NGO Education Survey

MPA 505W Foundations of Public Administration

This is the introductory course to the field of public administration. It examines American government and public administration’s primary intellectual and constitutional foundations and current trends. The course includes theoretical and practical aspects of critical governmental processes, the historical development of the field, contributions of social science to understanding organizations, and ethical issues in contemporary government activities

MPA 512W Public Budgeting and Financial Analysis

In this course, students explore the fundamental concepts and practices of budgeting and financial management, including the theory and practice of public budget preparation and review, government accounting and auditing practices, and political issues in the budgeting process. Consideration of capital budgeting, revenue estimation, and the history of budget reforms will also be explored.

MPA 520W Non-profit Law

Students will explore the regulatory and enforcement context for the non-profit sector, including, but not limited to, charities and foundations in the U.S. The course will cover the policy, legal, and regulatory underpinnings of the non-profit sector, focusing on the simultaneously independent and interlocking nature of federal and state oversight. The course will review a charity’s lifecycle issues, including the entity’s formation and operation and the major constraints and opportunities inherent in a charitable legal structure.

MPA 522W Leadership in Public Organizations

This course is designed for public sector managerial leaders and focuses on the changing environment at every level of the organization’s hierarchy. Students will study leadership within the public sector and the application of ethical and leadership principles to decision-making, actions, and interactions within public administration. Topics covered are applying theory to managerial situations and reflection on developing new leadership skills.

MPA 525W Foundations of Public Policy

This course studies the importance between public administration and public policy formulation. It encompasses political and organizational perspectives as they relate to the policymaking process, including strategic mapping, policy leadership skills, and negotiation

MPA 530W Non-profit Marketing

This introductory course focuses on how non-profit organizations use marketing to publicize their mission and how new marketing communications technologies reshape how non-profits must promote their work and share their impact. Students will learn new non-profit marketing principles, strategies, and tactics; develop decisionmaking skills; and develop a basic marketing/communications plan appropriate to various stages of a non-profit organization’s life cycle.

MPA 532W State and Local Politics

This course prepares the non-profit manager to address conflicts between states and communities and prepares the manager to make decisions about who gets what using a comparative approach. Considerations related to how conflict occurs and how leaders act in conflicting situations are explored

MPA 535W Public Administration and Technology

Technology management is an essential consideration for public managers. This course focuses on information technology and the social, political, and organizational effects technology has on individuals, groups, and society. Students will explore emerging issues and concerns with the interaction of technology and government

MPA 540W Non-profit Financial Management

The importance of the relationship between public administration and public policy formulation is examined. The course emphasizes the requirements for non-profits in successful financial management to support the organization’s mission. This course provides students with tools to analyze the organization’s financial statements, including identifying risks and opportunities and effectively communicating these statements to stakeholders, such as the governing board, donors, the public, and regulators.

MPA 542W Administrative Law

This course explores the legal and administrative theory and the legal framework of public administration. Students will also explore the development of administrative agencies as a contemporary legal and social phenomenon and the relationships with various branches of government

MPA 545W Economics in Public Administration

This course is designed for those with little background in economics. It examines processes, challenges, and methods in the administration and budgeting of public funds, including public revenues, cost controls, forecasting, and fiscal management. The importance of managing control issues and transparency will be addressed.

MPA 550W Non-profit Management

This course examines non-profit ethics and accountability, leadership and board development, civic and political involvement, human resource practices, financial management and performance measurement, philanthropy and fundraising, volunteer management, and marketing and communications. Students will focus on the attributes of the non-profit sector compared to government and business and the public policy relationships that intertwine these sectors, highlighting distinctive skills and the talents needed for effective leaders in the non-profit sector.

MPA 552W Policy Analysis

Examining policies from local to global arenas enables managers to apply tools and concepts across various issues. This course exposes students to the foundations of public policy analysis and management, focusing on consumer theory, critiques of rational decision-making, and policy processes. Students study qualitative and quantitative methods of policy analysis that aid public policy and program analysts in informing the decision-making process.

MPA 555W Public-Private Partnerships

Public-private partnerships allow the public to benefit from entrepreneurship, innovation, and efficiencies obtained by incorporating private sector investors who provide their capital and expertise. This course is designed for public officials and examines combined theory and practice to convey the conceptual foundations of choosing, designing, and evaluating public-private partnerships.

MPA 560W Non-profit Fundraising

Fundraising is the financial backbone of non-profit organizations. One of the most important non-profit management responsibilities is the ability to oversee these fundraising projects. Students in this course will learn how to develop plans, institutional missions, and readiness factors; analyze constituencies and effectively communicate and market; oversee the role of the board of directors and volunteers; and identify ethical considerations of fundraising for effective fundraising strategies.

MPA 565W Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Public Forum

Understanding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is critical for attracting and retaining quality, diverse employees. DEI is also beneficial for increasing innovation and creativity and improving employee and organizational performance. This course covers tools and methods for enacting change to promote DEI. The student will create strategies, offer guidance to lead and manage DEI initiatives, and gain the awareness and sensitivity to remove structural and social barriers in organizations.

MPA 600W Capstone

This course applies the student’s mastery of program outcomes by allowing students to research, analyze, and evaluate current topics and challenges in the field of public administration. Students will integrate and synthesize the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their program by conducting their own research related to current topics and challenges in the field of public administration.

College: Cambridge College

Department: Masters

Courses:

MPA courses cover contemporary issues and innovative management solutions designed by subject matter experts currently serving in public administration roles or closely working with public administrators. Featured courses include: Foundations of Public Administration Foundations of Public Policy Public Administration and Technology Economics in Public Administration

Our Master of Public Administration degree provides you with a thorough education that's personalized to you. With collaborative discussions, community-based projects, and a 10-week capstone experience, this program cultivates a learning community that will support and prepare you to excel in a public or nonprofit sector career where you'll make a difference in many different communities. This affordable, convenient program does not require a GRE score. Coursework is 100% online to bring interactive and collaborative learning directly to you.