NGO Education Survey

MPA 3000 - Design Thinking in Public Administration

Public administration is a field in which leaders serve communities to advance the common good and effect positive change. While many public policies and programs exist, not all of them meet the needs of the intended communities. This is not a course on public policy or program assessment; rather, this course focuses on helping students determine how to design policies and programs with intentionality to effect positive change. Specifically, students will explore the impact mindset (individual/collective) has on the outcome. Moreover, students will practice using design thinking to propose solutions in select areas of public administration.

MPA 3002 - Managerial Statistics

This course is designed to review or introduce the basic concepts of statistics and probability. Students will learn how to collect data, calculate statistics to describe the data, and interpret the data to draw conclusions. In the course the students will learn descriptive statistics, characteristics of discrete and continuous probability distributions, sampling distributions, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. The course will also cover linear regression and correlation. Students will perform tasks in both MS Excel and SPSS.

MPA 3003 - Introduction to Investment

This course provides an introduction to investment theory and security valuation. In addition, students will gain a strong understanding of financial markets and the major categories of financial assets/ investments. The topics covered in the course include: risk and return, portfolio theory, asset pricing models, behavioral finance, limits to arbitrage, valuation of equities and bonds, option pricing models, and forward and futures markets. The lectures and examinations will focus both on quantitative and conceptual foundations.

MPA 3004 - Foundations of Financial Accounting

This course presents a comprehensive introduction to financial accounting concepts, generally accepted accounting principles, and the accounting framework. The course begins with an orientation to the basic financial statements and the accounting information system that records activities and transactions that are reflected in the statements. This course is intended for those who want to pursue more advanced accounting courses and/or a career in accounting and therefore it takes a preparer perspective. An emphasis is placed on proper recording, and financial statement creation and analysis. The major categories of the income statement and balance sheet are covered as is the Statement of Cash Flows.

MPA 3010 - Foundations of Public Service and Administration

This course provides an in-depth examination of the foundational principles, theories, and practices that underpin public service and administration. Through a combination of theoretical discussions, case studies, and practical applications, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the roles and responsibilities of public servants, the organizational structures of public agencies, and the ethical considerations inherent in public service delivery.

MPA 3011 - Seminar in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management

This seminar course explores the relationship between public administration and nonprofit management. Through discussions, case studies, guest speakers, and hands-on volunteer work, students will examine the intersections and collaborations between the public and nonprofit sectors in addressing societal challenges. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding the roles of public administrators and nonprofit leaders in promoting social change, community development, and effective governance.

MPA 3020 - Fundraising and Grant Writing

Explores the challenges faced by every nonprofit to be more entrepreneurial and competitive and to raise funds for its programs and operations. This course examines a wide variety of fund raising approaches; sources for federal, state, and local grants; the process of grant writing and interaction with the grant-giving agency; and local, regional, and on-line resources available to find grant funding.

MPA 3030 - United States Health Care Policy

The accessibility, cost and delivery of healthcare is a daily challenge, and a broad topic for discussion in America. The issues are debated on the campaign trail, in Congress and in corporate board rooms. The main challenge in front of our nation is to deliver effective healthcare services at an affordable cost while maintaining the quality of care. In this course the student will develop an understanding of the many different insurers and government agencies that are responsible for providing access to and actual delivery of healthcare services. The course will focus on current critical issues in healthcare: the Medication Modernization Act (Medicare Part D), Medicaid, Universal Healthcare, the high cost of drugs, the Massachusetts Healthcare Connector, the growing number of uninsured in America, and healthcare reform. Additionally, the course will explore the significant impact of the baby boomer generation on the healthcare industry, increased life expectancies, and future technology initiatives (e-prescribing and electronic medical records).

MPA 3040 - Health Care Administration

In the broadest of terms, Health Care Administration can be thought of as the “business side” of the health care industry. This course is intended to serve as a foundational experience exposing the student to certain aspects of healthcare administration. The course will cover an array of healthcare delivery organizations offering a diversity of care options including acute healthcare, community and impatient mental health services, primary care physician services, alternative medicine delivery and other models of care which require skilled administrative oversight.

