Undergraduate Programs
Degree Programs
B.S. in Public Affairs
The Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs requires 120 credit hours. The SPEA curriculum is divided into three categories: general education, electives, and major area.
GENERAL EDUCATION
Communications (9 credit hours minimum)
Take the following writing course:
- ENG-W 131 Elementary Composition (3 cr.) or equivalent campus option (must earn a C or higher)
Select one of the following:
- BUS-X 204 Business Communications (3 cr.)
- ENG-W 231 Professional Writing Skills (3 cr.)
Take the following speech course:
- COMM-R 110 Fundamentals of Speech Communication (3 cr.) or equivalent campus option
Quantitative Methods (9 credit hours minimum)
Select one of the following computer courses:
- SPEA-V 261 Computers in Public Affairs (3 cr.)
- BUS-K 201 The Computer in Business (3 cr.)
Select one of the following mathematics courses:
- MATH-M 118 Finite Mathematics (3 cr.)
- MATH-M 119 Brief Survey of Calculus I (3 cr.)
- MATH 163 Integrated Calculus and Analytic Geometry I (5 cr.)
- MATH 164 Integrated Calculus and Analytic Geometry II (5 cr.)
Take the following statistics course:
- SPEA-K 300 Statistical Techniques (3 cr.) plus
- SPEA-K 301 Statistics Laboratory (1 cr.) (optional)
Select one of the following accounting courses:
- BUS-A 200 Foundations of Accounting (3 cr.)
- BUS-A 201 Introduction to Financial Accounting (3 cr.)
Select one of the following research methods courses:
- SPEA-V 370 Research Methods and Statistical Research (3 cr.)
- SPEA-J 202 Criminal Justice Data, Methods and Resources (3 cr.)
Social Sciences and Humanities
Humanities and Natural Sciences
OPTION ONE - FOREIGN LANGUAGE (RECOMMENDED)
Total of 23-24 credit hours.
Complete first-year foreign language requirements: Only required for OPTION ONE.
This requirement may be satisfied in one of the following ways:
- 1. By completing first-year (10 credit hours) courses in a single language with passing grades:
- 2. By completing second- or third- year course with a grade of C or better;
- 3. By taking a placement test and placing into the 200 level or higher; this waives the 100-level requirement but does not carry with it credit toward graduation.
This requirement may be met with first-year proficiency in American Sign Language.
Placement Test: Students with previous experience in French, German, or Spanish should take the Foreign Language Placement test at the Testing Center to assess their level of language preparation. Students who achieved elementary or intermediate proficiency in any other foreign language should confer with the Foreign Languages and Cultures department for placement in the correct level of that foreign language. Students who complete the course into which they were placed with a grade of C or better are eligible for special credit at a reduced fee for the appropriate lower division course(s) that precede the course taken. Foreign language special credit counts toward graduation and toward the foreign language requirements.
117 Courses: Courses numbered 117 are reserved for students who have never studied the language before. Students who have had two or more years of formal study in a language may take a 117- level course in that language as a refresher course before enrolling in a more advanced course, but they must recognize that their work will be graded on a Satisfactory/Fail basis. A grade of S is equivalent to a grade of C.
Non-Native Speakers: Students for whom English is not a first language may be exempted from the foreign language requirement, without credit, by completion of ENG W131 and ENG W132 with required grade of C or better. Students whose native language is not English may demonstrate proficiency in their native language and earn 3 to 6 hours of 298/299 special credits successfully completing an appropriate 300-level course. They may not, however, receive credit for taking first-and second-year courses in their native language.
Social Sciences
Take the following three courses:
- ECON-E 201 Introduction to Microeconomics (3 cr.)
- ECON-E 202 Introduction to Macroeconomics (3 cr.)
- POLS-Y 103 Introduction to American Politics (3 cr.)
Natural Sciences
Select one of the following natural science courses:
- ANTH-A 103 Human Origins and Prehistory (3 cr.)
- AST-A 100 The Solar System (3 cr.)
- AST-A 105 Stars and Galaxies (3 cr.)
- BIOL-K 101 Concepts of Biology I - Plants (5 cr.)
