The Bush School of Government and Public Service is an undergraduate and graduate college of Texas A&M University founded in 1997 under former US President George H. W. Bush's philosophy that "public service is a noble calling."[1] Since then, the Bush School has continued to reflect that notion in curriculum, research, and student experience and has become a leading international affairs, political science, and public affairs institution.
The Robertson Foundation selected the Bush School for the prestigious Robertson Fellowship Scholarship, a full-ride scholarship for students dedicated to government service.[2]
The Bush School is located in the Robert H. '50 and Judy Ley Allen Building adjacent to the George Bush Presidential Library on the West Campus of Texas A&M University. The George Bush Presidential Library was established in 1997 on 90 acres (36 ha; 0.14 sq mi) of land donated by Texas A&M at the western edge of the campus. At that time, the Bush School was established to coincide with the opening of the library. While the School was officially launched in 1997, it became an independent college within the university in 2000.[3] In January 2021, The Bush School DC started inaugural classes in Washington DC with students enrolled in the Master of International Policy Program. Classes at this campus are led by scholars and seasoned practitioners from federal agencies. As one of the most impactful and nationally influential academic units at Texas A&M, the Bush School significantly expanded in the fall of 2022, with the addition of both the Department of Political Science and the International Studies program. The major initiative includes the additions of both undergraduate and Ph.D. programs to the Bush School, providing an excellent opportunity to broaden the academic reach of the school.
At the undergraduate level, the Department of Political Science offers a Bachelor’s in Political Science (B.A./B.S.) with courses in all facets of the discipline: American Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, Political Methodology, Public Administration, and Policy, and Race and Ethnic Politics. The Bachelor’s in International Studies degree (B.A.) is an exciting new addition to the International Affairs Department, offering undergraduate students a fundamental understanding of foreign relations with the International Politics and Diplomacy track option.
At the doctoral level, the PhD in Political Science program emphasizes theoretical and methodological rigor and is designed to train applied social scientists for research careers. Major fields of study mirror the disciplinary norm: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Public Administration/Public Policy. In 2022, the Political Science PhD program was ranked No. 14 in the world in Shanghai Rankings and was ranked No. 28 overall and No. 21 in American Politics in U.S. News & World Report.
The Bachelor’s in International Studies (B.A.), International Politics and Diplomacy track is an interdisciplinary degree. The International Politics and Diplomacy track offers students a fundamental understanding of foreign relations. Students learn about the workings of governments and civil societies in a global framework.[6]
MIA
The Master of International Affairs (MIA) contains tracks of study in either International Development and Economic Policy (IDEP) or National Security and Diplomacy (NSD), with several options for concentrations within each track. Study abroad courses, language immersion, and leadership and exchange programs supplement the curriculum.[7]
MIP
The department also offers the Master of International Policy, a one-year program for students who have had at least six years of practical experience in the field of international affairs.[8]
INTA Bachelor's and Master's 5-Year (3+2) Program
The Bush School of Government and Public Service and Texas A&M University's Departments of Economics and International Studies (in the politics/diplomacy track) offer two joint-degree programs that allow qualified majors to enter the Bush School at the beginning of their fourth year of study at Texas A&M University. The two joint-degree programs offered by the Department of International Affairs are the following:
The Bush School and the School of Public Health combined to offer students the ability to receive both a Master of International Affairs degree and a Master of Public Health degree in a three-year period. Students can pursue one of two majors within the School of Public Health as part of this combined degree program: Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management[11] and Master of Public Health in Health Promotion and Community Health Science.[12]
Political Science
The Department of Political Science offers a Bachelor's in Political Science (BA or BS) as well as a PhD in Political Science.
BPS
At the undergraduate level, the Department of Political Science offers a Bachelor’s in Political Science (BA or BS) with courses in all facets of the discipline: American Politics, International Relations, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, Political Methodology, Public Administration, and Policy, and Race and Ethnic Politics. The department also participates actively in the University honors program. Honors courses are available in all areas of political science. In addition, students may graduate with honors distinction in political science.
