Public Administration
PROGRAM CONTACT INFORMATION
Michael Ford, Public Administration Department Chair
Office: Clow Faculty 422
Telephone: (920) 424-1580
Website: https://uwosh.edu/publicadministration/
E-mail: fordm@uwosh.edu
FACULTY
Filipova, Ford, Larson
PURPOSE
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program combines a commitment to academic excellence with a concern for the applied aspects of public administration. It integrates theory, research, and practice in public administration in a manner that develops and enhances leadership skills, administrative capabilities, and management practices. UW Oshkosh MPA students gain advanced knowledge and top-notch training in managing governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare organizations, and other public service organizations. The program content strengthens analytic skills, ethics, accountability, responsiveness, and public service leadership capacity. Starting in Spring 2023, the MPA program will be offered only in a 100 percent online format.
DEGREES/CERTIFICATES
Completion of the program will lead to the degree: Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
Completion of specific courses will lead to the certificate: Healthcare Management
ADDITIONAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS INFORMATION
In addition to the requirements of the Office of Graduate Studies specified in the POLICIES section of this Bulletin, the program has established the following policies and procedures for admission:
- A statement of professional goals and objectives
The statement should consist of a minimum of two paragraphs, single-spaced on one sheet of paper, communicating how a candidate’s career aspirations fit with the MPA program. - A current resume
- A two-page paper on the following topic
“The National Academy of Public Administration has identified four pillars of public administration-economy, efficiency, effectiveness, and social equity. Please explain why they are all equally critical to the successful practice of public administration today.” - Letters of reference
Three professional and/or academic individuals who are able to assess the likelihood of success in graduate school. - Admission Deadline
- Spring semester – October 1
- Course seats are guaranteed for on-campus and online MPA for all admitted students.
- Still will be considered through December 1st. Course seats cannot be guaranteed for on-campus and online MPA program for students who apply after October 1. If seats are not available, applicants may have to wait to start the MPA program in the following fall semester if admitted.
- Summer and Fall – March 1
- Course seats are guaranteed for on-campus and online MPA for all admitted students.
- Still will be considered through August 1st. Course seats cannot be guaranteed for on-campus and online MPA program for students who apply after March 1. If seats are not available, applicants may have to wait to start the MPA program in the following fall semester if admitted.
- Spring semester – October 1
Professional or volunteer experience in the public or non-profit sectors, or health care industry is preferred but not required.
SUMMARY
A. Structure
The program is comprised of core courses and electives.
B. Academic Plans of Study
Public Administration is the description for the Master of Public Administration plans of study.
Students may enroll in one of the following emphases:
General Public Administration
Health Agency Administration
Nonprofit Management Leadership
Fire and Emergency Administration Management
C. Minimum Credit Requirements
36 (thirty-six) credits applicable to the graduate degree constitute the requirement for all students seeking the MPA.
D. Admission to Candidacy
Students must satisfy fully the Office of Graduate Studies requirements for advancement to candidacy as stated in the POLICIES section of this Bulletin. Students must confer with their program coordinator/advisor to plan and receive program approval for their admission to candidacy. Students should apply for Admission to Candidacy after completing 9-21 credits. The Office of Graduate Studies gives final approval to Admission to Candidacy.
E. Graduation Requirements
Candidates must satisfy all program and Office of Graduate Studies academic, culminating, and degree requirements to be eligible for graduation and degree conferral.
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
The MPA curriculum consists of 27 credits of required core courses and 9 credits of elective courses for a total of 36 credits. There are four professional emphases; General Public Administration, Health Agency Administration, Nonprofit Management and Leadership, and Fire and Emergency Administration and Management. Students need to select one of the four emphases to fulfill the 9 credits of elective courses.
Core Courses (27 crs.)
MPA
711 3 Introduction to Public Administration
715 3 Leadership and Ethics
721 3 Public Policy Analysis
723 3 Organization Theory and Practice
732 3 Analytic Methods in Public Administration
734 3 Applied Economics for Public Administration
742 3 Human Resource Management in the Public Sector
752 3 Public Budgeting and Financial Management
780 3 Capstone Experience
OR
790 3 Field Project
792 3 Thesis
Professional Emphasis (9 crs.)
