Add another dimension to your degree with an O’Neill minor or certificate
The O’Neill School of Public and Environment Affairs' wide variety of minors and certificates address environmental, health, policy, and management issues from a variety of perspectives, and may be an ideal complement to your major.
To apply
Check with your degree-granting unit at Indiana University to make sure you are eligible for the O’Neill minor (or minors!) you choose. Some degree-granting units at IU may allow only one or only certain O’Neill minors.
Contact O’Neill Undergraduate Advising
Minor requirements
Each minor requires 15 hours of specified courses with a 2.000 grade point average. (Note: Some degree-granting units at IU may require a specific grade in minor courses. Check with your school for any specific rules.)
If you’re anO’Neill student, you may double count up to 6 credit hours of minor courses with any otherO’Neill academic program. EachO’Neill minor must have at least 9 hours that do not count toward any otherO’Neill academic program. If you’re a non-O’Neill student, you cannot double count courses betweenO’Neill minors or certificates.
Choose from these minors:
Be sure to confirm the requirements (listed below) with the IU Bulletin and with your advisor.
Study the behind-the-scenes elements of the arts world, including arts marketing, finance, nonprofit management, and law. You’ll learn the fundamentals of running an arts organization while specializing in a specific arts area tailored to your interests and career goals.
To earn an O’Neill minor in Arts Management, you must successfully complete the following two courses:
SPEA-A 354 Arts Marketing Fundamentals
SPEA-V 362 Nonprofit Management and Leadership
With nine credits from the following, with at least six credits from List A:
List A
SPEA-A 163 Introduction to Arts Management
SPEA-A 236 Music Industry I
SPEA-A 241 Community Engagement in the Arts
SPEA-A 336 Music Industry II
SPEA-A 405 Programming in the Performing Arts
SPEA-A 410 Artists, Galleries and Collectors
SPEA-A 411 Auditorium Management
SPEA-A 412 Creative Thinking Strategies for Arts Management
SPEA-A 418 Theatre and Dance Management
SPEA-A 422 IT Applications for the Arts
SPEA-A 426 Art and Social Change
SPEA-A 439 Fund Development for the Arts
SPEA-A 450 Contemporary Topics in Arts Administration (approved topics only; consult O’Neill advisor; repeatable with different topics)
SPEA-A 459 Public Policy and the Arts
SPEA-A 464 The Economics and Administration of Arts Organizations
SPEA-A 482 Overseas Topics in Arts Management (approved topics only; consult O’Neill advisor; repeatable with different topics)
SPEA-V 236 Managing and Leading Organizations
SPEA-V 246 Elements of Governmental and Nonprofit Financial Accounting Cycle (P: SPEA-V186)
SPEA-V 373 Human Resource Management in the Public Sector
SPEA-V 377 Legal Process and Contemporary Issues in America
SPEA-V 438 Mass Media and Public Affairs
SPEA-V 457 Human Resources Training and Development (P: SPEA-V 373)
SPEA-V 458 Fund Development
SPEA-V 481 Grant Writing for Public and Nonprofit Organizations
SPEA-V 482 Overseas Topics in Public Affairs (approved topics only; consult O’Neill advisor; repeatable with different topics)
AADM-Y 412 Opera Management
List B
FOLK-F 364 Children’s Folklore
FOLK-F 402 Traditional Arts Indiana
MSCH-A 347 Media Promotion and Marketing in Telecommunications
MSCH-C 207 Introduction to Media Industry and Management
MSCH-M 330 Production Management
MSCH-R 321 Principles of Public Relations
MSCH-R 431 Public Relations for Nonprofits
MUS-U 300 Introduction to Music Entrepreneurship
MUS-U 315 Arts Education and Outreach
MUS-U 340 Practicum in Music Entrepreneurship
MUS-U 413/Z 313 Legal Aspects of the Music Industry
Learning outcomes:
Expertise in the distinctive aspects of management in the arts. Students will know what makes arts management different in its nature from the management of other organizations, whether in the commercial, nonprofit, or public sectors, including an understanding of:
Art as an experience good
The formation of taste and cultural preferences among consume
Current best practices in arts marketing and audience development
Knowledge of the key issues and challenges in cultural policy:
Public funding support of artists and arts organizations
The key role of charitable donations in the US arts sector
Inequality in access to taking part in arts occupations and arts experiences
The challenges and importance of ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts
Expertise in managing complex organizations:
Students will know the challenges faced by leaders and administrators and in complex organizations driven by specialized, highly skilled creative labor
Students will know the different management environments in the entrepreneurial/commercial, nonprofit, and public sectors
You’ve seen news reports about vouchers, charter schools, common curricula, and standardized testing. Now, you can get a deeper understanding of the issues behind the headlines. With a Minor in Education Policy, you’ll learn what works and what experts are doing to improve children’s education.
