MPA: Urban and Regional Policy and Planning

The Urban and Regional Policy and Planning concentration develops the interdisciplinary knowledge, technical skills and leadership abilities useful for the development, implementation, and analysis of policy and planning solutions for urban and regional management. The curriculum focuses on social, economic and political trends, urban policy formulation and analysis, metropolitan governance issues, land use and smart growth strategies, economic and community development, and intergovernmental / intersector relations.

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

Urban and Regional Policy and Planning curriculum

Students concentrating in Urban and Regional Policy and Planning must complete following five courses. Students whose past experience or career plans suggest a benefit to customization of this curriculum should consult with their advisor. This concentration is available starting in Fall 2004.

• PA 615 Public Financial Management
• PA 616 Public Policy Analysis
• PA 620 Metropolitan Politics and Administration
• PA 641 Economic and Community Development
• 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, PA616, 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