MPA Student Handbook. Upper Iowa University

MPA Student Handbook Upper Iowa University 2014-2015

Table of Contents Program Mission, Values, Goals, and Competencies.. 2-4 MPA Faculty... 5 About the MPA program... 5 Foundation Requirements. 6 Core Requirements. 6-7 Course Loads.. 7 Emphasis Areas.. 7-8 General Studies.. 9 Academic Status 9-10 PA590 10-13 Advising, Assessment, Registration, and Technology 14 Internships. 14-15 Graduation. 15 Facebook, Webpage, Career Services. 16 Student Responsibilities 15 Degree Plans...... 17-21 1

What is an MPA degree? A Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree is considered a professional degree for those pursuing management related careers in government, nonprofit organizations, and even in the for profit sector. At Upper Iowa University the MPA program is intended to develop the leadership and administrative skills necessary for public administrators who wish to pursue a managerial career path within government and nonprofit organizations. Our curriculum is intended to provide these professionals with course specific knowledge that promotes analytical and critical thinking skills in the following emphasis areas: justice and homeland security, health and human services, public personnel management, government administration, nonprofit organizations, and general studies. Within the emphasis areas students are able to tailor a course of study that meets their unique career goals. We believe this approach allows the program to equip MPA students with the knowledge and skills necessary to uphold the public interest while encouraging the University s desire to promote global citizens who are lifelong Students. Why Public Administration? Government at every level faces growing demands and shrinking resources. In these austere times public administrators must have the analytical, critical thinking, and leadership skills necessary to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government and nonprofit organizations. Public administration is more than efficiency and effectiveness. It demands leaders who strive to promote equity and uphold core constitutional values so the public good can be enhanced. UIU MPA Vision Upper Iowa University will be recognized and respected as an exceptional and ascending institution of higher learning, developing global citizens who become lifelong Students prepared for leadership within society. UIU MPA Program Mission The UIU MPA program provides an opportunity for a diverse population of adult Students to develop the administrative, analytical, leadership, and managerial skills needed to promote the public good and strengthen core democratic values through service in government and non-profit organizations. UIU MPA Program Goals and Outcomes Goal 1: Develop in our students the ability to form critical judgments that support democratic values. Program Outcomes 1. Use democratic values to inform critical thinking. 2. Core competency: To analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions 2

Goal 2: Prepare our students to assume effective leadership and managerial positions in government and nonprofit organizations. Program Outcomes 1. Core Competency: To lead and manage in public governance 2. Core Competency: To communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry Goal 3: Create a community of students committed to serving the public interest. Program Outcomes 1. Core Competency: To participate in and contribute to the public policy process 2. Core Competency: To articulate and apply a public service perspective UIU MPA Core Competencies 1. To lead 1 and manage in public governance: 2. To participate in and contribute to the public policy process 3. To analyze, synthesize, think critically 2, solve problems and make decisions 4. To articulate and apply a public service perspective 3 5. To communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citizenry UIU MPA Program Values 1. Diversity: Projections by the U.S. Census suggests that the United States population is creating a more diverse country not only in terms of race and ethnicity but also by age, religious beliefs, and gender, all of which provide unique challenges to public administrators. Being dedicated to this goal obligates public administrators to respect the humanity of all people. Valuing diversity allows our students to take positions that take diversity into account to more effectively lead and administer public programs. 2. Democracy: a. Inclusive, Effective, and Constructive Participation: Public administrators should strive to make public programs open and responsive to all stakeholders by promoting meaningful participation in the political process by which we identify the public interest and in the development and implementation of public policies and programs to promote the public interest. We should reduce disparities in that participation produced by educational, economic, and other political inequalities. 1 The deliberate and active effort to preserve the integrity of the institution while remaining responsive to citizens, elected officials, and members of the organization to meet predetermined goals that reflect democratic and constitutional provisions. (Terry, Larry D. 1995. Leadership of Public Bureaucracies: The Administrator as Conservator. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.) 2 We use the 1987 definition of critical thinking developed by the National Council for Excellence in Critical Thinking: Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action. (Address: http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/defining-critical-thinking/766) 3 What is in the public interest is the end result of the processes used by public administrators, committed to democratic and ethical values, to reconcile competing and often conflicting private and community interests. Public administrators uphold the public interest when they strive to find the optimal balance between administrative efficiency, the political efficacy of citizens (understood in the civic republican tradition), private rights, and social justice. The process of finding the public interest is in a continual state of recalibration forcing public administrators to reconcile short-term demands with long term sustainability (Lewis 2006). Lewis, Carol. (2006). In Pursuit of the Public Interest. Public Administration Review. 66(5):694-701. 3

