This course serves as an introduction to the discipline of public administration. This class explores the various theories and practices that have led to, and continue to dominate the profession and study of public administration. The major topics of interest that will be discussed in this class include the politics of government bureaucracy, managing and leading public organizations, the core functions of government administration such as budgeting, public policy implementation and human resources management, and current trends emerging from the 21st century that are directing and influencing public administration.

Offered: Online

This course introduces the student to leadership principles and practices applicable to the management and administration of public safety organizations. The student will learn how to function effectively as a leader within their own organizations and in a collaborative, multijurisdictional, and multidisciplinary public safety environment.

Offered: Online

This course will provide an overview of theoretical and practical approaches to community economic development.

Offered: Online

This course will examine the manner in which various worldviews affect American Public Policy, with particular emphasis on the contrast between the Judeo-Christian worldview and secular humanism, Marxism/Leninism, and Islamic Fundamentalism.

Offered: Online

The process of budget making in a public agency will be evaluated in light of the many political and economic factors that arise. Challenges and opportunities will be examined, as well as effective strategies for establishing a budgetary process designed to serve and protect the constituents of the public organization or agency and maintain financial solvency, accountability, and integrity.

Offered: Online

Key management and leadership theories and perspectives will be discussed in the public sector context. Students will be challenged to evaluate all of these aspects from Biblical and ethical perspectives, and to understand the link between leadership ideas and concepts and the real world of public sector leadership, political stakeholders, and constituents.

Offered: Online

This course examines the current challenges facing those who would lead as public servants in the political context. Contemporary legal challenges as well as shifting cultural demographics, political movements, and strategies for urban and community development will be discussed. A Biblical perspective on these developments will be provided.

Offered: Online

Students will collaborate with a faculty advisor to develop their thesis proposal. It is expected that the proposal for the thesis project will be relevant to the student's studies in their master's degree program and will direct their research to make an academic contribution to the body of knowledge in public administration. At the completion of this course, the student will be ready to begin data collection and research.

Registration Restrictions: Completion of 30 hours of coursework toward the degree program with a GPA of 3.0. No more than two grades of C may be applied to the program.

Offered: Online

Online Prerequisite: PADM 688

This course is designed to help students complete their master's thesis in public administration. It is expected that research for the thesis project will be relevant to the student's studies in the master's degree program and will make an academic contribution to the body of knowledge in public administration.

Offered: Online

Online Prerequisite: PADM 689

Intended to demonstrate a student's ability to carry out original research. Thesis may be designed to answer practical research questions, or address theoretical or ethical issues of interest to scholars and professionals in the field of public administration. Credit is not awarded until the thesis has been accepted.

Offered: Online