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Public Administration Dissertations and Final Research Papers

Theses/dissertations from 2017 2017.

Employee Engagement and Marginalized Populations , Brenna Miaira Kutch

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Impact of a State Evidence-Based Practice Legislative Mandate on County Practice Implementation Patterns and Inpatient Behavioral Health Discharge , Carl William Foreman

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

A Case Study of Collaborative Governance: Oregon Health Reform and Coordinated Care Organizations , Oliver John Droppers V

Higher Education Reform in Oregon, 2011-2014: A Policy and Legislative History , Sean Pollack

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

The Institutional Context that Supports Team-Based Care for Older Adults , Anna Foucek Tresidder

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Attaining a Sustainable Future for Public Higher Education: The Role of Institutional Effectiveness and Resource Dependence , Mirela Blekic

Governance in the United States Columbia River Basin: An Historical Analysis , Eric Thomas Mogren

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Use of Media Technologies by Native American Teens and Young Adults: Evaluating their Utility for Designing Culturally-Appropriate Sexual Health Interventions Targeting Native Youth in the Pacific Northwest , Stephanie Nicole Craig Rushing

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Oregon Physicians' Perception of the Drug Enforcement Administration's Use of Enforcement Discretion Related to the Use of Opioids in the Treatment of Chronic Pain , Robert Dale Harrison

City Management Theory and Practice: A Foundation for Educating the Next Generation of Local Government Administrators , Scott Douglas Lazenby

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

The Institutionalization of Diversity and Gender Equity Norms and Values in Higher Education Settings , Rowanna Lynn Carpenter

Organizational Complexity in American Local Governance: Deploying an Organizational Perspective in Concept and Analytic Framework Development , Charles David Crumpton

Multi-Level Environmental Governance : a Comparative Case Study of Five Large Scale Natural Resource Management Programs , Shpresa Halimi

Police Organizations : an Empricial Examination of American Sheriff's Offices and Municipal Police Agencies , Matthew Adam Jones

Measuring Community-Engaged Departments: A Study to Develop an Effective Self-Assessment Rubric for the Institutionalization of Community Engagement in Academic Departments , Kevin Kecskes

Creating a Theoretical Framework for Understanding Homeland security using Multiple Frame Analysis , Linda Ann Kiltz

Emerging Governance at the Edge of Constrained Federalism : Public Administrators at the Frontier of Democracy , Gary Lloyd Larsen

George Lakoff"s Theory of Worldview : a Case Study of the Oregon Legislature , Catherine Law

Who Benefits? : a Multilevel Analysis of the Impact of Oregon's Volunteer Mentor Program for Postsecondary Access on Scholarship Applicants , Alisha Ann Lund-Chaix

Organizational Change in Corrections Organizations : the Effect of Probation and Parole Officer Culture on Change in Community Corrections , Shea Brackin Marshman

Lost in Translation : Ideas of Population Health Determinants in the American Policy Arena , Maria Gilson Sistrom

Representation without Taxation : China's Rural Development Initiatives For a New Millenium , Minzi Su

How Organizational Arrangements Affect High Reliability in Public Research Universities: Perceptions of environmental Health and Safety Directors , Rita Finn Sumner

The Washington State Patrol, Accountability-Driven Leadership, and the Organizational Factors that Propelled their Success: An Organizational Analysis , Timothy Carl Winchell

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

The Changing Paradigm of Emergency Management : Improving professional development for the Emergency Manager , Robert Edward Grist

Global Civil Society Finding Collective Voice in Diversity , Kristen Marie Magis

Information Technology Training in the Public Sector : Essential Planning Elements , Betty Jean Reynolds

From Prison to the Community : the Role of Citizen Participation in Female Prisoner Reentry , Dana Roderick Torrey

Network Analysis of a Shared Governance System , Debra Reifman Whitall

Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006

Presidential Values : Implications for Foreign Policy , Jordan Katherine Durbin

The Interactions between Carbon Regulation and Renewable Energy policies in the United Kingdom , Hal Thomas Nelson

Theses/Dissertations from 2005 2005

Reorganizing the Oregon Department of Human Services : an Exploratory Case Study of Organizational Change , Charles Anthony Gallia

Theses/Dissertations from 2003 2003

Portrayals of Disability in the Professional Preparation of Speech-language Pathologists , Jane Eric Sleeper Gravel

Theses/Dissertations from 2002 2002

The Effects of Parent Care and Child Care Role Quality on Work outcomes among dual-earner couples in the sandwiched generation , Angela Rickard

Theses/Dissertations from 2000 2000

The Role and Performance of Governmental and Nongovernmental Organizations in Family Planning implementation : Jordan as a Case Study , Khalaf al Hadded

Theses/Dissertations from 1999 1999

The Value of Independence in Old Age , Paula C. Carder

American Indian Elderly and Long-Term Care : Interorganizational Barriers to the Use of Oregon's Home and Community-Based Medicaid Waiver , Jo Lynn Isgrigg

The Effects of Mentoring on Work-parenting Gains and Strains in a Sample of Employed Predominately Female AFDC Recipients , Charlene Rhyne

Theses/Dissertations from 1998 1998

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Physician Assistants , Roderick Stanton Hooker

Theses/Dissertations from 1997 1997

State Funding for Special Education in Oregon : Calculating Cost Differentials of special education for handicapped students in Oregon school districts , Kyung-Sup Kim

Theses/Dissertations from 1996 1996

Scenery as Policy: Public Involvement in Developing a Management Plan for the Scenic Resources of the Columbia River Gorge , Gordon Mathews Euler

Impact of the Medical Library Assistance Act of 1965 on Health Sciences Libraries in the Pacific Northwest: an Interorganizational Approach , Leonoor Swets Ingraham

Administrative Reform in China: Its Impact on Economic Development After Mao , Meiru Liu

Theses/Dissertations from 1994 1994

Oregon Primary Care Physicians' Support for Health Care Reform , Timothy Alan Baker

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Home > DISSERTATIONS_THESES > MPA-Pace

Master in Public Administration Theses

Submissions from 2021 2021.

Implementing Housing First Initiatives and Programs for the Persistently Homeless Individuals and Families in Iredell County, North Carolina , Laketha Bobish

Effective Cognitive Learning Solutions for Special Education Students of NYC Public Schools in Underserved Communities Prepared for: Dr. Sheying Chen Pace University , Nicole N. Garvin

Submissions from 2015 2015

An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Use of Social Media by United Way of Westchester and Putnam , Dian Xi and Ziyun Gao

Submissions from 2014 2014

Incentivizing Employees Through Benefits and Recognition Programs at Pace University , Diana Dumitru

Complexity in National Policy Implementation: A Top-Down Look at the Failure of Healthcare.gov , Samuel Fandrich

The Impact of Patient Centered Medical Home on the Patient’s Experience , Courtne Flynn

Health Professionals’ Attitude Towards Substance Abusers : A Part of the Health Professionals’ Value and Belief System Which Prevails in Society , Ana Gotay

Correctional Education: Society Essential for Progressive Growth or a Detrimental Use of Taxpayers Money? , Danilo Guy

Pace University Athletics: Increasing Profitability and Performance , Jhanay Harris

Does Having a Major and Lucrative Sports Arena Improve a Neighborhood’s Economy & Quality of Life? , Natalie Hernandez

How Does Geriatric Care Management Affect Health Outcomes of Geriatric Patients in Hospitals , Elaina Tate

Law Enforcement and Training , Erika Tremblay

Roadmap to Recovery: A Strategic Plan for Westchester County Government to Increase Office Occupancy and Revitalize the I-287 Corridor , Britta Vander Linden

Investigating Stigma Among Public Administration Students , Cora Venson

Submissions from 2013 2013

Evaluation of the Marketing Strategies of the Case Management Society of America , Veronica Chepak

Wireless Cell Towers and Antennae: Municipal and Private Relationship , James M. Collins

The Persistence of Bullying at School and Public Policy Responses: What Ails? , Rajeet Guha

A Youth Revolt: Discerning the Impact of “One-and-Done” Rule On Major Collegiate Championship Teams at the Division I Level , Erik Harris

How Successful was Kickstarter in Raising Funds for Library for All? , Yeerang Jang

Submissions from 2010 2010

New York State and Mid-Hudson Valley Nonprofits: The Impacts of Late Contract Payments , Jodi Fernandes

Submissions from 2009 2009

Venture Philanthropy in 2009: Developments in the Field Since "Virtuous Capital" , Annika Many

Economic Development in Downtown Ossining Since 1969 , Lutonya Russell-Humes

How an Ethnic Store Impacts a Community - The Case of Kam Sen Foods in White Plains , Tiantian Tang

Submissions from 2008 2008

The Relationship of Patient Falls to Prevention Policies in Hospitals: A Case Study , Cornelia Branzan

Artificial Transitive Fatty Acid (TFA) Ban in Restaurants in US Cities: NYC-DOH TFA Ban as a Model for Proactive Public Health Policy , Vidia S. Ramdeen

Health Insurance Policy in New York City and Westchester County , Colin Stone

Environmental Stewardship of the Vermont Ski Industry and the Public's Willingness to Support , Karina V. Warshaw

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UKnowledge > Graduate School > Martin School of Public Policy and Administration > Theses & Dissertations

Theses and Dissertations--Public Policy and Administration

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

CAUGHT IN THE CROSSHAIRS OF EDUCATIONAL REFORM: HOW TEACHER LABOR MARKETS RESPOND TO POLARIZED EDUCATION POLICIES , Danielle Duffy Chipman

THREE ESSAYS ON ENVIRONMENTAL RISK AND POLICY , Samuel Owens

ESSAYS ON THE DYNAMICS OF SUBNATIONAL PUBLIC FINANCE IN INDONESIA , Much Rosidi

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN LOCAL REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE POLICIES AND URBAN HOUSING MARKETS , Lucas Taulbee

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

THREE ESSAYS ON CONSUMPTION TAXATION IN INDONESIA , Partomuan Transparenter Juniult

THREE ESSAYS ON RURAL EDUCATION: DESCRIPTIVE STUDIES FOCUSED ON FEDERAL RURAL DEFINITIONS AND POLICY CHANGES , Kyung Ha Oh

A Multilevel Jurisdictional Analysis of the Impact of Walmart on Host Communities , Matt Young

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

THREE ESSAYS ON GOVERNANCE, INEQUALITY, AND SOCIAL EQUITY , Sarah Ausmus Smith

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Two Essays on Governments Devolving Fiscal Authority to Lower-Level Actors , Jinsol Park

Three Essays on Tax Compliance in Indonesia , Himawan Saputro

ESSAYS ON EVASION AND ENFORCEMENT IN VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) , Syed Jawad Ali Shah

COLLABORATIVE COMPETITION IN HOMELESS SERVICES: THREE ESSAYS ON FEDERAL-LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS , Andrew Alfred Sullivan

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Home Rule, Local Autonomy, And Municipal Government Behavior , Xin Chen

Move or Improve? Place, Policy, and Educator Labor Markets , Cory Curl

Essays on Economic Development Policies , Hakyeon Lee

EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH TO DRUG CRISIS , Jiebing Wen

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

THE EFFECTS OF NATURAL RESOURCE DEPENDENCE AND DEMOCRACY ON THE INCREMENTAL BUDGETING THEORY AND PUNCTUATED EQUILIBRIUM WITHIN A BUDGETARY CONTEXT , Barrak Ghanim Algharabali

THE DECISION TO DECENTRALIZE GOOD PROVISION IN THE UNITED STATES: A STUDY IN CLEAN ENERGY POLICY , Whitney Michelle Davis

THREE ESSAYS ON WELFARE POLICIES IN AMERICAN STATES: EXPLAINING AMERICAN WELFARE STATES IN THE POST-WELFARE REFORM ERA , Hyokyung Kwak

THREE ESSAYS ON MUNICIPAL STRUCTURE AND GOVERNMENT FISCAL MANAGEMENT OUTCOMES , Wenchi Wei

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

THE ALLOCATION OF STATE APPROPRIATIONS AND STUDENTS ACROSS DIFFERENT TYPES OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION , Joshua L. Bush

STATE SUBSIDY COMPOSITION IN HIGHER EDUCATION: POLICY AND IMPACTS , Alex Eugene Combs

THREE ESSAYS ON FINANCIAL COLLABORATION IN THE GOVERNMENT AND NONPROFIT SECTORS , Saerim Kim

A MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY INDEX FOR THE UNITED STATES , Nate Kratzer

USING PSYCHOLOGICAL THEORIES TO UNDERSTAND CITIZEN ATTITUDES TOWARD GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE AND COLLABORATIVE BEHAVIORS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR , Jue Young Mok

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Home > College of Community Innovation and Education > School of Public Administration > Public Administration Student Scholarship and Creative Works > Public Administration Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Public Administration Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Exploring the Effects of State Medicaid Policies on Opioid Use Disorder Treatment and Utilization of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder for Criminal Justice-Involved Individuals , Fatema Ahmed

Exploring Risk Factors Associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptomatology in Police , Lori Camacho

Examining Domestic Violence: The Relationship Between Socio-Demographic Factors and Case Dispositions , Alesha Cameron

Social Equity Through Vaccinations During COVID-19: A Study of Equitable Utilization of Resources During Emergencies and Crises , Rebecca Entress

Utilization and Costs of Home Hemodialysis, In-Center Hemodialysis, and Peritoneal Dialysis Among Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in the United States , Andres Mauricio Garcia Sierra

Assessing the Barriers to Reintegration Among Returnees in Nigeria , Itunu Ilesanmi

Evaluating the Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Emergency Management: The Viewpoint of Emergency Managers and Operators in Florida , Sara Iman

