MPA: Public Management

The Public Management concentration focuses on those competencies required for management positions in all units of government as well as those organizations administering governmental contracts and programs. Individuals already employed as professionals in the field of public administration as well as those entering the field are equipped with the professional competencies necessary to enhance their knowledge and abilities to provide ethical, quality public service.

Starting with the 2004 - 2005 catalog, "Public Management" is a separate concentration, but in prior catalogs it is combined with "Urban and Regional Policy and Planning." Students admitted to the program prior to Fall 2004 and graduating in Fall 2004 or later may choose either the "Public Management" curriculum or the "Public Management and Urban/Regional Affairs" curriculum.

Public Management curriculum

The concentration is designed to provide flexibility for students to craft a program that best suits their interests and background, whether students choose to specialize in preparation for management positions at the state/federal level or local/urban governance. Students whose past experience or career plans suggest a benefit to customization of the curriculum should consult with their advisor. This concentration is available starting in Fall 2004.

Students concentrating in Public Management must complete five of the following courses, for a total of 15 credits. PA615, PA620 and PA643 are required.

• PA 615 Public Financial Management (required)
• PA 620 Metropolitan Politics and Administration (required)
• PA 643 Strategic Management and Planning (required)
• PA 616 Public Policy Analysis
• PA 621 Administrative and Regulatory Law
• PA 641 Economic and Community Development
• PA 642 Conflict Management
• PA 623 Labor Management in the Public Sector
• PA 644 GIS in Public Service

Public Management and Urban / Regional Affairs curriculum

Students concentrating in Public Management and Urban / Regional Affairs must complete five of the following courses, for a total of 15 credits. PA615, PA116, PA620 and PA621 are required. This concentration is available only to students admitted prior to Fall 2004.

• PA 531 Accounting for Public Managers
• PA 535 Grant Writing
• PA 610 Economic Analysis for Public Administrators
• PA 615 Public Financial Management (required)
• PA 616 Public Policy Analysis (required)
• PA 620 Metro Politics and Administration (required)
• PA 621 Administrative and Regulatory Law (required)
• PA 623 Labor Management in the Public Sector
• PA 641 Economic Development
• PA 642 Conflict Resolution
• PA 643 Strategic Planning
• PA 680 Special Topics Seminar
• BUS 563 Computers and Information Systems or MGT 662 Management Information Systems