The Administration and Policy Practice (APP) concentration fosters excellence, innovation, and change at the macro-systems level:
- In the communities we serve
- In the management of organizations that deliver social services
- In the policies that affect social and economic wellbeing
APP graduates may work in community planning, development, and organizing; social service management and program coordination; policy development, analysis, and research.
Six domains provide a basic framework to define the knowledge and skills in the APP concentration. Students may select courses that focus in a specific domain or create a program of work that builds knowledge and skills across multiple domains.
ADVOCACY: develop and defend well-reasoned positions on critical issues in the community; champion systematic interventions that prevent problems, expand opportunities, and enhance quality of life for individuals and communities; and organize and mobilize community resources to advance the cause of social and economic justice.
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT: Apply planning processes, change strategies, and models for community capacity building; critically assess the program’s internal and external environment through effective assessment tools; and utilize common assessment methodologies to understand the demographics, resources, needs, and strengths of the community.
EVALUATION: Design and conduct community and organizational assessments, program evaluations, and productivity analysis using appropriate scientific methods; and create strategies for community and organizational change based on empirical results.
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT: Understand the application of information technology in management and the delivery of human service to improve overall quality of services provided by agency staff and foster ongoing innovations in service provision.
LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNICATION: Critically examine effective models of leadership and communication and decision making to (a) inspire, influence, and create change; (b) align individuals, groups, and communities to action; and (c) bridge differences and foster inclusivity.
GOVERNANCE: Work with agency staff, board of directors, other governing bodies, and key stakeholders to design, implement and monitor effective policies, procedures, and practices that enhance the effectiveness of the operations, management, and service delivery of organizations and programs.