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Course Descriptions

MPA 501 Principles of Public Administration

This course is a prerequisite or corequisite for all other courses in the program. This course is an introduction to the field of public administration and includes organization and management concepts and the political process. The origin, growth and interrelationships within the public sector are discussed. This discussion falls within the broader context of public policy processes with special attention to the topics of bureaucracy and intergovernmental relations.
Every Semester, 3 credits

MPA 502 Organizational Theory and Behavior in the Public Sector

This course examines and analyzes organizational theories with emphasis on the informal and formal aspects of the administrative process. Topics include individual behavior patterns, group dynamics, communication, motivation, decision making, and leadership as they relate to the public health and nonprofit sector.
Every Semester, 3 credits

MPA 503 Economic Environment and the Public Sector

This course examines the role of the public sector in economic decision making. The nature of public goods is described as it relates to the allocation, stabilization, and distribution functions of the economic system. The role of private investment, the relations between government and business, and the use of national income accounts are examined. Opposing views about the reasons, methods and institutions influencing governmental regulation, fiscal and monetary policy and action are presented.
Every Semester, 3 credits

MPA 504 Computer Applications

This course equips the student to use computerized data base management systems and statistical packages. The students gain hands-on experience. Among the packages used are SPSS and other data base management systems.
Prerequisites: MPA 505, MPA 506
Every Semester, 3 credits

MPA 505 Analytical Methods

This course is an introduction to the methods, tools and uses of applied research. The course surveys basic data gathering, analytical concepts and techniques as they apply to administrative problems. Skills and issues related to research are also considered.
Every Semester, 3 credits

MPA 506 Computer-Based Management Systems

This course is an introduction to current concepts in information systems design and management. The use of these systems and implications for managers are covered. Topics include the information systems life cycle and dimensions of computer-assisted management (e.g., office automation, electronic spreadsheets, data base management and word processing).
Every Semester, 3 credits

MPA 507 The Policy Process in Health Care and Public Administration

This course is an analysis of the policy process in terms of the development and implementation of programs as they relate to the health care and public sectors. The impact of special interests is examined as an integral part of the process. A variety of timely subject/case studies are explored.
Prerequisite: MPA 503
Every Semester, 3 credits

MPA 701 Managerial Communication

In this course, theory and practice in written and oral communication as applied to the public, health and nonprofit sectors are examined. Report writing, memo writing, correspondence and oral presentations are included.
On Occasion, 3 credits

MPA 704 Intergovernmental Relations

This course is an analysis of the vertical and horizontal relationships of the national, state and local governments. Topics include the theory of federalism, intergovernmental cooperation and conflict, municipal, state and regional relationships.
On Occasion, 3 credits

MPA 707 Training and Development

This course is devoted to the kinds of activities and problems encountered by an agency’s director of training and development. Such items as the role of the training director in organizational development, the relationship with line managers, the relationship with the president, and the techniques of training are examined by case studies, lectures and outside speakers.
On Occasion, 3 credits

MPA 708 Work, People and Productivity

This course focuses on learning and practicing practical management and supervisory techniques for improving individual, group and organizational performance. Students learn the principles of behavioral management which they apply in a project at their own workplace. They learn and practice giving effective, positive and corrective feedback, and to manage inter-group and interpersonal conflict. Students learn to analyze their own work style, and the styles of others, and discuss how to allocate tasks based upon that knowledge. They learn how to conduct effective meetings, and how to lead work groups through a problem-solving process.
On Occasion, 3 credits

MPA 710 Labor Relations in the Public Sector

This course examines the interaction of the labor movement with management in the political setting of government. This course also examines collective bargaining in relation to public bodies, and the impact of bargaining on a fiscal budget. Other policy processes as well as the role of the administration are covered and include strategies of bargaining and the role of public opinion.
On Occasion, 3 credits

