Course Descriptions

MFT620 Statistical Techniques and Research Methods in MFT (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MFT program
This course provides an overview of research methods and statistical analyses commonly used in Marriage and Family Therapy research. The course focuses on the interpretation and understanding of research and applied statistical procedures to inform clinical practice.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate understanding of introductory descriptive and inferential statistics and the fundamentals of hypothesis testing.
2. Apply appropriate research and statistical methods to research questions.
3. Recognize the appropriate application of research findings and evidence-based practices and their limitations.
4. Evaluate research presented in Marriage and Family Therapy literature.
5. Apply the fundamentals of research to Marriage and Family Therapy practice.
6. Evaluate and apply relevant literature to a family therapy case study.

MFT628 Advanced Applications of Relational Theory and Systemic Interventions (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): MFT605 , MFT608 , MFT616 , MFT617 , MFT618 , MFT619  
This course provides an opportunity for students to apply and develop skills in assessing and conducting systemic therapeutic interventions with relational units. The influence of race, culture, and gender in couple and family dynamics and therapy are explored.  Experiential and didactic approaches are used.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate ability to conceptualize using major theories and treatment models in relational therapy.
2. Evaluate and apply appropriate techniques specific to relational therapy with diverse couples and families.
3. Evaluate and apply ethical and legal principles and factors that impact the health of the relational unit.
4. Evaluate therapeutic theories and models so as to apply and integrate them into a personal theory of change.

MFT635 Systemic Assessment and Treatment of Sexual Concerns (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): MFT605 , MFT608 , MFT615 , MFT616 , MFT650 , MFT628  

Pre/Co-requisite: MFT690  
This course addresses current approaches in the practice of sex therapy. Emphasis is on the assessment of individuals and couples and the development of appropriate interventions to address the sexual concerns presented by the couples and individuals. Issues regarding identification and treatment of male and female disorders as well as treatment of special populations are included.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply understanding of how their own sexuality and the sexuality of clients/couples are a function of multiple social and cultural influences.
2. Analyze the ways in which sexuality is woven into many aspects of human life.
3. Apply skills in communicating about sexuality topics.
4. Assess and evaluate sexual concerns in clients and couples.
5. Analyze sexual self-awareness and sexual health awareness.
6. Evaluate sexual health resources.

MFT642 Marriage and Family Therapy: Professional Issues and Orientation (1 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MFT program; required in the first term of admission.
This course provides an orientation to the profession of marriage and family therapy.  The history of the profession is covered as well as the roles and settings of Marriage and Family therapists.  Additionally, the developmental process involved with acquiring an identity as a Marriage and Family therapist is addressed.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify and evaluate the function and role of Marriage and Family therapists from a historical perspective.
2. Describe a process, including the stages, by which Marriage and Family therapists develop professional identity, then apply this understanding to analyze and assess their own current level of development.
3. Apply knowledge of the field to creating personal business and professional development plans.

MFT645 Couple and Family Therapy Community Practicum (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): MFT605 , MFT608 , MFT615 , MFT616 , MFT617 ,  MFT618 , MFT619 , MFT620 , MFT642  

Pre/Co-requisites: MFT628 , MFT650  
In this course students observe/shadow diverse clinical therapy sessions as they occur in a community clinic (through in-room, live video feed, and/or one-way mirror).  Students have the opportunity to serve as part of a live reflecting team with therapists and supervisors at the clinical setting.  Special attention is given to forming diagnostic impressions, writing case notes, developing and implementing treatment plans, and building professional skills as a therapeutic team member.

 Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Participate as a team member with licensed professionals in applying family therapy theory, models, and interventions to actual therapy situations.
2. Utilize observation of live therapy sessions to create assessments, diagnoses, and treatment plans.
3. Integrate knowledge of diverse cultures into treatment planning and implementation.
4. Demonstrate ability to write clinically relevant case notes.

MFT650 Assessment of Couples and Families (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): MFT605 , MFT608 , MFT616 , MFT617 , MFT618 , MFT619 , MFT620  
This course examines the strengths and limitations of different assessment strategies with couples and families, including assessment based on observation, therapist/rater, family report, and interactional methods. It includes an overview of various measures and instruments used, including parent-child, family, and couple inventories.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Understand the connection between ways of observing and assessing couples and families, and the underlying values and theoretical assumptions of the assessment instruments.
2. Evaluate family assessment tools appropriate for families.
3. Understand the legal, ethical, and clinical issues in couple and family assessment.
4. Administer various instruments and feedback to participants based on results.
5. Analyze the role that gender, ethnicity, race, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation play in the assessment of couples and families.
6. Create interview questions based out of the MFT models to use in assessments.

MFT671 Couple and Family Therapy Clinical Practicum I (required) (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s):  All program course requirements except MFT635, Contemporary Issues courses, and the Capstone
This course is for students to complete the 500 hours of clinical Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) practicum which meets or exceeds requirements of the Minnesota Board of MFT.  Students work under the on-campus supervision of a Minnesota Board of MFT and American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Approved Supervisor for a minimum of 30 hours per semester, as well as the off-campus supervision of an AAMFT Approved supervisor or equivalent licensed mental health professional with documented clinical experience with families.  All practicum hours must be completed at an approved practicum site.  The on-campus practicum seminar provides an environment for observation of taped clinical work, discussion of case material, and discussion of problems and concerns that arise in the practicum setting.  Personal and professional issues relevant to the practicum experiences are also explored.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy guidelines.
2. Analyze and evaluate client systems and create appropriate interventions, applying methods of family treatment in clinical practice.
3. Evaluate special issues which arise in the practice of therapy and the interface with clients and other professionals.

MFT672 Couple and Family Therapy Clinical Practicum II (required) (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): MFT671  
This course is for students to complete the 500 hours of clinical Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) practicum which meets or exceeds requirements of the Minnesota Board of MFT.  Students work under the on-campus supervision of a Minnesota Board of MFT and American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Approved Supervisor for a minimum of 36 hours per semester, as well as the off-campus supervision of an AAMFT Approved supervisor or equivalent licensed mental health professional with documented clinical experience with families.  All practicum hours must be completed at an approved practicum site.  The on-campus practicum seminar provides an environment for observation of taped clinical work, discussion of case material, and discussion of problems and concerns that arise in the practicum setting.  Personal and professional issues relevant to the practicum experiences are also explored.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy guidelines.
2. Analyze and evaluate client systems and create appropriate interventions, applying methods of family treatment in clinical practice.
3. Evaluate special issues which arise in the practice of therapy and the interface with clients and other professionals.

MFT673 Couple and Family Therapy Clinical Practicum III (required) (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s):  MFT671 , MFT672  
This course is for students to complete the 500 hours of clinical Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) practicum which meets or exceeds requirements of the Minnesota Board of MFT.  Students work under the on-campus supervision of a Minnesota Board of MFT and American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Approved Supervisor for a minimum of 36 hours per semester, as well as the off-campus supervision of an AAMFT Approved supervisor or equivalent licensed mental health professional with documented clinical experience with families.  All practicum hours must be completed at an approved practicum site.  The on-campus practicum seminar provides an environment for observation of taped clinical work, discussion of case material, and discussion of problems and concerns that arise in the practicum setting.  Personal and professional issues relevant to the practicum experiences are also explored.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy guidelines.
2. Analyze and evaluate client systems and create appropriate interventions, applying methods of family treatment in clinical practice.
3. Evaluate special issues which arise in the practice of therapy and the interface with clients and other professionals.

MFT674 Couple and Family Therapy Clinical Practicum IV (as needed) (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): MFT671 , MFT672 , MFT673  
This course is for students to complete the 500 hours of clinical Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) practicum which meets or exceeds requirements of the Minnesota Board of MFT.  Students work under the on-campus supervision of a Minnesota Board of MFT and American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Approved Supervisor for a minimum of 36 hours per semester, as well as the off-campus supervision of an AAMFT Approved supervisor or equivalent licensed mental health professional with documented clinical experience with families.  All practicum hours must be completed at an approved practicum site.  The on-campus practicum seminar provides an environment for observation of taped clinical work, discussion of case material, and discussion of problems and concerns that arise in the practicum setting.  Personal and professional issues relevant to the practicum experiences are also explored.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy guidelines.
2. Analyze and evaluate client systems and create appropriate interventions, applying methods of family treatment in clinical practice.
3. Evaluate special issues which arise in the practice of therapy and the interface with clients and other professionals.