It Takes A Village: An Examination of Educational Achievement for Transition-Age Youth in Foster Care , Khalilah Louis Caines

Interorganizational Networks and Coordination in Emergency Management: Policy and Practice in Response to Disasters , Ratna Okhai

Network Collaborative Capacity for Serving People Impacted by the Humanitarian Crisis: Evidence from Ukraine , Olga Pysmenna

Network Structure and Network Effectiveness in Thailand's Provincial COVID-19 Response Networks , Ruechagorn Trairatananusorn

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Macro-level Factors Impacting Colorectal Cancer Screening Behavior Among Church-going Chinese Immigrants in the U.S.: A Convergent Mixed-method Study , Xian Cao

Patient Perceptions of Shared Decision-Making in the Acute Care Hospital and Their Association with Patient Experience and Readmission , Jill Haladay

Impacts of COVID-19 on Health Promotion Within Higher Education: Exploring Organizational Resilience , Maureen Hawkins

Cultivating Culturally Responsive, Equity-centered, and Trauma-informed Attitudes among Educators , Jasmine Haynes

Financial Sustainability of Florida Cities: Comparative, Retrospective Modeling for Prospective Municipal Financial Health , Terry Henley

Defunding Law Enforcement: Fire Departments' Perspective on Implementing the National Fire Protection Association 3000 Standard When Preparing for an Active Shooter Mass Casualty Incident , Anthony Rios

Exploring the Predictors of and the Relationship Between Evidence Cultures and Flood Risk Management Performance , Jenna Tyler

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Primary Care Physician-Nurse Practitioner Collaboration and Physicians Career Satisfaction , Tania Alidina

A Mixed Methods Study on Food Insecurity Screening and Patient-Centered Care: Perspectives of Patients and Healthcare Providers on Practices and Barriers to Effective Screening in Outpatient Medical Settings , Christina Bernhardt

Increasing Transtibial Amputee Community Involvement Through the Use of a Smart Adaptive Socket System: A Mixed Methods Research Study , Michael Carroll

An Exploratory Study of the Use of Social Infrastructure Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) for Public University Facilities , Ashley Connors

An Examination of Factors Associated with LGBTQ+ College Students' Adoption of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) as an HIV Prevention Method , Shayna Forgetta

Juveniles Who Commit Sexual Offenses: An Evaluation of Dispositions in Florida's Juvenile Justice System , Katherine Gomez

Health Literacy, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Opioid Use Behavior Among College Students , Khristen Holmes

The Impact of Police Data Sharing System on Offense Clearance Rates , Stanislav Korotchenko

The Influence of Neighborhood Structural Characteristics on Treatment Attendance and Mental Health: Comparing Immigrants and Non-Immigrants , Kenan Sualp

Examining Risk Factors of Juvenile Delinquency and the Predictive Validity of a Juvenile Risk Assessment Instrument Across Urban and Rural Communities , Kelly Vannan

Using Geographic Information Systems to Analyze the Effects of Residential Location on Student Academic Success , Courtney Wilson

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Transplant Center Criteria and Inequalities Within Transplant Wait Listing Process , Melanie Bergeron

Online Communities for Information Sharing and Mutual Support for Health Professionals , Meghan Budvarson

Socioeconomic, Political, and Regulatory Determinants of State Sanctioning Patterns for Clinical Social Workers , Nickolas Davis

Bridging the Gap: An Exploration of Women as the Driving Force of Political Participation Within the Latino Population in Central Florida , Meldin Graziani-Califano

Exploring the Cultural Identity and School Efficacy of Students Through the Lens of Digital Storytelling , Rachael Mack

Strategic Planning at the Local Level of Government: Evidence from Florida , Faisal Mohamidi

Social Justice, Inclusive Education, and Teacher Agency , Jennifer Sanguiliano Lonski

It's A Small World After All: Exploring Mobile Dating Application Use and Sexual Partner Networks Among Black Men who have Sex with Men (BMSM) , Donovan Williams

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Government Responsiveness in Matters of Racial Sensitivity , Vickie Carnegie

Reconceptualizing Responsiveness for Network Governance: Insights from Cross-Sector Efforts to Assist the Displaced Population From Puerto Rico in Central Florida , Safiya Prysmakova

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

The Use of Crisis Communication Strategies to Build Community Resilience: Evidence from Emergency Managers , Brittany Haupt

Social Media Usage by Municipal Elected Officials for Open Government Community Engagement , Sarah Stoeckel

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Social Media and Stakeholders' Relationship in Nonprofit Organizations , Wanzhu Shi

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Variations in Health Services Utilization by Patients with Prostate Cancer , Roberta McKee

The Impact of Board Capital and Servant Leadership on Board Effectiveness: A Study of Florida Community Foundations , Lauren Obyrne

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

The Impact of Public Service Motivation on Reentry Managers' Decision-making Practices , Marie Pryor

Social Media Responsiveness in the Public Sector: A Study of Social Media Adoption in Three Functional Departments of U.S. Cities , Daniel Seigler

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Managing Effective Collaboration among Law Enforcement, Intelligence Services, and Military Forces in Fight against Terrorism and Organized Crime , Cihan Demirhan

Predictors of an Effective Performance Measurement System: Evidence from Municipal Governments in Turkey , Sedat Eliuz

The Effect of Health Education on Clinical and Self-Reported Outcomes of Diabetes in a Medical Practice , Karen Rav-Marathe

Collaborative Crisis Management in the Public Sector: Effective Leadership under Stress , Yusuf Ustun

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Examining Multi-level And Inter-organizational Collaborative Response To Disasters: The Case Of Pakistan Floods In 2010 , Sana Khosa

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Low-income Health Care Networks: Initial Conditions, Extent, And Intensity Relevant To County Government Participation , Hillary Knepper

Organizational Social Capital And Perceived Performance Of Drug Law Enforcement Departments: A Case Study In Turkey , Ismail Sahin

Organizational Safety Culture And Idividual Safety Behavior: A Case Study Of The Turkish National Police Aviation Department , Yildirim Uryan

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

An Investigation Of The Factors Related To Direct Care Staffs' Knowledge Of Effectiveness Instructional Strategies For People With Developmental Disabilities , Craig Cook

Factors Influencing Effectiveness Of Interorganizational Networks Among Crisis Management Organizations: A Comparative Perspective , Bahadir Sahin

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

Determinants Of Human Resources Management Performance On County Efficiencies: A Study Of Florida Counties , Janet Davis

Theses/Dissertations from 2007 2007

The Effects Of Eicu Technology On Clinical Outcomes Of Icu Patients: Analysis Of The Relationship Of Patient, Hospital, And Unit Characteristics To Proximal And Distal Outcomes , Michelle G. Chandler

The Effect Of National Board Certification On Burnout Levels In Educators , Tanya Judd

Impact Of Ethical Practices On Performance Outcome Measures In A Select Group Of Nonprofit Organizations In Florida , Stephanie Krick

Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006

Preferences For Performance Measures: A Study Of A Federal Agency , Gina Beckles

Organizational Change At The Service Delivery Level: An Investigation Into The Perceived Reaction To Change Initiatives In Moral , Larry Cochran

Benchmarking Community Health Centers; Efficiency: Multivariate Analysis , Shriram Marathe

An Exploratory Study Of Socially Responsibleprocurement Activitiesin The Expenditure Of Public Fundsat The State And Local Level , Donna McCarthy

Theses/Dissertations from 2005 2005

Democratic Voices Speaking Loudly: Does Public Participation Yield Accountability In Special Purpose Governments? , Owen M. Beitsch

Union Impact On Police Expenditures In Florida , Laurence Putchinski

Theses/Dissertations from 2004 2004

Determinants Of Financial Condition: A Study Of U.S. Cities , Lynda Dennis

Theses/Dissertations from 2003 2003

University technology transfer activity and the metropolitan new economy : an empirical analysis of its relationship , Kenneth P. Stackpoole

Theses/Dissertations from 1983 1983

A survey of computer utilization in cities and counties in the East Central Florida region , Gary Herbert Gotwalt

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Home > Colleges, Schools, and Departments > Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs > Public Administration > Public Administration Dissertations

Public Administration - Dissertations

Three Essays on Representation, Participation, and Conflict in Environmental Justice Councils , Graham Ambrose

Three Essays on Housing Insecurity , Rhea Acuña

Three Essays on Environmental Justice , Qasim Mehdi

Sustainability, Strategy, and Potential: A Framework for Organizations , Brian Ohl

Leveraging System Context to Understand Collaborative Systems in Modern Public Management , Catherine Annis

Public Administrator Aversion to Randomized Controlled Trials , Emily Bryn Cardon

Three Essays on Urban Property Taxes , Yoon-jung Choi

Three Essays at the Intersection of Child Welfare and Public Policy , Mattie Mackenzie-Liu

Three Essays on Pupil Transportation , Christopher Rick

Sports participation and Labor Market Outcomes: A Correspondence Study , Laura Lorena Rodriguez Ortiz

Three Essays on Public Housing and Social Inequality , Jeehee Han

Three Essays on Climate Change Adaptation in Rural African Communities , Hannah Patnaik

Three Essays On Climate Change Adaptation In Rural African Communities , Hannah Patnaik

Board Members That Tie: Three Essays on Antecedents and Consequences of Nonprofit Board Interlock , Nara Yoon

THREE ESSAYS ON THE ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED , Emily Gutierrez

Three Essays on Demand-side Health Policies in India , Raghav Puri

THREE ESSAYS ON PROPERTY TAX ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY , David John Schwegman

Three Essays on the Implementation of Food Assistance Programs , Saied Toossi

Three Essays on Participatory Governance in Public Administration , Suyeon Jo

THREE ESSAYS ON PROPERTY TAX ADMINISTRATION , Yusun Kim

Engagement-Equity Trade-Off: A Mixed-Methods Study of Participatory Budgeting and Property Tax Assessment Appeals in Large US Cities , Iuliia Shybalkina

Three Essays on the Management of Local Government Cash Flows , Michelle Lynn Lofton

Perceptions of Public and Private Partnerships in Costa Rica , Alvaro Andres Salas Castro

Who participates and why? What do they expect and what do they accomplish? An Evaluation of the Superfund Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program , Lance R. Cooper

Three Essays on Public Procurement , Zachary Steven Huitink

Building the Airplane While it Flies: A Case Study Approach of Police Development in Kosovo, Liberia, and Timor-Leste , Kevin Krupski

Three Essays in Urban Policy , Judson E. Murchie

The Impact of Environmental Policies and Innovation on the Investment in and Use of Natural Gas-Fired Combined Cycle Generators in the US Electricity Sector , Kelly Ann Stevens

Achieving Public Long-Term Care Insurance Through Social Security Wealth: Microsimulation for the US Case , Alexandre Genest

The Illusion of Collaboration and Bureaucratic Politics in India , Harish Pranav Jagannath

Three Essays on the Origins and Consequences of Public Services Motives , Jason Smith

Explaining Technological Change of Wind Power in China and the United States: Roles of Energy Policies, Technological Learning, and Collaboration , Tian Tang

Role of Information Technology in Policy Implementation of Maternal Health Benefits in India , Nidhi Vij

THREE ESSAYS ON THE LINKS BETWEEN LOCAL GOVERNMENT STRUCTURAL CHANGES AND PUBLIC FINANCE , Pengju Zhang

Three Essays on the Supply of Long-Term Care Services to the Elderly in the U.S. , Kanika Arora

Three Essays on U.S. Social Policy’s Impact on the Human Capital Development of Young Adults At-Risk of Poverty , Lincoln H. Groves

BETTER OFF AFTER THE INTRODUCTION OF UNIVERSAL LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE SYSTEMS? A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF GERMANY, JAPAN, AND KOREA , HEE SEUNG LEE

CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION, NATURAL HAZARD MITIGATION, AND INNOVATIVE RESPONSES , Qing Miao

UNINTENDED EFFECTS OF CHARTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS , Christian Buerger

Expanding the Usage of Renewable Energy Through Innovation and Technology Transfer , Jung Eun Kim

Taking Nonprofits at Their Word: The Role of Conflict over Mission in Organizational Change and Response to Environmental Pressures , David Gregory Berlan

Addressing Trans-boundary Challenges Through Collaboration: How Organizations "Harmonize" Actions and Decisions Across Problem Landscapes , Rachel Fleishman

Assessing the Role and Impact of Public Policy on Child and Family Violence , Kerri M. Raissian

Hands in the Pockets of Mercurial Donors: How Three Theories Explain Ngo Responses to Shifting Funding Priorities , Khaldoun Abouassi

Diversity, Networks and Performance: An Empirical Analysis of Metropolitan Planning Organizations in the United States , Yujin Choi

Education Finance Reform, School Choice, and Residential Sorting , Ilhwan Chung

The Impact of Citizens' Knowledge On Public Administration: Exploring the Links in Three Social Movements , Vadym Pyrozhenko

Two Octopuses Making Love: An Analysis of Institutional Management Behaviors Across Four Brownfield Remediation and Redevelopment Project Networks in Rochester and Buffalo, NY , Rob Alexander

The Effect of Immigrant Composition on Student Achievement: Evidence from New York City , Ryan Yeung

Boon or Boondoggle? Business Incubation as Entrepreneurship Policy , Alejandro S. Amezcua

Alternative Institutional Arrangements and Government Performance: Theoretical and Empirical Investigations of Autonomy and Accountability in Public Education , Naomi Aoki

Reducing environmental risks by information disclosure , Hyunhoe Bae

Innovation, trade and access: Three essays on medicines in developing countries , Tamara G. S. Hafner

An Exploratory Study of Management Reform Diffusion in the U.S. Federal Government , Frederick Joseph Marc-Aurele Jr.

