Reubin O' D. Askew School of Public Administration and Policy Graduate Programs
College of Social Sciences and Public Policy
Website: https://coss.fsu.edu/askew/
Director: Gary VanLandingham; Professors: Berry, Brower, Lee, Reid, VanLandingham; Associate Professors: Atkins, Berlan, Fay; Assistant Professors: Campos, Ikpebe, Tang, Wright; Visiting Professors and Adjunct Faculty: Banner, Dilling, Duggleby, Ferreros, Gleason, Heffron-Casserleigh, Lavin, Long, McDaniel, Merrick, Schrader, Skillman, Smith; Professors Emeriti: Bowman, Chackerian, deHaven-Smith, Grizzle, Klay
Graduate professional study in public administration prepares students for a wide variety of careers in management and policy analysis. Graduates work in such settings as government agencies, legislatures, courts, domestic not-for-profit organizations, international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and in numerous for-profit businesses that work closely with governments. Several empirical studies, the most recent in 2014, have ranked the Askew School faculty in the top ten nationally and top twenty globally in frequency of publishing in the top journals of the field.
The Askew School offers two graduate degree programs: the Master of Public Administration (MPA) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Administration. The fully accredited MPA program prepares students to become managers and policy analysts. The doctorate is a research degree designed to prepare students for college and university teaching, advanced research in policy and management, and the highest levels of administrative practice. Qualified advanced undergraduate students may begin graduate studies in public administration that count toward both their undergraduate degrees and the professional MPA degree through the undergraduate/graduate combined pathways program. The school also offers joint graduate pathways with the College of Law (Master of Public Administration/Juris Doctor [MPA/JD]), the College of Social Work (Master of Public Administration/Master of Social Work [MPA/MSW]), the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Master of Public Administration/Master of Science in Criminology [MPA/MSC]), and the Department of Urban and Regional Planning (Master of Public Administration/Master of Science in Planning [MPA/MSP]). Credits taken under the undergraduate/graduate combined pathways program cannot be counted towards studies in the joint graduate pathways program. Students in the undergraduate/graduate combined pathways program should enroll in the stand-alone MPA program only. Certificates in public financial management, general public administration, emergency management, application of unmanned aircraft systems, U.S. intelligence studies, civic and nonprofit leadership, and Florida city and county management are also available. Additional information is available on the Askew School's website: https://coss.fsu.edu/askew/.
BA or BS and Master of Public Administration (MPA) Combined Pathway
Qualified students in any undergraduate major may use up to 12 hours of free electives to take graduate courses in public administration that will count for completion of both the bachelor's degree and the professional MPA degree. These courses canoot be applied to a joint graduate pathway. Students should enroll in the stand-alone MPA program only if they wish to use their graduate credit hours taken during their undergraduate studies. Completion of graduate courses through the bachelor's/master's combined pathway will also count for completion of an undergraduate minor in public administration. Qualified undergraduates who take public administration courses to satisfy major requirements in the bachelor's degree programs in either political science, interdisciplinary social science, international affairs, or any other major that accepts PAD coursework may take up to 12 hours of graduate credit that will be counted for completion of both their bachelor's degree major and the MPA degree. Normally, the MPA degree requires completion of 42 graduate credit hours following receipt of a bachelor's degree. Students in the combined bachelor's/master's pathway who complete 12 graduate credits prior to receipt of their bachelor's degree will only need to complete 30 additional graduate credits to receive the MPA degree.
Acceptance to this pre-graduate program is competitive. Applications will only be considered from undergraduates who are entering their senior year, or who are honor students with junior status, and who have a cumulative undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.2 in all prior studies at FSU. Application forms are to be submitted to the School's Academic Program Specialist. Accepted undergraduates may then enroll for up to six credit hours per semester, or up to 12 credit hours total, in graduate courses that are either core or elective courses in the MPA program. Students accepted to the pre-graduate program should subsequently make formal application for admission to the graduate school during their senior year. Acceptance and successful completion of the pre-graduate program does not guarantee admission into the graduate MPA program.
For more information, refer to the Askew School's website at https://coss.fsu.edu/askew/.
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
The MPA is a professional degree designed to prepare students for professional and managerial positions as administrators and policy analysts in government, consulting, and nonprofit organizations. Equal emphasis is placed upon meeting the needs of in-service and pre-service students, and classes for the degree are offered primarily during the evening and online.
A candidate may be admitted to the program by meeting University requirements for graduate study and by submitting an online application along with three letters of recommendation, official transcripts from all universities attended, the supplemental application form, official and verified GRE scores or GRE waiver, a résumé, and where relevant, evidence of prior professional work experience. Official English Language Proficiency scores are also required for some international applicants. A small number of exceptions to the University admission standards are possible for students possessing exceptional qualifications not reflected in criteria normally used for admission. The GRE is the preferred standardized exam for application to graduate study, however, other graduate admission standardized exams may be accepted as well. For more information, please contact the School. Applicants that meet certain specified criteria may be eligible to request a waiver of the entrance exam. For further information concerning admission exceptions, consult either the MPA Student Handbook (available online or from the school) or the MPA Director.
The MPA requires successful completion of 42 semester hours. Included in the requirements are five substantive core courses, two methods courses, a capstone project on a significant administrative problem, and 18 hours of elective coursework arranged in consultation with a faculty advisor. Students are also required to take a 0 credit pre-capstone class (PAD6900 Capstone Project Preparation) one semester prior to registering for the Capstone Project (PAD6908) course.
MPA Core Course Requirements
- Substantive Core Courses (fifteen semester hours):
PAD 5035 Policy Development and Administration (3)
PAD 5050 The Profession of Public Administration (3)
PAD 5106 Public Organizations (3)
PAD 5227 Managing Public Financial Resources (3)
PAD 5417 Human Resource Management (3)
- Methodological Courses (six semester hours):
PAD 5700 Research Design in Public Administration (3)
PAD 5701 Quantitative Analysis in Public Administration (3)
- Capstone Project (three semester hours):
PAD 6900 Capstone Project Preparation (0)
PAD 6908 Capstone Project (3)
Professional Option: Elective work in many areas is possible if it leads to a coherent program of study; however, inexperienced students are strongly encouraged to consider one of the following school-sponsored options:
- Local government management
- Leadership and strategic management
- Public financial management
- Evidence-based policymaking
- Emergency management and homeland security
- Managing nonprofit organizations
- International and non-governmental organizations
These career paths are more fully described in the MPA Student Handbook.
