MPA Curriculum
The Master of Public Administration prepares students from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds to excel in careers with a public policy, public management, or nonprofit management orientation. The MPA provides students with an academic credential appropriate for employment in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors.
The MPA program has two key objectives. First, through a set of core courses, the program provides a strong foundation of practical and theoretical training for professional work in public service. Second, through free electives or the selection of a specialization, the MPA NYC program offers students the opportunity to fashion a curriculum linked directly to their individual career and academic interests.
The Baruch MPA is fully accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). Baruch’s Marxe School of Public and International Affairs is the only non-private school of public affairs in New York City.
All students in the MPA program complete eight required courses and are required to earn a minimum grade point average of 3.0. This ensures that all students achieve a basic understanding of fundamental public administration principles and practices together with a foundation in communication skills, economic analysis, and statistical analysis. In addition to the required courses, students complete five elective courses chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor. Students without prior professional experience will also complete an internship in a public, nonprofit, or private-sector organization. In their final semester, all students take the Capstone Seminar, which emphasizes the application of the students knowledge and skills to specific professional situations.
Full-time and part-time MPA students (except Executive MPA programs) may choose to focus 9 of their 15 credits of elective course work in one of the six specializations: urban development and sustainability, nonprofit management, public management, policy analysis and evaluation, social justice, and health care policy. Students in all six specializations complete the same MPA core, which does not vary from specialization to specialization.
Selection of a specialization is not required. Students who choose not to take a specialization must structure their 15 elective credits in consultation with an advisor.
For more information, please visit the MPA Student Handbook.
The following curriculum pertains to students who began the MPA program on or after Fall 2022. For students who began the program prior to Fall 2022, you will continue to follow the curriculum you began with. For a review of what the MPA requirements were prior to fall 2022, please click here.
MPA Overview & Core Requirements
The MPA requires a minimum of 42 credits for those with at least 1 year of administrative experience and 45 credits for those required to complete a three credit internship. The breakdown of the degree is 8 core classes (24 credits) + 1 internship course (if required; 3 credits) + 5 electives (15 credits) + Capstone (3 credits) = 42 or 45 credits total.
The MPA may be completed full-time (9 credits or more per semester) or part-time (less than 9 credits per semester). Students who work full-time, may not attend full-time. Classes are offered during the day, evening, and online in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Students in the program have the opportunity to pursue a 12 credit specialization in one of five areas: Health Care Policy, Nonprofit Management, Policy Analysis and Evaluation, Public Management, and Urban Development and Sustainability.
The following information reflects the new MPA curriculum structure from Fall 2022. All students enrolled before Fall 2022 should complete the MPA as structured when they enrolled, but will have access to all new courses being offered. Students enrolled before Fall 2022 should refer to the attached structure.
Required Courses (24 credits)
3 hours; 3 credits
The course is an introduction to politics, government, and public policy in the U.S. It provides a rigorous, scholarly, yet practical view of governmental institutions, policy making, administration, and contemporary public policy. Attention is given to the role of governmental and nongovernmental actors, as well as the influence of history, culture, public opinion, and political economy. Students develop skills in thinking critically and writing clearly about issues of public importance.
Prerequisite: none
The course is an introduction to politics, government, and public policy in the U.S. It provides a rigorous, scholarly, yet practical view of governmental institutions, policy making, administration, and contemporary public policy. Attention is given to the role of governmental and nongovernmental actors, as well as the influence of history, culture, public opinion, and political economy. Students develop skills in thinking critically and writing clearly about issues of public importance.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
Introduces students to communication in public settings and provides extensive opportunities for practice with basic written and oral forms. Interrelationships among communicative activities and organizational goals. Internal and external messages are given equal weight. Argumentative structures necessary for constructing sound policy and persuasive techniques relevant to funding, regulation, client, and public constituencies. Topics will vary somewhat from semester to semester depending on the instructor’s and students’ interests. The course follows a workshop/laboratory format with intensive attention to student work as a fulcrum for the application of theory and refinement of skills.
Prerequisite: none
Introduces students to communication in public settings and provides extensive opportunities for practice with basic written and oral forms. Interrelationships among communicative activities and organizational goals. Internal and external messages are given equal weight. Argumentative structures necessary for constructing sound policy and persuasive techniques relevant to funding, regulation, client, and public constituencies. Topics will vary somewhat from semester to semester depending on the instructor’s and students’ interests. The course follows a workshop/laboratory format with intensive attention to student work as a fulcrum for the application of theory and refinement of skills.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
This course introduces the fundamental concepts and techniques for managing government and not-for-profit agencies, including schools. This course focuses on structural models; individual behavior, including group dynamics and leadership; effective use and management of human resources; and political and cultural frameworks. Questions of effectiveness, responsibility, and professional relations are considered.
Prerequisite: none
This course introduces the fundamental concepts and techniques for managing government and not-for-profit agencies, including schools. This course focuses on structural models; individual behavior, including group dynamics and leadership; effective use and management of human resources; and political and cultural frameworks. Questions of effectiveness, responsibility, and professional relations are considered.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
Introduction to concepts and analytic tools necessary to economic examination of individual and firm behavior; analysis of causes and consequences of public sector intervention in the economy.
Prerequisite: none
Introduction to concepts and analytic tools necessary to economic examination of individual and firm behavior; analysis of causes and consequences of public sector intervention in the economy.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
This course focuses on the budget cycle and budget decision-making. It includes tools for developing, implementing, and controlling a budget within a, typically, public organization. Topics include development of operating budgets, cash budgets, break-even analysis, cost behavior, the time value of money, capital budgeting, long-term financing, and variance analysis. Basic budget accounting concepts are studied. The course includes development of spreadsheet skills for budgeting.
Prerequisite: none
This course focuses on the budget cycle and budget decision-making. It includes tools for developing, implementing, and controlling a budget within a, typically, public organization. Topics include development of operating budgets, cash budgets, break-even analysis, cost behavior, the time value of money, capital budgeting, long-term financing, and variance analysis. Basic budget accounting concepts are studied. The course includes development of spreadsheet skills for budgeting.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
This class explains different forms of inequality, identifies their origins, and analyzes how and why race and racism shape laws and public policies. The class will assess policies, current and proposed, to reduce inequality, and strategies to promote a more just and ethical society.
Prerequisite: none
This class explains different forms of inequality, identifies their origins, and analyzes how and why race and racism shape laws and public policies. The class will assess policies, current and proposed, to reduce inequality, and strategies to promote a more just and ethical society.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
Data Collection and Description (PAF 9270) is the first course in the research methods sequence. Upon completion of this course, students can choose between Data Analysis for Public Service (PAF 9171) and Causal Analysis and Inference (PAF 9272). PAF 9270 teaches students how to collect qualitative and quantitative data for domestic and international policy or practice purposes and how to analyze and present data for descriptive purposes. It also teaches students how to interpret existing descriptive analyses to extract relevant and accurate information. The course will introduce the following topics: research questions and concepts, descriptive vs. causal research, case-oriented vs. variable-oriented approaches, sampling, data cleaning, and determining and maintaining data collection for organizations. Students will develop the following specific skills: using spreadsheets, univariate and bivariate descriptive statistics, data visualization, conducting interviews or qualitative observation, analyzing and coding qualitative data, designing and assessing measures, and designing survey questionnaires and procedures. Course sections will use applications tailored towards students’ interests and concentrations (e.g., sections more populated with MIA students will have a greater international focus). (Students who took PAF 9170 or PAF 9172 cannot get credit for this course.)
Prerequisite: none
Data Collection and Description (PAF 9270) is the first course in the research methods sequence. Upon completion of this course, students can choose between Data Analysis for Public Service (PAF 9171) and Causal Analysis and Inference (PAF 9272). PAF 9270 teaches students how to collect qualitative and quantitative data for domestic and international policy or practice purposes and how to analyze and present data for descriptive purposes. It also teaches students how to interpret existing descriptive analyses to extract relevant and accurate information. The course will introduce the following topics: research questions and concepts, descriptive vs. causal research, case-oriented vs. variable-oriented approaches, sampling, data cleaning, and determining and maintaining data collection for organizations. Students will develop the following specific skills: using spreadsheets, univariate and bivariate descriptive statistics, data visualization, conducting interviews or qualitative observation, analyzing and coding qualitative data, designing and assessing measures, and designing survey questionnaires and procedures. Course sections will use applications tailored towards students’ interests and concentrations (e.g., sections more populated with MIA students will have a greater international focus). (Students who took PAF 9170 or PAF 9172 cannot get credit for this course.)
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
PAF 9271 Data Analysis for Public Service is the second course in the research methods sequence. Upon completion of Data Collection and Description (PAF 9270), students can choose between this course and Causal Analysis and Inference (PAF 9272). PAF 9271 is meant for students pursuing domestic or international careers in management, fundraising, budget analysis, and other practice areas and will use data and applications relevant to such work. It emphasizes managerial, organizational, and practice examples and context. This course teaches students how to extract from existing analyses relevant and accurate information to enhance practice. It also teaches students how to conduct basic quantitative and qualitative analyses within organizations to shed light on which programs do and do not work, how well they work, and which features contribute. Specific topics include: logic models and mechanisms; developing and curating administrative data; collecting and analyzing interview, focus group, qualitative observation, and extant qualitative data; analyzing organizational data using spreadsheets and dashboards; pre-post, interrupted time series, comparative designs, and difference-in-difference analysis; methods for rolling out and managing programs to get good causal evidence; recognizing natural experiments. Course sections will use applications tailored towards students’ interests and concentrations (e.g., sections more populated with MIA students will have a greater international focus). (Students who took PAF 9170 or PAF 9172 cannot get credit for this course.)
Prerequisite: PAF 9270
PAF 9271 Data Analysis for Public Service is the second course in the research methods sequence. Upon completion of Data Collection and Description (PAF 9270), students can choose between this course and Causal Analysis and Inference (PAF 9272). PAF 9271 is meant for students pursuing domestic or international careers in management, fundraising, budget analysis, and other practice areas and will use data and applications relevant to such work. It emphasizes managerial, organizational, and practice examples and context. This course teaches students how to extract from existing analyses relevant and accurate information to enhance practice. It also teaches students how to conduct basic quantitative and qualitative analyses within organizations to shed light on which programs do and do not work, how well they work, and which features contribute. Specific topics include: logic models and mechanisms; developing and curating administrative data; collecting and analyzing interview, focus group, qualitative observation, and extant qualitative data; analyzing organizational data using spreadsheets and dashboards; pre-post, interrupted time series, comparative designs, and difference-in-difference analysis; methods for rolling out and managing programs to get good causal evidence; recognizing natural experiments. Course sections will use applications tailored towards students’ interests and concentrations (e.g., sections more populated with MIA students will have a greater international focus). (Students who took PAF 9170 or PAF 9172 cannot get credit for this course.)
