MMPA 6000 Success Strategies in the Online Environment (6 cr.)The purpose of this course is to introduce you to Walden University and the requirements for your successful participation in an online curriculum and to provide a foundation for your academic and professional success as a scholar-practitioner and social change agent. Course assignments focus on practical application of writing and critical thinking skills and the integration of professional practice with professional and academic excellence as they relate to practice in public policy and administration.
MMPA 6115 Foundations for Graduate Study (1 cr.)
This course introduces students to Walden University and to the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. It provides a foundation for academic and professional success as a scholar-practitioner and as a social change agent. Topics include the relation of mission and vision to professional goals; development of the Program of Study and Professional Development Plan; strategies for online success; introduction to the online library; and introduction to critical thinking, professional writing, and academic integrity. Course assignments focus on practical application of writing and critical-thinking skills and promote professional and academic excellence.
MMPA 6200 Introduction to Public Administration (5 cr.)
Public administrators work to increase the effectiveness of government and organizations locally and internationally. This course explores the history, foundations, and theories of public administration and the diverse political, social, and economic contexts within which they exist as well as an understanding of public policy and organizational environments. Topics include ethical and legal issues, governance, fiscal planning, and current topics and trends in public administration. Students choose a public organization; examine its overall history, purpose, and operation; and apply public administration theory to describing its operation and health.
MMPA 6210 Managing at the Boundaries: Creative Thinking for Social Change (6 cr.)
This course examines the historical and contemporary patterns of interaction between levels of government and between the public, private, and nonprofit sectors in the United States. Of all the Western democracies, the United States has the most fully developed nonprofit sector. In the past 20 years, the private sector has become more and more important to the other two sectors with, for example, growing efforts to privatize public service delivery and to use corporate strategies and connections for enhanced revenue in the nonprofit sector. Increasingly, the boundaries between governmental levels and the three sectors have become more blurred and the action at these intersections more critical for the effectiveness of public/nonprofit sector leaders and managers.
MMPA 6220 Principles of Public Administration: Applied Critical-Thinking Skills (6 cr.)
This course familiarizes students with the historical and contemporary roles and relationships of the public and nonprofit sectors in the United States. It provides a scholarly perspective on public policy and administration that traces major theories associated with the field and the political, social, and economic context within which they developed. Students are encouraged to reflect upon their career experiences and prior education as a basis for integrating theory and practice and for establishing specific academic objectives to help them achieve individual professional goals. This is intended to make a strong connection between students’ own professional development and the development of the major theories and concepts of public administration.
MMPA 6230 Professional Leadership and Ethics (4 cr.)
This course examines the ethical issues of public and nonprofit sectors. It provides conceptual tools to clarify moral dilemmas and analyzes individual decision-making strategies and organizational programs from an ethical perspective.
MMPA 6240 Cultural Competency: Communication Skills for a Global Society (2 cr.)
To work effectively on teams and in organizations in an increasingly diverse and global context, individuals must be culturally competent. This course offers students the opportunity to compare and contrast their personal, national, and organizational cultures and build their cultural confidence to lead in their work and communities. By applying theory in small group activities and through work in the field, students deepen their understanding of learning and information processing styles and develop strategies for fostering cross-cultural communication and teamwork.
MMPA 6250 Nonprofit and Governmental Budgeting and Finance (4 cr.)
This course examines governmental and nonprofit budgeting policies and practices, as well as the fiscal climate within which these organizations have to operate. Students gain a better understanding of the role of finance in public and nonprofit organizations and the theories underlying major fiscal policy debates. They also learn how to construct budgets and capital improvement plans, as well as how to successfully generate funds to support nonprofit sector organizations.
MMPA 6251 U.S. and International Health Care Systems (4 cr.)
This course examines international health care system reform. Focus is given to the influence of corporate and governmental agencies in the delivery and financing of health services and the legal issues confronting health care institutions. The course also explores fiscal and public policy forces on national and international health systems and investigates the opportunities and challenges facing the management of community-based health care organizations.
MMPA 6265 Organizational Theory and Behavior (4 cr.)
This course focuses on behavior in organizations as influenced by individual differences, group processes and interactions, and organizational processes. Skills and abilities essential for effective management in changing organizational contexts are emphasized. Topics examined include motivation, productivity, diversity, group development, team building, decision-making and communication processes, power and politics, leadership, job design, and organizational culture.
MMPA 6275 Human Resource Management (4 cr.)
