Course Catalog

4 Unit(s)

Introduces graduate students to key thinkers in public administration, examines the boundaries of the field and its overlap with political science, international studies and political economy. Advanced critical thinking and analysis is utilized. Upon taking this class - a survey of all the courses in the program - students will better understand and appreciate the rigors and riches in the field of public policy and administration.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024 , Fall 2023

4 Unit(s)

Provides students 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 tool; appropriate research methodologies; and, a special emphasis on improving the student's ability to write concisely and in a persuasive style. Training in the use of multi-media presentation methods will be provided as well.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024 , Spring 2024 , Fall 2023

4 Unit(s)

Explores the environment of the policy analyst, including an examination of the frames of reference that both guide and constrain work in the field. Students will be introduced to policy analytical paradigms, examine historical themes in the policy literature, and 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 examples and source material for theory building.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024 , Spring 2024 , Fall 2023

4 Unit(s)

Examines the development and current emphases in organization theory from scientific management to the present. Focuses 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.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024 , Fall 2023

4 Unit(s)

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 students with needed competencies related to contract management, marketing, customer service and quality management.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024 , Spring 2024 , Fall 2023

4 Unit(s)

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.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024 , Fall 2023

4 Unit(s)

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.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024 , Spring 2024

4 Unit(s)

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.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024 , Spring 2024 , Fall 2023

4 Unit(s)

Students apply practical and innovative approaches to managing the complexities facing law enforcement agencies and officials that include recruitment, retention and succession planning. In addition, students will discuss the position of leadership roles, its effect on organizational behavior, effective negotiations and personnel, ethics and laws. Students will understand the importance and impact of media relations, public outreach, and collaboration with the private sector and non-governmental organizations.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024

4 Unit(s)

Students will critically examine preparation, coordination and actions of first responders to emergencies, disasters, terrorism, and civil disobedience. Directives and guidelines from the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, CDC, TSA, and other federal agencies will be discussed in relation to the role of state and municipal law enforcement officials and administrators. This course will also consider detection, prevention, and communications strategies to such threats and acts.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024

4 Unit(s)

This course addresses the ethical, moral, and accountability dilemmas that face law enforcement practitioners in preventing and controlling crime. Students will explore and apply the key practices of the audit and oversight functions in law enforcement. The social, political, economic and organizational factors affecting law enforcement policies along with recent development of law enforcement innovations will be discussed, such as the use of Zero Tolerance Enforcement, CompStat, Law Enforcement Community Partnerships, and Restorative Justice Practices. The role in Law Enforcement training will be examined.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024

4 Unit(s)

This course delves into the critical economic concerns and crafts creative solutions associated with the urbanization of cities and regions. In this course, students will discuss and debate intractable problems that follow smart growth, rapid gentrification, redevelopment, technology, and immigration as cities transform into competitive megalopolises. Then, students will determine if practices applied in the past are still appropriate solutions. If they are not, students will design innovative but practical strategies to address them. Chosen responses must harmonize the diverse interests and resources of business, government, and society.

View Course Sections: Fall 2023

4 Unit(s)

This course examines crucial social problems and determines creative solutions associated with the urbanization of cities and regions. In this course, students will analyze diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility issues, and explore concepts, theories, and paradigms related to transportation, housing, health, and human services in municipal and metropolitan communities. Then, they will determine if best practices applied in the past are compatible solutions. If not, students need to design innovative but practical alternatives to address them. Chosen strategies must take into high consideration vulnerable and marginalized urban populations.

View Course Sections: Fall 2023

4 Unit(s)

This course examines the critical environmental problems and formulates creative solutions associated with the urbanization of cities and regions. In this course, students will discuss and debate policies on disaster preparedness, sustainable ecosystems, recycling, waste management, urban resilience, and funding adequacy. Then, students will determine if past and present approaches are still relevant. If not, students will craft innovative but practical strategies to address them.

View Course Sections: Spring 2024

4 Unit(s)

Presents the capstone course taken in the final term of the EMPA program. Students will undertake a major research project to integrate and synthesize the knowledge and skills acquired in the program. The research project is expected to involve rigorous research, primary data gathering, creative analysis, policy recommendations and have practical utility in relationship to their organization or society. Prerequisite(s): EMPA 301.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024 , Spring 2024 , Fall 2023

4 Unit(s)

Offers students the opportunity to receive executive public service immersion and internship experience(s) in a job directly related to their academic major and career goals. Students are responsible for their own placements in internships approved by the department chair. A written internship proposal is required before consideration for this course. A written report is required upon completion of the internship. This course may be taken more than once for credit. Prerequisite: Consent of the department.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024 , Spring 2024

14 Unit(s)

Address significant, topical and practical problems, issues and theories in public policy and administration. Topics are compiled and selected by the department chair. This course may be taken more than once, provided the same topic is not repeated. Prerequisites will vary based on topic.

1 Unit(s)

Examines contemporary issues, trends and challenges at local, national and international levels of governance. Explores management in the public sector using news, analyses and multiple points of view to broaden understanding and build public administration academic acumen. Evaluates and completes critical analyses of top stories of the day/week/month to help understand and resolve government challenges at all levels. Focuses on instructor- and student-selected website newsletters, news feeds, talks, blogs and other social media sources to expand multiple learning choices. Provides students with opportunities to analyze and evaluate, and to provide specific calls to action to resolve some of the current governmental challenges - set against issues such as managing in times of economic crisis, efficient and effective delivery of public services while balancing the values of democracy, and other problems.

14 Unit(s)

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 department.