GRADUATE PROGRAM Master of Public Administration 30 total credits | average 2 years to complete 2 SEPT Start Date Format Online Tuition $37,620 Courses 10 courses Term Fall 2024 Apply Now Become a Leader Who Inspires Change and Improves the Lives of All Citizens In the government and other public organizations, there is a growing need for leadership talent who uses an interdisciplinary approach to shaping impactful change in communities. The skills to succeed involve more than contemporary management practices. Effective public administrators must also learn how to use digital platforms to engage and service stakeholders and understand how to navigate the domains of environmental sustainability and social responsibility. With the online Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from Wake Forest University, you will sharpen your adaptive leadership skills and rise to the challenge of making our society more equitable in direct and tangible ways. Admissions Criteria 7% projected growth of overall employment of public administration careers from 2021 to 2031. $93,000 median annual earnings within 120 mile radius of Charlotte, NC 36% growth in the Charlotte region of public administration jobs between 2018 and 2022 with 100,002 jobs available in 2022. “Wake Forest SPS understands that I’m a working individual and created this program for people like me to not only learn what I need to receive a degree but also apply it to what I’m doing now” — Ellie Matthews, SPS Graduate Student Core Courses There are 9 required core courses including the Capstone course. Students may choose 1 elective. There is no prescribed order for the courses. You may take them in the order that works for you when your selection is available. Public Administration Principles Learned skills and shared experiences lead to practices that inform and advance your career. Identify and examine management principles and practices for public institutions such as: -how public organizations operate and are managed, -public personnel management, -budgeting and finance, and policy implementation, alongside -methods to identify and assess available interventions to further stakeholder well-being in a cross-cultural context. What You’ll Learn Compare and contrast critical analytical approaches to public administration, communication, and teamwork skills. Develop effective leadership strategies and public engagement, such as: convening stakeholders, gathering input, and ensuring accountability. Evaluate multi-cultural dimensions of policy at local/state/federal levels. Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Book Credits 3 credits Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Calendar Terms Fall 2024 Subject to Change Course ID PAD 710 × Public Administration Principles Examine management principles and practices for public institutions, including how public organizations operate, public personnel management, and budgeting and finance. This course will explore different methods that identify and assess available interventions to further stakeholder well-being in a cross-cultural context. It will help learners develop effective leadership and public engagement strategies. Learn More Atoms / 03.Icon / Plus Circle Financial Management and Budgeting Leading a team, task force, or organization requires a confident understanding of financial management and budgeting. This course examines financial management associated with public administration including financial statements and reporting, cost analysis, budget approaches and preparation, financial forecast, cash flow management, and financial risk management. The course approaches this material from a leadership perspective, presenting the various parts of financial management and budgeting across agencies or levels (local/state/federal) of government. Because public sector budgeting and financial management reflect concerns of competing stakeholders, the course explores the way public administrators identify and weigh multiple concerns and outcomes in the budgeting process. What You’ll Learn Recognize and apply analytical skills that cover financial planning and budgeting, as well as ethical and legal considerations related to budgeting, and managing individuals and teams that create and oversee budgets. Manage cultural and sustainability interests, concerns, and applications. Formulate and assess leadership approaches to facilitate inter-agency financial management and performance as well as intergovernmental (local/state/federal) agencies. Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Book Credits 3 credits Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Calendar Terms Fall 2024 Subject to Change Course ID PAD 712 × Financial Management and Budgeting Gain an understanding of financial management and budgeting in the public administration sector. This course examines areas of financial management including financial statements and reporting, cost analysis, financial forecast, cash flow management, and financial risk management from a leadership perspective. Learn More Atoms / 03.Icon / Plus Circle Research Methods for Public Administration Developing and applying new sources of knowledge is crucial to effective leadership and organizational success. This course covers research design, data collection, data analysis, and how to communicate research findings. Qualitative and quantitative research methods, experimental and non-experimental research, survey instrument development and use, case studies, content analysis, and secondary data analysis are covered. Equitable outcomes and the domains of sustainability, climate change, and social responsibility are of increasing importance to public sector leaders and this course will explore sustainability, environmental awareness, and equitable outcomes in research design and methods and will be addressed. *An on-demand preparatory resource/course is available for those who would like additional background in statistics and quantitative methods to prepare for this course. The preparatory course is online and asynchronous. It can be accessed prior to or during the course What You’ll Learn Collect, analyze, and interpret data research results. Develop and demonstrate applied knowledge of statistical software and tools to ethically inform policy discussions. Formulate and assess leadership approaEvaluate and construct sustainable, environmentally aware, and equitable outcomes in research methods.hes to facilitate inter-agency financial management and performance as well as intergovernmental (local/state/federal) agencies. Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Book Credits 3 credits Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Calendar Terms Coming Soon! Subject to Change Course ID PAD 714 × Research Methods for Public Administration Develop the tools to effectively collect, analyze, and interpret data research results. This course explores topics such as qualitative and quantitative research methods, experimental and non-experimental research, and secondary data analysis. A focus will be placed on learning how to evaluate and construct sustainable, environmentally aware, and equitable outcomes in research methods. Learn More Atoms / 03.Icon / Plus Circle Technology and Public Administration Technology can inform and enhance policy and its effective use will remain a core competency for future public leaders. Examine the role of emerging technologies in setting and implementing public policy, the role of stakeholders and interest groups, and available tools to apply from a technology and innovation framework. The class will analyze how new technologies improve and impact policy efficacy. What You’ll Learn Assess key principles and define opportunities regarding the role and application of technology in public administration. Analyze and evaluate the role technology plays in public policy issues through policy-making at local, state, and national levels. Appraise the role global systems, including the natural environment, and connectedness play in policy formation. Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Book Credits 3 credits Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Calendar Terms Coming Soon! Subject to Change Course ID PAD 720 × Technology and Public Administration Examine the role of emerging technologies in setting and implementing public policy, the role of stakeholders and interest groups, and available tools to apply from a technology and innovation framework. This course will analyze how new technologies improve and impact policy efficacy by assessing key principles and defining opportunities regarding the role and application of technology in public administration. Learn More Atoms / 03.Icon / Plus Circle Public Law Successful policy leaders must navigate the legal and regulatory environment where policies are made and applied. Public law defines the relationship between individuals and government. Explore and examine the structure of public law at the local, state, and federal levels alongside the historical context and legal framework governing the relationships between individuals, organizations, and government. What You’ll Learn Analyze how legal frameworks, including due process, equal protection, separation of powers, and fundamental rights apply to government bodies. Examine the role of public leadership and how public institutions promote equitable communities. Evaluate the legislative and rule-making processes in a historical context including the structures that influence policy today. Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Book Credits 3 credits Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Calendar Terms Coming Soon! Subject to Change Course ID PAD 724 × Public Law Learn how public law defines the relationship between individuals and the government. This course examines the structure of public law at the local, state, and federal levels alongside the historical context and framework governing these relationships. Learners will develop the skills to help them navigate the legal and regulatory environment where policies are made and applied. Learn More Atoms / 03.Icon / Plus Circle Data Analytics and Risk Management The effective utilization of data is a key competitive advantage for contemporary organizations. Explore the important connection between data analysis, ERM, and organizational strategy. Apply tools used by ERM professionals to analyze different types of data, employ data to support strategy, and create meaningful reporting for target audiences. Explore traditional and new sources of data, data governance, data quality, digital, legal, and ethical considerations, and challenges associated with forecasting in the context of risk and uncertainty. What You’ll Learn Utilize data analysis tools effectively. Identify and assess ethical and legal challenges related to data. Generate forecasts to support corporate strategy through robust, effective data analysis. Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Book Credits 3 credits Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Calendar Terms Coming Soon! Subject to Change Course ID ERM 730 × Data Analytics and Risk Management Examine the important connection between data analysis, ERM, and organizational strategy. This course will dive into traditional and new sources of data, data governance, data quality, digital, legal, and ethical considerations, and challenges associated with forecasting in the context of risk and uncertainty. Learn More Atoms / 03.Icon / Plus Circle Leadership & Change Management This course is a survey of the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to successfully undertake change. It explores the leadership principles, styles, frameworks, and skills required to guide, motivate, and direct teams. Learners will develop the ability to prepare, support, and assist individuals, teams, and organizations in organizational change. What You’ll Learn Acquire knowledge of models of how change occurs in organizations and how it should occur. Examine and evaluate change efforts in organizations. Develop an understanding of why individuals resist change and how to overcome resistance. Apply change models to various organizations and identify how leaders should lead change efforts. Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Book Credits 3 credits Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Calendar Terms Spring 2024 Summer 2024 Subject to Change Course ID LDR 722 × Leadership & Change Management Explore the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to successfully undertake change. This course delves into the leadership principles, styles, frameworks, and skills required to guide, motivate, and direct teams. Learners will develop the ability to prepare, support, and assist individuals, teams, and organizations in organizational change. Learn More Atoms / 03.Icon / Plus Circle Data Analytics and Public Administration A leader must effectively analyze and explain complex data to stakeholders in clear, understandable language. Learn to analyze and interpret data to tell a clear and compelling “story”, manage the projects and programs, then implement policy. Topics covered will include data management, data visualization, statistical analysis, and machine learning. In addition, new tech-enabled methods of collecting and understanding data will be explored as they relate to policy administration. What You’ll Learn Collect, process, and analyze data. Model data-informed problem-solving and critical thinking. Apply effective communication skills by explaining complex data analysis to stakeholders in clear, understandable language to support data-supported solutions to problems. Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Book Credits 3 credits Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Calendar Terms Coming Soon! Subject to Change Course ID PAD 730 × Data Analytics and Public Administration Develop the skills to effectively analyze and explain complex data to stakeholders in clear, understandable language. The course will focus on analyzing and interpreting data to tell a clear and compelling “story,” manage the projects and programs, and implement policy. Learners will also be exposed to new tech-enabled methods of collecting and understanding data they relate to policy administration. Learn More Atoms / 03.Icon / Plus Circle Capstone in Public Administration *Taken after the completion of core courses. Integrating and applying learned skills and experiences leads to a deeper understanding and habits of practice that inform a career. The capstone project applies the knowledge and skills gained through the program to a real-world challenge in the field of public administration. The specific project will vary depending on student interest and goals and may include such things as evaluating the effectiveness of a public policy; preparing a strategic plan for an organization in the public sector; leading a comparative analysis of public administration systems in different countries, designing a public engagement strategy for a public sector organization; and/or analyzing an emerging issue relevant to the field. What You’ll Learn Combine key professional Public Administration concepts that demonstrate mastery of skill and content. These may include but are not limited to, technology-enhanced policy, data, and evidence-driven interventions, effective change management, and interagency strategy (local/state/federal) to create or implement policy interventions. Construct a capstone project that exhibits demonstrated leadership, cultural awareness, and technical skills that produce effective strategies and change. Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Book Credits 3 credits Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Calendar Terms Coming Soon! Subject to Change Course ID PAD 799 × Capstone in Public Administration Integrate and apply key skills and knowledge obtained throughout the program into a real-world challenge within the field of public administration. Each specific project will vary based on student interest and will exhibit demonstrated leadership, cultural awareness, and technical skills that produce effective strategies and change. Learn More Atoms / 03.Icon / Plus Circle Elective Course Options Students may choose 1 elective course. You may take the course at any time your selection is available. Housing and Development Many leaders in the public sector lead initiatives focused on the built environment, including housing, commercial, industrial, and shared public spaces. This course examines public-private partnerships for housing and community development. Topics include affordable housing development strategies, commercial reuse and revitalization initiatives, and neighborhood development. Global forces shape local decisions. As such, global issues related to trade, business competition, and migration will be explored. What You’ll Learn Identify analytical tools that support housing and redevelopment initiatives. Evaluate how housing and development policies impact social, economic, and environmental equity. Perform and lead stakeholder analysis surrounding policy initiatives. Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Book Credits 3 credits Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Calendar Terms Coming soon! Subject to Change Course ID PAD 750 × Housing and Development Dive into the various public-private partnerships for housing and community development. This course explores affordable housing development strategies, commercial reuse and revitalization initiatives, and neighborhood development. Learners will evaluate how housing and development policies impact social, economic, and environmental equity. Learn More Atoms / 03.Icon / Plus Circle Sustainability and Environmental Systems Institutions at all levels, local, state, federal, and international, are facing growing changes related to how human activities impact natural and environmental systems. Public administration leaders need skills and insights to effectively lead institutions as they respond. This course examines sustainable systems, sustainable systems, and environmental sciences to understand the conflicting objectives that are often part of public administration. Examine environmental justice and the administrative forces that place environmental burdens on some groups and not others, at the local/state/federal levels. What You’ll Learn Identify available analytical tools and policies to support environment-focused policymaking. Organize complexity to align decision-making with long-term administrative objectives. Compare and evaluate equitable and inequitable application of environmental regulation and available policy responses. Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Book Credits 3 credits Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Calendar Terms Coming soon! Subject to Change Course ID PAD 751 × Sustainability and Environmental Systems Develop the skills and insights to effectively lead institutions as they respond to the impact of human activities on natural and environmental systems. This course examines the conflicting objectives that are often part of public administration by exploring environmental justice and the administrative forces that place environmental burdens on some groups and not others. Learners will gain knowledge in the available analytical tools and policies to support environment-focused policymaking. Learn More Atoms / 03.Icon / Plus Circle Project Management Essentials This course introduces the foundational concepts of project management (PM). It provides an overview of the PM lifecycle as defined in the Project Management Body of Knowledge. Several PM knowledge areas such as risk, scope, schedule, quality, monitoring, and communication, among others, will be introduced. Project Management Essentials (PMP 710) as a prerequisite for PMP 712. What You’ll Learn Discuss projects and their core elements as a vital function for companies. Apply important project management methods and tools throughout the lifecycle of a project. Design and execute new projects based on a deeper understanding with a more structured approach. Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Book Credits 3 credits Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Calendar Terms This course is offered every semester. Subject to Change Course ID PMP 710 × Project Management Essentials This course introduces the foundational concepts of project management. It provides an overview of the PM lifecycle as defined in the Project Management Body of Knowledge. Several PM knowledge areas such as risk, scope, schedule, quality, monitoring, and communication, among others, will be introduced. Distinctions between project, program, and portfolio management are explored. Learn More Atoms / 03.Icon / Plus Circle Strategic Planning and Decision Making for Healthcare Leaders This course examines the principles and applications of strategic visionary thinking and change management within healthcare organizations. A structured approach to managing strategically is explored, while assessing key features of the organization environments and competitive situations. Students will explore approaches to engaging in new healthcare services, how to offer them, and the processes for ensuring successful implementation. What You’ll Learn Integrate strategic concepts into actionable, forward-focused steps and apply principles to a variety of business models. Recognize and apply demand management, concepts of efficiency, production, and distribution of healthcare services. Explore basic economics, impact of regulation and reimbursement; and economic incentives in healthcare. Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Book Credits 3 credits Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Calendar Terms Coming soon! Subject to Change Course ID HAD 730 × Strategic Planning and Decision Making for Healthcare Leaders Examine the principles, process, and applications of strategic management. This course covers methods for assessing key features of organization environments and competitive situations, approaches to demand management, and processes for ensuring successful strategy implementation. Learn More Atoms / 03.Icon / Plus Circle Communications Leadership, Organizational Culture & Ethics This course helps identify leadership strategies for ensuring organizational strategies are aligned with organization mission and values and serve the broader goals of business and society. Learn more about the ESG framework and be able to apply it to communications initiatives, building trust and making a positive, authentic impact. Effective leaders communicate consistently and in alignment with organizational missions that represent the highest of ethical standards. What You’ll Learn Learn and apply environmental, social/sustainable, and governance (ESG) principles. Follow ethical communications industry practices. Advocate for the communications role to serve jointly as an internal leader in the organization, and externally in the community. Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Book Credits 3 credits Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Calendar Terms Coming Soon! Subject to Change Course ID CMS 730 × Communications Leadership, Organizational Culture & Ethics Most organizations have a mission or values statement. How many organizations are living it? This course helps identify leadership strategies for ensuring organizational strategies are aligned with organization mission and values and serve the broader goals of business and society. Learn More Atoms / 03.Icon / Plus Circle Leading through Intercultural Communications It is necessary for communications leaders to develop intercultural awareness and build communications strategies that reflect diversity of thought, culture, and experience. Equitable practices foster trust and commitment to organizations and brands. Diverse workforces are more creative and innovative. Learn how to assess and design aligned, inclusive communications strategies. What You’ll Learn Identify organizational traditions, practices, and communications and assess their impact on diverse identities. Develop intercultural awareness alongside internal and external communications strategies and messaging. Build organizationally aligned communications strategies and practices that promote equitable, accountable leadership. Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Book Credits 3 credits Atoms / 03.Icon / Course Detail / Calendar Terms Coming Soon! Subject to Change Course ID CMS 732 × Leading through Intercultural Communications It is necessary for communications leaders to develop intercultural awareness and build communications strategies that reflect diversity of thought, culture, and experience. Equitable practices foster trust and commitment to organizations and brands. Diverse workforces are more creative and innovative. Learn how to assess and design aligned, inclusive communications strategies. Learn More Atoms / 03.Icon / Plus Circle Meet Public Administration Faculty Cardra E. Burns, DBA, MPA, CLC Wake Forest University Tanesha Morgan, Ph.D., MBA, MSHA, M.Ed. Wake Forest University Anita Archambeau AICP, DPA Wake Forest University Take the Next Step Request Information Apply Now Read more about SPS 3 Things to Know About How SPS Designs Academic Programming Learn more about the people, processes, and research that goes into how Wake Forest designs and delivers online programming. Read More 5 Tips for Balancing Grad School and Life from SPS Student Mike Powers SPS Project Management student Mike Powers shares his top 5 tips for balancing a graduate degree and life. Read More About the School of Professional Studies Meet the School of Professional Studies! Read More 4 Tips for SPS Students Balancing School Work & Family Life During the Holidays During the holidays, adult learners feel the pull between school work and family – here are some quick tips to manage the stress. Read More “SPS students are groundbreakers…”: Wake SPS Faculty Celebrates Graduate Students In celebration of Graduate Student Appreciation Week, we’re flipping the script – we asked faculty members across our various certificate and masters programs to tell… Read More Celebrating All Students for Disability Pride Month: Meet Heath Huggins In honor of Disability Pride Month, Wake Forest SPS would like to take the time to recognize our outstanding students who also live with disabilities. Read More Building Your Bench: 3 People You Need to Know for Career Success In this blog, we’ll explore the three essential players you need on your professional team to set yourself up for success. Read More