MFT675 Couple and Family Therapy Practicum Completion (0 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): MFT673   or MFT674  
This course is a continuation of MFT673 or MFT674 for students who need additional time to complete the 500 hours of client contact.  A maximum of 50 client contact hours can be earned during this course.  Students needing to complete more than 50 client contact hours will be required to register for another semester of Clinical Practicum (either a first semester of MFT674 or a second semester of MFT674).

This course is a run as an independent study with weekly meetings with a practicum faculty member.  Once all hours of client contact are completed the timeline of the course is completed.  If a group of students need this class every effort will be made to schedule a regular time for the group to meet together as a class.  It is estimated that students will spend 5-8 weeks in this completion course.  Permission to register for this class will need to be granted by the Associate and Clinical Director of the MFT program.

MFT680 Capstone Course in MFT (1 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): MFT671  
This course is designed to assist students in developing their personal theory of change for the final program integration paper and oral exam. Students spend time crafting their theory of change, articulating examples of this in their clinical work, working on library literature searches to support this work, reviewing APA usage, and crafting a well-written resume for their job search.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate ability to write professionally using APA style guidelines.
2. Apply skills in accessing several databases to locate scholarly journal articles.
3. Articulate examples of when they have used their theory of therapeutic change.
4. Write a professional resume’.
5. Identify areas of literature to review and evaluate in order to support their clinical work and theory of change.

MFT690 Ethical Issues and Professional Practices in Marriage and Family Therapy (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): MFT642 , MFT615 , MFT618  

Pre/Co-requisite: MFT608  
This course examines professional, legal, and ethical issues in the practice of couples and family therapy.  The AAMFT Code of Ethics, Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Rules and selected Minnesota statutes pertaining to work with children, couples, and families are studied.  Case studies are used to interpret, examine, and integrate ethical, legal (state and federal), and professional issues such as confidentiality, dual relationships, and informed consent into ongoing MFT practice.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Recognize, articulate, and analyze what constitutes an ethical dilemma in clinical practice.
2. Understand, define, and describe the differences between the AAMFT Code of Ethics (AAMFT), MN Rules (BMFT) and MN Statutes (MN Statutes).
3. Analyze, compare, and utilize methods of ethical analysis and appropriate ethical decision making models in resolving potential ethical dilemmas.
4. Articulate and interpret the role of power, privilege, culture, race, ethnicity, gender, physical ability, religion, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status in analyzing ethical dilemmas.
5. Interpret, synthesize and apply knowledge of AAMFT Code, BMFT Rules, and MN Statutes to clinical situations, including proper procedures in emergency situations.
6. Articulate and discuss the role of professional advocacy in policy for MFTs.
7. Understand, articulate, and evaluate distinctions between ethical and legal responsibilities (both state and federal) in providing professional services.
8. Understand, define, and synthesize knowledge of the specific issues that arise from the interface of MFT practice with medical, legal, business, religious, and educational institutions.
9. Synthesize knowledge of all of the above in order to promote professionalism and best practice(s) as an MFT.

MFT791 Integration Paper and Oral Examination (0 cr.)

The integration paper and oral examination demonstrate the student’s ability to integrate coursework, practicum, and other professional experiences with scholarly literature in order to articulate a personal theory of therapeutic change with individuals, couples, and families. The oral examination is based on the integration paper.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate ability to write professionally using APA style guidelines and integrating scholarly literature.
2. Articulate personal theory of therapeutic change with inclusion of case examples.
3. Demonstrate critical and systemic thinking skills, including identification and evaluation of ethical dilemmas and demonstration of cultural responsiveness.
4. Demonstrate ability to self-assess strengths, growth areas, needs for supervision, and professional development.

PYD876 Religious and Spiritual Diversity in Counseling (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): Completion of first year coursework (24 credits)
This course provides an overview of the role of the psychologist in working with clients from diverse religious/spiritual backgrounds. The course explores historical and current approaches to issues of spirituality and faith in psychology and mental health, considerations for utilizing a client’s spirituality in treatment, and related ethical issues.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of current best practices regarding the inclusion of religion and spirituality in the delivery of mental health services.
2. Evaluate the history, research, and theory of spirituality/faith-based approaches to mental health.
3. Evaluate clinical issues and applications for addressing and evaluating spirituality/faith beliefs among individuals and families seeking mental health services, including the use of professional literature and research in clinical settings and assessments appropriate for people from diverse spiritual communities.
4. Examine ethical issues in clinical work with clients with a spiritual/religious identity.
5. Demonstrate sensitivity and responsiveness in clinical work of individuals with spiritual/faith traditions and their families
 

NUR302 Communication Skills for Nurses (3 cr.)

This course provides strategies for developing the academic and professional writing skills relevant to nurses. Topics include effective written communication in the workplace and appropriate communication styles based on audience and purpose. Academic writing is addressed, including APA formatting, library research tools, and methods for locating and selecting scholarly sources.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify a research topic and develop a thesis statement.
2. Locate and evaluate relevant academic and scholarly sources on a research topic using library databases and technology resources.
3. Prepare an annotated bibliography and various written reports.
4. Organize and manage ideas and sources for research topics.
5. Apply APA format to documentation.
6. Examine academic integrity and the ethical use of sources in written and oral communication.

NUR310 Pharmacology and Applied Mathematics (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): NUR302  or concurrent enrollment
This course focuses on general concepts in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics related to drug actions and interactions, metabolism and distribution, and adverse effects. Concepts in applied mathematics are applied to solution preparation, dosing, and various drug delivery systems.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Describe the molecular basis that occurs in drug-receptor interactions along with the subsequent effect of body systems and cells. 
2. Describe how the pharmacokinetic properties of a drug impacted toxic and therapeutic effects.
3. Examine drug metabolic pathways and describe factors that will affect drug metabolism.
4. Calculate the drug concentrations for commonly used solutions.
5. Discuss drug distribution with regard to efficacy and toxicity of drugs.
6. Apply the terms ED50, LD50, TD50, Therapeutic Window, and Therapeutic Index.

NUR320 Nursing Ethics (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): NUR302  or concurrent enrollment
This course is designed to develop a caring response to the ethical issues nurses face in nursing practice. A foundation is provided in basic ethical theories, principles, and decision-making frameworks including the Code of Ethics for Nursing. Legal, regulatory, and policy implications are also explored as an important factor in guiding ethical decision making for the professional nurse. Reflection specific to one’s own personal values and beliefs (morality) serve as an underpinning to understanding fundamental ethical principles and approaches in the complex healthcare environment.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Analyze personal and professional belief and value systems impacting one’s own nursing practice.
2. Examine the value of the professional Code of Ethics for Nurses and its application as an ethical framework.
3. Identify and examine legal and regulatory policies impacting nursing ethics.
4. Recognize and analyze current ethical dilemmas associated with nursing.
5. Apply ethical decision-making models for the nursing scope of practice.
6. Evaluate the role of self and personal accountability in ethical behavior.

NUR325 Cross Cultural Competence for Nurses (3 cr.)

This course examines the impact of cultural diversity on the helping relationship, encourages the acknowledgement of biases and beliefs about diversity, and provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate an appreciation of the contributions of diverse populations. Special attention is given to diverse populations.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify and acknowledge biases and beliefs about diversity.
2. Understand the impact of cultural diversity on the helping relationship.
3. Practice with respect, knowledge, and skills related to clients’ age, class, color, culture, disability, economic status, ethnicity, family structure, gender, lifestyle orientation, marital status, national origin, race, and religion.
4. Recognize contributions from a diverse population, interacting as individuals or groups, to guide evolving organizational and societal systems.  

NUR330 Healthcare Delivery Systems (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): NUR302  or concurrent enrollment, all general education requirements
This course provides an overview of healthcare delivery systems and their interaction and influence on healthcare practices. An examination of health reimbursement systems, external regulatory bodies, and public policy are explored.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Describe the processes/organizations associated with regulation of healthcare practice in the U.S.
2. Identify and discuss current legal statutes defining healthcare practice and professional rights and responsibilities of nurses.
3. Describe and compare how healthcare delivery systems are organized and financed.
4. Discuss social and economic factors shaping healthcare policy and ways to effect policy change.
5. Analyze the challenges associated with maintaining organizational compliance within a care setting.
6. Evaluate health reimbursement systems and their impact on healthcare practices and cost containment.

