College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs at Expertise
One page Quick Reference of SSPA expertise list
The Faculty of the College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs has critical expertise in areas that impact Idaho, the nation, and the world. Individual faculty members have published books and articles and received grants on a wide variety of topics:
Local and Regional Issues
- Idaho
- Intermountain West
- U.S. West
- Snake River Plain
Case Study:
Our faculty wrote the book when it comes to the Snake River Plain. We’ve consulted for numerous federal agencies including the BLM and National Park Service, dozens of state and local agencies, and private sector clients like Simplot and Micron. Our scientists have canvassed the Plain from one end to the other and produced hundreds of technical reports on sites all over Idaho and the west.
Urban Affairs
- Public Works
- Urban Rural Divide
- Land Use
- Transportation Infrastructure
- Urban Environment
Case Study:
A team of Boise State researchers in conjunction with the City of Boise authored a study with recommendations for how to deal with economic pressures facing some of the Treasure Valley’s more vulnerable residents: those who live in mobile home parks. More . . .
Cultural and Historical
- Civil and Human Rights
- Faith Based Organizations
- Gender
- Native Americans
- Peace Issues
- Race and Ethnicity
- Religion
- Technology
Case Study:
BSU researchers and faculty have wide publication and research competencies in ethnic issues, such as Dr. Bob McCarl’s recent article on the Pauite’s contribution to economic development of southern Idaho and northern Nevada. We also host the annual First Nation’s Conference.
Economic Activity
- Economic Freedom
- Economic Growth
- Microenterprise
- Public Finance
- Budgeting
- Workforce Retraining
Case Study:
Dr. Cynthia Sanders starts at the basic level of business - the “microenterprise” in her most recent book which investigates how microenterprises can help low-income families escape poverty and function as a social and economic development tool. More . . .
Environment
- Acid Rain
- Climate Change
- Flood Control
- Land Use
- Forestry
- Watersheds
- Fire Control
- Energy
Health
- Child Welfare
- Drug and Alcohol Abuse
- Alternative Medicine
- Brain Injuries
- Depression
- Domestic Violence
- Geronotology
- Suicide
- Tobacco Use
- Spatial Cognition
Case Study:
Criminal Justice Professor Robert Marsh and Associate Professor of Sociology, Steve Patrick year after year compile statistics and recommendations to the State of Idaho on the prosecution child sex abuse cases, and also the City of Boise’s juvenile diversion program, providing critical information for decision support to lawmakers.
International
- Border Policy
- Globalization
- International Relations
- National Security
- Terrorism
- Ethics
Case Study:
This year SSPA Professor Greg Raymond published his twelfth book on International Relations, “After Iraq.” History Chair Nick Miller testified at the Hague in a war crimes tribunal, and other SSPA faculty tackled international issues such as immigration. Our international subject expertise spans the globe.
Organizational Management
- Conflict Management
- Organizational Change
- Virtual Teams
- Community Collaboration
- Public Personnel Administration
- Program Evaluation
Politics and Policy
- Capital Punishment
- Drug Courts
- Antiquities Act
- Hate Crimes
- Homlessness
- Neighborhood Saftey
- TANF
- Forensic Anthropology