MPA 3050 - Cultural Competence

This course is designed for students to examine their personal and professional understanding of cultural competency within work, school, home and community spaces. We will use class discussions, group activities, videos, journals, and student presentations to increase understanding of how Ethnicity, Gender, Race, Sexual Orientation, Racial Identity, and Religion play a part in developing a cultural competent mindset. Using the 6 Levels of Cultural Competence, students will examine the historical context of oppression especially in the US. Through further analyses of their spaces, students will develop personal and professional action steps. At the end of the course, students will have a cultural toolbox and lens to navigate the increasingly multicultural and multiethnic community.

MPA 3060 - Social Awareness in Entrepreneurship & Business

This course studies start-up businesses and larger corporations that have included social responsibility in their business models. We will study the process by which these organizations and entrepreneurs develop and fund solutions that directly address social issues, e.g., education, healthcare, substance abuse, police brutality. Furthermore, we will discuss larger companies that self-regulate through social accountability to their customers, stakeholders, and the world at large. Students will analyze social issues topics, develop and apply solutions through in-class discussions, collaboration, and business planning.

MPA 3100 - Issues and Cases in Public Administration

Surveys concepts, practices and trends in contemporary public administration. Topics addressed will include intergovernmental relations, organizational theory and behavior, public personnel management, collective bargaining, governmental budgeting and regulations, and managing public policies and programs. Incorporating research, case studies, and current events, this course emphasizes analysis and application of theory in relation to real-life situations.

MPA 3114 - Social Policy and Equality

The major aim of this course is to analyze historical and contemporary economic social policies such as the new deal, tax reform, redistributive, distributive, and regulatory policies. This course involves an approach to understanding social policies domestically and globally by engaging in an interdisciplinary approach of the conditions, institutions and mechanisms of social change, drawing on perspectives from history, demography, economics, political science, and sociology.

MPA 3115 - Global Migration

Global Migration and Local Policy Impact: Almost every country has to deal with the consequences of migration, whether it is international or internal migration. This course looks at the push and pull reasons for migration and helps students understand the differences between refugees, asylum seekers, voluntary migrants, and undocumented immigrants. The course examines the theory and practice of people in transit through readings, case studies and discussions about migration, remittances, and ethnic minorities migrating out of and within countries. The course delves into how the flow of people become local administrative issues when larger groups of people settle in specific areas and potential remedies and solutions.

MPA 3116 - International Organizations

State and local administrators around the world interact with international organizations on a daily basis for policy implementation, organizational performance, and monitoring of institutions. This course analyzes international organizations in terms of politics, economics, and culture with a focus on the United Nations, the European Union, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and military organizations like NATO. This course also describes how Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) influence policy making for state and local administrators. In the face of increasing nationalism across the world, this course will also ask the question of whether “global governance” is possible and/or desirable? Student learning outcomes include learning the institutional structure, mandates, and jurisdiction of international organizations. Students learn how NGOs impact local policy-making and see how cultural and political regime differences among administrators are reflected in the collaborations with international organizations. Deliverables would be a case study analysis of a specific international organization or a comparative analysis of different international organizations and their ability to influence or govern local conditions.

MPA 3117 - Comparative Public Adminstration

Students will learn the differences among countries in administrative structure, in personnel recruitment and management, the politics of the bureaucracy, and administrative accountability. Students will be able to analyze the role of the international political economy in public administration as well as how local governments create collaboration between the public and private sector, and non-governmental organizations in policy implementation. Finally, students will learn professionalism and ethics. This introductory class will contain an ethics component dealing with cultural differences between universalist and particularist legal systems, and individual and collective ethical cultures. Deliverables include a final paper analyzing the state and local administration of a specific country chosen by the student, perhaps the home country of an international student.