A. General Public Administration Emphasis (9 credits)
This emphasis enhances the capacity of students to administer diverse public service organizations, including state and local government institutions. Students must choose 3 courses (9 crs.) from the following list of elective MPA courses:
MPA
718 3 Revisiting Bureaucracy
726 3 State and Local Government
727 3 Municipal Management
729 3 Health Care Organization and Management
730 3 Privatization and Public-Nonprofit Partnerships
738 3 Intergovernmental Management
743 3 Grant Writing for Public and Nonprofit Organizations
744 3 Nonprofit Management and Leadership
747 3 Labor Management in Public and Nonprofit Organizations
750 3 Strategic Planning in Public and Nonprofit Organizations
751 3 Program Evaluation
755 3 Managing Economic Development
760 3 Administrative Law
762 3 Health Care Administration Law
773 3 Health Care Policy
795 3 Internship in Public Administration
796 1-3 Independent Study in Public Administration
797 3 Seminar in Current Topics in Public Administration
B. Health Agency Administration Emphasis (9 credits)
For students who want to specialize in the administration, management, and leadership of diverse health care organizations in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Students must take the following 3 required courses (9 crs.):
MPA
729 3 Health Care Organization and Management
762 3 Health Care Administration Law
773 3 Health Care Policy
C. Nonprofit Management and Leadership Emphasis (9 credits)
For students who want to specialize in the administration, management, and leadership of diverse types of nonprofit organizations, including public and private charities, beneficiary societies and organizations, cooperatives, and others. Students must take a required 3-credit course and select two elective courses (6 crs.):
MPA
744 3 Nonprofit Management and Leadership (required)
Choose 6 crs. of electives from:
730 3 Privatization and Public-Nonprofit Partnerships
743 3 Grant Writing for Public and Nonprofit Organizations
750 3 Strategic Planning in Public and Nonprofit Organizations
751 3 Program Evaluation
796 1-3 Independent Study in Public Administration
797 3 Seminar in Current Topics in Public Administration
D. Fire and Emergency Administration and Management Emphasis (9 credits)
For students who want to specialize in the administration, management, and leadership of fire and emergency services organizations. Students must take a required 3-credit course and select two elective courses (6 crs.)
MPA
764 3 Fire and Emergency Services Administration (required)
Choose 6 crs. of electives from:
726 3 State and Local Government
727 3 Municipal Management
729 3 Health Care Organization and Management
738 3 Intergovernmental Management
762 3 Health Care Administration Law
765 3 Supervisory Skills for Fire and Emergency Personnel
766 3 Multicultural and Diversity Strategy for the Fire Service
767 3 Crisis Management and Leadership
768 3 Strategic Planning for Fire Departments
773 3 Health Care Policy
Electives from Other UW Oshkosh Programs
The following courses from other UW Oshkosh graduate programs can also be considered elective courses toward the MPA program only if applicable to students’ professional careers and only with the department chair’s consent:
Business Administration
700 1.5 Financial Reporting for Executives
762 1.5 Organizational Reward Systems
763 1.5 Employee Relations
Economics
704 1.5 Managerial Economics
Education and Human Services
729 3 Dialogues in Social Justice
730 3 Leadership in Educational Systems
Nursing
701 3 Translational Scholarship
702 3 Health Care Systems Policy and Advocacy
Geography
540 3 Mapping and Visualization
541 3 Spacial Analysis in GIS
641 3 Advanced GIS
Health Care Management Certificate (15 credits)
For students who wish to enhance their skills as health care managers, supervisors, or leaders to function effectively in today’s complex health care environment.
Students must complete three courses (9 credits) from Category A and 2-4 courses (6 credits) from Category B.