Graduate Certificates
The certificate programs are designed to accommodate the special needs of practicing administrators and working students. There is no minimum number of courses to be taken in any term and no limit on the amount of time one takes to complete a certificate, unless otherwise noted. Continuous registration is not required. Although a "C" grade or better is accepted for credit, all graduate certificates require a 3.0 overall grade point average to be awarded. All certificate coursework must be completed at Florida State University. Transfer credits may not count towards the certificate program. All courses in the certificate program must be letter graded. Pass/Fail (S/U) grades will not count towards the certificate. Students must apply for admission to the certificate program they wish to pursue. This application must be submitted as early as possible, but no later than before the student has completed six credit hours of courses in the certificate program.
The certificates are also available to MPA students as a part of their degree coursework and courses may count toward both the degree electives and the certificate; however, students pursuing multiple certificates, should not double count courses between certificate programs.
Certificate in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
The graduate Certificate in Emergency Management and Homeland Security includes a variety of skill and knowledge concentrations appropriate for practicing managers and others interested in the field. To earn the certificate, two required courses and three additional ones selected from those offered by the Askew School or the Urban and Regional Planning department must be completed. The graduate Certificate in Emergency Management and Homeland Security is 15 credit hours total. A grade of "C" or higher must be earned in all certificate courses.
Required Courses
PAD 5397 Foundations of Emergency Management (3)
PAD 5398 Emergency Management Programs, Planning and Policy (3)
Elective Courses
PAD 5079 Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Emergency Management (3)
PAD 5310 Disaster Management Planning for Urban Poor Communities (3)
PAD 5373 Leadership and Communication in Emergency Management (3)
PAD 5376 Introduction to Terrorism: Preparedness and Response (3)
PAD 5377 Advanced Topics in Terrorism (3)
PAD 5378 Disaster Systems (3)
PAD 5388 Disaster Recovery and Mitigation (3)
PAD 5388 Disaster Dollars: The Financing of Emergency Management Recovery (3)
PAD 5389 Disasters: From Shock to Recovery (3)
PAD 5475 Women, Disasters, and Conflict (3)
PAD 5828 NGOs and Disasters (3)
PAD 5835 International and Comparative Disaster Management (3)
PAD 5837 International Terrorism Policy (3)
PAD 5839 International Conflicts and Terrorism (3)
PAD 5845 Public Health and Emergency Management (3)
PAD 5848 U.S. Intelligence Community (3)
PAD 5849 U.S. Intelligence Policy (3)
PAD 5895 Homeland Security Policy and Practice (3)
PAD 5896 U.S. Intelligence Analysis and Communication (3)
PAD 5935 Seminar in Public Administration: Selected Topics (3) [Cities at Risk]
URP 5445 Global Climate Change and Resilience
Certificate in Application of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
The graduate Certificate in Application of Unmanned Aircraft Systems provides students with practical 'hands on' usage of the technology as well as the regulatory frameworks, requirements, and realities of using this data in a variety of fields. To earn the certificate, three required courses and two additional ones selected from those offered by the Askew School and the Geography, Urban and Regional Planning, and Geology departments must be completed. The graduate Certificate in Application of Unmanned Aircraft Systems is 15 credit hours total. A grade of "C" or higher must be earned in all certificate courses.
Required Courses
PAD 5078 Application on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (3)
PAD 5079 Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Emergency Management (3)
PAD 5935 Policy and Implementation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (3)
Elective Courses
GEO 5414 Geospatial Data and Analysis (3)
GIS 5010 Geographic Information Systems (3)
GIS 5034 Introduction to Remote Sensing (3)
GIS 5400 GIS Applications for Social Sciences (3)
PAD 5378 Disaster Systems (3)
PAD 5397 Foundations of Emergency Management (3)
URP 5101 Planning Theory and Practice (3)
URP 5429 Planning for and Mitigating Global Climate Change (3)
Certificate in U.S. Intelligence Studies
The graduate Certificate in U.S. Intelligence Studies gives students in just about any program of study a way to stand out from the crowd and learn real-world approaches to solving complicated problems. The concepts and methods are as relevant in business, psychology, and the arts as they are to national security. To earn the certificate, two required courses and three additional ones selected from those offered by the Askew School and the Religion, International Affairs, and Political Science departments must be completed. The graduate Certificate in U.S. Intelligence Studies is 15 credit hours total. A grade of "C" or higher must be earned in all certificate courses.