MPA 712 Managing Diversity in the Workplace

This course examines the role and function played by diversity, civil and human rights, and administrative agencies at the federal, state and local levels. The course analyzes the governmental response to diversity issues. Topics include a review of current legislation and the respective agencies established to address the problems of discrimination.
On Occasion, 3 credits

MPA 713 Grant Writing and Administration

In this highly experiential course, students locate available federal, state, local and foundation sources of funding for a specific project, write a letter proposal to a foundation or private sector organization, and follow-up with a full grant proposal, following the request for proposal (RFP) guidelines to a federal, state or local agency. Topics addressed include effective research, creating a plan for the program, elements of a good proposal, components of the proposal package and strategies for getting a proposal read by a foundation or corporation officer. Administration, evaluation and reporting functions, as well as accountability, are described and discussed.
On Occasion, 3 credits

MPA 721 Quality Improvement and Program Evaluation Strategies

This course prepares students with the theory, knowledge and skills to implement program evaluation and quality improvement (e.g., Total Quality Management) strategies and measurements. The focus of the course is on applications in health care human services and public sector organizations.
On Occasion, 3 credits

MPA 777 Critical Issues in the Public and Private Sectors

This course reviews critical issues facing the public and private sectors and their interrelationship. Noted figures from the public and private sectors present the issues from their perspective.
On Occasion, 3 credits

MPA 785 Independent Study

The student is expected to research one specific phase of a problem in considerable depth under the supervision of a faculty advisor, and to prepare a well-documented evaluative report expressing his/her own assessment of the impact and significance of both the problem and of one or more solutions.
Every Semester, 3 to 6 credits

MPA 788 Graduate Internship in Administration

An opportunity for students without administrative experience to work in an organization based upon a plan approved by the head of the program and the agency. Students prepare a substantial research and/or analytical paper concerning their experience and participate in an internship seminar.
Every Semester, 3 to 6 credits

Health Care Administration Course Descriptions

HAD 602 Human Resource Administration in the Health Sector

This course explores the theories and practices of human resource administration in health service organizations such as merit systems, unionism, bureaucratic trends, personnel recruitment, testing, and performance evaluations. Other topics include equal employment opportunity, employee rights and occupational safety.
Prerequisite: MPA 502
Spring, 3 credits

HAD 603 Foundations of Budgeting and Finance in Health Administration

This course familiarizes the student with the principles of budgeting and finance in the health sector. Topics include budgetary systems, methods, processes and cycles, preparation, justification and financial information systems. The course includes a survey of the federal prospective payment system and other current developments in reimbursement methods.
Prerequisite: MPA 503
Spring, 3 credits

HAD 604 Administrative Responsibility and the Legal Environment in the Health Sector

This course considers the authority and procedures utilized by health care agencies in the administration of their services. The course includes an analysis of problems of accountability and the reconciliation of the administrative process with medical, political, social, statutory and regulatory mandates.
Prerequisites: MPA 502, 503, 507
Fall, 3 credits

HAD 701 Hospital Organization

This course reviews the organization and management of hospitals within a regional context of primary care. Included are the elements of hospital structure and organization, and a focus on problem solving and development of administrative skills.
On Occasion, 3 credits

HAD 702 Epidemiology and Public Health

This course defines and reviews the concept and practice of public health administration in the United States. It clarifies the regulatory and monitoring function derived from public health policy with special emphasis on the application of epidemiological theories and methods to the study of disease in various human populations.
On Occasion, 3 credits

HAD 707-708 Thesis Research Consultation and Thesis

In the first semester, advanced study of the scientific method in the Health Administration discipline together with the preparation of a master’s thesis proposal, and an outline of the thesis. The second semester is devoted to the actual writing of the thesis.
Prerequisites: MPA 501,502, 503,504, 505, 506, 507
A student must have completed at least 36 credits to register for 707 and at least 42 credits to register for 708. 707 and 708 may NOT be taken together.
Every Semester, 3 credits

