About the Program
The Policy, Planning and Development program offers an interdisciplinary degree focused on generating knowledge and understanding the public policy, energy security, urban planning and development, and environment. Through focusing on national, regional, and international issues, the degree seeks to prepare its graduates to thrive in an increasingly interdependent global community by grounding them in independent critical thinking, leadership skills, global awareness, tolerance, and social responsibility. Graduates will be ready for further study and professional careers in both the public and private sectors.
Educational objectives
The major in Policy, Planning and Development strives to:
- Effectively lead and manage public sector institutions and other organizations.
- Participate in and contribute to the policy process.
- Articulate and apply dedicated service on behalf of the public good.
- Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions.
- Communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry.
Additional Requirements
To receive a BA in Policy, Planning and Development, students must complete the 120 credit hour approved study plan of the major. Students must also achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00. With the help and supervision of an assigned advisor, students under the newly proposed program will have to diversify their coursework by the end of their sophomore year to include departmental concentrations and/or a Minor.
Program Learning Outcomes
- PLO 01 Core: Identify and apply the fundamental concepts and research methods relevant to policy analysis and evaluations.
- PLO 02 Core: Analyze and synthesize information to inform the assessment of policy options and solving problems in policymaking.
- PLO 03 Core: Communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively in written and oral forms.
- PLO 04 Core: Analyze societal determinants and define relevant policy, planning and development processes towards related fields in public policy.
- PLO 05 Energy and Security: Critically assess the role of different sources of energy in an international context and in the central events in world history.
- PLO 06 Environment and Sustainability: Evaluate how the society decisions and actions impact the sustainability of the local and global environment.
- PLO 7 Urban Planning and Development: Examine and interpret current principles and practices of urban planning relevant at multiple levels of government and the conditions and prerequisites needed for urban transition.