- BIOL-K 103 Concepts of Biology II - Animals (5 cr.)
- BIOL-N 100 Contemporary Biology (3 cr.)
- BIOL-N 107 Introduction to Zoology (4 cr.)
- BIOL-N 200 The Biology of Women (3 cr.)
- BIOL-N 212 Human Biology (3 cr.)
- BIOL-N 214 Human Biology (3 cr.)
- BIOL-N 251 Introduction to Microbiology (3 cr.)
- BIOL-N 322 Introductory Principles of Genetics (3 cr.)
- CHEM-C 100 World of Chemistry (3 cr.)
- CHEM-C 101 Elementary Chemistry I (5 cr.)
- CHEM-C 102 Elementary Chemistry II (5 cr.)
- CHEM-C 105 Principles of Chemistry I (3 cr.)
- CHEM-C 106 Principles of Chemistry II (3 cr.)
- GEOG-G 107 Physical Systems of the Environment (3 cr.)
- GEOG-G 303 Weather and Climate/Topical Seminar in Urban and Regional Systems (3 cr.)
- GEOG-G 307 Biogeography: Distribution of Life (3 cr.)
- GEOG/GEOL-G 185 Global Environmental Change (3 cr.)
- GEOL-G 107 Environmental Geology (3 cr.)
- GEOL-G 109 Fundamentals of Earth History (3 cr.)
- GEOL-G 110 Physical Geology (3 cr.)
- GEOL-G 115 Introduction to Oceanography (3 cr.)
- GEOL-G 132 Environmental Problems (3 cr.)
- GEOL-G 180 Dinosaurs (3 cr.)
- PHYS 100 Physics in the Modern World (5 cr.)
- PHYS 200 Our Physical Environment (3 cr.)
- PHYS 218 General Physics I (4 cr.)
- PHYS 219 General Physics II (4 cr.)
- PHYS-P 201 General Physics I (5 cr.)
- PHYS-P 202 General Physics II (5 cr.)
- PSY-B 105 Psychology as a Biological Science (3 cr.)
OPTION TWO - NO FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Total of 25-26 credit hours.
Take the following three courses:
- ECON-E 201 Introduction to Microeconomics (3 cr.)
- ECON-E 202 Introduction to Macroeconomics (3 cr.)
- POLS-Y 103 Introduction to American Politics (3 cr.)
Take one of the following courses:
- HIST-H 105 American History I (3 cr.)
- HIST-H 106 American History II (3 cr.)
- HIST-H 108 Perspectives on the World to 1800 (3 cr.)
- HIST-H 114 History of Western Civilization II (3 cr.)
- ANTH-A l04 Culture and Society (3 cr.)
- CLAS-C 205 Classical Mythology (3 cr.)
- FLAC-F 200 World Cultures through Literature (3 cr.)
- GEOG-G 110 Introduction to Human Geography (3 cr.)
- REL-R 133 Introduction to Religions (3 cr.)
- REL-R 212 Comparative Religion (3 cr.)
Select two courses from the following Social Sciences and Humanities lists:
Social Sciences
- AFRO-A 150 Survey of the Culture of Black Americans (3 cr.)
- ANTH-A 104 Culture and Society (3 cr.)
- COMM-C 180 Introduction to Interpersonal Communication (3 cr.)
- ENG-G 104 Language Awareness (3 cr.)
- FOLK-F 101 Introduction to Folklore (3 cr.)
- GEOG-G 110 Introduction to Human Geography (3 cr.)
- GEOG-G 130 World Geography (3 cr.)
- HIST-H 117 Introduction to Historical Studies (3 cr.)
- POLS-Y 101 Principles of Political Science (3 cr.)
- POLS-Y 219 Introduction to International Relations (3 cr.)
- PSY-B 104 Introduction to Psychology as a Social Science (3 cr.)
- PSY-B 310 Life Span Development (3 cr.)
- SOC-R 100 Introduction to Sociology (3 cr.)
- SOC-R 121 Social Problems (3 cr.)
- SPEA-J 101 The American Criminal Justice System (3 cr.)
- WOST-W 105 Introduction to Women's Studies (3 cr.)
