Course Description
In this capstone contract course, students demonstrate fulfillment of the various outcomes of their concentration courses. Each student will complete the capstone project to demonstrate that the student understands clearly his or her concentration, has mastered the content of the selected field(s) of study, and can synthesize and apply what he or she has learned. The capstone project may take one of several formats: a research paper, scholarly essay, portfolio, presentation of creative work, business plan, case study, or any other mode appropriate to the student’s interest and experience. A minimum grade of “C” must be earned to meet the requirements of the concentration. (3 credits)
Public Administration Concentration
The Public Administration concentration is designed to enhance the skills of public administration professionals and to prepare aspiring administrators for a career in the public and non-profit sectors. Developed by public administrators for public administrators, the concentration provides a multi-faceted overview into the world of government and public management. Key topics include budgeting and resource management, organizational theory, and an emphasis on how modern technology is influencing the public and non-profit sectors.
Prerequisites
- Students must have completed most of their concentration courses and take this course in their last semester. Academic Counselor approval is required to register.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who graduate with a concentration in Public Administration will be able to:
- explain the nature of public organization;
- explain the nature of the public policy process;
- identify ways to effectively involve citizens in public decision making;
- understand the characteristics and apply the values and responsibilities for the public interest as it relates to public and nonprofit leadership;
- research and write concise and documented organizational reports;
- identify and compare public policy and governments in a global context;
- discuss the implications for public organizations and nonprofits in a pluralistic and diverse society and the accepted approaches for operating successfully in this environment;
- recognize ethical issues in public and nonprofit management and apply a framework for addressing them;
- apply appropriate strategic models to public policy decision making and evaluation;
- identify organizational opportunities and public policy challenges and utilize quantitative methodologies in their analysis; and
- properly and effectively use technology to develop and administer public policy.
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Points | Weight |
|---|---|---|
3 Assignments @ 10 points each (Weeks 2, 4 & 6) | 30 | 30% |
Capstone Project (Final project) (Week 8) | 70 | 70% |
Total | 100 | 100% |
Required Textbooks
- There are no required textbooks to purchase, however, students may find it helpful to refer to materials from previous courses.
Course Schedule
Week | Assignments |
1 |
|
2 |
|
3 |
|
4 |
|
5 |
|
6 |
|
7 |
|
8 |
|
COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.