C A L I F O R N I A   S T A T E   U N I V E R S I T Y   B A K E R S F I E L D 2001-2003 Catalog

Program Coordinator:  R. Steven Daniels
Dorothy Donahoe Hall, A101
(661) 664-2318
email:  rdaniels@csub.edu

Program Description

The Masters degrees in Public Administration and in Health Care Management (conferred as a Master’s degree in Administration) offer broad programs appropriate for the individual aspiring to professional administrative positions in the public, private nonprofit, and volunteer sectors, or to the rapidly growing private, public, and nonprofit health services field. The programs are designed to develop or enhance expertise in administration, supervision, and practice. The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) accredits the MPA and MSA programs.

Admission Criteria

1. Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university;

2. A grade point average of not less than 2.75 in all undergraduate course work or not less than 3.00 in all upper division course work;

3. Completion of the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR);

4. The quality of previous educational and professional experiences measured by:

a. Biographical and career data (resumes, examples of reports, letters of recommendation, etc.), and

b. Professional training in fields such as budgeting, management, and supervision in the public, health, or nonprofit sectors.

5. For applicants whose preparatory education is principally in a language other than English, a TOEFL score of 550 or higher (or 213 on the new conversation scale for the computer-based TOEFL exam) .

 

Application and Admission  

Admission to either of the programs is a two-step process. Interested students must first apply to the University. To receive application materials, prospective students should contact:

Office of Admission and Records
California State University, Bakersfield
9001 Stockdale Highway
Bakersfield, CA 93311-1099
Students may also apply online at the following webiste: www.csumentor.edu.

Students must indicate on their CSU Application for Graduate Admission that they are interested in the MPA program (Code 21021) or the MSA in Health Care Management (Code 12021). Admission to the University does not constitute admission to the MPA and MSA programs. Once admitted to the University, the student will be contacted by the Program Coordinator. If contact is not made soon after receiving notification of being admitted to the University, the student should immediately contact the Program Coordinator.

Student Classification

The admission standards recognize the need for different measures to establish the standard of quality between pre-service and in-service students. Final judgment on admission will be made by the department based on a combination of several of the above eligibility factors. Students who meet all four criteria can be admitted as fully classified graduate students. Students who meet all criteria except the GWAR may be admitted as conditionally classified graduate students until the GWAR is met. Students who do not meet the GPA requirements can be admitted as post-baccalaureate unclassified graduate students, but will be required to successfully complete a contract of specified courses with a "B" average.

Graduate Requirements

At least sixty (60) units of approved coursework and five (5) units of a culminating activity are required for the MPA and MSA degree programs.

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

This graduate program prepares individuals aspiring to managerial and administrative position in the public and nonprofit sectors and is geared to career preparation, enrichment, and advancement.

MPA Graduate Core (45 quarter units)

1. PPA 500 Environments of Public Administration

2. PPA 501 Analytical Methods in Administration

3. PPA 502 Program Evaluation

4. PPA 610 Public Human Resources Administration and Labor Relations

5. PPA 611 Finance and Budgeting

6. PPA 624 State, Local, and Intergovernmental Management

7. PPA 671 Graduate Survey of Public Policy and Administration

8. PPA 680 Public Management and Organizational Change

9. PPA 691 Public Policy and Analysis

 

MPA Electives (15 approved quarter hours)

Students in the MPA program must complete three additional approved courses at the 500- or 600-level, offered by the Department of Public Policy and Administration. Electives presented by other departments may be taken upon approval of a petition to the MPA Graduate Coordinator. Graduate students may take 400-level courses if augmented to reflect graduate credit.

Students with no experience in the public or nonprofit sector are required to take an internship or similar experience. Contact the Internship Coordinator for further information.

Culminating Activity (5 credit hours)

PPA 698 Culminating Activity – Candidates for the MPA degree must complete a culminating activity in accordance with Title V of the California Administrative Code. The purpose of this activity is to demonstrate competency acquired in the graduate program. This includes mastery of knowledge in the discipline and in the ability to use theory and method in the preparation of an applied research project. Candidates must complete PPA 691 before they may begin the culminating activity.

Master of Science in Administration – Health Care Management (MSA – HCM)

This graduate program prepares individuals aspiring to managerial and administrative positions in the public, nonprofit, and health care sectors and is geared to career preparation, enrichment, and advancement.

MSA – HCM Graduate Core (45 quarter units)

1. PPA 500 Environments of Public Administration

2. PPA 501 Analytical Methods in Administration

3. PPA 502 Program Evaluation

4. PPA 504 Contemporary Issues in Health Care Management

5. PPA 610 Public Human Resources Administration and Labor Relations

6. PPA 611 Finance and Budgeting

7. PPA 618 Health Policy and Analysis

8. PPA 680 Public Management and Organizational Change

9. PPA 689 Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care

 

MSA Electives (15 approved quarter hours)

Students in the MSA program must complete three additional approved courses at the 500- or 600-level, offered by the Department of Public Policy and Administration. Electives presented by other departments may be taken upon approval of a petition to the Graduate Coordinator. Graduate students may take 400-level courses if augmented to reflect graduate credit. Students with no experience in health care management are required to take an internship or similar experience. Contact the Internship Coordinator for further information.

