This report describes the current state of information technology (IT) in the Master of Public Administration (MPA) curriculum. Data were collected through a review of graduate program information contained on MPA program websites. Findings are that the majority of programs do not offer IT concentrations, core courses, or electives. While IT courses have been adopted in a limited capacity, there are opportunities to improve their adoption in order to satisfy public workforce demands. Such integration could be done using existing courses, promoting faculty skill development, or utilizing expertise found in other academic disciplines.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
BrownM. M.BrudneyJ. L. (1998). Public sector information technology initiatives: Implications for programs of public administration.Administration and Society, 30(4), 421–442.
2.
DunleavyP.MargettsH.BastowS.TinklerJ. (2005). New public management is dead—long live digital-era governance.Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 16(3), 467–494.
3.
FerrandinoJ. (2012). Incorporating GIS as an interdisciplinary pedagogical tool throughout an MPA program.Journal of Public Affairs Education, 20(4), 529–544.
4.
GrizzleG. A. (1985). Essential skills for financial management: Are MPA students acquiring the necessary competencies?Public Administration Review, 45(6), 840–844.
5.
HaqueA. (2003). Information technology, GIS and democratic values: Ethical implications for IT professionals in public service.Ethics and Information Technology, 5(1), 39–48.
6.
HolzerM.Schwester (2011). Public administration: An introduction. New York, NY: M. E. Sharpe.
7.
JensenM. C. (1998). Foundations of organizational strategy. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
8.
KernaghanK.GunrajJ. (2004). Integrating information technology into public administration: Conceptual and practical considerations.Canadian Public Administration, 47(4), 525–546.
9.
KovenS.GoetzF.BrennanM. (2008). Assessing public affairs programs: The view from the top.Administration and Society, 40(7), 691–710.
10.
KraemerK.DedrickJ. (1997). Computing and public organizations.Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, 7(1), 89–112.
11.
LazenbyS. (2010). The adequacy of MPA course content in preparing local government managers.Journal of Public Affairs Education, 16(3), 337–360.
12.
MenzelD. C. (1998). http://www.ethics.gov: Issues and challenges facing public managers. Public Administration Review, 58(5), 445–451.
13.
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). (2014). 2014–2015 roster of accredited programs. Retrieved from https://naspaaaccreditation.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/annual-roster-of-accredited-programs-updated09-01-14.pdf.
14.
NorrisD. F.ReddickC. G. (2012). Local e-government in the United States: Transformation or incremental change?Public Administration Review, 73(1), 165–175.
15.
PurtellR. M.FossettJ. W. (2010). Beyond budgeting: Public-service financial education in the 21st century.Journal of Public Affairs Education, 16(1), 95–110.
16.
SlackJ. D. (1990). Information, training, and assistance needs of municipal governments.Public Administration Review, 50(4), 450–457.
17.
YangK.RhoS. (2007). E-government for better performance: Promises, realities, and challenges.International Journal of Public Administration, 30(11), 1197–1217.
18.
ZhangY.LeeR.YangK. (2012). Knowledge and skills for policy making: Stories from local public managers in Florida.Journal of Public Affairs Education, 18(1), 183–208.