MPA 3120 - Organizational Behavior & Leadership

Develops an understanding of concepts, analytical tools and communication skills underlying behavior in organizations. The course explores the relationship between task accomplishments and human fulfillment in the context of planned organizational change. Various learning experiences are incorporated, including case studies, simulations, role playing and group discussion. Issues of public involvement, participatory decision making, employee empowerment and forms of leadership are also addressed.

MPA 3121 - Workplace Development in the Public and Non Profit Sectors

This course provides an overview of the talent management strategies, programs, and best practices currently employed in private sector organizations, and explores how they can be adapted and applied to meet the unique needs and challenges of employers and employees in the public and non-profit sectors. Students will acquire skills required for analyzing, assessing, and addressing talent management issues affecting employees at each stage of the their relationship with the organization. At the conclusion of the course, students can expect to have a solid foundational knowledge of the topic, as well as the ability to recommend and apply strategies and techniques to the benefit and development of their organization or future organization, as well as their own development as a leader or manager.

MPA 3122 - Criminal Justice and Public Administration

This course provides on overview of the intersection of the criminal justice system and public administration processes. Students will examine the challenges facing criminal justice leaders who interact with the public and governmental agencies. Topics covered include the most challenging issues of the 21 century: the opioid crisis, juvenile crime and prevention and intervention, restorative justice, the administrative culture of criminal justice, impact of social media on criminal justice and various subsystems such as the police, courts and corrections. Students will explore the impact of crime, punishment, diversion and rehabilitation on the social fabric of our communities.

MPA 3126 - The Art of Public Policy

This course will address the development of public policy through the lens of public art. Students will analyze federal, state, and local decision-making and gauge the effectiveness of public regulations while researching best practices, case studies, and social determinants of art legislation. This specialized course will review policies developed over decades as a result of political, social, and economic influences.

MPA 3170 - Change Management

People fear change and are uncomfortable with change in their lives. Yet, at some point in everyone’s life they will deal with change or a need for change. This class will give the insight and tools to help you successfully promote and navigate change. You will learn real life lessons in leadership and change, and how to make change stick. The lessons you learn in this class will stay with you for the rest of your life.

MPA 3200 - Leading Teams

This course examines theories and practical applications of leadership within team contexts, with a specific focus on leveraging emotional intelligence and cultural competence to foster effectiveness and inclusivity. Through a combination of readings, discussions, case studies, and experiential learning activities, students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to lead diverse teams in complex organizational environments.

MPA 3210 - Crisis Management

Crisis Management has evolved from a reactive concern to an integral component of an organization’s overarching strategic plan. This course delves into the profound impact that crises can exert on organizations and delves into strategies and theories aimed at skillfully mitigating their effects. Through a robust foundation of real-world illustrations and case studies, the course sheds light on the diverse manifestations of crises within different organizational and industrial contexts. Furthermore, students will acquire valuable insights on establishing a proficient crisis management team and formulating a comprehensive crisis management plan.

MPA 3212 - Program Development and Evaluation

This course provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding and applying program development and evaluation principles that are applicable in both nonprofit and public administration sectors. Students will explore the theoretical foundations of program design, learn practical skills for effective program planning and implementation, and develop expertise in evaluating program impact and effectiveness across diverse organizational contexts.

MPA 3219 - Social Equity and Social Impact of Cannabis

In this course, students will explore how cannabis has changed pop culture, the global economy, and has impacted local communities. Students will develop critical thinking and communication skills around the social impact of cannabis by analyzing the balance of profits and social purpose. Students will learn from real-world experience and each other to strengthen leadership skills, which are essential within organizations and local communities to see success in legal cannabis.

MPA 3224 - Program Development, Implementation and Evaluation

This course is designed to introduce students to the process of building, implementing, evaluating and funding programs in any sector. Students should develop both an understanding as well as the skills to carry out program planning regardless of the setting as both theoretical and practical information will be covered.

