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School of Public Policy
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 policy making. Teaching and research is 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 policy making in the United States. SPP endorses creativity and responsibility in governance, public management, and the development of economic policy. The school offers a Ph.D. in public policy and several masters-level programs. For the most current information regarding SPP, visit its website at policy.gmu.edu. AdministrationKingsley E. Haynes, Dean FacultyAddleson, Armor, Baker, Bowen, Button, Dinan, Finkelstein, Fuller, Gulledge, Haynes, High, Hill, Kash, LaPorte, Lavoie, Lipset, Malawer, McNeely, Perry, Pfiffner, Reinert, Rodrigo, Ruth, Schintler, Sibley, Sommer, Stough, Thatchenkery, Tolchin, Van Schaik Associate FacultyAvruch, Conlan, Dietz, Friesz, Gifford, Guagnano, Heclo, Mahler, Paden, Regan, Scimecca Research and Visiting FacultyBenson, Bernold, Brown, Cook, Davis, Ferrin, Furger, Garreau, Hall, Hoban, Johnson, Keenan, King, Kingston, Kulkarni, Maxwell, Melmed, Paelinck, Regan, Rikhye Adjunct FacultyBensimon, Blau, Brown, Gaske, Novins, Perito, Rogowsky, Thompson, Visco, Volpe, Wallace Faculty EmeritusWarfield 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.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. 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 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:
Deadlines The application deadline for students desiring 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. Students 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 graduate 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 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. Inquiries about this program should be directed to SPP Admissions by calling (703) 993-3183, or by sending e-mail to spp@gmu.edu. New Professional Studies: Public Policy, M.S.The Master of New Professional Studies: Public Policy (MNPS) provides 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 affect 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. All students who hold a B.S. or B.A. degree or equivalent from an accredited university or college will be considered for admission. Students may be admitted for non-degree study, and take individual courses that satisfy requirements for a certificate. They may apply courses toward the master's degree, should they choose to apply to the degree program, in accordance with university policy. To enter the program as a degree candidate, a student must meet the following minimum requirements:
Results of the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT taken within the last five years are strongly recommended. Students whose first language is not English, or who have not received a degree from an English-speaking institution, must achieve a score of 575 or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Graduate certificates will be awarded to non-degree students in a substantive policy sequence upon the completion of 18 credit hours, which must include a three-hour policy core course and at least 15 hours of a policy concentration sequence. The MNPS Core and the Policy Core courses comprise the required body of knowledge for the master's degree. The concentration sequence contains courses that build the foundation of knowledge and add depth and expertise in specialty areas. To earn a master's degree in New Professional Studies: Public Policy, students must complete 42 credit hours of course work through a combination of core courses (MNPS and Public Policy), as well as a sequence of courses in their area of concentration. Students must also demonstrate appropriate professional experience 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 MNPS/PUBP core requirement of international comparative policy assessment (MNPS/PUBP 702). One of the courses in the concentration sequence will also have an international focus. The plan of study includes: MNPS Core Courses (12 credit hours)
Public Policy Core Courses (18 credit hours)
Substantive Policy Concentrations (9 credit hours)
Professional Experience Requirement (3 credit hours) Certification that the student has experience in the public policy process outside of the classroom and is ready to take leadership responsibilities. This can be achieved by:
Inquiries about this program should be directed to SPP International Commerce and Policy, M.A.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. As an example, the ICP program has a special arrangement with Saint Peters College, Oxford University that allows qualified students to study at Oxford during the summer session. A summer study abroad program has also been established with the Capitol University of Economics and Business in Beijing. Students 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. To enter the program as a degree candidate, a student must meet the following minimum requirements:
Results of either the GRE or GMAT taken within the last five years are strongly recommended. Students whose first language is not English, or who have not received a degree from an English-speaking institution, must achieve a score of 575 or higher on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The ICP program requires 42 credits of course work. All degree candidates must take 25 credits of work in the required courses, as described below. The remaining 17 credits, which must be chosen in consultation with an ICP faculty advisor and should relate to a student's career objectives, consists of electives and a final project, 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. The curriculum is based upon a cohort system. Each entering class must take the same sequence of courses for the first 25 credits, or seven required courses. The curriculum for this sequence of seven courses is designed as a single unit. Elective courses are offered each semester as well, with a particular emphasis during the summer sessions. Besides allowing students to develop strong relationships, the cohort system ensures that students are well prepared for higher-level course work.
