Developing an Undergraduate Degree in Public Transportation Administration and Management: Feasibility Study Results

摘要

Experiences and results of research by the North Carolina Central University Department of Public Administration while a conducting feasibility study for establishing a new multidisciplinary undergraduate degree in public transportation administration and management are shared. Multiple research methods yielded information about the perspectives of employees in managerial, supervisory and non-supervisory occupations in the North Carolina public transportation industry. Methods used included a literature review of education and curriculum planning for transportation degrees at public colleges and universities; focus groups (qualitative research) to acquire an understanding and perspectives of employees and stakeholders in the public transportation industry for establishing a degree; interviews and surveys of directors of North Carolina public universities and select University Transportation Centers Some of the key findings include overwhelming support for establishing a new four-year degree at a public North Carolina University. Public transportation employees described the conditions and support they would need to enroll in a four-year program. Managers and supervisors described the kinds of support they would be willing to give to employees enrolled in a fouryear program. Other interest expressed for certification or short-courses, online courses, and availability of courses within 30 miles of employees residence.