Taught by

This course will explore two beliefs that are strongly held by many Americans: that we have little to learn from other countries, and that we are better off going it alone rather than working through alliances or supranational organizations such as the United Nations. But the US has much to gain by learning from the administrative and policy experiences of other countries.  And problems such as climate change, strengthening the global financial system, and unequal development require global solutions and working through both international and supranational organizations.We will explore the theory and reality of such organizations: why they are needed but also why they are very difficult to manage and lead.  We will also compare the US with political and administrative systems elsewhere and examine how they have crafted policy solutions that provide useful examples for the US.  We will also study the challenges to performing comparative research, the role of nongovernmental organizations,  and the cultural knowledge/skills needed to work effectively at the global level.  We will use lectures, seminars, films and workshops to explore these issues.  

Credits per quarter

Online learning:

• Enhanced Online Learning - This offering requires access to web-based tools, but use of these tools does not displace any face-to-face instruction.

Class Standing: Graduate
Class Size: 15

Scheduled for: Evening and Weekend

Advertised schedule:

Oct 8-9, Nov 13, Dec 3-4, 9a-5p

Located in: Olympia

Taught by

In this course, we apply a design thinking perspective to contemporary administrative, social, and physical problems and challenges. Design thinking brings together people from different disciplines to effectively explore, in collaboration, human-centered approaches to contemporary challenges. While we'll study the theory of design thinking, the main focus of this course is on the application of design thinking in communities and administration. We will examine both design as a physical element to create/make/sustain communities as well as design as a method for social innovation, service delivery, and management. We'll study design thinking, cases of social and communal innovation using design thinking, and work together to apply design thinking to real-world situations. Our learning laboratory is the City of Tenino. This course is applicable for students interested in social and administrative innovation, city planning, and community building.

Credits per quarter

Online learning:

• Enhanced Online Learning - This offering requires access to web-based tools, but use of these tools does not displace any face-to-face instruction.

Class Standing: Graduate
Class Size: 10

Scheduled for: Evening and Weekend

Advertised schedule:

 Tues-Oct 4, 18, Nov 1, 15, 29, 6-10p, Sat-Oct 22 & Dec 3, 9a-5p

Located in: Olympia

Taught by

This course covers ways to design research and create a plan to carry out research that develops appropriate source material with an emphasis on indigenous communities, underserved populations and environmental policy issues, especially those relating to environmental and social justice.  We will work beyond official sources to develop strategies for gathering and using references and information original research relevant to in-depth research papers like capstones, thesis and other formats as well as examine research strategies in some large grants

Credits per quarter

Online learning:

• Enhanced Online Learning - This offering requires access to web-based tools, but use of these tools does not displace any face-to-face instruction.

Class Standing: Junior–Graduate
Class Size: 20

Scheduled for: Evening and Weekend

Advertised schedule:

This class begins prior to the first official day of Summer quarter. If you receive financial aid, it will not be dispersed until Summer quarter officially begins on June 26th.

Jun 17, 6-10p, Jun 18, 9a-5:30p, Jun 19, 7-9p & July 21-23, Fri 5-9p, Sat/Sun 9a-5p

Located in: Olympia

Taught by

Credits per quarter

Online learning:

• Enhanced Online Learning - This offering requires access to web-based tools, but use of these tools does not displace any face-to-face instruction.

Class Standing: Graduate
Class Size: 55

Scheduled for: Evening

Advertised schedule:

Thurs 6-10p, Sat Jan 28, 9a-5p

Located in: Olympia

Taught by

Is community and economic development different or are the objectives similar? This course will provide a foundation of development while comparing and contrasting community and economic development approaches. Additionally, local and global development perspectives will be explored analyzing different economic and community development decisions. The intersection of community and economic development will be framed as well as the desired outcomes of each approach. This course will be split into lecture and discussion for part of the class as well as in class projects and group assignments for the remainder. Attendance is critical to the success of this class and will provide the best learning environment for this conversational exchange of ideas. A final group project will be a culmination of concepts and ideas throughout the semester and this paper and presentation will be completed by analyzing case studies of communities where there is an intersection of economic and community development.

