PUBLIC ADMIN Courses

PA–401G COMMUNITY PLANNING
FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS

3 credit hours

This course is an introduction to community planning; relationships of physical form to environment, function, aesthetic principles, cultural values, planning as a synthesis of a frame of reference based on economic, political, social, cultural, physical, and administrative factors. Prerequisite: SO101.

 

PA–501 APPLIED RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

Concentrated study of research methodology, including planning, organizing and executing research projects; techniques of gathering data; use of library facilities and other sources of information; analysis and interpretation of data; the art and strategy of presenting oral and written findings. *This course must be taken within a student's first 12 credits in the MPA program.

 

PA–510 ADMINISTRATIVE THOUGHT
FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

This course offers an overview of classic and contemporary theories of public administration and bureaucracy. The role and process of American public administration are studies in the social and political context of legislatures, executives, legal and judicial structures, and in relationship to political parties and clientele groups. The modern administrative state and its illustrations of democratic theory and practice, are examined.

 

PA–525 PUBLIC BUDGETING
FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

Budgetary practices of federal, state, territorial, and local governments. The budget cycle, budget preparation, and execution. Includes techniques such as PPB (Planning, Programming, Budgeting) in the Federal government and zero-base in GovGuam budgeting.

 

PA–526 PRIVATE ENTERPRISE AND PUBLIC POLICY
SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

This course will examine the governmental process in the formulation of policy, the framework and organization of administrative agencies in the regulation and supervision of policy, and the nature of the 'public interest' and the Interrelationship of interests affecting governmental policy toward business enterprise. This course will also address communication skills in a collaborative setting and build the capacity to lead in the development and deployment of public policy initiatives and the changes in the public policy sector.

 

PA–530 PUBLIC PERSONNEL, DISCIPLINARY, AND PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

The study of government organization management practices and problems; the general effectiveness of major agencies including their relationships with U.S., local legislative bodies, clientele and other governmental units and public bodies. This course establishes the broad parameters of what constitutes the major roles, responsibilities and activities of public managers. This course is particularly suited for students with limited background in public management. Stress is placed on the development of analytical techniques that are useful in the identification and resolution of commonly occurring problems in public management.

 

PA–535 INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS
SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

Study of the dynamics of relations among governmental units, including the movement towards regionalization and councils of government. Study of the impact of "new federalism" concepts and revenue sharing upon states, territories and of local issues and problems.

 

PA–540 ADMINISTRATIVE LAW
SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

Study of administrative law, including issues of separation of powers; regulatory commissions; processes of administrative adjudication; and judicial review.

 

PA–545A PUBLIC POLICY AND GOVERNANCE
FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

This course will examine the governmental process in the formulation of policy, the framework and organization of administrative agencies in the regulation and supervision of policy, and the nature of the 'public interest' and the interrelationship of interests affecting governmental policy toward business enterprise. This course will also address communication skills in a collaborative setting and build the capacity to lead in the development and deployment of public policy initiatives and the changes in the public policy sector.

 

PA–545B PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

This course will explore advanced organization and management theory including organization, systems design and analysis, decision theory, power, politics, and authority from the vantage point of how governments are partnering with for-profit and non-profits to redefine the traditional methods of public administration in a multi-stakeholder, solution oriented value proposition.

 

PA–545C COMPARATIVE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

Administrative structures and processes of industrialized and developing areas of the world. Distribution of government services in the various bureaucratic organizations.

 

PA–545D PUBLIC PLANNING
FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

This course deals with methods of social, economic, and physical planning. The concept of planning is approached from the theoretical, methodological and philosophical perspectives. It focuses on problem analysis to the final stages of program implementation and evaluation.

 

PA–545E PUBLIC CONTRACTING AND PROCUREMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES
FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

An examination of the legal and regulatory framework governing public contracting within the dimensions of past and present national and local objectives. A particular emphasis is placed on its contribution to government efficiency and effectiveness.

 

PA–550 COMPARATIVE PUBLIC ADMIN
FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

Administrative structures and processes of industrialized and developing areas of world. Distribution of government services in the various bureaucratic organizations.

