Online Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Credits – 3

Credits – 3

This course will examine the proper role government has to play in today’s economy and will provide the fundamental and technical skills necessary to understand public budgeting and finances. Topics include the reasons for government involvement in the economy (market failure and redistribution), budgeting techniques at all levels of government, and sources of tax revenue. There will be a strong emphasis on issues related to state/local governments. By the end of this course students should have a strong understanding of the budgetary process at all levels, but in particular at the state/local level of government. Previously MPA 0400.

Credits – 3

This course is designed to acquaint students to both the theory and practice of human resource management in the public and nonprofit sectors. The class will consist of readings, discussions, and exercises that will demonstrate public personnel management techniques and strategies. Students will leave the course with a deeper understanding of the difficulties involved in effective public personnel management. Previously MPA 0415.

Credits – 3

This course will introduce students to research methodology and hypothesis testing. The first part of the course will focus on understanding basic research techniques in the social sciences, including data collection, data analysis and reporting of results. The second half of the course will emphasize methodology. Students will be required to conduct a major research project in a laboratory setting and produce a finished report. Students must have taken a prior statistical methods class. Previously MPA 0405.

Credits – 3

This course explores leadership within the public sector. It focuses on leadership theories, leadership skills and how to develop them within an ethical framework. What can, or should, we expect from our leaders in the public sector? What can, or should, our public leaders expect from us? What is the nature of the relationship between the two? How do we ensure ethical behavior as public administrative leaders? Previously MPA 0420.

Credits – 3

This capstone experience is intended to complement the student’s coursework and complete the chosen program of study. It is undertaken with the close supervision of a faculty advisor and can take the form of a specially designed course, independent study, or a master’s thesis. Previously MPA 0510.

Credits – 15

Select five courses from a specialization of choice, listed below

Credits – 3

Human Resource Strategy is the linkage between human resource management (HRM) and firm strategy, contributing to competitive advantage of the firm. Human capital, which is knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA) of people, is one of the strategic assets of the firm. HRM entails recruitment and selection, training and development, total compensation and rewards, performance management, employee relations (such as diversity management, work life balance, legal and ethical compliance, safety issues) and other people related practices. In this course students will analyze how these practices can be aligned with the strategy of the firm and lead to greater firm performance. The students will take an analytics approach to generate for effectively managing employees so that business goals can be reached quickly and efficiently. the challenge of human resources analytics is to identify what data should be captured and how to use the data to model and predict capabilities so the organization gets an optimal return on investment (ROI) on its human capital. Previously MG 0505.

Credits – 3

This course builds on the foundational evaluations and reward concepts covered in “Managing People for Competitive Advantage.” Students explore in some depth the employee performance management, compensation, and reward systems in organizations. Topics may include 360 degree feedback programs, ESOPs, profit sharing, gain sharing, and the strategic use of employee benefits. The course focuses on how employee performance management, compensation, and reward systems can lead to a competitive advantage for firms. Previously MG 0525.

Credits – 3

This course will prepare participants to write effective proposals and reports. It will also provide information on planning special fundraising events, requesting funds from donors and seeking funds from corporations and foundations. Students will learn to define and write problem statements, objectives, plans of action, assessment documents, budgets and project summaries. In addition, students will sharpen their teamwork, editing, writing, audience awareness, and design skills as they engage in collaborative projects with a nonprofit organization or government agency. Previously MPA 0425.

Credits – 3

With the rise of analytics for cutting-edge business innovation, the industry needs business leaders who can solve an organization’s most important problems by asking and answering questions using data. These business consultants need to bridge both the data analytics and business fields. This class tries to provide a “real world” consulting experience through a project-centric experiential approach, in addition to case studies of analytics consulting and business problem solving using descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics. When possible, class projects will be client-driven using community partners. Students work in teams using analytics to answer the client’s current and important business questions using data. The students will approach these as business analytics consultants by using effective project management to gathering requirements, using continuous client engagement to deepen understanding of the problem, suggesting ways in which to explore the question and its possible solutions through data, running different data models to approach the solution, working with clients to come up with effective analytics strategies, making business presentations based on findings, incorporating the inevitable changes that come with real world projects, and recommending strategic solutions based on their findings. Previously IS 0520.

Credits – 3

This course provides an introduction and foundation for critical issues related to homeland security and emergency management. Managers in public safety agencies deal with several challenges arising from environmental and natural disasters to man-made disasters. Managers in such institutions are responsible for the development and administration of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery programs that arise with disasters. Public managers also need to consider the issues related to social, economic, and political vulnerabilities, community resilience, and ethical responses to risk managements. The course addresses these issues within the context of disaster and emergency management, homeland security, criminal justice, and fire/emergency management.

