Public Policy (PLCY)
PLCY 700 Foundations of Public Policy 3 Credit Hour(s)
This course introduces the students to the concept of statesmanship and various models for policy analysis. Students will be introduced to the various contexts in which policy formation and implementation occur. Students will be challenged to view policy from Biblical, constitutional, and political lenses in order to understand a comprehensive approach to policy development and implementation.
Offered: Online
PLCY 701 Natural Law, The State & The Gospel 3 Credit Hour(s)
The student is introduced to Biblical principles of government and statesmanship in this course, both in terms of key governmental processes and structures, as well as practices related to statesmanship and statecraft. Concepts such as natural law, inalienable rights, covenant, sphere sovereignty, justice, and church-state relations are incorporated into course content with a particular emphasis on policy implications.
Offered: Online
PLCY 702 Founding Era and the Constitution 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 700
The course explores the key actors, events and content of the American Founding period and provides an application of Biblical principles of statesmanship as discussed in PLCY 701. Special emphasis is placed on the religious, social economic and philosophical influences on U.S. constitutional design as well as significant crises and inconsistencies between ideals and practice Study will span the formative period from the granting of colonial charters to the ratification of the I.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights and the early years of the republic. A combination of historical textbook(s), scholarly journals articles and primary documents will be examined.
Offered: Online
PLCY 703 Contemporary Challenges to Constitutional Order and the Role of the State 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 700
The student is introduced to the contemporary challenges facing America, the prevailing Western legal tradition, and a Biblical model of statesmanship, particularly as these challenges have influenced policy formation. Such challenges include modern reinterpretations of American constitutionalism and the shifting relationship of the State to the individual and other spheres in society.
Offered: Online
PLCY 704 Economics and Public Policy 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 700
This course is designed to give students an understanding of the foundational public policies, regulations, court decisions, institutions, and interest groups relevant to the study and implementation of economic policy.
Offered: Online
PLCY 705 Political Actors and Institutions 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 700
This course offers an introduction to the concepts and tools common to the study of the logic, structure, and functionality of political and economic institutions with a focus on the influence of institutions on behavior and outcomes. Students will gain exposure to and competency in a range of leading rational-based approaches and paradigms for research in their disciplines.
Offered: Online
PLCY 707 Education and Public Policy 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 700
This course is designed to give students an understanding of the foundational public policies, regulations, court decisions, institutions, and interest groups relevant to the study and implementation of education policy.
Offered: Online
PLCY 710 Social Issues and Public Policy 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 700
This course is designed to give students an understanding of the foundational public policies, regulations, court decisions, institutions, and interest groups relevant to the study and implementation of social policy.
Offered: Online
PLCY 800 National Security and Public Policy 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 700
This course is designed to give students an understanding of the foundational public policies, regulations, court decisions, institutions, and interest groups relevant to the study and implementation of national security policy.
Offered: Online
PLCY 801 Foreign Policy and Public Policy 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 700
This course is designed to give students an understanding of the foundational public policies, regulations, court decisions, institutions, and interest groups relevant to the study and implementation of foreign policy.
Offered: Online
PLCY 802 Competing Visions of Statesmanship 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 700
This course covers the changing political landscape as impacted by competing political ideologies and worldviews. Students will be introduced to the history of worldview ideas, particularly as related to the modern public policy arena. A Biblical model of statesmanship and statecraft will be applied to these discussions.
Offered: Online
PLCY 804 Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations 3 Credit Hour(s)
The interplay between and among American state governments and the federal government will be examined at the macro and micro (intergovernmental relations) levels. Students will be challenged to examine the complexities of the modern American political system in light of competing models of federalism.
Offered: Online
PLCY 805 Policy Analysis and Research Design 3 Credit Hour(s)
This course introduces students to various models of public policy analysis and evaluation as a foundation to developing a viable public policy research project.
Offered: Online
PLCY 807 Program Evaluation 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 700
Program evaluation offers a systematic approach of applying scientific techniques for evaluating programs. Hence, evaluation design, data collection, analysis, reporting, and results from either local, state, or federally funded programs are used by program evaluators. Hence, program evaluation is essential for designing and operating effective programs in public and nonprofit organizations and involves statistics and research methods to collect and gather evidence that can assist decision-makers to evaluate and improve their programs.
Offered: Online
PLCY 808 Game Theory and Formal Modeling 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 700
This course introduces graduate students to game theoretic analysis and formal modeling as applicable to the study of political behavior. A range of concepts in the study of politics can be better understood through the building and application of economic and mathematically-based models, including concepts that were developed non-mathematically. This course introduces the theories and concepts that underlie game theory and formal modeling, teaches students how to test and evaluate applications of formal models in research on political behavior in strategic contexts, and guides students in the building of their own game theoretic approaches and formal models.
