Technology and Pedagogy: Information Technology Competencies in Public Administration and Public Policy Programs

Abstract

Much of the public administration literature over the last 50 years has focused on the perceived gap between theory and practice, and recent studies examine the implications of such a gap for implementing and engaging in e-government initiatives. To identify solutions to such a gap, however, one must first establish that it exists. This qualitative study analyzes syllabi of 57 Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Policy (MPA/MPP) programs to assess their emphasis on information technology (IT) competencies. Our findings indicate that MPA/MPP programs teach a variety of IT components, but topics are not evenly dispersed or taught in all programs. It is beyond debate whether or not technology skills are required in the workplace—they are. This study endeavors to identify which of these skills are taught in graduate programs aimed at preparing students for the workplace—one increasingly geared toward government-citizen interaction through computer-mediated tools.