Credits – 3

This course provides an introduction to policy, planning, and management of the response to disasters and emergencies, both natural and man-made. It explores the full spectrum of emergency planning: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery; profiles infrastructure preparedness, techniques used to develop strategic plans, on-site crisis management; and addresses the critical need for accessible and accurate information and communication.

Credits – 3

With the rise of analytics for cutting-edge business innovation, the industry needs business leaders who can solve an organization’s most important problems by asking and answering questions using data. These business consultants need to bridge both the data analytics and business fields. This class tries to provide a “real world” consulting experience through a project-centric experiential approach, in addition to case studies of analytics consulting and business problem solving using descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics. When possible, class projects will be client-driven using community partners. Students work in teams using analytics to answer the client’s current and important business questions using data. The students will approach these as business analytics consultants by using effective project management to gathering requirements, using continuous client engagement to deepen understanding of the problem, suggesting ways in which to explore the question and its possible solutions through data, running different data models to approach the solution, working with clients to come up with effective analytics strategies, making business presentations based on findings, incorporating the inevitable changes that come with real world projects, and recommending strategic solutions based on their findings. Previously IS 0520.

Credits – 3

This course will examine both the role that nonprofits play in the U.S. economy and how charitable organizations are managed and financed, including the interplay between the government and the Third Sector. Particular attention will be paid to distinctions between successful (impactful) nonprofits and those that are less effective in pursuing societal needs. New forms of philanthropic organizations will be examined, including benefit corporations and social marketing enterprises. In addition, new ethical practices, including impact investing, will be surveyed. Case studies will be utilized to illuminate the economic circumstances that can impact Individual nonprofits. Previously MPA 0430.

Credits – 6

Credits – 3

This course will examine both the role that nonprofits play in the U.S. economy and how charitable organizations are managed and financed, including the interplay between the government and the Third Sector. Particular attention will be paid to distinctions between successful (impactful) nonprofits and those that are less effective in pursuing societal needs. New forms of philanthropic organizations will be examined, including benefit corporations and social marketing enterprises. In addition, new ethical practices, including impact investing, will be surveyed. Case studies will be utilized to illuminate the economic circumstances that can impact Individual nonprofits. Previously MPA 0430.

Credits – 3

This course will prepare participants to write effective proposals and reports. It will also provide information on planning special fundraising events, requesting funds from donors and seeking funds from corporations and foundations. Students will learn to define and write problem statements, objectives, plans of action, assessment documents, budgets and project summaries. In addition, students will sharpen their teamwork, editing, writing, audience awareness, and design skills as they engage in collaborative projects with a nonprofit organization or government agency. Previously MPA 0425.

Credits – 3

This examines the political processes and institutions of U.S., state, and local governments. By the end of the course, students will be able to discuss the state/federal/local relationships within the context of the American Constitution and political process, examine the various governmental structures and functions of state and local governments and how these structures impact the political process, demonstrate an understanding of the role states and localities play in the elections and the political process, understand the institutions of state and local governments including how they vary, and the various policy issues before the states and local governments. Previously MPA 0450.

Credits – 3

This course examines how decisions shape the ways in which people live in cities. Over the past century and a half, cities have become the center of social, economic, political, and cultural activity. With a focus on urban policy from post-WWII to present, students will examine at theories and solutions to urban problems, such as housing, economic revitalization, transportation, socio-spatial segregation, health and welfare, sustainability, while paying particular attention to the roles and responsibilities of levels of government, how politics can influence policy, and the relationship between government, non-profit, and private sectors. Previously MPA 0451.

Credits – 3

This course provides an introduction and foundation for critical issues related to homeland security and emergency management. Managers in public safety agencies deal with several challenges arising from environmental and natural disasters to man-made disasters. Managers in such institutions are responsible for the development and administration of mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery programs that arise with disasters. Public managers also need to consider the issues related to social, economic, and political vulnerabilities, community resilience, and ethical responses to risk managements. The course addresses these issues within the context of disaster and emergency management, homeland security, criminal justice, and fire/emergency management.

Credits – 3

This course provides an introduction to policy, planning, and management of the response to disasters and emergencies, both natural and man-made. It explores the full spectrum of emergency planning: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery; profiles infrastructure preparedness, techniques used to develop strategic plans, on-site crisis management; and addresses the critical need for accessible and accurate information and communication.

Credits – 3

This course provides an overview of the evolving structure of the US healthcare delivery system. Since the US healthcare system has been periodically changed in diverse aspects over the decades, its dynamic mechanism should be understood. Particularly the healthcare system encompasses organizations, management, finance, policy, and technology. This course introduces students to the complexity of healthcare, challenges of leadership, the key stakeholders, and the current state of healthcare in the US. As the introductory course for the MHA program, this hybrid course will allow student to acclimate to the program through multiple learning modalities and activities. Collaboration and team building, critical success factors in healthcare, will be a focus of the on-site portion of the course. The cohort will be introduced to many key aspects of healthcare administration as well as acclimating to the rich learning environment of Fairfield University.

