Faculty Contact Information:
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Consultation:
| One half hour before or after class or by telephone and email on an as-needed basis. | |
Required Texts and Readings:
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Supplementary Readings:
Each instructor has his or her preferences for supplementary reading material that may be added here. In addition, all graduate students should be prepared to utilize the UMUC online library at http://www.umuc.edu/library/.
A variety of examples of professional papers will be reviewed in class and online throughout the seminar. | |
Recommended Journals:
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Course Description:
| Prerequisite: Advancement to candidacy in the M.P.A. program and successful completion of the graduate PA comprehensive examination. This course will explore the methods and models for policy analysis and program evaluation; methods of collecting and analyzing evaluation data; processes for linking evaluation to policy formulation and program management. Emphasis is on how to conduct formative evaluations of government programs. Students are also able to make the appropriate distinctions between the administrative systems that make government programs work as well as how the impact of these programs on the quality of life in society is measured. Students produce a professional paper within their chosen area of interest. This course is graded Pass (P) or Fail (F) and is normally conducted over two terms. | |
Course Goals:
| As the final course in the M.P.A. program, this course provides students with an opportunity to develop a professional paper that synthesizes and moves beyond previous coursework. The final paper, whether prepared for publication or to be included in a professional portfolio, represents the student's ability to engage in professional level analysis, writing, and discourse. The ultimate goal of the course is to move the student into the professional circles that will dominate his or her future career. | |
Course Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course the student will be able to:
1. Generate a research problem statement
2. Design an appropriate research proposal
3. Execute literature review
4. Develop hypotheses
5. Collect and analyze data
6. Interpret research findings
7. Identify appropriate venues for publication or dissemination of
research findings
8. Prepare final manuscript for submission to publication or
dissemination authorities
9. Present research findings in written and graphic or oral formats | |
Grading Information:
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This course is graded on a Pass or Fail basis only.
The grade F(a) is used to designate academic failure. F(n) is used to designate failure for non-completion. Grades of Incomplete or Withdrawal are governed by UMUC-Europe policies. For further details, please refer to the UMUC-Europe Graduate Catalog, available online at http://www.ed.umuc.edu/general_info/publications/catalogs or in your local Education Center. | |
Course Requirements:
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Graduate school at the masters level focuses on helping students obtain the education needed for success as professionals in their chosen fields. Thus, UMUC-Europe Graduate Programs and Bowie State University share the common goals of promoting excellence in academic scholarship through thoughtful inquiry and the skillful application of knowledge and theory for the betterment of society.
In order to maximize your graduate educational experience in general and this course in particular, you are required to: Research proposal 10%
Literature review and research assumptions 10%
First draft 20%
Identifying appropriate venues for
publication or dissemination 10%
Final draft 40%
Participation 10% | |
Description of Course Requirements:
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A 30 - 40 page research paper that defines the problem or research area tutorially, clearly explains current issues, elaborates on the relevance of the topic in relation to current affairs, and provides some indications of what will happen in the future. The research report evaluations will be based on content, presentation, and quality of expression. Papers are expected to meet or exceed accepted graduate-level English and scholarship standards. Papers must conform to the APA documentation style with minor modifications. To aid the student in succeeding, the course provides the student with multiple checkpoints and opportunities to receive feedback from the instructor and other students.
Research Proposal: The one to two page Research Proposal will contain a clear statement of:
(a) the purpose of the research, research questions, and preliminary
thesis;
(b) the boundaries of the research area;
(c) an outline of the research sub-topics;
(d) the methodology used, i.e., literature or field research;
(e) a preliminary reading list.
Literature review and research assumptions: A 5 – 6 page paper summarizing the academic and professional literature most relevant to the student’s topic and making explicit the student’s theoretical and conceptual assumptions.
First Draft: Students are expected to discuss their interim results with the group and accept/provide constructive criticism from/for other group members in the course of paper preparation.
Identifying appropriate venues for publication or dissemination: The literature review and first draft should culminate in the student being able to discuss a variety of possible venues for publication or dissemination of his or her research findings.
Final Draft and Presentation of Research: Participants will present their research findings and conclusions to the class using appropriate audio-visual and handout materials.
Class Participation: The essence of a seminar is the exchange of information among peers. Thus, members of the group will be expected to interact on each other's research areas in class plus via the Internet. That interaction should also involve positive comments and recommendations on how research topics can be strengthened. | |
Course Schedule:
August 23: Presentation of proposals
September 27: Analysis of various examples of professional papers and
discussion of professional venues
November 15: Presentation of literature reviews
December 20: Presentation of findings and final papers | |
Academic Policies:
Please refer to the UMUC-Europe Graduate Catalog, available online at http://www.ed.umuc.edu/general_info/publications/catalogs/ or from your local Education Center, for information on the following:
Academic Integrity
Course Load
Exception to Policy
Grade Appeal Process
Make-up Examinations
Nondiscrimination
Students with Disabilities | |
Faculty Bio:
| Dr. Kathy Boyd has been with UMUC-Europe Graduate Programs since August 2000 and has served as the Program Director for Public Administation since March 2001. She has a BSW and MPA from University of Wyoming and a DPA from Arizona State University. | |