Graduate Catalog: Public Administration Program
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M.P.A. Public Administration || M.P.A./M.S.W. || M.H.S.A. Heath Services Administration || Health Services Administration 5-Year Option
Assistant Chairperson: Alice McDonnell, M.P.A., Dr. P.H.
Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) Program
Degree Program Overview
The M.P.A. degree is a broad area professional degree which focuses on management skills. A healthy organization results from excellence in management, a product of the Marywood M.P.A. program.
Program Objectives
The general purpose of the M.P.A. program at Marywood is the administrative training of men and women concerned with the provision of public, health, and human services. Specifically, the program strives:
- To expose participants to a wide range of administrative and managerial problems, processes, practices, and responsibilities involved in providing public, health, and human services.
- To prepare participants in planning, organizing, staffing, and generally implementing and administering public, health and human services.
- To facilitate the participant’s understanding and command of basic theories of management and supervision and applied social science theory related to the delivery of public, health, and human services.
- To help participants develop analytical and evaluation skills and techniques leading to effective managerial decision-making applied to the complex task of providing public, health, and human services.
- To help participants develop an awareness of equity and public interest concerns and the political process in which they arise.
- To provide advanced education in management issues related to the provision of nonprofit services.
The Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) provides entry-level, post-entry-level, and mid-career participants from a variety of public, health, and human service settings with practical directed experiences involving use of case studies, simulations, group discussion and analyses, interpersonal development exercises, audio-visual media, field observation, and intensive coursework.
Master of Public Administration/Master of Social Work Overview
The Master of Public Administration and Master of Social Work is a dual degree program designed to assure the acquisition of both management and social work skills necessary for competence as a manager/administrator in the social work field. Today social workers must be knowledgeable in managerial and administrative problems, processes, practices, and responsibilities in their role as middle managers, administrators, department heads, and in other similar capacities. The M.P.A. curriculum follows National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration guidelines and the M.S.W. program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
Upon successful completion of the M.P.A. /M.S.W., a graduate will be qualified to accept a middle management position such as social work director or program administrator in a community program.
Admission to the M.P.A./M.S.W. program will be on a selective basis. The prerequisites and admission process will follow that of the College of Health and Human Services Department of Nursing and Public Administration and the School of Social Work.
A Professional Contribution is required as an application of the theoretical base to a practical situation. The guidelines for the School of Social Work and Department of Nursing and Public Administration will be followed.
Departmental Admissions Requirements
- The admissions application, two references and official transcript from previous educational programs, along with an essay describing the reasons why the applicant wishes to pursue a particular program.
- The GRE is recommended but not required.
Other Requirements of M.P.A.
Each student is required to discuss with his/her assigned faculty advisor the application essay which outlines career goals and objectives and their relationship to the M.P.A.
After completion of class course work, a candidate must take the Professional Development Seminar. Any candidate who cannot demonstrate a clear record of administrative responsibility must pursue a three-credit-hour field in tern ship in addition to, and in conjunction with, the Practitioner’s Seminar. A field internship must be arranged six months prior to its intended commencement. Internships in public, human, and health service agencies each consist of twelve weeks of full-time employment or their equivalency, on an extended, part-time basis.
The Practitioner’s Seminar/Internship is an exceptional feature of the program, providing each student with an opportunity to apply concepts from course work. The Professional Contribution is a closure requirement which provides the student with an opportunity to work with faculty on a research project. The Professional Contribution applies theoretical knowledge to a practical situation. Refer to detailed guidelines for closure requirements.
The course on Problem-Solving Methods for Modern Management provides a foundation of knowledge about behavior in public organizational set tings. This required course affords an opportunity for self-appraisal of one’s practices from a behavioral science perspective, thereby providing a base for enlightened choice and change, i.e. personal and organizational.
M.P.A. students interested in Criminal Justice may take Criminal Justice courses as electives. (See M.S. in Criminal Justice.)
M.P.A. Program
39 Semester Hours
Follows the curriculum of the National Association of Schools of Public Administration and Affairs (N.A.S.P.A.A.)
I. REQUIRED COURSES
27 semester hours
| PUB 501 | Dimensions of Public Administration | 3 |
| PUB 502 | Problem-Solving Methods for Modern Management | 3 |
| PUB 505 | Financial Management in Public and Nonprofit Organizations | 3 |
| PUB 506 | Research Theory | 3 |
| PUB 507 | Organizational Dynamics | 3 |
| PUB 508 | Human Resources Administration and Personnel Systems | 3 |
| PUB 518 | Policy and Program Analysis | 3 |
| PUB 519 | Administrative Law | 3 |
| PUB 555 | Professional Contribution/Research Design | 0 |
| PUB 599 | Practitioner’s Seminar in Administration* | 3 |
*Note: Any participant lacking administrative work experience is required to pursue a field internship for an additional three credit hours, for a total of 42 semester hours.
II. PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION – GENERAL CONCENTRATION
12 semester hours
| PUB 510 | Organizational Communication | 3 |
| PUB 511 | Ethics in Management | 3 |
| PUB 512 | The Grantsmanship Process | 3 |
| PUB 513 | Strategic Planning | 3 |
| PUB 522 | State and Local Administration | 3 |
| PUB 523 | Public Sector Labor Relations | 3 |
| PUB 552 | Computer Application of Social Science Data | 3 |
| PUB 579 | Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector | 3 |
| PUB 581 | Issues of Governance in Nonprofit Organizations | 3 |
| PUB 582 | Fundraising in Nonprofit Organizations | 3 |
| PUB 583 | Strategic Marketing | 3 |
| PUB 585 | Program Assessment and Evaluation | 3 |
| PUB 598 | Special Topics (Intensive short courses, variable credit)* |
*A maximum of 9 hours of pass credit can be applied to M.P.A. degree requirements. Any courses within the Master of Health Services Administration degree may be used for general electives upon consultation and approval by the Program Director.
Master of Public Administration/Master of Social Work
78 semester hours
| Social Work Classroom Credits | 33 | |
| Social Work Practicum (Includes management component) | 15 | |
| M.P.A. electives | 12 | |
| M.P.A. Classroom Credits | 18 | |
| PUB 501 | Dimensions of Public Administration | 3 |
| PUB 502 | Problem-Solving Methods for Modern Management | 3 |
| PUB 505 | Financial Management in Public and Nonprofit Organizations | 3 |
| PUB 508 | Human Resources Administration and Personnel Systems | 3 |
| PUB 513 | Strategic Planning | 3 |
| PUB 519 | Administrative Law | 3 |
| PUB 555 | Professional Contribution | 0 |
Master of Health Services Administration (M.H.S.A.) Overview
A management career in Health Services Administration allows students to gain proficiency in management skills and can improve the delivery of health services in a community. This proficiency contributes to highly successful health care delivery committed to quality. In turn, the consumers benefit from effective and efficient health care services.
The M.H.S.A. provides graduate education in health care administration for persons seeking careers in the management and administration of health care facilities/ organizations. This degree also provides opportunities for individuals in health services to seek career improvement and development.
The M.H.S.A. provides health care managers with a framework for decision-making in the constantly changing health care environment. At the same time the degree provides a background of operational resources for managers in the field.
This program course will enhance the administrative training of students concerned with the provision of health care and the current health care reform. Students’ needs and goals are met, bringing the application of management skills from a theoretical model. This degree will be a step in meeting the needs of those professionals currently practicing and also will prepare the health service administrators of tomorrow.
Master of Health Services Administration (M.H.S.A.)
36 semester hours
I. CORE COURSES
24 semester hours
| HSA 506 | Research Theory | 3 |
| OR | ||
| HSA 533 | Research Methods | 3 |
| HSA 507 | Organizational Dynamics | 3 |
| HSA 518 | Policy and Program Analysis | 3 |
| HSA 520 | Introduction to Health Services Administration | 3 |
| HSA 532 | Legal Aspects of Clinical and Health Care Organizations | 3 |
| HSA 537 | Managerial Decision-Making in Health Care Organizations | 3 |
| HSA 538 | Institutional Budgeting and Planning | 3 |
| HSA 555 | Professional Contribution/Research Design | 0 |
| HSA 597 | Management Project/Internship | 3 |
II. ELECTIVES
| HSA 524 | Health Care Systems Analysis | 3 |
| HSA 525 | Health Care Economics | 3 |
| HSA 539 | Overview of Managed Care | 3 |
| HSA 580 | Epidemiology/Environmental Health | 3 |
| HSA 583 | Marketing and Strategic Planning | 3 |
| GER 510 | Concepts and Issues in Gerontology | 3 |
| GER 525 | Aging Changes and Health Problems | 3 |
| GER 527 | Gerontological Services Administration | 3 |
| GER 528 | Administration of Long-Term Care | 3 |
| GER 529 | Planning Health Care Services for the Elderly | 3 |
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Health Services Administration Five-Year Degree Option
Advanced standing in Marywood University’s graduate program in Public Administration is available to qualified majors for a five-year degree option. The undergraduate Health Services Administration major prepares students for entry-level positions in health. The program provides the knowledge and skills necessary for administrative positions in nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, managed care, and the many other organizations providing health care in American society. A special track focuses upon health care delivery to the elderly. This major integrates courses in the social sciences (36 credits) as well as the liberal arts (64 credits). An important program component is an internship in a nursing home, hospital, managed care, public health agency or other organization during the senior year. Advanced standing is available to qualified majors. A Gerontology major is also available. Contact the assistant chair of Public Administration.