This is a joint minor with the O’Neill School and School of Education. At least nine credits must be at the 300/400 level, and all courses must have a minimum grade of “C.” Requirements include the following two courses:
• EDUC-A 308 Legal Issues for Secondary Teachers • EDUC-H 200 Introduction to Education Policy
One of the following courses:
• EDUC-H 205 Introduction to Educational Thought • EDUC-H 340 Education and American Culture • LATS-L 380 Latino Education Across the Americas • SOC-S 312 Education and Society
One of the following courses:
• SPEA-V 236 Managing and Leading Organizations • SPEA-V 263 Public Management • SPEA-V 336 Managing External Collaboration and Networks (P: SPEA-V 185) • SPEA-V 362 Nonprofit Management and Leadership • SPEA-V 373 Human Resource Management in the Public Sector • SPEA-V 412 Leadership and Ethics • SPEA-V 443 Managing Workforce Diversity
One of the following courses:
• SPEA-V 246 Elements of Governmental and Nonprofit Financial Accounting Cycle (P: SPEA-V 186) • SPEA-V 348 Management Science (P: SPEA-K 300, MATH-M 025 or MATH-M 118) • SPEA-V 361 Financial Management (P: SPEA-V 246 or BUS-A 201) • SPEA-V 370 Research Methods and Statistical Modeling (P: SPEA-K 300 or equivalent) • SPEA-V 374 Intermediate Public Budgeting & Finance (P: SPEA-V 186) • SPEA-V 379 Performance Measurement and Program Evaluation • SPEA-V 401 Finance and Cost Benefit Analysis (P: SPEA-V 202) • SPEA-V 449 Senior Policy Seminar • Other courses approved by the minor oversight committee
Bolster your passion for the environment with a background in policy and law. By majoring in Environmental Management, you’ll learn to translate between the hard sciences and the policies and practices that governments, organizations, and businesses implement Requirements include:
The following three courses:
• SPEA-E 183 Environment and People • SPEA-E 272 Introduction to Environmental Sciences (R: SPEA-E 183) • SPEA-E 363 Environmental Management (R: SPEA-E 183)
One of the following courses:
• SPEA-E 311 Introduction to Risk Assessment and Risk Communication • SPEA-E 340 Environmental Economics and Finance • SPEA-E 417 Fundamentals of Sustainable Agriculture • SPEA-E 465 Environmental Management in the Tropics • SPEA-E 466 International and Comparative Environmental Policy • SPEA-E 476 Environmental Law and Regulation
One additional course from the above or following list:
• SPEA-E 325 Computing for Environmental Scientists • SPEA-E 355 Introduction to Limnology • SPEA-E 375 Techniques of Environmental Science • SPEA-E 400 Topics in Environmental Studies (approved topics only; consult SPEA advisor; repeatable with different topics) • SPEA-E 410 Introduction to Environmental Toxicology • SPEA-E 411 Introduction to Groundwater Hydrology • SPEA-E 412 Risk Communication • SPEA-E 419 Applied Remote Sensing of the Environment • SPEA-E 422 Urban Forest Management • SPEA-E 431 Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment • SPEA-E 440 Wetlands Ecology and Management (P: SPEA-E 272) • SPEA-E 450 Soil Science and Management • SPEA-E 451 Air Pollution and Control • SPEA-E 452 Solid and Hazardous Waste Management • SPEA-E 456 Lake and Watershed Management • SPEA-E 457 Introduction to Conservation Biology • SPEA-E 460 Fisheries and Wildlife Management • SPEA-E 461 Fisheries and Wildlife Management Laboratory • SPEA-H 316 Environmental Health Science • SPEA-V 401 Financial and Cost-Benefit Analysis (P: SPEA-V 202) • SPEA-V 413 Food Systems and Community Resilience • SPEA-V 415 Data Science in Public and Environmental Affairs • SPEA-V 435 Negotiation and Alternative Dispute Resolution • SPEA-E/V 482 Overseas Topics in Public Affairs (approved topics only; consult O’Neill advisor; repeatable with different topics)
Learning outcomes:
Apply environmental science facts and processes in environmental problem solving
Explain governance and regulatory processes, how historical context relates to policy, and how science informs regulation
Articulate the ethical, cross-cultural, and historical context of environmental issues and the links between humans and natural systems
Apply ethical principles, specifically including environmental justice, to issues, problems and professional practices
Explain the ecological and societal value of biodiversity, sustainability, and environmental stewardship
Recognize and evaluate the multidisciplinary aspect of environmental problem solving by explaining and comparing the perspectives of stakeholders involved in decision making (e.g., resource economists, policy makers, NGOs, government employees, lawyers, etc.) and by demonstrating an ability to work effectively in teams to develop solutions to environmental problems
Analyze environmental problems, including climate change, in the context of activities, resources, and politics environmental managers to obtain necessary resources and implement environmental management solutions and achieve goals
Comprehend complex and volatile issues in the context of activities, resources, and politics to utilize in environmental management solutions
Create strategies to address problems and issues in the context of activities, resources, and politics to reach environmental management goals
With a minor in Environmental Science through the O’Neill School, you will study the environment and look for solutions to pressing environmental problems.
