Courses MPA - Public Administration

This course begins the three-course sequence designed to enhance professional communication, scholarly competencies, and leadership effectiveness. Learners apply theoretical models of leadership and interpersonal relations to practical situations in the workplace. Learners also use contemporary technology to communicate effectively as scholars and professionals in real-world situations.  Must be taken during the learner’s first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or prior learning assessment.

Learners in this course investigate the structures, practices, and theoretical underpinnings of public administration. Learners acquire and demonstrate public administration knowledge and skills to provide high-quality professional services to the communities they serve. Prerequisite(s): PUAD6020, completion of or concurrent registration in PUAD6030. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. 

Learners in this course examine a variety of social and professional situations to build their skills in effective and creative collaboration across an organization. Learners analyze and benchmark best practices from an organizational, team, and individual perspective to create an environment of inclusivity and collaborative results. In addition, learners examine conflict management, diversity management, group dynamics, cultural competence, ethical decision making, followership, and social responsibility. Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in PUAD6010.

In this course, learners examine and apply the theoretical and conceptual foundations of various ethical models and use them to analyze and evaluate practices in public administration. Learners also identify ways to ensure public sector agencies act in an ethical and legal manner, while ensuring the integrity of all public sector practices. Prerequisite(s): PUAD6030, completion of or concurrent registration in PUAD6015. 

This course reinforces the leadership knowledge and skills gained during previous coursework, and enables learners to be more effective consumers of data and to better utilize research in applied and academic endeavors. Learners develop and demonstrate skills to evaluate source quality, credibility, and relevance to practice; assess research concepts and strengthen their ability to critically analyze; and apply information literacy, research ethics, and methods of inquiry. Prerequisite(s): PUAD6010, completion of or concurrent registration in PUAD6020.

Learners in this course gain knowledge of differing theories associated with organizational structure, organizational environments, and organizational leadership in public sector settings. Learners also determine ways to effectively apply theories and skills needed to collaborate with diverse populations; manage human, technological, information, financial, political, and networking resources; analyze and formulate appropriate responses to public administration, public health, and public safety issues; communicate clearly and effectively; and maintain professional ethics and integrity. Prerequisite(s): PUAD6015 and PUAD6030; or PSY8002. 

In this course, learners gain and implement skills needed to be sound stewards of public resources. Learners examine revenue streams used to fund government agencies. Learners also apply practices used to develop budgets that mirror public priorities and processes used to ensure funds are appropriately allocated. Prerequisite(s): PUAD6015, PUAD6030.

In this course, learners apply the collective materials from their program into a facilitated research project. Learners conduct a cost-benefit analysis of a specific policy, project, or program in the public sector and demonstrate their mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a real-world environment. For MS in Public Administration learners only. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all required and elective coursework. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or prior learning assessment. 

In this course, learners examine and practice innovation, advocacy, organizational transformation, and change management. Learners investigate the foundational elements of human resource management and demonstrate their knowledge of current issues related to human resource management.

In this course, learners gain and demonstrate knowledge of project management roles, project scope, time management, and organizational structures. Learners assess various theories as well as communication and collaboration strategies. In addition, learners examine and apply the foundational elements of project management and identify current issues related to project management.

Learners in this course develop the skills to effectively coach, mentor, and resolve conflict. Learners examine and apply the foundational elements and skills for human resource management development, intervention strategies, employee empowerment, and strategic change.

Learners in this course analyze project management within public administration, private sector organizations that provide public services, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Learners apply project management skills across varied sectors and demonstrate their understanding of project design, planning, and innovation.

In this course, learners analyze labor relations and issues in employment relations that involve sectors of union employees and non-union employees. Learners develop and implement resolution methods for labor and employment disputes, job analysis and evaluation, compensation, and benefits policy.

In this course, learners develop their knowledge of project management roles as well as identify and prioritize project risks, communication and change management for project scope, and industry challenges.

Learners in this course analyze the principles of information systems and resources with an emphasis on communication. Learners investigate current information systems and how these can impact project management.

Learners in this course analyze quality assurance concepts, planning, control systems, and tools and techniques. Learners also apply their knowledge of the project management process and how it ensures effective communication and collaboration as well as high quality projects.