GREENSBURG, PA — This past spring, the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg received approval from the University of Pittsburgh's Provost's Office for a new Bachelor of Science degree in Public Policy. The addition of this major brings the total number of majors available at Pitt-Greensburg to 25. Students may begin choosing this major, which will be offered through the Behavioral Sciences Division, this fall.
This inter-disciplinary major provides instruction on key topics of policy formation, policy advocacy, policy implementation, and policy evaluation. Following an introductory course (i.e. Introduction to Public Policy), students will take a course on the analytic basis of formulating policy (i.e. Cost-Benefit Analysis), a course on the concepts of advocacy (i.e. Theories of Persuasion), a course on developing or implementing policy (i.e. American Public Policy or Administration of Public Affairs), and a course on research methods or policy evaluation (i.e. Social Science Research Methods or Program Evaluation). Electives for the program may be selected from specified courses in economics, management, statistics, political science, criminal justice, sociology, and communications (rhetoric).
"This major fulfills a number of needs," explained Jacqueline Horrall, PhD, associate professor of Economics who is transitioning from her position as chair of the Behavioral Sciences Division to her new role as assistant vice president of Academic Affairs. "First, we wanted to design a major that combines a broad learning experience with practical, experiential learning that will make our students more marketable to both employers and graduate schools. Second, we have identified a significant number of students—particularly in the behavioral sciences area—who sample a lot of different courses because they are trying to figure out what fits them best. The Public Policy major provides a structured approach for students who are undecided and want to sample courses from various disciplines but still earn a degree in a timely manner. Third, we know that employers and graduate schools are looking for candidates who have a well-rounded, diverse perspective—candidates who hav e been exposed to a variety of experiences."
Public Policy inherently is an interdisciplinary major that draws upon philosophy and political science. It deals with value conflicts; econometrics for assessing risks, costs, and benefits; research methods and statistics for evaluating programs; and communication for understanding public relations and advocacy. Pitt-Greensburg's major will offer students three areas of specialization: economics and business policy, social and political policy, and advocacy (communication).
"This program is perfect for students who are interested in a variety of areas within the social sciences but haven't decided on a particular one," said Horrall.
Key to the learning experience is the opportunity for students to perform quantitative analysis requiring statistics, algebra, and economics as well as a six-credits of internship and practicum.
"Sometimes students have difficulty taking what they've learned in the classroom and applying it to a work projects. These experiential components provide opportunities for students to practice what they've learned. Students may be assigned to assist a professor with a project or to contribute to work in collaboration with Pitt-Greensburg's Center for Applied Research," said Horrall. Working on local or national policy issues, students will complete analyses, prepare repots, and make recommendations that will be shared with clients.
Other students who will benefit from the program are those who Horrall described as "having a mind for policy but don't realize it." The major is an option for students who would like to major in Economics, which isn't a degree option at Pitt-Greensburg. Those who are interested in pre-law or management majors who don't necessarily want a job in management will also find the program attractive. Additionally, students with an interest in how communication affects policy will benefit from the program.
Because of the inter-disciplinary aspect of the degree, it offers cost and time savings to both the student and the campus—particularly for students already studying in the Behavioral Sciences.
"A student who is exploring may sit down with an Academic Advisor and find that many of the General Education courses he or she has already taken can be counted toward this major," said Horrall. "This eliminates the need for the student to take extra courses to fill requirements, so it is less expensive and won't necessarily add significant extra time toward earning their degree."
The program incorporates faculty expertise already available on campus, which means the program will have minimal impact on the campus budget.
In addition to Horrall, the following faculty members contributed to the development of the proposal: William A. Rued, PhD, associate professor of Philosophy and former Humanities Division Chair; Beverly Ann Gaddy, PhD, associate professor of Political Science; Elizabeth M. Marciniak, PhD, associate professor of Criminal Justice; Dean Nelson, PhD, associate professor of Statistics; William Pamerleau II, PhD, associate professor of Philosophy; John H. Prellwitz, PhD, associate professor of Communication; Gretchen K.G. Underwood, PhD, assistant professor of Communication; Franklin D. Wilson, PhD, assistant professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice; Eric Kimball, PhD, assistant professor of History; Pilar Herr, PhD, assistant professor of History; and Paul S. Adams, PhD, assistant professor of Political Science.
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