Required Courses
PAD 5849 U.S. Intelligence Policy (3)
PAD 5896 U.S. Intelligence Analysis and Communication (3)
Elective Courses
CPO 5934 Politics of Terror (3)
INR 5507 International Organizations (3)
INR 5935 National Security Transformation (3)
INR 5936 National Security Issues (3)
INR 5935 Human Rights and National Security Law (3)
PAD 5376 Introduction to Terrorism (3)
PAD 5377 Advanced Topics in Terrorism (3)
PAD 5599 The Spy Lit Review (3)
PAD 5935 International Conflict and Terrorism (3)
PAD 5837 International Terror Policy (3)
PAD 5838 Terrorism and Security in Africa (3)
PAD 5848 U.S. Intelligence Community (3)
PAD 5895 Homeland Security Policy and Practice (3)
PAD 5898 Global Security and Fusion (3)
PAD 5935 Seminar in Public Administration: Selected Topics (3) [International Conflict and Terrorism]
POS 5723 Game Theory (3)
POS 5727 Advanced Game Theory (3)
RLG 6176 Seminar: Ethics and Politics
Regional Specialization: Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, and Russia
ASH 5266 Central Asia since the Mongols (3)
CPO 5934 Conflict in Balkans (3)
EUH 5578 19th Century Russia (3)
HIS 6934 Seminar: U.S. and Cold War (3)
RUW 5930 Zizek's Politics (3)
RUW 5930 Nationalism in Eastern Europe (3)
RUW 5930 Critical Approaches to Nabokov (3)
RUW 5930 Russian Culture and Civilization (3)
RUS 4XXX 4000-level Russian language course (3)
Regional Specialization: Middle East
ARA 4XXX 4000-level Arabic language course (3)
CPO 5407 Seminar in Comparative Government and Politics: The Middle East (3)
FRE 5900 Islam and Identity (3)
HIS 6934 Seminar: Minorities in the Middle East (3)
HIS 6934 Islamic Theology, Philosophy and Law (3)
INR 5936 Political Econ of Middle East (3)
RLG 5305 Islamic Theology, Philosophy and Law (3)
RLG 5368 Islam in North America (3)
RLG 6596 Islamic Law and Society (3)
Regional Specialization: East Asia, Specifically China
ASN 5935 Modern China (3)
CHI 4XXX 4000-level Chinese language course (3)
HIS 5935 U.S. & East Asia 1850 to Present (3)
INR 5936 Communist China (3)
INR 5936 History of Asia (3)
RLG 5332 Modern Hinduism (3)
RLG 5354 Chinese Religion (3)
Other regional specializations may be permitted with program director approval. Each admitted student will develop a course of study covering all requirements. This course of study will be approved by the certificate program director or associate director prior to the student beginning coursework. Any changes to the course of study must be approved by the certificate program director or associate director.
Public Financial Management Certificate
Topics covered in this program conform to those recommended by the Association for Budgeting and Financial Management of the American Society for Public Administration. To obtain the certificate, students complete two required courses and four additional courses selected from a list of courses offered through the Reubin O'D. Askew School of Public Administration and Policy, Accounting, Economics, and Urban and Regional Planning departments. The graduate Certificate in Public Financial Management is 18 credit hours total. A grade of "C" or higher must be earned in all certificate courses.
Required Courses
PAD 5227 Managing Public Financial Resources (3)
PAD 6207 Financial Resources Administration (3)
Elective Courses
ACG 5505 Government and Not-for-Profit Accounting and Auditing (3)
ECO 5505 Public Finance (3)
PAD 5041 Public Service Ethics (3)
PAD 5327 Public Program Evaluation (3)
PAD 5859 Managing Public Procurement (3)
PAD 5935 Seminar in Public Administration: Selected Topics (3) [Public Finance]
PAD 6226 Public Budgeting Simulation and Issues (3)
PAD 6721 Policy Analysis Research Seminar (3)
URP 5261 Forecasting for Plan Development (3)
URP 5731 Planning of Community Infrastructure (3)
Skills concentrations covered in this curriculum include accounting and auditing (government financial accounting and reporting, financial and performance auditing), budgeting (processes, preparation, approaches, analytic techniques, forecasting), financial management decision making (cost-benefit, cost-effectiveness, and cost-revenue analysis; managing public procurement; fiscal impact analysis; financial condition evaluation), revenues (taxation from both administrative and public finance perspectives, intergovernmental finance, user charges), long-term financial decision making (capital planning process, capital investment analysis, alternative financing sources, debt management), and financial modeling.
Certificate in Florida City and County Management
This program includes skills and knowledge appropriate for practicing managers and all those interested in Florida City and County Management. The certificate requires 12 credit hours of graduate course credit in public administration. To obtain the certificate, students complete one required course and three additional courses selected from a list of courses offered through the Reubin O'D. Askew School of Public Administration and Policy. The certificate is taught in partnership with the Center for Florida Local Government Excellence. The graduate Certificate in Florida City and County Management is 12 credit hours total. A grade of "C" or higher must be earned in all certificate courses.
Required Course
PAD 5809 Local Government Administration (3)
Elective Courses
PAD 5121 Managing Florida Government and Key Policy Issues (3)*
PAD 5335 Strategic Leadership for Communities (3)
PAD 5397 Foundations of Emergency Management (3)
PAD 5826 Intergovernmental Management and Relations (3)
PAD 6136 Seminar: Management Studies in Government (3)
PAD 6207 Financial Resources Administration (3)
PAD 6226 Public Budgeting Simulation and Issues (3)
PAD 6300 Governmental Administration in Florida (3)*
*Students may take one course or the other, but not both. PAD 5121and PAD 6300 are the same course at different levels.
Civic and Nonprofit Leadership Certificate
This certificate is designed primarily for those who already hold or wish to assume nonprofit leadership roles; it will also be of interest to those in government agencies or private businesses that deal extensively with nonprofits. The nonprofit certificate emphasizes the distinctive features of nonprofit organizations and provides management skills and knowledge that are helpful specifically for civic and nonprofit leaders. This certificate program should help students diagnose the context and dynamics faced by the civic and nonprofit sector and individual nonprofit organizations; apply appropriate strategies for the management of nonprofits aimed at changing internal dynamics and/or influencing the external environment; engage actively with the local, national, and/or international civic and nonprofit community; demonstrate an understanding of, appreciation for, and willingness to challenge the values and unique character of the civic and nonprofit sector; and demonstrate an ability to apply critical tools for civic and nonprofit management, including skill and knowledge sets such as strategic planning, program evaluation, fundraising, financial management, and information management. To earn the certificate, two required courses, two certificate optional courses, two additional elective courses from the list below, and a capstone essay must be completed. The graduate Certificate in Civic and Nonprofit Leadership is 18 credit hours total. A grade of "C" or higher must be earned in all certificate courses. All coursework in this Certificate is subject to the seven-year recency of work rule.