This is a joint minor with the O’Neill School and the College of Arts + Sciences. All courses must be completed with a minimum grade of C-. It is recommended that students have taken MATH-M 119 or higher and CHEM-C 117 or higher (or equivalents) before proceeding. Requirements include:
One of the following courses:
• GEOG-G 208 Environment and Society • SPEA-E 272 Introduction to Environmental Sciences (R: SPEA-E 183
Four additional courses; at least three must be at the 300-400 level:
• See the O'Neill bulletin for current list of approved courses. Only courses in section III.2. Environmental Science Courses are approved for the minor. Selection of these four courses should be done in consultation with the environmental science faculty or BSES director. • Other courses approved by the BSES program director
This O’Neill School minor requires:
The following three courses:
• SPEA-E 183 Environment and People • SPEA-E 272 Introduction to Environmental Sciences (R: SPEA-E 183) • SPEA-H 316 Environmental Health Science
Two of the following courses:
• SPEA-E 311 Introduction to Risk Assessment and Risk Communication • SPEA-E 316 Insects and the Environment • SPEA-E 324 Controversies in Environmental Health • SPEA-E 375 Techniques of Environmental Science • SPEA-E 410 Introduction to Environment Toxicology • SPEA-E 431 Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment • SPEA-E 451 Air Pollution and Control • SPEA-E 452 Solid and Hazardous Waste Management • SPEA-E/V 482 Overseas Topics in Public Affairs (approved topics only; consult O’Neill advisor; repeatable with different topics) • Other courses in environmental science and health approved by an O’Neill advisor.
Learning outcomes:
Apply environmental science facts and processes in environmental problem solving
Identify and explain the connection between environmental conditions (including conditions affected by climate change) and human health in general and in the context of a topic of student’s choice, such as air pollution, water pollution, or hazardous waste.
Recognize and evaluate the multidisciplinary aspect of environmental problem solving by explaining and comparing the perspectives of stakeholders involved in decision making (e.g., resource economists, policy makers, NGOs, government employees, lawyers, etc.) and by demonstrating an ability to work effectively in teams to develop solutions to environmental problems
Discuss concepts of disease and the means by which disease is characterized and studied in human populations
Describe environmental control strategies that are commonly applied to prevent or minimize the adverse health effects of environmental agents
Explain the concept and importance of either the “ecological” or “one health” model in developing strategies for preventing or mitigating environmental health problems.
Identify barriers, such as poverty, racism, gender discrimination, and ableism, to achieving optimal environmental health.
This is a joint minor between the O’Neill School and the College of Arts and Sciences.
This minor requires:
18 credit hours
At least nine credits must be at 300-400
At least nine credits must be completed on the Bloomington campus
• SPEA-H 124 Overview of the US Healthcare System • SPEA-H 324 Health Policy (P: SPEA-H 124 or permission of instructor) • SPEA-H 350 Fundamentals of Healthcare Financial Management (P: SPEA-H 124 or permission of instructor)
One of the following courses:
• SPEA-H 316 Environmental Health Science • SPEA-H 341 Legal Aspects of Health Care Administration (P: SPEA-H 124 or permission of instructor) • SPEA-H 342 Community Health Education (P: SPEA-H 124 or permission of instructor) • SPEA-H 354 Health Economics (P: SPEA-H 124 and ECON-E 201 or ECON-B 251) • SPEA-H 374 Health Management Ethics (P: SPEA-H 124 or permission of instructor) • SPEA-H 401 Strategic Planning in Health Organizations (P: SPEA-H 353 or concurrent) • SPEA-H 402 Hospital Administration (P: SPEA-H 124 or permission of instructor) • SPEA-H 403 Pharmaceutical Industry and Public Policy (P: SPEA-H 124 or permission of instructor) • SPEA-H 411 Chronic and Long-Term Care Administration (P: SPEA-H 124 or permission of instructor) • SPEA-H 432 Health Care Marketing • SPEA-H 455 Topics in Public Health (approved topics only; consult O'Neill Advisor; repeatable with different topics) • SPEA-H 456 Healthcare Reimbursement (P: SPEA-H 353 or concurrent)
One of the following courses:
• Any course not selected from the list above • SPEA-V 373 Human Resource Management in the Public Sector • BUS-J 375 Strategic Management • BUS-P 300 (or P-304 Honors) Operations Management • ECON-E 321 Intermediate Microeconomics • BIOT-T 312 Societal Issues in Biotechnology • SOC-S 358 Social Issues in Health and Medicine • STAT-S 303 Applied Statistical Methods for the Life Sciences • SPH-B 403 Public Health Program Planning
Learning outcomes:
Describe the components and organization of the healthcare delivery system in the U.S., including the various organizational and personnel types.
Describe the public and private sources used to finance healthcare and reimburse for healthcare services.
