PUBPOL 5455

Comparative Public Administration

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

The purpose of this seminar is to provide graduate students with an introduction to the scholarly development of comparative public and health administration, as well as criteria for comparison in public and healthcare leadership. Topics will explore the economic, political, and sociocultural factors that influence policy design and healthcare outcomes. Students are expected to comply with all university, school, and program policies related to both local and international travel. (MPA-INTPMN, MPA-PUBNON, MPA-SOCPOL)

Enrollment Priority Enrollment limited to: Master of Public Administration (MPA) students.

Fees Field trip, $1500. This covers double occupancy accommodations in San Jose (single occupancy is available for an additional cost), in-country transportation, programming, and some meals. Students are responsible for airfare, which will vary depending on departure location.

Program Requirements (MPA-INTPMN, MPA-PUBNON, MPA-SOCPOL)

Last 4 Terms Offered 2025FA, 2024FA, 2023FA, 2022FA

Learning Outcomes

• Students will describe criteria for comparison in public administration and apply global benchmarking frameworks for evaluating public administration and urban policy.
• Students will discuss problems with engaging in comparative field research on public administration (case selection, cultural factors, etc.), and apply remedies in their own research designs.
• Students will develop an original scholarly analysis of one or more aspects of urban policy agenda.

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