This course is a survey of philosophy, approaches, and systems of managing people in government and nonprofit organizations. It includes historical developments, personnel management practices and behaviors, and current issues. It examines recruitment, classification, compensation, training, evaluation, and labor-management relations functions.
MMPA 6285 Policy Analysis (4 cr.)
This course provides a broad perspective on the policy process, recognizing that both public and nonprofit administrators are intimately involved in policy- and decision-making at the executive and legislative (or board) levels. It focuses on how policy is initiated, researched, shaped for decision-making, decided, implemented, and then evaluated. Balanced attention is given to the dynamics of the policy-making process itself and the analytical and communications tools that equip professionals at many levels in organizations to be effective actors in this process.
MMPA 6295 Applied Research (4 cr.)
This course is designed to introduce students to the research process as applied to problems in the public and nonprofit sectors. Beginning with an overview of the scientific method, it covers each phase of the research process, including formulation of the research question, model building and conceptualization, data collection and analysis, and reporting of results and conclusions. In addition, the course introduces qualitative methods and assesses the strengths and weaknesses of both quantitative and qualitative methods. Students are not required to have a background in quantitative methods, statistics, or computer-based analysis.
MMPA 6300 Strategic Management of Information (4 cr.)
This course is designed to give students an in-depth understanding of information resources and their implications for the public and nonprofit sectors. Advancements in information technology, which are making e-government a reality and are causing administrators to rethink their approach to service delivery, are explored as well as new ways of structuring organizations for greater productivity. The human systems and organizational culture impacts of information technology are also examined.
MMPA 6305 Master’s Capstone Seminar (4 cr.)
This course is intended to integrate learning from all the master’s courses to demonstrate a stronger, more intellectually cohesive understanding of public and nonprofit administration. It may focus on governance, policy, or leadership and management in either the public or nonprofit sectors, or it may take a cross-sector comparative perspective. (M.P.A. students must take this course in their final quarter of study.)
MMPA 6320 Public Policy Implications of Terrorism Legislation and Policies (4 cr.)
This course provides a broad perspective on the history of the U.S.A. Patriot Act, similar terroristic legislation and immigration laws, and their policy implications on law enforcement, governmental entities, organizations, and individuals. It provides a basic foundation upon which to build for those public administrators and public policy analysts who are charged with drafting and implementing public policy and enforcing and/or responding to potential terroristic threats, while simultaneously upholding and protecting constitutional freedoms. Material for this course is drawn from contemporary texts, Web sites, case studies, and material representing international, national, and local governments and organizations. Learners critically review and analyze the U.S.A. Patriot Act and similar terroristic legislation and policies, and participate in online discussions about these laws and their implications on U.S. Constitutional freedoms.
MMPA 6321 Terrorism: A Systemic Approach for Emergency Preparedness (4 cr.)
This course provides participants with an overview of terrorism—local, national, and international—and the need to develop a systemic approach for emergency preparedness. Topics include, but are not limited to, terrorism overview, terrorism and public health, bioterrorism, biosecurity, cyberterrorism, risk assessment, implications for public health, and components of a systemic preparedness infrastructure. Course participants begin the development and/or analysis of a terrorism preparedness infrastructure, and participate in online discussions.
MMPA 6322 Critical Incident Planning and Leadership (4 cr.)
This course examines the principles of emergency planning, selection of leaders, specialized planning (e.g., schools, tourism), mutual aid, and leadership theories. It provides a basic foundation for public administrators to develop a critical incident plan and also understand leadership theories. Course participants critically analyze case studies, identifying weaknesses and potential solutions.
MMPA 6330 Holding Up the Mirror: Understanding Different Cultures and Increasing Global Consciousness (4 cr.)
This course offers students an opportunity to explore and understand the cultural values and styles of communication, reasoning, and leadership unique to their home culture. Students apply their increased understanding to other cultures. They also identify and become familiar with the challenges American nonprofits face as they work internationally or cross-culturally within the United States. (Prerequisite: A course or direct experience in nonprofit management is strongly advised.)
MMPA 6331 Crossing Borders: U.S. and International NGO Organizational Cultures and Environments (4 cr.)
In this course, students study in depth the cultures, structures, and activities of NGOs in select countries and compare their activities, organizational cultures, structures, and working environments with nonprofits in the United States. (Prerequisite: A course or direct experience in nonprofit management is strongly advised.)