MPA 3260 - Leadership

This course will explore the importance of executive involvement, participatory decision making, employee empowerment, visioning, strategic thinking and various forms of leadership. Students will examine the differences between leadership and management by identifying the cornerstones of effective leadership. Discussions will also center on the concepts, theories, assessment, and development of leadership skills

MPA 3310 - Self as Agent of Change

In this course, participants will explore how our situated identities are mediated by the social world, and how reflexivity about our social identities enables us to understand our experiences of the world and our ability to interact with and work towards social change and equity. Questions that will be considered: How does social identity shape my/our experience in the world? How does our social identity affect our interactions with others across social differences related to race, class, gender, nation, and more? How does who I am shape what I can do across different contexts? By the end of the course, students will be able to know/do the following: Understand why and how identity matters in DEI work. Form and articulate a deep and nuanced understanding of social identity/identities in diverse settings, but also your own autobiographies and cycles of socialization. Analyze your cycle of socialization using theoretical lenses like intersectionality, and matrix of oppression/privilege. Understand concepts like positionality, reflexivity, and critical intersectionality, and allyship.

MPA 3311 - Historical and Contemporary Understandings of (In) Equities

In this course, participants develop a historical understanding of social (in)equity and analyze contemporary frameworks and issues in the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (e.g., inclusive excellence). The course emphasizes inequality as structural and systemic. Students will learn about critical social theory rooted in experience and historical analysis to make sense of the overt and hidden systems that create the social order. Questions we consider: How do we explain the inequalities that are connected to race, class, gender, nation, religion, and other forms of difference? How does power and privilege work in the world? By the end of the course, students will be able to know/do the following: Understand how inequality occurs. Analyze and evaluate different contexts (schools, classrooms, non-profits) using critical social theory. Reflect on the evolution of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), and the ways in which DEI has been shaped by socio-political movements and forces. Understand equity or social justice frameworks.

MPA 3312 - Social Change and Transformation

This module integrates the previous two modules to explore and identify our personal theory of social change. How does our critical understanding of the world, and understanding of DEI combined with our social identity and our personal passions help us to understand how we can affect change? Through the exploration of different organizational and social change theories, students will develop their own theory of change. Questions we consider: In what ways does positive social change occur? Who defines what counts as “positive?” What are the complexities and tensions associated with social change? How do I understand the role of power and decision-making in social change efforts? How am I best situated to promote and enact social change? By the end of the course, students will be able to know/do the following: Articulate their theory of change and ways to understand and enact change in the context of DEI. Evaluate models of organization and social change efforts that have centered equity and social justice, analyzing them for their strategies/practices as well as philosophical orientations. Reflect on, and review insights from Module 1, and articulate how identity and positionality can enable or hinder us in making our contexts more equitable. Identify interests and issues for the Capstone Module.

MPA 3313 - Praxis

Renowned critical pedagogue, Paulo Freire, describes praxis as “reflection and action upon the world in order to transform it.” For Freire, it represents an on-going cycle of collectively theorizing the world and then acting to create change based on that theorizing. In the capstone module, students will integrate what they learned from the previous modules (1,2,3), to propose a “change project” in their professional contexts. The “change” project is intended to make your context more equitable, diverse, and inclusive. By the end of the course, students will be able to know/do the following: Translate their theories of social inequality, and their theories of social change and equity into an actionable proposal/project. Identify the levers and stakeholders within their institution/professional context. Enact a change proposal and document the effectiveness of the action. Utilize assessment techniques to evaluate effectiveness of the change action.

MPA 3320 - Ethics and Professional Life

This course will explore ethical dilemmas through broad comprehensive coverage of Business Ethics from a global perspective with case studies, presenting various topics such as: fraud, bribery, hacking, insider trading, unethical monopoly and dangerous working conditions. Students will explore internal and external focus of ethical issues to be able to understand the positive outcomes of ethical behavior as well as the negative consequences of unethical behavior. Students will participate in discussion of ethical issues, the development of a moral frame of reference and the need for an awareness of social justice in management practices and business activities framework. The course will also review ethical responsibilities and relationships between organizational departments, divisions, executive management, and the public.