Culminating Activity (5 quarter hours)

PPA 698 Culminating Activity Candidates for the MSA degree must complete a culminating activity in accordance with Title V of the California Administrative Code. The purpose of this activity is to demonstrate competency acquired in the graduate program. This includes mastery of knowledge in the discipline and in the ability to use theory and method in the preparation of an applied research project. Candidates must complete PPA 618 before they may begin the culminating activity

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

PPA 500 Environments of Public Administration (5)

This graduate seminar introduces and examines a variety of environmental forces, including social/sociological, micro/macro economics, political, constitutional/legal, that shape public administration. It discusses and analyzes the essential theories, principles, structures and trends in those areas that affect American public policy and administration, and provides a foundation for further graduate study of public administration, and provides a foundation for further graduate study of public administration. May be taken as a senior elective with department approval.

PPA 501 Analytical Methods in Administration (5)

This graduate seminar provides an introduction to applied research and basic statistical techniques for decision-making in public administration and the management of health care and nonprofit agencies. The course covers experimental, quasi-experimental and non-experimental research designs; measurement; data gathering techniques and sources, including survey research; and the evaluation and communication of research findings. The course will prepare students for options in the graduate culminating experience. May be taken as senior with the department approval. Students should have familiarity with interval level statistics.

PPA 502 Program Evaluation (5)

(Application of skills acquired in PPA 501)

This course deals with the application of research methods to the evaluation of social service programs, particularly in health and human service agencies. This form of research provides knowledge of and about services, identifies the intended and unintended consequences of service interventions, and contributes information for policy decisions. Furthermore, program evaluation is an action based form of research and, therefore, this course is designed as an action based learning experience. Prerequisite: PPA 501.

PPA 504 Contemporary Issues in Health Care Management (5)

Using case studies and class presentations, this graduate seminar introduces and examines the internal and external political, social, economic and legal forces that affect the organization of health service. It explores health care policy innovations, the application of management theory to current health services problems, and the future of health services. May be taken as a senior elective with department approval.

PPA 505 Managed Health Care (5)

As a result of political and social forces, the American health care delivery system is undergoing fundamental change; the caregivers, care, institutions and relationships between and among system components have all been altered recently. Central to understanding this change process is the concept of "managed care." This course explores the history, current impact and implications for the future of managed care. From case management issues, through operational concerns, to the policy challenges of managed competition and Medicare and Medicaid managed care. Course participants will also have the opportunity to explore and discuss the ethical dilemmas specific to a managed care environment.

PPA 515 Public Health Administration (5)

This seminar deals with the concepts, policies and practices of the field of public health, which are expressed, in the structure and process of public health programs. These are defined by geography and various levels of government. Discussions will include the evolution and development of public health services as they arose out of the gradually recognized need for community efforts to protect and promote the health of the population in a defined geographic area. This focus on the common good sets public health apart from traditional health care services primarily directed toward the individual.

PPA 519 Non-Profit Management (5)

This elective seminar will provide students with the managerial and supervisory techniques need to administer, develop and market volunteer, nonprofit, and community-based organizations that provide health and human services at the local level.

PPA 520 Grantsmanship and Financial Development

This elective seminar is designed to provide individuals with the practical skills to be a successful grant writer. Topics to be covered include: how to write successful grant proposals; gather information about potential sources (federal, state, local or foundations); evaluate your chances for success, and make agency contacts. Also, how to evaluate and develop alternative funding beyond grants, to include planned giving and fund-raising strategies.

PPA 525 Administrative Law (5)

This elective seminar surveys administrative law and government regulation, the legal functions of administrative agencies, and the legal aspects of the process by which such agencies carry out their policies. It reviews the evolution of administrative authority and Title 5 of the U.S. Code, examining delegation doctrine, rule making, enforcement, adjudication, and judicial review. While this course focuses primarily on the federal system, it also includes an orientation on the California State Administrative law system.

PPA 530 Administration in Multicultural Settings (5)

This elective seminar surveys the theory and practice of effective management in multicultural contexts. The increased presence of ethnic minorities and women within the structures of service organizations combined with increased services to multicultural communities and clients have provided challenges and opportunities to management and supervisors to reassess traditional supervisorial practices. Students will explore those facets of organizational culture, which are in this process of change.

PPA 550 The Disabled in America (5)

With an estimated 50 million disabled Americans, approximately 20 percent of the population, this course investigates the policy, bureaucratic, and organizational issues germane to people functioning with physical and mental disabilities in today’s world. Issues include: understanding the medical and epidemiological dimensions of disabilities, and the impact of these dimensions in such settings as the workplace, the delivery of social services, access to public accommodations; the ability of organizations to respond to the needs of the disabled; the role that government plays in protecting the rights of the disabled. The course may focus attention on specific disabilities, such as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) or mental illness.