Required Courses
PAD 5142 Managing the Nonprofit Organization (3)
PAD 5174 The Independent Sector (3)
PAD 6908 Capstone Project (3) OR Capstone Essay (0)*
Certificate Optional Electives
PAD 5173 Nongovernmental Organizations (3)
PAD 5208 Budget and Finance in Nonprofit Organizations (3)
PAD 5335 Strategic Leadership for Communities (3)
PAD 5206 Fundraising and Fund Development (3)
PAD 5946 Public Service Internship (3)**
Certificate Recommended Electives
ACG 5505 Government and Not-for-Profit Accounting and Auditing (3)***
ARE 5665 Leading the Arts Organization (3)
ARE 5865 Cultural Policy (3)
ARE 5930 Grant Writing for Arts Organizations (3)
MAR 5816 Marketing Strategy (3)***
PAD 5041 Public Service Ethics (3)
PAD 5327 Public Program Evaluation (3)
PAD 5397 Foundations of Emergency Management (3)
PAD 5417 Human Resource Management (3)
PAD 5826 Intergovernmental Management and Relations (3)
PAD 5828 Nonprofits, Nongovernmental Organizations, and Disasters (3)
PAD 5859 Managing Public Procurement (3)
POS 5465 Lobbying (3)
SOW 5235 Social Welfare Policies and Services (3)
SOW 5282 Legislative Advocacy (3)***
SOW 5455 Grant Writing and Grant Management (3)
URP 5122 Planning Dispute Resolution (3)
URP 5743 Neighborhood Planning (3)
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Other courses in specialized fields such as arts administration, emergency management, social work, history archives management, or communication may be included as approved by the advisor.
* A capstone essay that combines knowledge gained through the program and the student's unique topical interests is to be prepared at the culmination of the program of study. The essay can be accomplished in one of three ways. The first alternative is a non-credit essay on a topic chosen jointly by the student and faculty advisor and evaluated by one or more of the faculty. The second alternative is a Capstone Project (PAD 6908) prepared for the MPA degree that focuses on some aspect of nonprofit management or the nonprofit sector. If this alternative is undertaken, it must be in addition to the other 18 credits required for the certificate. The third alternative is an assigned final paper that satisfies the requirements of one of the courses in the program of study. The paper in the third alternative must be approved both by the instructor for the course and the student's advisor.
** The internship, with a nonprofit focus, must be satisfactorily completed by all students who do not already possess the equivalent of at least one year of prior professional nonprofit experience. With advisor permission, students may substitute a nonprofit-focused internship in another program such as Arts Administration or Social Work.
*** These courses may require prerequisites or instructor permission.
General Public Administration Certificate
The school offers an executive development program which leads to a Certificate in Public Administration. Typically, participants are public administrators who hold bachelor's degrees but who have not yet entered a graduate degree program. Applicants register as non-degree students in a simplified process which does not require formal admission to graduate studies. Up to 12 hours of credit earned with a "B" grade or better in this program may later be applied to the MPA upon admission to that program.
The certificate requires 18 credit hours (six courses) of graduate course credit in public administration. Three courses, or nine credit hours, must be from the MPA substantive core and the remainder from electives and other courses in public administration. A grade of "C" or higher must be earned in all certificate courses. One course from a related field outside the School may be applied to satisfy certificate requirements. This course must be approved in advance by the program director.
Substantive Core Courses
PAD 5035 Policy Development and Administration (3)
PAD 5050 The Profession of Public Administration (3)
PAD 5106 Public Organizations (3)
PAD 5227 Public Financial Management (3)
PAD 5417 Human Resource Management (3)
PAD 5700 Research Design in Public Administration (3)
PAD 5701 Quantitative Analysis in Public Administration (3)
Doctor of Philosophy
The PhD in public administration is designed to provide the highest level of professional education in public administration theory and methods. Its aim is to prepare persons for advanced research and administration. In their careers, graduates should be able to move freely through academic, governmental, consulting, and research organizations. PhD applicants must meet the following admission standards:
- a minimum GRE score of at least 153 on the Verbal and 144 on the Quantitative is preferred, except under exceptional circumstances
- 3.0 or better undergraduate upper-division grade point average
- 3.5 or better graduate grade point average
Higher attainment on one measure may offset lower attainment on another. Professional experience is valued, but academic performance will receive primary emphasis. Letters of recommendation are required. All applicants are required to take the GRE. A candidate may be admitted to the program by meeting the University requirements for graduate study as well as the requirements stated above and by submitting three letters of recommendation, official transcripts from all universities attended, a statement of purpose, a résumé, and a writing sample. Official GRE scores and English Language Proficiency scores (if applicable) are also required.
To be eligible to take the preliminary examination and be admitted to PhD candidacy, the student must complete 45 to 75 semester hours in the following areas:
Course Requirements
Those who enter the PhD program without a Master of Public Administration or equivalent degree must satisfy the requirements of part of the MPA core curriculum before proceeding to doctoral courses. The course requirements are specified below. Such students should consult with their Major Professor or the PhD director to determine what MPA core courses they should take. Newly admitted students who are unsure of their readiness for doctoral level statistics, regardless of whether they hold an MPA or not, are advised to take PAD 5701 as a refresher course before advancing to PAD 6705.
The Master of Public Administration Requirements
PAD 5227 Public Financial Management (3)
PAD 5417 Human Resource Management (3)
PAD 5700 Research Design in Public Administration (3)
PAD 5701 Quantitative Analysis in Public Administration (3)
PhD Core
Those who enter the program with an MPA degree, or those who have completed the 12 credit hours described above, will proceed to the following courses.
18 semester hours of the following:
Substantive Courses
12 semester hours:
PAD 6025 Theoretical Perspectives in Public Policy (3)
PAD 6054 Intellectual History and Future of Public Administration (3)
PAD 6102 Administrative Behavior in Public Organizations (3)
PAD 6109 Institutions and Society (3)
Methodology Courses
6 semester hours:
PAD 6705 Analytic Techniques for Public Administrators (3)
PAD 6707 Logics of Inquiry (3)
- These 18 hours of core Ph.D. courses encapsulate the Written Qualifying Exams. As with the MPA core courses, a grade of (B-) or better is required in each course to be eligible to take the Written Qualifying Exam.
Additional Methods
- Two advanced methods electives are required (six hours). Students may enroll in their choice of advance methods courses from the Askew School or other departments around the University. These courses should go beyond the subjects covered in the Methods core courses. Possible classes are listed below.
- If interested in qualitative methods, take: PAD 6103 Cultural Analysis and Organizations and another course under faculty advisement.