Category A
9 credits from:
MPA
729 3 Health Care Organization and Management
762 3 Health Care Administration Law
773 3 Health Care Policy
Category B
6 credits from:
MPA
750 3 Strategic Planning
Business
769 1 Communicating for Success: Making Workplace Communication Work
769 2 Health Care Human Resources and Organizations
769 2 Health Information Technology Management
*769 2 Health Care Finance and Economics
769 2 Health Care Organization and Delivery
Nursing
746 2 Quality Improvement and Safety
783 3 Health Care Informatics
*Students who have never studied microeconomics must take the online course Econ 704 Managerial Economics before enrolling in Business 769 Healthcare Finance and Economics. This 1.5 cr prerequisite course will not count toward the 6-credit electives.
COURSE OFFERING(S)
Master of Public Admin 711 3 (crs.)
Introduction to Public Administration
The purpose of this course is to explore the fundamental theories, practices and concepts that contribute to the field of public administration. Students will become familiar with the four pillars of the field: efficiency, effectiveness, economy, and equity. The course has five primary goals: review the heritage of political and managerial values that affect the theory and practice of public administration in the United States;, explore the development of major administrative systems and processes of government; examine major issues facing public administrators; enable students to practice critical analysis of administrative approaches to public service delivery; consider new forms of administrative practices that have received increasing emphasis in recent years, or are receiving attention today.
Master of Public Admin 715 3 (crs.)
Leadership and Ethics
The goal of this course is to provide a basic introduction to leadership by focusing on what it means to be an effective and ethical leader in diverse public and nonprofit organizations. The course will challenge the students to examine topics, such as the nature of leadership, effective leadership traits, important leadership skills and styles, managing complex ethical issues, and the values and ethics in leadership. Students will also be introduced to concepts, metrics and tools that will augment their self-leadership and enable them to study leadership practices in organizations. The course will allow students to challenge the ‘conventional wisdom’ of current leadership thought through academic and experiential research and help them appreciate both the science and art involved in leadership. Prerequisite: Master of Public Administration 711 or consent of instructor.
Master of Public Admin 718 3 (crs.)
Revisiting Bureaucracy
Organizations, whether they be public bureaucracies or private firms, are the fundamental building blocks for public administration and, indeed, of much of contemporary industry and post-industrial society. To understand how public administration as a discipline has evolved is to understand how the study of public organizations has evolved. This is particularly the case at a time when there are major efforts to “reinvent” or “reengineer” government. Prerequisite: Master of Public Administration 711 or consent of instructor
Master of Public Admin 721 3 (crs.)
Public Policy Analysis
This course introduces students to the study and application of public policy analysis. Students will become familiar with basic theories of the policy process and the practice of conducting policy analysis. Although the term policy analysis covers a wide range of activities and perspectives, its essence involves the development, design and assessment of public policies. A good policy analyst should be able to function as a generalist; thus, the objective of the course is to help prepare students to offer evidence-based recommendations to decision-makers on a wide range of issues. Students will learn practical policy analysis skills, how to conduct policy work in a group setting, writing styles applicable to policy research, and presentation and oral communication skills.
Master of Public Admin 723 3 (crs.)
Organization Theory and Practice
The purpose of the course is to help students understand organizations to take effective action in them. The course focuses on four major views of organizations (frames) that comprehend much of the existing theory and research on organizations and human behavior: a structural frame, a human resource frame, a symbolic frame, and a political frame. Students will not only learn to use each frame as a diagnostic tool, but they will also be challenge to integrate frames simultaneously for a more holistic analysis of organizational and behavioral issues in a variety of public and nonprofit organizations. The course will also enable students to challenge the ‘conventional wisdom’ of organization and behavioral theories through academic and experiential research. Prerequisite: Master of Public Administration 711 or consent of instructor.
Master of Public Admin 726 3 (crs.)
State and Local Government
This course exposes students to contemporary issues in Wisconsin with a focus on the relationship between state and local government. The first half of the course gives students a foundation in theories of intergovernmental relations and urban policy, while the second half of the course explores K-12 education, health care, higher education, economic development, and collective bargaining policies in Wisconsin.
Master of Public Admin 727 3 (crs.)