Explain the factors required for the provision of and access to high quality healthcare and identify common healthcare quality challenges.
Explain federal and state healthcare policy, and apply policies to inform organizational activities.
Apply financial management and accounting methods and metrics to monitor and improve organizational performance
This minor requires the following three courses:
SPEA-V 275 Introduction to Emergency Management
SPEA-V 412 Leadership and Ethics
SPEA-V 425 Homeland Security Policy and Practice
Two of the following courses (6 cr.) - At least one of these two must be a SPEA course. These courses are separated into pathways to assist students in selecting courses, but students are free to choose any two courses.
Path 1 - Security and Infrastructure Emphasis
SPEA-E 311 Introduction to Risk Assessment and Risk Communication
SPEA-E 400 Topics in Environmental Studies (approved topics only; consult O'Neill Advisor; repeatable with different topics)
SPEA-V 272 Terrorism and Public Policy
SPEA-V 414 National Security Bureaucracy and Policy
SPEA-V 437 Public Transportation
SPEA-V 450 Contemporary Issues in Public Affairs (approved topics only; consult O'Neill Advisor; repeatable with different topics)
SPEA-V 456 Topics in Law Policy (approved topics only; consult O'Neill Advisor; repeatable with different topics)
SPEA-V 482 Overseas Topics in Public Affairs (approved topics only; consult O'Neill Advisor; repeatable with different topics; no more than 3 credit hours of overseas study may be applied to this minor)
ILS-Z 221 Intelligence Analytics
Path 2 - Disaster Management Emphasis
SPEA-E 311 Introduction to Risk Assessment and Risk Communication
SPEA-E 400 Topics in Environmental Studies (approved topics only; consult O'Neill Advisor; repeatable with different topics)
SPEA-E 412 Risk Communications
SPEA-E 418 Vector-based GIS
SPEA-V 389 Risk and Hazard Mitigation
SPEA-V 450 Contemporary Issues in Public Affairs (approved topics only; consult O'Neill Advisor; repeatable with different topics)
INFO-I 426 Informatics in Disasters and Emergency Response
Learning outcomes:
Analyze the implications of homeland security policy decisions against law, policy and historical precedent.
Synthesize knowledge from multiple disciplines to formulate analysis of historical, contemporary, and evolving threats.
Differentiate the responsibilities of government, non-governmental, and private sectors in the homeland security enterprise.
Propose solutions to emerging threats and challenges in writing and orally.
Explain key ethical theories and apply them to decision making challenges and problem solving.
This minor requires following three courses:
• SPEA-V 236 Managing and Leading Organizations • SPEA-V 373 Human Resource Management in the Public Sector • SPEA-V 477 Strategic Human Resource Management (P: SPEA-V 373)
And two of the following courses:
• SPEA-V 432 Labor Relations in the Public Sector • SPEA-V 435 Negotiation and Alternative Dispute Resolution • SPEA-V 443 Managing Workforce Diversity • SPEA-V 450 Contemporary Issues in Public Affairs (approved topics only; consult O'Neil Advisor; repeatable with different topics) • SPEA-V 457 Human Resources Training and Development (P: SPEA-V 373) • SPEA-V 463 Interpersonal Relations in the Workplace • SPEA-V 476 Compensation Strategy and Systems (P: SPEA-V 373) • SPEA-V 478 Employment Law for Human Resource Management (P: SPEA-V 184) • SPEA-V 479 Employee Recruitment and Selection in the Public Sector (P: SPEA-V 373) • SPEA-V 482 Overseas Topics in Public Affairs (approved topics only; consult an O’Neill Advisor; repeatable with different topics)
Learning outcomes:
Describe basic principles of Human Resource Management’s primary functional areas including recruitment and selection, training and development, compensation and benefits, employee relations, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, and employment law compliance.
Articulate the value, for organizations, workers, and society at large, of management strategy that fosters employee engagement, empowerment, and job enrichment. Describe the similarities of, and differences between, leading and managing in organizations.
Explain the significance in strategic alignment of HRM practices with an organization’s mission, vision, values, and goals, and articulate the challenges associated with multiple stakeholders.
Analyze the impact of HRM practices through applied measurements and articulate the importance of Human Resource Information Systems to the process.
Identify variations in organizational structure and design, and how elements therein contribute to organizational culture.
Articulate how HR professionals realize success and failure, through the application of HR policy and practice, in driving ethical culture and positive change management.