MPA 3380 - Strategic Marketing for Nonprofit Organizations

Describes marketing strategies applied to different types of providers in nonprofit organizations. The course focuses on techniques to maintain and increase market share, quantitative methodologies, such as demographic case mix, and geo-demographic analysis, as well as the application of market communication techniques and strategies. Topics cover end to end strategic marketing planning including contemporary philanthropy and program evaluation.

MPA 3390 - Mulifaceted Communication in the Public Sector

This course is centered on analyzing the multifaceted communication methodologies and techniques in the public sector to advance public policies, regulations, legislation and campaign strategies. With a focus on strategic messaging through stakeholders, special interest groups, and media professionals in our technologically driven society. In addition, this course will review the manner for ethically and socially responsible communication, messaging and brand positioning, and best practices through media trends, information dissemination, advancing technologies and targeted outcomes. The textbooks used in the course will provide both classic and topical essays on government public relations and the use of social media in the public sector. Case studies are assigned to review and apply theoretical concepts for review and discussion.

MPA 3400 - Policy Analysis

Examines the political process within which public policies are made and implemented. The course uses both theoretical and applied case materials to look at the roles of various factors in setting the agenda for public discussion; the process of formulating, adopting and implementing policies; the constraining role of governmental structures; and the need for program evaluation.

MPA 3440 - Special Topics: Public Administration

This course addresses current or timely topics (in Public Administration or Nonprofits) that are in a pilot phase or are known to be one time offerings.

MPA 3540 - Nonprofit Management

The focus of this course is on a broad, insightful overview of key topics affecting governance and management of nonprofit organizations. The class will explore the scope and structure of the nonprofit sector, leadership of nonprofits, managing the nonprofit organization, fundraising, earned income strategies, financial management, nonprofit lobbying and advocacy, managing international and global organizations, social entrepreneurship, and social innovation. The course balances research, theory, and practitioner literature by utilizing current case studies and readings for in class discussions and weekly written assignments.

MPA 3550 - Politics and Public Management

Politics and Public Management revolves around one fundamental issue: How do real-life managers in the governmental and nonprofit sectors cope with the various forces in their political environment? What skills, techniques, and strategies do they employ? Principal objectives are to heighten awareness of the political dynamics affecting government agencies and nonprofit organizations and, through guest lectures, case studies, and related materials, to examine possible techniques and strategies for dealing effectively with an agencys political environment.

MPA 3590 - Global Health

This is a survey course designed to introduce the concepts of global health, the burden of disease, and the social determinants that drive health outcomes. Many NGOs and other organizations work around the world on health-related issues, yet few are truly successful. This course will challenge students to critically analyze the current approaches to global health and engagement. Topics such as maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, and the effects of war and conflict will be covered. This course focuses primarily on developing countries and includes an overview of cultural norms and political implications of health provision. The course will take place in the classroom as well as on Moodle.

MPA 3620 - Public Budgeting and Accounting

Reviews the various aspects of public and nonprofit budgeting and control, as well as discusses both operation and capital budgets, and the role of the budget in relation to planning and policy making activities. Discussion topics include: financial and managerial accounting principles, planning and budgeting, establishing a framework for financial decision making, budget implementation, and the use of computers in developing and monitoring budgets.

MPA 3660 - Intervention, Mediation and Negotiation

This course examines the various methods of third party intervention as a means of effective conflict management in the workplace and other conflict situations. Particular focus is on mediation and negotiation as students develop and improve techniques needed to settle disputes through the use of simulated disputes. The course will examine third party intervention methodologies such as facilitation, arbitration, med-arb and negotiation as techniques to resolve disputes and manage conflict.