NUR340 Nursing Research (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): NUR302  or concurrent enrollment, all general education requirements
This course focuses on the integration of quality evidence from research, clinical expertise, and patient values to make informed decisions regarding quality nursing practices. Identifying areas of evidence-based practice, gathering and evaluating valid evidence, implementing the findings, and assessing the outcomes are discussed.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply an evidence-based practice model applicable to nursing.
2. Access and evaluate sources of evidence for validity and relevance.
3. Integrate the use of nursing data and information, and the role of informatics systems in healthcare organizations.
4. Compare current and emerging clinical information and decision support systems used in healthcare.
5. Integrate patient values and preferences into clinical decision making.
6. Determine interventions and modifications to the plan of care using valid evidence.
7. Demonstrate proficiency in technology competencies that are currently used in nursing practice and leadership.

NUR405 Introduction to Healthcare Finance (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): All 300 level courses or approval from the Program Director
This course introduces nurses to concepts in financial management. Students are exposed to different types of budgets, financial forecasting, determination of assets, valuation of nursing services, and preparation of nursing unit budgets across different types of nursing units.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply budgeting skills and technological tools to support financial and operational unit management.
2. Discuss staffing resources including recruitment and retention of staff and their impact on the financial status of a patient care area.
3. Analyze cost, revenue, and expense data related to financial operations for the healthcare unit/division and organization.
4. Evaluate methods such as forecasting used for the development of operating budgets for nursing services.
5. Discuss key issues impacting decision making in healthcare resource management.
6. Describe the relationships between healthcare financing, costs, and quality of care.

NUR410 Healthcare Information Management (3 cr.)

This course provides an overview of information management in health and human service organizations. It examines the evolution of informatics, the rules, regulations, and ethical concerns that impact the health practitioner. An analysis of the principles and processes of information management tools for healthcare is included.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Analyze overall trends and direct practice decisions in healthcare utilizing information systems and electronic medical records.
2. Apply the federal, state, and local statutes that address compliance, confidentiality, privacy protection, ethical concerns, and dissemination of electronic health records.
3. Identify how information management is applied in public healthcare practices on both micro and macro levels.
4. Illustrate how the roles found in healthcare settings interact and affect the roles found in human services and the importance of current and accurate data in fostering these relationships.
5. Apply common terminology and acronyms related to health informatics.
6. Evaluate the current models used for informatics management and reporting, and address future trends within the industry.

NUR415 Nursing Leadership and Management (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): All 300 level courses or approval from the Program Director
This course examines managerial and leadership concepts applied to the role of the professional nurse.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Differentiate between the roles of leaders and managers.
2. Apply theories of effective leadership and management within selected healthcare systems.
3. Demonstrate the concepts of conflict management using appropriate communication tasks.
4. Describe the impact of unionization in healthcare and discuss the impact of collective bargaining including legal implications.
5. Discuss strategies for effective interprofessional collaboration and team building.
6. Discuss professional accountability for effective leadership within nursing practice and for advancement of the profession.

NUR425 Integrative Healthcare (3 cr.)

This course introduces integrative therapies as components of routine nursing care. Nurses explore how transformational care therapies such as massage, guided imagery, meditation, and acupressure can be used to promote wellness and pain control in all patients.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Discuss the conceptual basis for including integrative practices as adjuncts in the delivery of traditional nursing care.
2. Describe several integrative therapies and how they can be applied to the nursing care plan.
3. Describe assessment processes for patients who could benefit from integrative therapies.
4. Select specific integrative therapies that are effective in working with patients experiencing anxiety, fear, and pain.
5. Create a plan for teaching and coaching patients who could benefit from integrative therapies.

NUR435 Community Health Assessment (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): All 300 level courses or approval from the Program Director
This course examines the major causes of morbidity and mortality facing state and community populations. Intervention with communities through prevention and health education/counseling are explored.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify and examine the etiologies of the major medical/socioeconomic health problems associated with adult health in the U.S.
2. Apply a systematic evidence-based approach to plan, deliver, and evaluate quality care.
3. Discover through community assessment the characteristics of a local community population and what major health challenges they are facing.
4. Plan for patient education with diverse populations to promote health, prevent disease, and reduce risk.
5. Analyze the effectiveness of the patient education teaching plan designed for a specific family or population group.

NUR490 Capstone (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): All General Education required courses (119 credit hours), and Program Director approval.
This summative course integrates the skills and knowledge developed in previous coursework and applies them to a project.  Students select an area of interest and location that can accommodate at least 40 hours. After completing an approved proposal and demonstrating compliance with the stipulations for off-site experiences, a preceptor and/or advisor is assigned. Students are required to submit a paper based on journal entries and learning throughout the 40-hour experience, identifying an aspect for improved patient care at their location. 

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Describes the role, learning objectives, and responsibilities of the learner prior to participating in the off-site experience. Documents compliance with same after at the end of the experience.
2. Complies with all university, institutional, and program policies, privacy mandate, including attendance, and record keeping.
3. Demonstrates the ability to analyze effectively and think critically throughout the experience.
4. Accepts responsibility for his/her relationships with patients and all other members of the healthcare team that demonstrates awareness of multicultural and social differences.
5. Displays initiative, self-discipline, and intellectual curiosity.
6. Accepts instruction and constructive criticism and incorporates it into future practice.
7. Demonstrates ethical behavior in all relationships.
8. Displays a willingness to perform any assigned duties within the scope of the practicum agreement.
9. Describe the elements that combine to define safe and competent care in their practicum institution.
10. Identify leadership and management principles relevant to their practicum site experience.

NA606 Research Design and Statistical Analysis (3 cr.)

This course provides an overview of research methods and statistical procedures commonly used in healthcare research, with particular focus on research related to practice as a nurse anesthetist.  The course emphasizes analysis of research studies and applied statistical procedures as the foundation for evidence-based practice.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Discuss the role of research and evidence-based practice in contemporary health care.
2. Utilize qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to evaluate commonly used research designs, including randomized clinical trials, crossover designs, quasi-experimental designs, and case control studies.
3. Describe the normal curve, standardized scores, and basis for inferential statistics.
4. Interpret the results of common statistical procedures, including t-tests, chi-square tests, correlation and regression, analysis of variance, effect sizes, survival analysis, odds ratios, and meta-analysis.
5. Analyze the reliability and validity of measures, interpret graphs and charts, and interpret confidence intervals.
6. Evaluate research according to internal and external validity, appropriateness of statistics used, methodologies paradigm, and generalizability of results.

NA614 Advanced Health Assessment for Nurse Anesthesia (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): NA630 
This course builds upon health assessment skills of the practicing critical care nurse and focuses on health assessment across the human lifespan. Skills for efficiently obtaining a patient’s history with regard to psychosocial and cultural differences are discussed. Performing a focused history and physical assessment, incorporating diagnostic information, assessing ongoing patient status using relevant monitoring techniques, and determining appropriate and timely intervention during the anesthetic continuum are emphasized.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Determine physiological differences found throughout the lifespan.
2. Perform a logically sequenced patient interview and physical assessment.
3. Describe the use of monitoring technology and its application to planning care and ongoing patient assessment.
4. Formulate an anesthetic management plan based on evaluation of a patient’s interview, physical assessment, and the anticipated surgical procedure.
 

NA615 Principles of Anesthesia Practice I (6 cr.)

NA618 Principles of Anesthesia I (4 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): NA630 , NA640 ; Concurrent enrollment NA614  
This course begins an in-depth study of the introductory principles of anesthesia including the basic tenants of care for the anesthetized patient. The safe use of anesthesia delivery systems and related equipment is emphasized and applied to individual patient care. Anesthetic techniques are demonstrated with their application to surgical procedures.

Upon completion of this course, the student is expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply the professional standards of practice for the certified registered nurse anesthetist with emphasis on patient safety, documentation, and legal aspects of care.
2. Discuss the technology and equipment required for safe anesthesia delivery using a variety of anesthesia delivery systems, regional anesthesia, and analgesia equipment.
3. Plan care for the challenges and complications associated with various physiological states, including age, health status, structural abnormalities, and anesthesia-related complications.
4. Formulate an anesthetic management plan that includes preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative assessment findings, anesthetic techniques, procedural implications, and individual patient reactions to anesthesia and surgery.
    

