Getting the Message Across: Rationale for a Strategic Communications Course in the Public Administration Curriculum

Abstract

Strategic communication in the public sector is a topic not often examined, yet it is a key factor in the successful implementation of public policy and the successful leadership of public sector organizations. This paper examines the importance of strategic communication skills to public administrators and how these skills may be manifested in the curricula of public administration schools and programs. Via a survey of master of master of public administration (MPA) programs, a review of MPA Web sites, and a review of relevant literature and resources, this investigation finds a lack of communication courses in MPA programs. The authors develop a rationale for including communications courses in MPA program curricula, discuss curricular options, make recommendations on course delivery and content, and offer a sample communication course syllabus and sample course descriptions.