MMPA 6332 Placing NGOs in the Global Context (4 cr.)
This course offers students knowledge and understanding about the geopolitical and economic contexts in which international, nongovernmental, and voluntary agencies function in other countries. Students analyze the historical, political, social, and cultural contexts in which NGOs work and the implications these contexts have on the work of local and international NGOs. Students identify strategies that make the international and cross-cultural efforts of NGOs successful. (Prerequisite: A course or direct experience in nonprofit management is strongly advised.)
MMPA 6340 Leadership for the Nonprofit Sector (4 cr.)
This course provides an overview and history of the third sector in American society, featuring governance and nonprofit corporations. The course covers the relationship between the board and the executive director, ethics, fiduciary responsibility, human resources, and board organizational structures. It examines the role of nonprofit organizations in fostering social change and the emerging trend toward entrepreneurship in nonprofits. (12-week course.)
MMPA 6341 Fund Raising and Marketing in Nonprofit Organizations (4 cr.)
This course examines the history of philanthropy and the philosophy of giving in the nonprofit sector in the United States. It provides students with an understanding of the many fund-raising techniques and funding sources that generate financial support for nonprofits as well as the context in which these methods may be used. (12-week course.)
MMPA 6342 Nonprofit Management (4 cr.)
This course provides the basis for understanding nonprofit management issues and how management in the nonprofit sector differs. The course addresses mission, budgeting, financial management, strategic planning, and outcome evaluation and assessment. (12-week course.)
MMPA 6350 Historical and Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice (4 cr.)
This course looks at the evolution of crime—from lone criminals to worldwide syndicates—using the scientific rigor built into the selected readings and discussions. Among the topics examined are the philosophy of community- and problem-oriented policing, transnational crime, terrorism, and the new nexus between them. The course equips current and future leaders with the knowledge and depth of understanding to assess and manage the opportunities, innovations, and challenges in their profession.
MMPA 6351 Policy Analysis in the Criminal Justice System (4 cr.)
This course reviews key court decisions and explores the tension between constitutionally guaranteed individual rights and crime-prevention and public-safety efforts. The course also covers policy analysis and planning in the criminal justice field, and offers an understanding of the policy context in which the criminal justice system functions.
MMPA 6352 Leadership: Putting Theory Into Practice in Criminal Justice Administration (4 cr.)
This course introduces students to the problems that currently confront the administration of the criminal justice system, as well as problems predicted for the future. So that students are prepared to lead efforts to address these challenges, this course offers powerful models for strategic, critical, and reflective thinking. This course also immerses students in discussion about the major components of effective justice administration: organizational thought and theory, leadership, human capital, policy development and implementation, and collaboration with other public safety and community organizations.
MMPA 6360 Public Safety Issues (4 cr.)
This course is a comprehensive survey of the issues faced by public safety agencies and personnel at the local, state, and national levels, including police and sheriff, emergency medical, and fire services and related organizations. It emphasizes communication and coordination between public safety organizations.
MMPA 6361 Managing Public Safety Organizations (4 cr.)
This course examines how public safety leaders find solutions to major issues confronting their operating systems, both organizations and communities, through research, analysis, planning, and decision-making. It adapts classic business management techniques and leadership principles to public safety operations. The concepts of “first-planner” and “first-responder” are introduced. Solutions and alternatives to varied situations confronting public safety managers are developed. Emphasis is on systems approaches, environmental analyses, contingency planning, implications for change, coordination, and controls.
MMPA 6362 Ethics in Preserving Public Safety (4 cr.)
This course applies the lessons of the first two courses in the specialization—management issues and planning solutions—to specific cases of leadership and personal responsibility in the public safety field. Using primarily the case study method, students will analyze leadership and ethical issues that public safety officials encounter in their work and develop effective approaches for how standards and ethics can best be instilled throughout a public safety organization. Students analyze classic cases, including the federal 9/11 Commission report, for lessons applicable to any public safety agency and situation—in intelligence, planning, operations, command, interagency coordination, communication, and technology.
MMPA 6380 Policy and Politics in American Political Institutions (4 cr.)
This course introduces students to the crafts of policy-making and analysis in the American democratic system. It covers the policy process—agenda setting, using policy analysis tools, managing the political process, implementing policy, and providing evaluation and feedback. Students develop skills in policy and economic analysis, as well as skills in determining the political feasibility of proposed policies. Regulation as a policy choice is discussed. Students enhance their abilities to develop alternatives and to assess strategies that are proposed to achieve certain policy objectives. Policy areas of interest to students form the foundation of this course and may include communications, immigration, social, transportation, housing, labor, arts, and environmental policies.