PPA 571 Seminar in the Administration of Justice (5)

This elective seminar emphasizes research and field investigations of current justice administrative and policy problems, which cut across the total system. Topics may vary each quarter.

PPA 573 Emergency Management (5)

This elective seminar surveys public and private sector responses to emergencies, disasters, and crises. Private and volunteer agencies and federal, state, and local government roles are discussed. Emphasis is on public policy development and interagency/intergovernmental relations. Discussion of emergency management phases: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Consideration of: technological and man-made hazards, natural disasters, including floods, earthquakes, civil disorder and terrorism.

PPA 577 Selected Topics in Public Policy and Administration (5)

In-depth study of selected topic or topics not covered in regular courses. Topics vary each quarter; prerequisites announced for each topic. Conducted on a seminar basis.

PPA 599 Individual Graduate Study (1-5)

Supervised investigation of an approved project leading to a written report. Project selected in conference with instructor in area of major interest; regular meetings to be arranged with instructor. Department determines application and number of units. May only be used for elective credit.

Graduate: the following courses require Classified standing.

PPA 610 Public Human Resources Administration and Labor Relations (5)

This graduate core seminar provides an in-depth study of the personnel and civil service systems in the federal, state, and local governments and in nonprofit and health care organizations. Review of the methods of recruitment, promotion, discipline, and termination are explored through case studies, discussion, and simulations. Contemporary issues in collective bargaining and labor relations are extensively explored.

PPA 611 Finance and Budgeting (5)

This graduate seminar provides a survey of current public policies, principles, and issues in public and healthcare finance and budgeting. Topics may include: economic functions and economic goals of public and healthcare entities; public and healthcare fiscal policies; revenues and taxation; debt; public and healthcare budgeting trends; financial methods related to the management and control of public healthcare and human service institutions; the use of cost efficiency techniques; and the application of third party reimbursement through insurance, Medicaid and Medicare.

PPA 618 Health Policy and Analysis (5)

This MSA core seminar explores government’s involvement in and regulation of health and human services emphasizing the political, environmental, economic, and social factors influencing health services planning. This integrating MSA-HCM capstone graduate seminar focuses on initiation, formulation, and implementation of health policies. Explores policy models and policy analysis purposes and methodology. Includes an overview of political, legal, economic, and social institutions and their impact on public health policy.

PPA 624 State, Local and Intergovernmental Management (5)

This seminar emphasizes state, local, and intergovernmental administration in the context of: (a) the Federal intergovernmental system; (b) the Constitutional/legal system; (c) the political and social environments; and, (d) the nonprofit sector.

PPA 671 Graduate Survey of Public Policy and Administration (5)

This MPA graduate core seminar examines the major concepts and issues in public administration. The history and the development of the modern public service and the bureaucracy. The students will do an investigation of the role of the public sector in American society, law, economy, and current trends in the public sector. Key course areas are the national political institutions and processes, and professional standards and ethics are studied.

PPA 677 Selected Topics in Public Policy and Administration (5)

In-depth study of selected topic or topics not covered in regular courses. Topics vary each quarter; prerequisites announced for each topic.

PPA 680 Public Management and Organizational Change (5)

In this graduate core seminar, the student will critically examine organization and management concepts and behavior. Emphasis will be on exploring the dynamics of planned organizational change as well as models of organizational development in the public management context. Prerequisite: PPA 500 for MPA & PPA 504 for MSA.

PPA 689 Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care (5)

This graduate seminar explores legal and ethical issues in health care policy and administration. The legal aspects consist of constitutional issues, laws, administrative regulations, and court interpretation. Exploration of ethical issues will include a look at moral systems, identification of ethical principles and the introduction of analytical techniques to help in choosing alternative decisions and actions. The interplay between legal and ethical elements will be emphasized.

PPA 691 Public Policy and Analysis (5)

This integrating MPA capstone graduate seminar focuses on initiation, formulation, and implementation of public policies. Explores policy models and policy analysis purposes and methodology. Selected contemporary policy areas such as energy, the environment, criminal justice, welfare, and education are explored. Includes an overview of political, legal, economic, and social institutions and their impact on public policy.

PPA 696 Internship (5)

An internship experience provides the student with an opportunity for exposure to and practical experience in the managerial setting of an organization. The student is encouraged to use the opportunity to apply knowledge acquired in the classroom and work independently on a program plan or project. While this internship is encouraged for all students, it may be required for individuals who are considered pre-service (MPA Program) or have not had supervisory experience in a health care organization (MSA-HCM Program).

PPA 698 Culminating Activity (5)

This course is a practicum, which demonstrates competency acquired in the masters programs. Each student will complete a thesis like project that requires the application of both theory and methods. This is the capstone course in both the MPA and MSA programs. It is strongly recommended that students do not enroll in other courses while taking this course. Prerequisite: PPA 691.

PPA 699 Individual Graduate Study (5)

Supervised investigation of an approved project leading to a written report. Project selected in conference with instructor in the area of major interest; regular meetings to be arranged with instructor. Department determines application and number of units.