Public Administration (PA)

Explores the evolutionary process of American public administration with the intent of focusing on theoretical and applied contexts of contemporary public administration. Special attention is placed upon the role of administration as it applies to the legislative-executive relations (including accountability, transparency and responsibility in democratic administration), the role of administration in the policy making process, the legal basis for public administration, and financial and personnel responsibilities of administrators in the public sector.

Policy theory is used to understand the development of public policy, including stakeholder identification and participation in the process of making and implementing public policy. Analytical tools to evaluate public policy and options toward policy change are included in the course content.

Ethical reasoning methods and problem-solving techniques ensure ethical decisions are made in the public sector. Decision-making models allow leaders to make the best decisions for the organization and the public. Leadership must include ethical decision-making and include a variety of inputs for effective decisions to be made. Course content also includes leadership styles and qualities of effective leadership.

This course explores the critical functions, procedures, and challenges associated with public human resource management at local, state, and federal government levels. Students will delve into public HR practices and learn about recruitment, retention, performance management, and ethical considerations unique to government operations. The course places significant emphasis on understanding and managing diversity within public institutions, acknowledging the importance of representing a broad spectrum of backgrounds and perspectives in public service in order to serve diverse communities.

Collection, custody, and expenditure of public revenue, public borrowing and debt management, preparation and execution of the budget, and financial accountability for public spending.

This course is designed to enhance the study of complex organizational structures and the behavior of individuals working within those organizations. An emphasis is placed on public institutions and the affect different organizational structures and behaviors have on public policy.

This public administration course examines how and why race, class, and gender differences inform and shape our legal and social structures and impact the legal decision-making process, social change, and social institutions of modern American Society.

Examines the development, institutions, processes, and problems of state and local government in the United States and their interaction with each other and with the federal government.

Legal principles and procedures involved in administration of government agencies.

Practical course instructing the steps involved in the grantwriting process. This course includes strategic planning, research, finding appropriate grant sources and writing the grant. EH 5082 is cross-listed with PA 5682, and only one may be taken for credit.

Social research methods and their application to public administration; examination of the role of social research in the analysis, interpretation and clarification of problems in public administration. PA 5702 is cross-listed with CJ 5702 and only one course may be counted for credit.

Theories, or models, of administrative organization and behavior and examination of relationship between public administration and political process.

Comparison of approaches to and problems associated with public administration in different nation types: western/nonwestern; developed/underdeveloped; large/small; and open/closed.

In-depth study of selected topics.

Supervised administrative assignment in office of an area public and/or private agency for a minimum of eight hours per week. Students who are eligible for an internship waiver will take an approved 3-hour PA elective to replace the internship requirement. Grades: Pass/Fail.

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. This involves completing a project report reflecting the cumulative knowledge gained from these experiences. The course is intended only for students who are completing their Masters of Public Administration (MPA). Students will complete the MPA Capstone Project in the last semester of coursework.