Department
of Political Science
440 Fretwell Building
704-687-2577
http://www.mpa.uncc.edu
Degree
M.P.A., Certificate
Director
Dr.
Graduate
Faculty
A. Hunter Bacot, Associate Professor
William P. Brandon, Metrolina Medical Foundation Distinguished Professor of Health Policy
Joanne Carman, Assistant Professor
Gary Johnson, Assistant Professor
Gary R. Rassel, Associate Professor
Bradley Wright, Assistant Professor
MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
The primary objective of the Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) Degree program is to provide professional training in public administration. The curriculum of this accredited program emphasizes the analysis of the political and administrative environments as well as the administrative decision-making approaches of public administration. Application of techniques and administrative skills to the management of nonprofit organizations is also included in the curriculum. The methods of instruction employed in the program expose students to a variety of approaches to public management.
Students may enroll in the Master of Public Administration
program on either a full-time or part-time basis. The majority of classes are
scheduled in the evening throughout the year. However, some classes are
scheduled on Saturdays and during the afternoon. Classes meet on the main
campus and at
Admission
Requirements
Admission to the
Master of Public Administration program is open to qualified graduates of
recognized colleges and universities accredited by a regional or general
accrediting agency. There are seven major requirements for admission:
1) Application
in writing submitted to the Graduate Admissions Office, accompanied by the
application fee, which is neither deductible nor refundable.
2) Possession
of a bachelor’s degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited college or
university.
3) An
undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
4) An
appropriate score on the Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical portions of the Graduate
Record Exam (GRE). Although there is no required score for these exams,
typically an acceptable score would be above the 35th percentile.
5) A
written statement of professional career goals and a description of any
significant work experience, particularly in the public or nonprofit sectors.
6) Three
supporting letters of recommendation from professors or employers.
7) Submission
of two official transcripts from all postsecondary educational institutions in
which the candidate was enrolled.
Prerequisite Requirements
In addition to the admission requirements, MPA students must complete
the following prior to taking certain core courses and the comprehensive exams:
POLS 1110, Introduction to American Government (or the equivalent); STAT 1222,
Elementary Statistics for the Social Sciences (or the equivalent); and
demonstrate proficiency in computer applications. However, students may complete these after admission to the program.
Degree
Requirements
The Master of Public Administration program is structured in three distinct phases: 1) core, 2) advanced work, and 3) directed study or research project. In all, the program requires 40 hours of graduate credit for completion of the degree. The MPA Program Handbook, available on the program web site, presents the most up-to-date listing of degree requirements.
1)
Core
All students are required to complete 19 hours in core areas as defined by the program. The emphasis in the core is twofold: (a) Understanding the various managerial and analytical approaches salient to the environment of public administration, and (b) Achieving an overall perspective on the problems of public administration. After completing the core requirements each student must successfully complete a comprehensive examination covering the core courses. The core courses are:
MPAD6102 Foundations in Public Administration (3)
MPAD6104 Public Organizations and Management (3)
MPAD6125 Quantitative Research Methods in Public Administration (3)
MPAD6125L Computer Laboratory in Quantitative Research Methods (1)
MPAD6128 Public Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation (3)
MPAD6131 Public Budgeting and Finance (3)
MPAD6134 Human Resources Management (3)
2) Advanced Courses
a) Electives: The MPA program offers several advanced elective courses in areas important to public administrators including application of analytic tools and understanding of public administration processes. With the approval of the Director, students may take advanced elective work with other departments. Students are required to take a minimum of nine hours of advanced electives. The MPA electives are:
MPAD6000 Topics for Graduate Study in Public Administration (1-4)
MPAD6140 Labor Management Relations in Government (3)
MPAD6141 Conflict Management in Public Organizations (3)
MPAD6142 Managing Grants and Contracts in the Public & Nonprofit Sectors (3)
MPAD6143 Introduction to Administrative Law (3)
MPAD6144 Changing the Public Organization (3)
MPAD6160 Information Systems in Public Administration (3)
MPAD6170 Communication Law and Policy (3)
MPAD6172 Administration
of Health Care Systems in the
MPAD6174 Public Policy and Politics in Health Care Administration (3)
MPAD6176 Trends and Issues in Health Care Administration (3)
MPAD6185 Intergovernmental Relations (3)
MPAD6210 Aging and Public Policy (3)
MPAD6211 Administration of Aging Programs (3)
MPAD6310 Foundations of the Nonprofit Sector (3)
MPAD6311 Introduction to Nonprofit Management (3)
MPAD6320 Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations (1)
MPAD6321 Resource Development in Nonprofit Organizations (1)
MPAD6322 Volunteer Management (1)
MPAD6323 Grant Writing (1)
MPAD6324 Financial Analysis for Government and Nonprofit Organizations (3)
MPAD6325 Legal Aspects of Nonprofit Organizations (1)
MPAD6820 Independent Study (1-3)
b) Capstone Seminar: Students are required to complete MPAD 6187: Advanced Seminar in Public Management Problem Solving as a capstone course after successfully completing the comprehensive examination.