Municipal Management
Management functions in cities, villages and towns; organization and operation of municipal services with emphasis on planning, protective services, economic development, public works, finance and selected other services; relationship between managers and elected officials and citizens; intergovernmental relations; productivity. Prerequisite: Master of Public Administration 711, 723 or consent of instructor.
Master of Public Admin 729 3 (crs.)
Health Care Organization and Management
Management functions in health care organizations; organization and operation of health care services in hospitals, nursing homes and ambulatory care centers; relationship of managers and medical staff; role of state and federal governments in finance and regulation of health care organizations. Prerequisite: Master of Public Administration 711, 723 or consent of instructor.
Master of Public Admin 730 3 (crs.)
Privatization and Public-Nonprofit Partnerships
The purpose of this course is to expose the student to the background, theories, complexities and results of the use of private entities to administer programs traditionally associated with the public sector, including waste management, welfare, and education. Particular emphasis will be placed on the often-competing goals of fiscal austerity and program effectiveness. Prerequisites: Master of Public Administration 711 or consent of instructor.
Master of Public Admin 732 3 (crs.)
Analytic Methods in Public Administration
This course is designed to familiarize students with the collection and analysis of data for public administration purposes. The intent of the course is to provide students with an opportunity to define, conceptualize, design ,and implement research projects relating to issues of current public interest. Students will be exposed to each phase in the research design process, including specification of a research question, theory-based data analysis, literature review, methodology, discussion of results and conclusion. Prerequisite: Master of Public
Administration 711 or consent of instructor.
Master of Public Admin 734 3 (crs.)
Applied Economics for Public Administration
This course applies an economic lens to evaluate the role of government and issues of public policy; in particular, public finance. This course addresses economic analysis in public administration by introducing basic concepts and conceptualizations of the world. The intent is to expose public administration students to microeconomic concepts commonly utilized in the analysis of public policy issues. Particular attention is given to the application of microeconomic concepts such as market failures, public goods, redistribution, tax incidence, and fiscal federalism. Students will examine these concepts while becoming familiar with practical assessment techniques such as costs-benefit analysis. Prerequisite: Master of Public Administration 711 or consent of instructor.
Master of Public Admin 738 3 (crs.)
Intergovernmental Management
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the dynamics of and inter-relationships among and between the federal, state, and local levels of government. It will also analyze the origins, evolution, controversies, and prospects for survival of the American federal system. Every major domestic policy problem debated and decided through our nation’s history has involved important intergovernmental aspects. Moreover, intergovernmental management in the United States is now facing many new challenges caused by the myriad economic, technological and demographic trends of the new millennium. All of these trends will continue to have a significant and direct effect on the fiscal capacity of the different levels of government in the United States. Master of Public Administration or consent of instructor.
Master of Public Admin 742 3 (crs.)
Human Resource Management in the Public Sector
This course is designed to acquaint the student with human resources management in the public and nonprofit organizations. It provides students with an understanding of the legal and diversity aspects of human resources management, as well as examines the role of contemporary societal issues and trends that influence human resources management practices. The course also covers major human resources management methods and functions, including recruitment and selection, job analysis, performance management, compensation and benefits, training and career development ,and labor management relations. These topics are discussed from their technical and value-oriented perspectives. The course enables students to challenge the ‘conventional wisdom’ of human resources management theories and practices through academic and experiential research. Prerequisite: Master of Public Administration 711 or consent of instructor.
Master of Public Admin 744 3 (crs.)
Nonprofit Management and Leadership
This graduate seminar examines the role of the nonprofit sector in the United States, and identifies the knowledge, skills abilities, and other characteristics that managers working in it need to possess. Prerequisite: Master of Public Administration 711, 723 or consent of instructor.
Master of Public Admin 747 3 (crs.)
Labor Management Relations in Public and Nonprofit Organizations
This course focuses on employment relations among employers, employees, and governments, including school districts, in the public and nonprofit sectors, with particular attention to labor unions and collective bargaining practices. Prerequisite: Master of Public Administration 711 or consent of instructor.
Master of Public Admin 750 3 (crs.)