Three essays on voluntary HIV testing and the HIV epidemic , Coady Wing

Process dynamics of gender policymaking: Acts of violence against women in South Korea , Jeong-Shim Lee

Three essays examining the relationship between public budgeting policies, resource equity and student outcomes , Lawrence Miller

Public policy & maternal mortality in India , Stephanie Lynette Smith

Learning our lesson: A study on the state of public participation in the New York City public schools system , Marco Antonio Castillo

The role of political environment and the adoption of new information technology for citizen participation and communication by United States municipal government , Michael Ji-Sung Ahn

Patent or publish? - University researcher's choice between traditional and commercial research outcomes , Yixin Dai

Specifying and testing a model of collaborative capacity: Identifying complementary competencies, incentive structures, and leadership lessons for the United States Department of Homeland Security , Heather Getha-Taylor

Exploring knowledge networks for e-government services: A comparative case study of two local governments in Korea , Jooho Lee

Managing information systems in state and local governments: Essays on e-government service adoption and outsourcing , Anna Ya Ni

Are eating and exercise behaviors at school contributing to adolescent obesity in the United States? , Cynthia S. Searcy

Getting what you ask for: Explaining contracted providers' proper use of service monitoring tools , Kristina T. Lambright

Poverty, institutions and child health in post-communist rural Romania: A view from below , Adriana Iuliana Sandu

Two essays: School district responses to state building aid and determinants of pay-as-you-go financing of state capital projects , Wen Wang

The smart-seller challenge: The determinants and the outcomes of privatizing public nursing homes , Anna A. Amirkhanyan

Rationalizing public participation goals: How contextual and organizational factors shape public managers' decision-making process , Maja Husar Holmes

IT outsourcing in public organizations: How does the quality of outsourcing relationship affect the IT outsourcing effectiveness? , Hyun Joon Kim

Why older Americans stop driving: Effects of state licensing policies on reduction and cessation of driving , Elena Koulikov

Comparative public management reform: Cases of policy transfer in Thailand and Malaysia , Ora-orn Poocharoen

Evaluation of New York State property tax policy: Administration and behavioral impacts of School Property Tax Relief (STAR) program , Tae Ho Eom

Three essays on R&D investment and economic development , Yonghong Wu

Can public authorities "just get things done"? An analysis of politically buffered institutions in a contentious policy arena , Carolyn Jordan Bourdeaux

Receptivity to change in the public sector: Two federal case studies , Willow Serene Jacobson

Changing a policy field? Policy design and collaboration in early care and education , Jessica Elizabeth Sowa

Legislation, administrative change and service provision in South African municipalities, 1995--2000: A study of institutional reform , Matthew Ronald Andrews

Welfare king or drug lord: Are these the viable choices for unemployed young men? , Theresa Cecilia Heintze

The economics, law and politics of subnational counter-cyclical fiscal policies: Testing the effects of budget stabilization funds and general fund surpluses on state expenditures in downturn years. Evidence from American states, 1979--1999 , Yilin Hou

Local government debt policies: Do they make a difference? , William Patrick Kittredge

Health outcome disparities associated with access to primary care for vulnerable groups: Hospitalization for ambulatory care sensitive conditions , James N. Laditka

Pursuing rationality in public management: Managing for results in United States state governments , Donald Patrick Moynihan

Do whole-school reform models boost student performance: Evidence from New York City , Robert Bifulco

The effects of schooling on literacy skills: A cross-national study from the International Adult Literacy Survey , Kwangho Jung

Putting out fires in local government: Modeling and measuring the influence of managers on public production with an application to fire protection , Amy E. Kneedler Donahue

Essays on long-term care of the elderly in the United States , Hakan Aykan

School segregation, social capital, and educational costs , Lloyd Blanchard

Information technology adoption in United States county governments: The interaction of environmental changes and managerial strategies on technology adoption , Daniel Thomas Bugler

Value asymmetry and small groups: An investigation of administrative decision-making , Charles Christopher Hinnant

Education finance equity: Judicial treatment of key issues and impact of that treatment on reform , Anna Lukemeyer

Explaining federal government performance information utilization , Strom Zhiqiang Kong

The pursuit of managerial entrepreneurship in the public, private, and nonprofit sector: Does organization matter? , Myung Jae Moon

The influence of state and local governments on elderly migration , Mark David Robbins

Taxes and state and local economics development: The homestead tax option in New York , Wai-Ho Wilson Wong

Breaking through the glass ceiling: Career advancement of African-Americans in the federal government , Margo La Verne Bailey

Care arrangements for frail older persons , Carol Lynne, Jenkins

State policy impacts on firm-level simultaneous environmental-economic efficiency , Eric Wayne Welch

The effect of mandatory, secondary-municipal-bond-market disclosure requirements on the United States municipal bond market: The amended Securities Exchange Act, Rule 15C2-12 of 1994 , Taihwan Yin

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• Perceptions of professional ethics in labour relations at the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), South Africa  Tsebe, Mogaba Daniel ( 2023 ) Ethics is not a new phenomenon under investigation. Countries worldwide are concerned with how workers conduct themselves while on duty and have developed mechanisms to promote ethical behaviour in both the private and ...
• Institutionalisation of the government-wide monitoring and evaluation system by the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation in the Presidency  Masombuka, Stellah Sarah Nagembe ( 2023-02 ) Performance monitoring and evaluation, as a development agenda, has been one of the core drivers and policy imperatives in South Africa, with an increasing acceptance of the need to improve governance, accountability, and ...
• Implementation of land reform post-settlement support programme in the Eastern Cape : Amathole District Municipality  Mfuywa, Sigqibo Onward ( 2024-02 ) While land reform aims to promote socio-economic growth by giving farmers the chance to engage in productive land use and by promoting investment, most land reform beneficiaries do not utilise land to its full potential. ...
• Remedies for possible corrupt activities within the Supply Chain Management Directorate of the Department of Correctional Services  Ralikhwatha, Vhumatshelo ( 2022-11 ) The primary aim of this study was to investigate remedies for possible corrupt activities transpiring within the supply chain management (SCM) division of the Department of the Correctional Services (DCS). The focus of the ...
• The portrayal and influence of polygamy in a television series, UTHANDO NES'THEMBU  Gumede, Sandile Michael ( 2022-11 ) This is a mixed method study that investigates the portrayal and influence of polygamy in a television series, Uthando Nes’thembu. The television programme is unique in the Southern African television space, with the show ...
• Implementation of the performance management system in the Department of Employment and Labour, Limpopo Province  Nkadimeng, Mapula Magdeline ( 2023-11 ) Institutions that employ an appropriate and good appraisal system are more likely to influence employee motivation, resulting in greater performance and attainment of organisational aims and purposes. This is one of the ...
• Citizen participation : a sine qua non for effective design of the national environmental policy in Ethiopia  Tiruye Alemu Tiruneh ( 2023-06-14 ) This study aimed to critically analyse the National Environmental Policy design process and citizen participation in Ethiopia, and to develop a framework that can improve citizen participation. At the outset, the study ...
• An investigation of the basic amenities in Windhoek: a case study of Havana informal settlement  Kamolokamwe, Denise ( 2023 ) Introduction: Namibia has been undergoing a rapid transition from a rural-based society to an urban society. This transition has led to rapid urban growth which has affected the provision of amenities, especially in informal ...
• Strengthening of internal controls to ensure compliance with the Local Government Municipal Financial Management Act no 56 of 2003 in municipalities : case of the City of Tshwane municipality  Monnatlale, Kefilwe Portia ( 2023-08-30 ) The internal control is a critical component of financial management in all municipalities in order to improve transparency and accountability in local government. However, the City of Tshwane Municipality (hereinunder ...
• Professional ethical conduct in the South African public sector: a case of municipality  Langbooi, Andile ( 2023-05 ) Professional ethical conduct is a concern in South African Public Sector, particularly in local government. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Constitution) offer legislations which guide governance. ...
• The impact of rural -uban migration on the provision of sustainable and integrated human settlements in Atteridgeville township-Gauteng Province  Mbebe, Sifundo ( 2021-12 ) The study sought to establish the main drivers and associated consequences of rural -urban migration in Atteridgeville. The study used a qualitative method to gather in-depth insights into the phenomenon of rural-urban ...
• Gender mainstreaming and gender equity in the South African public sector : the case of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment  Mvubu, Annah ( 2023-10-06 ) The main aim of this research is to investigate the implementation of gender mainstreaming and gender equity initiatives in the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment towards attaining 50% representation ...
• Curbing corruption in public procurement through effective public procurement policy in the public sector : a case study of the Western Cape Province  Magakwe, Jack ( 2023-02 ) This study sought to address public procurement policy development and implementation to combat corruption. This study contends that developing and implementing public procurement policies are important to prevent corrupt ...
• Water scarcity and water deficit in the Lepelle-Nkumpi local municipality: Limpopo province  Maleasenya, Thipe Samuel ( 2023-08-17 ) The primary aim of this study was to investigate the magnitude of the water shortage and deficit in the Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality, which falls within the Capricorn District Municipality in Limpopo Province. The ...
• Voluntary teacher turnover in the Tshwane South district  Khanya, Mmatshepo Phuti ( 2020-07 ) Teachers play a critical role in the development of any society. The purpose of this study was to explore some of the factors that led teachers from Tshwane South District schools to voluntarily resign before retirement ...
• Leadership styles within the South African Police Service : a case of national head office divisions and components  Pillay, Sandra Ann ( 2023-01 ) The research problem for this study is that certain leadership styles negatively affect performance management and the organisational culture at the National Divisions and Components of the South African Police Service ...
• Implementation of transformational leadership on the management of absenteeism in the South African Police Service (SAPS) : Middelburg Cluster  Manamela, Semakaleng Daphney ( 2023-01-19 ) Transformational leadership has been practised in private sector in South Africa, but has been a challenge in the public sector. The researcher investigated the impact of transformational leadership in the South African ...
• Evaluating housing delivery at the Masiphumelele community  Monqo, Buzelwa Patience ( 2022-05 ) The purpose of this study is to explore the causes and challenges associated with the shortage of low-cost housing delivery to the Masiphumelele Community by the City of Cape Town. The study further explored the reasons ...
• Throughput rate of the Master of Public Administration students at the University of South Africa from 2005-2014  Ngele, Diakanyo Thakane Lynette ( 2019-01-31 ) The Master of Public Administration (MPA) originated in 1909 and is offered by universities in most countries around the world. It has been written about extensively by various authors. The MPA is primarily focused on ...
• Private university colleges and quality assurance mechanisms in Ghana  Tsedzah, Victoria Adzoa ( 2022-10 ) The focus of this research was on the mechanisms used by Ghana’s two higher education regulatory institutions, and the selected mentoring public sector universities (hereinafter referred to as ‘PSU’s) to ensure quality ...

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Public Administration Thesis (PADM90004)

Graduate coursework Points: 25 On Campus (Parkville)

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Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.

The thesis in Public Administration is a capstone option in the Master of Public Administration. The Melbourne MPA is an interdisciplinary, globally-focused program for managers that work within or with government. This subject provides students with an opportunity to undertake a program of independent research from which they produce a thesis of 10,000 words. The subject is undertaken in one semester and students will be supervised by a member of academic staff.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students shoud be able to:

• demonstrate a specialist understanding of the subject being studied;
• show advanced skills of analysis pertinent to the subject;
• show a detailed sense of the theoretical debates in the subject area;
• demonstrate an ability to undertake critical independent research; and
• show a good capacity to communicate research in written form.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• semonstrate a critical understanding of the operation of governments in Australia, the Asia-Pacific region and across the world, and an ability to situate an area of specialisation within this context;
• show a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the interconnectedness and complexity of the fields of public management and administration, and a specialist understanding of a particular topic in the field;
• show a sound understanding of politics, economics, law and sciences, as they contribute to theoretical debates in the field of public management;
• demonstrate flexible communication skills with a highly attuned sensitivity to a diverse audience, and to the issues specific to cross-cultural communication;and
• conceptualise, plan and execute a substantial, independent, research-based project in the form of a minor thesis, demonstrating high-level skills in interdisciplinary and comparative research, analysis and critique, underpinned by a thorough understanding of academic protocol and presentation.

Last updated: 3 November 2022

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Public Administration Master's Capstone Theses

This list contains only those master’s capstone theses published within the public administration program. for a complete list of apus master’s capstone thesis programs, visit this link ., browse by year of publication in the menu at left. , intelligence studies program theses, public administration program theses: 2018.