- If interested in quantitative methods, select among the following: SYA 5407 Advanced Quantitative Methods (intro to S.E.M. & pooled time series), POS 5747 Advanced Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (pooled time series, event history analysis, categorical data analysis), STA 5207 Applied Regression Analysis.
- Students may choose alternative courses upon written permission of their Major Professor or the Ph.D. director.
Supervised Research
PAD 6915 Supervised Research
- The student works under the supervision of a faculty member in her/his specialization to produce a paper of original research or a critical review of existing research and theory on a topic of interest to the student. Students should enroll in this course prior to the Preliminary Exam. This paper is required to be an individual work of the student. Three hours of graded (S/U) Supervised Research credit will be given. Enrolling in this course is not required, but strongly encouraged.
Political Processes
Students without prior graduate work in political processes and institutions must take at least one course (3 credit hours) that focuses on political processes or institutions. Students should consult the Ph.D. Director or Major Professor to identify the course that will develop competencies appropriate to their career objectives. The following courses are suggested but by no means exclusive:
PAD 6300 Government Administration in Florida
POS 5045 Seminar in American Politics
POS 5127 State Government and Politics
PUP 5005 Public Policy: Process and Institutions
PUP 5006 Policy Implementation and Evaluation
PUP 5007 Models of Public Policy Making
Students may exempt the Political Process requirement to the extent they have appropriate graduate work in American government, democratic theory, or political processes and institutions.
Specialization in Public Administration
Doctoral specializations are individually tailored. It is possible to emphasize any of the Askew School's strengths in such areas as policy analysis, non-profits, networks and intergovernmental/intersectoral relations, research methods, emergency management, financial management, organization behavior, human resource management, or substantive policy studies in several policy areas. Fifteen semester hours specializing in one of the following fields of public administration are required:
- Public Management
- Public Policy
- Institutions and Governance
- Students should take a foundational course in the specialization, either PAD 6136 Seminar: Management Studies in Government or PAD 6721 Seminar: Public Policy Analysis, and a minimum of two additional courses (six hours) that are at the 6000 level in Public Administration. In consultation with their Major Professor, students may select the remaining minimum of six hours from any department on campus to complete the specialization. Students must complete the Field Specialization form and submit to the Ph.D. Director by the third semester.
Professional Topics in Public Administration
Ph.D. students, before admitted to candidacy, are required to enroll in PAD 6930 for zero credit hours each semester. This course serves as a continuous proseminar, introducing students to topics that will help build their careers. In an informal setting, students and speakers make research presentations, lead discussions on cutting edge issues for the field, and give tips on academic norms and processes and how to build a successful career. They also provide information on how to develop research projects, how to choose a dissertation topic, how to write for publication, how to search for the right job, and other topical issues of relevance that are not otherwise covered in coursework.
To successfully complete the course, all students must attend a minimum of four events each semester. Additionally, all students, in at least their second year of study, are expected to present their work at the colloquia. This is an opportunity for students who are presenting papers at professional conferences, presenting papers on the job market, or who would like feedback on their scholarly or practice research to receive constructive feedback prior to presenting in an external forum or sending the paper out for publication. In addition to regularly scheduled colloquia, approved events include dissertation defenses, research presentations by candidates for faculty positions, and national and regional meetings of professional societies. Students must notify the Ph.D. Director at least one week before the end of the semester of the date and nature of the events attended. The notification must be in writing or via e-mail. The course is graded pass or fail (S/U).
Courses
All courses in the PhD core requirements must be taken in the School. Students may be required to pass a methods proficiency examination covering the material in the MPA-methods core before they can enroll in PAD 6705 Analytic Techniques for Public Administrators. Interdisciplinary specializations related to student career goals are also possible.
Diagnostic Review
The school's PhD committee will examine the performance of each student after the completion of each year in the program. The performance review shall include a review of grades and, where appropriate, seminar papers and other evidence of potential to complete both the written and oral preliminary examination and the dissertation.
Preliminary Examination, Supervisory Committee and Program of Studies, Dissertation Prospectus and Defense
All doctoral students will take the written qualifying examination after taking all core coursework. After completing all coursework, a student must form a supervisory committee, file an approved program of studies, and then pass the preliminary examination, which is an oral defense of a publishable paper. The passing of the preliminary examination establishes the student as a doctoral candidate. A prospectus for the dissertation is then completed and must be approved by the supervisory committee. Following completion of the dissertation, the defense will be scheduled. More detailed information is contained in the PhD Student Handbook, which is available online at https://coss.fsu.edu/askew/.
Definition of Prefix
PAD—Public Administration
Graduate Courses
PAD 5035. Policy Development and Administration (3). This course acquaints students with the theoretical aspects of policy development and management. Particular attention is paid to the policy process in the United States. Students gain an understanding and appreciation for the political and administrative environments within which public policy is developed, implemented, and evaluated. Students also gain an understanding of how to assess policy environments, and policy options as well as build a case for taking policy actions.
PAD 5041. Public Service Ethics (3). Ethics in government focuses on the quality of public service; as such, it is core to the field of public administration. A professional is a professional not simply because of expertise, but also because of adherence to ethical standards. This course provides maps and tools to make moral experiences more explicit and consistent so students can chart their own way. Individual decision-making strategies and organizational programs to address challenges are explored. Case studies of managers who confront ethical dilemmas as well as management issues such as workforce diversity and quality improvement complement this material.
PAD 5050. The Profession of Public Administration (3). This course is an introduction to the profession of public administration. Students are introduced to the ideas, events, values, laws, people, and concepts that have shaped the development of public administration and are challenged to apply that knowledge to modern issues in public administration. The course blends essential theory with fundamental practice tools to help students develop a deeper understanding of the environment within which they will be immersed.
PAD 5057. Managing the Performance of Public Agencies (3). This course provides students with an understanding of the methods that public and nonprofit organizations can use to measure their performance, manage operations, and streamline processes to improve outcomes. The course includes techniques for developing useful performance measurement systems, using this data to monitor key outcomes and re-engineer processes, and effectively communicating this information to decision-makers to inform policy and budget decisions.