NA620 Principles of Anesthesia II (6 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): NA618  
This course is a continuance of NA614 Advanced Health Assessment for Nurse Anesthesia and NA618 Principles of Anesthesia Practice I. Differing patient populations with acute and chronic conditions or disease states are explored in-depth, resulting in a comprehensive surgical care plan. This care plan is based on the perioperative patient assessment and application of general and regional anesthesia techniques. The application of general principles to individual patients is emphasized.

Upon completion of this course, the student is expected to be able to do the following:

1. Formulate an anesthetic management plan that includes preoperative, perioperative and postoperative assessment findings, anesthetic techniques, procedural implications, and individual patient reactions to anesthesia and surgery for the following conditions:
            a. neuromuscular diseases
            b. autoimmune diseases
            c. endocrine disorders
            d. renal diseases
            e. liver diseases
             f. cardiovascular disorders
            g. pulmonary diseases
            h. organ transplantation
2. Integrate the implications of physiologic changes and risk factors to plan anesthetic care for mothers in vaginal and C-section deliveries, including general, spinal, and epidural anesthesia.
3. Plan anesthetic care for the pediatric patient considering anatomy, physiology, and psychosocial needs in the preoperative preparation of the child and family, selection of anesthetic agents, techniques for delivery, and response to complications.
4. Integrate knowledge of complications in the care of patients with various forms of traumatic injury and shock.
5. Create plan of care to manage acute and chronic pain.

NA630 Professional Aspects of Nurse Anesthesia (3 cr.)

This course provides the graduate nurse anesthesia student an opportunity to focus on a variety of professional practice components. Reading and discussion topics include the evolution of the professional inclusive of regulation, policy, and credentialing; ethical and legal implications associated with practice; delivery systems, informatics, and reimbursement. Professional resources and maintaining wellness are also discussed.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1.  Analyze how the changes in the healthcare system influence patient care.
2.  Determine the process and methods used by individual states, state boards of nursing, and healthcare organizations to regulate CRNA practice and credential providers.
3.  Identify federal and state law, regulatory agencies, and institutional policies that are applicable to the definition of practice, the assignment of liability, and the definition of malpractice.
4.  Apply the essential elements of patient care documentation in relation to the AANA scope and standards of practice.
5.  Discuss strategies to both promote wellness and address the CRNA who is impaired.
6.  Apply the Code of Ethics for the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and the Code of Ethics for Nurses to the concepts of beneficence, non-maleficence, practice, and leadership.
7. Discuss theories and concepts related to management and leadership.
8. Describe the roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities of the department manager.
9. Discuss major components, elements, and responsibilities associated with department management.
10. Discuss working with diverse individuals as members of working groups.

NA632 Professional Aspects of Nurse Anesthesia Department (1 cr.)

NA635 Professional Writing for Nurse Anesthetists (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): Concurrent enrollment in NA606  
This course introduces the student to the expectations of graduate and professional writing and research in the medical field.  Topics include: modes of professional communication, APA standards and conventions, essential elements of medically-related reports such as clinical case studies, integrative and systematic reviews, and meta-analysis.  Other forms of professional communication will be addressed including correspondence, insurance, incident, and quality assurance reports.  Library research tools and use of databases for topic searches will be covered. The ethical and legal ramifications of professional communication are addressed.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply a process approach to develop an effective writing technique.
2. Develop an awareness of audience in written communications.
3. Display mastery of grammar and style.
4. Display mastery of APA style and formatting.
5. Conduct a review of the literature on a specific topic.
6. Discuss the ethical and legal ramifications of research.
7. Evaluate research writing.
8. Demonstrate professional and effective writing and presentation skills.

NA640 Chemistry and Physics for Nurse Anesthesia (3 cr.)

This course examines the principles of inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics as they apply to the practice of anesthesia and anesthetic pharmacology. Topics include anesthesia delivery systems, delivery of inhalation anesthetics, fluid and gas mechanics, laser technology, radiology and nuclear medicine, ultrasonography, electricity, and magnetism, among others.

Upon completion of this course, the student is expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply principles of inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics to anesthetic pharmacology.
2. Apply principles of inorganic chemistry and physics to anesthesia delivery and monitoring systems.
3. Apply principles of fluid and gas mechanics to anesthesia delivery and anesthetic pharmacology.
4. Apply concepts of laser technology to safe patient care.
5. Apply theories related to radiology, nuclear medicine, and magnetism to the interpretation of diagnostic data and the provision of safe patient care.
6. Apply principles of ultrasonography to the safe administration of regional anesthetics and intravenous access.

NA645 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology I (6 cr.)

1. Describe normal physiology for body systems across the lifespan.
2. Apply the principles of physiology to recognize pathophysiologic states.
3. Synthesize knowledge of altered physiology to articulate appropriate differential diagnosis of pathophysiologic states.
4. Formulate a care plan based on a patient’s differential diagnosis.
5. Interpret the implications of pathophysiological alterations across the lifespan.
6. Describe the development of clinical manifestations of a disease based on the interrelatedness of pathophysiologic changes.

NA650 Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology II (6 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): NA645  
This course is the second in a series of two courses.  This course builds on the Registered Nurse’s prior baccalaureate curriculum in anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology to provide an advanced study in physiology and pathophysiology across the lifespan.  Topics covered in this course include cardiology, pulmonology, nephrology, urology, immunology, hematology, the stress/disease response systems, and the gastro-intestinal system.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Describe normal physiology for body systems across the lifespan.
2. Apply the principles of physiology to recognize pathophysiologic states.
3. Synthesize knowledge of altered physiology to articulate appropriate differential diagnosis of pathophysiologic states.
4. Formulate a care plan based on a patient’s differential diagnosis.
5. Interpret the implications of pathophysiological alterations across the lifespan.
6. Describe the development of clinical manifestations of a disease based on the interrelatedness of pathophysiologic changes.

NA651 Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthetists (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): NA640  
This course introduces basic principles of pharmacology and focuses on those drugs most often used in the practice of anesthesia. The course provides an overview of drug actions, interactions, metabolism, methods of administration, dosages, side effects, precautions, and contraindications.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Possess a broad in-depth knowledge and understanding of the pharmacology of anesthetic agents.
2. Explain the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
3. Describe, for each of the major classes of anesthetic agents and adjuncts presented the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic characteristics, methods of administration, dosages, side effects, precautions, and contraindications.
4. Describe the administration of general and regional anesthetic agents to all ages and categories of patients.
5. Understand the use of a broad variety of anesthetics adjunctive agents in anesthesia care.
6. Evaluate the patient’s medication history and propose additional diagnostic data as indicated.

NA661 Pharmacology (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): NA651  
This course focuses on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of major drug classifications. Their interactions with anesthetic agents are discussed.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Describe the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics, clinical uses, indications and contraindications, potential drug interactions and therapeutic doses.
2. Evaluate the patient’s medication history and describe additional diagnostic data needed prior to the administration of anesthesia.
3. Describe the interaction between an anesthetic and a patient’s chronic medication regime.
4. Integrate pharmacologic principles related to differing classifications of drugs into patient care plans.

NA671 Anesthesia Clinical Practicum (240 hrs.) (0 cr.)

NA672 Anesthesia Clinical Practicum (240 Hours) (0 cr.)

NA673 Anesthesia Clinical Practicum (480 Hours) (0 cr.)

NA674 Anesthesia Clinical Practicum (480 Hours) (0 cr.)

NA678 Anesthesia Clinical Practicum (480 Hours) (0 cr.)

NA679 Anesthesia Clinical Practicum (240 Hours) (0 cr.)

NA770 Clinical Practicum I (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): Concurrent enrollment in NA620  
Clinical Practicum I provides the student with opportunities to apply the didactic principles of anesthesia to patient care. Students must master the basic skills and routines associated with anesthesia practice by spending time observing anesthesia and surgery in an urban medical center.

Upon completion of this course students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Provide a safe patient care environment at all times.
2. Demonstrate vigilance while observing and performing patient care.
3. Observe and perform a comprehensive history and physical assessment, create a relevant care plan, and discusses it with the anesthesia care team.
4. Demonstrate dexterity while performing procedures.
5. Observe, integrate, and demonstrate the safe administration of anesthesia care to patients of all ages and physical conditions for a variety of surgical and medically-related procedures.
6. Monitor patients efficiently and accurately.
7. Recognize and appropriately respond to changes in the patient’s condition in a timely way.
8. Observe and integrate nurse anesthesia care based on learned principles and research evidence for all phases of the anesthetic process.
9. Communicate effectively with all members of the patient care team, the patient, and their family members.
10. Act with regard to cultural differences.
11. Function within appropriate standards, policies, and legal requirements.
12. Accept responsibility with accountability and integrity in all matters.
13. Demonstrate professional behavior appropriate at all times.

