Master of Public Administration (MPA)
School of Public Service Leadership
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree program is designed
for working public administration professionals seeking additional
leadership responsibilities. Through Capella’s practitioner-scholar
model, learners engage in an interdisciplinary curriculum. Learners
develop the knowledge and skills needed to collaborate with diverse
populations; manage human, technological, information, financial,
political, and networking resources; analyze and formulate appropriate
responses to public administration, public health, and public safety
issues; communicate clearly and effectively; and maintain professional
ethics and integrity.
Eight Required Courses
32 quarter credits
PSL7010, PSL7020, and PSL7030 taken in a prescribed sequence.
PSL7010 |
21st-Century Communication and Leadership
This course begins the three-course sequence designed to enhance professional communication, scholarly competencies, and leadership effectiveness. Learners apply theoretical models of leadership and interpersonal relations to practical situations in the workplace. Learners also use contemporary technology to communicate effectively as scholars and professionals in real-world situations. Must be taken during the learner’s first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or prior learning assessment. | 4 quarter credits |
---|---|---|
PSL7020 * |
Professional Practice and Collaboration in a Diverse and Dynamic World
Learners in this course examine a variety of social and professional
situations to build their skills in effective and creative
collaboration across an organization. Learners analyze and benchmark
best practices from an organizational, team, and individual
perspective to create an environment of inclusivity and collaborative
results. In addition, learners examine conflict management, diversity
management, group dynamics, cultural competence, ethical decision
making, followership, and social responsibility.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of or concurrent registration in PSL7010.
| 4 quarter credits |
PSL7030 * |
Introduction to Critical Analysis and Research
This course reinforces the leadership knowledge and skills gained
during previous coursework, and enables learners to be more effective
consumers of data and to better utilize research in applied and
academic endeavors. Learners develop and demonstrate skills to
evaluate source quality, credibility, and relevance to practice;
assess research concepts and strengthen their ability to critically
analyze; and apply information literacy, research ethics, and methods
of inquiry.
Prerequisite(s): PSL7010, completion of or concurrent
registration in PSL7020.
| 4 quarter credits |
PUAD7015 * |
Theories and Concepts in Public Administration
Learners in this course investigate the structures, practices, and
theoretical underpinnings of public administration. Learners acquire
and demonstrate public administration knowledge and skills to provide
high-quality professional services to the communities they serve.
Prerequisite(s): PSL7020, completion of or concurrent
registration in PSL7030. Cannot be fulfilled by
transfer. | 4 quarter credits |
PUAD7025 * |
Ethics in the Public Sector
In this course, learners examine and apply the theoretical and
conceptual foundations of various ethical models and use them to
analyze and evaluate practices in public administration. Learners also
identify ways to ensure public sector agencies act in an ethical and
legal manner, while ensuring the integrity of all public sector
practices.
Prerequisite(s): PSL7030, completion of or concurrent
registration in PUAD7015.
| 4 quarter credits |
PUAD7035 * |
Public Sector Policy Analysis
Learners in this course gain knowledge of differing theories
associated with organizational structure, organizational environments,
and organizational leadership in public sector settings. Learners also
determine ways to effectively apply theories and skills needed to
collaborate with diverse populations; manage human, technological,
information, financial, political, and networking resources; analyze
and formulate appropriate responses to public administration, public
health, and public safety issues; communicate clearly and effectively;
and maintain professional ethics and integrity.
Prerequisite(s): PSL7030 and PUAD7015; or
PSY8002. | 4 quarter credits |
PUAD7045 * |
Public Sector Budgeting
In this course, learners gain and implement skills needed to be sound
stewards of public resources. Learners examine revenue streams used to
fund government agencies. Learners also apply practices used to
develop budgets that mirror public priorities and processes used to
ensure funds are appropriately allocated.
Prerequisite(s): PSL7030, PUAD7015.
| 4 quarter credits |
PUAD7095 * |
Integrative Project for Public Administration
In this course, learners apply the collective materials from their
program into a facilitated research project. Learners conduct a
cost-benefit analysis of a specific policy, project, or program in the
public sector and demonstrate their mastery of the knowledge and
skills necessary to succeed in a real-world environment.
For MS in Public Administration learners only. Prerequisite(s):
Completion of all required and elective coursework. Cannot be
fulfilled by transfer or prior learning
assessment. | 4 quarter credits |
Four Elective Courses
16 quarter credits
Recommended elective courses:
PUAD7011 |
Issues and Innovations in Human Resource Management
In this course, learners examine and practice innovation, advocacy,
organizational transformation, and change management. Learners
investigate the foundational elements of human resource management and
demonstrate their knowledge of current issues related to human
resource management. | 4 quarter credits |
---|---|---|
PUAD7012 |
Project Management Framework
In this course, learners gain and demonstrate knowledge of project
management roles, project scope, time management, and organizational
structures. Learners assess various theories as well as communication
and collaboration strategies. In addition, learners examine and apply
the foundational elements of project management and identify current
issues related to project management. | 4 quarter credits |
PUAD7021 |
Employee Relations in Human Resource Management
Learners in this course develop the skills to effectively coach,
mentor, and resolve conflict. Learners examine and apply the
foundational elements and skills for human resource management
development, intervention strategies, employee empowerment, and
strategic change. | 4 quarter credits |
PUAD7022 |
Project Management Principles and Practices
Learners in this course analyze project management within public
administration, private sector organizations that provide public
services, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Learners
apply project management skills across varied sectors and demonstrate
their understanding of project design, planning, and innovation. | 4 quarter credits |
PUAD7031 |
Labor and Employment Relations
In this course, learners analyze labor relations and issues in
employment relations that involve sectors of union employees and
non-union employees. Learners develop and implement resolution methods
for labor and employment disputes, job analysis and evaluation,
compensation, and benefits policy. | 4 quarter credits |
PUAD7032 |
Project Management Risks, Changes, and Challenges
In this course, learners develop their knowledge of project
management roles as well as identify and prioritize project risks,
communication and change management for project scope, and industry
challenges. | 4 quarter credits |
PUAD7041 |
Human Resource Information Systems and Communications
Learners in this course analyze the principles of information systems
and resources with an emphasis on communication. Learners investigate
current information systems and how these can impact project
management. | 4 quarter credits |
PUAD7042 |
Project Management Quality and Control
Learners in this course analyze quality assurance concepts, planning,
control systems, and tools and techniques. Learners also apply their
knowledge of the project management process and how it ensures
effective communication and collaboration as well as high quality
projects. | 4 quarter credits |
OR
Choose any graduate course(s).
Total
48 quarter credits
* Denotes courses that have
prerequisite(s). Refer to the descriptions for further details.