HAD 709 Legal Aspects in Health

This course applies legal principles to the health delivery system. Topics discussed include, but are not limited to: hospital code; consents; patients rights; admission and discharge of patients; malpractice; liability of hospitals, physicians, and nurses; medical records; immunity of hospitals; medical staff rights and privileges; and medical ethics issues relating to abortion, sterilization and artificial insemination.
On Occasion, 3 credits

HAD 710 Gerontology: Processes of Aging

This course is a survey of gerontology, including theories of aging, health and physiological aspects of aging, psychological and psychiatric problems, family and sex roles of the aged, the middle years, retirement, and institutional placement in long-term care facilities.
On Occasion, 3 credits

HAD 711 Long-Term Care Administration

This course considers the unique organizational and administrative aspects of the various types of long-term facilities as distinct from acute-care hospitals. The course includes the special federal and local code requirements pertinent to facility construction, administration, medical-nursing care, and other numerous therapeutic modalities required by the geriatric and convalescent patient.
On Occasion, 3 credits
Note: When HAD 709, HAD 710, HAD 711, HAD 602, HAD 603 are taken as part of the total Health Care Administration curriculum, program graduates should meet the educational requirements for eligibility to take the state board examination for a Nursing Home Administrator’s license.

HAD 712 The Management of Senior Community Programs

The emphasis in this course is on the basic skills necessary to supervise and conduct programs for the majority of older adults who are community residents. Among these are workshops and seminars on issues of retirement, nutrition, general health, outreach, information and referral assistance, and related services. Governmental programs and relevant laws and regulations are integrated with each topic.
On Occasion, 3 credits

HAD 713 Rehabilitation and Restorative Programs

This course is a study of the functions of the various services and programs, both free-standing or in health facilities, that concern themselves with restoration from chronic disease, orthopedic disabilities, post-cardiovascular and other disabling conditions. The course includes familiarization with the workman’s compensation system.
On Occasion, 3 credits

HAD 714 Planning and Marketing in Health Care

This course examines the issues pertinent to the role of the planning and marketing functions in a health organization. Principles of planning, the relationship between health planning and the development of a marketing plan, and action planning are explored as a means to provide coordination in meeting health needs and providing health services.
On Occasion, 3 credits

HAD 715 Mental Health Administration

This course is designed to acquaint the health administrator with the organizational, legal and political issues affecting the delivery of mental health services.
On Occasion, 3 credits

HAD 723 Economics of Health

This course reviews health delivery as an economic activity. Determinants of demand for health services are analyzed and the supply of resources is examined, along with the various approaches to bring the two into equilibrium. Particular attention is given to public involvement in health services in the form of licensure, regulation, financing and planning.
On Occasion, 3 credits

HAD 724 Managed Care Administration

This course analyzes various forms of managed care systems in terms of legislation, organization, administration, financing, marketing and legal aspects. An analysis of the essential ingredients in the success of prepaid systems is included.
On Occasion, 3 credits

HAD 725 Financial Management of Health Care Institutions

This course is a description and analysis of financial issues on the institutional level. Topics include third party payment systems, managed care financing and the contracting with providers and systems of cost control.
On Occasion, 3 credits

HAD 726 Interdisciplinary Assessment

This course provides a collaborative framework for comprehensively assessing the needs of elderly clients and client populations, and for the development of better linkages among disciplines serving the elderly. This course also promotes a clarification of the roles of different practitioners and the purposes of different health, financial, legal and social service organizations serving the elderly in the community.
On Occasion, 3 credits

HAD 727 Entrepreneurship in Gerontology

This course analyzes entrepreneurial concepts in gerontology, integrating project planning and marketing of aging services. Students study methods used to achieve goals and objectives in a highly competitive, resource restrained elder care environment. The course explores the characteristics of both free and regulated public and private geriatrics markets and life extension implications.
On Occasion, 3 credits