Prerequisite: PAF 9270
OR
PAF 9272 Causal Analysis and Inference is the second course in the research methods sequence. Upon completion of Data Collection and Description (PAF 9270), students can choose between this course and Data Analysis for Public Service (PAF 9271). PAF 9272 is meant for those interested in becoming analysts, researchers, or making quantitative data analysis an important element in their careers. It teaches students how to critically evaluate existing causal analyses of both qualitative and quantitative data and how to conduct statistical analyses to answer causal questions for domestic and international policy and practice. Compared to PAF 9271, PAF 9272 places greater emphasis on observational and experimental data from representative surveys and requires students to write programs (coding) to carry out statistical analyses using advanced statistical software such as Stata or R. The course provides a hands-on introduction to understanding causal evidence, covering logic models and mechanisms, case-oriented vs. variable-oriented approaches, correlation vs. causation, observational vs. (quasi) experimental data, treatment effect, confounding and omitted variable bias, complex survey sampling, generalizability, standard error, confidence interval estimation, hypothesis testing, statistical and practical significance, power analysis, multiple regression, and difference-in-differences estimation. Course sections will use applications tailored towards students’ interests and concentrations (e.g., sections more populated with MIA students will have a greater international focus). (Students who took PAF 9170 or PAF 9172 cannot get credit for this course. They, and all other students looking for an advanced causal methods and statistics course, should consider taking PAF 9177.)
Prerequisite: PAF 9270
Internship Courses (3 credits, if required)
This course provides students with real-world administrative experience in a public or nonprofit organization. It is required for Masters of Public Administration (MPA) students without at least one year of public administration work experience.
It may be used as an elective course for students with a public administration work history. The work assignment requires 150 hours. Class sessions are determined by the instructor. The course is graded on a pass/no-credit basis. The internship pass/no-credit selection does not preclude the completion of another MPA elective course for pass/no-credit. PAF 9195 may be repeated, but only with the permission of the instructor and the Associate Dean of the School of Public Affairs. It is not open to students who have completed PAF 9191, PAF 9192, or PAF 9322
Prerequisite: Instructor permission
It may be used as an elective course for students with a public administration work history. The work assignment requires 150 hours. Class sessions are determined by the instructor. The course is graded on a pass/no-credit basis. The internship pass/no-credit selection does not preclude the completion of another MPA elective course for pass/no-credit. PAF 9195 may be repeated, but only with the permission of the instructor and the Associate Dean of the School of Public Affairs. It is not open to students who have completed PAF 9191, PAF 9192, or PAF 9322
Prerequisite: Instructor permission
15 class hours (total over the semester, offered in three intensive class sessions); 1 credit
This one-credit course provides focused training in a range of public policy and public or nonprofit management topics. Offered at several points during the semester, the workshop will be taught by external practitioners and/or Baruch faculty with special expertise in the subject matter. Sample topics include Total Quality Management, Board Relations for Nonprofits, Proposal Writing, Media Relations, and Building an Agency Budget. The workshop format includes: (1) assignment of readings and other materials, mailed to students 2-3 weeks prior to the initial class, (2) an all-day Saturday meeting, followed by two to three weeks to work on written assignments, (3) a second all-day Saturday session, and (4) a final assignment completed after the second Saturday session and mailed or e-mailed to the instructor.
Prerequisite: Open to all Public Affairs graduate students; Students may take the workshop up to three times, with the permission of their advisor
This one-credit course provides focused training in a range of public policy and public or nonprofit management topics. Offered at several points during the semester, the workshop will be taught by external practitioners and/or Baruch faculty with special expertise in the subject matter. Sample topics include Total Quality Management, Board Relations for Nonprofits, Proposal Writing, Media Relations, and Building an Agency Budget. The workshop format includes: (1) assignment of readings and other materials, mailed to students 2-3 weeks prior to the initial class, (2) an all-day Saturday meeting, followed by two to three weeks to work on written assignments, (3) a second all-day Saturday session, and (4) a final assignment completed after the second Saturday session and mailed or e-mailed to the instructor.
Prerequisite: Open to all Public Affairs graduate students; Students may take the workshop up to three times, with the permission of their advisor
Electives (15 credits)
The Marxe School offers some 20 different PAF electives every term. Please consult the online Schedule of Classes each semester on CUNYFirst and Graduate Advisement to see the current offerings. MPA electives are always 9000+ level, 3 credits, and can be any of the non-core PAF listings in the Marxe School graduate degrees with the exception of any sections designated as: Executive MPA only, or HEA only.
Final Requirement in Last Semester (3 credits)
Advanced seminar in which students produce a semester project drawing from the full course of study toward the Masters of Public Administration. The project may involve policy research, intensive study of an organization, development of a rationale for new or changed service programs, or some combination of these. Special attention is placed on incorporating knowledge from the core curriculum.
Prerequisites: Completion of all core MPA classes
Prerequisites: Completion of all core MPA classes
Health Care Policy MPA Specialization (9 credits + 6 credits of Free Electives)
The Health Care Policy specialization is designed for those who want to make a difference in health and healthcare delivery systems. You’ll get a firsthand understanding of how to analyze, implement, and evaluate responsive health policies at the local, state, and national levels. You’ll also be introduced to the political, economic and social factors affecting health care delivery to diverse populations, including the disadvantaged and vulnerable. These skills can be applied to government health care agencies, private and public hospitals, health advocacy groups, or insurance companies.
Required Courses (6 credits; select two from the following)
3 hours; 3 credits
Health care managers and policy makers seek to maximize the promise and minimize the problems associated with improving health and providing health services to all Americans. This involves understanding the determinants of population and individual health, the organizational structure and financing of the health care system, the public policy making process, and approaches to improved quality, performance and accountability.
Prerequisite: none
Health care managers and policy makers seek to maximize the promise and minimize the problems associated with improving health and providing health services to all Americans. This involves understanding the determinants of population and individual health, the organizational structure and financing of the health care system, the public policy making process, and approaches to improved quality, performance and accountability.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits There is an extensive documentation of socio-demographic inequity in health outcomes in the United States. People of color and those with lower incomes have consistently been found to have worse health outcomes compared with with whites and those with higher incomes. While most nations have some level of health inequality, the equity gap in the United States is larger and more consistent than in other industrialized countries. This course will begin by examining the sources of racial/ethnic and income based disparities in health care in the United States, including the history of segregation, bias and discrimination, and the fragmented health insurance system. In the latter part of the course we will explore the current approaches and policies to addressing inequality. Open to Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs Students; others with Marxe School Permission.
Prerequisite: none
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
The purpose of this course is to: examine policy issues relevant to four overarching concerns within health care: health status; access to health care; health care quality; and health care costs; in so doing, provide an understanding of various methods used to analyze health care policy issues and options.
Prerequisite: PAF 9710
The purpose of this course is to: examine policy issues relevant to four overarching concerns within health care: health status; access to health care; health care quality; and health care costs; in so doing, provide an understanding of various methods used to analyze health care policy issues and options.
Prerequisite: PAF 9710
3 hours; 3 credits
Explores the salient features of health systems of several countries. In order to develop an ability to review and critique other systems, and to establish the relevance of the course, the U.S. system will be discussed first. The review of other systems will be done (1) by reviewing the systems descriptively and (2) by assessing how the systems comparatively address issues raised in the review of the U.S. system. Finally, the knowledge attained will be used to discuss possible future changes to the U.S. system. The course assumes a knowledge of the structure of the American health care system.
Prerequisite: PAF 9710
Explores the salient features of health systems of several countries. In order to develop an ability to review and critique other systems, and to establish the relevance of the course, the U.S. system will be discussed first. The review of other systems will be done (1) by reviewing the systems descriptively and (2) by assessing how the systems comparatively address issues raised in the review of the U.S. system. Finally, the knowledge attained will be used to discuss possible future changes to the U.S. system. The course assumes a knowledge of the structure of the American health care system.
Prerequisite: PAF 9710
3 hours; 3 credits
Description and analysis of health care costs and financing. Key topics include the factors and forces driving health care costs; demand for, operation of and side-effects of health insurance; health care cost-containment techniques; payment for physicians, hospitals and other providers; interaction of health care with the rest of the economy.
Prerequisite or corequisite: PAF 9130, PAF 9710 or permission of instructor
Description and analysis of health care costs and financing. Key topics include the factors and forces driving health care costs; demand for, operation of and side-effects of health insurance; health care cost-containment techniques; payment for physicians, hospitals and other providers; interaction of health care with the rest of the economy.
Prerequisite or corequisite: PAF 9130, PAF 9710 or permission of instructor
3 hours; 3 credits
Topics in health policy will vary from offering to offering.
Prerequisite: PAF 9710
Topics in health policy will vary from offering to offering.
Prerequisite: PAF 9710
Elective Courses (3 credits; select one from the following)
3 hours; 3 credits
This course concerns the relationship of ethics and public service. Those in public service face a broad array of ethical problems and dilemmas ranging from simple matters of public trust through the application of ethical reasoning in policymaking. The course examines the limits of self-interest in public service, the differing ethical concerns of elective and appointive officials, the conflict between responsibility to hierarchical authority and personal conceptions of the right, bureaucratic responsibility for the ethical content of public policies, and the possibility of necessary evil. A significant portion of this course focuses on ethical theories that may help resolve these dilemmas.
Prerequisite: none
This course concerns the relationship of ethics and public service. Those in public service face a broad array of ethical problems and dilemmas ranging from simple matters of public trust through the application of ethical reasoning in policymaking. The course examines the limits of self-interest in public service, the differing ethical concerns of elective and appointive officials, the conflict between responsibility to hierarchical authority and personal conceptions of the right, bureaucratic responsibility for the ethical content of public policies, and the possibility of necessary evil. A significant portion of this course focuses on ethical theories that may help resolve these dilemmas.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
This course assesses the role of government in the modern economy. The course examines the reasons for government intervention in the economy, consequences of that intervention, and issues pertaining to the public financing of those interventions. An important part of this class is the study of public finance, tax incidence, and fiscal federalism. The course has two main goals: to build and refine skills of microeconomic policy analysis, and more important, to apply these skills to contemporary policy problems.