b. Enlightened Understanding: Public administrators should promote stakeholders' understanding of political processes, public policies, and public programs by providing transparent, clear, accurate, and relevant information. 3. Due Process: The UIU MPA program defines due process to include all processes that provide important checks (procedural and substantive) on the authority of elected officials and of unelected public administrators. It, just as with democracy and diversity, is a concept that is part of the MPA curriculum and an element in the administrative processes that govern MPA program policies and practices. Our commitment is to use the program s core values to not only inform our curriculum, but also to guide our governance processes and interactions with one another. The following articles provide an introduction to our programs values Due Process: Newbold, S. (2010). Toward a Constitutional School for American Public Administration, Public Administration Review, 70(4), 538-546. Sandefur, T. (2011). In Defense of Substantive Due Process, or, The Promise of Lawful Rule, Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy, 35(1), 283 350. Due Process. (2014). Retrieved May 22, 2014, from http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/due_process. Democracy: Dahl, R. (1998). On Democracy. New haven: Yale University Press. Petracca, M. 1991. The Rational Choice to Politics: A Challenge to Democratic Theory, The Review of Politics, 53(2), 289-319. Wright, Erik Olin and Joel Rogers. (2010). Chapter 16: Democracy: How It Works. American Society: How it Really Works. New York: W.W Norton. Diversity: Wise, R.W. and Tschirhart. (2000). Examining empirical evidence on diversity effects: How useful is diversity research for publicsector managers? Public Administration Review. 60(5), 386-394. Foldy, E.G. (2004). Learning from Diversity: A Theoretical Exploration, Public Administration Review, 64(5): 529-538. Background: Frederickson, H. George. (1990). Public Administration and Social Equity, Public Administration Review, 50(2), 228-237 Lewis, Carol W. (2006). In Pursuit of the Public Interest, Public Administration Review, 66(5): 694-701. Tiebout, C. 1956. A Pure Theory of Local Expenditures, Journal of Political Economy, 64, 416-424. Wilson, Woodrow. 1887. The Study of Administration, Political Science Quarterly, 2(2): 197-222. 4

UIU MPA Faculty Name Primary Area Email Block, Prof. Jim Justice and Homeland Security blockj@faculty.uiu.edu Bryan, Dr. Lisa Core Curriculum bryal@faculty.uiu.edu Bryant, Dr. Marisa Core Curriculum bryantm@faculty.uiu.edu Chanley, Dr. Sharon Nonprofit Organizations chanleys@faculty.uiu.edu Chanley, Dr. Jesse Core Curriculum chanleyj@faculty.uiu.edu Cline, Mary Core Curriculum clinem@faculty.uiu.edu Erakovich, Dr. Rod Core Curriculum erakovichr@faculty.uiu.edu Kadrie, Dr. Alex Health and Human Services kadriem@faculty.uiu.edu Grummel, Dr. John Government Administration grummelj@uiu.edu Hunt, Dr. Tim Public Personnel Management hunt@faculty.uiu.edu Mosser, Dr. Marian Justice and Homeland Security mosserm@faculty.uiu.edu Peerbolte, Dr. Stacy Justice and Homeland Security peerboltes@faculty.uiu.edu Poppe, Dr. Jerry Program Chair poppeg@uiu.edu UIU MPA Program The Upper Iowa University Master of Public Administration degree requires 36 semester credits of graduate level course work. Students completing the 15 credit core MPA requirements will have a broad overview of the discipline with an understanding of organizations, ethics, policy, and research methods. Our 18 credit emphasis areas provide more in-depth knowledge in the areas of health and human services, public personnel management, nonprofit organizations, emergency management and homeland security, and government administration. A general study option is available after consulting with the program chair. Students have the latitude to choose 6 credits as electives. All Students will complete a 3 credit capstone course at the end of the program. UIU MPA Foundation Requirements Because the MPA is a multi-disciplinary degree drawing from a variety of fields including business, economics, and political science, basic knowledge and exposure to these disciplines is helpful in preparing Students to pursue their graduate studies. Students without knowledge and achievement in one or more of these areas will be required to complete all foundational requirements before taking more than six semester credits of graduate level courses. Students who have not met the foundational requirements will not be allowed to enroll in additional graduate level courses beyond six semester credits until the foundational requirements have been satisfied. The foundational requirements are listed in Table 1. Students can fulfill the foundational requirements through appropriate course work, directly relevant and significant work experience, completion of applicable standardized tests, or some combination of the three. 5