Humanities
- CLAS-C 205 Classical Mythology (3 cr.)
- FILM- C 190 Introduction to Film (3 cr.)
- ENG-L 105 Appreciation of Literature (3 cr.)
- FLAC-F 200 World Cultures through Literature (3 cr.)
- FOLK-F 101 Introduction to Folklore (3 cr.)
- HER-H 100 Art Appreciation (3 cr.)
- HER-H 101 History of Art I (3 cr.)
- HER-H 102 History of Art II (3 cr.)
- HIST-H I05 American History I (3 cr.)
- HIST-H 106 American History II (3 cr.)
- HIST-H 108 Perspectives on the World to 1800 (3 cr.)
- HIST-H 113 History of Western Civilization I (3 cr.)
- HIST-H 217 The Nature of History (3 cr.)
Select two courses from the following natural sciences courses (one must be with an accompanying lab):
Natural Sciences
- ANTH-A 103 Human Origins and Prehistory (3 cr.)
- AST-A 100 The Solar System (3 cr.)
- AST-A 105 Stars and Galaxies (3 cr.)
- BIOL-K 101 Concepts of Biology I - Plants (5 cr.)
- BIOL-K 103 Concepts of Biology II - Animals (5 cr.)
- BIOL-N 100 Contemporary Biology (3 cr.)
- BIOL-N 107 Introduction to Zoology (4 cr.)
- BIOL-N 200 The Biology of Women (3 cr.)
- BIOL-N 212 Human Biology (2 cr.)
- BIOL-N 213 Human Biology Laboratory (1 cr.)
- BIOL-N 214 Human Biology (2 cr.)
- BIOL-N 215 Human Biology Laboratory (1 cr.)
- BIOL-N 217 Human Physiology (5 cr.)
- BIOL-N 251 Introduction to Microbiology (3 cr.)
- CHEM-C 100 World of Chemistry (3 cr.)
- CHEM-C 101 Elementary Chemistry I (5 cr.)
- CHEM-C 102 Elementary Chemistry II (5 cr.)
- CHEM-C 105 Principles of Chemistry I (3 cr.)
- CHEM-C 106 Principles of Chemistry II (3 cr.)
- GEOG-G 107 Physical Systems of the Environment (3 cr.)
- GEOG-G 108 Physical Geography Laboratory (2 cr.)
- GEOG-G 303 Weather and Climate/Topical Seminar in Urban and Regional Systems (3 cr.)
- GEOG-G 307 Biogeography: Distribution of Life (3 cr.)
- GEOG/GEOL-G 185 Global Environmental Change (3 cr.)
- GEOL-G 107 Environmental Geology (3 cr.)
- GEOL-G 109 Fundamentals of Earth History (3 cr.)
- GEOL-G 110 Physical Geology (3 cr.)
- GEOL-G 115 Introduction to Oceanography (3 cr.)
- GEOL-G 117 Environmental Geology Laboratory (1 cr.)
- GEOL-G 119 Fundamentals of Earth History Laboratory (1 cr.)
- GEOL-G 120 Physical Geology Laboratory (1 cr.) OR
GEOL-G 206 Advanced Physical Geology Laboratory (2 cr.) - GEOL-G 132 Environmental Problems (3 cr.)
- GEOL-G 180 Dinosaurs (3 cr.)
- PHYS 100 Physics in the Modern World (5 cr.)
- PHYS 152 Mechanics (4 cr.)
- PHYS 200 Our Physical Environment (3 cr.)
- PHYS 218 General Physics I (4 cr.)
- PHYS 219 General Physics II (4 cr.)
- PHYS 251 Heat, Electricity, and Optics (5 cr.)
- PHYS-P 201 General Physics I (5 cr.)
- PHYS-P 202 General Physics II (5 cr.)
General Electives
Additional courses beyond the general education and major requirements are needed to complete the minimum 120 hours required for the degree.
MAJORS
There are three majors offered on the Indianapolis campus: Management, Civic Leadership, and Policy Studies.
Management Major (47-56 credit hours)
Take the following course:
- SPEA-V 170 Introduction to Public Affairs (3 cr.)