Prerequisite: PAF 9130 or PAF 9415
This course assesses the role of government in the modern economy. The course examines the reasons for government intervention in the economy, consequences of that intervention, and issues pertaining to the public financing of those interventions. An important part of this class is the study of public finance, tax incidence, and fiscal federalism. The course has two main goals: to build and refine skills of microeconomic policy analysis, and more important, to apply these skills to contemporary policy problems.
Prerequisite: PAF 9130 or PAF 9415
3 hours; 3 credits
This course extends the student’s knowledge of financially related decision-making techniques. It provides the student an understanding of management auditing, program auditing, and performance measurement. Key concepts include economy, efficiency, and effectiveness. From the retrospective perspective it examines how to determine whether a program has used its resources effectively and efficiently. From a concurrent perspective, it looks at what should be monitored and how. Prospectively it examines how to prepare an organization for performance measurement and auditing. From a holistic view it examines the decision to measure, monitor, and examine performance.
Prerequisite: none
This course extends the student’s knowledge of financially related decision-making techniques. It provides the student an understanding of management auditing, program auditing, and performance measurement. Key concepts include economy, efficiency, and effectiveness. From the retrospective perspective it examines how to determine whether a program has used its resources effectively and efficiently. From a concurrent perspective, it looks at what should be monitored and how. Prospectively it examines how to prepare an organization for performance measurement and auditing. From a holistic view it examines the decision to measure, monitor, and examine performance.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
This course examines program evaluation in public and nonprofit contexts. Topics include: the nature, types, and purposes of evaluation; program theory and logic models; data collection, monitoring, and analysis; experimental and quasi-experimental evaluation designs; internal and external validity; politics of evaluation; stakeholder analysis; and ethics and standards.
Prerequisite: none
This course examines program evaluation in public and nonprofit contexts. Topics include: the nature, types, and purposes of evaluation; program theory and logic models; data collection, monitoring, and analysis; experimental and quasi-experimental evaluation designs; internal and external validity; politics of evaluation; stakeholder analysis; and ethics and standards.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
Intended for students interested in advanced quantitative research methods used in policy analysis, this course focuses on causal effects, especially of programs or policies. Topics include random assignment, multiple regression, instrumental variables, and difference-in-differences estimation. Students learn these approaches and techniques through hands-on projects and exercises on contemporary policy problems using real data and statistical software.
Prerequisite: PAF 9170 and PAF 9172, or permission of instructor
Intended for students interested in advanced quantitative research methods used in policy analysis, this course focuses on causal effects, especially of programs or policies. Topics include random assignment, multiple regression, instrumental variables, and difference-in-differences estimation. Students learn these approaches and techniques through hands-on projects and exercises on contemporary policy problems using real data and statistical software.
Prerequisite: PAF 9170 and PAF 9172, or permission of instructor
3 hours; 3 credits
This course introduces students to the analysis of public policy and policymaking, focusing on approaches for identifying problems and goals, developing alternatives, analyzing potential impacts, and formulating recommendations for advocacy and policy action in the public sector. Policy analysts do their work within a broader political context which shapes policy proposals and their underlying justifications, and so this course examines agenda setting, the role of values, interests, and goals, and general strategies for policy analysis, advocacy, adoption, and implementation. Students are introduced to various analytic approaches and arguments, and through readings and assignments, are provided opportunities to investigate specific areas of social concern and to analyze potential policy responses.
Prerequisite: none
This course introduces students to the analysis of public policy and policymaking, focusing on approaches for identifying problems and goals, developing alternatives, analyzing potential impacts, and formulating recommendations for advocacy and policy action in the public sector. Policy analysts do their work within a broader political context which shapes policy proposals and their underlying justifications, and so this course examines agenda setting, the role of values, interests, and goals, and general strategies for policy analysis, advocacy, adoption, and implementation. Students are introduced to various analytic approaches and arguments, and through readings and assignments, are provided opportunities to investigate specific areas of social concern and to analyze potential policy responses.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
The course provides an introduction to basic map making skills and the use of maps and spatial data in policy applications. Students will learn how to create and interpret thematic maps, by hands-on experience with mapping software. Advanced topics will include spatial construction of data, and use spatial data in quantitative applications.
Prerequisite: PAF 9170
The course provides an introduction to basic map making skills and the use of maps and spatial data in policy applications. Students will learn how to create and interpret thematic maps, by hands-on experience with mapping software. Advanced topics will include spatial construction of data, and use spatial data in quantitative applications.
Prerequisite: PAF 9170
3 hours, 3 credits
Students are also encouraged to take courses from the CUNY School of Public Health and Health Policy or other health-related courses from Baruch or CUNY that can be substituted for the above electives. (With permission of Graduate Advisement)
Students are also encouraged to take courses from the CUNY School of Public Health and Health Policy or other health-related courses from Baruch or CUNY that can be substituted for the above electives. (With permission of Graduate Advisement)
Nonprofit Management MPA Specialization (9 credits + 6 credits of Free Electives)
There are some 1.5 million nonprofit organizations in the U.S. today, including 30,000 in New York City. The Nonprofit Management specialization will help you think like a nonprofit leader, focusing on fundraising, decision-making, emergency preparedness, and ethics and philanthropy. This specialization prepares students for roles as nonprofit board members, managers, executive directors, or chief financial officers.
Required Courses (6 credits)
3 hours; 3 credits
In this class, students study management techniques and strategies applicable in nonprofit agencies. Topics include agency interaction with governmental and political institutions, planning and control systems, the role of the governing board, and the role of the executive director. Special attention is paid to the needs of community service/social welfare and cultural/arts organizations.
Prerequisite: none
In this class, students study management techniques and strategies applicable in nonprofit agencies. Topics include agency interaction with governmental and political institutions, planning and control systems, the role of the governing board, and the role of the executive director. Special attention is paid to the needs of community service/social welfare and cultural/arts organizations.
Prerequisite: none
PAF 9152 Fund Raising and Grants Administration in Nonprofit and Voluntary Organizations
3 hours; 3 credits
This course examines the strategies and techniques for acquiring voluntary and governmental support for local nonprofit agencies. The course focuses on the role that fund raising plays in the economics of the nonprofit organization and its relationship with government agencies, foundations, and other donor/granting institutions.
Prerequisite: none
OR
PAF 9153: Budgeting and Finance for Nonprofits
3 hours; 3 credits
This course is for students whose career path is the nonprofit world and aspire to hold senior level positions in nonprofits. The course provides the tools for budgeting in a nonprofit, and the tools of financial analysis and managerial control as is currently practiced in nonprofit organizations.
Prerequisite: PAF 9140 or permission of instructor
Elective Courses (3 credits; select one from the following)
PAF 9152 Fund Raising and Grants Administration in Nonprofit and Voluntary Organizations
3 hours; 3 credits
This course examines the strategies and techniques for acquiring voluntary and governmental support for local nonprofit agencies. The course focuses on the role that fund raising plays in the economics of the nonprofit organization and its relationship with government agencies, foundations, and other donor/granting institutions.
Prerequisite: none
OR
PAF 9153: Budgeting and Finance for Nonprofits
3 hours; 3 credits
This course is for students whose career path is the nonprofit world and aspire to hold senior level positions in nonprofits. The course provides the tools for budgeting in a nonprofit, and the tools of financial analysis and managerial control as is currently practiced in nonprofit organizations.
Prerequisite: PAF 9140 or permission of instructor
3 hours; 3 credits
This course considers the complex system of private giving that supports civil society, examining the ways in which private funds are given and the vehicles through which they are administered. It emphasizes the philanthropic motivations, strategic frameworks, and practices of individuals and institutions in the U.S. and other regions, as well as the public impact of these private activities. It also examines the current legal and regulatory framework within which philanthropy operates and emerging controversies about philanthropic institutions and activities.
Prerequisite: none
This course considers the complex system of private giving that supports civil society, examining the ways in which private funds are given and the vehicles through which they are administered. It emphasizes the philanthropic motivations, strategic frameworks, and practices of individuals and institutions in the U.S. and other regions, as well as the public impact of these private activities. It also examines the current legal and regulatory framework within which philanthropy operates and emerging controversies about philanthropic institutions and activities.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
This course extend the student’s knowledge of financially related decision-making techniques. It provides the student an understanding of management auditing, program auditing, and performance measurement. Key Concepts include economy, efficiency, and effectiveness. From the retrospective perspective it examines how to determine whether a program has used its resources effectively and efficiently. From a concurrent perspective, it looks at what should be monitored and how. Prospectively it examines how to prepare an organization for performance measurement and auditing. From a holistic view it examines the decision to measure, monitor, and examine performance. Prerequisite: None
This course extend the student’s knowledge of financially related decision-making techniques. It provides the student an understanding of management auditing, program auditing, and performance measurement. Key Concepts include economy, efficiency, and effectiveness. From the retrospective perspective it examines how to determine whether a program has used its resources effectively and efficiently. From a concurrent perspective, it looks at what should be monitored and how. Prospectively it examines how to prepare an organization for performance measurement and auditing. From a holistic view it examines the decision to measure, monitor, and examine performance. Prerequisite: None
3 hours; 3 credits
This course examines program evaluation in public and nonprofit contexts. Topics include: the nature, types, and purposes of evaluation; program theory and logic models; data collection, monitoring, and analysis; experimental and quasi-experimental evaluation designs; internal and external validity; politics of evaluation; stakeholder analysis; and ethics and standards.
Prerequisite: None
This course examines program evaluation in public and nonprofit contexts. Topics include: the nature, types, and purposes of evaluation; program theory and logic models; data collection, monitoring, and analysis; experimental and quasi-experimental evaluation designs; internal and external validity; politics of evaluation; stakeholder analysis; and ethics and standards.
Prerequisite: None
3 hours; 3 credits
This course examines the international dimension of the nonprofit world. It focuses on those nonprofit organizations that work across borders because: 1) they seek to influence global issues such as economic justice, human rights or the environment; 2) they deliver aid or capacity building programs in developing countries; or 3) they are the secretariat or headquarters of an international network of organizations. The course will explore international and cross-cultural management issues, relationships with national governments and supranational entities, and international advocacy strategies.
Prerequisite: none
This course examines the international dimension of the nonprofit world. It focuses on those nonprofit organizations that work across borders because: 1) they seek to influence global issues such as economic justice, human rights or the environment; 2) they deliver aid or capacity building programs in developing countries; or 3) they are the secretariat or headquarters of an international network of organizations. The course will explore international and cross-cultural management issues, relationships with national governments and supranational entities, and international advocacy strategies.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
Topic will vary from offering to offering.