Offered: Online
PLCY 809 Data and Analysis for Policymakers 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 700
This course is designed to give students tools for understanding and avoiding the misinterpretation or misuse of quantitative data. Using case studies, students will learn how to identify common analytical biases and errors that lead to faulty conclusions or flawed applications of research findings.
Offered: Online
PLCY 810 Quantitative Methods I 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 805
Quantitative Analysis I discusses probability theory and hypothesis testing within the context of public policy decision-making. As an introduction to basic statistical distributions, this course covers the tests of difference in means, proportions, basic generalized linear themes such as regression and ANOVA. Also introduced are commonly encountered nonparametric tests.
Offered: Online
PLCY 811 Quantitative Methods II 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 810
This course is designed to give students tools for understanding and avoiding the misuse of quantitative data. Using case studies, students will learn how to identify common analytical biases and errors that lead to faulty conclusions or flawed applications of research findings.
Offered: Online
PLCY 812 Qualitative Methods 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 811
Qualitative Analysis introduces the use methods applicable to qualitative data in order to contribute God-honoring, original public policy related research.
Offered: Online
PLCY 815 Advanced Quantitative Methods I 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 700
This course is designed to provide you with an understanding of the underlying scientific study of public policy. We will begin with the philosophy of science, which is crucial to understanding what public policy experts should be doing in our research. We will also consider research design, learning to generate “good” research questions and “good” studies using different types of research methodologies. The topics covered in this course are applicable to the entire discipline of public policy. This course requires use of the “R” suite of analytical tools.
Registration Restrictions: Department Chair approval
Offered: Online
PLCY 816 Advanced Quantitative Methods II 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 815
Quantitative Methods II introduces the use of econometric statistical methods associated with causal inference. Topics include the following multivariate techniques: multivariate analysis of variance and covariance, path analysis, factor analysis, discriminant analysis, and logistic regression. Cross-sectional data will be analyzed within the context of public policy questions. This course requires use of the “R” suite of analytical tools.
Offered: Online
PLCY 840 Introduction to Education Policy Studies 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 700
This course requires students to research the basic contours of academic research in education policy. Students will work with their faculty member to understand the scope, history, controversial issues, and methods associated with academic research in this cognate. This research will serve as a stepping-stone to conducting a comprehensive literature review for their dissertation and provide the needed context to ensure that the student’s chosen dissertation topic is focused and appropriate.
Offered: Online
PLCY 841 Research Seminar in Education Policy 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 840
In this course, students will identify and discuss the major debates and issues in education policy. Students will conduct an extensive literature review of their chosen dissertation topic. Students will work with faculty to ensure that their literature review is comprehensive and sets them up for a successful research question for their dissertation. Students will also submit a dissertation research question for review and discussion.
Offered: Online
PLCY 842 Research Prospectus in Education Policy 5 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 841
Students will be challenged to look at their chosen research question by using various research methodologies. The course will culminate in a final paper discussing their research question and chosen methodologies. A comprehensive examination must be taken and successfully completed prior to enrollment in PPOG 989.
Offered: Online
PLCY 850 Introduction to Social Policy Studies 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 700
This course requires students to research the basic contours of academic research in social policy. Students will work with their faculty member to understand the scope, history, controversial issues, and methods associated with academic research in this cognate. This research will serve as a stepping-stone to conducting a comprehensive literature review for their dissertation and provide the needed context to ensure that the student’s chosen dissertation topic is focused and appropriate.
Offered: Online
PLCY 851 Research Seminar in Social Policy 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 850
In this course, students will identify and discuss the major debates and issues in social policy. Students will conduct an extensive literature review of their chosen dissertation topic. Students will work with faculty to ensure that their literature review is comprehensive and sets them up for a successful research question for their dissertation. Students will also submit a dissertation research question for review and discussion.
Offered: Online
PLCY 852 Research Prospectus in Social Policy 5 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 851
Students will be challenged to look at their chosen research question by using various research methodologies. The course will culminate in a final paper discussing their research question and chosen methodologies. A comprehensive examination must be taken and successfully completed prior to enrollment in PLCY 989.
Offered: Online
PLCY 860 Introduction to Foreign Policy Studies 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 700
This course requires students to research the basic contours of academic research in foreign policy. Students will work with their faculty member to understand the scope, history, controversial issues, and methods associated with academic research in this cognate. This research will serve as a stepping-stone to conducting a comprehensive literature review for their dissertation and provide the needed context to ensure that the student’s chosen dissertation topic is focused and appropriate.