Credits per quarter

Online learning:

• Enhanced Online Learning - This offering requires access to web-based tools, but use of these tools does not displace any face-to-face instruction.

Class Standing: Graduate
Class Size: 15

Scheduled for: Evening

Advertised schedule:

6-10p Wed

Located in: Olympia

Taught by

Credits per quarter

Online learning:

• Enhanced Online Learning - This offering requires access to web-based tools, but use of these tools does not displace any face-to-face instruction.

Class Standing: Graduate
Class Size: 15

Scheduled for: Evening and Weekend

Advertised schedule:

Jan 20-22, 5-9p Fri, 9a-5p Sat/Sun

Located in: Olympia

Taught by

“Public Policy” is the sexy alter ego of public administration. The study of policymaking tantalizes us. It suggests that if we can unlock the secrets to how and when big policy decisions are made, and have an impact on those decisions, we can also benefit groups and causes we care about. The reality is more nuanced. The models describing the policy process don’t provide any magic buttons to push, but they do provide a variety of helpful frames for making sense of a complex reality. And despite the advent of “fact-free” campaigning, the study of policy analysis and mastery of policy analysis skills remain critical to effective governance.

Credits per quarter

Online learning:

• Enhanced Online Learning - This offering requires access to web-based tools, but use of these tools does not displace any face-to-face instruction.

Class Standing: Graduate
Class Size: 15

Scheduled for: Evening

Advertised schedule:

Tues 6-10p

Located in: Olympia

Taught by

This course explores the historical evolution of federal, state and local housing policy. Students will learn about how analytical and political frameworks are used to create, evaluate and shape housing programs, projects and services. We will examine the continuum of subsidies and programs that are provided to everyone from high income earners and investors to people who are chronically homeless. We will compare and contrast how different housing policies are used to provide shelter, stimulate the economy, protect the environment and support sustainable growth.

Credits per quarter

Online learning:

• Enhanced Online Learning - This offering requires access to web-based tools, but use of these tools does not displace any face-to-face instruction.

Class Standing: Graduate
Class Size: 15

Scheduled for: Evening and Weekend

Advertised schedule:

Feb 10-12, 5-9p Fri, 9a-5p Sat/Sun

Located in: Olympia

Taught by

In an era of recession, corporate malfeasance and political upheaval, how does a public organization maintain a responsible course and achieve the purpose for which it was created?

We’ll answer this question by first examining the function of audit in a democratic society—the function of oversight as a collective expectation and a political mandate, as well as a means for safeguarding and optimizing the use of communal resources and infrastructure.  With this historical and social background as our context, we will then explore the internal audit function as a crucial activity in the organizational life of a public entity, with special emphasis on the practical methods by which students can reasonably assure the success of the organizations they lead. 

We’ll study the purposes, standards, and best practices of internal audit as it is (or should be) practiced in public organizations, with special emphasis on the concepts of risk, control, assurance and governance.  As civic leaders, we’ll also explore how to promote and engage with the internal audit function to achieve desired outcomes for our organizations and the public we serve.  The course will provide practical insight into organizational architecture and processes, and offer opportunities to reflect on professional commitments, public expectations, and the strategies available for achieving organizational success through internal audit and oversight.

Credits per quarter

Online learning:

• Enhanced Online Learning - This offering requires access to web-based tools, but use of these tools does not displace any face-to-face instruction.

Class Standing: Graduate
Class Size: 15

Scheduled for: Evening and Weekend

Advertised schedule:

Jan 27-29, 5-9p Fri, 9a-5p Sat/Sun

Located in: Olympia

Taught by

Karen Alman

“Can we sell brotherhood like soap?”  Yes, we can!  In Marketing for the Public Service students will learn how to apply the basic principles of marketing for bringing about positive social change in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors—and how to do so in the most effective and resourceful ways.  The course is specifically designed for those interested in public outreach, community-based initiatives, non-profit organizations, and NGOs.  The highlight of this intensive weekend offering is the opportunity to work on selected cases to create strategic plans that address key marketing challenges.

Credits per quarter

Online learning:

• Enhanced Online Learning - This offering requires access to web-based tools, but use of these tools does not displace any face-to-face instruction.

