Public Policy Administration MPPA, Local Government Management Emphasis

Program Overview

The Public Policy Administration (MPPA) program equips students with analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills for effective public service. The program offers a core curriculum and concentrations in policy research and analysis, local government management, nonprofit organization management, or individualized areas. Graduates are prepared for careers in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other public service settings.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Public Policy Administration (MPPA) program prepares students for a variety of careers in the public sector. The program emphasizes the development of analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills necessary for effective public service. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to work in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other public service settings.

Objectives:

• To provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective public service.
• To develop students' analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• To prepare students for a variety of careers in the public sector.

Outline:

The MPPA program consists of 39 credit hours. The core curriculum (15 hours) includes courses in public policy analysis, public administration, economics, and research methods. Students then select a concentration (15 hours) in one of four areas: policy research and analysis, local government management, nonprofit organization management, or individualized. The remaining 9 hours are elective courses.

Core Curriculum:

• P P ADM 6000 Introduction to Policy Analysis (3 hours)
• P P ADM 6400 Public Administration: Theory and Practice (3 hours)
• P P ADM 6490 Human Resources in the Public Sector (3 hours)
• P P ADM 6180 Governmental Budgeting and Financial Control (3 hours)
• P P ADM 6010 Introduction to Policy Research (3 hours)
• P P ADM 6750 Applied Research Design (3 hours)
• ECON 5550 Economics for Public Policy Analysis (3 hours)

Concentrations:

• Policy Research and Analysis:
• P P ADM 6600 Managing and Leading in Organizations
• P P ADM 6800 Management Information Systems
• ECON 4160 Geospatial Analysis in the Social Sciences
• Electives (9 hours)
• Local Government Management:
• P P ADM 6340 Seminar in City Administration
• P P ADM 6470 Proseminar in Urban Politics
• Electives (12 hours)
• Nonprofit Organization Management:
• P P ADM 6300 Leadership and Management in Nonprofit Organizations
• Electives (15 hours)
• Individualized:
• Students may select an individualized emphasis area in consultation with their advisor and with approval of the Director.

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Exams
• Papers
• Projects
• Presentations
• Participation

Teaching:

The MPPA program is taught by a variety of faculty members, including full-time and adjunct faculty. Faculty members have a wide range of experience in public service, research, and teaching. The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, case studies, and simulations.

Careers:

Graduates of the MPPA program are well-equipped for a variety of careers in the public sector. Some of the most common career paths include:

• Public policy analyst
• Government administrator
• Non-profit manager
• Program manager
• Research associate