* MPA601 INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (3)
Introduces the field of public administration. Topics include political,
social, and economic environments of public administration; bureaucratic
politics and power; law, ethics, and comparative administration.
MPA602 EFFECTIVE PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION (3)
A study of the various means of effective organizational communication
by administrators and public servants. Covered are written and oral
skills in the organizational environment, with an emphasis on Christian
servanthood and empathy in dealing with the public. Students participate
in individual and group exercises to improve their communication skills.
* MPA603 RESEARCH METHODS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION-PROJECT I (2)
An introduction to basic quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Presents the primary course project which is the capstone of the MPA
degree. Provides students with experience in planning, design, and
performance of applied research project dealing with a practical
administrative or policy problem. Students learn to formulate research
questions, design research projects, apply research methodologies, and
produce a professional research report.
MPA604 ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY AND BEHAVIOR (3)
A study of the classical and contemporary theories of organization,
management, and administration in public and private institutions. This
advanced study of group dynamics examines the forces in individuals,
groups and organizations which affect the achievement of organizational
goals and objectives. Issues include organization culture,
organizational design, individual and collective motivation, developing
the learning organization, political behavior, conflict and resolution.
MPA605 PRINCIPLES OF EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP (3)
A study of the behavioral sciences as they apply to various leadership
theories and models, both classical and contemporary. This course
examines the distinction between leadership and management, servanthood
leadership from a Christian perspective, participative management, group
dynamics and motivation.
MPA606 HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AND ADMINISTRATION (3)
Develops skills in techniques of personnel administration and
management. Examines recruitment, selection, training, motivation,
performance evaluation, compensation, discipline, and career
development.
MPA607 ETHICS AND SOCIETY (3)
The relevance and application of biblically based ethical principles to
the issues facing today’s leaders. Christian value systems are
contrasted with post-modern relativism and other conflicting worldviews
as the student is challenged to review and refine individual values.
Included are obligations of the organization to employees and the
public-at-large (society).
* MPA608 MANAGEMENT RESEARCH-PROJECT II (1)
The continuation of the research process initiated in MPA603. Students
deliver an oral and written summary of their research efforts to date.
Elements included this progress report include the history and selection
of the project topic, methods selected to investigate and collect
information, and preliminary conclusions, recommendations and
bibliographical resources.
* MPA609 PUBLIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW (3)
Examines law in society and legal setting of public administration
(public interest social responsibility when all of society is a
stakeholder, process oriented versus outcome-based, results oriented).
Includes regulatory process, administrative adjudication, administrative
procedure acts, administrative due process, judicial review, liability,
and citizen’s rights.
* MPA610 ADMINISTRATION OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES (3)
Surveys the organization, processes and functions of public financial
management, including budgeting, accounting, expenditure control, and
revenue collection. Examines federal, state, and local fiscal policies,
intergovernmental financial relations, credit and debt management, and
related topics.
* MPA611 ECONOMICS AND PUBLIC POLICY (3)
Examines economics both as a determinate of public policy and as a tool
of public administration and policy implementation. Topics include how
markets allocate resources, role of government in a market economy (fair
trade vs. free trade, protectionism, etc.), market failures and
responses to them; and, problems of efficiency vs. effectiveness and
efficiency vs. equity.
* MPA612 PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS (4)
Examines processes of policy formulation and implementation- how
policies are made, who makes them, and why implementation must be viewed
as a critical phase of policymaking. Topics include problem recognition,
agenda setting, analysis, adoption, implementation, evaluation, and
succession. Emphasizes the politics of policymaking and case study
analysis.
* MPA613 MANAGEMENT RESEARCH-PROJECT III (2)
The integrative capstone presentation of the research project initiated
in MPA603 and MPA608. Each student delivers both an oral presentation
and written terminal thesis (or case study) to faculty and fellow
learners. Applied research projects are evaluated on comprehensiveness
and quality of a professional terminal product.
36 credit hours
* Indicates core courses
