6000

An analysis of government organization, management, and administration with primary focus upon the American national administrative structure. Emphasis is placed upon institutional, behavioral, and political factors of contemporary public bureaucracies. MPA students are encouraged to take this course in their first term of enrollment.

This course will provide a foundation for developing critical thinking, research and writing skills applicable to the study of Public Administration. Various methodological approaches including qualitative and quantitative methodologies relevant to the field will be introduced. Basic research methodology and writing in the field will be highlighted.

A study of contemporary practices and issues in the management of public employment. Major emphasis is given to merit system development, career systems, motivation, performance evaluation, and traditional personnel functions.

An examination of law in society and its influence upon public sector operations. Applications of substantive areas of the law such as regulatory processes, administrative adjudication, and due process are addressed.

A study of the public fiscal and budgetary decision-making institutions and operations. Sources of revenue, methods of expenditure, allocations of resources and their impact on the economy are given special emphases.

An integrative, skills-oriented course for policy analysis and policy making. The policy development process is analyzed with respect to the identification of needs, planning, adoption, implementation, and evaluation.

This course is a study of applied leadership and organizational behavior, especially as it is exercised in the public sector. The course looks at the subject from several historical, biographical, philosophical, contemporary and scholarly perspectives.

Applied systematic analysis for public managers. Stresses analytical approaches to problem definition and the application of statistical techniques to hypothesis testing. Data analysis using computer software is integrated throughout the course.

Research Methods II introduces the philosophy, scope, and methods of public sector research. It includes an overview of quantitative and qualitative methods and research design.

A study of the major historical systems of moral philosophy, such as Natural Law, Natural Right, Utilitarianism, Kantianism, Nihilism, and Existentialism. Focuses on applying ethical systems to policy and administrative questions.

This course will provide a foundation for contemporary managers to lead and manage a diverse 21st century workforce. This course covers concepts of diversity in public management and how they influence workplace behaviors. The course will focus on cultural and gender assumptions, stereotypes and belief systems. Demographic changes within the U.S. will also be covered as an important factor of leading and working within the public sector. The course will also cover the concepts of a representative bureaucracy and how the legal and political systems have supported inclusion within the public sector workplace.

A study of intergovernmental structures and issues in public administration throughout the federal system with special emphasis on the state and sub-state levels. Grants and grantsmanship are addressed.

A comparison of administrative structures and processes in the political systems of the first, second, and third worlds. Emphasizes the effects of administrative decision-making upon the international political system.

Capstone course required of all in-service students in the non-thesis option during the final term of course work. Student will assess, orally and in writing, the relationships among public administration education, career development, and current job performance.

Prerequisite: PUAD 6606. The Capstone Project offers each student the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of the theory and practice of public administration by applying the knowledge and skills gained in the MPA program to a project of the student's choice.

Independent reading and reports arranged by the instructor according to the individual student’s preparation, background, and needs. This course is repeatable for credit.

A detailed study of topics such as regulation, alternative service delivery systems, and public administration in the future. Topics to be covered will vary and will be announced prior to registration. This course is repeatable for credit.

An individually designed course sequence involving field experience and work in a government agency. This course is repeatable for credit.

Prerequisite: Permission of MPA Coordinator. First course in three-course thesis option. Student prepares detailed prospectus of the research topic, including bibliography, methodology, substantive goals, realistic schedule, and other details deemed necessary by thesis supervisor.

Prerequisite: PUAD 6971 and permission of MPA Coordinator. Second course in three-course thesis option. Student will prepare chapters of thesis for submission to Thesis Supervisor and Second Reader.

Prerequisite: PUAD 6972 and permission of MPA Coordinator. Final step in the thesis option. Student will prepare final version of the thesis and defend before a faculty panel.