Table 1: Methods for Fulfilling Foundation Requirements I. Undergraduate coursework in the following fields: 1. Political Science: Any course that addresses fundamental constitutional principles, institutions, and public policies of American government. Public administration courses that deal with the policy process (problem structuring, recommendation, forecasting, monitoring, evaluation), administration and administrative law will fulfill the requirement. 2. Finance: Courses used to waive the finance foundational requirement should discuss the interpretation of financial statements utilizing appropriate financial ratios, the budget process, rate of return and cash flow, and how the time value of money affects financial decision making. Any accounting course at the principles level or above, any business finance course (except personal financial management), any public finance course or any public budgeting course. 3. Economics: Courses used to meet the foundational requirement will address supply and demand analysis, market structures, and profit maximizing behavior. This would include microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international economics. Introductory economics courses that emphasize how economists think about current issues will not count. 4. Management: Any management course that addresses the four functions of management including planning, organizing, controlling, and leading. 5. Statistics: An elementary statistics or quantitative research methods course. Topics that should be covered include descriptive statistics, collection and analysis of data, probability distributions, confidence intervals and hypothesis testing, linear regression and correlation. II. Documented practical experience in the above fields: 1. Practical experience can be occupation specific or volunteer related as long as it addresses the material covered in the foundational requirements as listed above. (a) Occupation specific experience This is paid work related experience based on specific job positions within a business, nonprofit, or government entity. (b) Volunteer related experience This involves volunteer activity provided to charitable groups, social welfare organizations, labor organizations, trade groups, agriculture societies, social clubs, fraternal societies, veterans groups, political organizations, or employee benefit organizations. 2. Required documentation includes: (a) Identify the key course objectives: Consult a UIU syllabus and text to guide your analysis. Use the chapter topics or learning outcomes to structure your answer. (b) Application of experience to objectives: In a chronological order, explain where, why, and what experiences were involved and how the learning relates to your degree plan. This will include a thorough explanation using appropriate terminology of how theories and concepts directly apply to the professional experience. (c) Acceptable documentation would include a job description with a letter of reference that links job responsibilities to the course content or a resume with two letters of reference from the direct supervisor addressing how performed job responsibilities meet the course content in the foundational requirements. Other forms of documentation from an independent source would be acceptable if it clearly explained how the practical experience met the course content of the foundational requirements. III. Successful completion of GRE/GMAT, CLEP testing 1. GRE/GMAT score: 1090 for GRE, 308 for GRE revised General Test, and 550 for GMAT 2. CLEP score: 50 or above UIU MPA Core Requirements Students completing the 15 credit core MPA requirements (Table 2) will have a broad overview of the discipline with an understanding of organizations, ethics, policy, and research methods. These courses are the foundation on which the emphasis areas are built. The first three graduate courses you take in the MPA program will be PA501 Democracy, Public Administration, and Public Policy, PA502 Introduction to Program Evaluation, and PA503 Program Evaluation Implementation and Evaluation. The last course you take in your program will be PA 590 Research Seminar. PA 590 is only offered in terms 2, 4, and 6. 6

After completing PA 501, PA502, and PA503, a student may take courses (with the exception of PA590) in any sequence. Core courses are offered multiple times throughout the academic year. Most emphasis area courses are offered annually. The course schedule can be found at www.uiu.edu/currentmpastudentsor http://www.uiu.edu/distance/online/courseschedule.html. Table 2: Core Curriculum Credits PA501 Democracy, Public Administration, and Public Policy 3 PA502 Introduction to Program Evaluation 3 PA503 Program Evaluation Implementation and Evaluation 3 PA 504 Political Economy of Regulatory Policy for Public Administrators 3 PA 513 Government Budgeting Systems 3 Total Core Courses 15 UIU MPA Additional Coursework A student is allowed to specialize in one emphasis area only. It is the general policy of UIU not to allow students to take courses that are not part of their degree plan. If additional courses are desired, a letter of request must be submitted to the program chair with information supporting the reason for the additional courses, including but not limited to transfer of courses for an additional degree or required for employment or certification. The program chair will review the request and, following discussion with the student, approve or deny the request. Financial aid for degree-required courses may not be eligible for additional funds to pay for extra courses. It is the student s responsibility to understand the financing implications created by taking extra courses. UIU MPA Course Load One three credit course per term is considered full time in the graduate program. Students are expected to spend between 17-20 hours per week on course related activities. Students may, with the consent of the program chair, take two courses per term. As a general rule, the program chair will not approve requests to take additional courses in a term if the student has a cumulative GPA lower than a 3.5 or, when taking two courses in a term, the student earns a grade of B- or lower in one of those courses. UIU MPA Emphasis Areas and Electives The emergency management and homeland security, public management, nonprofit management, and government administration emphasis areas (Table 3) require a student to select four courses (12 credits) from a prescribed list. The student then has two electives (six credits) they can select from remaining courses in the MPA or from any other graduate program offered by UIU. Our health and human services emphasis has two required courses. Students then select at least two from the prescribed list with the remainder coming from remaining courses in the MPA or from any other graduate program offered by UIU. 7