• Standing Up a Community Emergency Response Team: Best Practice Recommendations for the Town of Hopedale, Massachusetts Leonard Chancellor Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Creative Project: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: September 2018 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Elizabeth A. Keavney Abstract: The purpose of this thesis project was to create a practical town-specific guide on the optimal ways of commencing with a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) for the town of Hopedale, Massachusetts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers guidance on this and there is a heavy reliance upon its step-by-step recommendations. Broadly considered, a CERT will provide for a pragmatic utility that should be embraced by most, if not all, communities. Using the FEMA (n.d.) guidance, Hopedale is shown to be distinct as a community, facing its own subjective hazards, and with variations in readiness elements that are necessary to commence with team formulation.
• A Multi-Layered Technological Approach to Addressing Barriers to Informed Consent in Human Subjects Research Dorean J. Flores Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Creative Project: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: May 2018 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Robert Deller Abstract: Informed consent is a mutual exchange of information between two parties to obtain permission prior to performing an activity. Barriers to informed consent have resulted from constraints in time, lack of resources, and deficiencies in health literacy. As a singularity, these issues impact the quality of the consent process but in combination call into question the legal effectiveness of consent that has downstream ramifications to both the public and healthcare organization. To address the problem, a multi-leveled technological approach was undertaken to implement a new consent modality. The purpose of this project is to implement an eConsent solution – a combina-tion of a video consent process with an electronic documentation platform – in the research set-ting. The project was divided into two phases. The first phase consisted of identifying the envi-ronmental selection, use-case, and establishing stakeholder engagement. The second phase in-cluded development of an electronic consent video incorporating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning tools. The electronic documentation platform consisted of leveraging a web-based application for use in documenting consent and integrating the application with the Health Infor-mation Exchange (HIE) at Northwell Health. Findings are pending given that the project is cur-rently in the evaluation phase; however, feedback has been positive given the ease of use and ed-ucational modality implemented in a digital setting. Application of the eConsent solution is lim-ited to non-vulnerable subjects at this time. Future follow-up analysis includes assessing the ef-fectiveness of the eConsent solution at reducing the time to consent, conservation of resources, and increased comprehension.
• Does Silence During Staff Meetings Imply Consensus? An Examination of Public Managers for the City of New Braunfels, Texas and the Level of Groupthink Within it Stephen M. Hanna Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: August 2018 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Erik Dillman Abstract: Public managers for local government organizations often meet through regular staff meetings to discuss and decide on how to best implement the public policies enacted by the local legislative body and ways to improve upon the delivery of public goods and services. While at times these staff meetings may involve a crisis, most staff meeting are conducted under normal circumstances where decisions are made that impact how public goods and services will be delivered. The need for innovative and creative ideas should be the purpose of such meetings, but this is often not the case. The purpose of this study was to examine certain groupthink traits that may be inhibiting the expression of innovative and creative ideas so that the executive decisions makers would have an expanded knowledge about how to improve on dialogue during staff meetings. This study examined conformity (self-censorship), cohesion, and management styles as groupthink traits and how generational groups reacted to each trait. It also examines how management styles influence the dialogue during a staff meeting, and how communication between managers outside the staff meeting impact the discussions of staff meetings. This study used public managers from the City of New Braunfels, Texas to assess whether silence during staff meetings implies a consensus in decision-making and if this silence is suppressing the expression of creative and innovative ideas.
• A Proposal to Create Public Administration Field Placements for Online Universities Gilbert Glenn Harvey Jr. Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Creative Project: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: April 2018 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Stephen R. Schwalbe Abstract: This research project is a proposal that fully online universities, specifically American Military University, should establish partnerships with city governments to create field placement opportunities for students of public administration. This was accomplished by reviewing the most current peer-reviewed articles on field placements for traditional universities and by disseminating a brief 10-question survey to 100 cities across the United States having a council-manager form of city government. The findings from the literature reviewed noted that universities, host organizations, and students all benefit from field placement programs, in that the host organizations gained needed staff augmentation, the universities gained additional credibility by producing higher quality graduates, and the students gained the hands-on experience needed to establish successful careers. The data gathered from the 10-question survey found that most city governments are interested in establishing field placement opportunities with online universities, had confidence in the abilities of online students, and would consider hiring online graduates after successful completion of a field placement.
• Including Persons with Developmental Disabilities in the Workplace Heidi E. Ksiezyk-Skrada Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: April 2018 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Stephen Schwalbe Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine current theories of public administration, as related to civic engagement, and further define policy implementation strategies that result in a community that accepts and expects people with developmental disabilities in the traditional workplace. This study consisted of a review of 15 engagement strategies from existing peer-reviewed literature that were implemented among persons with developmental disabilities, their families, professionals, employers and co-workers, and the community at large to address concerns of public interest. The strategies were then synthesized with the change management criteria of assessment, awareness, skill-building and reinforcement to create comprehensive strategies of community engagement. As a result of this study, strategies have been recommended for Ohio county boards of developmental disabilities to embrace the constructs of the New Public Service and act as an agent of social change by implementing strategic, change management initiatives to engage stakeholder groups to accept persons with developmental disabilities in the traditional workplace.
• The Opioid Epidemic in West Virginia Recommendations for Better Control and Prevention Ashlee F. Milbourne Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Creative Project: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: April 2018 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Stephen R. Schwalbe Abstract: West Virginia has had the highest opioid overdose rate in the United States for more than seven years, but this has been a problematic issue in the State since 2001. In 2015, West Virginia started to focus on the opioid epidemic. To improve the opioid epidemic in West Virginia, there must be better control and prevention techniques established.
• How to Grow, Maintain, Attract, Educate and Retain Volunteers in a Nonprofit Setting Kristina L. Painter Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: November 2018 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Erik Dillman Abstract: The foundation of all society is civil service. According to Cropf, social capital underpins society (Cropf, 2016 pg. 134). Values such as trust are constructed by the unified work of a society. Early in America’s history, organizations formed to bring people together for projects such as building churches, schools, and hospitals. In a visit to America, Tocqueville observed that without these special organizations, democracy could not survive. Not only were these groups vital, America’s core values were taught and expressed though these community strengthening activities (Cropf, 2016 et al). Contemporary American life relies on the efforts of social capital and service, although the execution of the service has evolved; the fundamental principle remains the same. Nonprofits are modern equivalents of associations that were created to build community structures and events. Volunteers account for a large percentage of the workforce to fulfill needs within the community. This project will review the motivation of the volunteer emphasizing how the volunteer perceives their value in the organization. This study will expand current theories about leading a volunteer workforce by incorporating groundbreaking, innovative programs. To fulfill the needs of aged out foster children, the organization adopted a revolutionary program that is serving as a national template. This project will add to the body of knowledge through by providing a revolutionary approach to leading volunteers. The organization chosen for this project works with at risk foster children providing a comprehensive foundation to foster a sense of worth in the world.
• Creating Self-Sufficiency among Illinois TANF Recipients Shelby Samaniego Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: April 2018 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Stephen R. Schwalbe Abstract: This study offers an assessment of the Illinois Department of Human Services’ (IDHS) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program and the correlation of service delivery to recipient outcomes and self-sufficiency. The Welfare-to-Work movement underwent dramatic changes with the 1996 passage of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families by attaching a work requirement for families to receive public assistance. Initially appearing successful, shortcomings soon overshadowed the program’s achievements. Given the present deficiencies with TANF, this study considers both quantitative and qualitative analysis of data and surveys from state and federal resources to demonstrate how Illinois compares nationally and to neighboring states, suggesting that the State’s TANF program is not successful in its current format. Furthermore, a review of organizational philosophy and self-sufficiency models demonstrates the positive impact alternative models are having for low-income families and identifies the opportunity for programmatic change within the IDHS TANF program. This paper concludes with a recommendation for implementing the Family Independence Initiative (FII) model into the Illinois TANF program as the most effective means for improving TANF recipient outcomes and self-sufficiency.
• Cities, Broadband Infrastructure and Sustainability Frameworks Sara Toyoda Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: April 2018 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Stephen Schwalbe Abstract: The purpose of this research is to identify best management practices (BMPs) for the deployment of mobile broadband infrastructure, and then connect the BMPs to sustainability frameworks so that cities that join those frameworks are better prepared to deploy this infrastructure. The infrastructure for new generation mobile technology is unlike past mobile infrastructure. The research employs a qualitative method and utilizes case studies from cities that have successful examples of broadband infrastructure deployment to identify BMPs from agreements, staff reports, news articles, and websites. The study shows that there are various best management practices that can be grouped by city efforts, service provider, and general network. These BMPs can be connected and incorporated into sustainability frameworks. The research concludes that incorporating mobile broadband infrastructure deployment best management practices into sustainability frameworks will not only help cities to deploy the infrastructure more efficiently, but will ultimately prepare cities for future sustainability efforts.
• A Community Approach to Impact Electronic Vaping in Youth Amanda L. Tyner Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Creative Capstone: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: August 2018 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Erik Dillman Abstract: As individuals move through adolescence into adulthood, they experience both mental and physical transformations. These developmental years are a time when youth experiment and initiate habit-forming behaviors. Each day an estimated 3,200 individuals who are under the age of 18 chose to smoke or vape for the first time in the United States (CDC, 2018). Many health concerns are linked to tobacco use that include cancer, cardiovascular disease, bronchitis, and emphysema. The lack of longitudinal studies on long-term use of vaping devices could be attributed to the popular farce as a safe alternative to smoking. An intervention is needed to stop the rising rates of youth vaping. The evaluation of data included with the Florida Youth Tobacco Survey and DeSoto County Community Health Assessment needed to become a priority rather than an afterthought. Through this need, the project to develop a Community Health Improvement Planning Committee was born. The Committee would review and discuss the data, reach out to local resident experts such as the Tobacco Free Partnership, and devise a work plan that would address health concerns in the community such as youth vaping rates