MPA 3710 - Managing Human Services Organizations

Provides an overview of the management characteristics needed for contemporary human service organizations, as defined by the management practice standards of national-level accrediting organizations. Course topics include: organizing principles; managing organizations, data and finances and human resources; and monitoring and evaluating organizational effectiveness.

MPA 3740 - Strategic Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations

Strategic Management may be defined as an externally oriented philosophy of managing an organization that links strategic thinking and analysis to organizational action. This course examines the critical aspects of strategy and organizational planning and considers the key elements of strategic management - Organizational Analysis, Strategy Formulation, Strategy Implementation and Strategy Evaluation & Control. The principles of strategic management are applied in a semester long examination of a social service, healthcare, arts and culture, government or other public or nonprofit setting. Strategic Management attempts to orchestrate a fit between an organizations external environment (political, technological, regulatory, social, etc.) and its internal situation ( values, culture, finances, marketing, human resources, IT, organizational structure and so on) and therefore offers the student a broad understanding of how the varied components of organizations work together to inform strategic direction and planning.

MPA 3820 - Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining

Examines the fundamentals of labor relations, exploring a range of issues including employees’ right to strike and specific statutes governing equal opportunity on the federal and state levels. The course provides practical experience in collective bargaining and arbitration through participation in a bargaining exercise. Specific differences between public and private collective bargaining and labor relations are explored in depth.

MPA 3840 - Project Management

This course is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and technique used in project planning to meet specific customer project requirements. With a focus on quality and the voice of the customer, students will explore the aspects of project life cycle, learn to develop and integrate scope, time, and resource planning for managing a project. The course will also explore decision making around risk assessment, measure of success, monitoring and controlling of project schedule, scope, cost and quality.

MPA 3880 - Cost Benefit Analysis of Public Programs

Provides an introduction to cost-benefit analysis. Initially, the mechanics are presented: decision rules, measuring benefits, evaluating costs, treatment of risk and uncertainty and choosing an appropriate discount rate. The course then examines application of cost-benefit analysis to a range of government programs that have an impact on the environment, education, income redistribution and the regulation of the private economy.

MPA 3900 - Research Methods and Strategies

Explores the many public policy and managerial problems that require administrators to gather information to arrive at solutions. The action research model focuses on the application of research techniques to program evaluation and the analysis of outcomes in an organizational setting. This course surveys the analytical skills necessary to design and implement such research projects and covers skills such as problem analysis, research strategy, questionnaire development, sampling techniques and data analysis. The course emphasizes qualitative and interpretive techniques. Statistical analysis will focus on appropriate application and interpretation of various techniques, with some hands-on computer analysis.

MPA 3901 - Research Design & Methods

Students will explore and gain hands-on experience with research design and methods in the context of the public sector (public administration and nonprofits). Students will learn to design, conduct, and analyze research studies, with an emphasis on ethical considerations, data collection techniques, and research dissemination. Students will complete the Responsible and Ethical Conduct of Research (RECR) Training Requirements.

MPA 3930 - Fundamentals of Business Analysis

Specifically designed to give managers a basic understanding of standard financial reporting, the setup of a strong financial organization, the creation of strategic budgets and the use of financial reporting in highlighting and monitoring performance. The course provides a special focus on financial functions as they relate to the fulfillment of the organizations goals. Course topics include the role of the financial department; understanding basic financial reports and what the numbers mean; creating ratios and basic measurements to measure the organizations progress; development of a strategic budget and a continuous reporting model; understanding management of the financial health of the organization; and identifying and solving financial management issues.

MPA 3940 - Internship

This internship course will enable students to establish a connection between classroom theory and practical application in the field. The course will cover and help students develop professional skillsets needed to succeed in the workplace such as self-management (self-awareness, task and time management), teaming and organizational dynamics (cross functional collaboration, conflict resolution, and communication up and across organizations). Additionally, the course will focus on other professional/career development topics and post internship success.