Prerequisite: none
Topic will vary from offering to offering.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
The course focuses on major areas in nonprofit management. Course may be taken more than once if the topics are different and with permission of advisor.
Prerequisite: none
The course focuses on major areas in nonprofit management. Course may be taken more than once if the topics are different and with permission of advisor.
Prerequisite: none
This course provides a theoretical and practical framework for the study of best practices for governance structure, strategy, and leadership, and for the establishment of Boards of Directors within entrepreneurial, family, and social enterprises. It covers the appropriate timing of governance for entrepreneurial firms and oversight of an organization’s audit, compensation, governance, strategic plans, performance, executive leadership, succession, risk and crisis management, ethics and compliance, innovation, and major investment matters — all of which are vital to the growth and sustainability of a wide range of organizations. Readings, assignments, and in-class exercises will illustrate principles, stimulate discussion and foster creative thinking about board roles and responsibilities, governance, committees, structures, and leadership in both for profit and nonprofit organizations.
Prerequisites: none
Prerequisites: none
3 hours; 3 credits
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the theory and practice of social entrepreneurship. Social entrepreneurship is the application of the tools, techniques, and skills of entrepreneurship to the achievement of a social mission (e.g., providing affordable housing to low-income households, feeding the hungry, making a college education accessible to disadvantaged youth, etc.). The course will explore the theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of the field, its practice, and the ways in which its impacts are assessed. Case studies will be used extensively to illustrate principles and stimulate discussion.
Prerequisite: MGT 9960 (formerly MGT 9860) or departmental permission
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the theory and practice of social entrepreneurship. Social entrepreneurship is the application of the tools, techniques, and skills of entrepreneurship to the achievement of a social mission (e.g., providing affordable housing to low-income households, feeding the hungry, making a college education accessible to disadvantaged youth, etc.). The course will explore the theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of the field, its practice, and the ways in which its impacts are assessed. Case studies will be used extensively to illustrate principles and stimulate discussion.
Prerequisite: MGT 9960 (formerly MGT 9860) or departmental permission
3 hours; 3 credits
MPA Students are also encouraged to take related courses from Baruch or CUNY colleges that can be substituted for the above electives. (With permission of Graduate Advisement)
MPA Students are also encouraged to take related courses from Baruch or CUNY colleges that can be substituted for the above electives. (With permission of Graduate Advisement)
Policy Analysis and Evaluation MPA Specialization (9 credits + 6 credits of Free Electives)
The concentration in policy analysis and evaluation is designed for students interested in developing analytic skills that can be applied across a broad array of policy topics and arenas. Students will learn about policy development and implementation from both theoretical and practical perspectives, at all levels of government and policymaking. The specialization includes two required courses, Policy Analysis and Economics of the Public Sector and Public Finance, and two electives drawn from a wide range of policy courses.
Required Courses (6 credits)
3 hours; 3 credits
This course assesses the role of government in the modern economy. The course examines the reasons for government intervention in the economy, consequences of that intervention, and issues pertaining to the public financing of those interventions. An important part of this class is the study of public finance, tax incidence, and fiscal federalism. The course has two main goals: to build and refine skills of microeconomic policy analysis, and more important, to apply these skills to contemporary policy problems.
Prerequisite: PAF 9130 or PAF 9415
This course assesses the role of government in the modern economy. The course examines the reasons for government intervention in the economy, consequences of that intervention, and issues pertaining to the public financing of those interventions. An important part of this class is the study of public finance, tax incidence, and fiscal federalism. The course has two main goals: to build and refine skills of microeconomic policy analysis, and more important, to apply these skills to contemporary policy problems.
Prerequisite: PAF 9130 or PAF 9415
3 hours; 3 credits
This course introduces students to the analysis of public policy and policymaking, focusing on approaches for identifying problems and goals, developing alternatives, analyzing potential impacts, and formulating recommendations for advocacy and policy action in the public sector. Policy analysts do their work within a broader political context which shapes policy proposals and their underlying justifications, and so this course examines agenda setting, the role of values, interests, and goals, and general strategies for policy analysis, advocacy, adoption, and implementation. Students are introduced to various analytic approaches and arguments, and through readings and assignments, are provided opportunities to investigate specific areas of social concern and to analyze potential policy responses.
Prerequisite: none
This course introduces students to the analysis of public policy and policymaking, focusing on approaches for identifying problems and goals, developing alternatives, analyzing potential impacts, and formulating recommendations for advocacy and policy action in the public sector. Policy analysts do their work within a broader political context which shapes policy proposals and their underlying justifications, and so this course examines agenda setting, the role of values, interests, and goals, and general strategies for policy analysis, advocacy, adoption, and implementation. Students are introduced to various analytic approaches and arguments, and through readings and assignments, are provided opportunities to investigate specific areas of social concern and to analyze potential policy responses.
Prerequisite: none
Elective Courses (3 credits; select one from the following)
3 hours; 3 credits
This course concerns the relationship of ethics and public service. Those in public service face a broad array of ethical problems and dilemmas ranging from simple matters of public trust through the application of ethical reasoning in policymaking. The course examines the limits of self-interest in public service, the differing ethical concerns of elective and appointive officials, the conflict between responsibility to hierarchical authority and personal conceptions of the right, bureaucratic responsibility for the ethical content of public policies, and the possibility of necessary evil. A significant portion of this course focuses on ethical theories that may help resolve these dilemmas.
Prerequisite: none
This course concerns the relationship of ethics and public service. Those in public service face a broad array of ethical problems and dilemmas ranging from simple matters of public trust through the application of ethical reasoning in policymaking. The course examines the limits of self-interest in public service, the differing ethical concerns of elective and appointive officials, the conflict between responsibility to hierarchical authority and personal conceptions of the right, bureaucratic responsibility for the ethical content of public policies, and the possibility of necessary evil. A significant portion of this course focuses on ethical theories that may help resolve these dilemmas.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
This course focuses on private mobility (e.g., cars, bicycles, new technologies), local public and collective transportation (e.g., buses, subways, light rail) in urban U.S. settings. Transportation policies that drive capital planning and demand management have implications for land use, the environment, and the equitability of access to opportunities.
Prerequisites: none
This course focuses on private mobility (e.g., cars, bicycles, new technologies), local public and collective transportation (e.g., buses, subways, light rail) in urban U.S. settings. Transportation policies that drive capital planning and demand management have implications for land use, the environment, and the equitability of access to opportunities.
Prerequisites: none
3 hours; 3 credits
Community development is an approach to addressing poverty and its related social problems, such as poor-quality housing, unemployment, lack of education, and crime. Students will examine the complex economic, political, and social context that gave rise to the idea of community development, and then follow the successes and challenges in the field over its nearly fifty-year history.
Prerequisites: none
Community development is an approach to addressing poverty and its related social problems, such as poor-quality housing, unemployment, lack of education, and crime. Students will examine the complex economic, political, and social context that gave rise to the idea of community development, and then follow the successes and challenges in the field over its nearly fifty-year history.
Prerequisites: none
3 hours; 3 credits
The course serves as a gateway to the field of housing and community development, giving students the background necessary to become informed participants in policy analysis and debates about the future of housing policy. Topics to be covered include: housing markets and policies; the evolution of federal, state, and local housing programs, with emphasis on low-income rental housing; as well as several longstanding and thorny housing policy topics.
Prerequisite: none
The course serves as a gateway to the field of housing and community development, giving students the background necessary to become informed participants in policy analysis and debates about the future of housing policy. Topics to be covered include: housing markets and policies; the evolution of federal, state, and local housing programs, with emphasis on low-income rental housing; as well as several longstanding and thorny housing policy topics.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
The course focuses on the theory and practice of urban sustainability policies and programs. It addresses public policies as they helped shape the growth and uses of urban land within 20th and 21st century cities in the United States, within context of supporting or contesting long-term sustainable practices. The concentration will be on the historical evolution of land uses in New York as they affect the overall sustainability of its communities and economy.
Prerequisites: none
The course focuses on the theory and practice of urban sustainability policies and programs. It addresses public policies as they helped shape the growth and uses of urban land within 20th and 21st century cities in the United States, within context of supporting or contesting long-term sustainable practices. The concentration will be on the historical evolution of land uses in New York as they affect the overall sustainability of its communities and economy.
Prerequisites: none
3 hours; 3 credits
This is a course about the poor and anti-poverty programs in the United States. It focuses on measurement, extent, and distribution of poverty; causes of poverty; tradeoffs faced by policy-makers in reducing poverty and economic insecurity; and the spatial concentration of poverty. It covers major social policies intended to reduce poverty and inequality, and the evidence on policy effectiveness.
Prerequisite: none
This is a course about the poor and anti-poverty programs in the United States. It focuses on measurement, extent, and distribution of poverty; causes of poverty; tradeoffs faced by policy-makers in reducing poverty and economic insecurity; and the spatial concentration of poverty. It covers major social policies intended to reduce poverty and inequality, and the evidence on policy effectiveness.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
Analysis of the interrelations between business and governmental policy making. The focus is on the role played by business interests in specific policy arenas (e.g., defense, energy, trade) as well as the general policy environment.
Prerequisite: none
Analysis of the interrelations between business and governmental policy making. The focus is on the role played by business interests in specific policy arenas (e.g., defense, energy, trade) as well as the general policy environment.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
This course extends the student’s knowledge of financially related decision-making techniques. It provides the student an understanding of management auditing, program auditing, and performance measurement. Key concepts include economy, efficiency, and effectiveness. From the retrospective perspective it examines how to determine whether a program has used its resources effectively and efficiently. From a concurrent perspective, it looks at what should be monitored and how. Prospectively it examines how to prepare an organization for performance measurement and auditing. From a holistic view it examines the decision to measure, monitor, and examine performance.
Prerequisite: none
This course extends the student’s knowledge of financially related decision-making techniques. It provides the student an understanding of management auditing, program auditing, and performance measurement. Key concepts include economy, efficiency, and effectiveness. From the retrospective perspective it examines how to determine whether a program has used its resources effectively and efficiently. From a concurrent perspective, it looks at what should be monitored and how. Prospectively it examines how to prepare an organization for performance measurement and auditing. From a holistic view it examines the decision to measure, monitor, and examine performance.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
This course examines program evaluation in public and nonprofit contexts. Topics include: the nature, types, and purposes of evaluation; program theory and logic models; data collection, monitoring, and analysis; experimental and quasi-experimental evaluation designs; internal and external validity; politics of evaluation; stakeholder analysis; and ethics and standards.