This program will enhance the administrative training of students concerned with the provision of health care and the current health care reform. Students’ needs and goals are met, bringing the application of management skills from a theoretical model. This degree will be a step in meeting the needs of those professionals currently practicing and also will prepare the health service administrators of tomorrow.
Students must meet undergraduate core curriculum requirements. In addition, the program requires all of the courses specified below.
Program requirements for undergraduate Health Services Administration
Sixty-three credits and cognate courses are required, spread across the following disciplines and departments:
I. Five courses in Business Administration to include:
| BUS 103 | Computer Tools for Management | 3 |
| BUS 121 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| BUS 131 | Accounting I | 3 |
| BUS 132 | Accounting II | 3 |
| BUS 301 | Management Information Systems | 3 |
II. Eight courses in Sociology, Social Sciences, and Health Services Administration to include the following:
| CJ 201 | The Juvenile Justice Subsystem | 3 |
| SOC 214 | Social Problems | 3 |
| SOC 216 | Alcoholism and Other Addictions | 3 |
| SOC 350 | Medical Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 451 | Social Research | 3 |
| SOC 452 | Computer Applications in Social Research | 3 |
| SSCI 425 | Children’s Rights and Societal Responses | 3 |
| HSA 430 | Aging: Issues and Perspectives (crosslisted SW430/SSCI 430) | 3 |
| HSA 435 | Aging and Society (crosslisted SOC 400/HSA 435) | 3 |
| HSA 461 | Administrative Practicum in Health Care Systems | 3 |
III. Four Courses in Gerontology to include:
| HSA 520 | Introduction to Health Services Administration | 3 |
| HSA 537 | Managerial Decision Making in Health Care Organizations | 3 |
| HSA 597 | Management Project/Internship | 3 |
| HSA 599 | Practitioner’s Seminar | 3 |
IV. Cognate courses to include:
| ECON 100 | Basic Economics | 3 |
| PS 210 | American Government and Politics | 3 |
| PS 211 | State and Local Government | 3 |
| SOC 218 | Anthropology | 3 |
Program requirements for undergraduate Gerontology
Sixty-three credits and cognate courses are required, spread across the following disciplines and departments:
I. Five courses in Business Administration to include:
| BUS 103 | Computer Tools for Management | 3 |
| BUS 121 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| BUS 131 | Accounting I | 3 |
| BUS 132 | Accounting II | 3 |
| BUS 301 | Management Information Systems | 3 |
II. Eight courses in Sociology and Health Services Administration to include:
| SOC 214 | Social Problems | 3 |
| SOC 216 | Alcoholism and Other Addictions | 3 |
| SOC 350 | Medical Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 451 | Social Research | 3 |
| SOC 452 | Computer Applications in Social Research | 3 |
| GER 435 | Aging and Society (crosslisted SOC 400/HSA 435) | 3 |
| HSA 402 | Death and Dying (crosslisted SOC 402) | 3 |
| HSA 430 | Aging: Issues and Perspectives (crosslisted SW430/SSCI 430) | 3 |
| HSA 461 | Administrative Practicum in Health Care Systems | 3 |
III. Four courses in Gerontology to include:
| GER 510 | Concepts and Issues in Gerontology | 3 |
| OR | ||
| GER 525 | Aging Changes and Health | 3 |
| GER 530 | Nutrition and the Elderly | 3 |
| OR | ||
| GER 520 | Psychological Perspectives on Aging | 3 |
| OR | ||
| GER 529 | Planning Healthcare Services for the Elderly | 3 |
| GER 597 | Internship Practicum | 3 |
| GER 599 | Practitioner’s Seminar in Administration | 3 |
IV. Cognate courses to include:
| ECON 100 | Basic Economics | 3 |
| PS 210 | American Government and Politics | 3 |
| PS 211 | State and Local Government | 3 |
| SOC 218 | Anthropology | 3 |
Academic Facts
- 127 credits are required for a degree.
- Transfer students must complete a minimum of 60 credits at Marywood University, divided equally between the major and the liberal arts.
- Courses in the major should be taken at Marywood University. Courses to complete the liberal arts requirements may be taken at other universities and transferred at the grade level of C or above.
- The student must maintain a QPA average of 2.5 in the major and 2.00 overall to graduate as well as be retained in the crosslisted.