MPA 3941 - Internship Extension

The internship extension class is for students who have already completed an internship and successfully completed MPA 3940. This is a self-directed class where students will be responsible for producing bi-weekly journals, a final reflection paper, and a supervisor evaluation.

MPA 3950 - Independent Study

If a student wishes to pursue an independent study, they must contact their advisor before registration begins. The advisor will work with the student to discuss and develop a substantive proposal. In some cases, the advisor may have a particular project or research need that will be assigned as an Independent Study. The proposal will include a short synopsis of the proposed study, including assignments, bibliography and a description of the proposed deliverables at the end of the course. The advisor approves the final version of the completed Independent Study form and attaches the proposal. In addition, a detailed syllabus must accompany the proposal. The syllabi is developed with the advisor who will be overseeing the independent study. The Independent Study form is forwarded to the Assistant Dean for review and final approval. The Registrar’s Office will issue the CRN (course registration number) to the student via email. The student is responsible for registering for the independent study online.

MPA 3999 - Capstone Practicum

Integrates the course work of the MPA program into a comprehensive application. While in teams, under the supervision of a faculty instructor, students address an actual challenge faced by an organization of a department within an organization. Students study the issues, review industry trends, research the depth of the issue, and make a series of recommendations to key members of an organization. The practicum culminates in a formal written and oral presentation of the team’s work, which is evaluated by faculty and organizational professionals. Students should take the Capstone course near the end of their graduate program (at least after two full semesters in the program). To register, students must seek permission from their academic advisor. This course may be repeated for credit by the Senior Leadership Program Cohort who will be taking this course at .5 units.

PA 1000 - Introduction to Business

This course provides a broad overview of the business world. Students learn to apply basic business concepts and principles to a variety of business situations. Topics include business terminology, the legal forms of business organizations, business ethics and social responsibility, the impact of the economy on business, and the basic functions of management including marketing, banking and financing, accounting, and technology.

PA 1100 - Introduction to Nonprofit Management

This course provides a broad introduction to not-for-profit organizations-traditionally dedicated to providing community service, furthering a particular social cause, or advocating a shared point of view in the US. The focus will be on the history of nonprofits, their structure and governance, and identifying effective ethical and strategic management approaches. Students will critically examine and propose solutions to real-world examples of challenges that nonprofits encounter.

PA 1110 - Introduction to Public Administration

This course is a basic introduction to public administration for undergraduate students. Students will explore key concepts, theories, and practices that shape the functioning of public organizations at local, state, and national levels. The course aims to develop a foundational understanding of the principles of public administration, environment, organizational structure, and contemporary issues in public administration.

PA 1200 - Project Management Basics

Project managers are natural problem-solvers. They set the plan and guide teammates, and manage changes, risks, and stakeholders. Project managers also continually learn a variety of skills and techniques to ensure they are successful in managing their projects. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of project management from the planning phase through project closure. (This is not a prep course for the PMI certification but an overview of traditional project management practices). Students will engage in cooperative, self-directed learning as they work on developing their project management skills. The course will cover the five process groups of traditional project management: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Control and Closure. Students will produce several project management organizational asset deliverables during the semester.

PA 1530 - Principles of Mangement

Introduces the fundamental managerial functions of planning, organizing, lending and controlling. Through an examination of the major motivational theories of management, we will work to increase our awareness of the personal skills required to be a manager and learn to apply managerial planning, and organizing processes as well as design a control system to measure results.

PA 2999 - Capstone

The Capstone is the culminating experience for the bachelor’s in Public Administration program. The final deliverable is a demonstration of the student’s professional competencies and evidence of a foundation of theoretical knowledge applied to “real-world” issues. SPS offers students various options for completing their capstone requirement, e.g., independent or team project. Each option involves practicing their skills in collaboration, analysis, problem solving, research, writing and professional presentations. Students work with their advisor to determine the Capstone option that works best for their professional and academic development.