PhD
The Department of Political Science offers graduate study leading to the degree of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The PhD in Political Science is appropriate for those who wish to pursue careers as research scholars in institutions of higher education. Students typically choose a Major from among the following sub-fields: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Public Policy/Public Administration.
POLS Bachelor's/Master's 5-Year (3+2) Programs (same size as BPS/PhD, etc.)
The Department of Political Science joined Texas A&M University's Departments of Public Service & Administration to offer a joint-degree program that allows qualified majors to enter the MPSA program at the beginning of their fourth year of study at Texas A&M University. The five joint-degree programs offered by the Department of Political Science are the following:
- Political Science — MPSA
Public Service and Administration
The Department of Public Service and Administration offers two master's degree options as well as joint and collaborative degree programs with other Texas A&M University schools and colleges.
The Executive Master of Public Service and Administration is aimed at allowing mid-career professionals to pursue their full-time professional careers while earning their degrees. EMPSA students select a track area of Homeland Security, Nonprofit Management, or Public Management, culminating in a final, required capstone project.[15]
PSAA Bachelor's/Master/s 5-Year (3+2) Programs
The Department of Public Service and Administration joined with Texas A&M University's Departments of Political Science, Economics, Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences to offer joint-degree programs that allow qualified majors to enter the MPSA program at the beginning of their fourth year of study at Texas A&M University. The five joint-degree programs offered by the Department of Public Service and Administration are the following:
The PSAA and EAHR Collaborative Degrees Program (CDP) is a collaboration of the Bush School and the College of Education and Human Development designed for those individuals who intend to build an academic career focused on conducting research in the multidisciplinary field of education policy. This academic program will prepare individuals for careers in research universities and teaching colleges as well as for careers in consultancies or educational agencies of all types (private, non-profit, local, state, federal or international). Students who successfully complete all program requirements receive both a Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA) degree from the Bush School of Government and Public Service and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration (PhD) from the Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development, in the College of Education and Human Development.[21]
The Bush School also offers a PSAA and HPM Collaborative Degree Program (CDP) designed to prepare individuals for careers in research universities and teaching colleges as well as for careers in consultancies or research agencies. Students who successfully complete all program requirements will receive both a Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA) degree from the Bush School of Government and Public Service and a Doctor of Philosophy in Health Services Research (Ph.D.) from the Department of Health Policy and Management in the School of Public Health.[22]
Graduate Certificates
The Bush School offers graduate certificate programs online, in-residence, or in a combined format.[23] Certificate programs include the Certificate in Advanced International Affairs, Certificate in Homeland Security, Certificate in Nonprofit Management, Certificate in Public Management, Certificate in National Security Affairs, and Certificate in Cybersecurity Policy. The Bush School partnered with the College of Geosciences to offer the joint Certificate in Geospatial Intelligence.[24]
Bush School Online
Student Learning Center at the Bush School where students gather to study and work on projects
The Bush School offers educational opportunities to students and working professionals in various fields of state, local, and federal government; international affairs; law enforcement; military; homeland security; nonprofit; the private sector; and more.[25] The Online Executive Master of Public Service and Administration and the online graduate Certificates in Advanced International Affairs, Homeland Security, Nonprofit Management, Public Management, and Geospatial Intelligence provide alternative options for professionals wishing to pursue graduate studies concurrent with their career obligations.