NA771 Clinical Practicum II (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s):

NA770  
Clinical practicum provides the student with the opportunity to apply the principles of anesthesia to direct patient care. Students provide supervised care in a variety of settings and specialty rotations to demonstrate proficiency in advanced anesthetic techniques.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Provides a safe patient care environment at all times.
2. Demonstrate vigilance while delivering patient care.
3. Perform a comprehensive history and physical assessment, creates a relevant care plan, and discusses it with the anesthesia care team.
4. Demonstrate dexterity while performing procedures.
5. Safely administer anesthesia to patients of all ages and physical conditions for a variety of surgical and medically-related procedures.
6. Monitors patients efficiently and accurately.
7. Recognize and appropriately respond to changes in the patient’s condition in a timely way.
8. Provide nurse anesthesia care based on sound principles and research evidence for all phases of the anesthetic process.
9. Communicate effectively with all members of the patient care team, the patient, and their family members.
10. Act with regard to cultural differences.
11. Function within appropriate standards, policies, and legal requirements.
12. Accept responsibility with accountability and  integrity in all matters.
13. Demonstrate professional behavior appropriate to at all times.

NA772 Clinical Practicum III (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): NA771  
Clinical practicum provides the student with the opportunity to apply the principles of anesthesia to direct patient care. Students provide supervised care in a variety of settings and specialty rotations to demonstrate proficiency in advanced anesthetic techniques.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Provides a safe patient care environment at all times.
2. Demonstrate vigilance while delivering patient care.
3. Perform a comprehensive history and physical assessment, creates a relevant care plan, and discusses it with the anesthesia care team.
4. Demonstrate dexterity while performing procedures.
5. Safely administer anesthesia to patients of all ages and physical conditions for a variety of surgical and medically-related procedures.
6. Monitors patients efficiently and accurately.
7. Recognize and appropriately respond to changes in the patient’s condition in a timely way.
8. Provide nurse anesthesia care based on sound principles and research evidence for all phases of the anesthetic process.
9. Communicate effectively with all members of the patient care team, the patient, and their family members.
10. Act with regard to cultural differences.
11. Function within appropriate standards, policies, and legal requirements.
12. Accept responsibility with accountability and  integrity in all matters.
13. Demonstrate professional behavior appropriate to at all times.

NA773 Clinical Practicum IV (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): NA 772  
Clinical practicum provides the student with the opportunity to apply the principles of anesthesia to direct patient care. Students provide supervised care in a variety of settings and specialty rotations to demonstrate proficiency in advanced anesthetic techniques.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Provides a safe patient care environment at all times.
2. Demonstrate vigilance while delivering patient care.
3. Perform a comprehensive history and physical assessment, creates a relevant care plan, and discusses it with the anesthesia care team.
4. Demonstrate dexterity while performing procedures.
5. Safely administer anesthesia to patients of all ages and physical conditions for a variety of surgical and medically-related procedures.
6. Monitors patients efficiently and accurately.
7. Recognize and appropriately respond to changes in the patient’s condition in a timely way.
8. Provide nurse anesthesia care based on sound principles and research evidence for all phases of the anesthetic process.
9. Communicate effectively with all members of the patient care team, the patient, and their family members.
10. Act with regard to cultural differences.
11. Function within appropriate standards, policies, and legal requirements.
12. Accept responsibility with accountability and  integrity in all matters.
13. Demonstrate professional behavior appropriate to at all times.

NA774 Clinical Practicum V (480 hours) (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): NA773  
Clinical practicum provides the student with the opportunity to apply the principles of anesthesia to direct patient care. Students provide supervised care in a variety of settings and specialty rotations to demonstrate proficiency in advanced anesthetic techniques.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Provides a safe patient care environment at all times.
2. Demonstrate vigilance while delivering patient care.
3. Perform a comprehensive history and physical assessment, creates a relevant care plan, and discusses it with the anesthesia care team.
4. Demonstrate dexterity while performing procedures.
5. Safely administer anesthesia to patients of all ages and physical conditions for a variety of surgical and medically-related procedures.
6. Monitors patients efficiently and accurately.
7. Recognize and appropriately respond to changes in the patient’s condition in a timely way.
8. Provide nurse anesthesia care based on sound principles and research evidence for all phases of the anesthetic process.
9. Communicate effectively with all members of the patient care team, the patient, and their family members.
10. Act with regard to cultural differences.
11. Function within appropriate standards, policies, and legal requirements.
12. Accept responsibility with accountability and  integrity in all matters.
13. Demonstrate professional behavior appropriate to at all times.

NA780 Clinical Integration (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): Concurrent enrollment in NA771  
This course focuses on the application of evidence-based research principles to nurse anesthesia practice. Discussions are facilitated by practitioners in a care conference format. Activities include reviewing principles of evidence-based practice interventions and critical analysis of actual case scenarios and professional issues.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Prepare and analyze a comprehensive review of the literature pertaining to a topic relevant to contemporary anesthesia practice.
2. Analyze patient care outcomes in terms of planned or actual care delivered, cultural awareness, cost, and contemporary evidence-based principles.
3. Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills while evaluating actual patient care.
4. Become certified and nurse managers for substance use disorders.
5. Discuss the concepts related to self-awareness and wellness and how they can be integrated into anesthesia practice.

NA781 Synthesis Paper Proposal (2 cr.)

NA782 Program Comprehensive Exams (1 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): All formal didactic coursework
The student’s mastery of their anesthesia knowledge base is assessed via a series of comprehensive examinations. Examination topics include basic and advanced principles of anesthesia practice, basic sciences (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, chemistry and physics), professional aspects of anesthesia practice, pharmacology, advanced monitoring, technology, and equipment. There are five examinations in this series.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate a mastery of their anesthesia knowledge base by obtaining at least seventy percent achievement level on each comprehensive examination.

NA783 Synthesis Paper (2 cr.)

NA784 Synthesis Paper Presentation (1 cr.)

NA795 Portfolio I (1 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of all academic coursework and concurrent enrollment in NA771 , NA772 , or NA773 
In this course students document their preparation to assume the role of a CRNA through the creation of a professional portfolio over a period of time.  The purpose of the portfolio is to provide evidence and analysis of personal and professional growth, reflect on achievement in relation to learning needs, critically address contemporary clinical and professional issues and demonstrate progress towards the program outcome objectives.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate progress achievement towards the program outcome objectives.

NA796 Portfolio II (1 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of NA795  
In this course students document their preparation to assume the role of a CRNA through the creation of a professional portfolio over a period of time.  The purpose of the portfolio is to provide evidence and analysis of personal and professional growth, reflect on achievement in relation to learning needs, critically address contemporary clinical and professional issues, and demonstrate progress towards the program outcome objectives.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate progress achievement towards the program outcome objectives.

NA797 Portfolio III (1 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of NA796  
 In this course students document their preparation to assume the role of a CRNA through the creation of a professional portfolio over a period of time.  The purpose of the portfolio is to provide evidence and analysis of personal and professional growth, reflect on achievement in relation to learning needs, critically address contemporary clinical and professional issues and demonstrate progress towards the program outcome objectives.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate progress achievement towards the program outcome objectives.

NA798 Portfolio IV (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of NA797  
In this course students document their preparation to assume the role of a CRNA through the creation of a professional portfolio over a period of time. The purpose of the portfolio is to provide evidence and analysis of personal and professional growth, reflect on achievement in relation to learning needs, and critically address contemporary clinical and professional issues, and demonstrate progress towards the program outcome objectives.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate progress achievement towards the program outcome objectives.

OL614 Leadership and Ethics (3 cr.)

This course focuses on theories and styles of leadership and the ways in which outcomes are influenced through increased awareness of personal style and skills. Personal and professional ethics are analyzed, and ethical issues in organizations are explored.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Evaluate personal leadership strengths and opportunities for leadership success.
2. Analyze the role of the leader in the context of organizational issues.
3. Analyze one’s learning and communication style as it applies to leadership in a technological world.
4. Distinguish emotional intelligence competencies that contribute to leadership success.
5. Analyze ethical principles that affect decision making.
6. Analyze ethical dilemmas within organizations.
7. Synthesize the individual, organizational, and systemic issues in ethical situations.
8. Construct a process for ethically responsible decision making and apply this model to ethical decision points.

