PS 312 Introduction to Public Administration

Course Description

There is much more to government: putting out a fire, testing clean air standards, approving a disability claim, proctoring a driver’s license, delivering mail, monitoring defensive air space, community-policing a city, etc. – all of these tasks and more make up a functional administrative state that delivers goods and services to the American public, or public administration (PA).

This 3-credit hour course will engage students in an exploration of the administrative system, the mechanisms that make it work, and the values that make its operation challenging. We will review the history of public administration, its place in society, and how public organizations operate, while reviewing key areas of common interest such as budgeting and implementation of policy. We will apply that knowledge in the creation of products common to public agencies.