Public Administration Program Theses: 2017

• Prominent and Influential Challenges Facing the Fire Service: As Perceived by Midwest Fire Chiefs of Combination Departments James B. Davison Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: November 2017 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi S. Bartman Abstract: Scholarly research began to take an interest in the American Fire Service over the past three decades. The fruits of this labor created a large list of issues that Fire Service leaders needed to address. However, the Paradox of Choice Theory explains that a surplus of choices actually stagnates the decision making process. Therefore, to assist chiefs with addressing the myriad of challenges facing their departments, the present study aimed to create a ranked list of the most prominent and influential challenges facing Midwest fire chiefs of combination departments. One hundred and eight chiefs from departments/districts across the 12 Midwest states responded to an online survey and reported that ‘Budget limitations’, ‘Volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention’, and ‘Training requirements’/ ‘Increasing call volume’ were their three most prominent challenges. They also indicated that ‘Budget limitations’, ‘Volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention’, and ‘Employee recruitment and retention’/ ‘Political barriers/obstacles’ were their three most influential challenges. These results indicate that large research and communication gaps still exist between the Fire Service and academic communities.
• Competency Model for the City of Gresham Catherine Forsythe Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Creative Project: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: November 2017 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi S. Bartman Abstract: The purposes of this project are to: (1) research competency model development, the origin, reasoning, benefits, tools and methods used in conception; (2) identify approaches and application that are recommended by industry experts and scholarly articles on development techniques and successful implementation of competency models; (3) explore the varying degrees to which public agencies have and/or use competency models; (4) investigate tactics other agencies have used in design of their competency model; and (5) recommend the development and application of a competency model for the City of Gresham that spans across all Human Resource Management processes to include recruitment and selection, performance management, training, employee development and succession planning. After reviewing a variety of sources including data from the United States Office of Personnel Management, the State of Oregon, interviews and surveys of representatives from local government agencies, scholarly literature, and Human Resource industry experts, a recommendation on best practices and approach for development of a competency model are provided.
• The United States Air Force Emergency Management Program: Measuring and Reporting Program Performance Anthony A. Hatcher Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Creative Project: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: February 2017 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi S. Bartman Abstract: The purposes of this project are to: (1) explain why measuring program performance is essential; (2) discuss current United States Air Force Installation Emergency Management program policy, measurement and reporting requirements and explain why the current methodology fails to concisely measure and communicate program performance; (3) develop new standardized Installation Emergency Management program measurement and reporting slides and guide; and finally (4) seek senior United States Air Force leadership approval to implement the use of standardized Installation Emergency Management program measurement and reporting metrics and Key Performance Indicators by codifying it in Air Force Instruction 10-2501. The research design and methodology for this project is based on qualitative and quantitative data collection found in current Department of Defense and United States Air Force policy, reporting and inspection system data as well as secondary literature.
• City of Fountain, Colorado Roadway Improvement Project Jennifer A. Herzberg Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Creative Project: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: November 2017 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi Scott Bartman Abstract: The city of Fountain Colorado, like many cities across the nation, has experienced ongoing challenges with balancing roadway infrastructure and maintenance needs with sufficient funding mechanisms, and project prioritization. The Fountain Roadway Focus Group was created to discuss these challenges and to brainstorm ideas to help the city bridge these gaps and to recommend solutions. The focus group is comprised of four citizens, and with the support of several city staff members, has been able to put into action several key recommendations within four primary areas to help mitigate the city’s systemic roadway challenges. The four areas the focus group took for action during the project period were the streets department staffing, funding, roadway prioritizations, and community engagement. The Fountain streets department and the Fountain City Council wanted to enlist the unbiased input from a group of citizen volunteers to offer an objective and transparent approach to combating these challenges. On November 14, 2017, the focus group chair presented the group’s vision and progress to the Fountain city council during their regularly scheduled meeting. The council was very supportive and appreciative of the group’s efforts thus far are were encouraged that the group intended to champion the Moving Fountain Forward Transportation Sales Tax renewal initiative in 2019.
• Guam Foster Care Needs Assessment Kathleen E. Kaminski Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Creative Project: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: May 2017 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi S. Bartman Abstract: Guam’s unique history and social makeup has created an environment for child protective services and foster care that is unlike any other place in the United States. The demographics of the island present an interesting challenge for the foster care system and large sibling groups are difficult (and often impossible) to place together. This study was created to survey current foster parents in the system and provide suggestions for improvements to the system. Though Guam has an unusual population, it appears that foster parents were interested in many of the same issues presented through similar studies in the United States. They made many suggestions on improvements that could be made to the system including: mandatory training, structured respite care, and more inclusion in decision making about the children in the system. This study then expanded on those suggestions with ideas from other states and programs and how they created better foster care systems.
• Records Management Best Practices for Central Coast Water Authority, a California Joint Powers Authority Lisa-Marie Long Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Creative Project: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: November 2017 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi Bartman Abstract: Records Management. Done properly, it will create organization, efficiency, and relief from potential legal liability. Done poorly, it will create disorganization, multiple copies of documents, inability to locate required data, employee dissatisfaction, as well as undue exposure to risk. In order to create a plan to manage the records, both physical and electronic, for a California Public Agency, best practices were researched, records were inventoried, staff input was sought, and a retention schedule and phased schedule of completion was completed. The subject agency is also a Joint Powers Authority with multiple member agencies and ties to the California Department of Water Resources. This project resulted in a draft Records Management Policy, a retention schedule, as well as a cohesive ongoing plan to inventory, manage and maintain all electronic and physical records in the agency. Oversight was assigned to the Office Manager to ensure compliance and timely destruction of records going forward. This plan will manage the historical and current records of this agency properly into the future, as well as creating a framework for other agencies to use, all the while keeping regulations and business needs in the forefront. Coordination included senior management, all divisions of the agency, as well as the California Department of Water Resources.
• Measuring Health Costs and Economic Gain in an Ethane Cracker Plant in Beaver County, Pennsylvania Jonathan C. McWilliams Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: September 2017 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Robert Deller Abstract: The purpose of this thesis was to test the research question; for the residents of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, is the economic benefit of job creation and tax revenue greater than the potential health costs from air pollution associated with the Shell ethane cracker plant in Beaver County, Pennsylvania? It has yet to be proved whether the continued construction of this facility is a sound policy decision by local and state leaders. In this project the comparison of emissions and health costs were achieved by doing a comparative analysis of an ethane cracker plant and power plant. Measuring of economic growth was based on permanent job expectations, temporary construction job expectations, and tax revenue for Beaver County. Calculating job expectations was achieved by a comparative analysis of an economic study concerning three ethane cracker plants. Tax revenue was calculated using Beaver County records, projected earnings based on market averages, and Pennsylvania tax rates. The results of this thesis are important to understand the economic benefits and health costs of these plants. The conclusion showed that the economic benefits were far greater than the health costs.
• Outsourcing Special Education: Contract Special Education Staffing in Rural Arizona Jeffrey C. Meeks Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: February 2017 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi S. Bartman Abstract: The shortage of qualified special education teachers has long been established (Holdheide & Demonte, 2016). This shortage is further compounded by the small pool of potential candidates and concomitant factors influencing teacher recruitment in rural areas (Gagnon & Mattingly, 2014). The resulting effect of this climate is the need for many rural school districts to fill special education vacancies through contracted service providers. While contracting for special education services has become a widely-accepted practice, the process a district follows for making decisions about which services to hire as in-district positions and which positions are best filled through a contract relationship with a vendor is not well established. This project seeks to address the various factors districts must consider when contracting for services, prioritize these factors through the creation of a decision tree, and establish an objective process for determining when special education services are best addressed through an outside source. A survey concerning present use of contract special education personnel and associated impressions was created and distributed electronically to 12 special education directors serving school districts in northeastern Arizona. Survey data was analyzed and descriptive statistics calculated to provide insight into the contractual relationships between school districts and special education contract companies. The author applied the survey data to establish a simple protocol consisting of yes-or-no questions to assist the target school district in determining whether it is best to contract for services or advertise for an internal hire. The resulting decision tree serves as a tool which will allow district administrators to objectively approach the decision-making process while focusing on the most salient factors involved with such an important decision.
• Countywide Bariatric Response Plan for Loudoun County, Virginia Fire and Rescue Douglas P. Skinner Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Creative Project: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: February 2017 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi S. Bartman Abstract: This paper on bariatric medical transport reports on a study, showing need for a bariatric transport program for Loudoun County, Virginia and then providing a best practice approach in designing and structuring a countywide bariatric transport plan, equipment cache, dispatch process, and training plan for Emergency Medical Services or EMS personnel. A preliminary search of population demographics showed that 30 percent of the United States population is obese, thus demonstrates a need for bariatric transport capabilities. A secondary search on bariatric best practice organizations and a continuous countywide committee process evaluated the current system and designed a process to initiate a new bariatric transport program. The best practice research and committee approach allowed for a collection of data from organizations that had successfully run bariatric transport systems throughout the world. This data was correlated within the committee with current Loudoun County Fire Rescue System operations, and then specific aspects of the best practices were adopted into the current system. Using the comparison and correlation process of the current services the committee provided a new bariatric transport program for Loudoun County by producing a policy, training and equipment manual, and presenting the program for approval by the EMS Operations Committee.
• Reducing Mental Health Issues in the Elderly: The Effectiveness of a Holistic Model of Care Based on the HOPES Model Jennifer M. Sparkman Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: February 2017 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Elizabeth Keavney Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to test the hypothesis that policy making decisions based on a holistic model of care such as HOPES programming will result in more effective standards than telehealth services in reducing mental health issues in the elderly in both rural and urban areas. The paper outlines the method in which this hypothesis was investigated, including an analysis of aging statistics, legislative behaviors that include budgetary trends after the passage of the Affordable Care Act, and industry standards on care models both in the United States and abroad that provide the most effective methods of reducing mental health issues in the elderly. A review of both HOPES programs and telehealth delivery systems was given, including the impact of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement systems, and an analysis of the impact of reduced budgets in comparison to an increase in consumption among this population. This paper concludes with a discussion regarding the implications of HOPES policy implementation as the most effective and ethical means of policy decision making regarding mental health service delivery models for the elderly because of both the subsequent cost savings found through ongoing, preventative services within the HOPES model, and through the ethical standards of care within collaborative care models found to improve the quality of life for elderly patients.
• The Barn Theatre Procedure Manual Zachary J. Thelen-Liebl Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Creative Project: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: November 2017 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi Bartman Abstract: Willmar Community Theatre, Inc. (DBA, The Barn Theatre), is a non-profit based in Willmar, Minnesota. It was establish in 1964 as a community theatre. Since then, it has grown to become the largest arts organization in that region of the state. The theatre has never had a completed procedure manual for the organization since its inception. The Barn Theatre has had policies and some procedures written out and approved by the Board of Directors. However, it has been very minimal and not as extensive as is recommended by non-profit managers and business experts. This procedure manual was created for the theatre in order to give the “how-to” for many of the procedures and tasks that happens at the theatre. The procedures in this manual were written by conducting research, re-writing past procedures, conducting interviews with staff, and by using other non-profit organizations procedures as basis for some of the tasks. This manual is designed to be a ‘living document’ and subject to updating frequently in order to be current and applicable to The Barn Theatre.
• To Serve and Protect: Servant Leadership Within Law Enforcement Organizations and Its Effect on Employee Job Satisfaction Christopher M. Vanghele Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: February 2017 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Elizabeth Keavney Abstract: Law enforcement can be very stressful. Police organizations are typically operated as para-military, bureaucratic entities that employ autocratic leadership in a top-down, hierarchal scheme which can lead to lower job satisfaction. Servant Leadership, developed by Robert K. Greenleaf, is a very spiritual and ethical leadership style that puts employees first. The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine the levels of servant leadership within Connecticut law enforcement agencies and whether servant leadership affects job satisfaction. 192 police officers from 17 different police agencies completed Laub’s Organizational Leadership Assessment instrument. A two-factor ANOVA was completed and indicated that agencies identified as servant leadership organizations had correspondingly higher rates of job satisfaction and that the rank an employee holds within a police department has no effect on their job satisfaction nor does it moderate the relationship between perceived servant leadership and job satisfaction. The study indicates that servant leadership may be an excellent leadership alternative than the traditionally autocratic style and that employees of all ranks within a police department may equally share in its benefits.

Public Administration Program Theses: 2016

• Measuring the Correlation Between the Integration of Community Engagement-Related Essential Public Health Services and Health Outcomes in Rural Local Public Health Agencies Rodney J. Boyce Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: November 2016 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Elizabeth Keavney Abstract: This thesis measures the correlation between the policy and service integration of assessing health, mobilizing community partnership, developing health policy and program evaluation, and health outcomes as measured by the County Health Rankings and Roadmaps for rural local public health agencies. West Virginia provides the primary data, and Iowa and Missouri are tested as controls. Simple scoring methods are utilized to quantitatively describe integration of the four Essential Public Health Services and health outcomes. Basic Pearson correlations is used to measure the relationship between variables. Contrary to expectation for public health discipline best practice, the study demonstrates negative correlation values. This outcome requires both policy recommendations outside the standard public health paradigm and further research to understand effective and efficient public health service delivery options for rural localities.
• Reorganizing the Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition and Logistics Office Kristine M. Clark Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Creative Project: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: May 2016 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi Bartman Abstract: The Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is looking for suggestions on options to realign the services that provide support VA-wide. The goals of the proposed alignment should focus on increasing efficiencies and reducing costs. The project examines the organizational structure and design options and compares each for strengths and weaknesses against the requirements of the VA Acquisition and Logistics. It is also essential that the structure and design align with the new culture of the organization to avoid a conflict that will decrease the likelihood of successful implementation of the realignment. After a thorough evaluation of each structure and design option, it became clear that a functional alignment within a professional bureaucracy was the best fit to reach the needs of the VA, and the goals of the Secretary. The project finishes with fine-tuning additional parts of the organization, including span of control, depth of the hierarchy, decision authorities and degree of centralization. The final product is a new alignment and organizational chart that will increase efficiencies while empowering employees.
• A Regional Approach to Providing Local Wastewater Services in Youngstown, Ohio: An Evaluation of Variables that Impact Success Carmen S. Conglose Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: November 2016 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Deborah Laufersweiler-Dwyer Abstract: When local governments form consortiums to jointly provide services within a specified region, prior research suggests that overall service costs can decrease as quality increases. Several studies have also found that regionalizing local wastewater services in such a manner is one area in which the economic benefits are especially rewarding. Despite these obvious advantages, however, prior research fails to identify reasons why regionalization is not more widely utilized among local public agencies. The current research attempts to fill this knowledge gap by investigating how Youngstown, Ohio and other similar local communities may eclipse some of the common non-economic barriers that inhibit the regionalization choice. By studying four cases across the nation in which regionalizing wastewater services has met with mixed results, data will be analyzed and measured via a regionalization evaluative continuum in order to produce a Regional Suitability Index that may be applied to Youngstown’s nagging problem of finding ways to provide affordable and sustainable wastewater services in the face of declining resources. Faced with formidable institutional and social challenges, the findings suggest that Youngstown is currently less than an ideal candidate for regionalization.
• Saving America: A Guide for Public Administrators Keri N. Gardner Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: November 2016 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Kandis Wyatt Abstract: Public participation is a critical element for America’s foundation of democratic strength. To see growth in the number of citizens who are more engaged in the political process, steps will need to be taken to restore confidence in the United States government and its leaders and make the democratic process more accessible to citizens. As it now appears, the looming edifice of Ameri-can government is an intimidating and unwelcoming labyrinth. Through communication with citizens directly, the government and public administrators can understand the priorities and values that will increase public participation and create productive solutions. The components to this process are: 1) a more trusting relationship between government and the public, 2) making government processes more transparent, 3) providing education where needed or desired and 4) empowering citizens to become engaged. This research study used a survey aimed at citizens from diverse backgrounds that determined current satisfaction with the government and agencies, how deeply the respondents have participated in the democratic process, and explored what would motivate them to become more involved. The study also gathered information from an interview with a current member of the United States House of Representatives to observe public participation from a legislative perspective. Exploring the issue from the varying viewpoints allowed the researcher to determine commonalities and avenues that may lead to more successful collaboration.
• Forecasting the Value of Economic Development Incentives through a Layman's Viewpoint Austin B. Haynes Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Creative Project: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: August 2016 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi Bartman Abstract: Research on economic development incentives has focused on whether or not they are necessary or actually provide value. Most research has utilized post project evaluation to determine if the project and the use of incentives were successful. This project takes a different approach in focusing on trying to both quantify and qualify the potential value of such incentives during the decision making process. This will be done by utilizing existing research and applying post evaluation results to develop proper questions that should be asked before economic development incentives are awarded. This project will allow elected officials and community leaders to make better informed decisions and to apply a critical approach to the awarding of incentives. The SWOT analysis, sample business model canvas, and decision making tree should be easily adaptable to fit most economic development decisions as to the potential value of giving incentives. This paper is designed to act as background for a visual presentation on the same matter.
• Conservation, Retain, Reuse and Desalination at Joint Base Pearl Harbor - Hickam Keith J. Jabbusch Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: August 2016 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Stephen Schwalbe Abstract: This thesis examines the need for an alternate source of fresh water on Oahu, and the need to reduce the current demand on the Island’s aquifer. The Navy’s investment into next generation reverse osmosis (RO) desalination has proven to reduce annual operating cost by 70 percent, with improved operational time, reduced part failures, and maintenance time, while producing 50 percent more clean water. Joint Base Pearl Harbor- Hickam has the ability to reduce its current requirement from 18 million gallons a day to 3 million gallons per day, by implementing current technologies in desalination from shipboard RO’s and in the use of using high efficient conservation methods. Along with desalination, JBPHH’s ability to retain and re-use run-off water from impermeable surfaces can reduce JBPHH’s daily aquifer withdraw by 85 percent in helping the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Commission on Water Resource Management’s sustainable yield goal of 165 million gallons per day (mgd).
• Revisions of the Communications Plan for the City of Manassas Park Joseph M. Neiberger Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: May 2016 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi Bartman Abstract: Emergency management agencies have not, historically, adopted bi-directional communication models to support how information is shared with the citizens. The goal of this project is to develop a recommended communication plan, for the City of Manassas Park, which includes the use of social media platforms to support the emergency management principles. Action based research is being used to develop the recommended communication policy. Four research questions have been identified to structure the research around: 1) What are the communication priorities of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command Structure (ICS)? 2) What are the social media trends in emergency communications? 3) What communication needs should be addressed with the revised communication plan? And 4) What social media platforms can be used to support those identified communication needs? The adoption of bi-directional communication tools is essential to modern emergency management practices. The structure of the traditional NIMS system does allow for the adoption of such tools, however, the development of a dynamic team able to manage bi-directional information must be addressed if the employing of such resources is to be successful.
• Campus Threat Assessment and Management Teams at Rancho Santiago Community College District Alistair M. Winter Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: May 2016 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi Bartman Abstract: As a result of the terrible events at Columbine, Virginia Tech and the increasing number of school based shootings in the U.S., there is substantial research to prevent school based shootings. Findings indicate that on many occasions, pre-incident behaviors, known as leakage, are observed which may allow institutions to prevent and intervene. In short, other people may know something is going to happen and identifying ways to intervene is vitally important if our schools are to be safe. This project uses the research around these findings to identify best practice and procedures for Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) to put in place Threat Assessment Management Teams (TAMT). The project set out by examining the two main organizations, NaBITA and SIGMA, which have developed TAMT after the Virginia Tech shootings. The research from both organizations is substantial and set out the processes and procedures which schools should put in place. It was decided to adopt the model set out by NaBITA, for its ease of use and comprehensive inclusion of assessment of mental state of mind and risk, along with aggression levels. It is hoped that the adoption and implementation of this model will make RSCCD a safer place to study and work.
• Emergency Notification Systems and Their Use in an International Airport Tammi L. Zufall Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: November 2016 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Deborah Laufersweiler-Dwyer Abstract: This research examines the different emergency notification systems at use in an international airport. For this research project the airport examined is the Seattle-Tacoma International airport in Seattle, Washington. The current systems used are examined for their intent and actual usage, to determine if they are effective or can be improved upon. The question asked is just that, can the current emergency notification systems in place be improved upon or is there a need for a change to a different system. The number of varied populations who access an international airport at any time require a unique set of systems to be effective in an emergency. The needs in this atmosphere will be evidenced by the case study included in this research, involving a shooting at Los Angeles International Airport in 2013. Research will be conducted using published materials as well as interviews with those that use the current emergency notification systems a Sea-Tac. This information will be evaluated and then compared with the established needs for an international airport in any number of emergency situations, with the added concern for privacy laws and security issues that might pertain to those involved.