3) Directed Study or Research Applications (each MPA student must complete one of the options “a” or “b” for 6 credits). Students must successfully complete the comprehensive examination prior to enrolling in any courses listed in this section.
a) Directed Study: Students who select this option will complete a written project on a topic of significance based on a field experience or research in public administration or nonprofit management. The Directed Study requires the following courses, graded on a pass/fail basis:
MPAD6800 Directed Study in Public Administration (Proposal) (3)
MPAD6801 Directed Study in Public Administration (Completed Study) (3)
University regulations governing the preparation and submission of Master’s theses apply to the Directed Study option. Rules for the Directed Study committee are provided in the MPA Program Handbook.
b) Research Applications: Students who select this option will complete a one-semester written project on an approved topic of significance in public administration or nonprofit management. The project will include the submission of revised paper drafts based on instructor evaluation. Students must enroll in the following course which is graded A, B, C, or U:
MPAD 6188 Research Applications in Public Administration (3)
Students who select option “b” must also take one additional elective course for 3 credits to complete the 40 hours required for the MPA degree.
Admission
to Candidacy Requirements
Students are required to complete an “Application for
Admission to Candidacy” due November 1st (for May graduation),
September 1st (for December graduation), or May 1st (for
August graduation). This form lists all courses to be counted toward the
degree. It must be signed by the student and returned to the MPA Program
office. The form is available online
from the
Assistantships
The department offers a number of graduate assistantships
each academic year. To apply for an assistantship students must submit a
completed “Application for Graduate Assistantship” form and a copy of their
resume to the MPA Director. Graduate assistantships are also available in
several administrative units on campus.
The application form is available online from the
Internships
Each student in the Master of Public Administration Program is required to complete a field experience. This requirement may be satisfied in one of these ways: (1) through a position in a public or nonprofit organization; (2) through a position in a business where the work experience is approved for internship by the MPA director; or (3) through an approved internship in a public or nonprofit organization. Each student must complete an “MPA Internship Information” form and submit it to the MPA office for approval. Forms to evaluate the internship experience must also be completed. These forms are available in the main MPA office. Current guidelines for the internship requirement are provided in the MPA Program Handbook.
Track
Descriptions
Currently the MPA Program has a concentration in the Management of Nonprofit Organizations. This concentration requires completion of the core MPA courses and MPAD 6187. The nonprofit concentration consists of 15 credit hours within the MPA curriculum (as part of the 40 hours required for the degree). MPAD 6310, Foundations of the Nonprofit Sector; MPAD 6311, Introduction to Nonprofit Management, are required, both for three credits each. Students in this concentration have the option of taking the Directed Study option (MPAD 6800 and MPAD 6801) for three credits each. The focus of the project must be an approved topic in the nonprofit field. Alternatively, nonprofit students may opt to take the MPAD 6188, Research Applications option, for three credits. The focus of the paper in MPAD 6188 must be an approved topic in the nonprofit field. An additional 6 or 9 credit hours from the following courses are also required, depending on which research option was selected:
MPAD6142 Grant and Contract Management in the Public and Nonprofit Sectors (3)
MPAD6320 Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations (1)
MPAD6321 Resource Development in Nonprofit Organizations (1)
MPAD6322 Volunteer Management (1)
MPAD6323 Grant Writing (1)
MPAD6324 Financial Analysis for Government and Nonprofit Organizations (3)
MPAD6325 Legal Aspects of Nonprofit Organizations (1)
Students may petition to take courses from other departments as well.
