Bachelor of Arts in Public Service

This course explores foundational theories, principles, and concepts of leadership. Public Service prepares the student to develop a greater understanding of the concepts and principles of ethical leadership in order to maintain public trust.

This course introduces techniques and strategies developed for coping with or lessening the psychological, physical, and emotional effects of everyday life pressure when working in the criminal justice system, thereby improving job performance. Students develop resilience and wellness strategies essential for sustaining long careers in high-stress justice professions.

This course introduces the principles and techniques of crime scene investigation, providing practical forensic knowledge applicable to careers in law enforcement, criminalistics, and evidence analysis.

This course is a systematic study of major areas of Christian doctrine with an emphasis on what Scripture says, as well as how Lutheran doctrine reflects what Scripture teaches. This introductory course satisfies the core curriculum requirement for Christian doctrine, and is required for students in a church-work program. Note: For registration, enrollment in a church-work program or permission of the instructor is required.

This course explores the underpinnings of Western Culture by focusing on crucial historical/cultural moments and the artifacts these civilizations produced. The Classical heritage and Christianity (at least as practiced in Europe and America) have both competed and cooperated for 2000 years, and the work in this class will highlight their interactions that define a Western Christian worldview in the present moment. Through a study of these developments, students will be able to situate themselves culturally and better engage worldviews and cultures other than their own.

This course explores the importance that physical activity and nutrition play in maintaining wellness in our lives.

This course introduces students to the wide range of career and internship opportunities in the justice field while equipping them with essential professional skills for long-term success. Students will explore topics such as professional etiquette, resume and cover letter development, job description alignment, interview strategies, online applications, networking, and mentorship. The course also addresses practical aspects of career readiness including position acceptance or rejection, understanding benefits, and budgeting for work and personal life, along with discussions on tithing and financial responsibility. Emphasis is placed on personal branding, particularly through social media, and students will participate in mock interviews to refine their presentation skills. By combining career preparation with practical life skills, this course provides real-world experience, networking opportunities, and tools that enhance employability, professional growth, and readiness to serve as effective justice and public service practitioners.

This course introduces students to the principles of budgeting and finance in public agencies. Students gain a foundational understanding of fiscal management and learn to apply these principles to agency operations. The course also prepares students to manage public resources responsibly—an essential skill for leadership in government and nonprofit sectors.

This course examines the complex ethical challenges faced by professionals in the justice field. Through the analysis of real-world cases, students develop the moral reasoning and decision-making skills essential for leadership, integrity, and credibility in the pursuit of justice.

This capstone course examines the principles and practices of leadership in public service organizations, with a focus on fostering equity, inclusion, and accountability. Students will analyze how leadership decisions shape organizational culture and outcomes, both internally and in relation to broader community and societal expectations. Through case studies, applied projects, and critical reflection, students will evaluate the challenges and opportunities leaders face when striving to create inclusive and equitable workplaces. The course emphasizes not only the skills necessary to lead effectively but also the ethical responsibilities of leaders in these environments. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to apply their learning across organizational settings, demonstrating both strategic insight and a commitment to justice and inclusion in leadership practice.
Prerequisites: (PS 101 or 1010) and (PS 220 or 2010) and (PS 225 or 2020) and (JPP 330 or 3080) and (JPP 415 or 4010).

This interdisciplinary course promotes scientific literacy by developing student understanding of how the natural sciences, social sciences, and technology are practiced, while at the same time providing the foundation for the required lab sciences and social sciences courses. By focusing on both the natural and social sciences, students will learn the types of questions asked by each, the ways knowledge is acquired in each, and how to evaluate the claims made by each. The increased impact of computer science (modelling, algorithms, big data) on science and society will also be covered. Ethical considerations of the uses of scientific knowledge form a key part of this course.