Public Administration Program Theses: 2015

• Electronic Record Conversion in Juvenile State Courts: Engineering Cultural Change Lisa Armstrong Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: May 2015 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Natalie Fussell Abstract: Utah’s juvenile court initiated an electronic record maintenance conversion as a means of meeting the needs and expectations of a rapidly changing, electronically savvy clientele. The court encountered several challenges and problems requiring special attention and redesign of an antiquated system. This research analyzed the changes necessary for the cultural re-envisioning necessary to develop a successful, electronic record maintenance system. This qualitative research considered a case study conducted on Utah’s court system, in conjunction with the initial clerical reorganization proposal as a comparison to the results of the court’s change process. The research identified certain key components essential to court modernization and demonstrated that the effective, detail oriented preliminary efforts were essential to a successful, systemic cultural change, which encapsulated the elements of an electronic transition method. The research concluded that successful electronic management of judicial systems was possible, when supported by preliminary cultural adjustment conducive to positive change.
• A Look at Leadership in the United States Air Force and the Effects on Operational Readiness Dennis M. Baker, Jr. Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: August 2015 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi Bartman Abstract: The world in which the United States military, and specifically the United States Air Force, operates is vastly different from the world of airpower pioneers the likes of Eddie Rickenbacher, Jimmy Dolittle, and Curtis LeMay. Communication mediums and technological advancements, societal shifts, and budgetary concerns have altered the way wars are fought, and the worldview of those of who do the nation’s bidding. The research questions whether the Air Force’s leadership is prepare to lead in this new era of warfare. The study takes a qualitative approach to exploring the effectiveness of leadership within the United States Air Force and the potential impact of such leadership on the operational readiness of the service. The research design centers on the responses obtained from a web-based survey disseminated to a limited subject population in an effort to determine if the hypothesis is correct. The piece draws upon the work of accepted theorists within the field of public administration and makes recommendations moving forward.
• Leadership Involvement in Preventing the Misuse of the Government Travel Charge Card Donald R. Bal, Jr. Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: August 2015 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi Bartman Abstract: The research paper examines the misuse of the Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) Program in the military and the lack of leadership involvement in the GTCC process. One area of concern is that military leaders are not taking proactive steps to mitigate the problem. Research of multiple Inspector General Reports from various government agencies were used to determine if leadership involvement was evident. Leadership culpability was analyzed under the context of both leadership and ethical theories. More specifically, the research focused on transformational and transactional leadership theories in addition to utilitarian and deontological theories, which drew a more comprehensive picture of why leaders are not involved in the process and how they could employ these theories to become more proactive leaders in managing the process. The results indicated that proactive leadership would aid in mitigating the issue and that the combination of both leadership theories will enhance the leader’s ability to combat GTCC misuse in addition to fostering good ethical conduct within their organizations.
• A Comprehensive Analysis to Define Land Management Statuatory Requirements Using a State Proposed Land Exchange Darren T. Blagburn Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: February 2015 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi Bartman Abstract: This case study established and measured a variety of Federal and State criteria to determine the likelihood of the State of Idaho’s proposed land exchange occurring within the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey Conservation Area. Seven criteria found in the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Land Exchange Handbook served as the data collection framework while the supporting units of analysis came from government reports, policy, and scholarly articles. Using a mixed methodology, the researcher conducted in-person interviews with federal and state employees and collected data from multiple agencies’ official documents. The result of the study was to determine if the proposed exchange achieved the two federal statutory requirements. It then compared the proposed exchange’s results against those found in an existing feasibility study to validate the units of analysis. Lastly, the study compared the results against State’s specified objectives to conclude if the exchange achieved those objectives. The State of Idaho’s proposed land exchange will fulfill both statutory requirements. Additionally, the State’s objectives will remain intact. Overall, the results of the research support conducting the State’s proposed exchange because it meets the intent of the law by accomplishing the federal statutory requirements, and it attains the state objectives.
• Role and Adaptation in Local Government: An Analysis of Gallatin County Eric Bowers Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: May 2015 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Timothy Bagwell Abstract: This study seeks to expand on existing research regarding local government’s role in community building which has largely focused on larger metropolitan areas. This study examines the perceptions of local government leaders in how they view their role within the community as civic leaders both collectively and individually. The overall purpose of this study is to examine the changes and adaptations in local government. Survey responses from members of the Gallatin County and Bozeman City Commissions are analyzed. Additionally, a brief analysis of online information resources is also conducted to determine the posturing of local government in whether policy or the policy making process is emphasized. Analysis of online resources and survey responses indicates that both organizational and individual role adaptation among city and county government officials is dynamic, and that these adaptations are a reflection of proactive community engagement as well as policy development. Both the county and city commissions exhibit high levels of policy process orientation.
• Twitter and the Islamic State: What is the Government's Role? Claire E. Bowyer Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: August 2015 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi Bartman Abstract: Terrorist groups are increasingly turning to social media to recruit, raise funds, and spread propaganda in support of their cause. One group, the Islamic State, has used social media, especially Twitter, as a vehicle to recruit thousands of foreign fighters and their future brides, disseminate their violent ideology, and incite and inspire others to commit terrorist attacks in their name. The results of this study indicate that there are many initiatives and strategies the government could undertake to reduce the online reach and power of terrorist groups like ISIS. These initiatives should include more collaboration with and cooperation from the social media companies themselves. The research also found that should there be little cooperation, there are remedies through existing law and potential amendments to existing law that could force social media companies to better monitor their platforms for extremist content and take down violent material in order to help the government and intelligence agencies better protect the nation’s security.
• "War on Coal": The Effects of Divisive Political Rhetoric on the Public Policy Process in West Virginia Matthew Henry Burns Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: February 2015 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi Bartman Abstract: Multiple influences can be utilized to shape the public policy process such as special interest groups, public opinion and industry. Looking at the issue through the lens of the Public Choice Theory, this thesis examines how divisive rhetoric is employed by these influences to shape the public policy process in West Virginia. In highlighting the political positions of individual political candidates as well as political party agendas in promoting divisive War on Coal political rhetoric during the West Virginia mid-term elections of 2014, three distinct public policies impacted by this divisive rhetoric are examined. The examination of these three public policies, one from each level of government (local, state and federal), was used to determine whether divisive rhetoric can exact change on public policies. Through the use of public statements made by public officials and other politicians, it was determined divisive rhetoric does, in fact, influence the public policy process. However, marked differences were identified between policies at each governmental level, particularly in regards to the sphere of influence divisive rhetoric had on the design and implementation of public policies.
• Closing the Gap Between Public Health Preparedness and Emergency Management in Nevada David W. Fogerson Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: May 2015 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi Bartman Abstract: Emergency management and public health preparedness are allied but separate career fields responsible to plan, prepare, respond and recover local and statewide communities from disaster. The problem is the federal government provides guidance for these two programs from three different agencies: CDC, ASPR and DHS. This creates a conflict with each field trying to maintain jurisdictional clarity while avoiding mission creep. This research looks at the ability of meta-leadership concepts: leading up, down and across to solve the problem.Three case studies were reviewed: 2009/2010 H1N1 outbreak, 2012 flu clinic and 2014 Ebola planning. These case studies showed a meta-leadership effort that involved more organizations in the planning, placing emergency management and public health preparedness on equal footing. Future efforts to encourage the meta-leadership effort must occur. These efforts include co-locating annual conferences, providing education and changing future position requirements. Additional research is needed to show the value of meta-leadership in solving Nevada’s problems
• Hydraulic Fracturing: Balancing Energy, Economy, and Environment in Pennsylvania Robyn L. Froehlich Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: May 2015 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi Bartman Abstract: Hydraulic fracturing operations, also known as fracking, have become a widely debated topic that has slowly arisen over the past decade. Fracking has provided a new method for the gas industry to extract domestic natural gas that was previously economically unattainable, therefore creating perceived benefits for the United States to bridge the energy gap while renewable sources are being further developed. It has also been assumed that it will boost waning local and state economies through gas extraction revenue. However, there are increasing concerns about the environmental safety of fracking, particularly the potential for water contamination and air pollution. The state-delegated policies that are charged with protecting the health and welfare of citizens are lacking the capability and consistency to meet that responsibility. This thesis analyzes the existing components of the Oil and Gas Act that regulate fracking in the state of Pennsylvania, and recommends policy changes that are be feasible to implement while still balancing the demands of the economy, environment, and energy production.
• PTSD in the 9-1-1 Dispatcher: Are We Doing Enough to Protect the Silent Eyes Megan T. Hinkle Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: November 2015 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Natalie Fussell Abstract: The purpose of this research was to determine if the legislation, screening methods, and available treatments are adequate enough to be able identify and heal PTSD in the 9-1-1 dispatcher. This study reviewed the pertinent literature as well as information from the websites of the counties and major cities within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This study found a considerable lack of data and information regarding dispatch-specific legislation as well as information regarding how dispatch centers identify and treat PTSD. The results of the study indicate that PTSD in dispatchers should be treated through a multi-faceted approach and there is applicable legislation that needs to be developed.
• Bullying in the Workplace Carryn L. Mac Leod Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Arts (MA) Awarded: November 2015 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Daneene Barton Abstract: The study of public administration and organizational management practices include leadership theories and the impact these leaders have on the success of the organization and public policies. The problem with workplace bullying includes the costs of bullying actions to the organization, and the detrimental effects to the individual which increase costs to society, and the public (Namie, 2014). The purpose of this study is to discuss and explore the phenomenon of workplace bullying. The research collected in this study is both qualitative and quantitative and includes independent variables to identify the leadership styles of bullies. Case studies and surveys were collected, patterned, and analyzed. Data was evaluated to provide cumulative findings to further the knowledge of workplace bullying. Hiring practices, tolerance, and the organizational culture were identified as intervening variables and predictors to this phenomenon. Recent California mandates were explored and discussed. The findings of this study support promoting intervening variables which include a change in the culture and public policies to eliminate bullying. The practical implication to public organizations today is to bring awareness to current movement and practices of public administration. The intent of this paper is to advance the significance of this topic, challenge new public leaders to identify workplace bullying, eliminate its costs to society, and make positive changes within the public arena as visionary leaders.
• The Influence of External Factors (Lobbyists) Regarding Major Policy Decisions on Gun Rights and How they Affect Public Impressions Regarding Federal Government Jason M. Moore Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: February 2015 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi Bartman Abstract: The purpose of this research is to gain an understanding of how lobbyists influence gun laws and explore American attitudes towards lobbyists. This topic is important due to the recent spike in gun related massacres that are more prevalent in our society. This thesis will be part research and also utilize qualitative methodology to provide the reader with an understanding of the topic based on previous literature and new data through the use of a survey to obtain individuals’ thoughts and perceptions. The research found that lobbyists’ organizations utilize vast amounts of resources in order to convey their message to legislators and influence the voting outcomes of virtually all laws concerning gun rights. To state that lobbyists’ influences are negative cannot be supported by the research. The research has found that whether or not an individual agrees with the influences from lobbyists in terms of gun legislation largely depends on their own political views and attitudes toward gun control. Regardless of this finding, pro-gun lobbyists have an unhealthy influence over legislators and the political institution concerning gun laws.
• The Inequality of the Pennsylvania Basic Education Subsidy Ellen M. Wadsworth Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: May 2015 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Natalie Fussell Abstract: The basic education funding system in Pennsylvania is seriously flawed. The current method used to calculate the subsidy to school districts is antiquated and has created an environment of inequality. Median income, property tax, housing values, and subsidy data from various state and national sources has been collected and analyzed to show that the education funding subsidy has caused the property taxes in the southeastern region of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to increase disproportionately compared with other regions of the Commonwealth. This unbalanced increase in property taxes, as a result of the lack of fair funding from the Commonwealth, was necessary to fund those school districts at successful levels. The education subsidy granted to other portions of the Commonwealth was at a much higher level, which allowed the property taxes in those areas to reflect more modest increases over time. Several alternatives including school district mergers, performance funding, and changing the tax structure were also examined. While a direct cause and effect relationship was not established from the data obtained, the general trends observed show a positive correlation between the inequitable education subsidy and the increase in property taxes in the southeastern portion of the Commonwealth.

