Online Master of Public Administration Curriculum

This class examines principles of sound tax policy and politics surrounding revenue decisions. It also examines processes and techniques of governmental spending decisions. The practices and fundamental concepts of government accounting, budgeting, financial management and public finance will also be introduced. Contemporary cases of budget decision-making processes at the national, state and local budget systems will be considered.

Introduce students to the basic principles underlying social science research in the context of public affairs.

An examination of the fundamental concepts and issues in the field of public administration.

Seminar content varies; the underlying focus is on the creation of public value.

Focuses on the skills needed to develop and implement an outcome system within a public or nonprofit organization. Methods for determining information needs for monitoring of service delivery and program outcomes will be explored. Evaluation issues will be considered in the context of ethical standards, program effectiveness and efficiency.

Analysis of philosophy, problems and procedures of public personnel management. Recruitment, training and promotion policies, position classification and employer/employee relations.

The set of skills required for today's successful public and non-profit managers includes competencies in managing complex data systems and using that data to inform decision-making and strategy development. This course will focus on the critical elements of data informatics for public and non-profit fields such as education, the environment, governance and health care.

The purpose of this course is to survey the principles, issues and skills of financial management in the public sector. The focus is upon applications in the public sector and not-for-profit environment. The objectives of the course are to provide students with both theoretical understanding of the topic and to develop some of the fundamental skills necessary to work competently in the field. The focus will be on preparing students to be skilled consumers of financial information who possess the ability to analyze it and make sound decisions based on their analysis.

A communications plan is an important part of an organization's daily operation. Additionally, for public and nonprofit organizations in particular, the activities in the plan should support overall communications goals in ways that help raise money, create change, recruit talent and promote mission-related goals and objectives. As a living document, it frames the way both internal and external audiences perceive the organization; and since many nonprofits have limited staff and financial resources available for communications activities, it is even more important that these resources be deployed as strategically as possible. This course offers an overview of communications concepts and media activities in ways that will help students develop a strategic communication plan focused on emphasizing a commitment to organizational mission, building trust among internal and external audiences, clarifying organizational priorities and generating public value.

An introduction to the tradition of philanthropy and fundraising in the United States. Examines practical, moral, and legal issues involving fund development and the fundraising profession. Provides students with an opportunity to apply fundraising techniques and practices to enhance the financial commitment of individuals, corporations, foundations, and government to "real-life" development projects.

An introduction to the non-profit sector and its role in society, the economy, and the delivery of human services. Includes an overview of principle management junctions as each applies to non-profit organizations.

The purpose of this course is to survey the principles, issues and skills of financial management in the public sector. The focus is on applications in the public sector and not-for-profit environment. The objectives of the course are to provide students with both theoretical understanding of the topic and to develop some of the fundamental skills necessary to work competently in the field. The focus will be on preparing students to be skilled consumers of financial information who possess the ability to analyze it and make sound decisions based on their analysis.

This course will focus on the role of citizen engagement in policy-making and implementation at the state and local government levels. Students will learn effective and innovative citizen engagement strategies that move beyond basic legal requirements for citizen input, such as public hearings. Through case studies, students will explore innovative practices that engage citizens, including historically marginalized groups, in public problem identification, problem-solving and program implementation.

This course will provide an understanding of the structure and responsibility of state and local governments, including municipalities, counties and special districts. Students will gain a better understanding of the policy and management responsibilities of state and local governments in areas such as public safety, health and welfare, education and economic development. Through case studies of best practices, students will explore innovative public sector strategies utilized by state and local governments to accomplish their respective missions.

As one of three components within the Ohio University MPA crisis and emergency management concentration, this course will prepare current and future leaders with a strategic approach to establishing, building, utilizing and revising collaboration strategies and skills before, during and after a crisis. Trust is an outcome of effective collaboration. Because "going it alone" in a crisis is not a wise or likely effective option, efforts to establish and maintain collaboration must be persistent and this course will prepare the student for understanding and establishing effective collaborative relationships and efforts.

As one of three components within the Ohio University MPA crisis and emergency management concentration, this course will examine effective leaders and explore leadership before, during and after a crisis. Leadership in an organization is important. Leadership in a crisis and an emergency is essential. Communication, visibility, delegation and accountability; empowerment, and selflessness are key skills of a good leader and necessary characteristics of an effective leader in a crisis, particularly to ensure life, property and organizational viability. The course will require application of those effective leadership skills.

As one of three components within the Ohio University MPA crisis and emergency management concentration, this course will prepare current and future leaders with a strategic thought approach as well as practical, real-life crisis and emergency management skills needed to succeed.