Strategic Planning in Public and Non-Profit Organizations
This course begins by introducing students to the evolution of several prominent planning models used by public and non-profit agencies over the past century, including comprehensive-rationality, incrementalism and advocacy planning. Specific attention is then devoted to examining theoretical issues associated with the use of a strategic planning model by public and non-profit agencies. Problems related to the implementation and evaluation of strategic plans are also discussed. All of the major theories, concepts, and methods introduced in this course will be applied either through case studies or through a class workshop with students producing and presenting a report for a real-life client. Prerequisite: Master of Public Administration 711 or consent of instructor.
Master of Public Admin 751 3 (crs.)
Program Evaluation
This course is designed to achieve four primary learning objectives: (1) to develop proficiency with processes and methods associated with evaluation research; (2) to become familiar with major evaluation models, involving needs assessments, process studies, case studies, and impact analysis; (3) to acquire a more sophisticated understanding of the role of evaluation research in public and non-profit agencies; and (4) to apply the major theories, concepts and methods in conducting a program evaluation. Students will become familiar with the steps necessary in planning and designing useful evaluations, practical data collection procedures; qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and best practices for using evaluation studies in public and nonprofit settings. Prerequisites: Master of Public Administration 711, 732 or consent of instructor.
Master of Public Admin 752 3 (crs.)
Public Budgeting and Finance Management
This course is an introduction to public and nonprofit budgeting systems and principles and practices of financing with an emphasis on state and local governments. The emphasis is on budget formulation, design, techniques and evaluation. The primary goal is to get students comfortable with examining and evaluating public budget documents and financial statements. This will be done by acknowledging and examining the political context surrounding public and nonprofit budgeting, different accounting methodologies, budget design, fiscal condition evaluation and exposure to finance theory. Prerequisite: Master of Public Administration 711 or consent of instructor.
Master of Public Admin 755 3 (crs.)
Managing Economic Development
The purpose of this course is to provide an exposure to economic development in a community and insight on programs and assistance for the management of the growth. It addresses the resources and programs that are available locally and statewide to assist in the attraction, recruitment, and retention efforts necessary to increase the tax base of a community, an effort necessary in these days of waning shared revenue. It explores the components of what makes a sound economic development strategy in a community including financial incentives, tax policies, non-financial incentives, business retention strategies, and technology related factors. Prerequisite: Master of Public Administration 711 or consent of instructor.
Master of Public Admin 760 3 (crs.)
Administrative Law
Basic principles of administrative law, introduction to Federal and State Administrative Procedure Acts, role of law in the politico-administrative system. Survey of equal opportunity/affirmative action for administrators.
Master of Public Admin 762 3 (crs.)
Health Care Administration Law
Review of basic federal and state laws affecting hospitals, health care professions, and patients. Current legal issues in health care administration are also addressed.
Master of Public Admin 764 3 (crs.)
Fire and Emergency Service Administration
This course is designed to build upon the experiential knowledge of the firefighter who is seeking to become a member of the executive management or administration. The course demonstrates the importance of the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and lead a fire and emergency services department through the challenges and changes of the 21st century. Topics covered will include the responsibilities and role of the executive team, accountable budgeting, anticipation of future changes and challenges, and specific management tools for analyzing and solving problems.
Master of Public Admin 765 3 (crs.)
Supervisory Skills for Fire & Emergency Personnel
In this course, you will learn about the skills necessary to supervise other staff, how to handle various situations, (personnel, scheduling, communication, listening, fiscal management, etc.) We will be discussing what administration is, how to lead change, defining customer service, ethics, government regulations and the public policy analysis skills needed when you are in a position of leadership or supervision.
Master of Public Admin 766 3 (crs.)
Multicultural & Diversity Strategies for the Fire Service
In this course, students will discuss and learn about multicultural and diversity strategies that today’s fire and emergency services use. Students will explore and define race, culture, and ethnicity and how they shape fire and emergency services now and in the future. We will address questions such as “How do race, culture, and ethnicity shape my department and community? What training is needed to understand and bridge cultural differences? How does one understand and communicate cultural practices of diverse groups and approach specific cultures when handling a fire or emergency situation?”
