must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a preferred GPA of 3.00 or better on a 4.00 scale.

To apply, applicants must submit the following:

Submission of GRE or GMAT scores is required only for those requesting merit-based funding consideration.

Degree Requirements

The 21 credits offered by Mason are as follows:

Course Work Credits
Core Courses 12
MNPS 700 The New Professionalism: Theory and Practice* 3
MNPS 702 The New Professional as Reflective Practitioner* 3
MNPS 703 Technology and Learning in the New Professions* 3
LRNG 762 Strategic Knowledge Management 3
Electives 6
Experiential Component 0 - 3

In absence of approved relevant professional experience, a 3-credit internship is required.

Total 18 - 21

* Only those sections of MNPS 700, 702, and 703 that are designated for the ODKM Program will satisfy degree requirements.

Research Centers

Center for Regional Analysis

Director: Steve Fuller, PhD

Focusing on economic development in technologically intensive regions, the Center for Regional Analysis (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 Center

Director: Thomas Gulledge, PhD

The Policy Analysis Center (PAC) is a clearinghouse for research on such topics 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 Logistics

Director: Kenneth J. Button, PhD

This center 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 Technology

Director: 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. ICASIT has contracts in more than 20 countries.

Mason Enterprise Center

Director: Roger Stough, PhD

Dedicated to creating and developing businesses in the Washington, D.C., area, the Mason Enterprise Center (MEC) is the synthesis of seven programs designed to meet the needs of growing businesses. The center focuses the energy, skills, and intellectual capital of the university on enterprise creation, expansion, and restructuring. MEC is highly geared 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 it a business-development center unlike any other. In addition, MEC conducts seminars and conferences related to its areas of expertise.

Center for Global Policy

Director: Jack Goldstone, PhD

This center conducts research on a wide range of global policy issues, including foreign trade, democratization and state-building, and transnational networks. It also analyzes specific policy issues for a variety of government agencies, and develops and serves as the home to several major cross-national databases for global policy.

Center for Science and Technology Policy

Director: Philip Auerswald, PhD

This center helps facilitate the exchange of information and ideas among the worldwide science, foreign affairs, trade, and technology communities. Areas of emphasis include international trade and science and technology.

Office of International Medical Policy

Director: Arnauld Nicogossian, MD

The Office of International Medical Policy provides leadership and focus on global medical and public health policies and processes, working 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 Policy

Director: A. Lee Fritschler, PhD

This center helps executives better understand, develop, and implement public policy, positive leadership roles, public and private sector cooperation, and programming. Programs focus on what business needs to know about government and public policy processes and what government and public policy makers should know about business and private sector management.

State Economic Development Center

Director: Roger Stough, PhD

This center's focus is on providing education, training, and research support for state-level economic development policy and programs. While the primary goal is to provide assistance to agencies and organizations in Virginia, the center also works with other government organizations in the United States as well as abroad. Methods employed by the center include roundtable discussions, formal focus groups, survey research, statistical analysis, and mathematical models.

Center for Entrepreneurship and Public Policy

Director: Roger Stough, PhD

Economic development policy has shifted dramatically from a business and industry attraction strategy to a more entrepreneurship approach. The Center for Entrepreneurship and Public Policy focuses on entrepreneurship policy research and program delivery, offering programs in research, collaboration, and analysis.

Center for Aerospace Policy

Director: Kenneth J. 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 helps national agencies, such as NASA, in enhancing their internal efficiency and smoothing the interface between U.S. agencies and other government agencies, the private sector, and foreign counterparts.

Societal Dynamics Research Center

Director: Alexander E. R. Woodcock, PhD

This research center synthesizes the latest computer technology with the study of human behavior to devise new models that can be used to find solutions to challenges such as international peacekeeping and drug interdiction. Working closely with a sister program in Sweden to maximize the potential for accurate computer modeling of human behavior, the center specializes in providing rapid analytic support to help policy makers anticipate and manage crises that threaten global, national, and regional stability.