COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) requires a total of 39 credits, with five core courses accounting for 15 of those credits. These foundational courses are designed to equip students with the essential analytical, ethical, and theoretical tools needed for effective leadership in public service. Research Methods introduces students to contemporary approaches in public administration research, covering problem definition, hypothesis construction, research design, sampling, data collection, and interpretation of findings. Ethics in Public Policy and Administration examines the moral challenges that arise within public organizations, addressing issues such as privacy, accountability, legal obligations, and governmental responsibility. Public Administration Theory provides a systematic study of the historical and contemporary ideas that have shaped the field, with particular attention to theories of governance at the state and local levels. Implementation and Analysis of Public Policy explores how policies are formed, maintained, and applied in practice, offering students the opportunity to analyze policy processes within public agencies while considering the relationship between policy analysis and administration. Law and Public Policy emphasizes the powerful role of legislation and court decisions in shaping public policy. This course examines issues such as employment discrimination, managerial liability, civil rights, and workplace rights, highlighting how legal frameworks directly influence public administration. Collectively, these courses give students a strong grounding in research, ethics, theory, policy development, and law, ensuring they are well prepared to navigate the complex environments of government and public service organizations.