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Research Methods for Public Administration

Developing and applying new sources of knowledge is crucial to effective leadership and organizational success. This course covers research design, data collection, data analysis, and how to communicate research findings. Qualitative and quantitative research methods, experimental and non-experimental research, survey instrument development and use, case studies, content analysis, and secondary data analysis are covered. Equitable outcomes and the domains of sustainability, climate change, and social responsibility are of increasing importance to public sector leaders and this course will explore sustainability, environmental awareness, and equitable outcomes in research design and methods and will be addressed.

*An on-demand preparatory resource/course is available for those who would like additional background in statistics and quantitative methods to prepare for this course. The preparatory course is online and asynchronous. It can be accessed prior to or during the course

  • Credits: 3 credits
  • Course ID: PAD 714

What You'll Learn

Collect, analyze, and interpret data research results.
Develop and demonstrate applied knowledge of statistical software and tools to ethically inform policy discussions.
Formulate and assess leadership approaEvaluate and construct sustainable, environmentally aware, and equitable outcomes in research methods.hes to facilitate inter-agency financial management and performance as well as intergovernmental (local/state/federal) agencies.
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Course FAQs

What is asynchronous?
Asynchronous learning means that the instructor and the students in the course all engage with the course content at different times (and from different locations). The instructor provides students with a sequence of units which the students move through as their schedules permit.
What is the course structure?
Courses are offered fully online and are asynchronous. There is an optional, live interactive session offered weekly so students can engage with one another and with the faculty member. 

How long is each course?
Our mini-sessions (or terms) are 7.5 weeks long, and courses are offered in each mini. Each semester consists of 2 mini-sessions.
How many courses can I take in a mini-term?
We have structured our courses so students can take one course at a time; this is especially important for students balancing full-time employment. We do permit students to take a maximum of two courses in 1 mini-term (i.e. 6 credits over a 7.5 week period). While taking more than two courses in one semester may seem appealing, these online accelerated courses can be difficult to manage, especially while working full-time. In addition, taking more than one course in a mini session could cause conflicts in your weekly live sessions (i.e. they could be offered on the same day and time). 

What is a part-time course load vs. a full-time course load?
Part-time in SPS is defined as 3 credits (1 course) per semester, and full-time is defined as 6 or more credits (2 or more courses) per semester. Every course at SPS is 3 credits.
How fast can I earn a master's degree?
You can finish an SPS program in as little as 16 months if you take a course every mini semester*. If you need more time, that's okay too! We offer flexibility so you can go your own pace.

*This is for 30 credit hour programs only.