MMPA 6381 Program Public Policy and Evaluation (4 cr.)
This course provides an introduction to the tools used by policy-makers and policy analysts to evaluate the impact of social programs. Topics include selecting programs to evaluate; crafting program descriptions; identifying stakeholders and their interests; developing logic models; framing evaluation questions; applying utilization-focused evaluation techniques; using quantitative and qualitative tools to complete formative and summative evaluations; and formulating evaluation reports and providing feedback to decision-makers. By the end of the course, each student develops a program evaluation design for a social program.
MMPA 6382 Public Policy and Finance (4 cr.)
This course covers both micro- and macroeconomic models used in policy formulation and how public finance influences policy choices as well as implementation alternatives. Students examine tax policies and tax incentive models; budgeting; public/private models; market influences on policy; the impact of government expenditures on income redistribution; and economic considerations of welfare, food stamps, workers’ compensation, and Social Security. Outsourcing of public programs is also examined.
MMPA 6390 Strategic Context of Public Management and Leadership (4 cr.)
Public policy implementation can take place in a public organization, a private one, a nonprofit one, or a combined or networked one. This course engages learners in a collaborative study of the changing strategic context of public administration as they apply a strategic planning and management approach to the implementation of public policy. Learners are introduced to planning, management, financial management, performance management, and contracting processes in the organization whose purpose it is to implement public policy.
MMPA 6391 Transformative Change in a Shared-Power World (4 cr.)
This course engages students in collaborative study of the nature and methods of transformative change in the complex human systems of contemporary public organizations. Students learn a pragmatic action learning process for learning from the experience of transformative change in complex systems. The dynamics of complex adaptive systems are studied to gain an understanding of how large-scale and highly interrelated human systems change through self-organization. Appreciative inquiry and other selected methods of transformative change are studied and applied to a positive organizational change situation of special interest to the students. Students also develop professional action habits for pragmatic action learning in the practice of public administration.
MMPA 6392 The Language of Leadership (4 cr.)
In today’s complex environment, leaders engaged in shaping public policy must know how to use the emotional as well as the intellectual power of language to motivate, inspire, and competently manage their organizations. Dynamic leadership requires understanding and use of techniques that affect both conscious and unconscious influences on human behavior. Effective communication connects at many different levels. This course provides students both theoretical and practical information demonstrating the necessary components for making such connections and show them why stories, symbols, and metaphors are an essential element in the language of leadership.
MMPA 6405 Ethics and Social Justice (5 cr.)
Ethics is a foundational element of leadership. Leaders face increasingly complex social and political challenges as they seek to meet the needs of diverse constituents. This course explores ethics and social justice related to economic disparity, power, and privilege. Students use demographic data, current social trends, and themes to understand, analyze, and address ethical and social justice issues that impact service delivery in a global community.
MMPA 6420 Organizational Management and Leadership (5 cr.)
Public and nonprofit leaders require a deep understanding of their roles as leaders and managers of diverse and complex organizations. This course examines from theoretical and applied perspectives the distinction between leadership and management, organizational culture, change management, systems theories, and organizational development. Students apply principles to public, private, and nonprofit organizational settings.
MMPA 6431 Finance and Budgeting for the Public Sector (5 cr.)
Sound financial practices are crucial to managing scarce funds in the public sector. This course examines finance and budgeting concepts, policies, and practices related to organizations as well as the fiscal climate within which they operate. Students gain an understanding of theories underlying fiscal policy; they read and analyze budgets, financial statements, and financial reports. Other topics include the use of auditing practices, tax systems, financial management, budgetary reform, and financial technology systems specific to government organizations. Students apply what they learn to developing budget and financial projects relevant to public organizations.
MMPA 6435 Human Resource Management: Building a Capable Workforce (5 cr.)
The acquisition, development, and retention of talent are critical elements in the success of any organization. This course examines theories, approaches, and systems related to the acquisition, management, development, and retention of people in government and nonprofit organizations. Through the use of case studies, students explore topics that include legal and ethical considerations, diversity, performance management, the establishment and implementation of policy, technology, and conflict management. Students apply the principles learned in this course to situations encountered in public, private, and nonprofit organizations.
MMPA 6451 Public Policy Analysis (5 cr.)
