John S. Watson School of Public Service
The John S. Watson School of Public Service offers undergraduate and graduate programs focusing on public service that are designed for working adults interested in professional and personal growth.
Academic Programs
- Associate in Arts (AA) in Human Services
- Bachelor of Science (BS) Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Human Services
- Master of Public Service Leadership (MPSL)
- Master of Science (MS) in Homeland Security
- Master of Science (MS) in Management - Public Service Careers
- Graduate Certificate in Counterterrorism
- Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management
- Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security
- Graduate Certificate in Strategic Planning and Board Leadership for Nonprofits
Mission and Purpose
The mission of the John S. Watson School of Public Service is to serve higher education and the public interest as a school of innovation, information, and policy formulation; to support informed public policy and to strengthen leadership in local, county/regional, and state government, the nonprofit and private sectors; to provide applied research, technical assistance, program development, and policy analysis; and to strengthen the capacity of people and organizations providing services in the public interest.
This mission is inspired by Thomas Edison State University’s mission of providing distinctive undergraduate and graduate education for self-directed adults through flexible, high-quality collegiate learning and assessment opportunities, and grounded in the University’s mission to fulfill the public service obligation inherent to American institutions of higher education.
Goals and Objectives
The John S. Watson School of Public Service will prepare professionals for leadership roles in a wide variety of public service-related settings including government agencies at the local, regional, and state levels; educational institutions providing services to youth, families and communities; health, human, and social service agencies; and nonprofit, community, and faith-based organizations.
The Watson School shall affect its mission by:
- reframing public service education and preparation;
- transforming theory and practice related to quality provision of services to the public;
- preparing skilled professionals in the public service professions and related fields to contribute effectively to the delivery of public services;
- providing state-of-the-art blended learning opportunities and programs for adult learners in public service related professions;
- collaborating with the other schools within Thomas Edison State University to provide a rigorous and interdisciplinary course of study; and
- identifying and developing leaders within the public service professions.