This minor requires the following three courses:
• SPEA-V 261 Technology in Public Affairs • SPEA-V 369 Managing Information Technology • SPEA-V 475 Database Management Systems (P: SPEA-V 261, SPEA-V 369, or equivalent)
And two of the following courses:
• SPEA-E 325 Computing for Environmental Scientists • SPEA-E 418 Vector-based GIS • SPEA-E 419 Applied Remote Sensing of the Environment • SPEA-V 348 Management Science • SPEA-V 415 Data Science in Public and Environmental Affairs • SPEA-V 450 Contemporary Issues in Public Affairs (approved topics only; consult O’Neill Advisor; repeatable with different topics) • SPEA-V 461 Computer Applications in Public Affairs • SPEA-V 465 GIS for Public and Environmental Affairs • SPEA-V 482 Overseas Topics in Public Affairs (approved topics only; consult O'Neil Advisor; repeatable with different topics) • Other courses in information systems approved by an O’Neill Advisor
Learning outcomes:
Describe in general terms how computers work.
Manipulate complex spreadsheets.
Create well-designed data visualizations.
Use relational databases.
Develop web sites.
Demonstrate basic skills in IT strategy.
Demonstrate basic skills necessary to conduct a technology evaluation.
Explain and apply common terminology relating to information technology including hardware, software, networks, security, data, and cloud computing.
Demonstrate effective database design and data model development.
Turn your interest in law into a career—working in diplomacy, homeland security, social justice advocacy, or government relations—with a major or minor in Law and Public Policy. Explore how legal institutions and their leaders shape public policy, and learn how to work with the law to accomplish your goals. You’ll learn from top faculty across IU.
This minor requires following two courses:
• SPEA-V 184 Law and Public Affairs • SPEA-V 339 Legal History and Public Policy (P: SPEA-V 184)
And three of the following courses:
• SPEA-E 476 Environmental Law and Regulation • SPEA-H 341 Legal Aspects of Health Care Administration (P: SPEA-H 124 or permission of instructor) • SPEA-V 340 Urban Government Administration • SPEA-V 377 Legal Processes and Contemporary Issues in America • SPEA-V 405 Public Law and the Legislative Process • SPEA-V 406 Public Law and the Electoral Process • SPEA-V 407 Public Law and Government Relations • SPEA-V 424 Environmental Law, Justice, and Politics • SPEA-V 425 Homeland Security: Policy and Practice • SPEA-V 435 Negotiation and Alternative Dispute Resolution • SPEA-V 450 Contemporary Issues in Public Affairs (approved topics only; consult O’Neill Advisor; repeatable with different topics) • SPEA-V 478 Employment Law for Human Resource Management (P: SPEA-V 184) • SPEA-V 482 Overseas Topics in Public Affairs (approved topics only; consult an O’Neill advisor; repeatable with different topics)
Learning outcomes:
Describe how and why lawmaking power is distributed in the US among branches and levels of government.
Describe major stages and events in the development of American law and the forces contributing to them.
Describe the rule of law.
Describe major approaches to constitutional and statutory interpretation and their impact on public affairs.
Describe the scope of due process, equal protection, and free expression rights, and their impact on public affairs.
Extract and apply principles from case law and other authoritative sources.
Analyze a situation to apply relevant principles of law and policy.
This minor requires one of the following courses:
• SPEA-V 161 Urban Problems and Solutions • SPEA-V 181 U.S. Policy & Administration • SPEA-V 182 Policy-making around the World: Comparative and International Approaches
The following course:
• SPEA-V 362 Nonprofit Management and Leadership
And three of the following courses:
• SPEA-V 221 Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector • SPEA-V 263 Public Management • SPEA-V 340 Urban Government Administration • SPEA-V 356 Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting and Reporting (P: SPEA-V 246) • SPEA-V 361 Financial Management (P: SPEA-V 246 or BUS-A 201) • SPEA-V 441 Topics in Financial Management and Policy (approved topics only; consult an O’Neill Advisor; repeatable with different topics) • SPEA-V 442 Topics in Budgeting or Cost-Benefit (approved topics only; consult an O’Neill Advisor; repeatable with different topics) • SPEA-V 450 Contemporary Issues in Public Affairs (approved topics only; consult an O’Neill Advisor; repeatable with different topics) • SPEA-V 454 Human Resource Management in Nonprofit Organizations (R: SPEA-V 221 or SPEA-V 362) • SPEA-V 458 Fund Development for Nonprofits • SPEA-V 462 Community Development • SPEA-V 463 Interpersonal Relations in the Workplace • SPEA-V 482 Overseas Topics in Public Affairs (approved topics only; consult an O’Neill Advisor; repeatable with different topics)
Learning outcomes:
Describe the major social science theories of the origin and role of the nonprofit sector, voluntarism, and volunteer motivation and their relationship to government and for profit sectors
Describe the concepts of philanthropy and charity and explain the relationship of these concepts to nonprofit organizations
Describe the current scope of the nonprofit sector in the United States, including the types of subsectors/industries, number of organizations, number of staff/employees, number of participants/volunteers, and financial scope
Explain the nonprofit tax regulatory environment, including tax statuses, and regulations
Demonstrate how to assess and articulate the need for a program
Demonstrate how to design a program in response to that need.