Class Standing: Graduate
Class Size: 15

Scheduled for: Evening and Weekend

Advertised schedule:

May 5-7, 5-9p Fri, 9a-5p Sat/Sun

Located in: Olympia

Taught by

Compared to most “developed” countries, US law and civic practice encourages people to band together to try to solve public problems.  As a result, our society relies heavily on nonprofit entities to deliver social and health services, support the arts, and assist with many other important tasks.  But although interest in nonprofits has exploded, the reality that nonprofits can’t be run either like businesses or government agencies is poorly appreciated.  It is critical for students of public administration to better understand the sector, and how to run nonprofit organizations with skill.   This course will focus on the unique characteristics and topics of the nonprofit sector.  It aims to provide an introduction to the sector, its close linkages with the philanthropy and government sectors, and will explore how to manage a nonprofit effectively.  This course is applicable to students aiming for a career in nonprofit management, who have an interest in the sector, or who might one day want to be a member of a nonprofit board and want to understand how nonprofits function in the US and elsewhere.  

Credits per quarter

Online learning:

• Enhanced Online Learning - This offering requires access to web-based tools, but use of these tools does not displace any face-to-face instruction.

Class Standing: Graduate
Class Size: 15

Scheduled for: Weekend

Advertised schedule:

April 29-30, May 27-28, June10, 9a-5p Sat/Sun

Located in: Olympia

Taught by

Like never before, the world we face today is increasingly complex, fragmented and uncertain. The political climate is polarizing, and in many places trust in government and our other institutions is eroding. This two-credit course is for both emerging and mature leaders who understand that more and more of our modern challenges are ones that call for a new kind of collective action. Such action requires that we move beyond adversarial agendas and into new kinds of consultative process and engagement strategies that bring out the best in our organizations and communities and foster true collaboration. The intent of this course is to help you to create resilient teams, organizations and communities and to support the development of people around you. Foundational elements of this course will include a look at different leadership styles and approaches, systems dynamics and complexity theory, and a host of participative process methodologies and principles.

Credits per quarter

Online learning:

• Enhanced Online Learning - This offering requires access to web-based tools, but use of these tools does not displace any face-to-face instruction.

Class Standing: Graduate
Class Size: 15

Scheduled for: Evening and Weekend

Advertised schedule:

Oct 21-23, 5-9p Fri, 9a-5p Sat/Sun

Located in: Olympia

Taught by

Credits per quarter

Online learning:

• Enhanced Online Learning - This offering requires access to web-based tools, but use of these tools does not displace any face-to-face instruction.

Class Standing: Graduate
Class Size: 55

Scheduled for: Evening

Advertised schedule:

6-10p Thurs & one Sat TBD

Located in: Olympia

Taught by

The issue of public ethics is particularly important when government works with private contractors. The term “public ethics” is often used to suggest acting with compassion and empathy while ensuring thorough analysis and competence as we serve the public interest while seeking justice under the law. When public agencies rely on vendors to carry out their work a focus on ethical behavior is essential. In this course we will examine how contracts between government and various vendors can fail. In addition, we will examine the possibilities for government and their vendors to achieve contracting’s true win-win potential. In other words, we will use ethics as a lens to study how public managers materialize the promises while avoiding the pitfalls of multisector contracting in the twenty first century.

Credits per quarter

Online learning:

• Enhanced Online Learning - This offering requires access to web-based tools, but use of these tools does not displace any face-to-face instruction.

Class Standing: Junior–Graduate
Class Size: 20

Scheduled for: Evening and Weekend

Advertised schedule:

Jun 30-Jul 2, 5-9p Fri, 9a-5p Sat/Sun

Located in: Olympia

Taught by

Public health protects the health of people and communities by promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing injuries, and identifying solutions to detect and prevent disease. During this weekend intensive seminar we will examine public health policy development, implementation, and evaluation.  This course will provide an overview of the public health system and essential services. We will explore diverse public health topics and current public health initiatives and efforts. We will discuss economic feasibility, legal and ethical considerations, the role of the science and public opinion, efforts to address health disparities, and other issues that impact policy decisions.