OL615 Critical Thinking and Research (3 cr.)

This course focuses on exploring, analyzing, and evaluating information in order to think critically when creating leadership strategy.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Assess the foundational criteria, assumptions, and sources of beliefs and values.
2. Use creativity and innovation as an aspect of critical thinking for leadership practice.
3. Articulate the complexity inherent in controversial issues.
4. Analyze an issue from several points of view.
5. Create a research design and protocol for a research question.
6. Synthesize information from multiple sources in planning for change.
7. Engage constituents in using research to address organizational needs.
8. Apply ethical considerations in research.

OL624 Collaboration and Teambuilding (3 cr.)

This course focuses on collaboration skills in developing high performing teams. Personal power, conflict, and influence are examined. Team building communication techniques are also included.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Develop strategies for high-performing teams.
2. Evaluate the role of influence and personal power in building relationships.
3. Analyze and apply appropriate conflict management approaches.
4. Evaluate collaboration skills for team building.
5. Assess cultural situations in organizations.
6. Evaluate supportive communication techniques.
7. Analyze an emotional competence framework and apply it to teams.
8. Apply systems theory, team collaboration, and shared vision to organizations.

OL625 Communication Strategies (3 cr.)

This course focuses on tools, techniques, and strategies for effective communication in organizational excellence. Presentation, negotiation, and advocacy are examined.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Evaluate how communication tools, channels, and techniques affect strategy.
2. Demonstrate interpersonal communication to manage relationships via technology.
3. Demonstrate effective and supportive listening skills in respectful engagement of others’ ideas, behaviors, and beliefs.
4. Demonstrate the use of narrative and storytelling as a communication strategy.
5. Demonstrate successful negotiating skills.
6. Match vocabulary and voice to audience needs.
7. Argue for and influence an audience on a critical topic.
8. Present material in a visually appealing manner.

OL634 Economic and Political Contexts (3 cr.)

This course focuses on global, economic, and political issues influencing today’s organizations. Contextual factors and trends in world economics and politics are examined.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Analyze the factors influencing the international political economy and the management of organizations.
2. Analyze the viewpoints identified in global politics.
3. Analyze the influence of organizational beliefs and policies on global economies.
4. Synthesize the cultural, economic, political, and social perspectives that impact organizations.
5. Evaluate global trends important for effective local management.
6. Articulate the challenges unique to organizations that operate globally.

OL635 Social and Cultural Perspectives (3 cr.)

This course focuses on the ethical stewardship of an organization within a contextual environment. Increased awareness of social responsibility and global citizenship is addressed along with cultural influences that impact organizations.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate appropriate cultural and contextual communication.
2. Evaluate components of and influences on organizational culture.
3. Evaluate strategies for an organizational culture of diversity and inclusion.
4. Respect viewpoints that differ from the view most dominant in cultures.
5. Evaluate the choices and decisions required for social responsibility.
6. Synthesize ethical requirements with organizational ethical frameworks.
7. Analyze compliance issues and principles that affect an organizational operating internationally.

OL640 Power and Influence (3 cr.)

This course focuses on the dynamics of power and influence within organizations.  It explores the role of power in leadership and how to appropriately exercise it.  An overview of the nature and types of power in leadership roles is examined, along with the relationship between power and influence.  Communication, relationship building, and organizational politics are also addressed in relation to power and influence.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Analyze the role that power plays in leadership within today’s society
2. Describe the relationship among leadership, power, and influence.
3. Evaluate the connections between power and leadership as they relate to ethical conduct.
4. Define the nature and characteristics of power, as it exists in the workplace.
5. Articulate how power influences leadership abilities, including communication, conflict management, and decision making.

OL644 Talent Management (3 cr.)

This course focuses on talent analysis of the whole organization while advancing development of its mission delivery. Performance management principles are examined.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Analyze organizational talent demands.
2. Assess an organization’s life cycle stage and plan for growth.
3. Evaluate talent management models to address organizational needs.
4. Evaluate recruitment and retention strategies for alignment with organizational values.
5. Distinguish between talent management and leadership development.
6. Synthesize intellectual capital issues related to talent management and knowledge management.

OL646 Organization Development (3 cr.)

This course focuses on an overview of the fundamental components of organization development.  It is designed to provide students with different perspectives on organization development at the individual, group, and organizational levels of analysis. Students learn theoretical models to evaluate organizational performance, as well as techniques that develop the organization’s ability to manage change.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Describe the theoretical components of organization development and theory.
2. Analyze challenges and opportunities of an internal/external consultant.
3. Articulate the dynamics of the change process and resistance to change in organizations.
4. Assess opportunities for planned and emergent change within an organization.
5. Evaluate various organization interventions at the individual, group, and organizational level.

OL650 Organizational Effectiveness (3 cr.)

This course focuses on assessing the overall effectiveness of various organizations and their approaches to change. Students learn how to apply theoretical models to evaluate organizational performance, techniques to manage interventions, and methods of evaluating and institutionalizing change. 

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply an organization development model to a design change strategy that may promote organizational effectiveness.
2. Articulate organizational problems at the individual, group (including team or unit), and organization levels of analysis.
3. Recommend solutions to address organizational problems.
4. Identify institutionalized evaluation techniques for planned change.

OL654 Strategy and Innovation (3 cr.)

This course focuses on strategic thinking and creativity in organizational leadership. Innovation is examined as a process to develop the strengths of a system or organization, and to deliver positive results.  Evaluation, analysis, and integration based on previous course learning is expected.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Evaluate the creative process.
2. Apply the principles of strategic thinking, planning, and development.
3. Evaluate the processes for developing a strategic initiative.
4. Analyze the blocks and enhancements to developing creativity.
5. Integrate creative thinking strategies in a system or an organization to build and/or foster its capacity to innovate, change, and develop.
6. Analyze trends in technology which influence innovation and leadership.
7. Assemble thoughtful, innovative strategies with creative practices for organizational/systems learning.

OL655 Capstone Symposium (3 cr.)

This course focuses on integrating the knowledge, skill, and experience from all leadership coursework through research, writing, and a proposal for creative change.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Integrate, synthesize, and apply coursework in order to assess the role of the leader and leadership practice, and its interconnection with organizational/systems functioning.
2. Evaluate information and its sources critically.
3. Synthesize knowledge, skills, and experiences with leaders and leadership.
4. Evaluate peer presentations using a supportive communication style.

PRM600 Foundations of Project Management (3 cr.)

This foundation course covers key terminology, project management context, and the project management framework. This framework includes the project management knowledge areas and the project process groups.
 

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply key project management terms.
2. Analyze the environment in which projects operate.
3. Describe a generalized view of how the various project management processes commonly interact.
4. Identify project integration, scope, schedule, cost, quality, resource, communications, risk, procurement, and stakeholder management process inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs.
5. Analyze stakeholder needs and expectations.
6. Interpret the role of the project manager.
7. Initiate a project by creating a project charter and analyzing stakeholder needs.
8. Apply university and workplace citation and documentation carefully to all assignments.

PRM601 Project Scope and Scheduling (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PRM600  
This course examines activities related to project planning and estimating project scope and schedule. It also examines processes for managing project resources.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Plan and estimate project scope, resources, and schedule.
2. Evaluate the environment in which the project operates using project management documents. 
3. Prepare scope baseline, including requirements traceability matrix, scope statement, and work breakdown structure. 
4. Prepare schedule baseline by developing a network diagram, estimating activities durations, and developing project schedule.
5. Prepare an integrated project schedule incorporating resources using automated scheduling tool. 
6. Apply appropriate estimating techniques to scope and schedule processes. 
7. Identify factors that create project change.

PRM606 Global Project Management (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PRM600 , PRM601 
This course focuses on the various considerations project managers must make for successful global projects. It addresses the differences between differing political climates and stages of economic development. Social and cultural differences of countries are examined for their impact on project processes.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Describe a systems approach to cultural identities.
2. Analyze the viewpoint of another culture to gain new knowledge and insights.
3. Evaluate variables in the communication process in project presentation.
4. Describe transnational differences and organizational cultures.
5. Identify various approaches to cross-cultural assessments in project management.
6. Evaluate multicultural teamwork and collaboration in project management.
7. Identify legal and government limitations on projects.
    