Public Administration Program Theses: 2014

• Examining the Evolving Ethical Environment within the House of Representatives Christopher Bruce Ehle Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: May 2014 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi Scott Bartman Abstract: This study compares and contrasts ethics cases in the House of Representatives in two different time periods: 1798-1966 and 1967-2004. The purpose of this is to establish whether or not the formation of a permanent Ethics Committee in the House in 1967 and the following Congressional reform movement are acting as mediating variables causing a sharp increase in conduct cases being brought before the House since 1967. To do this, the exact number and types of ethics cases in the House will be taken from a historical summary prepared by the House, which lists all ethics cases officially recorded for the time periods listed. Findings suggest that there is indeed a strong correlation between the formation of the Ethics Committee and the Congressional reform movement, and a dramatic increase in ethics cases brought before the House. Additionally, there is evidence that media exposure and the purely political aspects of the ethics process are further contributing to an increase in ethics cases in the House after 1967.
• The Government Performance and Results Act: An Analysis of Strategic Goals and Performance Measurements David W. Johnson Program: Public Administration: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Public Administration (MPA) Awarded: May 2014 Capstone Instructor: Dr. Christi Scott Bartman Abstract: The premise of this study contends that the design of Agency Strategic Plans and Agency Performance Plans are inadequate and fail to provide the guidance and structure required to affect leader decision-making. Additionally, Strategic Plans and Agency Performance Plans fail to provide adequate scope, detail, guidance, and tools needed to integrate with an agency’s budget- and program-management systems. This study closely examines the content and structure of selected Agency Strategic Plans and Agency Performance Plans to determine if the structure, design, and content of these plans is conducive to supporting leader-based decision-making and providing for integration with a comprehensive budget- and performance-management system. The study closes with an examination into the relationship and effect the agency’s policy focus and its independence may have on the content and structure of these plans.
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Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) Major in Public Administration (Thesis Option)

Program overview.

The Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) degree program cultivates practical, research-oriented students for careers as reflective practitioners guided by democratic values, integrity and service. Students work with faculty who have been recognized nationally for their contribution to outstanding teaching, research, and service. The M.P.A. program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).

Application Requirements

The items listed below are required for admission consideration for applicable semesters of entry during the current academic year. Submission instructions, additional details, and changes to admission requirements for semesters other than the current academic year can be found on The Graduate College's website . International students should review the International Admission Documents page for additional requirements.

• completed online application
• $55 nonrefundable application fee

          or

• $90 nonrefundable application fee for applications with international credentials
• baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited university (Non-U.S. degrees must be equivalent to a four-year U.S. Bachelor’s degree. In most cases, three-year degrees are not considered. Visit our  International FAQs  for more information.)
• official transcripts from  each institution  where course credit was granted
• a 3.0 overall GPA or a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work (plus any completed graduate courses)
• GRE not required
• statement of purpose (two pages in 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spaced with one-inch margins and full name in the header) addressing the following: academic interests, personal and professional experiences relevant for graduate work, motivations and accomplishments, potential as a graduate student and readiness for graduate school, interest in the M.P.A. program at Texas State and reasons the student would be a good fit, and aspirations and the specific goals
• two letters of recommendation
• public sector experience (If the student does not have public sector experience, the student must complete a three-hour internship course.)

Approved English Proficiency Exam Scores

Applicants are required to submit an approved English proficiency exam score that meets the minimum program requirements below unless they have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or the equivalent from a country on our  exempt countries list .

• official TOEFL iBT scores required with a 78 overall
• official PTE scores required with a 52
• official IELTS (academic) scores required with a 6.5 overall and minimum individual module scores of 6.0
• official Duolingo Scores required with a 110 overall
• official TOEFL Essentials scores required with an 8.5 overall

Degree Requirements

The Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) degree with a major in Public Administration requires 39 semester credit hours, including a thesis.  All students will be required to complete a thesis and an oral defense of the thesis.  

Students who have not completed a statistics course in the last five years with a grade of B or better will be required to take  PA 5311  as a required elective.  Students who do not have administrative experience must take  PA 5389  Internship in Government. The internship can be waived by sending documentation of administrative experience directly to the M.P.A. director. 

Course Requirements

Students registering for PA 5399A must prepare a thesis proposal under the guidance of a thesis chair that includes a statement of the problem, literature review, theoretical framework, research design, data collection procedures, and a representative bibliography. Upon successful completion of PA 5399A , students may register for PA 5399B with thesis chair approval. 

Comprehensive Examination Requirement

An oral defense of the thesis in front of a committee of faculty and  practitioners will serve as the comprehensive examination requirement. If a student does not successfully defend the thesis in the first attempt, one subsequent chance to defend the thesis will be provided after the student satisfactorily addresses every suggestion for improvement made by the thesis committee.

Students who do not successfully complete the requirements for the degree within the timelines specified will be dismissed from the program.

If a student elects to follow the thesis option for the degree, a committee to direct the written thesis will be established. The thesis must demonstrate the student’s capability for research and independent thought. Preparation of the thesis must be in conformity with the  Graduate College Guide to Preparing and Submitting a Thesis or Dissertation .

Thesis Proposal

The student must submit an official  Thesis Proposal Form  and proposal to his or her thesis committee. Thesis proposals vary by department and discipline. Please see your department for proposal guidelines and requirements. After signing the form and obtaining committee members’ signatures, the graduate advisor’s signature if required by the program and the department chair’s signature, the student must submit the Thesis Proposal Form with one copy of the proposal attached to the dean of The Graduate College for approval before proceeding with research on the thesis. If the thesis research involves human subjects, the student must obtain exemption or approval from the Texas State Institutional Review Board prior to submitting the proposal form to The Graduate College. The IRB approval letter should be included with the proposal form. If the thesis research involves vertebrate animals, the proposal form must include the Texas State IACUC approval code. It is recommended that the thesis proposal form be submitted to the dean of The Graduate College by the end of the student’s enrollment in 5399A. Failure to submit the thesis proposal in a timely fashion may result in delayed graduation.

Thesis Committee

The thesis committee must be composed of a minimum of three approved graduate faculty members.

Thesis Enrollment and Credit

The completion of a minimum of six hours of thesis enrollment is required. For a student's initial thesis course enrollment, the student will need to register for thesis course number 5399A.  After that, the student will enroll in thesis B courses, in each subsequent semester until the thesis is defended with the department and approved by The Graduate College. Preliminary discussions regarding the selection of a topic and assignment to a research supervisor will not require enrollment for the thesis course.

Students must be enrolled in thesis credits if they are receiving supervision and/or are using university resources related to their thesis work.  The number of thesis credit hours students enroll in must reflect the amount of work being done on the thesis that semester.  It is the responsibility of the committee chair to ensure that students are making adequate progress toward their degree throughout the thesis process.  Failure to register for the thesis course during a term in which supervision is received may result in postponement of graduation. After initial enrollment in 5399A, the student will continue to enroll in a thesis B course as long as it takes to complete the thesis. Thesis projects are by definition original and individualized projects.  As such, depending on the topic, methodology, and other factors, some projects may take longer than others to complete.  If the thesis requires work beyond the minimum number of thesis credits needed for the degree, the student may enroll in additional thesis credits at the committee chair's discretion. In the rare case when a student has not previously enrolled in thesis and plans to work on and complete the thesis in one term, the student will enroll in both 5399A and 5399B.

The only grades assigned for thesis courses are PR (progress), CR (credit), W (withdrew), and F (failing). If acceptable progress is not being made in a thesis course, the instructor may issue a grade of F. If the student is making acceptable progress, a grade of PR is assigned until the thesis is completed. The minimum number of hours of thesis credit (“CR”) will be awarded only after the thesis has been both approved by The Graduate College and released to Alkek Library.

A student who has selected the thesis option must be registered for the thesis course during the term or Summer I (during the summer, the thesis course runs ten weeks for both sessions) in which the degree will be conferred.

Thesis Deadlines and Approval Process

Thesis deadlines are posted on  The Graduate College  website under "Current Students." The completed thesis must be submitted to the chair of the thesis committee on or before the deadlines listed on The Graduate College website.

The following must be submitted to The Graduate College by the thesis deadline listed on The Graduate College website:

• The Thesis Submission Approval Form bearing original (wet) and/or electronic signatures of the student and all committee members.
• One (1) PDF of the thesis in final form, approved by all committee members, uploaded in the online Vireo submission system.  

After the dean of The Graduate College approves the thesis, Alkek Library will harvest the document from the Vireo submission system for publishing in the Digital Collections database (according to the student's embargo selection).  NOTE: MFA Creative Writing theses will have a permanent embargo and will never be published to Digital Collections.  

While original (wet) signatures are preferred, there may be situations as determined by the chair of the committee in which obtaining original signatures is inefficient or has the potential to delay the student's progress. In those situations, the following methods of signing are acceptable:

• signing and faxing the form
• signing, scanning, and emailing the form
• notifying the department in an email from their university's or institution's email account that the committee chair can sign the form on their behalf
• electronically signing the form using the university's licensed signature platform.

If this process results in more than one document with signatures, all documents need to be submitted to The Graduate College together.

No copies are required to be submitted to Alkek Library. However, the library will bind copies submitted that the student wants bound for personal use. Personal copies are not required to be printed on archival quality paper. The student will take the personal copies to Alkek Library and pay the binding fee for personal copies.

Master's level courses in Public Administration: PA

Courses Offered

Public administration (pa).

PA 5199B. Thesis.

This course represents a student's continuing thesis enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the thesis is submitted for binding.

PA 5299B. Thesis.

PA 5300. Introduction to Public Policy and Administration.

This course introduces students to the study and practice of US public administration and policy. It also focuses on the dynamics of the democratic governance process.

PA 5310. Public Finance Administration.

This course examines the applied aspects of public finance including operating budgets, revenue estimation, capital budgeting, financial planning, budgetary decision-making, cost benefit analysis, and life-cycle costing. In addition, strategies for budget justification, presentation, and implementation are examined. The use of various budgetary tools and techniques are emphasized.

PA 5311. Introduction to Statistical Analysis.

This course applies quantitative methods to problems faced by public administration practitioners. Topics include the use of descriptive and inferential statistics as they apply to decision-making in public management. Students gain hands-on experience with data collection, analysis, and interpretation.

PA 5312. Program Evaluation and Administrative Statistical Analysis.

This is an advanced course in the application of quantitative methods for the evaluation of public policies and programs. The course emphasizes the administrative and managerial environment. Prerequisite: PA 5311 with a grade of "B" or better.

PA 5313. Public Sector Economics.

This course presents basic concepts of economics as applied to the public sector. Principles of economics for policy analysis and management are examined in the context of collective action, public choice, resource allocation, and service delivery. The course also examines the financing of national, state, and local governments.

PA 5314. Public Administration and Information Technology.

This course explores the use of information technology in the public sector. It emphasizes the issues that public administrators need to know concerning the impact of information technology on their organizations. The course covers E-Democracy, E-Governance, Enterprise Architecture, Public Management Information Systems (PMIS), E-Procurement, and E-Commerce.

PA 5315. Public Performance Management.

This course examines public sector performance management and measurement as tools for improving strategic planning, resource allocation, organizational learning, and internal operational processes. It also examines accountability, managerial performance, and evaluation processes.

PA 5320. Organizational Theory, Change, and Behavior.

This course analyzes classic and contemporary literature on organizational theory and behavior in the public sector. Emphasis is placed on history and development of organizational theory and core concepts such as organizational culture, power, and change. The implications of organizational theory for democratic governance are explored.

PA 5330. Public Personnel Administration.

This course introduces students to public personnel functions from a managerial perspective. Examples of topics covered include: recruitment and selection, perfomance evaluation, discipline, collective bargaining, classification, and compensation. Constructive leadership of government personnel that encourages a more competent, motivated, and representative administration workforce is emphasized.

PA 5331. Labor Management Relations.

This course examines the historical development of public employee unions and the effects of collective bargaining agreements on personnel policy development. Public laws concerning collective bargaining procedures and strategy on the part of public managers are covered.

PA 5332. Management Practices in Public Personnel Administration.

This course is a seminar-based examination of selected topics in public personnel administration including job analysis, position classification, test construction, performance appraisal, succession planning, and affirmative action. The role of the personnel office as a strategic partner in accomplishing organizational goals is also explored.

PA 5340. Introduction to Public Law.

This course examines the regulatory environment, legal requirements, and constraints that public officials face when carrying out their durties. The use of online research tools to find adminstrative materials and analyze public law issues is emphasized.

PA 5350. Public Policy Processes.

This course is an overview of the process of public policymaking including policy formulation and implementation. Emphasis is placed on actors in the policy process and on the political environment.

PA 5351. Urban Sustainability Policy.

This course examines the basic components of urban transportation and land use policy. In addition to building an understanding of the historic foundation of urban policy and planning, students explore the underlying concepts related to sustainability to analyze underlying tensions and potential connections across policy spheres.

PA 5352. Comparative Public Administration.

This course examines differences in various national administrative systems and the role of international organizations. It explores differences that influence various public policy issues from countries around the world. Policy issues examined include poverty, human rights, health care, and the environment.