Courses in the general studies emphasis area have to be approved by the program chair. Students may transfer in graduate credits from an accredited program as well. The MPA chair must approve all electives outside the emphasis area. Transfer credits will require an official transcript and perhaps a syllabus or course description. Please check with the program chair to see what documentation will be required to transfer in a course. Table 3: Courses by Emphasis Area (Excluding General Studies) PA508 PA522 PA535 PA525 PA523 PA524 PA526 PA543 PA555 PA530 PA531 PA534 PA536 PA537 PA538 PA539 PA505 PA 509 PA532 PA544 PA545 PA548 PA515 PA541 PA546 PA547 PA567 PA568 PA507 PA562 PA563 PA564 PA565 PA566 Emergency Management and Homeland Security (select four from listed courses) Terrorism and Politics Psychology and Culture of Terrorism Counter-Terrorism Comparative Strategies in National Security Emergency Management, Homeland Security, and Public Policy Leadership Issues with Critical Incidents Emergency Management: Mitigation, Recovery, and Continuity Emergency Management: Planning and Response Critical Infrastructure: Vulnerability Analysis/Protection Electives (select two from any graduate program) Health and Human Services (select at least two from the non-required listed courses) Public Policy and Healthcare Health Care Systems Healthcare Economics Legal Environment of the Helping Professions Healthcare Quality Assessment and Improvement (required) Healthcare Financial Management Healthcare Informatics Technology Management (required) Electives (select two from any graduate program) Public Management (select four from listed courses) Organizational Behavior Theories of Leadership Public Sector Personnel Administration Productivity Improvement in Government Labor Relations and Conflict Resolution in the Public Sector Advanced Issues in Public Management Electives (select two from any graduate program) Nonprofit Organizations (select four from listed courses) Grant Writing and Contract Management Nonprofit Philanthropy and Fundraising Nonprofit Marketing and Public Affairs Advocacy Volunteer Recruitment and Management Board Governance and Strategic Management Government and Nonprofit Financial Management Electives (select two from any graduate program) Government Administration (select four from listed courses) Ethics of Public Administration Seminar in Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations Administrative Law Seminar in State and Local Government Management Advanced Policy Analysis and Evaluation Economic Development: Theory and Practice Electives (select two from any graduate program) 8

UIU MPA General Study Emphasis Area Our General Study emphasis area is intended for students who need a customized course of study to achieve their career goals. The program chair will work with the student to finalize the course of study. It is the responsibility of the student to provide sufficient justification for pursuing a General Study emphasis. The justification needs to include a thorough explanation of career goals and why earning the MPA degree is desired. An explanation for why each course is included in the degree plan needs to be provided. The explanation should clearly link the course to the career goals. Once the final courses have been determined, the program chair will create a new degree plan, a copy of which will be forwarded to the registrar s office for processing. The degree plan and final copy of the form outlining the course of study will be kept in the student s file. A request to declare a General Studies emphasis area should include the following: 1. Cover Page A. Contact information B. Indicate this is a declaration to take the General Study emphasis C. Date 2. Rationale for Pursuing a General Study Emphasis Area: Explain the unifying theme for the proposed course of study. Be sure to identify specific reasons to support your rationale. (1-2 pages single spaced) 3. Proposed Course of Study: Please provide the course name and number. Also, provide a short explanation for why the course is being included in the program of study. (1-2 pages single spaced) The opportunity to change courses once the course of study has been finalized will be limited. Course changes will generally not be allowed due to scheduling conflicts. Please review the course rotation on the MPA webpage to make sure there are no scheduling conflicts. The Program Chair is not responsible for making sure schedule conflicts are avoided. Any change to the degree plan must be accompanied by a new rationale and a new proposed course of study. The petition to make a change is submitted to the MPA Program Chair who will either approve or deny the request. UIU MPA Academic Status Earning a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is a requirement for earning the UIU MPA. Students who do not meet the 3.0 threshold may have to take additional courses, or retake courses, to increase their cumulative GPA. The Registrar determines the official cumulative GPA. The grade scale in the MPA program is different from what you may have experienced in your undergraduate program. As an undergraduate, grades of C (+/-) were average and grades of D (+/-) were below average. That is not the case in graduate education as any grade lower than a B- is considered unacceptable. There are no grades of D+, D, or D- in the UIU graduate program. In other words, earning a grade of B- or lower is an indication of academic performance that does not meet UIU expectations. 9