The five electives selected to complete the degree may be grouped in specific concentrations, such as international finance or international marketing; or can be unrelated topics that are of interest to the student. Final Project All students must integrate their knowledge and skills in a final project. This is required for graduation and is assigned variable credit. The project is a 40-page capstone paper that draws on the key themes of the program. 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 fresh skills to remain competitive in an increasingly complex global economy. The certificates are awarded after completion of 15 credits. Inquiries about this program should be directed to the SPP Admissions by calling (703) 993-3183, or by sending e-mail to spp@gmu.edu. New Professional Studies: Organizational Learning, M.S.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 Lotus Notes and web-based collaborative computer technologies. Students develop the competencies to apply these technologies to make organizations more effective. Admission is based on an admissions committee's evaluation of the applicant's suitability. Applicants are admitted only for the fall semester. The following information should be included in the application package:
Organizational Learning is a 33-credit, part-time program. The participants work in teams and complete most of the courses in sequence. Elective choices are available in the fourth and fifth semesters. 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 collaborative computing software and 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.
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 MNPS in Public Policy. LRNG courses can satisfy students wishing to concentrate in a variety of areas. Further information may be obtained from SPP Admissions by calling (703) 993-3183, or email spp@gmu.edu. New Professional Studies: Transportation Policy, Operations, and Logistics, M.S.The New Professional Studies: Transportation Policy, Operations, and Logistics (TPOL) M.S. 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 is based on an admissions committee's evaluation of the applicant's suitability. Individual admission applications are processed for all students. Team applications from groups of individuals at one site are also welcome. The TPOL program admits students for the fall semester (admissions at other times are subject to approval of the program director). Completed applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Late applications are considered on a space-available basis. A completed application consists of the following:
The degree requires completion of 11 courses (33 credits). Six of the courses are required:
The student may choose the remaining five elective courses. All eligible elective courses will be circulated via e-mail each semester by the program director. A student may request to take courses not listed only with the approval of the program director. * Only sections of MNPS 700, 702, 703 and 704 designated for the TPOL program will satisfy the degree requirements. 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 15 credits 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 33 credits in a shorter time. Inquiries about this program should be directed to SPP Admissions by calling (703) 993-3183, or by sending e-mail to spp@gmu.edu. Related Degree Programs, Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary StudiesThe School of Public Policy offers two concentrations within the Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (M.A.I.S) program. Refer to the Interdisciplinary Studies section of the "College of Arts of Sciences" chapter for information, in addition to that which is provided below. Concentration in Regional Economic Development and Technology This terminal M.A.I.S. program is for those who intend to become practicing professionals and those who are already employed in this field and wish to enhance their knowledge, skills, and credentials. This program introduces the student to basic theory and current practice of economic development. Course work is drawn from public policy, economics, public administration, international commerce and policy, management, and sociology. GRE or GMAT test results are required of students applying for this concentration. Two of the three letters of reference must be from academic sources. Applicants with no background in economic or statistical analysis are required to take background work in courses such as INFT 500, DESC 201, or MATH 108 to raise the skill level necessary to complete the program. Concentration in Peace-Keeping Operations Peace-Keeping Operations provides the practitioner and potential practitioner a focused degree in various aspects of peace operations. Based on the conceptual model of peace building and peace support, the degree is designed to educate practitioners with experience in the field about what practitioners of other professions contribute to a field intervention for peace. The entire program requires 30 credit hours at the master's level (MAIS) and a six-credit thesis or project. Requirements for the six credits may be accessed at the following web address: www.popp.gmu.edu. Admission Requirements
Degree Requirements Candidates for the MAIS degree complete 36 hours of graduate course work, including the following:
At least 18 hours of classroom course work must be completed at George Mason University with a minimum GPA of 3.0, not including independent study, directed readings, practicum, project, or thesis. Joint Masters of Public Administration/Ph.D. AdmissionsStudents with outstanding academic records and a clear interest in public policy research may be eligible for this program. For more information, contact SPP Admissions at (703) 993-3183 or spp@gmu.edu. Research CentersCenter for Regional Analysis 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) 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) 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 over 30 countries on five continents. Center for Science and Technology Policy 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 Logistics 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) 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.
George Mason University: 2001-2002 University Catalog: Catalog Index: School of Public Policy | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||