The program anticipates offering two additional concentrations beginning in Fall, 2005. These include Emergency Management Services, and Urban Management and Policy.
Capstone
Experiences
Students are required to complete the following capstone course after successfully completing the comprehensive examination: MPAD 6187, Advanced Seminar in Public Management Problem Solving.
Advising
Each student is assigned an advisor and given access to the MPA Program Handbook when admitted to the program. The advisor is a member of the MPA Program faculty. Students should meet with their advisors each semester to develop a schedule before registering. Students are also encouraged to meet with the Program Director for additional advising when necessary.
Transfer
Credit
Up to 6 credits taken at another University can be
transferred to the MPA program on the recommendation of the Director and the
Dean of the
Comprehensive
Examination
Upon completion of the core courses, each student must
successfully complete a written comprehensive examination designed to test
knowledge and/or skills of administrative analysis and administrative theory
and practice. It is the responsibility of the student to take the requisite
courses and the comprehensive examination in a timely-fashion. All MPA core
courses are offered at least once a year either during the fall, spring or
summer semesters. Comprehensive exams are administered twice a year; once in
January and again in August. Comprehensive exams must be completed before students can take the
capstone course, Directed Study or Research Applications. Furthermore, it is strongly recommended that
students take the comprehensive exams prior to elective courses. Students failing the exam must retake it at the
next time the exam is scheduled. Students are allowed only two attempts to pass
the comprehensive exams. Failing a second opportunity leads to termination from
the program.
Application
for Degree
Students are required to file an “Application for Degree”
with the
Research
Opportunities/Experiences
Many faculty have grants which help them employ graduate students to aid them in research.
Scholarships
1) The
Tuition
Waivers
Out-of-state tuition waivers are available to students
appointed to graduate assistantships. These are awarded on a competitive basis.
Partial waivers of in-state tuition are also awarded competitively to students
who are residents of
Financial
Assistance
Other forms of financial aid, such as loans, are available. Students should contact the Financial Aid Office at 704-687-2461 for further information. Several administrative units on campus also employ graduate students.
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT
The Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management at the
Admission Requirements
Admission to
the Graduate Certificate program in Nonprofit Management is open to graduates
of colleges and universities accredited by a regional or general accrediting
agency. To apply, the student must meet the following requirements:
1)
A completed Graduate Admissions application form
and statement of professional goals
2)
Two official transcripts from post secondary
educational institutions
3)
Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources
4)
An overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Certificate Requirements
The Graduate
Certificate program in Nonprofit Management requires 15 credit hours. The following courses are required:
MPAD6310 Foundations of the Nonprofit Sector (3)
MPAD6311 Introduction to Nonprofit Management (3)
MPAD6324 Financial Analysis for Government and Nonprofit Organizations (3)
An additional
six credit hours from the following elective courses are also required:
MPAD6142 Grants and Contract Management in the Public and Nonprofit Sectors (3)
MPAD6320 Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations (1)
MPAD6321 Resource Development in Nonprofit Organizations (1)
MPAD6322 Volunteer Management (1)
MPAD6323 Grant Writing (1)
MPAD6325 Legal Aspects of Nonprofit Organizations (1)
Other electives as approved by the MPA Director and faculty.
Note: Students who have completed the Duke Certificate in Nonprofit Management may be eligible to substitute that for three hours of elective credit.
