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MPA Core Curriculum, 2008
Politics of Policymaking (PUAF U6110)
This two-semester course introduces students to the politics of the policymaking process, tools and concepts of political analysis and modern political economy. Political processes, institutions, and strategies that shape the policymaking arena, including elections, interest groups, legislative and executive politics, bureaucracy and policy implementation, and attention to broad demographic, technological, and other conditions that affect policymaking. Covers the United States as well as other democratic and non-democratic political systems. Includes sessions designed to link practitioner experiences with central concepts of the course. The sequence begins in the fall and finishes in the spring.
Economic and Policy Analysis, I (PUAF U8213)
Introduces and develops microeconomic concepts of particular importance in policy analysis and program evaluation.
Economic and Policy Analysis, II (PUAF U8216)
Concludes a two-semester sequence. Analytic methods examined include cost-benefit analysis, determination of public policy using market allocation and price mechanism instruments, and the classic efficiency verses equity trade-off. Macroeconomic concepts are also introduced and discussed.
Quantitative Techniques, I (PUAF U6310)
Presents quantitative concepts and techniques through linear regression analysis. Applied statistics and research techniques are discussed in the design, evaluating, and monitoring of public policy and public programs. Students whose intended field of employment will involve research or data analysis are very strongly encouraged to enroll in the second semester of the quantitative techniques sequence during the spring semester of their first year.
Public Management and Institutional Analysis (PUAF U8200)
Examines organizational analysis and design, human resource management, managerial strategies, management innovation, organizational theory and behavior.
Financial Analysis Core Requirement
As part of the core, a student must take one course that satisfies the financial analysis requirement, which is typically:
Budgeting and Financial Management. (PUAF U601)
Exposes students to the concepts and practices of budgeting within public sector institutions. Also presents the budget as a tool of policymaking and implementation taking into consideration the political framework of decisionmaking.
Accounting (INAF U6014)
Basic concepts of accounting are presented for use in internal decisionmaking and external financial reporting. Topics include transaction analysis, accrual accounting and its application to manufacturing operations, timing of revenue and expense recognition, long-term assets, and depreciation. Emphasis is placed on financial markets and determination of prices and yields of financial instruments.
Economics of Finance (INAF U6022)
Introduction to the economic theory underlying modern finance. Topics include portfolio theory, asset valuation, dividend policy, capital structure, and interest rate theory.
Other courses may also satisfy the financial analysis requirement, via petition.
Professional Development (PUAF4041)
The objectives are to increase student insight into personal and professional development needs and heighten awareness of career opportunities; to provide a forum for the dissemination of information on employment trends and the SIPA student’s competitive advantage; to refine resume writing, interviewing, and job search skills; and to allow the Office of Career Services to get to know each individual student’s career development needs.
Internship in Public Service (PUAF U4240)
Provides students with firsthand observation of and participation in the policymaking and administrative process. Internships are primarily in governmental agencies but can also be done in nonprofit organizations and in public benefit corporations. Typically performed on a full-time basis during the summer and/or part-time basis during the academic year.
The Workshop in Public Affairs (PUAF U9232)
Skills in policy analysis, political analysis, institutional analysis, and public management applied to “real-world” client-driven projects. Faculty advisers guide teams of 10–12 students in this intensive, capstone experience.
Waiving Core Requirements
It is possible to waive core requirements based on prior graduate level course work. Students should who wish to do so should discuss their prior course work with an assistant dean in the Student Affairs Office after admission but before the end of registration in the student’s first semester at SIPA. The requirement that is waived must be replaced with a more advanced course of equal credit value.