Program Evaluation

Course Description

There are a variety of tools available to policymakers and policy analysts to evaluate the impact of public programs. In this course, students examine these tools and work toward gaining the skills needed to develop plans for evaluation and to assess programs and planned program interventions effectively. Students engage in discussions and assignments designed to provide practical application of content on a variety of topics. These topics include selecting programs to evaluate, crafting program descriptions, identifying stakeholders and their interests, developing logic models, framing evaluation questions, using quantitative and qualitative tools to complete formative, process and summative evaluations, and providing evaluation reports and feedback to decision makers. Using concepts presented in the course, students gain hands-on experience developing an evaluation design for a public program. DPSL 8350 - Historical and Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice* (5 credits) (5 credits) This course is designed to give the student an understanding of the evolution of the American criminal justice system. By studying its antecedents dating back to the ancient world we can better understand the changing nature of crime and punishment as well as the diversities and similarities of various cultures in regard to issues pertaining to criminal justice. The components of criminal justice are not new, but have been shaped by the historical process, therefore it is essential to have a clear understanding of this process. DPSL 8351 - Policy and Analysis in Criminal Justice Systems* (5 credits) (5 credits) Criminal justice professionals must understand the various factors that influence the development of criminal justice policy, and how to evaluate whether existing policy meets its objectives. In this course, students will examine the principles of policy analysis and the role that scientific information plays in the development of criminal justice policy. Topics explored include policing, corrections and sentencing; juvenile justice; the relationship between drugs, race, and crime; deterrence as a crime control policy; and the use of public registries. Through further analysis of criminal justice policies, students determine how these policies have changed over time, gaining insight into possible future trends of policy development and analysis. DPSL 8352 - Leadership: Putting Theory into Practice in Criminal Justice Administration* (5 credits) (5 credits) There are many challenges plaguing the criminal justice system, from economic hardship to growing threats of terrorism. Leaders in the system must be adept in problem solving, and they must possess the ability to think critically and proactively. Through this course, students are introduced to the problems that currently confront the criminal justice system administration as well as problems predicted for the future. Students prepare to lead efforts to address these challenges by engaging in practical assignments focusing on powerful models for strategic, critical, and reflective thinking. Students also engage in discussions about the major components of effective justice administration, including organizational thought and theory, leadership, human capital, policy development and implementation, and collaboration with other public safety and community organizations.

Code

DPSL 8323

Credits

5

Subject

Leadership