Masters Public Admin (MPA)

MPA 2--. BN EMPHASIS ELECT. (1-10 Credits)
Graduate Level Coursework in Masters Public Admin
Level: Graduate
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Restrictions: None
Primary grade mode: Transfer
Schedule type(s): Lecture
Area(s) of Inquiry: None
MPA 215. FOUNDATIONS OF PUBLIC SERVICE. (3 Credits)
Introduction to the dynamic and rewarding field of public administration. The historical foundations, institutional context, and issues faced by contemporary public and nonprofit organizations are explored from a public service perspective. Students will begin to develop the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to competently manage public service organizations. Participants also become familiar with the norms and expectations of masters-level education.
Level: Graduate
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Restrictions:

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

Enrollment limited to students in the Zimpleman College of Business college.

Primary grade mode: Standard Letter
Schedule type(s): Independent Study, Lecture, Web Instructed
Area(s) of Inquiry: None
MPA 216. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT. (3 Credits)
Treating Human Resources as an asset rather than as a cost represents a philosophical transformation on human resources management thought. Focus is on theories and practices related to the functions and activities of managing people in public and nonprofit organizations. The course focuses on attraction, retention, and engagement drivers of public sector management associated with changing social, economic, political, and governmental conditions.
Level: Graduate
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Restrictions:

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

Enrollment limited to students in the Zimpleman College of Business college.

Primary grade mode: Standard Letter
Schedule type(s): Independent Study, Lecture, Web Instructed
Area(s) of Inquiry: None
MPA 217. APPLIED RESEARCH METHODS FOR PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION. (3 Credits)
Course provides an introduction to the methodology of the social sciences as well as public administration and management research. Competencies important to the professional practitioner that are covered include how to assess and evaluate services, read and analyze research published in relevant areas of management and policy analysis, and develop an understanding of the strengths and limitations of published research. The course provides the skills necessary to become a critical and competent consumer of both qualitative and quantitative research related to public administration.
Level: Graduate
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Restrictions:

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

Enrollment limited to students in the Zimpleman College of Business college.

Primary grade mode: Standard Letter
Schedule type(s): Independent Study, Lecture, Web Instructed
Area(s) of Inquiry: None
MPA 220. PUBLIC BUDGETING AND FINANCE. (3 Credits)
An investigation of the fundamental principles and trends associated with public finance including budgeting structure and reforms, public sector revenue sources and administration, and the role of debt and working capital in public finance.
Level: Graduate
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Restrictions:

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

Enrollment limited to students in the Zimpleman College of Business college.

Primary grade mode: Standard Letter
Schedule type(s): Independent Study, Lecture, Web Instructed
Area(s) of Inquiry: None
MPA 221. PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS AND LEADERSHIP. (3 Credits)
Focus is on management and leadership in public organizations as informed by bureaucracy and rationality, formal and informal structures, and rapidly changing political and organizational environments. The course will examine institutional factors and contemporary issues surrounding behavior or organizational members, including topics such as organizational design, organizational change, performance management, and technology integration.
Level: Graduate
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Restrictions:

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

Enrollment limited to students in the Zimpleman College of Business college.

Primary grade mode: Standard Letter
Schedule type(s): Independent Study, Lecture, Web Instructed
Area(s) of Inquiry: None
MPA 225. FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF ORGANIZATIONS. (3 Credits)
A study of financial issues, reporting and budgeting for state and local governmental units and nonprofit organizations including colleges and universities, hospitals, volunteer health and social services organizations and other nonprofit entities.
Level: Graduate
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Restrictions:

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

Enrollment limited to students in the Journalism & Mass Comm or Zimpleman College of Business colleges.

Primary grade mode: Standard Letter
Schedule type(s): Independent Study, Lecture, Web Instructed
Area(s) of Inquiry: None
MPA 226. PUBLIC POLICY DECISION-MAKING. (3 Credits)
This course is an examination of the public policy process with an emphasis on developing the knowledge and analytical skills necessary to manage the design, implementation and evaluation of public policies in public and nonprofit organizations. The course includes quantitative and qualitative strategies used to formulate and implement effective public policies and it will also cover performance and impact - based evaluation techniques. Case studies selected from several policy areas will be used throughout the course.
Level: Graduate
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Restrictions:

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

Enrollment limited to students in the Zimpleman College of Business college.

Primary grade mode: Standard Letter
Schedule type(s): Independent Study, Lecture, Web Instructed
Area(s) of Inquiry: None
MPA 228. RESOURCE DEV AND PROG PERFORM. (3 Credits)
An examination of the purpose, strategies, and essential techniques associated with resources development in public service organizations. Successful grant writing, philanthropy/fundraising, and the role of intersectoral collaboration will be addressed. A study of program performance and evaluation tools, both quantitative and qualitative, is emphasized enabling the evaluation and determination of societal needs and measurable outcomes associated with public and nonprofit programs.
Level: Graduate
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Restrictions:

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

Primary grade mode: Standard Letter
Schedule type(s): Independent Study, Lecture, Web Instructed
Area(s) of Inquiry: None
MPA 240. VALUES AND ETHICS IN DECISION-MAKING. (3 Credits)
A presentation and discussion of how values and ethics play a role in the decision-making process and their impact on the multiple roles played by organizations. The goal is to challenge course participants to reflect on how their values are determined and impact their personal and professional responsibilities within an organizational setting. The course will include a critical analysis of the role of the firm in promotion of the sustainability of the community(ies) in which it operates.
Level: Graduate
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Restrictions:

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

Enrollment limited to students in the Journalism & Mass Comm or Zimpleman College of Business colleges.

Primary grade mode: Standard Letter
Schedule type(s): Independent Study, Lecture, Web Instructed
Area(s) of Inquiry: None
MPA 254. LEADERSHIP AND HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT. (3 Credits)
This course involves applied human resources management designed to improve leadership skills and the development of the firm's workforce. Ethics and the successful long-term operation of firms in today's pluralistic and diverse society are important components of the course.
Level: Graduate
Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Restrictions:

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

Enrollment limited to students in the Zimpleman College of Business college.

Primary grade mode: Standard Letter
Schedule type(s): Independent Study, Lecture, Web Instructed
Area(s) of Inquiry: None
MPA 260. CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE. (3 Credits)
The MPA Capstone course asks students to execute an original research project on a topic in public administration, public policy, healthcare administration, or nonprofit management. Working either individually or in small teams, students will identify, research, and collect data on their identified topic of inquiry. Using discipline-focused, course-derived, and professional knowledge and experience, students will use their Capstone research to draw conclusions and build recommendations for future practice in the field.
Level: Graduate
Prerequisite(s): MPA 215 (may be taken concurrently) and MPA 216 (may be taken concurrently) and MPA 217 and MPA 220 (may be taken concurrently) and MPA 221 (may be taken concurrently) and MPA 228 (may be taken concurrently)
Corequisite(s): None
Restrictions:

Undergraduate level students may not enroll.

Enrollment limited to students in a Masters of Public Admin degree.

Enrollment limited to students in the Zimpleman College of Business college.

Primary grade mode: Standard Letter
Schedule type(s): Independent Study, Lecture, Web Instructed
Area(s) of Inquiry: None