Master of Public Admin 767 3 (crs.)
Crisis Management & Leadership
This course will introduce students to the process of crisis management, including reviewing the stages of crisis management and developing the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively handle organizational crisis and prepare for the future. The course will include the review of case studies, lessons learned from each crisis, and management strategies adopted in each crisis.
Master of Public Admin 768 3 (crs.)
Strategic Planning for Fire Departments
This course will assist students in developing, reviewing and/or revising a strategic plan. We will review the components needed in a strategic plan and how to lay the foundation for organizational success. This will include reviewing present and future strategic plans and recommendations and how to close the “developmental gap.”
Master of Public Admin 773 3 (crs.)
Health Care Policy
This advanced seminar is designed to provide an introduction to health care policy, its foundations, fundamental concepts, and the institutions through which it works, as well as examine how health care is financed in the United States and other selected countries.
Master of Public Admin 780 3 (crs.)
Capstone Experience
The Capstone is a culminating experience where students are expected to conduct an analytical research project designed to demonstrate knowledge and skills gained in the core MPA courses. The project must produce either a solution to a public management question, a policy problem or applied academic research question. Other forms of professional inquiry and analysis may be acceptable if approved by the instructor. Through the Capstone, students are expected to not only demonstrate administrative competencies, but also key Program learning outcomes such as the ability to analyze, think critically, evaluate, solve problems and make decisions in the public interest; demonstrate proficiency in oral and written expression; and demonstrate research skills through a selected method of inquiry. Prerequisite: All core MPA classes 711, 715, 721, 723, 732, 734, 742, and 752 or consent of instructor.
Master of Public Admin 790 3 (crs.)
Field Project
Field study addressed to a specific professional problem of interest to the student, culminating in the preparation of an appropriate summary document. The field project may take several forms such as an analysis of a current policy issue, a bibliographic essay, a complex grant proposal or a program evaluation. All projects should exhibit an understanding of public administration from both theoretical and applied perspectives, an ability to analyze problems and formulate policy alternatives, and an ability to demonstrate these capabilities through the preparation of a significant written document. Prerequisites: completion of core requirements. Pass/Fail course.
Master of Public Admin 792 3 (crs.)
Public Administration Thesis
The purpose of a thesis is to give students experience conducting the kind of inquiry that will be useful in their professional career. Because professional goals differ, each thesis will have its own character. Some students may wish to conduct an original research project while others may wish to conduct an evaluation of a policy or program that exists in their current workplace. Prerequisites: Completion of 30 hours of course work including all Core courses. Any exceptions to this prerequisite requirement must be made with the written consent of the Department Chair. Students can only register after their Research Approval form is approved by the Office of Graduate Studies. The student must be in full standing and have completed his/her Admission to Candidacy.
Master of Public Admin 795 3 (crs.)
Internship
The purpose of the public administration internship is to give students real-world experience in the public, nonprofit, or healthcare sector. Below are the goals of the internship:
* Students will demonstrate broad-based knowledge of theory, research, and practice in public administration, leadership, and policy directly applicable at professional levels in public, nonprofit, and healthcare organizations.
* Students will demonstrate well-developed critical thinking, problem solving, and research skills in addressing contemporary problems or issues in the public interest.
* Students will demonstrate strong, positive interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with a diverse constituency both individually and in group settings.
* Students will have positive impressions of their experience.
This 3-credit elective course may be taken only once for credit toward an MPA degree. Prerequisites: MPA 711 and consent of instructor.
Master of Public Admin 796 1 – 3 (crs.)
Independent Study
Each registration with a maximum accumulation of 6 cr. Directed reading and written reports in areas not covered by current course offerings. Open to MPA students only. Independent Study/Related Readings form must be filed at the time of registration.
Master of Public Admin 797 3 (crs.)
Seminar in Current Topics in Public Administration
Current topics in one area of Public Administration are offered. Course content is expected to vary offering to offering. Prerequisites: Master of Public Administration 711 or consent of instructor.