Public Administration Master's Degree Required Core Courses

A student may be waived from the internship, MPA 660, at the time of admission.

MPA 500 Introduction to Public Administration
Introduction to Public Administration Introduction to Public Administration provides a general overview of the field of public administration. The course includes theoretical and practical aspects of key governmental processes, the historical development of the field, contributions of social science to understanding organizations, and ethical issues in contemporary government activities.

MPA 503 Public Budgeting
Public Budgeting covers the theory and practice of public budget preparation and review, governmental accounting and auditing, and political issues in the budget process. The course includes consideration of capital budgeting, revenue estimation, and the history of budget reform efforts.

MPA 506 Administrative Law
Administrative Law explores the study of the legal framework of public administration. Basic principles of constitutional law and the institutions of American government are reviewed. The development of the administrative agency as a contemporary legal and social phenomenon and its relationship to other branches of government are considered. The structure of an administrative agency, its jurisdiction, powers, processes, and accountability are analyzed.

MPA 507 Technology Management for Public Managers
Technology Management for Public Managers focuses on what an individual in a managerial position should know about information technology. Social, political, and organizational effects of the technology on individuals, groups, and society are covered. Students gain an understanding of how to use information management for strategic and operational purposes, learn to identify useful computer applications, and develop an appreciation for emerging managerial concerns in the information age.

MPA 513 Program Planning and Evaluation
Program Planning and Evaluation is an analysis of the theory and practice of designing, implementing and evaluating public and nonprofit programs. This course develops skills in outcome measurement, survey design, and presentation of results.

MPA 530 Organizational Theory and Change
Organizational Theory and Change covers the theory and practice of improving organizational effectiveness through planned, systematic interventions and change. Typical topics include analyzing organizational cultures, structures, processes, and capabilities; designing needed interventions; and assessing the motivational, educational, and other tools needed for successful implementation.

MPA 660 Internship in Public Administration*
The internship provides students with on-site practical experience. It aims to provide students with a better appreciation of the relevance and value of the learning that goes on in the classroom. In addition, an internship experience enables students to give more careful consideration and thought to an issue, and practice using theoretical knowledge to solve practical administrative problems. Internships are three credits and graded pass/ no pass.

MPA 699 Innovation in Public Administration
This course provides an integrating experience for students. Emphasis is placed on specific problems. Extensive research and analysis of public policy are conducted. Prerequisites: MPA 500, 501, 503, 505, 506, 507, 508, 513 and 530, but the expectation is that this course is taken in the student's last semester of the program. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 to enroll.

* Required of pre-service students only