Credits per quarter

Online learning:

• Enhanced Online Learning - This offering requires access to web-based tools, but use of these tools does not displace any face-to-face instruction.

Class Standing: Graduate
Class Size: 15

Scheduled for: Evening and Weekend

Advertised schedule:

May 19-21, 5-9p Fri, 9a-5p Sat/Sun

Located in: Olympia

Taught by

Credits per quarter

Online learning:

• Enhanced Online Learning - This offering requires access to web-based tools, but use of these tools does not displace any face-to-face instruction.

Class Standing: Graduate
Class Size: 55

Scheduled for: Evening

Advertised schedule:

6-10p Thurs

Located in: Olympia

Taught by

An important contemporary administrative issue is the delivery of public goods and services to citizens. This course will review how governments deliver services, primarily focusing on contracting and the resulting delivery networks. As Laurence O’Toole proclaims “Those tasked with public management must often seek to operate on structurally uncertain terrain, firmament that can include ties with patterns of not-for-profits and profit-seeking entities as well as multiple formally governed institutions”. Public sector organizations – at the federal, state, and local levels – form working relationships with communities, other governments, nonprofit, and for-profit firms through contracts. The course will discuss the tools managers need to form, operate, terminate, or transform these contracts. Students will examine contracting environments of their own interests and understand the dynamics, technical, and political aspects of contracting with different types of vendors in public service delivery networks. 

Credits per quarter

Online learning:

• Enhanced Online Learning - This offering requires access to web-based tools, but use of these tools does not displace any face-to-face instruction.

Class Standing: Graduate
Class Size: 15

Scheduled for: Evening

Advertised schedule:

Mon 6-10p

Located in: Olympia

Taught by

Imagine sitting at “the table,” negotiating science policy with international leaders. Or, researching and drafting a new invasive species law at the governor’s request. This course provides an introduction to science policy, with the goal of translating concepts into implementable action. We will study the actors in the science policy arena; analyze how the United States and international political institutions and processes govern science policy; and experience the roles of scientists and policymakers in creating and implementing policies through case studies covering a wide range of policy areas (e.g., water, health, climate, energy, environment). We also will explore how agencies, legislatures, and courts resolve resource-use conflicts, and the role of scientific information and uncertainty in this process. Background readings and in-class case studies focused on reaching a policy objective will prepare students for authoring a policy memo, and applying these skills to professional experiences. Science policy will come alive!

Credits per quarter

Online learning:

• Enhanced Online Learning - This offering requires access to web-based tools, but use of these tools does not displace any face-to-face instruction.

Class Standing: Graduate
Class Size: 15

Scheduled for: Evening and Weekend

Advertised schedule:

Nov 4-6, 5-9p Fri, 9a-5p Sat/Sun

Located in: Olympia

Taught by

Credits per quarter

Online learning:

• Enhanced Online Learning - This offering requires access to web-based tools, but use of these tools does not displace any face-to-face instruction.

Class Standing: Graduate
Class Size: 35

Scheduled for: Day and Weekend

Advertised schedule:

Sept 30-Oct 2, Oct 14-16, Oct 28-30, 1-5p Fri, 9a-5p Sat/Sun

Located in: Tribal MPA

Taught by

Whether you are a program manager at a non-profit, a policy analyst in a government agency, or simply a citizen trying to get to work your life is affected by the challenges of transportation. During this weekend intensive seminar we will analyze and discuss the wide range of transportation choices. This introductory course will focus on understanding how transportation policy is formed at the various levels of government by examining statutory and regulatory frameworks, institutions involved in transportation policy, and the stakeholders who shape transportation programs and procedures. The class will look at modes of surface transportation including motor vehicles, public transportation, bicycling and walking. We will examine the relationship between transportation policy and other critical regional policy issues including economic development, public health, land use, and climate change.

Credits per quarter

Online learning:

• Enhanced Online Learning - This offering requires access to web-based tools, but use of these tools does not displace any face-to-face instruction.

Class Standing: Graduate
Class Size: 15

Scheduled for: Evening and Weekend

Advertised schedule:

April 28-30, 5-9p Fri, 9a-5p Sat/Sun

Located in: Olympia