Master of Public Administration with an Emphasis in Government and Policy

Degree Overview
Course List
Program Location

Grand Canyon University's Master of Public Administration with an Emphasis in Government and Policy prepares students for careers in government roles in the public sector. Individuals looking to become government officials may benefit from this program as well as those who wish to pursue a variety of roles in local, state and federal government positions.

With an emphasis in Government and Policy, students will learn to apply administrative skills in the areas of leadership, human capital development, policy and governance. Students will be challenged to identify and provide solutions for the unique issues facing public sector organizations today. The relationships among the federal, state and municipal levels of government will be examined, along with the history of U.S. federalism and the competition among levels and branches of government.

Coursework in the Master in Public Administration degree examines how the challenges and problems facing society become policy issues. Selected topics on administration and constitutional law, including the exercise of governmental power, legislative and executive oversight, and rule making are also explored. Students will also learn how government and public organizations serve their stakeholders, the manner in which their services are carried out, how resources are managed, and how regulatory powers are complied with and/or managed.

Course List

Course #	Course Title	Course Description	Credits
UNV-504	Introduction to Graduate Studies in the College of Business	This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the College of Business. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.	2
MGT-605	Leadership and Organizations	The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the College of Business, key concepts of leadership, and an overview of how the science of organizational behavior contributes to effective leaders and managers.	4
ADM-614	Economics for Public Administrators	In this course, the role of government in the economy is explored within the general context of market failure and social equity. Topics include allocation of goods and services, income distribution, externalities, public goods, and public choice theory. This course also examines the impact of macroeconomic events and policy decisions on the budgets and service levels of public entities.	4
HRM-635	Acquiring, Developing, and Leveraging Human Capital	The effective strategic management of human capital is the differentiator of every successful organization. This course examines talent management, workforce diversity, succession planning, employee development and motivation, and performance matrix. This course addresses human resource competencies identified by the Society of HR Management (SHRM). Using the strong strategic HR acumen provided by this course, students will be well-prepared for positions as senior human resources specialists or as general managers. Also LDR-635.	4
LDR-630	Servant Leadership	This course focuses on servant leadership, how a servant leader is different from other leaders, and how focusing on the needs of others can create interdependency rather than dependency in organizations.	4
ADM-624	Public Governance	This course focuses on how government and public organizations serve their stakeholders, the manner in which their services are carried out, how resources are managed, and how regulatory powers are complied with and/or managed. In accordance with UN guidelines on public governance, issues related to transparency, participation, and accountability are also examined.	4
ADM-626	Public Budgeting and Financial Management	This course provides an introduction to the revenue and expenditure structure of the public sector, including revenue policy, expenditure policy, and budget structure and administration.	4
ADM-632	Intergovernmental Relations	This course examines in detail the relationships among the federal, state, and municipal levels of government in the United States. The history of U.S. federalism is briefly covered, followed by a more in-depth focus on such issues as competition among levels and branches of government, the challenge of institutional fragmentation, and the role of governmental interest groups. Specific policy issues (education, health care, social services) are used to examine and analyze the dynamics of these relationships.	4
ADM-634	Policy Studies	This course focuses on how challenges and problems facing society become policy issues. Leading theories in policy analysis and the policy-making process are examined and critiqued. The impact of policy decisions on various groups within society (related to gender, age, ethnicity, etc.) is also examined.	4
ADM-636	Law and Administrative Process	An introduction to law relevant to public administration, this course covers selected topics in administrative and constitutional law, including the exercise of governmental power, legislative and executive oversight, rule making, adjudication, and judicial review.	4
Required Course Total Credit:			38

Courses:

38 credits

This program is offered in the following formats or locations:

Online

The dynamic capabilities of GCU’s online curriculum offer considerable flexibility and convenience for career oriented professionals who are pursuing their educational goals. Full time faculty members, equipped with strong academic backgrounds and practical experience in their fields, support you every step of the way. Our small class sizes provide an intimate environment that stimulates engaging and challenging discussions. Classes begin frequently.

Evening

The convenience of GCU’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals. Evening classes meet once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom, filled with career minded individuals. Evening class sizes are kept small, providing a warm nurturing environment that supports an engaging experience. Classes begin frequently at various locations.

Program Disclosure

Category	Non-Traditional	Traditional
Books & Supplies (Per Program)	$1,045	$1,410
Tuition & Fees (Per Program)	$21,450	$15,720
Room & Board (Per Program, If Applicable)	$3,285
On Time Graduation Rate	80%	N/A
Median Private Loan Debt	$0	N/A
Median TIV Loan Debt	$33,636	N/A
Median Institutional Financing Plan Debt	N/A	N/A

Program SOC

Occupations

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Legislators

Chief Executives

Social and Community Service Managers

General and Operations Managers

It is the policy of the University to collect and remit sales, use, excise and/or gross receipts taxes in compliance with state and local taxing jurisdiction regulations which require the University to remit tax where applicable. These regulations vary by location. Please note: It is also the policy of the University to require payment of sales, use, excise, and/or gross receipts tax. Payment of tax is ultimately the student's financial responsibility to the University regardless of financing arrangements. Per Hawaii requirements: It is hereby stated that students residing in the State of Hawaii will be charged Hawaii General Excise Tax on all transactions. Students living in the District of Oahu will be charged 4.5%. Students residing in other Hawaii districts will be charged 4.0%.
Book costs are based on an average. Costs may increase or decrease depending on electronic availability or publisher's book costs.
Room and board costs may be higher or lower depending on housing and meal plan choice. This number is based on an average for students on campus.
Some Non-Traditional programs may be offered on the ground campus or on-line.
N/A identifies that a program is not offered in that modality or that fewer than 10 students graduated within the reported timeframe.
Tuition and Fees for each program are based on current rates. Future Tuition and Fee Rates may vary. Tuition was calculated using the number of credit hours in the program times the current tuition rate and includes the Graduation Fee. Full time students enrolled at a program taken at the main campus include a Student Activity Fee, charged every semester. Online programs include a one time Learning Management Fee. Some programs may also include additional fees based on course materials.
On-time graduation rates and median loan debt are based on students who graduated in the 2011-2012 award year.
Not all GCU programs are available in all states and in all learning modalities.
Program availability is contingent on student enrollment.

Online/Evening program disclosures

* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.