Prerequisites: none
This course examines program evaluation in public and nonprofit contexts. Topics include: the nature, types, and purposes of evaluation; program theory and logic models; data collection, monitoring, and analysis; experimental and quasi-experimental evaluation designs; internal and external validity; politics of evaluation; stakeholder analysis; and ethics and standards.
Prerequisites: none
3 hours; 3 credits
Intended for students interested in advanced quantitative research methods used in policy analysis, this course focuses on causal effects, especially of programs or policies. Topics include random assignment, multiple regression, instrumental variables, and difference-in-differences estimation. Students learn these approaches and techniques through hands-on projects and exercises on contemporary policy problems using real data and statistical software.
Prerequisite: PAF 9170 and PAF 9172, or with permission of instructor
Intended for students interested in advanced quantitative research methods used in policy analysis, this course focuses on causal effects, especially of programs or policies. Topics include random assignment, multiple regression, instrumental variables, and difference-in-differences estimation. Students learn these approaches and techniques through hands-on projects and exercises on contemporary policy problems using real data and statistical software.
Prerequisite: PAF 9170 and PAF 9172, or with permission of instructor
3 hours; 3 credits
This course introduces students to the major features and debates in environmental policy, focusing primarily on the metropolitan environment in the United States. Students are introduced to environmental issues with respect to both the human and physical environments; the major interests groups that affect environmental policy; and the regulatory procedures under which environmental policy is implemented, particularly environmental impact analysis under NEPA and state and local environmental reviews.
Prerequisite: none
This course introduces students to the major features and debates in environmental policy, focusing primarily on the metropolitan environment in the United States. Students are introduced to environmental issues with respect to both the human and physical environments; the major interests groups that affect environmental policy; and the regulatory procedures under which environmental policy is implemented, particularly environmental impact analysis under NEPA and state and local environmental reviews.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
The course provides an introduction to basic map making skills and the use of maps and spatial data in policy applications. Students will learn how to create and interpret thematic maps, by hands-on experience with mapping software. Advanced topics will include spatial construction of data, and use spatial data in quantitative applications.
Prerequisite or corequisite: PAF 9170
The course provides an introduction to basic map making skills and the use of maps and spatial data in policy applications. Students will learn how to create and interpret thematic maps, by hands-on experience with mapping software. Advanced topics will include spatial construction of data, and use spatial data in quantitative applications.
Prerequisite or corequisite: PAF 9170
3 hours; 3 credits
This course is designed for MPA and MSED students interested in learning more about educational policy at the local, state, and federal levels. Students in this course will critically examine the social, political, and economic theories behind current educational policies and policy initiatives, and evaluate their consequences and effects on U.S. public schooling.
Prerequisite: none
This course is designed for MPA and MSED students interested in learning more about educational policy at the local, state, and federal levels. Students in this course will critically examine the social, political, and economic theories behind current educational policies and policy initiatives, and evaluate their consequences and effects on U.S. public schooling.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
This course provides an in-depth examination of public policymaking for higher education in the United States. It emphasizes state-level policymaking for higher education but also surveys the role of federal and local governments. It explores the implications of the political setting of higher education for institutional leadership.
Prerequisite: none
This course provides an in-depth examination of public policymaking for higher education in the United States. It emphasizes state-level policymaking for higher education but also surveys the role of federal and local governments. It explores the implications of the political setting of higher education for institutional leadership.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
Focuses on major substantive areas of public policy. Topics vary from offering to offering and could include such policy issues as transportation, environmental protection, housing and urban policy, urban development, health and labor.
Prerequisite: none
Focuses on major substantive areas of public policy. Topics vary from offering to offering and could include such policy issues as transportation, environmental protection, housing and urban policy, urban development, health and labor.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
Health care managers and policy makers seek to maximize the promise and minimize the problems associated with improving health and providing health services to all Americans. This involves understanding the determinants of population and individual health, the organizational structure and financing of the health care system, the public policy making process, and approaches to improved quality, performance and accountability.
Prerequisites: none
Health care managers and policy makers seek to maximize the promise and minimize the problems associated with improving health and providing health services to all Americans. This involves understanding the determinants of population and individual health, the organizational structure and financing of the health care system, the public policy making process, and approaches to improved quality, performance and accountability.
Prerequisites: none
3 hours; 3 credits
Description and analysis of health care costs and financing. Key topics include the factors and forces driving health care costs; demand for, operation of and side-effects of health insurance; health care cost-containment techniques; payment for physicians, hospitals and other providers; interaction of health care with the rest of the economy.
Prerequisite/ Corequisite: PAF 9130 & PAF 9710 or permission of instructor
Description and analysis of health care costs and financing. Key topics include the factors and forces driving health care costs; demand for, operation of and side-effects of health insurance; health care cost-containment techniques; payment for physicians, hospitals and other providers; interaction of health care with the rest of the economy.
Prerequisite/ Corequisite: PAF 9130 & PAF 9710 or permission of instructor
3 hours; 3 credits
MPA Students are also encouraged to take related courses from Baruch or CUNY colleges that can be substituted for the above electives. (With permission of Graduate Advisement)
MPA Students are also encouraged to take related courses from Baruch or CUNY colleges that can be substituted for the above electives. (With permission of Graduate Advisement)
Public Management MPA Specialization (9 credits+ 6 credits of Free Electives)
Explore new ways of workforce and asset administration with the Public Management specialization. It prepares students by focusing on human and capital resource issues, changing venues of public management, and sound practices of institutional representation. Students who pursue this specialization are often nominated as finalists to competitive fellowship programs like the New York State Public Management Institute and the Presidential Management Fellows Program.
Required Courses (6 credits)
PAF 9117 Public Personnel and Human Resource Management
3 hours; 3 credits
Analysis of problems and issues dealing with public sector personnel. Topics covered include selection, training, employee evaluation, and promotion policies and practices. Managerial, legal, and political aspects of human resource management are also considered.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
Analysis of problems and issues dealing with public sector personnel. Topics covered include selection, training, employee evaluation, and promotion policies and practices. Managerial, legal, and political aspects of human resource management are also considered.
Prerequisite: none
OR
PAF 9127 Managing Cultural Diversity
3 hours; 3 credits
Managing Cultural Diversity in the Workplace explores selected problems and opportunities organizational leaders encounter as they lead, interact with and make decisions about employees from diverse cultural backgrounds. The course interrogates the rhetoric of understanding and valuing workplace diversity and explores why it has become such an important managerial imperative in the United States and abroad.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
Managing public agencies and nonprofit organizations. The course addresses concepts, strategies, and techniques for effectively planning, organizing, directing, and controlling agencies, programs, and projects. The objective of the course is to prepare students for practical managerial assignments in government and in the nonprofit sector.
Prerequisites: PAF 9120, PAF 9302, or PAF 9310
Managing public agencies and nonprofit organizations. The course addresses concepts, strategies, and techniques for effectively planning, organizing, directing, and controlling agencies, programs, and projects. The objective of the course is to prepare students for practical managerial assignments in government and in the nonprofit sector.
Prerequisites: PAF 9120, PAF 9302, or PAF 9310
Elective Courses (3 credits; select one from the following)
3 hours; 3 credits
This course identifies how the media advances or limits democratic values. Students will examine how policy leaders work with media systems to influence public opinion, and the domestic and global policies that shape media diversity. The course also covers the ways individuals and groups monitor, preserve, or challenge the power of the media.
Prerequisite: none
This course identifies how the media advances or limits democratic values. Students will examine how policy leaders work with media systems to influence public opinion, and the domestic and global policies that shape media diversity. The course also covers the ways individuals and groups monitor, preserve, or challenge the power of the media.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
This course concerns the relationship of ethics and public service. Those in public service face a broad array of ethical problems and dilemmas ranging from simple matters of public trust through the application of ethical reasoning in policymaking. The course examines the limits of self-interest in public service, the differing ethical concerns of elective and appointive officials, the conflict between responsibility to hierarchical authority and personal conceptions of the right, bureaucratic responsibility for the ethical content of public policies, and the possibility of necessary evil. A significant portion of this course focuses on ethical theories that may help resolve these dilemmas.
Prerequisite: none
This course concerns the relationship of ethics and public service. Those in public service face a broad array of ethical problems and dilemmas ranging from simple matters of public trust through the application of ethical reasoning in policymaking. The course examines the limits of self-interest in public service, the differing ethical concerns of elective and appointive officials, the conflict between responsibility to hierarchical authority and personal conceptions of the right, bureaucratic responsibility for the ethical content of public policies, and the possibility of necessary evil. A significant portion of this course focuses on ethical theories that may help resolve these dilemmas.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
Introduction to the American legal system and its role in the development and control of the modern administrative state. The course also emphasizes the legal context within which public and nonprofit agencies operate.
Prerequisite: none
Introduction to the American legal system and its role in the development and control of the modern administrative state. The course also emphasizes the legal context within which public and nonprofit agencies operate.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
Analysis of the vertical and horizontal relations among American governmental jurisdictions. The course focuses on the theory and history of American federalism and its emergence into an intergovernmental system. Emphasis is placed on the changing nature of constitutional, fiscal, and non-fiscal relationships.
Prerequisite: none
Analysis of the vertical and horizontal relations among American governmental jurisdictions. The course focuses on the theory and history of American federalism and its emergence into an intergovernmental system. Emphasis is placed on the changing nature of constitutional, fiscal, and non-fiscal relationships.
Prerequisite: none
PAF 9117 Public Personnel and Human Resource Management
3 hours; 3 credits
Analysis of problems and issues dealing with public sector personnel. Topics covered include selection, training, employee evaluation, and promotion policies and practices. Managerial, legal, and political aspects of human resource management are also considered.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
Analysis of problems and issues dealing with public sector personnel. Topics covered include selection, training, employee evaluation, and promotion policies and practices. Managerial, legal, and political aspects of human resource management are also considered.
Prerequisite: none
OR
PAF 9127 Managing Cultural Diversity
3 hours; 3 credits
Managing Cultural Diversity in the Workplace explores selected problems and opportunities organizational leaders encounter as they lead, interact with and make decisions about employees from diverse cultural backgrounds. The course interrogates the rhetoric of understanding and valuing workplace diversity and explores why it has become such an important managerial imperative in the United States and abroad.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
In this class, students learn to design communication campaigns that will change or modify key behaviors; promote a cause, service, or program; or enhance the brand and fundraising capacity of an organization. Course topics will cover areas such as fear appeals, message fatigue, working with diverse audiences, and online and social media advocacy. Students will develop message strategies using techniques drawn from social marketing, persuasion, and political communication.