PRM607 Project Management Portfolio & Program Management (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PRM600 , PRM601 
This course examines a documented set of processes for managing multiple projects. Program and portfolio management knowledge areas, processes, tools, and practices, and their integration into successful business and organizational contexts are explored.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply key program and portfolio management terms.
2. Evaluate the environment in which programs and portfolios operate.
3. Describe a generalized view of how the various project, program, and portfolio management processes commonly interact.
4. Analyze program and portfolio management process inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs.
5. Promote efficient and effective communication and coordination among various project management groups.
6. Express all relevant points of view that bear on the issue.

PRM611 Technical Communication (3 cr.)

This course strengthens and deepens communication skills for technical professionals. Organization of information for multiple audiences and purposes is engaged for project managers and technologists. Students work hands-on with technological tools to document and present project outcomes. Professionalism in both oral and written communication is expected.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Design and revise business/workplace documents for a specific audience and purpose.
2. Compose and apply discipline-specific voice, style, and terminology to achieve communication goals.
3. Distinguish, formulate, and evaluate design principles to assist with visual, written, and oral communication.
4. Assess and employ technology to assist in achieving communication objectives.
5. Assemble and interpret relevant research materials.
6. Prepare professional documentation consistent with university and workplace standards.
    

PRM612 Project Leadership Team and Stakeholder Management (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PRM600 , PRM601  and PRM611  
This course examines strategies used to effectively complete projects through people and stakeholder groups and the role of the project manager as leader.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify, assign, and communicate project roles, responsibilities, and reporting relationships.
2. Synthesize in a balanced manner the individual, organizational, and systemic issues in conflicting situations and negotiations.
3. Develop strategies to identify, address, and manage the diverse expectations of the project team and other stakeholder groups.
4. Evaluate attributes that shape decisions on tailoring project approaches.
5. Demonstrate, select, and adapt communications styles critical to project environments and progress.
6. Adapt personal leadership style for alignment with the organization culture and project needs.
7. Develop facilitation skills for virtual and in-person interactions among teams and groups.
8. Close projects effectively, including staffing, finance, and archiving lessons learned and project documentation.
9. Direct and manage project work.

PRM613 Project Quality and Quantitative Methods (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PRM600 , PRM601  
This course examines and applies methods used for planning, managing, and controlling quality.  It explores statistical analysis of data for professional applications with an emphasis on quantitative methodologies.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify measurable quality standards relevant to the project.
2. Leverage tools and techniques to manage and control product and project quality.
3. Monitor and control specific project and product results against the quality standards.
4. Apply ethical considerations to project quality decisions.
5. Analyze dependencies between project requirements, specifications, and quality on product and project performance.
6. Manage project lessons learned to integrate project knowledge with organizational knowledge base.
7. Apply identified strategies of quantitative problem solving in practical applications.

PRM614 Project Risk Management (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PRM600 , PRM601  
This course explores the principles and practices of risk management.  Key concepts in managing uncertainty include developing a risk approach and identifying, analyzing, responding to, and monitoring risks in projects in traditional and adaptive project management environments.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Determine the level of risk exposure that is acceptable in pursuit of project objectives, and define a risk strategy for the project.
2. Identify and accurately describe potential threats and opportunities associated with a project.
3. Analyze the likelihood of individual threats or opportunities occurring and their potential impact on overall risk of meeting objectives.
4. Determine appropriate responses to significant risks, and evaluate implemented responses.
5. Evaluate risk considerations using adaptive approaches such as Agile.

PRM615 Project Procurement Management (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PRM600 , PRM601  and PRM611  
This course examines the full life cycle of project procurement, which includes both buyer and seller perspectives and explores cost estimating techniques to develop proposals.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Determine project procurement requirements and schedule.
2. Develop a procurement plan.
3. Analyze contract types and rationale for use.
4. Develop proposal documentation from a buyer and seller perspective.
5. Develop appropriate selection criteria and evaluate bids.
6. Develop strategies to evaluate, manage, and close contract relationships with vendors.
7. Analyze ethics from a procurement perspective.  
8. Conduct estimation to support proposal development.

PRM616 Project Cost and Performance Management (3 cr.)

This course examines project cost and schedule performance management required for proactive financial decision making by the project manager. This course covers key Earned Value Management (EVM) concepts, including measuring actual performance against performance management baselines.
 

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Assess projects’ earned performance management strategies to manage and report project status.
2. Interpret and diagram earned value (EV) data to manage cost, and schedule performance of projects.
3. Evaluate the breakdown of the project work scope into finite pieces for assignment to team members to enable assessment of accomplishments at the level of work performed.
4. Integrate the project work scope, schedule, and cost objectives into a performance measurement baseline plan.
5. Explain significant variances appropriate audiences.
6. Analyze significant variances from the plan, and forecast impacts to prepare an estimate of completion based on performance to date and work to be performed.
7. Assess various approaches to determine how project costs are estimated, budgeted, managed, monitored, and controlled.
8. Assess costs for relevant resources needed for completion of projects. 
9. Assess the impact of integrated change management on project baselines.

PRM620 Agile Projects (3 cr.)

This course develops the skills, techniques, and mindset to build consensus, collaborate with stakeholders, and support self-managed teams in continuous testing of efficiency and effectiveness through agile project management methods.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply key agile project management terms.
2. Distinguish among project methodologies based upon project requirements.
3. Synthesize the core practices and philosophies behind a number of specific agile methodologies.
4. Apply agile tools and techniques to efficiently deliver value.
5. Articulate the importance of value-driven delivery and continuous process improvement loops ensuring that goals are met.
6. Apply university and workplace citation and documentation carefully to all assignments.

PRM650 Project Management for IT Professionals (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PRM600 , PRM601  and PRM611  
This course examines the project management framework through the eyes of the IT professional using case studies and scenario-based learning.  Topics include the PMI defined project management knowledge areas, project life cycles, and implementation within varying organizational designs.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Use project management terminology.
2. Shape a project plan to address user needs using a systems approach.
3. Document a complete project plan, including a specification, schedule, and budget in an executable form.
4. Analyze the interdependencies of a typical multi-project environment and address how to effectively manage those interdependencies.
5. Apply common project control methodologies such as earned value systems.
6. Conduct project reviews using accepted methods, including CDR and PDR, and produce the associated documentation.
7. Conduct the close-out of a project in an IT environment.

PRM689 Project Management Capstone (3 cr.)

This course focuses on integrating project management knowledge, skills, and techniques developed in previous courses. It emphasizes critical analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of the theories and application of project management. It includes a major research paper and presentations as well as opportunities for reflection.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills to project knowledge areas and processes.
2. Locate, assess, and integrate current literature on topics associated with project management competencies.
3. Evaluate alternative strategies and implement major aspects of project management for a sample project.
4. Prepare professional documentation and presentations consistent with university and diverse workplace standards
5. Demonstrate interpersonal skills consistent with expectations for project managers.

MAPA600 Public and Nonprofit Administration (3 cr.)

This course focuses on the essence of public administration as it relates to public and nonprofit administration.  Special attention is given to the history and scope of public and nonprofit administration, and how they relate to one another.  An overview of the economic and political contexts and contemporary issues that confront public and nonprofit organizations is introduced.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Analyze how the history of public and nonprofit administration shapes the current practices in the field.
2. Examine the commonalities, differences, and interrelationships between public administration and nonprofit administration.
3. Differentiate between the essence, mission, and vision of public administration and nonprofit administration.
4. Evaluate how the economic and political contexts influence government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

MAPA601 Strategic Nonprofit Management (3 cr.)

This course provides an overview of the management principles used in nonprofit organizations. The course examines the historical and current context for work in the nonprofit sector; strategic leadership, including board governance and executive leadership; concepts of strategic planning, benchmarking and evaluation; and an overview of operations planning. Strategic linkages between an organization’s mission and values, strategic direction, and programming are examined.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Analyze types and characteristics of nonprofit operating principles and structures.
2. Apply concepts of nonprofit accountability and ownership.
3. Explain operations and characteristics of a board governance model.
4. Create measurable benchmarks for monitoring progress against strategy.
5. Evaluate operating goals, objectives, tactics, and implementation tools.
6. Analyze the role of strategic planning within organizational life, explaining the relationship among organizational mission, strategy, vision, and values.

MAPA605 Leading with Effective Communications (3 cr.)

