The Undergraduate Public Policy Analysis Certificate (U-PPAC) is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with knowledge of the policy process and the methodological skills for analyzing policy problems and programs. Students interested in policy issues, acquiring set of analytical and methodological tools for evaluating policies, or seeking a policy-related job in the public or private sector will benefit from the U-PPAC. All UNL undergraduates are eligible.

Students are required to complete fifteen (15) credit hours of course work plus a three (3) credit hour internship for a total of eighteen (18) credit hours. Students who have completed the program will receive a certificate in Public Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation upon graduation.


Applying

Students must meet with the policy analysis coordinator to set up a plan of study. For more information or to enroll in the certificate program, contact :

Professor Elizabeth Theiss-Morse
Department of Political Science
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
511 Oldfather Hall
Lincoln, NE  68588-0328
Office: 402-472-3221
Fax:  402-472-8192
Email: etheissmorse1@unl.edu

Principles and Requirements (18 hours)

Four principles train students to analyze systematically and coherently public policies, negotiate multiple and competing interests, and develop in-depth knowledge and application in substantive policy issue(s).

First Level

Theories, processes, models, and methods of policy analysis. (6 hours; both courses required)

POLS 235 Public Policy Concepts and Processes
POLS 236 Public Policy Analysis: Methods and Models

 

Second Level

Examines the interpersonal, interagency and inter-group negotiation processes within which policymaking occurs. Choose one of the following. (3 hours).

COMM 211 Intercultural Communication
COMM 371 Communication in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
COMM 375 Theories of Persuasion

 

Third Level

Apply models, methods, and the understanding of the policy process in substantive policy arenas. Students consult with the policy certificate coordinator to create a specialized plan of study for this level. (6 hours)

Fourth Level

Internship; fieldwork (3 hours; capstone experience). Students will be placed in a governmental or non-profit agency relating to their issue area of expertise.

The internship occurs after completing or during the last semester of course work for the U-PPAC.

The political science undergraduate advisor as well as the policy certificate coordinator will help students find an appropriate policy-relevant internship.

Academic requirements for the internship will be set by the U-PPAC coordinator; however, the student can register for internship credit through political science or their major department.