Public administrators use data in a variety of ways. Data analysis is necessary for conducting policy analysis or evaluating programs and policies. Therefore, being able to understand, utilize, and apply data is a necessary part of public administration. In this course, students will learn how to utilize statistical concepts in their roles as public administrators. Students will also learn a variety of di ff erent techniques used by public administrators to analyze and evaluate programs, services, and policies.

This course provides an overview of the history, practical nature, and function of public administration and policy making at the federal, state, and local levels . It will examine the theories and concepts of bureaucracy, as well as the formulation and implementation of policy. Among the topics covered are organization theory, federalism and regulation, ethics and accountability, decision-making, and leadership and budgeting. Case studies will be used to facilitate class lectures and discussions.

This course will examine the proper role government has to play in today's economy and will provide the fundamental and technical skills necessary to understand public budgeting and finances. Topics include the reasons for government involvement in the economy (market failure and redistribution), budgeting techniques at all levels of government, and sources of tax revenue. There will be a strong emphasis on issues related to state/local governments. By the end of this course students should have a strong understanding of the budgetary process at all levels, but in particular at the state/local level of government.

This course is designed to acquaint students with both the theory and practice of human resource management in the public and nonprofit sectors. The class will consist of readings, discussions, and exercises that will demonstrate public personnel management techniques and strategies. Students will leave the course with a deeper understanding of the difficulties involved in effective public personnel management.

This course introduces students to research methodologies used in the social sciences and prepares them to design and conduct research relevant to public administration. Emphasis is placed on understanding foundational research techniques, including research design, literature review strategies, data collection methods, selection of appropriate analytical approaches, and ethical considerations in public-sector research. Students will learn to formulate research questions, evaluate existing scholarship, and develop a well-structured research proposal focused on a problem or topic within public administration. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the methodological skills necessary to undertake independent applied research.

This course explores leadership within the public sector. It focuses on leadership theories, leadership skills and how to develop them within an ethical framework. What can, or should, we expect from our leaders in the public sector? What can, or should, our public leaders expect from us? What is the nature of the relationship between the two? How do we ensure ethical behavior as public administrative leaders?

This course will examine both the role that nonprofits play in the U.S. economy and how charitable organizations are managed and financed, including the interplay between the government and the Third Sector. Particular attention will be paid to distinctions between successful (impactful) nonprofits and those that are less effective in pursuing societal needs. New forms of philanthropic organizations will be examined, including benefit corporations and social marketing enterprises. In addition, new ethical practices, including impact investing, will be surveyed. Case studies will be utilized to illuminate the economic circumstances that can impact Individual nonprofits.

This course will prepare participants to write effective proposals and reports. It will also provide information on planning special fundraising events, requesting funds from donors and seeking funds from corporations and foundations. Students will learn to define and write problem statements, objectives, plans of action, assessment documents, budgets and project summaries. In addition, students will sharpen their teamwork, editing, writing, audience awareness, and design skills as they engage in collaborative projects with a nonprofit organization or government agency.

This examines the political processes and institutions of U.S., state, and local governments. By the end of the course, students will be able to discuss the state/federal/local relationships within the context of the American Constitution and political process, examine the various governmental structures and functions of state and local governments and how these structures impact the political process, demonstrate an understanding of the role states and localities play in the elections and the political process, understand the institutions of state and local governments including how they vary, and the various policy issues before the states and local governments.

This course examines how decisions shape the ways in which people live in cities. Over the past century and a half, cities have become the center of social, economic, political, and cultural activity. With a focus on urban policy from post-WWII to present, students will examine at theories and solutions to urban problems, such as housing, economic revitalization, transportation, socio-spatial segregation, health and welfare, sustainability, while paying particular attention to the roles and responsibilities of levels of government, how politics can influence policy, and the relationship between government, non-profit, and private sectors.

This course is an introduction into the study of public policy. Students will learn about the various models and theories surrounding the study of public policy. Several specific policies will be covered, such as healthcare policy, civil rights policy, and environmental policy. By the end of this course, students will have an understanding of significant public policies, how public policies are formulated, the tools and techniques used in making public policy, and the ability to assess public policies.

This graduate capstone seminar provides students with an integrative, culminating experience in the Master of Public Administration program. Working under the close mentorship of a faculty advisor, students design, execute, and present an applied research project that demonstrates mastery of public administration theory, research methods, and professional competencies.