PAD 5061. Cities at Risk (3). This course uses multiple case studies to examine the state of today's major cities, particularly when it comes to disasters. In big city environments numerous factors can increase the potential for loss of life, property, and environmental resources: unplanned increased population, poor management of industries and manufacturing, increased greenhouse emissions, poor housing conditions, poor building regulations, and poor management of city growth, among many others. All these conditions can converge to create increased consequences in megacities in the developed and developing world. In this course, students explore how rising megacities in developed and developing countries can address their vulnerability and protect their citizens with policy, disaster management, and urban management practices.
PAD 5067. Professional Public Policy Analysis Seminar (3). Prerequisite: PAD 5035. This course introduces students to the theoretical and quantitative techniques of policy analysis, focusing primarily on the role of markets in public policy. The course is intended to enable students to be critical users of policy analysis techniques and to understand the role of policy analysis in social policy development.
PAD 5076. Professional Pathways in Emergency Management (1). Prerequisite: PAD 5397. This course explores best practices and theories regarding emotional intelligence, communication, behavior and ethics in professional emergency management. Students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in a professional emergency management setting.
PAD 5078. Applications of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (3). Prerequisite: PAD 5079. This course educates students on the applications of UAS in emergency management and other aspects of public management. The course includes flight time with a variety of multi-rotor UAS and provides in-depth discussion and experiences with this technology. Topics include data processing and analysis, crew resource management, and planning of flight operations. This class is offered as a 'weekend intensive'; class meetings happen on three designated weekends throughout the semester.
PAD 5079. Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Emergency Management (3). This course is designed to give students an overview of what UAS can do to support the phases of emergency management (response, recovery, planning, preparedness, and mitigation). The course includes the core concepts and theory behind UAS use, and exposure to regulations, guiding policies, limitations and exclusions.
PAD 5106. Public Organizations (3). This course studies the elements of micro- and macro-organizational analysis. This course includes organization theory, structure and design, power and conflict, motivation, leadership, group behavior, organizational effectiveness, and development.
PAD 5121. Managing Florida Government and Key Policy Issues (3). This course studies and analyzes the management systems, institutions, and dynamics in Florida agencies, with emphasis on legislative-executive and intergovernmental relations. The course also studies and analyzes the key policy issues that Florida faces and the historical, social, economic, and demographic factors that shape the state's response to these issues.
PAD 5142. Managing the Nonprofit Organization (3). This course examines the set of organizations variously referred to as the independent, nonprofit, voluntary, charitable, or the nongovernmental sector and combines them with the skills, knowledge, and abilities that are involved in managing them.
PAD 5173. Nongovernmental Organizations (3). This course covers nongovernmental organizations in international and transnational contexts, explores the dynamics in which NGOs are embedded, examines their historical trends, and illuminates the challenges and opportunities that NGOs face.
PAD 5174. The Independent Sector (3). This course surveys organizations variously referred to as the independent, non-profit, voluntary, charitable, and nongovernmental sector. The course also examines grassroots organizing and the roles of faith, philanthropy, and volunteerism within the sector.
PAD 5206. Fundraising and Fund Development (3). This course examines the role of fundraising and fund development in non-profit organizations, and the various fundraising techniques used by these organizations to further their mission.
PAD 5208. Budget and Finance in Nonprofit Organizations (3). This course explores budgeting and financial management in nonprofits. The course identifies appropriate financial decisions, explains financial and budgeting tools and techniques, and explores the influence of public policy on financial resources.
PAD 5216. Health Care Finance (3). This course explores current issues, challenges, and trends in the financial management of health services organizations. The course includes an amalgamation of information from the following disciplines: health economics, accounting, managed care, health care finance, and risk management. The course content focuses on several interrelated areas of concern including: understanding financial statements of health services organizations; budgeting and business planning; managing current and long term assets and liabilities; different ways to allocate cost, pricing, and service decision-making; Resource-Based Relative Value Scales (RBRVS); Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs); Ambulatory Payment Classifications (APCs); and assessing financial performance of health services organizations.
PAD 5227. Managing Public Financial Resources (3). This course addresses public budgeting and related financial management processes at the federal, state, and local levels with some emphasis upon those in Florida. It also studies the evolution of budgeting in the U.S. and major financial functions including an introduction to governmental accounting.
PAD 5327. Public Program Evaluation (3). This course introduces students to problems of public program evaluation methods and strategies for administrative implementation.
PAD 5335. Strategic Leadership for Communities (3). This course teaches the principles and skills of strategically managing agencies and communities. Strategic planning, community visioning, and organizational assessments are covered. Managerial leadership roles and responsibilities in organizing community planning and change are also covered.
PAD 5373. Leadership and Communication in Emergency Management (3). This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts, theories, principles, and practices of public information and communication in a risk environment as well as effective leadership principles in an emergency management shared power context.
PAD 5376. Introduction to Terrorism: Preparedness and Response (3). This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts, theories, principles, and practices of terrorism and terrorist events.
PAD 5377r. Advanced Topics in Terrorism (3). Prerequisite: PAD 5376. This course reviews the contemporary evolution of terrorism and the current direction of global terrorism with regards to domestic policies and programs. May be repeated to a maximum of six semester hours.
PAD 5378. Disaster Systems (3). This course helps students not only recognize the underlying concepts, principles, and theories inherent in modern disaster response operations, but also comprehend the intricate interdependencies of these systems. Of equal importance is the impact information technology has upon these systems.
PAD 5388. Disaster Recovery and Mitigation (3). This course is designed to provide an overview of recovery and mitigation activities in the post-disaster environment. Focusing on the "Recovery Phase" initially, course materials examine the policy and planning mechanisms involved in short- and long-term rehabilitation of distressed communities. A similar examination of the "Mitigation Phase" is also made.
PAD 5389. Disasters: From Shock to Recovery (3). This course utilizes multiple case studies to examine the complexity of disaster situations in the United States and internationally. The course covers a different disaster case study every week, focusing on event-specific conditions that created/contributed to the disaster, local preparedness, response and recovery in the aftermath of the event.
PAD 5397. Foundations of Emergency Management (3). This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts, theories, principles and practices of emergency management.