Demonstrate the ability to design and conduct an evidence-based approach to monitoring and evaluating a program or service
Explain the chief functional roles within nonprofit organization leadership, such as executive director, chief financial officer, and development staff, recognizing that staff might serve in multiple roles
Demonstrate how to create, plan, and develop a nonprofit organization and develop a mission, vision, and strategic plan for that organization
Demonstrate how to select, recruit, and develop a nonprofit board
Explain the unique legal requirements and fiduciary duties of a nonprofit board of directors
This minor requires one of the following courses:
• SPEA-V 181 US Policy & Administration • SPEA-V 182 Policy-making around the World: Comparative and International Approaches • SPEA-V 184 Law & Public Affairs
And four of the following courses:
• SPEA-V 370 Research Methods and Statistical Modeling (P: SPEA-K 300 or equivalent) • SPEA-V 379 Performance Measurement and Program Evaluation • SPEA-V 386 Case Studies for Policy Analysis • SPEA-V 401 Financial and Cost-Benefit Analysis (P: SPEA-V 202) • SPEA-V 424 Environmental Law, Justice, and Politics • SPEA-V 425 Homeland Security: Policy and Practice • SPEA-V 449 Senior Policy Seminar • SPEA-V 450 Contemporary Issues in Public Affairs (approved topics only; consult an O’Neill Advisor; repeatable with different topics) • SPEA-V 482 Overseas Topics in Public Affairs (approved topics only; consult an O’Neill Advisor; repeatable with different topics)
This minor is for non-SPEA students only.
Requirements (Five courses)
One of the following courses:
SPEA-V 161 Urban Problems and Solutions
SPEA-V 181 US Policy & Administration
SPEA-V 182 Policy-making around the World: Comparative and International Approaches
The following course:
SPEA-E 183 Environment and People
Three of the following courses:
SPEA-E 272 Introduction to Environmental Sciences (R: SPEA-E 183)
SPEA-E 400 Topics in Environmental Studies (approved topics only; consult SPEA advisor; repeatable with different topics)
SPEA-V 184 Law and Public Affairs
SPEA-V 236 Managing and Leading Organizations
SPEA-V 263 Public Management
SPEA-V 336 Managing External Collaboration and Networks (P: SPEA-V 185)
SPEA-V 373 Human Resource Management in the Public Sector
SPEA-V 414 National Security Bureaucracy and Policy
SPEA-V 424 Environmental Law, Justice, and Politics
SPEA-V 425 Homeland Security: Policy and Practice
SPEA-V 432 Labor Relations in the Public Sector (P: SPEA-V 373)
SPEA-V 450 Contemporary Issues in Public Affairs (approved topics only; consult an O'Neill Advisor; repeatable with different topics)
SPEA-V 482 Overseas Topics in Public Affairs (approved topics only; consult an O'Neill Advisor; repeatable with different topics)
OR other courses in Public and Environmental affairs approved by an O'Neill advisor
Learning outcomes:
Identify the participants in and the steps of policymaking.
Present an argument for or against a policy.
Explain ways in which a people’s actions impact the surrounding environment and ways in which the environment affects people.
Recognize and explain policies that attempt to deal with environmental problems and recommend alternatives to these policies.
Explain and apply principles of public and environmental affairs in fields such as law, the environment, and management.
This minor requires the following five courses:
SPEA-V 186 Introduction to Public Budgeting and Finance for Public Affairs
SPEA-V 246 Elements of Governmental and Nonprofit Financial Accounting Cycle (P: SPEA-V 186)
SPEA-V 346 Introduction to Government Accounting and Financial Reporting (P: SPEA-V 246)
SPEA-V 361 Financial Management (P: SPEA-V 246 or BUS-A 201)
One more approved course in consultation with an O'Neill Advisor, including courses such as SPEA-V 441, V 442, V 450, and V 482 (approved topics only; consult an O'Neill Advisor; repeatable with different topics)
Learning outcomes:
Interpret financial statements, budgets, and accounting reports
Describe major features of public revenue and expenditure systems
Identify types of debt and revenue instruments used in financing public affairs
Apply analytical frameworks for evaluating tax and expenditure policy
Design a budget to aid in decision making for programmatic, managerial, or evaluative purposes
Set performance measures and targets for agencies
Identify managerial options from financial data
Provide informed recommendations rationalized from widely accepted policy criteria
Engage ethically in successful rhetoric that persuades a broad range of stakeholders from laymen to policy makers and experts of analytical conclusions
This minor requires one of the following courses:
• SPEA-V 161 Urban Problems and Solutions • SPEA-V 181 US Policy & Administration • SPEA-V 182 Policy-making around the World: Comparative and International Approaches
The following course:
• SPEA-V 185 Management of Public Problems and Solutions
And three of the following courses:
