Curriculum

Course content is designed to create an integrated program and presented in a carefully planned sequence in contrast to the traditional format of a non–coordinated series of disparate courses. As a consequence, all prerequisites for program courses have been waived, permitting students to enjoy a streamlined curriculum. The core program provides students with a solid foundation in the essential concepts and practices of public sector management as defined in a survey of public agency executives–developing and enhancing their communication, leadership, management, decision making, policy analysis and evaluation, and research and analysis skills.

Course Configuration

Unlike a traditional program in which a student takes required courses when–and if–they become available, PSM has organized the order in which the courses are presented to facilitate the development of knowledge and skills. As a member of a PSM cohort, each student is guaranteed a place in every course. Further, courses are taken only one at a time, permitting the student to focus on the class requirements and associated subject matter in order to promote comprehensive understanding of the material and its application.

Application of Coursework

Our courses are carefully designed to integrate analytical and conceptual knowledge of public sector management with pragmatic application, culminating in an internship or field study. Toward the end of their coursework, students will complete internships/field studies in public sector agencies to fully apply what they have learned. While many are currently working in the public sector, the internship/field study will give them the opportunity to apply, in an agency setting, the skills they have gained to analyze, evaluate, and perform tasks with greater comprehension and profi ciency, and with a wider breadth of knowledge.