Apr 16, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [NOTE!!!! THIS IS AN ARCHIVED CATALOG. FOR THE CURRENT CATALOG, GO TO CATALOG.NIU.EDU]

Public Service Leadership (B.S.) (School of Public and Global Affairs)


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General Information


This major is designed primarily as a degree completion program in an online format for students with an A.A.S. in a discipline directly related to one of the program emphases, or students holding an A.A./A.S. degree in a public service career track, especially police, fire, and public works positions. All majors must meet NIU’s requirements for general education (21-33 hours), complete a minimum of 40 hours of course work at the 300-400 level, and earn a minimum of 30 hours at NIU. Up to 30 hours of proficiency credit can be applied toward the 120-credit-hour university graduation requirements with the approval of the department adviser and chair. The completion of a culminating experience (e.g., senior seminar, capstone course or project, or internship, etc.) is required for all majors.

B.S. in Public Service Leadership Degree Completion Program


The B.S. in Public Service Leadership degree completion program is designed  is designed to award credit to practicing professionals for their recent education and previous learning experiences in the relevant fields of public sector employment. In addition to the course requirements outlined below, up to 30 semester hours of credit may be awarded for documented prior learning through professional experiences and education in an area related to the emphasis. Students interested in the B.S. in Public Service Leadership degree completion program should contact a program advisor for a course counseling session.

Proficiency Credit (0-30)


Up to 30 hours of proficiency credit may be applied toward the 120-credit hour university requirement. The number of credits awarded will be based on the evaluation of the professional portfolio, submitted at the completion of SPGA 490, by a panel of faculty in the emphasis area. These credits will be applied to the student’s transcript upon appropriate approval at the departmental and college levels, and the completion of all designated 300- and 400-level course work for the Public Service Leadership degree.

B.S. P.S.L. Core Requirements (40)


The following core requirements are designed to address core competencies related to program learning outcomes for the B.S.in Public Service Leadership. Students should select courses that are most appropriate in consultation with an advisor.

At least one of the following:


General Education Requirements (0-33)


In addition to completing the above major requirements students must complete the remaining general education requirements. If major requirements fulfill any of the general education requirements, they are listed below and subtracted from the general education credit requirements.

The required minimum of 21 semester hours in Knowledge Domain studies cannot include more than two courses in any one department. (A course with an affiliated laboratory course shall be counted as a single course.)

NOTE:  previous coursework completed for AA/AS/AAS degrees may fulfill some or all general education requirements.

Foundational Studies (0-12)


Writing Requirement (0-6)
Oral Communication Requirement (0-3)
Quantitative Literacy Requirements (0-3)

For additional information about these requirements, please visit Foundational Studies .

Knowledge Domain Requirements (0-21)


Creativity and Critical Analysis (0-6)

Nature and Technology (0-6)

Society and Culture (0-6)

  • One or Two 3-credit courses selected from approved general education list. Society and Culture Course List  
  • If COMS 362, a program elective is taken, it can fulfill one course requirement in this domain.

Knowledge Domain Elective (0-3)

  • One additional 3-credit course from any Knowledge Domain. 

 

Graduation Requirements (6-9)


In addition to completing the above major requirements students must complete the remaining graduation requirements. If major requirements fulfill any of the graduation requirements, they are listed below and subtracted from the graduation credit requirements.

Human Diversity Requirement (0-3)

Writing Infused Requirements (6)

TOTAL HOURS FOR GENERAL EDUCATION AND GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: 6-42


TOTAL HOURS FOR ELECTIVES: 8-74


TOTAL HOURS FOR A B.S. DEGREE IN PUBLIC SERVICE LEADERSHIP: 120


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