Walden University now offers three additional specializations within its Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) program. These specializations enable students to focus on areas of growing career interest.

In the new Public Finance and Budgeting specialization, students will explore the micro- and macroeconomic models used in policy formation and the role of public finance. They will learn how budgets and financial reports are created and analyzed, and gain an understanding of fiscal and financial concepts, policies and management practices. Students will examine how domestic and international economic trends affect public service organizations. They will apply economic, financial and fiscal concepts to case studies and current events.

“To be an effective manager today, you must have knowledge of finance and budgeting,” said Dr. Dale Swoboda, faculty member in the School of Public Policy and Administration. “Based on my experience in the public sector, those managers who can integrate financial responsibility into their positions and who truly understand the role of economic policies will have a significant advantage in the workplace.”

Through the new Terrorism, Mediation, and Peace specialization, students will learn the immediate and long-term implications of anti-terrorist legislation and policies. They will study how terrorism policies are drafted and enforced while they analyze the ethical issues related to human rights and the psychology of terrorism. Students will explore the effects of disaster, crisis and trauma, as well as the appropriate interventions for individuals and groups. They will examine the roots of international and domestic terrorism, the catalysts and motivations for terrorist acts, and how media and technology may aid or counter terrorist activities.

“When a terrorist attack, natural disaster or emergency occurs, a solid understanding of the surrounding issues and needed resolutions are critical to saving lives,” said Dr. David Milen, faculty member in the School of Public Policy and Administration. “As a former firefighter now working in occupational safety management and training, I see more organizations recognizing the vital importance of taking the necessary steps to prevent and prepare for such events.” 

In the Public Management and Leadership specialization, students will apply a systems perspective as they create a public enterprise model and develop strategies for organizational change in the public organization of their choice. They will discover how large-scale human systems change through self-organization and learn how transformative change occurs in complex public systems. Students will also explore how to use the language of leadership to motivate, inspire and competently lead organizations and shape public policy. 

More Information
Prospective students interested in these or other M.P.A. specializations should contact an enrollment advisor at 1-866-492-5336.

Refer Someone
Members of the Walden community can refer colleagues, friends or family members to the university’s Priority Connection team at www.WaldenConnection.com.

May Ponder front page