PAD 5398. Emergency Management Programs, Planning, and Policy (3). This course examines functional demands that emergency managers should be aware of in crafting emergency management policies and programs. Students explore how public policy choices impact emergency planning and the consequences of a disaster event.
PAD 5417. Human Resource Management (3). This course provides a foundation for performing human resource management tasks, as well as a theoretical background on public personnel issues from the past, present and future. Topics include: (1) Personnel Management – recruitment, selection, promotion, merit system, and benefits, (2) Employment Relations – collective bargaining, affirmative action, harassment, and disability and (3) Human Resources – training, performance evaluation, and discipline. The topics are heavily focused on a U.S. and Florida context.
PAD 5475. Women, Disasters, and Conflict (3). This course examines the role of women in disasters. The course also evaluates the role that women play in conflict and peace building. The course covers topics including gender mainstreaming, LGBTQ issues, UNSCR 1325, gender-based violence, and human trafficking.
PAD 5525. Governance for Sustainable Communities (3). This course explores the innovations both in physical infrastructure design and in the design of policies and institutions to advance the governance for sustainable communities. The course focuses on four main aspects: (i) the meaning of sustainability in research and practice, (ii) the systemic dimension of sustainable communities, (iii) the global and political aspects of sustainable communities, and (iv) the ethical dimension of sustainable development.
PAD 5599. The Spy Lit Review: Intelligence in Narration (3). This course explores the Intelligence Community policy and operations through literature and film. Students examine both contemporary and classic novels and films through narration features.
PAD 5700. Research Design in Public Administration (3). This course studies fundamental concepts and techniques in research design, problem formulation, execution, and analysis, stressing applications in public policy. Includes measurement, statistics.
PAD 5701. Quantitative Analysis in Public Administration (3). Prerequisite: PAD 5700 or equivalent. Application of quantitative analysis to problems of public policy and management. Quasi and experimental designs for evaluation of social programs, computer analysis of data sets.
PAD 5708. Qualitative Methods in Policy Research (3). Prerequisite: PAD 5327. This course covers qualitative research designs and related applications to program improvement, the policymaking process, and program auditing and monitoring. Students acquire skills in qualitative research design, data collection, data analysis, and learn how to assess the validity and credibility (reliability) of results in their research projects.
PAD 5755. Applied Intelligence Analysis (3). Prerequisites: PAD 4841 or PAD 5896. This course puts students in the role of analysts in a simulated intelligence requirement. This course combines classroom and online delivery methods to allow students the necessary instruction to complete the semester-long simulation as well as freedom to work collectively and individually as analysts on a product.
PAD 5809. Local Government Administration (3). This course is designed to introduce students to concepts, principles, and practices of local government management. The course provides insights into the 'how to' of managing the evolving challenges facing local government administrators.
PAD 5826. Intergovernmental Management and Relations (3). This course prepares students for intergovernmental relations, intergovernmental management, and collaborative public management. The course bridges theory, practice, and current issues in politics and government.
PAD 5828. The Third Sector: Non-Profits, Non-Governmental Organizations, and Disaster (3). This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental concepts, theories, principles and practices in emergency management relationships with NGOs and non-profit organizations.
PAD 5835. International and Comparative Disaster Management (3). This course discusses practical and theoretical issues associated with international disaster management. Risk, hazards, and disasters are addressed from a global perspective with particular emphasis placed on the differences in key issues between developing and developed countries.
PAD 5836. International and Comparative Administration (3). This course deals with activities of public administration and governance in international contexts. The course updates comparative administration's history and explores international institutions in the face of globalization.
PAD 5837. International Terrorism Policy (3). Prerequisite: PAD 5376. This course examines international relationships between terrorists and governments in the context of global relations, politics, policy and finance. Terrorism is examined as a global phenomenon in order to understand how new policies are being developed to combat the threat it poses.
PAD 5838. Terrorism and Security in Africa (3). This course provides an in depth look at the nature and evolution of terrorism in Africa. The course covers topics including recruitment, anti-terrorism agencies/initiatives, the ramifications of colonialism on modern day terrorism, the state of security on the continent, gender roles in terrorism, and state sponsored terrorism.
PAD 5839. International Conflicts and Terrorism (3). This course introduces students to historical and ongoing conflicts around the world. Students explore how these conflicts have created terrorism and various tools to end both the conflict and the resulting terrorism. Students learn the drivers of conflict such as relative deprivation, dehumanization, and various politics. Students also analyze how conflict resolution tools such as Peacekeepers, political revolution/evolution, autonomy/sovereignty, and violence can bring peace and end terrorism.
PAD 5845. Public Health and Emergency Management (3). This course examines global disasters and cascading public health consequences. The course also explores domestic and international disaster health policies, response, and recovery practices.
PAD 5848. U.S. Intelligence Community (3). This course acquaints student with the U.S. Intelligence community, the processes and platforms for information/data gathering and analysis and how the subsequent "intelligence" is used by policy/decision-makers. Throughout the course students are given opportunities to gather, analyze and report their findings to case-studies and then compare their conclusions to real-world outcomes. Upon completing the course, students have a broad knowledge of U.S. intelligence operations and the social, economic, military and covert actions that can result from intelligence recommendations.
PAD 5849. U.S. Intelligence Policy (3). This course is an introduction to the United States Intelligence Community (IC), its significant role within the U.S. government and how intelligence informs and shapes U.S. policy. This course prepares students interested in national security for additional education in intelligence studies, homeland security, and international affairs. Through lecture, assigned readings, classroom discussion, and guest speakers, the course addresses the IC and its preeminent role and effect on U.S. policy both domestically and internationally. Students explore the intersections of the IC with Congress, the DNI, the Executive branch, national security law, finance and intelligence sharing.
PAD 5859. Managing Public Procurement (3). This course examines managing the acquisition of goods and services by governments from businesses, nonprofits, and other governments. It also examines ethical obligations and legal contexts; determining requirements; make vs. buy decisions; solicitation and selection of vendors; preparation and award of contracts; and contract administration through termination.
