Program and Courses - MPA

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How Our Master of Public Administration Program Works

You can complete your Master of Public Administration degree in a year. You can also choose a slower pace. And here's the good news: Instructors teach every course at least once a year so you can graduate on time.

Here's what you can expect:

  • You'll start with a one-credit, in-person orientation the weekend before the Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters.
  • Semesters (Fall, Spring, and Summer) are split into two eight-week sessions. They're called Term A and Term B.
  • The College offers two classes, each 8-week session. All class activity is online; there are no required face-to-face sessions within the course and only two requirements for on-campus activity.

Course Schedule

PAD – 501 Orientation to MPA – 1 credit

This course serves as the mandatory residency requirement and an introduction to the MPA program at Flagler College. Program expectations, requirements, and resources will be discussed.

PAD 502 – Public Administration in Theory & Application 

A basic introduction to public administration for graduate students. Topics include the role of bureaucracy in the political process, theories of public organization, bureaucratic discretion and accountability, policy implementation, and the changing nature of public administration.

PAD 503 – Research Methodologies 

 This course is designed to educate students on advanced research design, data collection, data analysis, and ethics in research.  Completion of a college-level quantitative reasoning course is recommended.

PAD 504 – Administrative Law and Ethics in the Public Sector 

This course examines fundamental concepts of law as commonly applied to and by government agencies.  Key concepts discussed include legislative delegation, agency discretion, judicial review, and constitutional principles such as procedural and substantive due process.

PAD 505 – Public Budgeting & Finance  

An introduction to the theory and practice of public budgeting and financial management.  Topics include basic management of public funds, preparation and processing of public budgets, revenue projections, expenditure controls, and fiscal policy.

PAD 513 – Capstone (Residency for Presentation) 

Students demonstrate mastery of the theory and practice of public administration in their final capstone presentation. This course is intended only for students completing the MPA program.

PAD 506 – Public Planning & Growth Management 

This course explores the fundamental techniques, processes, and skills required to understand and effectively develop land use and growth management plans.

PAD 507 – Human Resource Management & Policy 

An introduction to the guiding principles of human resources management. Emphasis is placed on the effective implementation of a comprehensive human resources program, including recruitment, development, evaluation, and motivation of employees.

PAD 508 – Quantitative Analysis for Effective Decision-Making

This course is designed to help students develop a real-world understanding of business analytics, quantitative methods, and management science.  Representative topics include organizing work, managing workers, measuring performance, and overcoming resistance to performance-enhancing innovations.

PAD 509 – Organization Theory & Behavior

This course provides a comprehensive overview of organization theory and behavior regarding public management. Students will examine how various schools of thought on how to structure and manage complex organizations.

PAD 510 – Leadership & Conflict Resolution 

This course focuses on studying leadership in public organizations by exploring concepts in leadership, management, professionalism, ethical behavior, administration, organization theory, networking, collaboration, and personal development.

PAD 511 – Policy Analysis and Evaluation

A review of the theory and practice of policy analysis and evaluation within a dynamic democratic environment.  Completion of a college-level quantitative reasoning course is recommended.

PAD 512 – Managing Information & Technology in the Public Sector 

This course is designed to introduce public administrators to the world of information management. It concerns using information and communication technologies in delivering public services management and enhancing effective and efficient government operations.

PAD 505 – Public Budgeting & Finance 

An introduction to the theory and practice of public budgeting and financial management.  Topics include basic management of public funds, preparation and processing of public budgets, revenue projections, expenditure controls, and fiscal policy.

PAD 513 – Capstone (Residency for Presentation) 

Students demonstrate mastery of the theory and practice of public administration in their final capstone presentation. This course is intended only for those students completing the MPA program.

Contact Us

Have questions? Great, we'd love to help. Call or email us: 
904-826-8518
MPA@Flagler.edu