Master of Public Administration

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.