Course Catalog

4 Unit(s)

Introduces graduate students to key thinkers in public administration, examines the boundaries of the field and its overlaps with political science, international studies and political economy. 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. Advanced critical thinking and analysis is utilized.

4 Unit(s)

Provides students with the writing, analytical and research tools required of 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 their ability to write concisely and in a persuasive style. Training in the use of multi-media presentation methods will be provided as well.

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 example and source material for theory building.

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.

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.

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 and legislative and accounting analysis of budgets.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

4 Unit(s)

Presents the capstone course taken in the final term of the MPA program. The student 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): PAD 301.

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.

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. Prerequisite(s): will vary based on topic.

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 master's degree. This course may be taken more than once for credit. Prerequisite(s): consent of the department.

3 Unit(s)

Introduces the theory and practice of public policy and administration; focuses on the administrative enforcement including relations between governmental branches; a history of administration; theories of administrative organization; the management of public organizations including leadership, personnel and budgetary concepts; planning and evaluating; public policy questions; current and future issues. Recommended as the first course in the bachelor of arts and bachelor of science with a concentration in public administration and UG certificate in public administration.

View Course Sections: Spring 2024

3 Unit(s)

The purpose of the course is to provide an introduction to policy making, policy analysis and policy evaluation. The course focuses on the theories of policy making and the public process. It also introduces students to some techniques and practical examples of public policy analysis.

View Course Sections: Spring 2024 , Fall 2023

3 Unit(s)

Examines the growing trends 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. Additionally, contracting with private firms and adapting e-commerce processes to provide public services is becoming the norm, rather than the exception.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024

3 Unit(s)

Provides an exploration and analysis of the budgetary process typically employed at the federal, state and local levels of the government. Students will study the practical as well as theoretical exposure to the techniques and various formats of public budgeting.

View Course Sections: Summer 2024

3 Unit(s)

Introduces students to the concepts, resources and language of law as these relate to administrative law; functions and procedures of the public agency; limitations to and safeguards against arbitrary or erroneous administrative action; extent of judicial control over administrative action; Administrative Procedures Act; and relationship of executive branch agencies to the other branches of government. Prerequisite: ENGL 60.

3 Unit(s)

Offers students the opportunity to receive work experience in a public management setting. Students will be responsible for their own placement in an internship 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. Prerequisite: Consent of the department.

3 Unit(s)

Addresses significant, topical and practical problems, issues and theories in public management. Topics are compiled and selected by the department chair. This course may be taken more than once, provided the same topic is not repeated.

13 Unit(s)

Serves as an individual study of selected topics under supervision of a faculty member. Students are limited to one directed study course per trimester. Prerequisite: Consent of the department.