An academic hold will be placed on the account of any student who earns a grade lower than a B-. Academic holds can be removed by the program chair. If a student earns three grades of C+, C, or C- (any combination) the student will be suspended from the program. Students earning a grade of C+, C, or C- and a grade of F will be suspended from the program. Once suspended, the student must petition be allowed to resume taking courses. All requests of this type should be sent to the program chair. If you need guidance on drafting your petition contact the program chair. Academic status is reviewed by an Academic Review Committee (ARC). The ARC will determine when a student is placed on academic warning or academic suspension. Students placed on academic suspension will need to petition to be reinstated into the MPA program. The petition includes the submission of an Academic Improvement Plan (AIP). The AIP template can be obtained on the Financial Aid webpage (http://www.uiu.edu/admissions/financialaid/satisfactory-academic-progress.html) or from the program chair. Students creating an AIP should consult with the program chair. Note: A suspension from the program means any subsequent grade lower than a B- may result in permanent suspension from the program. Consult with the program chair to determine how to best avoid being suspended. UIU MPA PA 590 Program Evaluation/Performance Audit Application In PA590 you will complete a comprehensive public administration program evaluation/performance audit, which will afford you the opportunity to apply theory to practice. In that paper, you should exhibit a level of analysis, critical thinking, and professional presentation appropriate to graduate level work. The report you produce is intended to be an integrative document that will demonstrate you have fulfilled the UIU MPA program objectives and mastered the skills and knowledge of your emphasis area. Finally, your PA590 project is vitally important to the faculty and the program. It is not only a reflection of the quality of the program, but also will allow us to assess the effectiveness of the MPA program in achieving its stated mission and objectives. A public program represents the activities an organization takes to achieve a desired outcome. The activities are deliberate in that they are planned, organized, and controlled by management. All programs share similar characteristics including resources, purpose, and identity. Resources dedicated to a program include staffing, funding, and organizational support (i.e. technology, office space, etc) necessary to achieve the intended purpose. An organizational commitment of resources gives the program a certain degree of stability over time. The purpose of the program defines what it is to accomplish and the outer boundaries of its activities. What the program intends to accomplish should be quantifiable. Finally, a program s identity connects the program to the consciousness of key organizational stakeholders and constituencies. The program is known for what it does or stands for. For example, the American Red Cross is known for programs related to providing disaster relief. How do we know if the program is actually accomplishing its purpose? The program evaluation and performance audit are two basic methods for determining the worth of a public program. Program evaluations generally employ the scientific method in a systematic analysis of the program including implementation and outcomes. A performance audit tends to focus on compliance with legal or other procedural requirements. 10

The practical difference between a performance audit and program evaluation is quite small. In PA590 we want you to focus on whether the organization has established program related processes and procedures that are relevant and being followed. To do this you will be using elements from both the performance audit and program evaluation traditions. The evaluation of processes and procedures is really an analysis of the organization s management control function. This traditionally has been the domain of performance auditing. However, we are going to ask you to create valid and reliable standards that can be used to evaluate the management control function. This is very much in the program evaluation tradition. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you are going to be evaluating the effectiveness of management s administration of the program. Your program evaluation will follow this basic pattern: program competency, course objective, literature review, standard, data, and recommendation. The program competencies can be found on pages 2-3 of this handbook. For a more thorough explanation of the program competencies, access the Summary of Mission, Values, and Goals document on our MPA webpage (www.uiu.edu/currentmpastudents). A list of course learning objectives can be found on the same webpage. Here is a very brief example of what you will be asked to do in 590. Assume that you are assessing a program designed to increase citizen involvement in local governance. The program allows citizens to create advisory boards that advise the city council on local policy issues. The competency you are using to assess this program is To participate in and contribute to the public policy process. The learning objective is from PA510: Evaluate public administration using legal, managerial, historical, and political perspectives. How do you use the incredibly vague learning objective and program competency to evaluate the program? A literature review will be used to operationalize the course objective based on the academic literature. In other words, a reliable and valid standard of measurement based on the academic research will be created. The student will use the political perspective which means the student is interested in citizen representation and government responsiveness. Based on the literature review, the student learns that citizen involvement is based frequent communication between government officials and citizens, keeping citizens informed of relevant information, and open and transparent decision making processes. Armed with this information, the student creates a standard: Citizens who submit a written comment will be given a written explanation, with reasonable particularity, from the appropriate city official within 48 hours of submission. This standard is based on the literature that requires communication (48 hour response time), relevant information (a response with reasonable particularity), and transparency (all submission will receive a response from the appropriate city official). The evaluator, using this standard, can now objectively measure whether local officials are doing this as they administer their specific program. Notice how the course objective political perspective of public administration-directly relates to the public policy competency. In the public policy process, the policy formulation state requires publics managers collect policy relevant information from the appropriate stakeholders. The creation of the standard demonstrates the student understands not only the learning objective, but also has mastered the program competency. In preparation of the PA590 project or program evaluation we are asking you to submit a proposal to the MPA program chair. The application instructions and a description of PA590 can be found under the 11