Research
Institutes
Institute for Science, Technology and Public Policy
The Institute for Science, Technology and Public Policy (ISTPP) was created by the Board of Regents in the fall of 2000 to fill a gap between science and technology research and public policy research.[26] ISTPP takes the position that for known social and environmental problems, science and technology may help find solutions. ISTPP's policy research aims to identify the public and stakeholders' acceptability parameters for science and technology applications. ISTPP also provides interdisciplinary research experience for doctoral, master's, and undergraduate students to augment their training as future decision and policy-makers and university faculty. Graduate students may also work with scholars as coauthors on manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. The current director of the ISTPP is Arnold Vedlitz.[27]
Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs
The Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs was established in 2007 and named in honor of Brent Scowcroft, retired US Air Force Lieutenant General and National Security Advisor for Presidents Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush. The Institute focuses on assessing, addressing, and presenting policy-oriented research on international affairs. It supports the School through hosting educational conferences and providing opportunities for researchers to access the Bush Library.[28] The current director of the Scowcroft Institute is Andrew Natsios, former USAID director.[29]
Mosbacher Institute for Trade, Economics, and Public Policy
The Mosbacher Institute for Trade, Economics, and Public Policy was established in October 2009 in honor of Robert Mosbacher, who served as the US Secretary of Commerce during George H. W. Bush's presidency. The organization performs research to offer solutions to policy and economic challenges prevalent both domestically and throughout the world.[30] The current director of the Mosbacher Institute is Dr. Raymond Robertson.[31]
Centers
European Center
The European Union Center is to support scholarly investigations of public policy in a European context. Capitalizing on academic expertise within Texas A&M University, the Center also supports the development of interdisciplinary relationships with a focus on Europe by promoting a better understanding of the policies and issues that influence the transatlantic relationship.[32]
Nonprofit
The Center for Nonprofits and Philanthropy (CNP) focuses on outreach, education, and research on the effective management of nonprofit organizations.[33] Its outreach activities include partnerships with Bank of America, United Way of the Brazos Valley, and the Cities of Bryan and College Station to operate programs on volunteerism and leadership in public service. The Center offers a variety of workshops, seminars, and conferences, as well as three certificate opportunities: the Certificate in Nonprofit Management, Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership, and Certificate in Social Justice Leadership (launched in fall 2021).[34] Dr. William A. Brown directs the Center.[35]
Grand Strategy
The Albritton Center for Grand Strategy (CGS) defines it as its primary mission to assess the first principles behind American grand strategy.[36] The Center adopts a critical approach to grand strategy, taking the view that the United States should seek alternatives to global primacy. The Center offers opportunities for Bush School students to study and publish on grand strategy and is affiliated with the John Quincy Adams Society.[37] Dr. Jason Castillo and Dr. John Schuessler codirect the Albritton Center.[38]
Programs
Intelligence Studies
When the Bush School of Government and Public Service was established in 1997, President George H.W. Bush strongly desired a concentration in intelligence studies as part of the curriculum.[39] Professor James Olson has used his lengthy career as a CIA undercover operative to teach intelligence.[40] Student interest has been strong, and over 300 graduates have successfully completed the program. Today, the program is considered a top school for U.S. intelligence agencies and maintains practitioner expertise from the CIA, FBI, NSA, and U.S. military.
All students in the Master of International Affairs degree program are required to complete at least two concentrations as part of their degree requirements. The Intelligence as an Instrument of Statecraft concentration consists of three courses chosen from an offering of intelligence-related courses.[41]
Women, Peace and Security
The Program on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) was established in November 2015 within the Department of International Affairs at the Bush School, with Professor Valerie M. Hudson serving as its first director.[42] Its purpose is to provide a WPS node in the heartland of the United States, and its mission is three-fold: teaching, research, and outreach. The Program's inaugural funding is provided by the Compton Foundation;[43] and its research arm, The WomanStats Project, is currently funded by the US Department of Defense.[44]
Middle East
The Bush School's Middle East Program prepares students in the Master of International Affairs and Master of International Policy degree programs for professional careers in government and the nongovernmental sector that require an in-depth knowledge of the Middle East.[45] Four full-time faculty members in the Department of International Affairs offer a range of courses on the region, exploring the domestic politics of regional states, religion and politics, regional political economy, post-conflict reconstruction and development, the international politics of the region, and American policy toward it.
All students in the Master of International Affairs degree program are required to complete at least two concentrations as part of their degree requirements. The Middle East concentration consists of three courses on the region.