Prerequisite: PAF 9103
In this class, students learn to design communication campaigns that will change or modify key behaviors; promote a cause, service, or program; or enhance the brand and fundraising capacity of an organization. Course topics will cover areas such as fear appeals, message fatigue, working with diverse audiences, and online and social media advocacy. Students will develop message strategies using techniques drawn from social marketing, persuasion, and political communication.
Prerequisite: PAF 9103
3 hours; 3 credits
In this class, students study management techniques and strategies applicable to nonprofit agencies. The topics include agency interaction with governmental and political institutions, planning and control systems, the role of the governing board, and the role of the executive director. The course pays special attention to the needs of community service/social welfare and cultural/arts organizations.
Prerequisite: none
In this class, students study management techniques and strategies applicable to nonprofit agencies. The topics include agency interaction with governmental and political institutions, planning and control systems, the role of the governing board, and the role of the executive director. The course pays special attention to the needs of community service/social welfare and cultural/arts organizations.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
In the age of globalization and new public management, the traditional lines between public and private actors are increasingly blurred. The state’s role in problem solving has changed and, in many cases, new roles have been created for private, and for profit, nonprofit, and global governance organizations. What are the benefits and limitations of these new governance roles? This course addresses this question by examining our current state of local, national, and global governance.
Prerequisite: none
In the age of globalization and new public management, the traditional lines between public and private actors are increasingly blurred. The state’s role in problem solving has changed and, in many cases, new roles have been created for private, and for profit, nonprofit, and global governance organizations. What are the benefits and limitations of these new governance roles? This course addresses this question by examining our current state of local, national, and global governance.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
The purpose of the course is to introduce students to policy, planning and management of human services issues that arise in preparing for and responding to disasters and emergencies that have broad effects on people, property, and communities. The course includes the role of both government and nonprofit organizations in responding to disasters and in providing services for relief and recovery. The course also addresses issues of readiness and planning by public and community organizations. Recent and historical events provide examples for students to examine and compare.
Prerequisite: none
The purpose of the course is to introduce students to policy, planning and management of human services issues that arise in preparing for and responding to disasters and emergencies that have broad effects on people, property, and communities. The course includes the role of both government and nonprofit organizations in responding to disasters and in providing services for relief and recovery. The course also addresses issues of readiness and planning by public and community organizations. Recent and historical events provide examples for students to examine and compare.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
Leadership and Strategy in Public Affairs examines the personal, institutional and strategic circumstances that public (and nonprofit and business) leaders confront as they conduct their work. The course focuses on the exercise of leadership, particularly the development and execution of strategy, particularly within the context of politics and government. Students will explore the strategic calculi employed by leaders as they attempt to mobilize support, achieve personal influence, and exercise institutional authority to accomplish objectives.
Prerequisite: none
Leadership and Strategy in Public Affairs examines the personal, institutional and strategic circumstances that public (and nonprofit and business) leaders confront as they conduct their work. The course focuses on the exercise of leadership, particularly the development and execution of strategy, particularly within the context of politics and government. Students will explore the strategic calculi employed by leaders as they attempt to mobilize support, achieve personal influence, and exercise institutional authority to accomplish objectives.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
This course extends the student’s knowledge of financially related decision-making techniques. It provides the student an understanding of management auditing, program auditing, and performance measurement. Key concepts include economy, efficiency, and effectiveness. From the retrospective perspective it examines how to determine whether a program has used its resources effectively and efficiently. From a concurrent perspective, it looks at what should be monitored and how. Prospectively it examines how to prepare an organization for performance measurement and auditing. From a holistic view it examines the decision to measure, monitor, and examine performance.
Prerequisite: none
This course extends the student’s knowledge of financially related decision-making techniques. It provides the student an understanding of management auditing, program auditing, and performance measurement. Key concepts include economy, efficiency, and effectiveness. From the retrospective perspective it examines how to determine whether a program has used its resources effectively and efficiently. From a concurrent perspective, it looks at what should be monitored and how. Prospectively it examines how to prepare an organization for performance measurement and auditing. From a holistic view it examines the decision to measure, monitor, and examine performance.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
Examination of the process and techniques of program evaluation and the assessment of effectiveness of public sector policies. Various performance assessment criteria, problems of evaluation research, and the politics of program evaluation are reviewed.
Prerequisite: none
Examination of the process and techniques of program evaluation and the assessment of effectiveness of public sector policies. Various performance assessment criteria, problems of evaluation research, and the politics of program evaluation are reviewed.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
This course focuses on international variations in public affairs through a comparative analysis of the factors that drive policymaking and determine the configuration of the public and nonprofit sectors around the globe. The course provides students with a basic toolbox of theories and methodologies needed to conduct comparative analyses of public policies and governance systems.
Prerequisite: none
This course focuses on international variations in public affairs through a comparative analysis of the factors that drive policymaking and determine the configuration of the public and nonprofit sectors around the globe. The course provides students with a basic toolbox of theories and methodologies needed to conduct comparative analyses of public policies and governance systems.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
In a world of globalization and global threats¿financial contagion, terrorism, proliferation, climate change, health crises¿this course examines the role of international institutions and norms and asks whether they can make the world a safer, more just place. Why did states create global institutions¿and why in these forms? How does their structure limit or reinforce their ability to address problems? How do norms develop and change? What is the role of NGOs and of multinational corporations? How must the system adapt to new actors and challenges?
Prerequisite: none
In a world of globalization and global threats¿financial contagion, terrorism, proliferation, climate change, health crises¿this course examines the role of international institutions and norms and asks whether they can make the world a safer, more just place. Why did states create global institutions¿and why in these forms? How does their structure limit or reinforce their ability to address problems? How do norms develop and change? What is the role of NGOs and of multinational corporations? How must the system adapt to new actors and challenges?
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
From the personal to the political, digital and online media have changed the nature of how people engage with one another and the communication structures of public affairs. In this course, students will explore how digital media are affecting people, organizations, movements, and societies. Focusing on the effectiveness and ethics of digital and online media practices, students will engage in collaborative work and research/applied projects that examine how to use digital communication strategically to create social changes; how peoples? identities, media habits, and ways of relating have been affected by such platforms; and what their architectures do to promote or hinder better social worlds and futures. This course also examines how social movements are built and what makes them successful, with a focus on how digital technologies, or Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), influence movement building.
Prerequisite: none
From the personal to the political, digital and online media have changed the nature of how people engage with one another and the communication structures of public affairs. In this course, students will explore how digital media are affecting people, organizations, movements, and societies. Focusing on the effectiveness and ethics of digital and online media practices, students will engage in collaborative work and research/applied projects that examine how to use digital communication strategically to create social changes; how peoples? identities, media habits, and ways of relating have been affected by such platforms; and what their architectures do to promote or hinder better social worlds and futures. This course also examines how social movements are built and what makes them successful, with a focus on how digital technologies, or Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), influence movement building.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
In this course, students will study important speeches delivered by prominent figures in the civic and political life of New York City, and other civic and political speeches. By studying such speeches, students will learn about the governance of NYC and gain a perspective on the history of its political institutions. Students will collect the texts of the sort of speeches that are the subject of the class and work to produce research about and criticism of them. They will also try their hand at writing speeches for particular sorts of speech events.
Prerequisite: none
In this course, students will study important speeches delivered by prominent figures in the civic and political life of New York City, and other civic and political speeches. By studying such speeches, students will learn about the governance of NYC and gain a perspective on the history of its political institutions. Students will collect the texts of the sort of speeches that are the subject of the class and work to produce research about and criticism of them. They will also try their hand at writing speeches for particular sorts of speech events.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
This course examines the communication strategies of activists, social movement leaders, and politicians who have worked for the equity and inclusion of groups marginalized according to race, gender, class, ethnicity, citizenship, sexuality, or ability. The course will explore constraints and obstacles to marginalized groups’ political participation and representation, how members of marginalized groups have rhetorically navigated those obstacles, and how their social protest has been represented in mediated texts. Each section of this course will vary according to the instructor’s expertise and interests (perhaps focusing more on race, or gender, or ethnicity, etc.), but each section will approach power in terms of intersectionality.
Prerequisite: none
This course examines the communication strategies of activists, social movement leaders, and politicians who have worked for the equity and inclusion of groups marginalized according to race, gender, class, ethnicity, citizenship, sexuality, or ability. The course will explore constraints and obstacles to marginalized groups’ political participation and representation, how members of marginalized groups have rhetorically navigated those obstacles, and how their social protest has been represented in mediated texts. Each section of this course will vary according to the instructor’s expertise and interests (perhaps focusing more on race, or gender, or ethnicity, etc.), but each section will approach power in terms of intersectionality.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
In public and international affairs, every professional will have to manage conflict and negotiate effectively in a wide variety of situations. Through readings, discussions, case studies, and role plays, students will take on the identity of “reflective practitioners” in this course to develop: an understanding of conflict and its dynamics; strategies and processes for eliciting cooperation and producing supportive professional environments; the fundamentals of negotiation; a variety of conflict management approaches used to overcome common barriers to negotiated resolutions; communication skills; and strategies for dealing with public controversy. This class emphasizes cutting-edge ideas and practices each step of the way; students walk away with new perspectives and techniques that can be immediately applied in your everyday work.
Prerequisite: none
In public and international affairs, every professional will have to manage conflict and negotiate effectively in a wide variety of situations. Through readings, discussions, case studies, and role plays, students will take on the identity of “reflective practitioners” in this course to develop: an understanding of conflict and its dynamics; strategies and processes for eliciting cooperation and producing supportive professional environments; the fundamentals of negotiation; a variety of conflict management approaches used to overcome common barriers to negotiated resolutions; communication skills; and strategies for dealing with public controversy. This class emphasizes cutting-edge ideas and practices each step of the way; students walk away with new perspectives and techniques that can be immediately applied in your everyday work.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
MPA Students are also encouraged to take related courses from Baruch or CUNY colleges that can be substituted for the above electives. (With permission of Graduate Advisement)
MPA Students are also encouraged to take related courses from Baruch or CUNY colleges that can be substituted for the above electives. (With permission of Graduate Advisement)
Social Justice MPA Specialization (9 credits+ 6 credits of Free Electives)
The Social Justice Specialization helps students develop the academic and applied skills to analyze structures and systems driving inequality, injustices, and exclusion, and to develop policies and strategies to create and sustain a just and equitable society. These strategies include, among others, research and analysis, community organizing, public education, and advocacy. This specialization acknowledges the persistent and cumulative effects of past injustices and seeks to create practitioners, experts, and leaders who will promote structural changes to achieve greater equity, human rights, and democratic participation.
