Graduate courses
EMPA 300 - Theory, Ethics and Practice in Public Service
Introduces you to key thinkers in public administration, examines the boundaries of the field and its overlaps with political science, international studies and political economy. You will better understand and appreciate the rigors and riches in the field of public administration.
Credit: 4 Units
Offered:
Fall 2009
,
Spring 2010
EMPA 301 - Research Methods and Analysis
Provides you with the writing, analytical and research tools required by professional public managers. Emphasis is on the methods of problem identification, developing a research strategy and formal research proposal; identification of secondary sources essential to public policy and management research; use of the Internet as a research tools; appropriate research methodologies; and, a special emphasis on improving your ability to write concisely and in a persuasive style. Training in the use of multi-media presentation methods will be provided as well.
Credit: 4 Units
Offered:
Summer 2009
,
Fall 2009
,
Spring 2010
EMPA 302 - Public Policy Analysis & Program Evaluation
Explores the environment of the policy analyst, including an examination of the frames of reference that both guide and constrain work in the field. You will be introduced to policy analytical paradigms, will examine historical themes in the policy literature, and will use the major tools used in policy analysis and program evaluation, including benefit-cost analysis, factor analysis and time series analysis. The advantages and disadvantages of these tools will be critically examined. Case studies will be used extensively as example and source material for theory building.
Credit: 4 Units
Offered:
Summer 2009
,
Fall 2009
,
Spring 2010
EMPA 303 - Organizational Analysis and Development
Examines the development and current emphases in organization theory from scientific management to the present. The focus is on the uses of pertinent theories in public management as well as the specific diagnosis and intervention tools and strategies employed in organizational development and change. Specific emphasis is given to experiential skill-building techniques, action research, work design and organizational development methods.
Credit: 4 Units
Offered:
Summer 2009
,
Fall 2009
,
Spring 2010
EMPA 304 - Public Enterprise Management & Public Sector Business Relations
Focuses on the growing trend toward market-based public service delivery systems. Public administrators in many levels of government are being challenged to become more entrepreneurial in their management of public enterprises. Contracting with private firms to provide public services is becoming the norm, rather than the exception. The course examines these trends and provides you with needed competencies related to contract management, marketing, customer service and quality management.
Credit: 4 Units
Offered:
Summer 2009
,
Fall 2009
,
Spring 2010
EMPA 305 - Budgeting and Financial Management
Examines financial administration in public and not-for-profit organizations. Topics include: concepts and activities in public financial management, budgeting, taxation, revenue planning, borrowing, fiscal controls, and the analytical skills needed to direct and control public fiscal activities. Particular attention is given to the nature of public expenditure controls, the budget cycle (preparation, submission, review, adoption, execution and evaluation), financial management, legislative and accounting analysis of budgets.
Credit: 4 Units
Offered:
Summer 2009
,
Fall 2009
,
Spring 2010
EMPA 306 - Public Service and the Law
Introduces public service managers and executives to administrative law and related administrative procedures. The major constitutional and statutory provisions that impact public service activities are discussed. Major topics include constitutional law and special provisions of the California Constitution, the Freedom of Information Act, the Federal and California Administrative Procedures Acts, The Brown Act and the Privacy Act. Cases will be used extensively to illustrate concepts and the application of the law.
Credit: 4 Units
Offered:
Fall 2009
,
Spring 2010
EMPA 307 - Personnel Management and Labor Relations
Covers contemporary issues surrounding employer/employee relations in public sector organizations. Topics include images of public service, work life in organizations, staffing, training and development, merit systems, labor relations, equal employment opportunity and affirmative action and job evaluation. Particular attention is given to developments in public service employees collective bargaining legislation, improved employee participation programs, and strategies and techniques used in conflict resolution.
Credit: 4 Units
Offered:
Summer 2009
,
Spring 2010
EMPA 308 - Judicial History and Governance
This course examines the history, operations, and governance of the judicial branch, including its role as an independent and co-equal branch of government vis-224-vis the legislative and executive branches. Special focus on the California court system.
Credit: 4 Units
Offered:
Spring 2010
EMPA 309 - Trends and Challenges in Judicial Administration
This course examines emerging issues, trends, and challenges that courts face in the 21st century. Courts as employers are constantly responding to challenges related to court customer needs, new legislation, access and fairness, and funding requirements to name a few. Court administrators must be prepared to meet these current issues, anticipate the next round of problems, and be flexible enough to address those unanticipated challenges that occur. This course will be an opportunity for students to plan strategies to overcome these barriers to the effective and efficient administration of justice.
Credit: 4 Units
Offered:
Spring 2010
EMPA 310 - Judicial Management and Leadership
Using a case study approach, this course examines the current management structure of the judicial branch trial and appellate courts, the complex leadership structure, and the principles of public policy and administration essential to the delivery of fair and accessible justice. Special focus on the California court system.
Credit: 4 Units
Offered:
Summer 2009
EMPA 396 - Graduate Research Project in Public Mana gement
Presents the capstone course taken in the final trimester of the EMPA program. You will undertake a major research project to integrate and synthesize the knowledge and skills acquired in the program. The research project is expected to have practical utility, hopefully in relationship to your organization.
Credit: 4 Units
Offered:
Summer 2009
,
Fall 2009
,
Spring 2010
EMPA 399 - Directed Study
Provides an opportunity for the advanced student with a specific project in mind to do reading in a focused area and to prepare a substantial paper under the direction of a faculty member. The project to be undertaken should include an element of creativity and lend itself to completion within 150 hours. Ordinarily, directed individual study courses must be completed within one trimester. Only one directed study course may be taken for credit toward a masters degree. Prerequisite: Written consent of the Dean and the instructor.
Credit: 1 - 4 Units
back to top
Prospective Students