HAD 728 Financial, Estate and Retirement Planning

This course is an examination of estate, disability and financial planning tools used by the elder law attorney with analyses of laws, regulations and programs upon which planning is based. Topics include advanced directives, power of attorney, long-term care and Medicaid, and planning for asset distribution on death.
On Occasion, 3 credits

HAD 729 Bereavement: Psychological, Cultural and Institutional Perspectives

This course is designed to explore the stages and issues related to dying and grieving. Cultural diversities in the grieving process are identified. Myths and ideas that inhibit, isolate and interfere with the bereavement experience are examined. Political, medical, legal and ethical issues are analyzed. Student’s values, attitudes, and fears are explored in order to form their interventions. Social, cultural and personal issues that govern a person’s reaction to death and dying are highlighted.
On Occasion, 3 credits

HAD 780 Current Issues in Health Administration

A special topics course exploring selected themes, current developments and emerging issues in health administration. Recent sections have focused on advanced computer application, quality assurance, death and dying, and program evaluation.
On Occasion, 3 credits

Public Administration Course Descriptions

PAD 602 Human Resource Administration in the Public Sector

This course is an exploration of the theories and practices of human resource administration in the public sector, including the merit system, civil service and unionism. Bureaucratic trends, personnel, recruitment, testing, and performance evaluation are discussed. Other topics include equal employment opportunity, employee rights and occupational safety.
Prerequisite: MPA 502
On Occasion, 3 credits

PAD 603 Fundamentals of Budgeting and Finance in the Public Sector

This course familiarizes the student with the principles of budgeting, accounting and auditing in the public sector. Topics include budgetary systems, methods, processes and cycles, preparation and justification of financial information.
Prerequisite: MPA 503
On Occasion, 3 credits

PAD 604 Administrative Responsibility and the Legal Environment in the Public Sector

This course considers the authority and procedures utilized by government agencies in the administration of public affairs. It includes the analysis of problems of accountability and the reconciliation of the administrative process with constitutional, statutory, and regulatory mandates.
Prerequisites: MPA 502, 503, 507
On Occasion, 3 credits

PAD 707-708 Thesis Research Consultation and Thesis

In the first semester, students complete the advanced study of the scientific method in the Public Administration discipline, together with the preparation of a master’s thesis proposal, and an outline of the thesis. The second semester is devoted to the actual writing of the thesis.
Prerequisites: MPA 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507
A student must have completed at least 36 credits to register for 707 and at least 42 credits to register for 708. 707 and 708 may NOT be taken together.
Every Semester, 3 credits

PAD 712 Environmental Law and Administration

This course is an analysis of federal, state and local government laws and regulations concerning the environment. Political and administrative problems concerning the implementation of such legislation, regulatory approaches, subsidies and other governmental alternatives are examined.
On Occasion, 3 credits

PAD 714 Seminar in the Politics of Environmental Control

This course is an investigation of problems in the politics of environmental control, including: air, water and noise pollution; regional planning; transportation; population growth; and conservation of natural resources. Field studies in this area are included. Students produce research papers on different aspects of the man-environment relationship.
On Occasion, 3 credits

PAD 715 Environmental Pollution

This course is a comprehensive review of the origin, detection and control of pollutants in the surface and ground waters, atmospheres and terrestrial environments. Auditory and visual pollution are included. Conventional and advanced technologies are covered for water supply and wastewater treatment, air pollution control, and solid waste management. Federal, state and local environmental standards are reviewed along with regulatory structures.
On Occasion, 3 credits

PAD 716 Coastal Zone Management

The course deals with the following: techniques for mapping coastal resources; wetland zoning problems; causes, consequences, and management of stormwaters and their runoffs; and erosion problems and their impact. Field work involves projects on such problems as Long Island coastal watershed mapping and the development of management guidelines; and the surveying of Long Island wetland resources and the preparation of management recommendations.
On Occasion, 3 credits