Public Policy Description Program Description Organizational Description current student tab on our webpage (www.uiu.edu/currentmpastudents). The rubric that will be used to evaluate your 590 application can be found in Table 4. The application will follow APA guidelines. Table 4: Rubric for 590 Application Application for Enrollment in PA590 Review Category Criteria Comments Introduction Clearly states name of organization, program, and public policy that student will use in PA590 for program evaluation. Organization selected fits with student s emphasis area Student s relationship with the selected organization, if any, is detailed Types and sources of data for evaluation described Discussion of organization includes the following: History, services, structure and size, budget and funding sources, and other relevant topics. Content Program description includes the following information: services provided, the major stakeholders, the types of outcomes sought, and how it fits into the overall organizational structure. Public policy selected is an existing law, administrative rule, or court decision and the description includes citation reference to primary document. Public policy description includes information about the following: the public problem being addressed by the policy, the history of the policy area, the issues that were addressed in the debate on the policy, the stakeholders involved, and any other interesting information important in understanding the final outcome of the policy. Organization Paper submitted and organized as outlined in instructions Grammar/Spelling: Minimal errors in grammar and spelling Mechanics Sentence/Paragraph Structure: Sentence construction promoted clear understanding; paragraphs appropriately constructed; transitions apparent between sentences, paragraphs, and sections, as appropriate Section Headings and sub-headings: headings as detailed in instructions; subheadings used as appropriate; APA formatted APA formatting of in-text citations and references 12

PA 590 Research Seminar is the final course you will take in the MPA program. That does not mean you cannot start planning for it as you prepare to take your very first graduate course (Table 5). What public programs does your agency administer? What processes and procedures does your agency follow as it administers the program? Are the processes and procedures adequate, current, and enforced? As you go through your coursework, try to make linkages between the theories you are studying and the program your agency is administering. Spend some time considering how the ideas, concepts, and theories apply to your job and to your agency. Making the connections between what you are studying and what you do at your agency will help prepare you for your 590 experience. What do you do if you are not employed or are not currently employed in the public sector? Your approach to 590 remains essentially unchanged. You will need to identify a program and an agency to evaluate. You might consider selecting an agency that you are familiar with. For example, you might evaluate the school district where you send your child or evaluate the organization where you do volunteer work. The key is to find an agency that can give you access to how it administers a public program. An approved application is required to register for PA590. Submit the 590 application to the program sooner rather than later. I recommend submitting the 590 application at least one term prior to the term you wish to register for 590. It is not uncommon to have to make revisions to the initial application. The average student resubmits the application between 3-5 times before it is finally approved. Please allow adequate time to make the necessary application revisions. Table 5: Preparing for PA590 1. Save all textbooks, articles, notes, and other course related material from each course you take. You might be able to use these materials to develop the operational definitions of your course objectives. 2. Review the course objectives in each course. Identify and note where in the course the objectives are being discussed. Pay particular attention to the academic sources and materials that are associated with each objective. 3. Try to audit/evaluate a program that is being administered by your agency/organization. The audit/evaluation process requires access to valid and reliable data. It is generally easier to access data from within your own agency/organization. 4. Audit/evaluate a program that is directly associated with your emphasis area. The course objectives have to be converted to meaningful standards if you are to be successful in PA590. 5. Start early! This is a time consuming project (application and actual evaluation). You need to have an approved application before you register for PA590. 6. Ask lots of questions. If you do not understand something ask early and ask often. Be sure to structure your question so that you get to the core issue that is the source of the confusion. 13