• SPEA-V 184 Law and Public Affairs • SPEA-V 236 Managing and Leading Organizations • SPEA-V 263 Public Management • SPEA-V 336 Managing External Collaboration and Networks (P: SPEA-V 185) • SPEA-V 340 Urban Government Administration • SPEA-V 361 Financial Management (P: SPEA-V 246, or BUS-A 201) • SPEA-V 362 Nonprofit Management and Leadership • SPEA-V 368 Managing Government Operations • SPEA-V 369 Managing Information Technology • SPEA-V 373 Human Resource Management in the Public Sector • SPEA-V 374 Intermediate Public Budgeting & Finance (P: SPEA-V 186) • SPEA-V 424 Environmental Law, Justice, and Politics • SPEA-V 432 Labor Relations in the Public Sector (P: SPEA-V 373) • SPEA-V 435 Negotiation and Alternative Dispute Resolution • SPEA-V 443 Managing Workforce Diversity • SPEA-V 450 Contemporary Issues in Public Affairs (approved topics only; consult an O’Neill Advisor; repeatable with different topics) • SPEA-V 457 Human Resources Training and Development (P: SPEA-V 373) • SPEA-V 463 Interpersonal Relations in the Workplace • SPEA-V 465 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Public and Environmental Affairs • SPEA-V 475 Database Management Systems (P: SPEA-V 261, SPEA-V 369, or equivalent) • SPEA-V 481 Grant Writing for Public and Nonprofit Organizations • SPEA-V 482 Overseas Topics in Public Affairs (approved topics only; consult an O’Neill Advisor; repeatable with different topics)
Learning outcomes:
Recognize legal, political, economic, and cultural constraints that are unique to public sector organizations
Analyze the role of public organizations throughout the policy process, including formulation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation of public programs
Describe the size, scope, and historical development of the federal bureaucracy
Apply models of networking and collaboration between public organizations and organizations in the private and nonprofit sectors
Assess the role of privatization and contracting out in the delivery of public programs and policies
Explain why and how public organizations foster diversity, equity, and inclusion among employees, clients, constituencies, and communities
Use theories and frameworks in understanding the practical challenges associated with public management
Describe and apply theories of organizational change and their applications to public management
This minor requires the following two courses:
• SPEA-V 161 Urban Problems and Solutions • SPEA-V 365 Urban Development and Planning (P: SPEA-V 161)
Three of the following courses; at least one course must be outside O’Neill:
• GEOG-G 314 Urban Geography • GEOG-G 316 Economic Geography • GEOG-G 415 Advanced Urban Geography • HIST-A 300 Issues in United States History • HIST-A 347 American Urban History • HIST-W 125 Cities and History • POLS-Y 103 Introduction to American Politics • POLS-Y 306 State Politics in the United States • POLS-Y 308 Urban Politics • SOC-S 215 Social Change • SOC-S 309 The Community • SOC-S 339 Sociology of Media • SPEA-V 226 Managing Emergency Services • SPEA-V 275 Introduction to Emergency Management • SPEA-V 340 Urban Government Administration • SPEA-V 412 Leadership and Ethics • SPEA-V 421 Metropolitan Development • SPEA-V 422 Transportation Policy Analysis • SPEA-V 424 Environmental Law, Justice, and Politics • SPEA-V 425 Homeland Security: Policy and Practice • SPEA-V 450 Contemporary Issues in Public Affairs (approved topics only; consult an O’Neill Advisor; repeatable with different topics) • SPEA-V 462 Community Development • SPEA-V 482 Overseas Topics in Public Affairs (approved topics only; consult an O’Neill Advisor; repeatable with different topics)
Learning outcomes:
Describe the historical development of cities as a feature of human civilization.
Explain the process of urbanization and the level of urbanization in the US and the world.
Explain common lines of social and economic division/inequality in society and the implications of those in urban areas.
Explain the distinction between public, private for-profit, and private nonprofit actors and their roles in urban areas.
Recognize design features of major urban design movements and explain the rationales behind them.
Explain the structure of urban governance in the US, including common forms of city government, the relationship of cities to other political units, and common sources of revenue for city governments.
Identify and explain basic planning and community development processes and terms.
Review and analyze development, corridor, and area plans.
Analyze community development issues affecting the economy, land use, housing, and other local concerns.
This minor requires:
One one of the following core courses:
• EAS-E 118 Sustainability: Water Resources • GEOG-G 259/347 Water Security and Sustainability • SPEA-E 260 Introduction to Water Resources
At least three credits from each of categories 1-3 below.
Category 1: Physical hydrology & the water cycle (at least 3 credits)
• GEOG-G 304 Physical Climatology • GEOG-G 451 Physical Hydrology • GEOG-G 467 Ecohydrology • EAS-X 429 Field Geology in the Rocky Mountains – subdiscipline E. (Specific concentration is E. Environmental Geology and Hydrology, 6 cr.) • EAS-E 451 Principles of Hydrogeology • EAS-A 466 Hydrometeorology
Category 2: Water and ecosystems (at least 3 credits)
Category 3: Water and human systems (at least 3 credits)
• GEOG-G 341 Ecological Restoration: Science, Politics, and Ethics • GEOG-G 368 Water in the Midwest • GEOG-G 453 Water and Society • GEOG-G 461 Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change • SPEA-E 456 Lake and Watershed Management • SPH-O 305 Integrated Resource Management
*students can only get credit for one of SPEA-E 355 or SPEA-E 455 toward the minor
(3) Complete three additional credits
To meet the total requirement of 15 credit hours, 3 additional credit hours are required. These 3 credits can be satisfied by taking any of the courses from the core or Categories 1-3 above. Additionally, the following courses that may be used toward the total credit requirement to provide breadth or depth of understanding in the area of Water Resources Science, Policy, and Management.
