Human Relations Component
MSP 5000 - Human Development (3 credit hours)
This course will present an overview of both human physical and psychological development with emphasis on how individuals are programmed and how behavior can be changed. The influence of culture, ethnic background, and environment on individuals and groups will be three of the primary discussion areas. Additional topics which will be explored are the influence of family, peers, and employment on the individual.
MSP 5010 - Contemporary Community Issues (3 credit hours)
The course examines a number of contemporary community issues. Practicing professionals who are civic and governmental leaders are used as resource individuals in assisting the student to identify, analyze, confront, and solve a specific community problem. Case studies, group presentations, in-class discussions, and structured research are designed to enhance the learning environment. The role and use of power in problem solving by community and/or governmental leaders will be discussed. A secondary goal of the course is for each student to develop an understanding of how he/she can become a community problem-solver.
MSP 5020 - Organizational Behavior (3 credit hours)
The course focuses on the behavioral processes in organizations, motivation, leadership, decision making, communication, behavioral consequences, group behavior, informal organization structures, politics, and change. Theories dealing with the interpersonal relationships and authority related to organizational behavior are also included in the course content.
MSP 5030 - Leadership and Conflict Resolution (3 credit hours)
The course features a hands-on approach to personal leadership and conflict management styles. Students are given an opportunity to explore major theories of leadership and of conflict resolution and to understand the practical implications of each theory. Exercises, role-playing, and discussion of personal experience are used to aid students in developing their own leadership and conflict management styles.
MSP 5040 - Seminar in Understanding Community Service Agencies (1 credit hour)
The course reviews the community's greatest health and human service needs and how non-profit organizations provide services to build a healthier community and meet those needs through effective problem-solving strategies. The class also addresses specific topics such as public/private partnerships, collaboration and coordination, information and referral, and volunteerism and the basics of non-profit management. A hands-on community service project is included in the course requirements.
MSP 5050 - Seminar in Ethics (1 credit hour)
The course identifies how individuals make choices and decisions guided by ethical frames of reference. Through readings, presentations, case studies, class discussion, and written assignments, the course will explore some of the ethical frameworks which guide both personal and professional decisions.
MSP 5060 - Seminar in Understanding Cultural Diversity (1 credit hour)
The course begins with the premise that American society is built on people from diverse cultural backgrounds. This requires citizens to develop and understanding about a wide range of values, beliefs, and actions. The course seeks to develop an awareness and sensitivity toward others by examining some of the stereotypes which hinder the understanding of diverse people and groups, including those which shape our attitudes and actions toward racial and ethnic minorities, gender and age-based groups, and those with alternative lifestyles. Certain class sessions will be devoted to exploring the stereotypes which shape behavior toward a specific group; these sessions will often include speakers from the various groups who will relate how these misperceptions can cause communication difficulties and hamper effective interaction.
Management Component
MSP 5200 - Professional Communications (Oral and Written) (3 credit hours)
The course consists of two major component sections which are described as follows: Oral - Basic skills and techniques of oral managerial communication. Includes public and interpersonal communications with focus on speech structure/organization, visual aids, and development of verbal and non-verbal skills. Each student will be required to present speeches in class for critique and evaluation. Written - Basic skills and techniques of written managerial communication. Focus on clarity and organization of various types of written memorandums, reports, and correspondence. Use of correct grammar, style, and punctuation will be emphasized. Requires written practice and preparation of selected types of communicative material.
MSP 5210 - Legal Environment (3 credit hours)
The course will begin with the fundamentals of legal research and court structure. Attention will be given to the Tennessee State Courts as well as the Federal Court system. The second phase and majority of the course will focus on the anatomy of a criminal trial. Topics to be included are a study of the Tennessee Rules of Evidence and the Tennessee Rules of Criminal Procedure. The last section of the course will be an examination of the ethical rules and guidelines for both attorneys and other law enforcement professionals.
MSP 5220 - Human Resource Management and Labor Relations (3 credit hours)
The course addresses contemporary issues facing public service professionals including: personnel selection, training and development, rewards and discipline, motivation and morale, and performance evaluation; team building; problem solving; management theories; implementing community policing and the delivery of other public services; dealing with unions and labor issues; and, managing for the future.
MSP 5230 - Public Administration (3 credit hours)
The course examines the contexts in which American governments operate, viewed through managerial, legal, and political frameworks. Budgeting, personnel, bureaucracy, decision making, policy making, accountability, and ethics are analyzed. Political, social, technological and economic factors are reviewed to determine their influence and impact on public sector organizations. Attention is given to public/private organizational differences.
MSP 5240 - Seminar in Media Relations (1 credit hour)
The course will address key issues in communication effectively with various constituents through print and broadcast media and will review topics such as internal organizational relations, external community relations, and relationships with representatives of the media. Emphasis is placed on planning communication of routine information and developing and understanding of how to use media proactively as a community problem-solver.
MSP 5250 - Seminar in Understanding the Judicial System (1 credit hour)
The course provides an overview of the organization and nature of the court system, including the authority, power, and responsibility of judicial officers. The differences in legislative and administrative law will be reviewed. Special emphasis will be given to the role of law enforcement professionals as they relate to the judicial system as well as how both social and political influences affect the environment in which the courts operate. An additional focus will be on how the jury system and how the role of the Grand Jury ensures the rights of citizens.
MSP 5260 - Seminar in Environmental Interaction (1 credit hour)
The course is a broad overview of current environmental issues affecting the community and how public service officials may work to manage these concerns for the good of both the citizens and the community. Primary emphasis will be on reviewing how population density affects the environment, along with the traditional topics of litter, air, water, and waste pollution.
Research Component
MSP 5400 - Research Design (3 credit hours)
The course is a basic introduction to scientific research as it relates to public service. The course will provide the methods and materials for a limited project by examining the research of others and by completing an independent study. Each student will conduct a search of the literature concerning the project, will design and use a data collection instrument, will statistically analyze the data collected from the instrument, and will present valid conclusions based on the findings. Two copies of the project will be presented to the instructor and a final oral report will be given to the class. Statistics and basic computer literacy are recommended.
MSP 5410 - Statistics (3 credit hours)
The course focuses on the identification, interpretation, and use of statistical data. Topics include measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability, point and interval estimation, statistical inference, experimental design, hypothesis testing, correlation, regression analysis, and non-parametric tests.
Research Elective Component
MSP 5900 - Practicum in Public Service Management (3 credit hours)
IN the Master of Science in Public Service Program, each practicum is individually assigned. The student, agency supervisor, and the M.S.P. Advisor work together to develop specific learning objectives. Appropriate strategies are designed to ensure that these pre-determined objectives are met. The M.S.P. Advisor will visit the practicum location -- to confer with both the student and agency supervisor -- one ore more times during the enrollment period. To received credit for the three-semester-hour experience, a minimum of 100 clock hours in practicum involvement is required. A day-to-day log of practicum activities must be maintained and turned in as a course requirement. In general, this course is considered an elective class; however, employing agencies/organizations may encourage this course as a way to meet specific needed work-related requirements. The practicum experience may not be substituted for a required class for graduation. 