are intrinsically related, there are differences. According to Rutgers (2018), “the fundamental difference between the two comes down to methodology. Political Science involves the creation of policy and strategy. Public Administration involves the implementation of that strategy…The schism between…is quite similar, although not identical” (Rutgers, 2018, para The fundamental) [online.rutgers.edu/resources/articles/the-difference-between-public-administration-and-political-science/?program=mpa].
Political science offers one course (POS 311: Comparative Government) that is comparable to another offered in the public administration program (PUA: 304: Comparative Administrative Systems and Policies). Political science majors take BSS 300 and BSS 301 (see VI(A)) in the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences.
The POS 311 or PUA 304 could be eliminated, although academic advisors can simply divert students in each program to one particular course as a suitable substitution, thereby eliminating the need to offer two courses.
As with any program offered at the University as an HBCU, there is the unique opportunity to attract a diversity of students, especially females and racial minorities, to study political science. Located in the capital city, students are especially positioned to take advantage of the opportunities to see and participate in government activities, such as internships and legislative activities.
Recruitment is crucial to program survival among any program, but more importantly, these efforts are needed for programs that are not widely known or understood. In an article by Jaschik (2010), the author (citing Röhss) states, "If you want to be relevant as a discipline...you have to recruit people who want to be relevant. And in this respect, [the] American political science departments are not doing well" (para If you want) [www.insidehighered.com/news/2010/09/07/polisci]. The Task Force on Political Science in the 21st Century recommended change in political science programs to be more relevant. Jaschik (citing Skocpol) notes, "part of making political science 'attractive to a full range of undergraduates' is in fact to think about relevance...the discipline 'needs to be engaged in the most exciting real world issues'" (para A plan for). The author (citing Putnam) continues, "the 'most important' reform for the discipline is to focus 'on things that the rest of the citizens of our country are concerned about' and on research that relates to issues that 'ordinary Americans' think are important" (para A plan for). In addition, the tuition assistance program currently offered to state employees in selected agencies should be expanded to all state employees; this, too, will require recruitment of Cabinet Secretaries to support this effort. Courses should also be offered at non-traditional days and times, such as on Saturdays and in the evening to accommodate students working traditional schedules. Creation of a Public Service Leadership Institute housed at the University that provides applied, practitioner-focused training could strengthen interest in the program.
American political science departments are not doing well" (para If you want) [www.insidehighered.com/news/2010/09/07/polisci]. The Task Force on Political Science in the 21st Century recommended change in political science programs to be more relevant. Jaschik (citing Skocpol) notes, "part of making political science 'attractive to a full range of undergraduates' is in fact to think about relevance...the discipline 'needs to be engaged in the most exciting real world issues'" (para A plan for). The author (citing Putnam) continues, "the 'most important' reform for the discipline is to focus 'on things that the rest of the citizens of our country are concerned about' and on research that relates to issues that 'ordinary Americans' think are important" (para A plan for). In addition, the tuition assistance program currently offered to state employees in selected agencies should be expanded to all state employees; this, too, will require recruitment of Cabinet Secretaries to support this effort. Courses should also be offered at non-traditional days and times, such as on Saturdays and in the evening to accommodate students working traditional schedules. Creation of a Public Service Leadership Institute housed at the University that provides applied, practitioner-focused training could strengthen interest in the program.
Yes, the faculty are credentialed to teach in public administration.
Both faculty could be retained in the public administration program, which is currently in need of additional faculty to meet its master’s in public administration accreditation standards.
The subgroup recommends the continuation of the political science program. It is a unique program that helps to fulfill the mission of the University.
There are a number of impacts should the political science program be discontinued. As noted in V(D),
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