UIU MPA Assessment Our long term goal is to earn program accreditation from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). Earning accreditation requires a commitment to continuous improvement, fidelity to the program s mission, and the integration of public values into the curriculum. Accredited programs must demonstrate student mastery of learning objectives in five key public service domains identified in page 3. We have posted the rubrics used to assess the domains and the assessment results on our MPA webpage. UIU MPA Advising The initial advising for the MPA program is handled by admissions advisor Coleen Sassmann (sassmannc@uiu.edu). Coleen will work with you during the admissions process including developing your initial degree plan and registering for your first course. Once you have been admitted and registered, the MPA program chair assumes responsibility for all advising duties. The UIU MPA degree plans are transparent and simple. It is a good idea to consult with the program chair on a regular basis to discuss your progress and direction. Be sure to keep current on the course rotation to avoid unnecessary scheduling conflicts as you move through your program. It is your responsibility to take the appropriate courses when offered and register in a timely manner. It is neither the duty nor the responsibility of the program chair to register you for classes. If you wish to change a degree plan, have questions about the courses being offered, or have other comments or concerns feel free to contact the program chair at poppeg@uiu.edu. UIU MPA Course Registration MPA students are responsible for planning the sequence in which they will take their courses and for registering online through myuiu. Often times the reason for not being able to register is an outstanding balance owed the university (AR hold or Accounts Receivable hold). Contact Danielle Rawson (563.425.5350) to get this resolved. Contact the program chair at poppeg@uiu.edu for other registration related questions. UIU MPA Technology If you need help with technology related issues including the recovery of login and password information, contact: http://uiu.edu/resources/it/helpcenter/student.html UIU MPA Internships Internships are not required as part of the program. The primary goal of the internship is to provide the student with directly applicable and substantively meaningful work experience in the field of public administration. Students who wish to pursue an internship will need to identify the internship and 14

consult with the program chair prior to beginning the internship. Documentation needed to apply for the internship is available through the program chair. MPA internships are evaluated using the program s five core competencies. It is the responsibility of the student to demonstrate how the five core competencies will be met in the internship experience. Failure to meaningfully integrate the five core competencies into the internship experience may result in a failing grade. UIU MPA Graduation As a candidate for graduation, regardless of whether you plan to participate in the commencement ceremony, you must file an application for graduation (http://www.uiu.edu/academics/registrar/index.html#graduation). Processing of academic transcripts and diplomas are prioritized by the date the applications are received by your program office. Applications received after the deadline will be honored at the next graduation date. There is an application fee of $65 (even if you choose not to attend commencement). Deadlines for submitting applications for graduation are as follows: Graduation Month October December March May July August Application Due May/June July/August September/October November/December January/February March/April UIU MPA Graduation Checklist Completed Item Date Required Complete admissions requirements as stated in acceptance letter and outlined on degree plan (PPAT, foundational coursework) Student Orientation: before taking first course Foundational courses: before taking six credits of graduate work Complete PA501, PA502, and PA503 Before taking any other graduate courses Complete core and emphasis area courses Submit PA 590 Project or Program Proposal for approval One term before registering for PA590 Register for PA590 Last term Submit graduation application and fee During the last term or in time to meet graduation deadline You have five years to complete the course of study. Failing to complete in five years means you will have to convert to a new degree plan and meet any new degree requirements 15

UIU MPA Website Please be sure to find additional information at www.uiu.edu/currentmpastudents. UIU Career Services Career Services, located on the Fayette Campus, is available to help Students explore career opportunities with an employment advisory service providing bimonthly listings of employment opportunities, credential files and job-finding resources. Student referrals are not based on direct contact. A program is available for personal assessment to help plan your career. Neither Career Services nor Upper Iowa University guarantees employment. For further information, call 563-425-5208. Career Services information is also available at www.uiu.edu or careers@uiu.edu. UIU MPA Program on Facebook Our program is about more than just offering a quality academic curriculum. We strive to provide the opportunity for students to grow in their discipline by creating friendships based on mutual respect and trust, fostering a sense of camaraderie and community, and developing productive career oriented networks. Please stay connected to each other and us as you go through your program and after graduation by visiting our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/upperiowauniversitympa. UIU MPA Student Responsibilities We expect each of our students to uphold the programs values and mission by demonstrating the strongest commitment to professional standards while attending Upper Iowa University. Such a commitment is demonstrated by regular class attendance, professional, courteous, and respectful class participation, and timely, open, honest, and respectful communication with the faculty and program chair. Students are expected to produce quality work as defined by the faculty. Violations of Upper Iowa University s academic dishonesty policy, including but not limited to cases of plagiarism, will not be tolerated. Such violations may result in the failing the assignment, the course, or in extreme situations, dismissal from the program. 16

