A strong set of core courses that mesh theory with practice was supplemented by a broad range of elective courses organized into emphasis areas. In the delivery of the program curriculum , continuous use was made of the living laboratory, Milwaukee and its environs. Today, that same teaching approach prevails. From a dozen students in the first class, the department has grown to a program of approximately 60 graduate students and eight faculty members. Its alumni work in 26 states and 17 countries.
Policy planning is the primary area of emphasis in the program.
Policy planning is a process of analyzing problems, designing alternative solutions, evaluating the alternatives and their consequences, making formal recommendations, and formulating strategies for their implementation. The program also stresses the development of communication and presentation skills which are essential for influencing decision-making. The department is staffed by faculty members who combine academic and professional qualifications with a commitment to active involvement in current issues. They teach by example, using case studies and projects involving actual situations in many courses. This approach injects reality into the educational environment, allows students to see the relevance of the material in the curriculum, and shows students how their courses relate to professional practice.