Select two of the following courses:
- SPEA-H 316 Environmental Science and Health (3 cr.)
- SPEA-H 320 Health Systems Administration (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 221 Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 264 Urban Structure and Policy (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 375 Emergency Services Administration (3 cr.)
Select one of the following courses:
- SPEA-V 263 Public Management (3 cr.) or
- SPEA-V 362 Nonprofit Management and Leadership (3 cr.)
Select one of the following courses:
- SPEA-V 346 Introduction to Government Accounting and Financial Reporting (3 cr.) or
- SPEA-V 356 Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting and Reporting (3 cr.)
Take the following four courses:
- SPEA-V 348 Management Science (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 361 Financial Management (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 366 Managing Behavior in Public Organizations (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 376 Law and Public Affairs (3 cr.)
Select five of the following courses (at least one and no more than two from each section):
Section 1
- SPEA-V 372 Government Finance and Budgets (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 458 Fund Development for Nonprofit Organizations (3 cr.)
Section 2
- SPEA-V 369 Managing Information Technology (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 379 Performance Management and Program Evaluation (3 cr.)
Section 3
- SPEA-V 373 Human Resources Management in the Public Sector (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 412 Leadership and Ethics (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 435 Negotiation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 443 Managing Workforce Diversity (3 cr.)
Select one of following capstone courses:
- SPEA-V 473 Management, Leadership, and Policy (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 450 Indiana Leadership Seminar (3 cr.)
Take the following two courses:
- SPEA-V 473 Internship in Public and Environmental Affairs (0-6 cr.)
- SPEA-V 252 Career Development and Planning (2 cr.)
Civic Leadership Major (44-50 credit hours)
Take the following five courses:
- SPEA-V 170 Introduction to Public Affairs (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 221 Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 264 Urban Structure and Policy (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 376 Law and Public Policy (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 382 Political Action and Civic Engagement (3 cr.)
Select one of the following courses:
- SPEA-V 263 Public Management (3 cr.) or
- SPEA-V 362 Nonprofit Management and Leadership (3 cr.)
Select one of the following courses:
- SPEA-V 378 Policy Processes in the United States (3 cr.) or
- SPEA-V 408 Individual Rights, Common Goods and Public Policies (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 438 Mass Media and Public Affairs (3 cr.)
Select two of the following courses:
- SPEA-V 412 Leadership and Ethics (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 435 Negotiation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 443 Managing Workforce Diversity (3 cr.)
Emphasis Area. Four courses required.
The four courses (12 credit hours) must be chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor. At least two of the courses must be at the 300 level or above. The emphasis area will allow the student to study a sector, policy, or skill in depth. Examples include:
Nonprofit and Community Leadership
- SPEA-V 362 Nonprofit Management and Leadership (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 379 Performance Measurement and Program Evaluation (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 450 Contemporary Issues in Public Affairs (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 458 Fund Development for Nonprofits (3 cr.)
- POLS-Y 301 Political Parties and Interest Groups (3 cr.)
Political Process and Civic Leadership
- SPEA-V 378 Policy Processes in the United States (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 379 Performance Measurement and Program Evaluation (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 408 Individual Rights, Common Goods and Public Policies (3 cr.)
- POLS-Y 317 Voting, Elections, and Public Opinion (3 cr.)
International Affairs
- SPEA-V 272 Terrorism and Public Policy (3 cr.)
- POLS-Y 219 Introduction to International Relations (3 cr.)
- POLS-Y 375 War and International Conflict (3 cr.)
- POLS-Y 377 Globalization (3 cr.)
Legal Studies
- POLS-Y 211 Introduction to Law (3 cr.)
- POLS-Y 221 Leg Res/ Writing/ Paralegal Studies (3 cr.)
- POLS-Y 304 Constitutional Law (3 cr.)
- POLS-Y 305 Constitutional Rights and Liberties (3 cr.)
- SPEA-J 301 Substantive Criminal Law (3 cr.)
- SPEA-J 302 Procedural Criminal Law (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 408 Individual Rights, Common Goods and Public Policies (3 cr.)