Offered: Online
PLCY 861 Research Seminar in Foreign Policy 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 860
In this course, students will identify and discuss the major debates and issues in foreign policy. Students will conduct an extensive literature review of their chosen dissertation topic. Students will work with faculty to ensure that their literature review is comprehensive and sets them up for a successful research question for their dissertation. Students will also submit a dissertation research question for review and discussion.
Offered: Online
PLCY 862 Research Prospectus in Foreign Policy 5 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 861
Students will be challenged to look at their chosen research question by using various research methodologies. The course will culminate in a final paper discussing their research question and chosen methodologies. A comprehensive examination must be taken and successfully completed prior to enrollment in PLCY 989.
Offered: Online
PLCY 864 Advanced Research: The Political Worldview of the People's Republic of China 3 Credit Hour(s)
This advanced research seminar delves into how and why Chinese ideology has played a determining Chinese state behavior. The emphasis is on both the permanent and changing nature of the ideology, from Confucianism—what has been termed China’s imperial ideology—through liberal republicanism, Communism, Maoism, Xi Jinping thought, as well as potential post-Communist ideologies. Doctoral students produce robust research on the historical, theoretical, and practical manifestations of Chinese ideology, with a focus on China’s enduring and current national interests.
Offered: Online
PLCY 865 Advanced Research: The Politics of the People's Republic of China 3 Credit Hour(s)
The focus of this course is on the changing nature of the Chinese Party-state, and the relations between state, economy, military, and society. The history, dynamics, and current challenges facing the Chinese Communist Party’s rule take center stage in this deep examination of China’s domestic politics and institutions. This course equips doctoral students to conduct their own research in Chinese politics, policymaking, national security, and on the Chinese Communist Party.
Offered: Online
PLCY 866 Advanced Research: Chinese Political Economy 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 700
This course examines advanced research on political economy of China and prepares doctoral students to conduct their own research in Chinese politics and political economy. Given China’s recent re-emergence as one of the world’s most powerful economies, the study of China’s development is central to an understanding of the world economy. This course considers China’s economic development in a comparative perspective, with attention on the historical development of the U.S. economy and capitalism in the U.S. Particular focus is given to the permanent features of Communist rule in China, the changing nature of the Chinese Party-state, as well as state-economy and state-society relations. Extending off of this focus, this course also leads doctoral students to reflect on the dynamics and challenges associated with reform and resistance.
Offered: Online
PLCY 867 Advanced Research: The Foreign Policy of the People's Republic of China 3 Credit Hour(s)
This doctoral, research-oriented course examines the international relations of the PRC, both in theory and practice, and prepares students to conduct their own research on the history and drivers behind Chinese foreign policy. This course overviews the structure and context of foreign policy decision-making within the PRC, and considers critical domestic and external influences on Chinese foreign policy. Ideological influences on Chinese foreign policy, its historical similarities and differences in the Cold War and current periods, and the role of the People’s Liberation Army and Party in foreign policy development and formulation are areas of particular focus. This course also entails the study of the PRC’s alliances and enemies, with particular emphasis on Sino-American relations.
Offered: Online
PLCY 868 Advanced Research: Strategic Thought in Western and Chinese Perspectives 3 Credit Hour(s)
This doctoral research course examines the prominent works and ideas of leading Chinese and Western strategic thinkers. It imparts a deep understanding of the differences and similarities across Chinese and Western in the strategic thought literature and considers how these ideas inform contemporary grand strategies. Doctoral students will study and critically evaluate works by major strategists, which may include Sun Tzu, Sun Bin, Xenophon, Machiavelli, Frederick the Great, Clausewitz, Mackinder, Brodie, and Kahn.
Offered: Online
PLCY 869 Advanced Research: The Grand Strategy of the People’s Republic of China 3 Credit Hour(s)
The doctoral course evaluates leading scholarly interpretations of how China has defined and sought to achieve its national interests over the long-term. Central to this examination is a consideration of threats to China’s national interests, and the means (political, military, diplomatic, and economic) China has used to address threats through imperial, Republican, and Communist periods. Similarities and differences across Chinese grand strategies are of particular focus in this class. The goal of this examination is to develop and hone of the abilities of doctoral students to discern how both unit level and systemic factors influence Chinese grand strategy.