• BUS-L 302 Sustainability Law & Policy • GEOG-G 336 Environmental Remote Sensing • GEOG-G 350 Field Methods in Physical Geography • GEOG-G 439 GIS and Environmental Analysis • GEOG-G 444 Climate Change Impacts • EAS-X 329 Field Environmental Science • EAS-A 476 Climate Change Science • EAS-E 415 Principles of Geomorphology • PHYS-P 310 Environmental Physics • SPEA-E 340 Environmental Economics and Finance • SPEA-E 363 Environmental Management • SPEA-E 375 Techniques of Environmental Science • SPEA-E 402 Water Quality Modeling • SPEA-E 412 Risk Communication • SPEA-E 431 Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment • SPEA-E 460 Fisheries and Wildlife Management • SPEA-E 470 Elements of Fluid Mechanics • SPEA-E 476 Environmental Law and Regulation • SPH-O 244 Natural History • SPH-O 310 Ecosystem Management • SPH-O 343/CLLC-L 300 Fundamentals of Sustainable Agriculture • SPH-V 214 Environmental Regulations and Code Compliance • SPH-V 443 Environmental Sampling and Analysis
(4) Additional Requirements
• At least 9 credit hours in the minor must be completed at the 300-400 level. • At least 9 credit hours must be completed on the Bloomington campus. • GPA > 2.00 in minor courses • Any course in which the student earns a grade below a C- may not be used to fulfill a minor requirement • Substitutions for core and category 1-3 courses for extenuating circumstances may be made with approval of the program director
Learning outcomes:
Competency 1: Students can explain the role of water in the function of natural and human-impacted systems, including describing ecosystem services derived from the natural hydrologic cycle.
Students can detail the natural water cycle and explain feedbacks and couplings between different elements of the system.
Students can locate, interpret, and analyze data related to water resources and the hydrologic cycle
Students can detail how water is extracted from the natural hydrologic cycle, used by humans, and returned to the natural system in urban and rural settings.
Students can identify and analyze the fundamental features and dynamics of regional hydrologic systems, especially in the context of climate change
Competency 2: Students can explain the role of water in ecosystem health and water quality.
Students can describe at least three ecosystem functions related to the natural hydrologic cycle.
Students can explain common point- and nonpoint sources of water quality impairment.
Students can locate, interpret, and analyze data related to surface water and/or wetland ecosystem quality/
Students can evaluate how extractions and/or discharges of water and/or pollutants may impact natural ecosystem function.
Competency 3: Students can explain relationships between human activities and water resources including significant legal, economic, public health, and governance issues.
Students can detail at least one case study emphasizing feedbacks between human and natural systems.
Students can evaluate the impacts of a proposed action (e.g., policy, infrastructure construction) on water resources, anticipate the cascading impacts on both human and natural systems, and justify the selection of a design or plan.
Students can identify food-water and energy-water couplings resulting from human use of water resources.
Students can locate, interpret, and analyze data related to human water use (personal, industrial, agricultural) and water management infrastructure.
Students can define sustainability and security with respect to water resources
Competency 4: Students can explain how their chosen major relates to the sustainable management of water resources.
Students can critically evaluate their own interactions with water resources and the impacts of their decisions on water quality and quantity.
Students can explain how water resources should be considered as part of a sustainable resource management plan.
Students can explain at least one case study of water resource management in the U.S. and one internationally, synthesizing the role of individuals, institutions, and natural systems.
For non-O’Neill students only, add a minor in Public and Environmental Affairs.
O’Neill certificates
We offer certificates in a wide variety of areas—from arts to the environment, and everything in between. Fulfill and refine your interests by learning the tools you need to examine complex issues and critical problems related to the field of study you choose. An O’Neill certificate can complement your bachelor’s degree, with a broad and interdisciplinary outlook and education.
You may be eligible to apply for a certificate if you are a bachelor’s degree student at Indiana University and in good academic standing. Apply for your certificate before completing 15 credit hours of certificate coursework.
See an advisor
You must see an O’Neilladvisor to apply for your certificate. Call us at (812) 855-0635 to schedule an appointment, or meet us during our walk-in hours:
Monday - Friday, 1 to 3 p.m.
Through the Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the Kelley School of Business, you may be eligible to pursue a Cross Campus Certificate in Innovation. For more information on this certificate, contact Monika Herzig on O’Neill’s faculty.