Public Administration (PADU)

PADU 600 Foundations of Public Administration

Historical development of public administration as a field, with a focus on operations and function of administration. Political interactions, management theory, planning, allocation of resources, and decision-making are explored. 3 credits.

PADU 607 Public Policy Analysis

Public policy analysis requires a sophisticated understanding of a variety of types of data. Empirical arguments and counterarguments play a central role in policy debates. This course will introduce students to strategies of data collection and principles for critically evaluating data collected by others. Topics include measurement reliability and validity, questionnaire design, sampling, qualitative research methods, and the politics of data in public policy. 3 credits.

PADU 608 Governance in the Public Sector

This course examines the elements that support and impede effective governance in the public sector. Additionally, the significance of strong leadership and governance practices is reinforced in the course's discussion of emerging trends and issues in public management and government. Students will explore the critical internal and external environmental factors that influence governance through the study and analysis of best practices within the public sector. 3 credits.

PADU 615 Professional Development Seminar

Prerequisite: Dean approval.

Students will participate in a faculty approved experience in a local or state government agency. The student will meet on a regular basis with a faculty member to compare, interpret, and scrutinize theory and practice. In addition, public administrators will assist and advise fellows in their transition from academic life into professional political careers. Portfolio development is designed to direct the learning of students in this professional development experience, as well as in defining and guiding their career aspirations. Courses that cover different internship experiences may be repeated up to six credits. 3 credits.

PADU 620 Contemporary Issues in Public Administration

Prerequisite: Dean approval.

These “Special Topics” courses allow the MPA program to offer specialized courses or courses covering emerging fields of study. In these courses, examination of contemporary issues and recent theoretical and practical advances related to public administration will be explored. Topics vary. Courses that examine different themes may be repeated up to six credits. 3 credits.

PADU 682 Public Administration Professional Practice

Prerequisite: OLCU 501, PADU 600, PADU 607.

This course focuses on public sector leadership issues, roles and responsibilities. Emphasis is placed on identifying solution-oriented practices to contemporary issues through data gathering and analysis. Students will apply public administration best practices and ethical considerations to a community- related problem. 3 credits.