Cyber Policy, Strategy, and Security
The Bush School's Cyber Policy, Strategy, and Security Program was established in 2018 in response to student demand and growth in the professional opportunities available to Bush School graduates in cyber policy and cybersecurity.[46] It is headed by Gen. J. Kevin McLaughlin, USAF (Ret.), whose last post before retiring from the Air Force was deputy commander of U.S. Cyber Command.[47][circular reference] The Program prepares students in the Master of International Affairs and Master of International Policy degree programs for professional careers in government and the nongovernmental sector in the cyber arena.
All students in the Master of International Affairs degree program are required to complete at least two concentrations as part of their degree requirements. The Cyber Policy concentration consists of three courses chosen from a list of approved courses.
Economic Statecraft
The Bush School's Economic Statecraft Program (ESP) is a national center of excellence for the study of economics and security that serves as a magnetic pole for bringing together and stimulating a growing body of scholarship on the topic of economic statecraft.[48] The Economic Statecraft Program is a novel effort that seeks to analyze economic statecraft, bring together academics across the world, and serve as a linkage between policymakers and academia. It is led by Dr. William J. Norris, an Associate Professor at the Bush School, who also directs the China Studies concentration.[49]
Robert H. '50 and Judy Ley Allen Building
President Bush at the dedication of the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum Complex.
The Academic Building-West was dedicated alongside the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, Presidential Conference Center, Department of Political Science, Department of Economics, and International Center in 1997, representing a total investment of $82,682,000.[50] In 2002, the building was christened the Robert H. ’50 and Judy Ley Allen Building.
During the spring 2020 semester, the Allen Building underwent an extensive remodeling project on the first and second floors of the building.[51]
Washington, DC, Teaching Site
On May 4, 2020, the Bush School announced plans to open a new teaching site based in Washington, DC.
Bush School Dean Mark Welsh announced the appointment of Jay B. Silveria as the Executive Director of the Bush School Washington, DC, Teaching Site on Sept. 24, 2020.[52]
In January 2021, the Bush School DC hosted its first classes in the Master of International Policy (MIP) program.[53] The MIP is aimed toward individuals who have already begun their careers in the fields of international affairs and national security. Students admitted to the program have at least four years of professional experience in those fields, broadly understood. The degree is offered in residence at the Bush School DC with an option of taking up to 6 credit hours online.
In addition, the Bush School DC offers a Master of National Security and Intelligence (NSI). Designed for early-career professionals with a desire to prepare themselves for a career in the Intelligence Community, the degree is offered in residence with the option of taking up to 6 credit hours online.[54] The Bush School DC also offers a Certificate in Advanced International Affairs (CAIA).
Bush School DC also offers a graduate certificate in Advanced International Affairs (CAIA). The CAIA is an outstanding addition to the resume of anyone interested in a career in international relations, intelligence, defense policy, military affairs, counterterrorism, diplomacy, international organizations, law enforcement, international business, or international economic development.[55]
The Bush School DC's 47,000-square foot facility is located in downtown DC, three blocks from the White House.
Earning the Medal of Excellence requires students to complete the Leadership Certificate and prepare a reflective learning ePortfolio, which documents what the student has learned throughout his or her degree program.[62] Students have two years to complete the requirements for the Medal, and they submit their work for final review at the end of their second year. Students earning the Medal of Excellence receive two awards at a ceremony held in the spring of the year they graduate:
a medal that includes their name, program, and graduate year on the back and
a certificate presented by the dean.
Public Service Leadership Program
In 2007, the dean instituted a formal Certificate in Leadership. Earning a Dean's Certificate requires formal education and training (coursework and program workshops), self-study and assessments (personalized feedback and individualized leadership development planning), and experiential learning activities (involvement in extracurricular organizations, events, and service projects).[14]
9th among public universities in American Politics and 11th among public universities overall for its PhD in Political Science program, U.S. News & World Report, 2024.
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