Courses In Public Administration
MPAD 6102. Foundations in Public Administration. (3) Corequisite: Introduction to American Government (or the equivalent). Consideration of the political context of contemporary public administration, with attention to the role of administration in the policy process, the legal basis for public administration, legislative-executive relations, and accountability and responsibility in democratic administration. (Fall, Spring) (Evening)
MPAD 6104. Public Organizations and Management. (3) Changing images of people, organizations and organizational environments; research findings and applications related to organization structure, motivation, leadership, communications, decision-making, group dynamics, interpersonal skills; ethics and values important to the study and practice of organizational leadership; and assessment of value systems and the impact of competing value systems on public and organizational policy making. (Fall, Spring) (Evening)
MPAD 6125. Quantitative Research Methods in Public Administration. (3) Corequisite: MPAD 6125L. Prerequisite: elementary statistics or equivalent. Introduction to the use of quantitative analysis in administration. Special emphasis on issues of research design, data collection, elementary statistical analysis, and the interpretation and presentation of research findings. (Fall, Spring) (Evening)
MPAD 6125L. Computer Laboratory in Quantitative Research Methods in Public Administration. (1) Corequisite: MPAD 6125. Hands-on computer experience to master the substantive materials taught in Quantitative Research Methods. (Fall, Spring) (Evening)
MPAD 6128. Public Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation. (3) Prerequisite: MPAD 6125. Application of analytic tools for decision making in public administration through the practical implementation of the design developed in MPAD 6125. Covers and array of statistical and decision analysis tools commonly encountered in the field. Includes extensive use of computers in the manipulation and analysis of data. (Fall, Spring) (Evening)
MPAD 6131. Public Budgeting and Finance. (3) An introduction to the basics of public finance and an examination of the theory and development of public budgeting, the budget processes, the budget cycle, budget reforms, capital budgets, revenue sources, taxation policies and processes, intergovernmental fiscal relations and governmental accounting practices, debt management and cash management in public organizations. (Spring) (Evening)
MPAD 6134. Human Resources Management. (3) Corequisite: POLS 1110, Introduction to American Government (or the equivalent). Study of the context of public personnel administration; basic functions of job evaluation and compensation, employee rights and responsibilities; the legal constraints including equal opportunity, health and safety, collective bargaining; government productivity. (Same as HADM 6147) (Spring) (Evening)
MPAD 6140. Labor Management Relations in Government. (3) Public employee unionization, collective bargaining, unit determination and recognition; negotiation; third-party process; administration of agreements. (On demand) (Evening)
MPAD 6141. Conflict Management in Public Organizations.
(3) The role of the administrator as a focal point in social change and
the management of the conflict that occurs. Perspectives on the negotiation and
bargaining process will be reviewed. (On
demand) (Evening)
MPAD 6142. Managing Grants and Contracts in the Public & Nonprofit Sectors. (3) Understanding government contracting and practice in government grant proposal writing with the development of contract administration skills. (On demand) (Evening)
MPAD
6143. Introduction
to Administrative Law. (3) Prerequisite:
MPAD 6102 or consent of the instructor.
Examines the legal principles governing the modern administrative state,
including: the Constitutional status of administrative agencies; legislative,
judicial, and executive control of administrative agencies; discretion in
making, adjudicating, and enforcing law and policy; the Administrative
Procedures Act; and judicial review of agency action. (On demand) (Evening)
MPAD 6144. Changing the Public Organization. (3) Overview of concepts and methodologies of organization development, diagnosing organizational needs, change strategies and interventions. (On demand) (Evening)
MPAD 6160. Information Systems in Public Administration. (3) Issues involved in administering and managing information system resource activities in public organizations. Topics include the system development life cycle including issues ranging from information system design and development through installation and evaluation. Special emphasis on challenges to achieving improved performance through information technologies in the public sector. (On demand) (Evening)
MPAD 6170. Communication Law and Policy. (3) This course is designed for those students with an interest in the law of public communication. Subjects such as First Amendment theory, censorship, hate speech, libel, invasion of privacy, obscenity, indecency, and commercial speech rights will be examined. Through a casebook and lecture approach, students will become well versed in current Constitutional law in these and other areas. No prior legal coursework is required. (Same as COMM 6170) (On demand) (Evening)
MPAD 6172. Administration of the Health Care Systems
in the
MPAD 6174. Public Policy and Politics in Health Care Administration. (3) Prerequisite HADM 6100; MPAD 6172. Examination of the formulation, adoption and implementation of public policy for health care through federal, state and local political processes. (Same as HADM 6142) (On demand) (Evening)
