Policy Management

The policy management specialization examines the various roles and responsibilities policy practitioners exercise in the design and leadership of public organizations. Students in this specialization will examine the roles and responsibilities of policy practitioners and their agencies in the design and implementation of public policies. Students are also exposed to theories of agenda setting policy design, policy implementation, and policy leadership. Students will also explore the complexities of managing policies and programs in interorganizational environments that may span multiple policy domains.

Specialization Faculty

Specialization Coordinator: Dr. Andrew Dowdle

  • Andrew Dowdle, Ph.D. (Miami University), Professor, Political Science
  • Najib Ghadbian, Ph.D. (CUNY), Associate Professor, Political Science
  • Joshua Mitchell, Ph.D. (Southern Illinois University), Associate Professor, Political Science
  • Janine A. Parry, Ph.D. (Washington State University), University Professor, Political Science
  • Margaret Reid, Ph.D. (University of Oklahoma), Professor emerita, Political Science
  • William Schreckhise, Ph.D. (Washington State University), Professor and Chair, Political Science
  • Karen Sebold, Ph.D. (University of Arkansas), Assistant Professor, Political Science
  • Geoboo Song, Ph.D. (University of Oklahoma), Associate Professor, Political Science
  • Patrick Stewart, Ph.D. (Northern Illinois University), Professor, Political Science

Course of Study (12 hours):

Twelve credits of policy management specialization are required. The student's Doctoral Program Advisory Committee will aid the student in selecting appropriate courses.

Examples of electives that might be selected are listed below.  Note that some courses require prerequisites. Through a special arrangement with the law school, students may also take law school courses. 

  • HIED 50703 Management of Higher Education Institutions

Principles and concepts of management and their application in college and university settings. (Typically offered: Fall and Summer)

  • PBHL 56303 Health Administration, Organizations, and Systems

Emphasis is on an examination of administrative factors related to health services. Administrative and professional authority, boards, consumers, delivery of services, federal role, and cost containment will also be addressed. (Typically offered: Irregular)

  • PADM 58203 Grant Writing for the Social Sciences

This course will teach students the fundamentals of obtaining grants from local, state and federal agencies. (Typically offered: Irregular)

  • PLSC 51003 Human Behavior in Complex Organizations

Review of the fundamental literature and a systematic analysis of various theories and research focusing on organization and behavior in public administration, including the discussion of organizational development, human motivation, leadership, rationality, efficiency and conflict management in public organizations. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Spring Odd Years; Summer)

  • PLSC 51103 Seminar in Human Resource Management 

Intensive study of public personnel policies and practices, including legal foundations, classification and compensation plans, recruitment and selection processes, training, employment policies and morale, employee relations and organization. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

  • PLSC 51303 Nonprofit Management

This course provides an overview of the principal management functions in public and nonprofit organizations. Topics include financial management, HR development, program development. The relationships among volunteer boards of trustees, fund raising, public relations, and program personnel are analyzed, and the complex environments with service sector agencies are explored. (Typically offered: Fall)