New
College Name Better Identifies Degree Offerings
(Aug. 21, 2001)--Effective Sept. 1, the College of Urban and Professional Programs will become the College of Public Policy.
"The new name more accurately identifies the degrees offered through
the college," said Dean Jesse Zapata. "It will also give the college
a more identifiable profile among colleges offering similar programs,"
he added.
The UTSA College of Public Policy (CoPP) offers master's-level degree programs
in public administration and justice policy plus a baccalaureate in criminal
justice. A graduate degree in social work is also under development.
The Master's in Public Administration prepares individuals for positions in
management and policy-making at several levels in government, in nonprofit
agencies and in the private sector where knowledge of government is important.
The Master of Science in Justice Policy develops competency in policy planning
and evaluation, and skills for managing justice agencies in complex and dynamic
environments. The program assists students in acquiring and applying solid
research techniques to the study and resolution of contemporary justice policy
problems. The degree also prepares students for policy analytical and managerial
positions in criminal justice agencies and for doctoral study in criminal
justice and other policy sciences.
The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice provides an opportunity for comprehensive
study of criminal justice, with emphasis in law enforcement, corrections-juvenile
justice or legal studies. Those completing the degree can pursue professional
careers in government or the private sector as well as applying for admission
to law or graduate schools.
Students can also opt to complete a minor in legal studies, which provides
an opportunity to examine the foundations, operations and impact of the law
in society, from multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives. This
minor is designed to facilitate development of an enriched background in legal
studies for students planning to pursue law-related higher education or careers.
CoPP evolved from the reorganization of the university's academic framework
in 2000 and holds the distinction of being the first college administratively
based at the UTSA Downtown Campus.
The downtown location affords UTSA students and faculty easy access to San
Antonio's key city, county, state and federal venues of governance, law enforcement
and criminal justice. San Antonio's Municipal Court complex borders the Downtown
Campus along its Frio Street perimeter, and other offices are a short trolley
ride away.
The college draws a number of students who work in or near this geographical
area of the city, including many law enforcement professionals. This strategic
location also facilitates CoPP in its mission as a bridge between academic
theory and the practical needs of the professionals who make and enforce public
policies and laws.