UIU MPA Program Degree Plans Notes: Government Administration Degree Plan Foundation Courses Grade Course Term Economics (recommend microeconomics) Management Political Science Finance (recommend principles of accounting) Statistics Core Courses (21 credits) PA501 Democracy, Public Administration, and Public Policy PA502 Introduction to Program Evaluation PA503 Program Evaluation Implementation and Evaluation PA 504 Political Economy of Regulatory Policy for Public Administrators PA 513 Government Budgeting Systems Emphasis Area (18 credits: select at least four from list not including electives) PA 507 Ethics of Public Service PA 562 Seminar in Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations PA 563 Administrative Law PA 564 Seminar in State and Local Government Management PA 565 Advanced Policy Analysis and Evaluation PA 566 Economic Development: Theory and Practice Elective Elective Capstone Requirement (3 credits) PA 590 Research Seminar 17

Notes: Nonprofit Organizational Management Degree Plan Foundation Courses Grade Course Term Economics (recommend microeconomics) Management Political Science Finance (recommend principles of accounting) Statistics Core Courses (21 credits) PA501 Democracy, Public Administration, and Public Policy PA502 Introduction to Program Evaluation PA503 Program Evaluation Implementation and Evaluation PA 504 Political Economy of Regulatory Policy for Public Administrators PA 513 Government Budgeting Systems Emphasis Area (18 credits: select at least four from list not including electives) PA515 Grant Writing and Contract Management PA541 Nonprofit Philanthropy and Fundraising PA546 Nonprofit Marketing and Public Affairs Advocacy PA547 Volunteer Recruitment and Management PA567 Board Governance and Strategic Management PA568 Government and Nonprofit Financial Management Elective Elective Capstone Requirement (3 credits) PA 590 Research Seminar 18

Public Management Degree Plan Foundation Courses Grade Course Term Economics (recommend microeconomics) Management Political Science Finance (recommend principles of accounting) Statistics Core Courses (21 credits) PA501 Democracy, Public Administration, and Public Policy PA502 Introduction to Program Evaluation PA503 Program Evaluation Implementation and Evaluation PA 504 Political Economy of Regulatory Policy for Public Administrators PA 513 Government Budgeting Systems Emphasis Area (18 credits: select at least four from list not including electives) PA 505 Organizational Behavior PA 509 Theories of Leadership PA 532 Public Sector Personnel Administration PA 544 Productivity Improvement in Government PA 545 Labor Relations and Conflict Resolution in the Public Sector PA 548 Advanced Issues in Public Management Elective Elective Capstone Requirement (3 credits) PA 590 Research Seminar Notes: 19

Health and Human Service Degree Plan Foundation Courses Grade Course Term Economics (recommend microeconomics) Management Political Science Finance (recommend principles of accounting) Statistics Core Courses (21 credits) PA501 Democracy, Public Administration, and Public Policy PA502 Introduction to Program Evaluation PA503 Program Evaluation Implementation and Evaluation PA 504 Political Economy of Regulatory Policy for Public Administrators PA 513 Government Budgeting Systems Emphasis Area (18 credits): Required Courses PA537 Healthcare Quality Assessment and Improvement PA539 Healthcare Informatics and Technology Management Select at least two from list not including electives PA 530 Public Policy and Healthcare PA 531 Healthcare Systems PA 534 Healthcare Economics PA 536 Legal Environment of the Helping Professions PA 538 Healthcare Financial Management Elective Elective Capstone Requirement (3 credits) PA 590 Research Seminar Notes: 20

Emergency Management and Homeland Security Degree Plan Foundation Courses Grade Course Term Economics (recommend microeconomics) Management Political Science Finance (recommend principles of accounting) Statistics Core Courses (21 credits) PA501 Democracy, Public Administration, and Public Policy PA502 Introduction to Program Evaluation PA503 Program Evaluation Implementation and Evaluation PA 504 Political Economy of Regulatory Policy for Public Administrators PA 513 Government Budgeting Systems Emphasis Area (18 credits: select at least four from list not including electives) PA 508 Terrorism and Politics PA 522 Psychology and Culture of Terrorism (odd years) PA 535 Counter-Terrorism PA 525 Comparative Strategies in National Security (even years) PA 523 Emergency Management, Homeland Security, and Public Policy PA 524 Leadership Issues with Critical Incidents PA 526 Emergency Management: Mitigation, Recovery, and Continuity (odd years) PA 543 Emergency Management: Planning and Response (even years) PA 555 Critical Infrastructure: Vulnerability Analysis/Protection (odd years) Elective Elective Capstone Requirement (3 credits) PA 590 Research Seminar Notes: 21