PA 5353. Ecology and the Politics of Sustainability.

This course is an exploration of problems and policies dealing with air, water, waste, energy use, natural resources, sustainability, and global environmental issues. This class highlights the historical drivers of environmental policy. Implementation strategies, policy mechanisms, and compliance adherence are also examined.

PA 5355. Environmental Policy.

This course will introduce students to the public policy process and the details of U.S. environmental policy and administration. Problems and policies dealing with air, water, solid waste, hazardous waste, energy use, natural resources, climate change, sustainability, and global environmental governance will be discussed.

PA 5361. Introduction to the Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector.

This course provides a foundation for understanding the history, scope, and function of the American nonprofit and voluntary sector. It includes an examination of the conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of the sector, and assessment of the role of these organizations in society, and their impact on public policy.

PA 5362. Alternative Public Service Delivery Systems.

This course examines alternative delivery of public services. The reliance on market mechanisms, contracting out, and privatization are explored.

PA 5370. Public Management and Ethics.

This course explores issues of morality and ethics in the public sector. It also considers subjects such as administrative discretion, the public interest, democratic values, and dissent. The course aims to formulate a frame of reference for judging behavior and clarifying our role and responsibility as moral agents.

PA 5380A. Texas Water Law and Policy.

This course examines the chief policy issue that will determine the future of Texas: how state and local agencies administer the state’s ground- and surface water legal regimes. With the legal and regulatory framework in place, the course investigates pressing water policy issues that confront Texas.

PA 5380B. Environmental Litigation.

This course conducts an in-depth examination of researching, filing, and litigating claims under federal and state environmental statutes. The course focuses on the aspects of environmental litigation that make it different than its non-environmental counterparts.

PA 5387. Research Practicum.

This course uses structured group research to analyze a current policy, management, or administrative issue. A professor-led research team completes a final report detailing findings and recommendations for action. May be repeated once for additional credit. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

PA 5388. Directed Reading and Research.

This course guides students in directed reading and research on various topics in public policy and administration under the direction of a graduate faculty member. The course may be repeated once with a different emphasis for additional credit for a maximum of 6 credit hours. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

PA 5389. Internship in Government.

This course provides students with the opportunity to integrate classroom learning with practical experience. Students with little or no work experience related to public service are required to complete an internship. Students considering a career change should consider an internship. May be repeated once for additional credit. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

PA 5390. Applied Research Methodology.

This course is an introduction to applied research methods in the public sector. Topics include the scientific method, research design, measurement, qualitative research, and sampling. Data collection methods such as survey research, content analysis, and secondary data analysis are also covered.

PA 5397. Research Design and Proposal Development for Public Administration.

This course prepares students for the demands of academic and professional writing. Students learn how to identify a public problem, develop a research purpose statement, and complete a literature review around a conceptual framework. This course prepares the student for their Applied Research Project (ARP). Prerequisite: PS 5390 with a grade of "B" or better and instructor approval.

PA 5398. Applied Research Project.

This course serves as the capstone experience for MPA students. Students complete an original and empirical Applied Reserach Project (ARP), complete an oral defense of the ARP, and prepare the ARP for publication. Prerequisite: PA 5397 with a grade of "B" or better and instructor approval.

PA 5399A. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s initial thesis enrollment. No thesis credit is awarded until student has completed the thesis in public administration.

PA 5399B. Thesis.

PA 5599B. Thesis.

PA 5999B. Thesis.

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Master of Public Administration

Take the next step in service with your master of public administration.

You have a deep commitment to public service and your community and are ready to step into a role where you can make an impact. The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a professional degree that prepares you for a career in management of government and nonprofit organizations to do just that.  

Students have the option to complete a thesis or an internship within a non-profit or government setting to complete their capstone course, letting you customize the degree to your needs and interests. 

What You'll Do

You’ll develop skills to be a responsible and ethical leader, with the ability to make decisions strategically. More specifically, you’ll have the opportunity to: 

• Engage in the development of leadership skills to successfully communicate with a range of individuals, communities and organizations. 
• Develop the ability to organize information and ideas and to communicate them effectively, both in written reports and oral presentations. 
• Analyze the ethical considerations confronting public and nonprofit organizations serving diverse communities in an evolving world. 

What Can You Do with a Master of Publication Administration?

Graduates of the Master of Public Administration program can look forward to rewarding careers in a wide variety of governmental and nonprofit organizations. Although an MPA is often considered a practitioner degree for those who will be doing public or nonprofit administration, a number of graduates go on to pursue doctorates to become college or university faculty. 

Employment Opportunities 

• Emergency Management Director 
• Operations Research Analyst 
• Human Resources Manager 
• Postsecondary Education Administrator 

Public Administration by the Numbers

Operations Research Analyst

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual salary of operations research analysts is $95,820.

Emergency Management Director

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the mean annual salary for emergency management directors is $88,890.

Human Resources Managers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the mean annual salary for human resource managers is $145,750.

Public Administration Curriculum

The Master of Public Administration degree requires the completion of 36 hours of coursework, consisting of 21 hours of core courses, 12 hours of elective courses, and a 3-credit-hour capstone, internship or thesis. A full-time student can often complete the program in two years, subject to appropriate planning for the internship.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the criteria established for general admission to graduate studies are the following departmental criteria. Application materials must demonstrate the student’s commitment to a career in governmental or nonprofit organizations.  

• An undergraduate GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale  
• Resume  
• Two letters of recommendation addressing the student’s potential for a career in public or nonprofit service  
• A letter of intent addressing professional goals and objectives. The letter should address what the applicant expects to achieve through graduate level study. The letter should be typed and a maximum of 750 words in length.  

GRE, LSAT, or GMAT scores are not required but may be submitted to strengthen application.  

Curriculum Checklist (36 hours)

Core requirements:.

• PS502 Fundamentals of Public Administration (3)
• PS505 Organizational Theory and Behavior (3)
• PS518 Public Policy Analysis (3)
• PS545 Research Methods for Public Administrators (3)
• PS603 Public Personnel Administration (3)
• PS615 Government Budgeting Process (3)
• PS655 Federalism, State and Local Government (3)
• PS697 Public Administration Internship (3) OR Thesis (3)

Choose one 12-hour track:

Nonprofit:  .

• PS631 Nonprofit Management (3)  
• PS632 Nonprofit Marketing (3)  
• PS636 Grants and Fundraising (3)  
• PS691-696 Topics in Political Science (3)  

State and Local Governance:  

• PS621 Social Media and Politics (3)  
• PY571 Introductory Behavioral Statistics (3)  
• SC560 Organizational Communication (3)  

Choose one with the advice of the program coordinator

• GR698 Master’s Final Comprehensive Examination (0)  
• GR699 Master’s Oral Examination (0)  

Other Degree Information

• The capstone internship (PS 697) involves 120 hours of work with the host organization, and the writing and defense of a scholarly internship paper on the experience.  
• Undergraduate students who apply for and meet the eligibility requirements of the Accelerated MPA Program can take as many as four of the 500-level core courses and have them count toward both their undergraduate and MPA degrees.  
• The University requires that at least 18 credit hours of the 36- hour program must be at the 600 level.  
• Students are also expected to comply with Graduate School general requirements, including continuous enrollment provisions, etc.  

Public Administration Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree

Class of ‘18, Master of Public Administration

"I am learning about being a government employee and how to manage and work in a non-profit organization. I get excited when I think of the policies that need to be fixed to help more people and how I can change them with my education and experience. "

Amanda Rogers

College of Humanities and Social Sciences 

This degree is housed within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The College prepares students for lifelong careers. We boast programs that train students in problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, organization, and adaptability. Skills employers value, so we prepare you for basically any career field.

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Do more than dream about the future. Take the first steps to make it all happen.

Getting the Job

Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, sell your knowledge and experience—and if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time.

Accelerated MPA

You can take courses for your MPA as an undergraduate saving you time and money. The courses can count towards both your bachelor’s and master’s degree.

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Related Programs

Master of business administration in general management degree : mba mode of study : on-campus mode of study : main campus.

With an MBA, you’re prepared for a variety of business careers with   focus   in managerial, finance, and leadership skills designed to prepare you for executive and supervisory roles.  

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Master in Public Administration (THESIS)

Program description.

The Master in Public Administration Program aims to provide students with the theoretical background and technical skills needed for the effective implementation of public policy in the Philippines. The courses in the program from the following fields of specialization: public policy and program administration, organization studies, fiscal administration, local government and regional development, human resources, and research to enable them to gain expertise in solving complex problems that public administrations encounter. Graduates with a MPA Program are prepared for career opportunities in research, management, leadership, and the administration of public organizations.

The MPA Program is a practitioner-oriented degree that helps students develop the essential leadership, management, communication, and problem-solving abilities necessary to succeed in today’s public professional environment. The courses in the program are designed to suit the information and skill needs of professionals currently in the field.

• English Enhancement Program

• Core Courses

• Major Courses

• Comprehensive Exam / Cognates

Important Dates

Application period for NEW students:

June 14 - July 22, 2024

Enrollment Period for ALL students:

July 29 - August 10, 2024

• 80 Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City
• 8531-8031 to 35
• [email protected]

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Why should I study in OLFU?

How do I apply in OLFU?  

How do I access the Student Portal (AIMS)?

• REQUIREMENTS

The Graduate School –established in 1995– provides advanced and research-based graduate programs leading to doctor’s degrees in Education, Nursing, Business Administration, Public Health and Public Administration and master’s degrees in Education, Teaching, Hospitality Management, Travel Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Health, Pharmacy, Hospital Administration, Physical Therapy, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Computer Science, Information Technology and Medical Laboratory Science.

All Programs and courses are taught by highly qualified and experienced faculty who are recognized not only in the academe, but in professional practice as well. Faculty and students research papers have been accepted for presentation in national and international conferences.

Today, students of the Graduate School reap the full benefits from OLFU’s world-class learning platforms and resources which are paired with state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories—all delivered by a competent teaching faculty through a masterful mix of learning modalities: online, distance or, when health conditions permit, face-to-face learning.

It is also noteworthy that OLFU is one among a few select schools to be granted the Certificate of Authority by the CHEd, allowing it to conduct limited face-to-face classes in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic; a testament to the University’s established and effective community safety protocols.

Memberships

• The Local Governance Training and Research Institute – Philippine Network
• University Mobility for Asia and the Pacific
• Council of Management Educators of the Philippines
• Association of Universities in Asia and the Pacific
• Philippine Association of Graduate Education
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Cultivating New Leaders: 4th Pathways into Quantitative Aging Research Program

Twelve ambitious undergraduates from across the United States traveled to New York City this summer to participate in the popular, NIA-funded GPH program known as Pathways into Quantitative Aging Research (PQAR). Faculty and staff from the Department of Biostatistics hosted their fourth successful cohort as students explored substantive courses, innovative research and fun in the Big Apple!

Guided by interdisciplinary GPH faculty including Drs. Prince Amegbor, Mari Armstrong-Hough, Adolfo Cuevas and Hai Shu, students gained skills in statistics, computing and epidemiology, made connections through research projects with faculty and peers, and worked toward public health solutions to aging-related diseases.

The culminating experience was a day-long symposium attended by over 60 guests, including seven 2023 program alumni. First up was keynote speaker Dr. Lisa L. Barnes , a neuropsychologist at Rush University Medical College who researches the impact of social determinants of health on the African American aging process. She encouraged centering diversity in cognitive aging research, and wants to shift the paradigm about what we learn and how we think about disease. Her goal is to engage with communities, explaining what the data says and why it’s important.

Next came a panel discussion; 2023 program alumni presented their current research and gave an update on their academic progress. Torriana Avery told her peers that PQAR pushed her into a trajectory she never expected. “I'm going to apply for my master’s degree in applied biostatistics and epidemiology. I got an internship because I talked to a woman at the ENAR Datafest competition. I have way more experience in coding than I could ever imagine. I'm very happy to be the lead analyst on a project working with a pathology department, and I also work with a doctor for critically ill children in the pediatric intensive unit. It's been a wonderful experience,” she concluded.

Fellow alum Jessica Sanchez also benefitted from her PQAR experience. “The qualitative project I'm working on now uses different approaches, so having transferable basic research skills has been really helpful. Honestly, prior to participating in this program I didn't see myself as a researcher, but now that's my job! A lot of the support that I received was really helpful,” she said.

Finally, the 2024 PQAR students gave formal presentations on their research projects, expertly answering questions from an audience that included their families and friends. Some also shared their favorite takeaways from the program. Donjhai Holland’s deep dive into programming with R and machine learning models gave her the hands-on experience that broadened her technical skill set; she also described exploring iconic landmarks and attending her first ever Broadway show. But, she said, “The most rewarding part was the people: My cohort of brilliant, passionate individuals quickly became not just colleagues but friends.”

Carlos Rubin de Celis described his research under the supervision of Dr. Cuevas and doctoral student Cindy Patippe, which looked at the relationship between self-reported discrimination and chronic inflammation. He refined his skills in quality assurance and statistical analysis, and took coursework “which heavily contributed to my knowledge and continued joy in biostatistics and the field of public health!”

The month of August for the PQAR program is devoted to updates, review of evaluations, development of next year’s recruitment strategy and planning for  year-round support of conference attendance, office hours, and J term. As the program enters the fifth year of the grant, everyone in the Department of Biostatistics is hopeful it will be renewed. In just four years, the program has positively impacted the lives of 48 undergraduates, including some who are starting PhD programs in Biostatistics and related fields this September! For more information and engaging stories of PQAR “from the field,” check out this I AM GPH podcast which features a conversation with 2023 alumni Abena Dinizulu and Stephanie Perez, and hear first-hand about their PQAR experiences.