About us

  • Introduction
  • History
  • Founded purpose
  • Features
  • Teaching Objectives

About us

  • Full Name : Graduate Institute of National Policy and Public Affairs
  • Abbreviation : GINPPA
  • Chinese name : 國家政策與公共事務研究所
  • Field of Study : Social Science
  • Telephone : 04-22840311
  • Fax : 04-22852443
  • Address : Office 919, 9th Floor, Social Management Building, 145 Xingda Rd., South Dist., Taichung City 40227, Taiwan (R.O.C.)
  • Mail Box : ginppa@nchu.edu.tw

Faculty & Staff

  • Associate Professor and Director：Ching-Heng Pan
  • Professor：Hao Lin Yuan
  • Professor：Eric M.P. Chiu
  • Professor：Chang-Yen Lee
  • Assistant Professor：Ho-Chun Chi
  • Administrative Officer：Fanny Wu
  • Administrative Clerk：Hsiao-Fun Lin

Programs

Progams offered: Master, In-Service Master, Auditing Regular Classes (credit courses)

  • SINCE 2006

  • The Graduate Institute of National Policy and Public Affairs was established in 2006, aiming to become the most important research base of public affairs in central Taiwan.
  • Presently, the Institute offers two master programs consisting of about 100 students. There are 7 full-time faculty members with varied research interests.
  • The main goal of the Institute is to cultivate and improve students’ analytical capacity on public affairs. The graduates and alumni have proved themselves valuable either in the public or private sector. 
  • The curricula focus on cross-disciplinary research methods, balanced combination of theory and practice, application of knowledge and theory to real world issues, training for policy analysts, and social impacts.

The Institute of National Policy and Public Affairs is an academic and research institution that studies national policy and public affairs theories and practices. Its mission is to advance the dissemination of public affairs knowledge and provide research opportunities for students in the central region.

  • 1.Keeping up with the Trend of scientification in National Policy and Public Affairs

    Since the 1960s, the United States has established numerous public affairs and policy research institutions to conduct public administration research and policy discussions, aiming to address domestic social issues effectively. Notably, in September 1968, a group of scholars in the U.S. introduced the concept of "New Public Administration," which, in addition to emphasizing government efficiency, economy, and service functions, highlighted the importance of social equity. This redefined public administration and policy studies, separating them from traditional political science and integrating them with empirical sciences such as economics, applied sociology, management, and communication. As a result, public affairs research has become a vital emerging discipline in democratic nations.

  • 2.Enhancing the Level of Applied Science in Public Affairs Research

    Public policy and public affairs are interdisciplinary fields that rely on empirical scientific analysis to construct theories and generate practical knowledge. Therefore, public policy and affairs research must be a well-defined "applied science." In the face of globalization, Taiwan faces increasingly complex public affairs challenges. Enhancing citizens’ civic competence and improving civil servants' policy execution capabilities have become priorities. However, achieving these goals depends on developing domestic public policy and affairs research effectively. Thus, strengthening research in national policy and public affairs is the core objective behind establishing this institute.

  • 3.Providing Continuing Education Opportunities for Working Professionals in the Central Region

    The establishment of this institute aligns with the trends of "lifelong learning" and "continuing education." In 2004, the university launched the "Government Governance and Public Affairs" credit program, offering expanded learning pathways for students and professionals in the central region. This initiative not only bridges the gap between educational supply and demand but also fulfills the university’s commitment to social service, embodying the highest ideals of higher education. The institute places great emphasis on industry-academia collaboration and continuing education. Offering an environment conducive to further learning provides public policy and affairs professionals in the central region with opportunities for advanced study. This benefits not only individuals in the field but also public institutions, non-profit organizations, and other relevant sectors. The institute's in-service and credit-based programs integrate theoretical and practical knowledge, supported by faculty from diverse disciplines, fostering innovative ideas and research outcomes.

  • 4.Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice

    In addition to admitting regular graduate students, the institute incorporates insights from in-service and credit-based programs. It actively encourages professionals with practical experience—including military personnel, civil servants, business leaders, and educators—to return to school. This allows them to acquire new knowledge while bridging their real-world expertise with academic theories. Through interactive teaching methods, the institute fosters a dynamic learning environment where faculty and students mutually benefit from each other’s experiences, effectively narrowing the gap between theory and practice.

  • 5.Supporting the University’s Overall Development

    In February 2000, the university formally established the College of Social Sciences and Management, transforming itself into a comprehensive national university. To enhance its academic standing and social reputation, the university has prioritized the development of public policy and affairs research. The establishment of this institute is expected to play a key role in advancing the university’s overall growth while significantly contributing to the study of public policy and affairs in the central region.

  • 1.Balancing Theory and Practice in Curriculum

    Public affairs is a practical discipline where theory and practice are equally important and must be integrated. The institute’s curriculum is designed to bridge these two aspects, helping students develop a comprehensive understanding of public affairs management and planning through interactions with the government, businesses, and the third sector. Additionally, statistical analysis and public opinion research courses provide students with theoretical foundations and hands-on experience, ensuring they develop well-rounded expertise in public affairs.

  • 2.Interdisciplinary Curriculum

    Public affairs encompass a wide range of topics and have a profound impact. In today's era of globalization, planning in public affairs must be approached from an international and multidisciplinary perspective. The institute's curriculum focuses on training students in policy planning and analytical skills while drawing on the expertise of various university departments, including international politics, technology law, business management, marketing, information science, and education. This interdisciplinary approach enhances students’ ability to analyze and address policy challenges across multiple professional fields.

  • 3.Emphasizing Both Humanities and Professional Skills

    The university aims to cultivate well-rounded, high-level professionals who can contribute to the nation and society. Beyond professional skills, the institute places great importance on developing knowledge of the humanities and social sciences. One of the institute’s goals is to train public affairs managers with strong interdisciplinary backgrounds, enabling them to adopt a holistic perspective in planning for the long-term development of national and societal interests.

  • 4.Assisting in Public Affairs Planning and Research

    In addition to its teaching and research missions, the institute actively promotes the application of public affairs theories through practical engagement. Professors are encouraged to lead students in hands-on experiences, including conducting research and assisting in planning public policies and administrative systems commissioned by government agencies at various levels. This approach strengthens students’ professional capabilities and contributes to public sector innovation.

  • 5.Offering Practical Policy Recommendations

    The institute’s faculty integrates practical public policy experiences into their teaching and research, using theoretical frameworks to facilitate in-depth discussions. The outcomes are then shared with society, and policy recommendations are actively offered to foster social reform.

Based on the aforementioned educational features, our program has three main teaching objectives:

  • 1To train students to be public managers with professional skills and humanistic literacy that meets the social need, and competency in planning and executing projects and programs.
  • 2 To train students to be policy analysts by developing their analytical abilities and techniques based on sound theoretical practices.
  • 3 Prepare students for advanced academic career in public affairs.
Students can select their area of specialization based on their future career plans and interests, aligning their choices with the curriculum offered. The program’s core fields are "Social Science Research Methods" and "Public Affairs Theory and Practice", which are further divided into two major specializations: "Public Governance" and "Local Government and Politics". For students aiming to become public managers, the curriculum emphasizes courses in public governance. For those aspiring to be policy analysis experts, the focus is on courses related to local government and politics.Additionally, the program places great importance on building connections with societal elites. It actively operates an In-Service Master’s Program and Auditing Regular Classes (similar to credit courses) to attract elites from government, private enterprises, and the third sector in the central region. This not only enriches the program’s social resources but also fulfills its educational and social responsibilities.
TOP