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FacultyShelley Tomkin, Professor of Political Science (Program Chair) DescriptionThe public affairs major combines the disciplines of political science and economics in order to provide students with a solid basis for understanding and analyzing the public policy-making process in all its stages and forms. Through fundamental requirements and the flexibility of two tracks, this major allows the student to concentrate in either political or economic policy depending on her interests and needs. With coordinated and planned course selections, the student can further specialize in various institutional, topical, and substantive policy areas. Students who successfully complete the major become well-versed in the theories, concepts, and practical procedures of the challenging world of public policy making, where women are increasingly assuming leadership roles. The major should prepare the student for effective participation in careers in the federal government, congressional offices and interest groups. It also provides an excellent background for students interested in pursuing careers in the legal profession as well as in a wide variety of graduate and professional school programs. A major and minor in public affairs is offered in the School of Professional Studies. Majors complete a total of 39-42 credits distributed between a set of required courses (15-18 credits) and an additional 24 credits in an area of specialization in either economic policy or politics and policy. Majors are also urged to select appropriate electives in such disciplines as sociology, history, and communications. Additional work in statistics and computers is highly recommended. Major RequirementsRequired Courses (15-18 credits) ALL of the following courses in economics:
BOTH of the following courses in political science:
ONE course in statistics:
Area of Specialization Majors must choose to specialize either in politics and policy or in economic policy. Students are urged to make the course selections in a purposeful and coherent fashion in close consultation with the advisor and public affairs faculty. For example, students pursuing the economic policy specialization are encouraged to gain important theoretical and conceptual underpinnings by taking ECO 366 Macroeconomic Theory and ECO 369 Public Finance. Specialization Option I: Politics and Policy (24 credits) FIVE approved courses in political science Specialization Option II: Economic Policy (24 credits) The following courses are approved for selection to fulfill the requirements for the public affairs areas. The student's advisor, the chair of the relevant program, and the chair of the Public Affairs Program must approve any course substitutions from the lists of approved courses below. Approved Political Science Electives
Approved Economics Electives
Students planning careers in the legal professions, congressional relations offices, or non-profit management are encouraged to choose electives that focus on legal issues. Such courses include:
Minor RequirementsMinor Requirements (15 credits) BOTH of the following courses in economics:
BOTH of the following courses in political science:
ONE course chosen from between:
Program PoliciesAdvanced Placement and CLEP Policy: As an interdisciplinary program, public affairs follows the policies of its disciplinary components on issues applicable to this major. Please refer to the statements of the appropriate program for policies on advanced placement, TELL, and CLEP in the major or minor. Grades in Major Courses: Students are required to earn a grade of "C" (2.0) or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the major. Pass/No Pass: Courses fulfilling the major requirement may not be taken pass/no pass. Senior Assessment: Graduating seniors must complete an independent written research project developed by the student under the direction of the program chair. TELL Policy: Students may apply no more than 12 credits from the TELL program towards a major or minor in public affairs. Transfer Credits: The Public Affairs Program, as an interdisciplinary major, follows the transfer policies of the contributing disciplines for courses that will apply to this major. At least two economics courses and two political science courses that apply to this major must be taken at Trinity. Public affairs minors must take at least nine credit hours of applicable courses at Trinity. Course DescriptionsCourse descriptions appear with the sponsoring programs (see Economics and Political Science). |
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