Offered: Online
PLCY 870 Introduction to Economic Policy Studies 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 700
This course requires students to research the basic contours of academic research in economic policy. Students will work with their faculty member to understand the scope, history, controversial issues, and methods associated with academic research in this cognate. This research will serve as a stepping-stone to conducting a comprehensive literature review for their dissertation and provide the needed context to ensure that the student’s chosen dissertation topic is focused and appropriate.
Offered: Online
PLCY 871 Research Seminar in Economic Policy 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 870
In this course, students will identify and discuss the major debates and issues in economic policy. Students will conduct an extensive literature review of their chosen dissertation topic. Students will work with faculty to ensure that their literature review is comprehensive and sets them up for a successful research question for their dissertation. Students will also submit a dissertation research question for review and discussion.
Offered: Online
PLCY 872 Research Prospectus in Economic Policy 5 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 871
Students will be challenged to look at their chosen research question by using various research methodologies. The course will culminate in a final paper discussing their research question and chosen methodologies. A comprehensive examination must be taken and successfully completed prior to enrollment in PLCY 989.
Offered: Online
PLCY 880 Introduction to National Security Policy Studies 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 700
This course requires students to research the basic contours of academic research in national security policy. Students will work with their faculty member to understand the scope, history, controversial issues, and methods associated with academic research in this cognate. This research will serve as a stepping-stone to conducting a comprehensive literature review for their dissertation and provide the needed context to ensure that the student’s chosen dissertation topic is focused and appropriate.
Offered: Online
PLCY 881 Research Seminar in National Security Policy 3 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 880
In this course, students will identify and discuss the major debates and issues in national security policy. Students will conduct an extensive literature review of their chosen dissertation topic. Students will work with faculty to ensure that their literature review is comprehensive and sets them up for a successful research question for their dissertation. Students will also submit a dissertation research question for review and discussion.
Offered: Online
PLCY 882 Research Prospectus in National Security Policy 5 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 881
Students will be challenged to look at their chosen research question by using various research methodologies. The course will culminate in a final paper discussing their research question and chosen methodologies. A comprehensive examination must be taken and successfully completed prior to enrollment in PLCY 989.
Offered: Online
PLCY 885 Research Concept 3 Credit Hour(s)
The course is designed to develop research skills, culminating in the development and approval of a research concept. The research concept approval process is under the direct supervision of the student’s dissertation chair. The research concept must be written and approved prior to enrollment in dissertation courses. Registration
Note: A dissertation chair and reader must be selected using the Dissertation Pairing tool, prior to enrolling in this course.
Offered: Online
PLCY 887 Capstone I 5 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 885
This course focuses on developing doctoral candidates’ capstone project prospectus.
Offered: Online
PLCY 888 Capstone II 5 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 887
This course focuses on developing doctoral candidates’ capstone project proposal.
Offered: Online
PLCY 889 Capstone III 5 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 888
This course focuses on developing doctoral candidates’ capstone project.
Offered: Online
PLCY 890 Capstone IV 0 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 889
This course focuses on final submission of the doctoral candidate’s capstone project.
Offered: Online
PLCY 980 Dissertation Prospectus 5 Credit Hour(s)
This course provides students with an opportunity to examine the dissertation process. The course focuses on structure and design of a concept for PhD dissertation research that includes peer/collegial review and scholarly discourse leading to a draft of Chapter one of the proposal development. A comprehensive examination must be taken and successfully completed prior to enrollment in PPOG 989. This course is not required for students who successfully complete the Research Prospectus course in a policy cognate.
Offered: Online
PLCY 987 Dissertation I 5 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 885
This course is the first step for doctoral candidates in the process of developing and completing their research study and dissertation. Doctoral candidates will develop Section 1, which includes the Foundation of the Study, to include a detailed Literature Review relevant to the proposed research study.
Offered: Online
PLCY 988 Dissertation II 5 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 987
This course is the second step for doctoral candidates to develop and complete their dissertation. Doctoral candidates will develop Section 2, which includes their methodology for conducting the study, and combine it with Section 1 into a single document. Candidates will also complete and submit their IRB package to complete their proposal defense.
Offered: Online
PLCY 989 Dissertation III 5 Credit Hour(s)
This course is the final step in developing the dissertation manuscript. Doctoral candidates will conduct their field study, analyze their data, and present their findings and develop Section 3 of their dissertation. Candidates will combine all three sections into their completed dissertation manuscript in preparation for their dissertation defense.
Offered: Online
PLCY 990 Dissertation IV - Dissertation Defense 5 Credit Hour(s)
Online Prerequisite: PLCY 989
This course is the last step in the doctoral program. Doctoral candidates will defend their dissertation and finalize their dissertation manuscript for publication.
Offered: Online