PAD 717 Environmental Impact Analysis

This course reviews federal and state laws specifying environmental impact statements, procedural elements and means of compliance. The techniques for the evaluation of primary and secondary impact on all components of the natural and human environments with methods for mitigating significant adverse impact are discussed. Environmental ecosystems, water and air quality, noise, esthetics, historic/archaeological considerations, transportation, population and land use, employment, etc. are covered.
On Occasion, 3 credits

PAD 725 Governmental Regulation of Land Use

This course examines various forms of governmental power (zoning, eminent domain, urban renewal) to regulate the use of land.
On Occasion, 3 credits

PAD 729 Environmental Planning

This is a survey course exploring the development, utilization and maintenance of natural and man-made resources. The planning function and its relationship to the environment are covered. Problems of air and water pollution, sewage, energy conservation and noise levels are examined as they relate to planning.
On Occasion, 3 credits

PAD 748 Managing Metropolitan Government

This course examines the politics of changing constituencies and their impact on community participation and city management. This course surveys the management and organization of American metropolitan areas.
On Occasion, 3 credits

PAD 780 Current Issues in Public Administration

This course is a special topic course exploring selected themes, current developments and emerging issues. Recent sections have focused on advanced computer application, quality circles, George Orwell and Sunset Legislation.
On Occasion, 3 credits

Nonprofit Management Course Descriptions

NPM 650 Introduction to Nonprofit Management

This course introduces students to nonprofit management beginning with the history of philanthropy and the emergence of the nonprofit sector. Classical organizational theory and principles as well as current management and supervision practices are applied to the structure, resources and mission of the nonprofit organization. Special attention is focused on strategic planning.
On Occasion, 3 credits

NPM 651 Fundraising and Development for Nonprofit Organizations

The course provides an overview of sources of funding for nonprofit organizations. It explains the fundraising manager’s role in development planning and focuses on mechanisms for raising money, including donor profiles, foundation and corporate philanthropy, government grant and contract programs, special events, marketing and public relations functions, direct mail and membership campaigns, planned giving, major gifts and capital campaigns. Ethical and legal issues related to fundraising are also addressed.
On Occasion, 3 credits

NPM 652 Human Resource Management in Nonprofit Organizations

The course examines methods of recruiting, developing, supervising, motivating and recognizing volunteers and staff, maximizing staff-volunteer relations, and communicating the mission effectively within the organization. HRM topics such as legal employment issues, recruiting and hiring practices, diversity in the workplace, compensation and benefits, performance appraisal, grievance mechanisms and discipline are also explored.
On Occasion, 3 credits

NPM 653 Financial Management in Nonprofit Organizations

This course addresses financial management concepts and techniques required for effective management of nonprofit organizations. Topics include nonprofit accounting, budget management, revenue forecasting, financial statements/reports, tax issues, grant compliance, internal expenditure control, audits, cash flow management, long-term planning, endowment management and capital financing.
On Occasion, 3 credits

NPM 654 Legal, Ethical and Governance Issues in Nonprofit Organizations

This course examines the laws affecting the establishment and operation of nonprofit organizations, including incorporation and tax-exempt status, general liability, regulatory compliance/reporting, and contracts. The course explores the roles, responsibilities, processes and powers of boards of directors including issues of board liability. The nonprofit agency’s advocacy responsibilities and opportunities and ethical issues are examined and discussed.
On Occasion, 3 credits

NPM 707 Thesis Research Consultation

Students work with a faculty mentor to formulate a research questionnaire applied to nonprofit organizations or issues, review the relevant literature, and develop a methodology for collecting and analyzing data.
Prerequisites: MPA 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507 and 36 credits completed.
Every Semester, 3 credits

NPM 708 Thesis

Students continue their NPM 707 research projects by collecting and analyzing data, describing the results, interpreting and discussing the findings, and discussing relevant research and policy implications.
Prerequisites: MPA 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, NPM 707 and 42 credits completed.
Every Semester, 3 credits