NGO Education Survey

Department: Master of Public Administration

Courses:

Approved graduate course work

PSPA 600 - Introduction to Public Service

An introduction to the roles of government and nonprofit organizations in society and the core competencies to effectively provide community services.

PSPA 605 - Organization Theory and Behavior in Public Service Organizations

Theory and practice of managing public service organizations, with a focus on key organizational functions and ways of defining and responding to organizational issues.

PSPA 607 - Public Service Performance I: Theory and Management

Overview of evidence-based decision making in public service organizations. Performance measurement theory and practices are introduced and explored through case studies and the creation of a research design. Exploration of public service values and how they influence performance management will also be provided, especially communication with stakeholders, support for a learning and performance organizational culture, and ethics.

PSPA 608 - Public Service Performance II: Management and Data Analysis

Follows PSPA 607. Focus on public service performance and management, adding more skills-based practices of data analysis. Studies the basic theory, techniques, and practice of data collection and analysis so that information can be used to inform management decisions. Examination of generating research questions by identifying knowledge gaps in the organization. Data analysis methods include quantitative techniques (descriptive and inferential statistics, hypothesis testing) and qualitative techniques (focus groups, content analysis, observational data). Results are interpreted and presented.

PSPA 609 - Human Resources Management in Public Service Organizations

Examination of techniques, methods, and policies concerning the management of personnel in public and nonprofit organizations.

PSPA 610 - Budgeting and Financial Management in Public Service Organizations

Theory and practice of budgetary processes, analyses, and presentations in public and nonprofit organizations.

PSPA 611 - Public Revenue Analysis and Management

Theories and practices of public sector revenues. Topics include efficiency and equity considerations, alternative revenue generation, financial analysis, and tax and revenue administration.

PSPA 612 - Information Technology in Public Service Organizations

Introduction to concepts and skills concerning the management of information technology in the public sector. Covers topics related to managing information and information technology to support public service delivery. Recommended: PSPA 605.

PSPA 624 – Resource Development for Nonprofit Organizations

Focuses on fundraising strategies, grant writing, and resource mobilization.

PSPA 626 – Nongovernmental Organizations and Governance

Explores the role and governance structures of NGOs in various contexts.​

PSPA 634 - New Governance

PSPA 634 – New Governance

Examines emerging governance models in the public and nonprofit sectors.

PSPA 650 – Leadership in Public Sector Organizations

PSPA 673 – Strategic Planning for Public Service Organizations

PSPA 695 - Internship in Public Administration

PSPA 695 – Internship in Public Administration

Provides practical experience in a nonprofit or public administration setting. This requirement may be waived for students with appropriate professional experience.

PSPA 699 - Public Service Capstone Project

Research and writing to complete the capstone paper requirements for the M.P.A. degree, normally taken in the semester of graduation. The capstone paper must demonstrate the connection of theory and practice to a relevant public service issue or problem. The final group project will be a presentation for the oral comprehensive examination. May be repeated once. Prerequisites & Notes PRQ: Consent of department. Students enrolled in the Public Service Law and Management specialization may substitute 3 semester hours of NIU LAW 795 - Directed Research, or NIU LAW 900 - Seminar, for three semester hours of PSPA 699.