Although the areas of emphasis seek to integrate the sciences with policy and administration, students choose to specialize in one depending on future career interests. Each area of emphasis has a practical orientation that involves the student in real world problems and issues rather than presenting theoretical knowledge alone. Each area of emphasis allows for and encourages student flexibility in designing a particular program of study around a core of required courses. A personal program of study, as described below, may also b e developed. Most graduate courses are offered once weekly in the evening or at other times convenient for working individuals.
Students benefit from the mix of perspectives and experiences held by participants in courses.
Full-time students gain from the practical knowledge of the working professionals, who are in turn challenged by the current theoretical knowledge of those with recent undergraduate degrees. Students like the small class sizes and the close association with faculty. Fully prepared students usually complete the program in two years. Part-time students normally complete the program in four to five years. The program features a faculty that is widely published in the professional literature, active in externally funded research, and committed to excellence in teaching.