This is one of the required classes integrated into the year-long cohort for the Master of Public Affairs (MPA) and Public Affairs Leadership Certificate programs.
The Public Affairs Leadership Cohort is a unique offering at the Humphrey School. The Cohort is designed for mid-career professionals and integrates adult learning methodologies in a schedule that accommodates working adults. Three core (required) courses are offered in an integrated format and students can either apply the cohort experience to a University of Minnesota Regent's approved graduate certificate in Public Affairs Leadership (PAL) or towards the Master of Public Affairs (MPA) degree. The three courses integrated into the MPA cohort are: 1) Public Affairs Leadership 2) Policy and Program Analysis , and 3) Research Methods & Analysis.
The cohort program focuses on developing a range of skills essential in public affairs through an intensive learning community. A theoretical framework emphasizing transformational leadership guides us and creates awareness that leadership is demonstrated through acts undertaken by many people, not just by those in formal authority positions. Leaders must have analytical skills to address both technical and adaptive challenges and the content of these courses highlights those most critical to public policy and public affairs.
In this class, students will design a qualitative research project involving their own data collection. They will collect qualitative data, using participant observation and interviews, conduct iterative analysis of qualitative data, and interpret the findings. At the conclusion of the course, they will communicate the essential elements of a qualitative research study.