Information Systems Education in Masters Programs in Public Affairs and Administration

Public administration scholars and practitioners have long been aware of the need for computer related education for students of public affairs and administration. Rufus Miles, in 1967, proposed that computer training become a basic component of graduate-level training in public administration.' In 1974, Roy G. Saltman called for an increased emphasis on science in public administration curricula and further proposed the establishment of a committee to recommend information systems course work for programs in public management.2 Most recently, the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) Committee on Computers in Public Management Education has proposed course work for computer training for masters students of public administration.3 The present study details the current state of computer and information systems education in Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs. This research describes the extent of management information systems and computer applications course work in MPA programs and examines the extent to which hands-on computer training is integrated into MPA courses. Another important aspect of this investigation is an assessment of the course work and knowledge in information systems that public administration faculty believe should be required of all MPA students. This study also assesses the prospects for increasing information systems course work in MPA programs. Thus, data are provided concerning the possibilities of implementing the curriculum recommendations of the NASPAA Committee on Computers in Public Management Education.