Public administrators address increasing policy challenges in areas such as education, crime, and environmental issues, among others. This course examines concepts, principles, and stages of public policy process and development. It provides an introduction to the models and tools used by policy-makers and policy analysts to evaluate the impact of programs and projects and to solve societal problems. Topics include political, legal, economic, and social institutions and processes; impact and consequences of policy; policy assessment; and global complications of policy processes. Students examine public policy in both historical and contemporary contexts. Students deconstruct a current policy in order to understand its historical development and its overall effectiveness.
MMPA 6461 Public Sector Economics (5 cr.)
Domestic and international economic trends impact the success of public service organizations. In this course, students gain an understanding of applied economic theory, practice, and thought related to organizations and government. Topics include micro- and macroeconomics, supply and demand, privatization, market mechanics, contracting and outsourcing, Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare. Students apply economic concepts and principles to case studies and contemporary problems and events.
MMPA 6465 Strategic Planning: Collaboration, Cooperation, and Coordination (5 cr.)
In an increasingly complex world, leaders and managers in public, private, and nonprofit organizations need to be strategic in planning and creating effective, collaborative programs and services. This course explores the role and process of strategic planning with an emphasis on collaboration, cooperation, and coordination within and among organizations. Students apply these concepts to real-life situations and organizations.
MMPA 6480 Applied Research and Evaluation Methods (5 cr.)
Organizational credibility, community trust, and fundraising are increasingly dependent upon demonstration of program effectiveness and success. This course introduces research and evaluation methods in the public and nonprofit sectors. Students examine the strengths, limitations, and threats to validity; models, quantitative metrics, and tools used to evaluate programs and policies; and legal and ethical issues associated with research and evaluation methods. Students are asked to critically evaluate sample research, using these parameters.
MMPA 6810 Fundamentals of Law and Public Policy (5 cr.)
Legal decisions and the law have an impact on the creation of public policy. This course explores the relationship between laws and public policy and the impact court decisions have on policy and policy leaders. Topics include legal concepts and terminology, legal jurisdictions, case law, seminal cases, and the Supreme Court’s roles and procedures. Students apply fundamental legal concepts and principles to case studies and contemporary problems.
MMPA 6811 Legal Research for Policy Practitioners (5 cr.)
There is a wealth of vital legal knowledge available to public policy practitioners. In this course, students are introduced to a number of print and electronic resources available for legal research and gain an understanding of how the law is used to inform the creation of public policy. Topics include navigating legal libraries, citing cases, and the use of research to support public policy. Students apply legal research to case studies and contemporary issues.
MMPA 6812 Contemporary Cases and Issues in the Courts (5 cr.)
Major issues in the Supreme Court have an impact on public policy at the state and local level. This course examines major U.S. Supreme Court decisions and explores how these decisions can affect public policy. Topics include individual rights, property rights, administrative law, immigration law, and foreign policy. Students apply legal research and verdicts to case studies and current issues.
MMPA 6820 Elements of Livable and Sustainable Communities (5 cr.)
Creating and maintaining livable and sustainable communities requires leaders who understand and assess the interrelated elements that make a community viable over time. This course explores demographics, health, education, employment opportunities, transportation, recreation, housing, natural resources, technology, and other elements necessary to sustain a thriving community. Students define and explore these concepts through case studies and local community examples.
MMPA 6821 Tools for Sustainable Community Development (5 cr.)
Effective community leaders require comprehensive tools and resources to create livable and sustainable communities. Students explore topics including demographic analysis and forecasting, citizen engagement, economic forecasting and budgeting, acquisition of alternative funding sources, GIS technology, comprehensive use planning, and other tools and resources needed to meet the challenge of creating and maintaining sustainable communities. Students use case studies and examples drawn from local communities to identify and apply appropriate strategies.
MMPA 6822 Current Issues in Regional and Local Public Policy (5 cr.)
Local government leaders must understand and address complex and interrelated issues including public health and safety, urban sprawl, immigration transportation, aging of the baby-boom generation, affordable housing, living-wage jobs, and threats to natural resources. This course explores current concepts with an emphasis on creating livable and sustainable communities through cooperation, coordination, and collaboration of community stakeholders. Students use local community examples to assess critical issues and identify problem-solving strategies.
MMPA 6830 Current Issues in Homeland Security (5 cr.)
