Taught By:
Analytical Techniques for Public Service is a two quarter core program for second year MPA students. Each quarter focuses on specific approaches and components for applied research in public administration, public policy, non-profits, and communities. Via praxis (combination of theory and applied practice), our goal is to practice research design and analysis by gaining a better understanding of how to approach, critique, use, analyze, and communicate research in public service.
Learning objectives include:
- Understand research designs and why we do research in public service.
- Competency in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methodologies.
- Understand how research can maintain the status quo or change our social, economic, and political decisions.
- Understand various research methods.
- Become an ethical producer and consumer of research.
Fall Quarter:
In the fall quarter, we will respond to the following questions:
- What are the paradigms of social science? How are paradigms used in PA?
- What is involved in producing data vs. information?
- How is research produced and consumed in everyday public service?
- What are valid and reliable data? What are causal and correlated data?
- What drives research design? What are the consequences of design choices?
Registration
Fall Registration:
Course Reference Numbers
GR (6): 10177
Academic Details
Credits:
6
Maximum Enrollment:
30
Class Standing:
Graduate
Schedule
Quarters:
Fall
2026
Open
In Person or Remote:
Time Offered:
Evening and Weekend
Schedule Evergreen:
First Meeting:
TAC 104
Location:
Tacoma
Revisions
| Date | Revision |
|---|---|
| 2026-05-12 | This class has a new title. It was previously titled Analytical Techniques I and II” |