Structure
MPA Core Course: PAF 9165 Race, Inequality and Public Policies
Plus any 3 of the following Marxe Social Justice Specialization Courses
3 hours; 3 credits
This course identifies how the media advances or limits democratic values. Students will examine how policy leaders work with media systems to influence public opinion, and the domestic and global policies that shape media diversity. The course also covers the ways individuals and groups monitor, preserve, or challenge the power of the media.
Prerequisite: none
This course identifies how the media advances or limits democratic values. Students will examine how policy leaders work with media systems to influence public opinion, and the domestic and global policies that shape media diversity. The course also covers the ways individuals and groups monitor, preserve, or challenge the power of the media.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
This course concerns the relationship of ethics and public service. Those in public service face a broad array of ethical problems and dilemmas ranging from simple matters of public trust through the application of ethical reasoning in policymaking. The course examines the limits of self-interest in public service, the differing ethical concerns of elective and appointive officials, the conflict between responsibility to hierarchical authority and personal conceptions of the right, bureaucratic responsibility for the ethical content of public policies, and the possibility of necessary evil. A significant portion of this course focuses on ethical theories that may help resolve these dilemmas.
Prerequisite: none
This course concerns the relationship of ethics and public service. Those in public service face a broad array of ethical problems and dilemmas ranging from simple matters of public trust through the application of ethical reasoning in policymaking. The course examines the limits of self-interest in public service, the differing ethical concerns of elective and appointive officials, the conflict between responsibility to hierarchical authority and personal conceptions of the right, bureaucratic responsibility for the ethical content of public policies, and the possibility of necessary evil. A significant portion of this course focuses on ethical theories that may help resolve these dilemmas.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
Managing Cultural Diversity in the Workplace explores selected problems and opportunities organizational leaders encounter as they lead, interact with and make decisions about employees from diverse cultural backgrounds. The course interrogates the rhetoric of understanding and valuing workplace diversity and explores why it has become such an important managerial imperative in the United States and abroad.
Prerequisite: none
Managing Cultural Diversity in the Workplace explores selected problems and opportunities organizational leaders encounter as they lead, interact with and make decisions about employees from diverse cultural backgrounds. The course interrogates the rhetoric of understanding and valuing workplace diversity and explores why it has become such an important managerial imperative in the United States and abroad.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
The course will look at public policy in its application to other species. It will focus on the assumptions behind those policies, inconsistencies in the values represented, and the lessons learned about ourselves from considering the perspective of other animals. It will also consider how climate change might impact our understanding of the rights and welfare of other animals.
Prerequisite: none
The course will look at public policy in its application to other species. It will focus on the assumptions behind those policies, inconsistencies in the values represented, and the lessons learned about ourselves from considering the perspective of other animals. It will also consider how climate change might impact our understanding of the rights and welfare of other animals.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
Community development is an approach to addressing poverty and its related social problems, such as poor-quality housing, unemployment, lack of education, and crime. Students will examine the complex economic, political, and social context that gave rise to the idea of community development, and then follow the successes and challenges in the field over its nearly fifty-year history.
Prerequisites: none
Community development is an approach to addressing poverty and its related social problems, such as poor-quality housing, unemployment, lack of education, and crime. Students will examine the complex economic, political, and social context that gave rise to the idea of community development, and then follow the successes and challenges in the field over its nearly fifty-year history.
Prerequisites: none
3 hours; 3 credits
The course serves as a gateway to the field of housing and community development, giving students the background necessary to become informed participants in policy analysis and debates about the future of housing policy. Topics to be covered include: housing markets and policies; the evolution of federal, state, and local housing programs, with emphasis on low-income rental housing; as well as several longstanding and thorny housing policy topics.
Prerequisite: Open to Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs students; others with Marxe School permission.
The course serves as a gateway to the field of housing and community development, giving students the background necessary to become informed participants in policy analysis and debates about the future of housing policy. Topics to be covered include: housing markets and policies; the evolution of federal, state, and local housing programs, with emphasis on low-income rental housing; as well as several longstanding and thorny housing policy topics.
Prerequisite: Open to Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs students; others with Marxe School permission.
3 hours; 3 credits
This is a course about the poor and anti-poverty programs in the United States. It focuses on measurement, extent, and distribution of poverty; causes of poverty; tradeoffs faced by policy-makers in reducing poverty and economic insecurity; and the spatial concentration of poverty. It covers major social policies intended to reduce poverty and inequality, and the evidence on policy effectiveness.
Prerequisite: Open to Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs students; others with Marxe School permission.
This is a course about the poor and anti-poverty programs in the United States. It focuses on measurement, extent, and distribution of poverty; causes of poverty; tradeoffs faced by policy-makers in reducing poverty and economic insecurity; and the spatial concentration of poverty. It covers major social policies intended to reduce poverty and inequality, and the evidence on policy effectiveness.
Prerequisite: Open to Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs students; others with Marxe School permission.
3 hours; 3 credits
This course introduces students to the analysis of public policy and policymaking, focusing on approaches for identifying problems and goals, developing alternatives, analyzing potential impacts, and formulating recommendations for advocacy and policy action in the public sector. Policy analysts do their work within a broader political context which shapes policy proposals and their underlying justifications, and so this course examines agenda setting, the role of values, interests, and goals, and general strategies for policy analysis, advocacy, adoption, and implementation. Students are introduced to various analytic approaches and arguments, and through readings and assignments, are provided opportunities to investigate specific areas of social concern and to analyze potential policy responses.
Prerequisite: Open to Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs and MA in Arts Administration students; others with Marxe School permission
This course introduces students to the analysis of public policy and policymaking, focusing on approaches for identifying problems and goals, developing alternatives, analyzing potential impacts, and formulating recommendations for advocacy and policy action in the public sector. Policy analysts do their work within a broader political context which shapes policy proposals and their underlying justifications, and so this course examines agenda setting, the role of values, interests, and goals, and general strategies for policy analysis, advocacy, adoption, and implementation. Students are introduced to various analytic approaches and arguments, and through readings and assignments, are provided opportunities to investigate specific areas of social concern and to analyze potential policy responses.
Prerequisite: Open to Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs and MA in Arts Administration students; others with Marxe School permission
3 hours; 3 credits PAF 9199 Selected Topics in Public Affairs (if directly relevant). Recent topics have included:
- Race Policy Matters
- Intergroup Dialogue
- Race Media and Politics
Prerequisite: Open to Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs students; others with Marxe School permission.
3 hours; 3 credits
This course examines the communication strategies of activists, social movement leaders, and politicians who have worked for the equity and inclusion of groups marginalized according to race, gender, class, ethnicity, citizenship, sexuality, or ability. The course will explore constraints and obstacles to marginalized groups, political participation and representation, how members of marginalized groups have rhetorically navigated those obstacles, and how their social protest has been represented in mediated texts. Each section of this course will vary according to the instructor’s expertise and interests (perhaps focusing more on race, or gender, or ethnicity, etc.), but each section will approach power in terms of intersectionality.
Prerequisite: Open to Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs students; others with Marxe School permission.
This course examines the communication strategies of activists, social movement leaders, and politicians who have worked for the equity and inclusion of groups marginalized according to race, gender, class, ethnicity, citizenship, sexuality, or ability. The course will explore constraints and obstacles to marginalized groups, political participation and representation, how members of marginalized groups have rhetorically navigated those obstacles, and how their social protest has been represented in mediated texts. Each section of this course will vary according to the instructor’s expertise and interests (perhaps focusing more on race, or gender, or ethnicity, etc.), but each section will approach power in terms of intersectionality.
Prerequisite: Open to Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs students; others with Marxe School permission.
3 hours; 3 credits
The course focuses on major areas in nonprofit management. Course may be taken more than once if the topics are different and with permission of advisor.
Prerequisite: Open to Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs students; others with Marxe School permission.
The course focuses on major areas in nonprofit management. Course may be taken more than once if the topics are different and with permission of advisor.
Prerequisite: Open to Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs students; others with Marxe School permission.
3 hours; 3 credits
This course is designed for MPA and MSED students interested in learning more about educational policy at the local, state, and federal levels. Students in this course will critically examine the social, political, and economic theories behind current educational policies and policy initiatives, and evaluate their consequences and effects on U.S. public schooling.
Prerequisite: none
This course is designed for MPA and MSED students interested in learning more about educational policy at the local, state, and federal levels. Students in this course will critically examine the social, political, and economic theories behind current educational policies and policy initiatives, and evaluate their consequences and effects on U.S. public schooling.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
The questions of how higher educational leaders define diversity; of why diversity matters to these leaders; and how leaders might engage students’ diverse identities in their work, are the essential questions that guide the study of diversity in higher education, and that will serve as the essential questions for this course. The course looks at diversity from historical, theoretical and organizational perspectives in order to develop the understanding of the meaning of diversity and how that meaning has changed.
Prerequisite: none
The questions of how higher educational leaders define diversity; of why diversity matters to these leaders; and how leaders might engage students’ diverse identities in their work, are the essential questions that guide the study of diversity in higher education, and that will serve as the essential questions for this course. The course looks at diversity from historical, theoretical and organizational perspectives in order to develop the understanding of the meaning of diversity and how that meaning has changed.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
This course examines policy and managerial issues in educational administration. The topics will be selected by the instructor. Some previous topics include: Student Development Theory, Higher Education Leadership, The Law of Higher Education, Fundraising and Institutional Advancement for Higher Education, Paying for College, and International Perspectives in Higher Education.
Prerequisite: none
This course examines policy and managerial issues in educational administration. The topics will be selected by the instructor. Some previous topics include: Student Development Theory, Higher Education Leadership, The Law of Higher Education, Fundraising and Institutional Advancement for Higher Education, Paying for College, and International Perspectives in Higher Education.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
This course will examine migration, diaspora and transnational life in the Western Hemisphere, with comparative reference to other cases. A first section of the course will examine the historical development and causes of migration within the hemisphere, including economic development, immigration laws, recruitment practices and others. A second section of the course examines the emergence of transnational life between migrant sending and receiving societies, at the local, provincial state and national levels. Topics include hometown associations, development, political change, and trans-nationalization of civic and political life. A third section examines the ways in which nation states have addressed the changes resulting from migration, including analysis of different kinds of state-diaspora relations and of types of diasporas in history.
Prerequisite: Open to Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs students; others with Marxe School permission.