This course focuses on tools, techniques, and strategies for effective communication in public and nonprofit administrations.  Organizational communication structure, ethical communication styles, and executive summary techniques are also examined.  Students also focus on graduate academic writing skills, including voice and style; writing that incorporates source material; ethical use of source materials; and APA writing guidelines.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Integrate source material into academic writing, including correct use of summary, paraphrase, and quotation, along with accurate citations.
2. Demonstrate interpersonal communication to manage relationships.
3. Apply effective and supportive listening skills in respectful engagement of others’ ideas, behaviors, and beliefs.
4. Present material in a visually appealing manner.
5. Apply effective communication techniques in different settings.
6. Evaluate the ethical dimension of organizational communication.
7. Analyze and compare organizational communication structures.
8. Use communication theory to determine the best approach and format to communicate with audiences. 

MAPA610 Leading in Diverse Public Environments (3 cr.)

This course introduces selected theories and styles of leadership, the concept of followership, and understanding one’s own leadership style.  Application of leadership theories in diverse environments is examined.  This course also focuses on how diversity of all kinds influences organizational behavior, including internal/external client relationships within public and nonprofit organizations.  The importance of cultural competency is explored along with the knowledge and skills needed to work with, manage, and serve diverse groups of individuals.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Analyze one’s own leadership style in order to adapt and develop effective leadership behaviors.
2. Evaluate leadership theory and how it relates to followers.
3. Articulate the unique challenges of a leader in diverse environments.
4. Distinguish emotional intelligence competencies that contribute to leadership success.
5. Evaluate the skills necessary for successful public and nonprofit administration leadership.
6. Recognize one’s own biases, preferences, and perceptions.

MAPA615 Community Engagement and Partnerships (3 cr.)

This course examines various strategies for collaboration and engagement in the community.  It focuses on diverse collaborated solution strategies, facilitation skills, and transparent decision-making processes.  This course addresses problem-solving techniques that encourage community involvement, along with facilitation of critical conversations.  Media relations, crisis communications, and use of social media are also discussed.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Evaluate collaboration strategies for community engagement.
2. Analyze and apply appropriate conflict management approaches.
3. Evaluate supportive communication techniques.
4. Develop effective strategies to mediate and resolve differences in the community.
5. Analyze the effective use and limitations of various media and social media formats.
6. Use narrative and storytelling as a community engagement strategy. 
7. Examine the aspects and implications of public and private partnerships.

MAPA620 Managing Public Finances (3 cr.)

This course overviews the components related to managing public finances, including the sources of revenue from various taxes and fees, and the determinations for sharing revenues across competing government priorities.  Cash management, debt management, and government accounting are covered. This course also examines creating and using budgets for planning and decision making, along with transparent processes for internal and external review of budgets.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply fundamentals of public finance.
2. Examine the effective use and limitations of various sources of revenue.
3. Articulate public process for internal and external review of budgets.
4. Identify alternative funding sources.
5. Integrate source materials and forecasting tools to create and manage public budgets.
6. Identify financial trends and their impact on public sector finance.
7. Analyze the ethical practices of financial resource allocation.
8. Analyze financial data for decision making and planning.

MAPA625 Nonprofit Fund Development and Financial Management (3 cr.)

This course overviews the components related to raising and managing nonprofit financial resources, including fund development through grants and alternative funding sources.  Cash management, debt management, audit principles, and nonprofit accounting are addressed.  This course also examines creating and using budgets for planning and decisionmaking, along with transparent processes for internal and external review of budgets.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Connect potential grant sources to projects.
2. Identify alternative funding sources.
3. Create a basic funding proposal, including a budget.
4. Apply fundamentals of nonprofit finance.
5. Apply fund allocations and accounting processes to multiyear grants.
6. Analyze financial data for decision making and planning.
7. Integrate source materials and forecasting tools to create and manage nonprofit budgets.

MAPA630 Public Human Resource Management (3 cr.)

This course focuses on human resource management in the public sector, including the legal and practical contexts for recruitment, selection, development, retention, compensation and benefits, performance evaluation, and labor relations.  Current issues such as diversity training, sexual harassment policies, and rising benefit costs are analyzed.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Analyze the role of human resources in supporting an organization’s strategy.
2. Articulate legal definitions of and distinctions in the employer-employee relationship, including issues related to employment-at-will, independent contractors, volunteers, and casual employees.
3. Evaluate the primary activities of labor relations: organizing, bargaining, contract administration, compensation, and dispute resolution.
4. Appraise employment practices related to recruitment, selection, compensation, and performance management.
5. Describe the collective bargaining process, good faith bargaining, and the inclusion of mandatory and non-mandatory issues.

MAPA635 Nonprofit Human Resource Management (3 cr.)

This course focuses on human resource management in the nonprofit sector, including working with volunteers, boards of directors, contractors, clients/constituents, and external stakeholders. Staffing and hiring processes within an organization, compensation, performance evaluation, and compliance with federal law are covered.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Analyze the role of human resources in the nonprofit sector.
2. Articulate legal definitions of and distinctions in the employer-employee relationship, including issues related to both paid and voluntary roles, consultants, clients, internal/external stakeholders and board members. 
3. Appraise employment practices related to recruitment, selection, compensation, and performance management, including volunteer management.
4. Describe the collective bargaining process, good faith bargaining, and the inclusion of mandatory and non-mandatory issues.

MAPA640 Critical and Design Thinking (3 cr.)

This course focuses on exploring, analyzing, evaluating, and becoming aware of our personal assumptions that frame our actions and thought processes.  Critical thinking, design thinking, and creative strategies are explored as a process to develop solutions to complex and emerging problems.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Assess personal assumptions, and sources of beliefs and values.
2. Describe creativity strategies as an aspect of critical thinking.
3. Evaluate the creative thought process.
4. Articulate the principles of critical thinking.
5. Integrate creative thinking strategies into design thinking.
6. Apply the principles of design thinking to public and nonprofit administration issues.

MAPA645 Effective Strategic Leadership (3 cr.)

This course examines how to develop strategic thinking in response to ongoing change and direct strategic activity toward agreed upon outcomes. An understanding of organizational culture and organizational lifecycles are key aspects of effective strategic leadership. Information on organizational risk management strategies is also included.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Analyze organizational situations using an organizational culture framework.
2. Create measurable outcomes outlining strategic direction.
3. Articulate how organizational lifecycle contributes to determining strategic direction.
4. Develop risk management strategies for selected organizational areas.

MAPA650 The Practice of Ethics (3 cr.)

This course examines various philosophical theories and ethical practices that help guide a student’s ability to think and act ethically.  Personal and professional ethics are analyzed, and ethical issues in public and nonprofit organizations are explored.  Ethical principles and models, including normative concepts and principles for moral reasoning are examined. 

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Analyze ethical principles that affect decision making.
2. Identify and analyze key ethical issues that impact public and nonprofit organizations.
3. Identify professional ethical guidelines for a field of study.
4. Differentiate between ethical and legal rights and responsibilities.
5. Apply ethical theories, models, and principles.
6. Develop a framework for resolving complex ethical dilemmas.

MAPA655 Principles of Policy (3 cr.)

This course takes a critical look at the design and evaluation of public policy through policy topics and issues in a wide range of areas. Also covered are regulatory and administrative law, the role of advocacy, legalities of lobbying, and the effect of policy on nonprofits.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Articulate policy making principles and processes.
2. Analyze the components of effective policy.
3. Apply public policy theory to public administration cases.
4. Analyze how the political, economical, and social culture influences policy.
5. Connect lobbying efforts to the quality and results of policy making.

MAPA660 Inquiry and Data Analysis (3 cr.)

This course explores evaluating the research methodology and findings of relevant literature and reports as well as analysis of data.  Students learn outcome-based approaches to create and conduct program evaluation.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Select relevant research and literature in their field.
2. Evaluate the validity of data collection methodologies.
3. Interpret data sets.
4. Construct an outcome-based program evaluation.
5. Draw well-articulated conclusions.
6. Translate findings into understandable formats appropriate to the audience.

MAPA690 Capstone: Integrating the Capacities (3 cr.)

This course focuses on integrating knowledge, skills, and tools developed during the program.  It emphasizes critical analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of public and nonprofit administration theory and practice.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Conduct research on a topic associated with public and nonprofit administration.
2. Critically assess common assumptions about public and nonprofit administration organizations.
3. Apply critical thinking and design thinking skills.
4. Evaluate lines of reasoning offered in support of a viewpoint.
5. Evaluate program learning outcomes in relationship to personal and professional goals.