The Program

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 a 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.

The public policy faculty in UNL’s Political Science Department administers and teaches in the certificate program. Faculty members with expertise in the policy process, the principal methodologies for studying public policies, and specific policy areas have responsibility for teaching the foundation courses of the certificate program, as well as overseeing the internship experience. Faculty members from other disciplines also offer courses in specific policy areas. As a research-based institution, UNL’s faculty does more than just teach the courses. They are the people who create knowledge and innovative solutions to enhance public policy as a whole.

Who Should Consider This Program?

• Persons pursuing local, state or national government employment
• Persons currently employed in local, state, and national government
• Persons interested in enhancing their knowledge of the policy process and various methods of analysis appropriate to the study of public policy
• Military personnel who would benefit from analysis of public policy for their military and/or post-military careers
• Independent, self-motivated individuals with a strong commitment to advancing their education

Method of Delivery

The flexibility of online course offerings allows students to advance their education while working full-time, regardless of students’ locale. Interaction with faculty and classmates is built into the courses through e-mail communication and online discussion board postings.

Computer requirements:

High speed internet connection is required

Some distance courses have supplemental materials on videos or CDs and others may require phone conferencing. You will interact with the professor and other students through e-mail, phone conferencing, and Blackboard.

Blackboard™ Requirements and Browser Configurations

To effectively use Blackboard the Javascript and cookies on your computer must be enabled. Some content for features may require additional software. Pop-up blockers should be disabled for Blackboard (My.UNL). The browsers below are officially supported.

• Internet Explorer: 7.0 or higher
• Firefox: 2.0 or higher
• Safari: 2.0 or higher

Older versions of the above or alternative browsers (such as Mozilla and Opera) may be compatible, but some features might not be available. To download the latest browsers, click the “help” button in Blackboard (My.UNL) and access the Downloads area.

Operating Systems:

Microsoft® Windows® 2000 and up, or Mac OS X, 10.2 and up are strongly recommended. Older operating systems (Microsoft® Windows® 98SE/ME, MacOS 8/9) or alternative platforms (Linux) are compatible, but may not have full functionality. Blackboard (My.UNL) is not currently compatible with handheld devices or Web-enabled phones.

Note: Using Blackboard with AOL:

While you can use AOL as your service provider, you cannot use the AOL Web browser to access Blackboard (My.UNL). If you try to use the AOL browser, you will find that it will automatically log you out every few minutes and you will experience problems with some of Blackboard’s services including assessments (tests and quizzes).

If you are an AOL user, once you’ve connected to the Internet, use a different Web browser to access the Internet.

Admission requirements

The Undergraduate Certificate Program Application is for students seeking an Undergraduate Certificate, not an undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. If this does not describe you please select a different application type.

Students seeking to enroll in the Undergraduate Public Policy Analysis Certificate will need to:

• Complete a “Non-degree Undergraduate Certificate” application at http://admissions.unl.edu/apply
• Pay the $45 application fee
• Provide proof of high school graduation or equivalent such as a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). An official transcript needs to be mailed to the Office of Admissions directly from the high school or from the testing agency that issued the diploma.

Once all materials have been received, you will be notified by mail of your acceptance status.

Application Deadlines

• Spring – December 1
• Summer/Fall - May 1

Requirements for the Undergraduate Policy Curriculum (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 courses cover the 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

The Second Level course examines the interpersonal, interagency and inter-group negotiation processes within which policymaking occurs. (3 hours)

• POLS 261 Conflict & Conflict Resolution

Third Level courses apply models, methods, and the understanding of the policy process in substantive policy arenas. (6 hours)

Students consult with the policy certificate coordinator to create a specialized plan of study for this level. Students may choose one of the following two policy arenas:

Criminal Justice Policy (choose two courses):

• CRIM 450 – Drugs & Crime
• CRIM 451 – Violence
• CRIM 475 – International Criminology
• SOCI 1311 – Juvenile Delinquency

Foreign and Military Policy (both courses required):

• POLS 463 – U.S. Foreign Policy & the Military
• POLS 479 – Insurgency, Guerilla Warfare and Terrorism

Note: Courses may require pre-requisites, which must be fulfilled before taking the course.

The Fourth Level course consists of an internship or fieldwork experience (3 hours; capstone experience). Students will secure an internship 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. Academic requirements for the internship will be set by the U-PPAC coordinator.

• POLS 395 Internship

For those students with extensive work/practical experience, a policy relevant paper based on their work/practical experience may be substituted for the internship at the discretion of the U-PPAC coordinator. For more information re: the U-PPAC, please contact :

Dr. John Comer
511 Oldfather Hall
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE 68588-0328
Office: 402-472-2343
Fax: 402-472-8192
E-mail: jcomer1@unl.edu

Web: Undergraduate Certificate Requirements in Political Science

UNL Extended Education & Outreach
900 North 22nd Street
P.O. Box 888805
Lincoln, NE 68588-8805
Phone: (402) 472-5515
Fax: (402) 472-4345
E-mail: unlextended@unl.edu