(Course updated as of Spring 2025; Formerly known as Introduction to Public Administration)

This course introduces students to the field and profession of public administration. By covering the economic, political, and social dynamics within which governments and public organizations operate, the course allows students to develop a broad understanding of the public sector. Moreover, the course addresses several administrative, managerial, and political challenges facing public organizations and related to human resources, finances, program development and evaluation, strategic planning, among others. By completing this course, students gain an initial understanding of the functioning of government that is necessary to make adequate decisions and effect change as public administrators.