 

PA–560 LEADERSHIP AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF ORGANIZATIONS
SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

An examination of the meaning of business ethics and its significance in business decision making. By thoughtful analysis of the moral issues raised by business practices, graduate students will raise their comprehension of the moral decisions of business. Students will apply ethical theories and concepts to social issues. In addition, students will gain practice during examinations and interpretations of positions taken by various stakeholder groups affected by business and vice-versa.

 

PA–561 PUBLIC PLANNING
SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

This course deals with methods of social, economic, and physical planning. The concept of planning is approached from the theoretical, methodological and philosophical perspectives. It focuses on problem analysis to the final stages of program implementation and evaluation.

 

PA–565 PUBLIC CONTR&PROCUREMENT POLICY& PRACTICES
FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

An examination of the legal and regulatory framework governing public contracting within the dimensions of past and present national and local objectives. A particular emphasis is placed on its contribution to government efficiency and effectiveness.

 

PA–570A SPECIAL TOPICS IN PUBLIC PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION - POLICY
FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

a) Policy: Current problems and issues in the management of government programs are explored through: The changing character of public personnel management as affected by citizen participation and representation, community action groups, minority employment, diversity, technology, global issues, merit system administration, economics, constitutional rights, environmental concerns, upward mobility, development crises and problems, labor-management relations, public interest advocacy, decentralization and devaluation of administrative activities, and management information systems.

 

PA–570B SPECIAL TOPICS IN PUBLIC PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION- CURRENT RELEVANT ISSUES
FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

b) Current/Relevant Issues: Current problems and issues in the management of government programs are explored through: The changing character of public personnel management as affected by citizen participation and representation, community action groups, minority employment, diversity, technology, global issues, merit system administration, economics, constitutional rights, environmental concerns, upward mobility, development crises and problems, labor-management relations, public interest advocacy, decentralization and devaluation of administrative activities, and management information systems.

 

PA–570C SPECIAL TOPICS IN PUBLIC PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION - EMPLOYMENT LAW
FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

c) Employment Law: Current problems and issues in the management of government programs are explored through: The changing character of public personnel management as affected by citizen participation and representation, community action groups, minority employment, diversity, technology, global issues, merit system administration, economics, constitutional rights, environmental concerns, upward mobility, development crises and problems, labor-management relations, public interest advocacy, decentralization and devaluation of administrative activities, and management information systems.

 

PA–570D SPECIAL TOPICS IN PUBLIC PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION - ORGANIZATIONS
FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

d) Organizations: Current problems and issues in the management of government programs are explored through: The changing character of public personnel management as affected by citizen participation and representation, community action groups, minority employment, diversity, technology, global issues, merit system administration, economics, constitutional rights, environmental concerns, upward mobility, development crises and problems, labor-management relations, public interest advocacy, ecentralization and devaluation of administrative activities, and management information systems.

 

PA–570E SPECIAL TOPICS IN PUBLIC PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION - SYSTEMS
FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

e) Systems: Current problems and issues in the management of government programs are explored through: The changing character of public personnel management as affected by citizen participation and representation, community action groups, minority employment, diversity, technology, global issues, merit system dministration, economics, constitutional rights, environmental concerns, upward mobility, development crises and problems, labor-management relations, public interest advocacy, decentralization and devaluation of administrative activities, and management information systems.

 

PA–590 SPECIAL PROJECTS IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATI ON
FALL ONLY/FALL ONLY

3 credit hours

In-depth study relating to a special interest of the student in some aspect of Public Administration. A formal scholarly paper is required.

 

PA–598 INTERNSHIP: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

This course provides qualified students with the opportunity to gain experience in public administration. Students are placed in government agencies and related organizations and work under the supervision of a management official. Students must consult with the Internship Coordinator prior to enrolling. This course is required for all pre-service students.

 

PA–692 PRACTICUM
FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

The Capstone course is the culminating experience that incorporates applied research and real-world application in the field under the guidance of a major professor. The Capstone will also serve as the MPA Qualifying Exam. This course may only be taken in the student's graduating semester. Prerequisite: Consent of MPA Chair.

 

PA–695 THESIS
FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS

6 credit hours

Thesis provides an opportunity for students to complete a scholarly research project under the supervision of a thesis committee, comprised of a program faculty chairperson and at least two additional members. Students are required to have their thesis proposal approved by their committee prior to enrolling in PA695. Prerequisite: Consent of Advisor.