MPAD 6176. Trends and Issues in Health Administration. (3) Examination of current issues confronting health care managers and an assessment of current programs and management responses to emerging trends in the health care field, including delivery systems, marketing/competition, strategic planning, financial management and/or epidemiological changes. (Same as HADM 6204) (On demand) (Evening)
MPAD 6185. Intergovernmental Relations. (3) Survey of the complex relationships of governments in an urban environment set in the federal system. A review of the problems created by that system and the approaches to their solutions. (On demand) (Evening)
MPAD 6187. Advanced Seminar in Public Management Problem Solving. (3) Seminar viewed as a capstone to the student's coursework in public management and is required to be taken by all students. Seminar devoted to topics in public management, which involve problem identification and solution. Permit Only. (Fall, Spring) (Evening)
MPAD 6188. Research Applications in Public Administration. (3) Prerequisite: all core courses and passing of comprehensive examination. Preparation of a major paper on a topic of significance in public or nonprofit administration. Topics must be approved by the instructor, and paper drafts will be revised by the student following evaluation by the instructor. Each paper must be well grounded in the appropriate professional literature and must demonstrate competence in professional communication skills. Permit Only. (Fall, Spring) (Evening)
MPAD 6210. Aging and Public Policy. (3) Examination of the public policy making process with attention to aging policy. Consideration of determinants of aging policy and institutions and actors in the policy making process and piecemeal development of legislation will be analyzed as factors related to the making of policy for the aged. (Same as GRNT 6210) (Yearly) (Evenings)
MPAD 6211. Administration of Aging Programs. (3) Focus will be the implementation of public policies and programs for the aged and the development and administration of these programs. Students will become familiar with the process through which policies are transformed into aging programs and the budgetary, management and evaluative considerations that must be considered. (Same as GRNT 6211) (Yearly) (Evenings)
MPAD 6310. Foundation of the Nonprofit Sector. (3) Survey of the history, culture and legal foundation of the nonprofit sector. Key definitions, scope and relationships between the nonprofit, for profit and government sectors are discussed. Examines current policy issues confronting nonprofits. (Fall)
MPAD 6311. Introduction to Nonprofit Management. (3) Examination of the structure, function and administration of nonprofit organizations. Developing strategies to insure financial and ethical management. (Spring)
MPAD 6320. Strategic Planning for Nonprofit Organizations. (1) Long and short range planning. Developing mission statements, conducting environmental assessments, writing, implementing, evaluating, and revising the plan will be covered. Addresses strategies for incorporating staff, board and community viewpoints. (On demand)
MPAD 6321. Resource Development in Nonprofit Organizations. (1) How nonprofit organizations set revenue goals, select fund-raising techniques, allocate personnel and volunteers and evaluate results. How nonprofit organizations should manage their relationships with different funding sources to maximize fund raising potential. (On demand)
MPAD 6322. Volunteer Management. (1) Examines the changing role of volunteerism in the nonprofit organization. Topics include developing a strong and diverse volunteer work force and recruiting, screening and placement, orienting, managing, evaluating and recognizing volunteers. (On demand)
MPAD 6323. Grant Writing. (1) Topics include conducting prospect research, making initial contacts with funders and preparing, submitting and following up on grant proposals. (On demand)
MPAD 6324. Financial Analysis for Government and Nonprofit Organizations. (3) Topics include fund accounting basics for government and nonprofit organizations, preparation and analysis of financial statements, evaluating and monitoring financial condition, capital budgeting and investment analysis, debt policy and management. (On demand)
MPAD 6325. Legal Aspects of Nonprofit Organizations.
(1) The legal requirements and issues of liability for nonprofit
organizations. These include: required financial reports; tax-exempt status;
tort liability; and legal responsibilities of boards of directors. (On demand)
MPAD 6800. Directed Study in Public Administration. (3) Prerequisite: all core courses and passing of comprehensive examination. Individual project proposal on a directed topic of significance based on field experience in public administration. Pass/In Progress grading. Permit Only. (Fall, Spring) (Evening)
MPAD 6801. Directed Study in Public Administration. (3) Prerequisite: MPAD 6800. Individual project report on a directed topic of significance based on field experience in public administration. Pass/In Progress grading. Permit Only. (Fall, Spring)
MPAD 6820. Independent Study. (1-3) Prerequisite: consent of the instructor and the MPAD Director. Supervised study of a public administration topic or problem of special interest to the student, within the instructor’s expertise, and normally an extension of previous coursework with the instructor. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
MPAD 7999. Graduate Residence. (1) Maintains continuous enrollment as required by University policy. (Fall, Spring, Summer) (Evenings)