This course will examine migration, diaspora and transnational life in the Western Hemisphere, with comparative reference to other cases. A first section of the course will examine the historical development and causes of migration within the hemisphere, including economic development, immigration laws, recruitment practices and others. A second section of the course examines the emergence of transnational life between migrant sending and receiving societies, at the local, provincial state and national levels. Topics include hometown associations, development, political change, and trans-nationalization of civic and political life. A third section examines the ways in which nation states have addressed the changes resulting from migration, including analysis of different kinds of state-diaspora relations and of types of diasporas in history.
Prerequisite: Open to Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs students; others with Marxe School permission.
3 hours; 3 credits
Conflicts over racial, ethnic and / or national identity continue to dominate headlines in diverse corners of the world. Whether referring to ethnic violence in Myanmar or Sri Lanka, racialized political tensions in Sudan and Brazil, the treatment of Roma (Gypsies) and Muslims in Europe, or the charged debates about immigration policy in the United States, identity remains at the center of politics globally. The study of Race, Ethnicity and Nationalism, which encompasses a wide variety of social and political phenomena including language, violence, religion, class, gender and colonialism. Drawing upon multiple theoretical and disciplinary approaches, this course explores the related concepts of race, ethnicity and nationalism from a comparative perspective using case studies drawn from around the world and across different time periods.
Prerequisite: Open to Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs students; others with Marxe School permission.
Conflicts over racial, ethnic and / or national identity continue to dominate headlines in diverse corners of the world. Whether referring to ethnic violence in Myanmar or Sri Lanka, racialized political tensions in Sudan and Brazil, the treatment of Roma (Gypsies) and Muslims in Europe, or the charged debates about immigration policy in the United States, identity remains at the center of politics globally. The study of Race, Ethnicity and Nationalism, which encompasses a wide variety of social and political phenomena including language, violence, religion, class, gender and colonialism. Drawing upon multiple theoretical and disciplinary approaches, this course explores the related concepts of race, ethnicity and nationalism from a comparative perspective using case studies drawn from around the world and across different time periods.
Prerequisite: Open to Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs students; others with Marxe School permission.
3 hours; 3 credits
Why do we fight? War-making defines the human experience, consuming vast amounts of intellectual, material, and environmental resources, before even considering the cost to human life itself. This seminar will explore the dynamics of political violence focusing on recent and historic internal wars. We will cover a wide selection of topics related to the dynamics of civil wars and political violence as well as the organization and behavior of rebel organizations.
Prerequisite: Open to Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs students; others with Marxe School permission.
Why do we fight? War-making defines the human experience, consuming vast amounts of intellectual, material, and environmental resources, before even considering the cost to human life itself. This seminar will explore the dynamics of political violence focusing on recent and historic internal wars. We will cover a wide selection of topics related to the dynamics of civil wars and political violence as well as the organization and behavior of rebel organizations.
Prerequisite: Open to Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs students; others with Marxe School permission.
3 hours; 3 credits
Focuses on major substantive areas of public policy. Topics vary from offering to offering and could include such policy issues as transportation, environmental protection, housing and urban policy, urban development, health and labor.
Prerequisite: none
Focuses on major substantive areas of public policy. Topics vary from offering to offering and could include such policy issues as transportation, environmental protection, housing and urban policy, urban development, health and labor.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
There is extensive documentation of socio-demographic inequity in health outcomes in the United States. People of color and those with lower incomes have consistently been found to have worse health outcomes compared with whites and those with higher incomes. While most nations have some level of health inequality, the equity gap in the United States is larger and more consistent than in other industrialized countries. This course will begin by examining the sources of racial/ethnic and income-based disparities in health care in the United States, including the history of segregation, bias and discrimination, and the fragmented health insurance system. In the latter part of the course we will explore the current approaches and policies to addressing inequality.
Prerequisite: Open to Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs students; others with Marxe School permission.
There is extensive documentation of socio-demographic inequity in health outcomes in the United States. People of color and those with lower incomes have consistently been found to have worse health outcomes compared with whites and those with higher incomes. While most nations have some level of health inequality, the equity gap in the United States is larger and more consistent than in other industrialized countries. This course will begin by examining the sources of racial/ethnic and income-based disparities in health care in the United States, including the history of segregation, bias and discrimination, and the fragmented health insurance system. In the latter part of the course we will explore the current approaches and policies to addressing inequality.
Prerequisite: Open to Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs students; others with Marxe School permission.
3 hours; 3 credits
Topics in health policy will vary from offering to offering. Recent topics have included:
Topics in health policy will vary from offering to offering. Recent topics have included:
- Global Health
Prerequisite: none
Other courses from Marxe, Baruch or CUNY colleges can be substituted for the above electives if it can be demonstrated that they have Social Justice content or that the student intends to focus on Social Justice issues. (With permission of Graduate Advisement).
Urban Development and Sustainability MPA Specialization (9 credits+ 6 credits of Free Electives)
Urban development and sustainability are among the hottest buzzwords in public service today. This specialization evaluates sustainability in urban centers from a social, economic, and environmental perspective. Students learn how cities can improve and sustain housing, land use, business activity, and infrastructure. Program graduates often pursue roles with community organizations, nonprofit advocacy groups, and government sustainability agencies.
Any Three of the Following Courses (9 credits; select three from the following)
3 hours; 3 credits
Examination of the structure and dynamics of New York City government, with special emphasis on the development and delivery of city services.
Prerequisite: none
Examination of the structure and dynamics of New York City government, with special emphasis on the development and delivery of city services.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
This course focuses on private mobility (e.g., cars, bicycles, new technologies), local public and collective transportation (e.g., buses, subways, light rail) in urban U.S. settings. Transportation policies that drive capital planning and demand management have implications for land use, the environment, and the equitability of access to opportunities.
Prerequisite: none
This course focuses on private mobility (e.g., cars, bicycles, new technologies), local public and collective transportation (e.g., buses, subways, light rail) in urban U.S. settings. Transportation policies that drive capital planning and demand management have implications for land use, the environment, and the equitability of access to opportunities.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
This course introduces students to the major features of the field of urban economic development. The course reviews the principles by which economic activity is organized in an urban setting, focuses on methods of analyzing the existing economic structure of a community, and examines examples of successful business development, human resource development, community-based employment, and physical development programs.
Prerequisite: none
This course introduces students to the major features of the field of urban economic development. The course reviews the principles by which economic activity is organized in an urban setting, focuses on methods of analyzing the existing economic structure of a community, and examines examples of successful business development, human resource development, community-based employment, and physical development programs.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
Community development is an approach to addressing poverty and its related social problems, such as poor-quality housing, unemployment, lack of education, and crime. Students will examine the complex economic, political, and social context that gave rise to the idea of community development, and then follow the successes and challenges in the field over its nearly fifty-year history.
Prerequisite: none
Community development is an approach to addressing poverty and its related social problems, such as poor-quality housing, unemployment, lack of education, and crime. Students will examine the complex economic, political, and social context that gave rise to the idea of community development, and then follow the successes and challenges in the field over its nearly fifty-year history.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
The course serves as a gateway to the field of housing and community development, giving students the background necessary to become informed participants in policy analysis and debates about the future of housing policy. Topics to be covered include: housing markets and policies; the evolution of federal, state, and local housing programs, with emphasis on low-income rental housing; as well as several longstanding and thorny housing policy topics.
Prerequisite: none
The course serves as a gateway to the field of housing and community development, giving students the background necessary to become informed participants in policy analysis and debates about the future of housing policy. Topics to be covered include: housing markets and policies; the evolution of federal, state, and local housing programs, with emphasis on low-income rental housing; as well as several longstanding and thorny housing policy topics.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
The course focuses on the theory and practice of urban sustainability policies and programs. It addresses public policies as they helped shape the growth and uses of urban land within 20th and 21st century cities in the United States, within context of supporting or contesting long-term sustainable practices. The concentration will be on the historical evolution of land uses in New York as they affect the overall sustainability of its communities and economy.
Prerequisite: none
The course focuses on the theory and practice of urban sustainability policies and programs. It addresses public policies as they helped shape the growth and uses of urban land within 20th and 21st century cities in the United States, within context of supporting or contesting long-term sustainable practices. The concentration will be on the historical evolution of land uses in New York as they affect the overall sustainability of its communities and economy.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
This is a course about the poor and anti-poverty programs in the United States. It focuses on measurement, extent, and distribution of poverty; causes of poverty; tradeoffs faced by policy-makers in reducing poverty and economic insecurity; and the spatial concentration of poverty. It covers major social policies intended to reduce poverty and inequality, and the evidence on policy effectiveness.
Prerequisite: none
This is a course about the poor and anti-poverty programs in the United States. It focuses on measurement, extent, and distribution of poverty; causes of poverty; tradeoffs faced by policy-makers in reducing poverty and economic insecurity; and the spatial concentration of poverty. It covers major social policies intended to reduce poverty and inequality, and the evidence on policy effectiveness.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
The course provides an introduction to basic map making skills and the use of maps and spatial data in policy applications. Students will learn how to create and interpret thematic maps, by hands-on experience with mapping software. Advanced topics will include spatial construction of data, and use spatial data in quantitative applications.
Prerequisite: PAF 9170
The course provides an introduction to basic map making skills and the use of maps and spatial data in policy applications. Students will learn how to create and interpret thematic maps, by hands-on experience with mapping software. Advanced topics will include spatial construction of data, and use spatial data in quantitative applications.
Prerequisite: PAF 9170
3 hours; 3 credits
In this course, students will study important speeches delivered by prominent figures in the civic and political life of New York City, and other civic and political speeches. By studying such speeches, students will learn about the governance of NYC and gain a perspective on the history of its political institutions. Students will collect the texts of the sort of speeches that are the subject of the class and work to produce research about and criticism of them. They will also try their hand at writing speeches for particular sorts of speech events.
Prerequisite: none
In this course, students will study important speeches delivered by prominent figures in the civic and political life of New York City, and other civic and political speeches. By studying such speeches, students will learn about the governance of NYC and gain a perspective on the history of its political institutions. Students will collect the texts of the sort of speeches that are the subject of the class and work to produce research about and criticism of them. They will also try their hand at writing speeches for particular sorts of speech events.
Prerequisite: none
3 hours; 3 credits
MPA Students are also encouraged to take related courses from Baruch or CUNY colleges that can be substituted for the above electives. (With permission of Graduate Advisement)
MPA Students are also encouraged to take related courses from Baruch or CUNY colleges that can be substituted for the above electives. (With permission of Graduate Advisement)
MPA Program Plans and Curriculum Sheets