Credits – 3

This course reviews and explores, through simulation and experiential learning, negotiation as a communication process in and among organizations. It focuses on core concepts and approaches to negotiation, and exercises the negotiative process in a contemporary context. In this course, which is open to majors and minors in communication and other disciplines related to the study of humans and their organizations in the work world, participants carry out individual and team work, and contribute on time and proportionately to team preparations and class simulations. Undergraduate equivalent: COMM 4321. Previously CO 0497M.

Credits – 3

Conflict is a natural part of human life that has a variety of potential consequences. Although conflict can be disruptive and destructive, it can also be constructive and lead to improved adjustment and better decisions. The course is designed to offer you opportunities to enhance and improve your techniques and skills in managing conflict and moving them in a productive direction. The course examines the dynamics of human conflict across a variety of settings from personal relationships to the workplace, with special attention to the communication processes that escalate, manage, and mediate conflict. Undergraduate equivalent: COMM 3340. Previously CO 0497O.

Credits – 3

This course will explore the dialectical tensions between the need for safe and effective products/services and the expectations for corporations to generate profits and dividends for their stakeholders. This course will use an applied ethics lens to examine the organizational, marketing, advertising, and corporate communication to clients, consumers, vendors, and investors.The content and ethical implications of marketing communication (from a variety of organizational perspectives: healthcare, economics, cultural, etc.) on expected and unintended outcomes will also be discussed and analyzed. Undergraduate equivalent: COMM 4343. Previously CO 0497K.

Credits – 3

This course explores the organizational communication of modern U.S. healthcare organizations, including: managed care, insurers, healthcare systems, and Medicare/Medicaid. The primary purposes of this course are to provide an understanding of how communication within, and from healthcare corporations impacts the organization, its employees, the health of its customers and U.S. healthcare delivery. This course will evaluate and explore the multidimensional processes involved in healthcare organizations and how communication is critical to their success or failure and to the health and well-being of their customers. Undergraduate equivalent: COMM 3347. Previously CO 0497W.

Credits – 3

This course examines the communication theories and research that underlie the study of risky behaviors and the development of effective responses to perceived risks. This course provides an understanding of how communication impacts our assessment of risk, critical thinking and policy making about risk prevention and response, and the creation of preventive programs and campaigns. Students will evaluate and explore the multidimensional processes involved in researching and responding to sustained risks or emergency situations, utilize communication theory to develop appropriate campaigns, and assess their success or failure. Topics may focus on health and environmental risks, security, or disaster response. Undergraduate equivalent: COMM 3348. Previously CO 0497R.

Credits – 3

This is a one-week, predominantly face-to-face course that includes online interactions. This course examines the theories and research that underlie the study of health risk communication and behaviors. The primary purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of how communication impacts our assessment of health risk behaviors, critical thinking, the creation of preventive programs, and outcomes. This course will evaluate and explore the multidimensional processes involved in researching the communication of risky behaviors and how organizations can utilize health communication theory to develop appropriate campaigns and assess their success or failure. Previously CO 0448.

Credits – 3

This course is a study of the communication dimensions and dynamics of small groups, teams, and networks of organizational actors. Coursework and projects focus on interpersonal processes and structures for tasking and relating effectively in organizational settings. The special characteristics of virtual team and technology-enhanced decision-making work are investigated. Previously CO 0502.

Credits – 3

This course explores a selection of conflict situations with particular emphasis on organizational and community settings. Theoretical exploration focuses on the nature of conflict, and negotiation and dialogue as communication processes. The course privileges win-win and dialogic approaches and provides experiential learning in simulations in which teams of students negotiate detailed and practicable outcomes for resolving contemporary organizational and societal problems. Previously CO 0524.

Credits – 3

This course focuses on public relations, advertising and marketing strategies for nonprofit and public service organizations. The course begins with a broad overview of media industries and the changing landscape of media technologies and then considers how nonprofit and other public service organizations can best leverage resources to effectively communicate with intended audiences. Both theoretical and practical, this course provides graduate students with historical understandings of how media industries are organized and how not for profit organizations interface with profit-driven media businesses. Special attention is paid to how social media platforms and other digital technologies impact communication strategies. Previously CO 0532.

Credits – 3

This course examines the processes and complexities of modern healthcare organizations (hospitals, nursing homes, insurers, associations, pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, non-profits, marketing, advertising, and PR firms, provider education institutions, etc.). The primary purpose of this course is to provide an understanding of how communication within, to, and from healthcare organizations impacts the company, its employees, stakeholders, customers, federal and local governments, and U.S. healthcare delivery. This course will evaluate and explore the multidimensional processes utilized by healthcare organizations and how communication is critical to their successes or failures and to the health and well being of their customers. Previously CO 0547.