PAD 5884. Health Care Management (3). This course examines management in healthcare organizations including hospitals, nursing homes and other larger health care agencies. This course includes a description of healthcare system; studies healthcare organizational operations; concepts and methods of health management; and the application of these concepts and methods using case studies.
PAD 5885. Advanced Intelligence Analysis (3). Prerequisite: PAD 5896. This course examines intelligence analysis through case studies of more advanced techniques in structured analysis, where students focus more on developing intelligence products based on these techniques as incorporated into the intelligence process including collection. Critical thinking plays a key role in the course readings and work.
PAD 5895. Homeland Security; Policy and Practice (3). This course is designed to introduce students to the concept and application of homeland security policies and their influence on U.S. domestic policy.
PAD 5896. U.S. Intelligence Analysis and Communication (3). This course explores the variety of intelligence analysis tools and techniques common to U.S. federal, state, and local agencies, using simulations and activities to understand how raw information is transformed and presented as intelligence. Emphasis will be placed on OSINT analysis, but other-source intelligence will be included based upon industry needs. Additionally, plain language writing and intelligence presentations will be included in learning materials.
PAD 5898. Global Security and Fusion (3). This course examines how the nations of the world unite for a common cause, outlining geo-political and strategic relationships that serve to streamline and facilitate such relationships, the critical importance of U.S. security and intelligence cooperation with our partners and allies, and how our military supports our civilian authorities in a variety of ways toward this end.
PAD 5907. Directed Individual Study (1–3). (S/U grade only). Supervised readings and research. Student must submit formal written proposal to interested faculty member prior to registration. MPA may repeat to a maximum of nine semester hours. PhD students may exceed the nine hour maximum with approval of major professor.
PAD 5935r. Seminar in Public Administration: Selected Topics (1-3). This course acquaints students with special topics in the field of Public Administration, the processes and platforms for information/data gathering and analysis and how it is used by policy/decision-makers. Throughout the course students are given opportunities to gather, analyze and report their findings to case-studies and then compare their conclusions to real-world outcomes.
PAD 5946. Public Service Internship (3). (S/U grade only). Participant observation of the administration of public policy in governmental organizations. Faculty supervision, on-campus seminars, discussion papers.
PAD 6025. Theoretical Perspectives in Public Policy (3). Prerequisite: PhD student or instructor permission. Course addresses topics related to substance and methods of public policy. Theoretical frameworks include welfare/economics/political science and organization theory.
PAD 6054. Intellectual History and Future of Public Administration (3). Prerequisite: PhD student or instructor permission. Discusses the history of the underlying theoretical perspectives of public administration as well as trends and conditions relevant to the future development of public administration theory.
PAD 6102. Administrative Behavior in Public Organizations (3). Prerequisite: PhD student or instructor permission. Dynamics of cooperative effort in the managing of governmental organizations, public leadership and influence systems, motivation, communication, and political behaviors.
PAD 6103. Cultural Analysis and Organizations (3). Prerequisite: PAD 5106. Both theoretical and methodological in purpose, the course explores the cultural approach to analyzing organizational settings and the institutions in which they are embedded. Introductory skills in ethnographic research will be acquired by those students who successfully complete the course.
PAD 6109. Institutions and Society (3). Prerequisite: Doctoral student or instructor permission. Government bureaucracies as key elements in modern social systems and the role of society in shaping government bureaucracies.
PAD 6136. Seminar: Management Studies in Government (3). Prerequisite: PAD 5700 or equivalent. Seminar on management studies in state or local governments; development of detailed plans for management study, methods, source materials.
PAD 6207. Financial Resources Administration (3). Prerequisite: PAD 5227 or equivalent. Seminar in public financial administration with emphasis on current issues in theory and practice.
PAD 6226. Public Budgeting Simulation and Issues (3). This course offers students experiential learning in public budgeting through individual and team simulation, preparation of reports, and inquiry into selected issues.
PAD 6300. Governmental Administration in Florida (3). This course studies and analyzes management systems, institutions, and dynamics in Florida agencies, with emphasis on legislative-executive relations.
PAD 6705. Analytic Techniques for Public Administrators (3). Prerequisites: PAD 5700 and 5701, or equivalents; Doctoral students or instructor permission. Public sector applications of quantitative methods, including decision analysis, queuing theory, mathematical programming, and simulation.
PAD 6707. Logics of Inquiry (3). Prerequisites: PAD 5700. This course introduces students both to the philosophy of science and to exemplary research conducted in public administration. Students will learn to target research both theoretically and politically.
PAD 6721. Policy Analysis Research Seminar (3). This course introduces students to the theoretical and quantitative techniques of policy analysis, focusing primarily on the role of markets in public policy. The course enables students to be critical users of policy analyses and to understand the role of policy analysis in social policy development.
PAD 6900. Capstone Project Preparation (0). (S/U grade only). Prerequisite: This course should be taken the term immediately prior to planned enrollment in PAD 6908 (Capstone Project). This course prepares students to undertake the Capstone Project course required for the Master of Public Administration degree.
PAD 6908. Capstone Project (3). This course studies the application of concepts in public administration literature to actual management problems. Such concepts include diagnosis of decision situation, collection of relevant data, development of alternative solutions, recommendation of proposed course of action. Students must submit formal, written proposal one semester prior to registration.
PAD 6915r. Supervised Research (1–5). (S/U grade only). Prerequisite: instructor permission. Approved research under the supervision of a member of the faculty. Doctoral students must complete at least three hours under supervision of the major professor. May be repeated to a maximum of five semester hours.
PAD 6930r. Professional Topics in Public Administration (0). (S/U grade only). This course is offered at zero credit hours as an administrative mechanism to ensure student attendance at a series of professionally oriented events. Doctoral students are required to attend these events over four semesters.
PAD 6960r. Preliminary Examination Self-Study (0–12). (S/U grade only). Provides time for informal interaction with faculty to study for preliminary doctoral examination. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve semester hours.
PAD 6980r. Dissertation (1–12). (S/U grade only).
PAD 8964. Preliminary Doctoral Examination (0). (P/F grade only.) For students registering to take their doctoral examination.
PAD 8985. Dissertation Defense (0). (P/F grade only.)