This graduate level course provides a historical, case-study, and theoretical approach to the study of public administration. Students of social and public policy, organized labor, human services, higher education and business examine the history of the field and its most prominent theorists and practitioners. The course traces the modern development of the field beginning in the 19th Century with the work of Max Weber and examines its evolution during the 20th Century through the works of Frederick W. Taylor, Mary Parker Follett, Chester Bernard, Herbert Simon, Charles Lindbloom and others. Concepts and theory are understood through reading, researching, and writing about significant case studies in various realms of public administration. Students conduct independent research on topics relevant to their own professional development and career objectives. Students interested in the public, private, or not-for-profit sectors interact during the course through structured, focused discussion. Students from any graduate program benefit equally from the study of public administration as applied to their field of study. The course is especially useful for those who aspire to management or supervisory positions.

The objective of this course is for students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the nature and scope of governments' role in the economy. This course will provide students with knowledge and an analytical toolset to comprehend concepts and trade offs entailed in public finance policy alternatives. Topics covered: Public Goods and Externalities; Cost-Benefit Analysis of Government Expenditures; Social Security, Health Insurance and Welfare; and Taxation's Impact and Efficiency.

This study explores various decision making models that are applicable to public sector decision making, including, but not limited to: rational choice, organizational process, and bureaucratic politics models of decision-making. The course is intended to highlight political and governmental influences on decisions and to distinguish where applicable the differences between public policy decisions and private sector decision-making.

State and Local Government is an introductory level graduate course designed for students interested in professional development in public administration, public affairs and public policy. The course focuses on politics and administration at the state level and on the relationships between states and the federal government and states and local governments. The concept of federalism is central to the study and specifically the dynamics of intergovernmental relations relevant to specific areas of public policy in which state funding is derived from and directed by the federal government.

The final project for the Masters in Public Administration program is a policy memorandum written from the perspective of an executive level program administrator to a governmental oversight committee. The memorandum addresses program planning, evaluation measures, and performance indicators. The memorandum requests funding for the program for the next fiscal year. The simulated exercise can be undertaken at any level of government appropriate for the personal and professional goals and objectives of the student with the approval of the course instructor. The assignment may also be adapted for the not-for-profit sector to meet the needs of students interested in professional career opportunities in that sector. The student shall demonstrate integrative learning acquired during the program of study based on coursework undertaken during the degree program. Prerequisites: PPOL 6005, PPOL 6010, PPOL 6020, and PPOL 6030.