Select one of following capstone courses:
- SPEA-V 473 Management, Leadership, and Policy (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 450 Indiana Leadership Seminar (3 cr.)
Take the following two courses:
- SPEA-V 473 Internship in Public and Environmental Affairs (0-6 cr.)
- SPEA-V 252 Career Development and Planning (2 cr.)
Policy Studies Major (44-50 credit hours)
Take the following course:
- SPEA-V 170 Introduction to Public Affairs (3 cr.)
Policy Processes and Context (12 credit hours minimum)
Select one of the following courses:
- SPEA-V 221 Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector (3 cr.) or
- SPEA-V 362 Nonprofit Management and Leadership (3 cr.)
Select one of the following courses:
- SPEA-V 263 Public Management (3 cr.) or
- SPEA-V 372 Government Finance and Budgets (3 cr.)
Select one of the following courses:
- SPEA-V 382 Political Action and Civic Engagement (3 cr.) or
- SPEA-V 408 Individual Rights, Common Goods and Public Policies (3 cr.)
Tools for Policy Analysis and Education (12 credit hours minimum)
Take the following courses:
- SPEA-V 348 Management Science (3 cr.) P: SPEA K300, MATH M118 or MATH M025
- SPEA-V 369 Managing Information Technology (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 376 Law and Public Policy (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 378 Policy Processes in the United States (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 379 Performance Measurement and Program Evaluation (3 cr.)
Policy Emphasis Area. A total of four courses for a minimum of 12 credit hours from the following, chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor. Possible emphasis areas are listed below.
Criminal Justice
- SPEA-J 101 The American Criminal Justice System (3 cr.)
- SPEA-J 150 Public Safety in America (3 cr.)
- SPEA-J 222 Murder in America: Causes and Consequences (3 cr.)
- SPEA-J 272 Terrorism and Public Policy (3 cr.)
- SPEA-J 305 Juvenile Justice (3 cr.)
- SPEA-J 426 Mapping and Analysis for Public Safety (3 cr.)
Environment
- SPEA-E 162 Environment and People (3 cr.)
- SPEA-H 316 Environmental Science and Health (3 cr.)
- SPEA-H 416 Environmental Health Policy (3 cr.)
- BIOL-K 341 Principals of Ecology (3 cr.)
Health
- SPEA-H 316 Environmental Science and Health (3 cr.)
- SPEA-H 320 Health Systems Administration (3 cr.)
- SPEA-H 354 Health Economics (3 cr.)
- SPEA-H 401 Strategic Planning in Health Care Organizations (3 cr.)
- SPEA-H 416 Environmental Health Policy (3 cr.)
- SPEA-H 420 Health Policy (3 cr.)
- SPEA-H 474 Health Administration Seminar (3 cr.) P: SPEA H320 and senior standing.
Urban
- SPEA-J 426 Mapping and Analysis for Public Safety (3 cr.)
- SPEA-J 387 Foundations of Homeland Security (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 260 Topics in Public Affairs (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 264 Urban Structure and Policy (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 450 Contemporary Issues in Public Affairs (3 cr.)
- POLS-Y 308 Urban Politics (3 cr.)
Nonprofit
- SPEA-V 221 Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 260 Topics in Public Affairs (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 362 Nonprofit Management and Leadership (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 458 Fund Development for Nonprofit Organizations (3 cr.)
International Policy
- SPEA-V 272 Terrorism and Public Policy (3 cr.)
- POLS-Y 219 Introduction to International Relations (3 cr.)
- ECON-E 303 Survey of International Economics (3 cr.)
- POLS-Y 377 Globalization (3 cr.)
- POLS-Y 360 U.S. Foreign Policy (3 cr.)
- POLS-Y 217 Introduction to Comparative Politics (3 cr.)
Select one of following capstone courses:
- SPEA-V 473 Management, Leadership, and Policy (3 cr.)
- SPEA-V 450 Indiana Leadership Seminar (3 cr.)
Take the following two courses:
- SPEA-V 473 Internship in Public and Environmental Affairs (0-6 cr.)
- SPEA-V 252 Career Development and Planning (2 cr.)