Since its inception, the Department of Homeland Security has profoundly impacted public policy and administration. This course examines homeland security history, concepts, and policies, as well as strategies of prevention and response. Topics include ethical issues, telecommunications, technology, threat assessment, contingency planning, and risk management. Students apply fundamental concepts and principles of homeland security to case studies and current issues.
MMPA 6831 Critical Incident Leadership and Planning (5 cr.)
Strategic leadership is required to address the challenges and complexities of homeland security. To respond to critical incidents during and after they occur, leaders must plan tactically and understand how to obtain and mobilize resources. Students explore the roles of leaders related to activating and coordinating funding, personnel, jurisdictional issues, training, communication, information management, technology, and health care in order to create an effective response to homeland security needs. Course participants critically analyze case studies, identifying weaknesses and potential solutions.
MMPA 6832 Terrorism: Legislation and Policy (5 cr.)
The events of 9/11 resulted in a new and intense focus on the issue of terrorism in the United States and abroad. In this course, students explore the history of terrorism; laws, regulations, and legislation related to terrorism; and the roles of the media, governmental agencies, and other entities in the prevention of and response to terrorism. Students apply their knowledge to case studies and current trends related to terrorism.
MMPA 6840 Health Policy and Management (5 cr.)
This course examines the factors that influence and improve health outcomes of individuals and populations, with attention to the goals of Healthy People 2010 and the main components and issues of organization, financing, and delivery of health services and public health systems in the United States. Topics include management theories and processes, systems thinking, strategic planning and partnerships, quality and performance improvement, leadership, and organizational behavior. The policy process, including the advocacy role of the public health professional in influencing local, state, and federal policy, is addressed. The impact of global trends on public health practice, policy, and systems is also considered.
MMPA 6841 Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Public Health (5 cr.)
This course examines the role of federal, state, and local government in the assurance of public health through legislation and regulation. Consideration is given to contemporary legal and regulatory issues arising in public health practice and emergencies with attention to public health security and preparedness in response to bioterrorism and disasters.
MMPA 6842 Leadership, Professionalism, and Ethics in Public Health Practice (5 cr.)
This course examines theories of leadership as well as the professional attributes, skills, styles, and strategies required to advance public health goals. Ethical choices, values, professionalism, opportunities for advocacy, and the application of principles of social justice implicit in public health decisions and practice are considered with emphasis on the importance of a collaborative approach to working with diverse communities and constituencies.
MMPA 6850 Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector (5 cr.)
Nonprofit organizations serve as the foundation for many social change efforts. This course explores the history, foundations, and types of nonprofit organizations, as well as the diverse political, social, and economic contexts within which they exist. Students examine and apply marketing, public relations, and communication concepts and strategies to case studies and contemporary situations. Ethical, legal, and global lenses are applied to the study of the nonprofit sector. Students develop a concept paper guiding the development of a nonprofit organization.
MMPA 6851 Board Governance and Volunteer Management (5 cr.)
Volunteers are the lifeblood of many nonprofit organizations. These organizations rely heavily on their volunteer Board of Directors to govern and guide them toward their mission. The success of nonprofit organizations is largely dependent on the effective management of program volunteers and board members. This course explores the volunteer management process (volunteer recruitment, orientation, training, supervision and evaluation) with an emphasis on creating and maintaining an effective Board of Directors. Students design a board development or volunteer management plan based on the concept paper they developed in MMPA 6850 Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector.
MMPA 6852 Resource Development (5 cr.)
All nonprofit organizations require financial resources. Obtaining philanthropic financial support is essential to program delivery and stability. Students explore the concepts of philanthropy and development, identification of funding sources, donor/prospect cultivation and education, and solicitation and appreciation strategies. An emphasis is placed on creating an organizational philanthropic culture based on ethics and donor relationships. Students create a resource development plan for the organization they designed in MMPA 6850 Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector.
MMPA 6910 Master of Public Administration Capstone (5 cr.)
This course provides students with an opportunity to integrate their learning from all other courses in the program into a capstone project: a research paper or an applied project with a written paper. The capstone project may focus on governance, policy, or leadership and management in the public or nonprofit sectors, or students may take a cross-sector comparative perspective.
MMPA 6920 Health Services Financial Management (4 cr.)
This course focuses on the functional role of the health care finance manager and the basic tools of health care financial decision-making. Topics include financial reporting statements, cost concepts and decision-making, budgeting techniques, cost variance analysis, time valuing of money procedures, capital acquisition, debt and equity financing, and working capital cash management.
