what is a policy analysis course at wku

The purpose of the course is to deepen students’ understanding of the way in which public policy and political realities interact in American government at the national, state, and local levels: how political pressures limit policy choices, how policy choices in turn reshape politics, and how policymakers can function in the interplay of competing forces.

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What is policy analysis a critical concept in public administration?

A Critical Concept in Public Administration Social, economic, and political variables influence policy decisions and outcomes in public administration. To develop, adopt, and implement policies that have the greatest benefits, individuals in public administration must master the concept of policy analysis. What is policy analysis?

What is effective policy analysis?

Effective policy analysis, whether to enact new policies or amending existing ones, is critical in the policymaking process.

What can policy analysts learn from past policies?

This type of research empowers policy analysts to learn important lessons from past policy attempts, both successful and unsuccessful. A proposed policy may seem innovative and cost-effective, but a literature review of past attempts may illuminate potential pitfalls.

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What is a PS 500 workshop?

PS 500 - Workshops in Public Administration emphasizes important and changing topics relevant to people working in the public, not-for-profit and private sectors. (1.5 hours, may be repeated for credit)

What is MPA program?

The MPA program is designed to prepare students for careers in the management of public and nonprofit organizations through a curriculum that emphasizes the study of organizational dynamics, the legal, ethical, and political context of public management, management techniques, and the analysis of public policies. In addition to completing 39 credit hours, students must pass a comprehensive examination which is offered each semester, including summer.

What is a masters in public administration?

Program Description. The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is the primary professional degree in both the public and nonprofit sectors.

What is MPA program?

The MPA program prepares graduate students from diverse backgrounds to be productive leaders and managers in public service by sharing knowledge, encouraging excellence in research and practice, and fostering an environment of professionalism within the communities we serve.

Where is MPA taught?

In order to make the MPA program more accessible to students, classes are taught on the main campus of Western Kentucky University and via interactive television (ITV) in Owensboro, Glasgow, and Ft. Knox/Elizabethtown.

Does WKU require an internship?

The MPA degree at WKU requires an internship of all students. Students entering the MPA program with relevant public sector experience may, upon approval, have the internship requirement of PS 595 or PS 598 substituted with PS 597. The total number of of hours need to complete the program is 39.

What are the topics covered in the nursing program?

Specific topics will include bioenergetics, enzymes, acid-base balance, hematology and immunology. The course is offered specifically for students in the four-year nursing program, but is also recommended for students in physical education, recreation, health and safety and other disciplines dealing with human health.

What is the prerequisite for AMS 356?

Prerequisite: AMS 356 with a grade of “C” or better, AMS 390 with a grade of “C” or better, AMS 370 with a grade of “C” or better. Prerequisite / Corequisite: AMS 394. Students work on capstone research projects utilizing skills and knowledge from prior courses in the Technology Management program.

Course Fees

Enrollment in some courses requires payment of an additional fee. Refer to www.wku.edu/bursar for specific course fees.

Course Numbering System

100-299 Primarily for freshmen and sophomores; such courses generally contain introductory, elementary or basic level content.

Credit Hours

The number of credit hours is displayed in parentheses after the course title.

Equivalent Courses

Equivalent courses have different subject area prefixes but the same course number, title, abbreviated title, credit hours, prerequisites and / or corequisites, grade type (e.g., A – F, Pass / Fail) and catalog course listings.

Prerequisite

A prerequisite represents prior specific or general academic knowledge, background, or student classification required in order to enroll in a specific course.

Corequisite

A corequisite is a requirement which must be fulfilled concurrently with another course, unless successfully completed as a prerequisite.

Study Abroad

The world is our classroom. The Department of Political Science routinely offers faculty-led study abroad experiences. Recent destinations include Ghana, the Czech Republic, and Morocco. Student scholarships and financial assistance are available through the University.

Honors Program

The Department of Political Science participates in the Dixie and Peter Mahurin Honors College. Department honors courses allow students of exceptional academic abilities to investigate political phenomena and concepts in a more in-depth manner and to discuss contemporary political issues in small group settings.

What is the purpose of policy analysis?

What policy analysis does is help lay out the goals of a potential policy, examine the various strengths and weaknesses of each policy option, and identify the most viable one.

Who are the stakeholders in a policy?

Stakeholders may include economists who can examine the cost-benefit ratio of a particular policy, community partners who can provide context and assess a policy’s real or potential impact, and government officials who will implement policy and can speak to its feasibility.

What happens if you don't update your policy?

Failing to update these policies can put businesses at risk of legal action. While the public policy in its development stage is theoretical, its implementation is tangible and has a real-world impact. As such policy analysts should involve key stakeholders throughout the process.

What is the critical concept of public administration?

A Critical Concept in Public Administration. Social, economic, and political variables influence policy decisions and outcomes in public administration. To develop, adopt, and implement policies that have the greatest benefits, individuals in public administration must master the concept of policy analysis. What is policy analysis?

What is the core of the course?

This core course focuses on governance, intergovernmental relationships, policies, and strategic planning, plus the influence of variables such as politics, social change, and fiscal constraints. It also introduces fundamental concepts including the role of leadership and the need for ethics and accountability in public administration. Students in this course will hone their skills in critical analysis, research, and writing.

Is public policy measured in dollars?

While conduct ed in monetary terms, many aspects of public policy may not be easily measured in dollars and cents. A human element is involved in the creation of any policy. Both the officials responsible for implementing policy and those it impacts can influence a policy’s outcome.

Is policy analysis a public or private?

While policy analysis is a feature of public administration, private enterprises employ it. For example, corporate policies regarding the privacy of consumer and employee data are subject to evolving laws and regulations. Failing to update these policies can put businesses at risk of legal action.