Best Online Ph.D. in Public Administration
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Students interested in earning a public administration degree at the doctoral level can typically pursue one of two academic paths: a Ph.D. in public administration or a doctor of public administration (DPA).
While similar, a Ph.D. program tends to incorporate more scholarly research, leading graduates onto career paths in academia or research. A DPA, on the other hand, might focus more on the application of theory in a professional setting.
Teaching public administration at a college or university can be a fulfilling and rewarding career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment for postsecondary teachers will increase by 8% between 2022 and 2032; this rate of growth is faster than national average for all occupations. Additionally, postsecondary teachers earn a median annual salary of $80,840, which is more than twice the median salary for jobs in the U.S. Most of these teaching positions require a doctorate degree in your area of study, such as an online Ph.D. in public administration.
The Best Online Doctorate in Public Administration Degree Programs
California baptist university.
- Campus + Online
- In-State $32,942
- Out-of-state $32,942
- In-State $12,830
- Out-of-state $12,830
- Retention Rate 78%
- Acceptance Rate 78%
- Students Enrolled 11,045
- Institution Type Private
Old Dominion University
- In-State $7,029
- Out-of-state $26,664
- In-State $10,207
- Out-of-state $29,851
- Retention Rate 80%
- Acceptance Rate 89%
- Students Enrolled 23,675
- Institution Type Public
Valdosta State University
- In-State $4,371
- Out-of-state $15,426
- In-State $4,572
- Out-of-state $16,470
- Retention Rate 70%
- Acceptance Rate 57%
- Students Enrolled 11,270
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
- In-State $7,716
- Out-of-state $19,290
- In-State $9,288
- Out-of-state $13,932
- Retention Rate 86%
- Acceptance Rate 75%
- Students Enrolled 17,669
Best Online Programs
Doctorate in public administration, online doctorate in public administration programs ranking guidelines.
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Featured Online Doctorate in Public Administration Programs
What else can i expect from an online doctorate in public administration program.
Online public administration programs at the doctoral level share many of the same elements, including similar coursework, dissertation requirements, and areas of concentration. However, many details, such as support services offered to online students, vary depending on the school and program. Students should make sure to carefully review their options before making a decision.
Curriculum for an Online Doctorate in Public Administration
- Governance and public policy: Learning to govern democratic organizations in the public sector is a key part of earning a DPA degree online. In this class, students explore the fundamental theories of governance, the contexts in which public and nonprofit leaders work, and the social institutions that shape public policy and influence administrative decision making.
- Public policy and finance: Budget constraints and economic rewards help shape public policy and public administration. Students in this course examine tax policies and incentives, market influences on policy and administration, the effect of government spending on income distribution, public/private partnerships, and the outsourcing of public programs.
- Strategic context of public management and leadership: Many doctoral programs in public administration online aim to provide students with a system-level understanding of how to lead public organizations. Rather than focusing solely on topics like money, knowledge, capacity, or influence, courses like this weave these subjects together to help students develop overarching models of management and leadership.
- Ethics and social justice: Ethics and social justice represent major aspects of public service. In this class, students examine disparities in wealth, power, and privilege. They use both theory and hard data to understand the roots of these disparities and create policies and programs that can help alleviate inequity.
- Quantitative reasoning and analysis: Most doctoral programs, including DPA programs online, require students to complete a research-based dissertation. This course covers the core knowledge and skills needed to collect, analyze, interpret, and present research data, introducing students to quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Doctorate in Public Administration?
Earning a DPA or a Ph.D. in public administration online can take anywhere from 3-7 years. The first stage of these programs focuses on completing coursework in subjects such as public policy, public finance, organizational behavior, and leadership. Students typically take these courses as part of a cohort, meaning they learn alongside their peers through online lectures, discussions, and assignments. Learners usually complete this part of the program in 2-3 years, depending on whether they completed prior coursework in public administration.
The second stage of online doctorate programs relates to a student’s dissertation. The exact requirements vary from program to program, but learners typically work with a faculty advisor to collect and analyze data on a particular subject. Students then write a dissertation or research paper using this data, which they subsequently defend before a faculty committee. Because students do much of this work individually, they can usually set their own pace. Participants often complete their dissertation in 1-4 years.
Accreditation for Online Public Administration Doctorate Degrees
When reviewing DPA programs online, make sure to check whether a school is accredited. Accreditation ensures that an institution of higher education meets certain educational requirements and properly prepares its graduates for jobs in the field. If a school is not accredited, students may not be able to transfer earned credits to another institution, and employers might not recognize their degrees. A school or program can earn three basic types of accreditation.
The first type is regional accreditation. Six regional agencies accredit the majority of nonprofit colleges and universities in the U.S. Of the three types of accreditation, regional accreditation is the oldest, most common, and tends to be the most well-respected.
The second type of accreditation is national accreditation. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) authorizes 10 national accrediting bodies, which determine whether schools and programs meet established educational standards. For-profit institutions are more likely to be nationally accredited.
The final method of accreditation is based on areas of specialization or fields of study. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) is an independent organization that recognizes reputable and field-specific accrediting agencies. For example, the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) is recognized by CHEA for its accreditation of certain programs in the fields of public policy, public affairs, and public administration. However, although NASPAA accredits programs at the master’s level, it does not oversee programs that offer a doctorate of public administration online.
When looking at DPA programs online, students should confirm that a program is accredited by a regional agency or by an agency recognized by the ED or CHEA .
Employment Outlook for Doctorate in Public Administration Graduates
Doctorate in public administration careers.
After earning a DPA or Ph.D. in public administration online, graduates can pursue a variety of jobs in public service leadership. Some individuals choose to teach public administration at a college or university, while others pursue leadership roles in the public sector or at government agencies, serving as city managers, county administrators, mayors, or even governors. Graduates can also direct nonprofit organizations, such as community centers or hospitals. Regardless of their career path, leaders in public administration require strong communication, decision-making, management, and problem-solving skills.
Postsecondary Teacher Median Salary $80,840
Postsecondary teachers instruct students at higher education institutions. They may also conduct research and/or write about topics in their area of study, including in public administration. Most jobs in this field require a doctoral degree.
Top Executive (Government) Median Salary $100,090
Top executives in the public sector lead government agencies. These professionals may be appointed or elected to serve at the local, state, or federal level. They often oversee budgets, personnel, and overall strategy. Although these roles may not have specific educational requirements, becoming a doctor of public administration online can help develop the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed.
Social or Community Service Manager Median Salary $74,240
Social and community service managers lead organizations that work to support people in need. These organizations may serve individuals from a particular demographic, such as children or the homeless, or individuals facing a particular challenge, such as addiction or mental illness. Some positions specifically require an advanced degree in a related field, like public administration.
Postsecondary Education Administrator Median Salary $99,940
Administrators at colleges and universities oversee academic operations, student services, faculty research, and other higher education functions. Although smaller schools may hire candidates with only a bachelor’s degree, an advanced degree coupled with experience in the industry is a more common requirement at larger institutions.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Doctorate in Public Administration Salary
Salaries for public administration professionals vary greatly depending on an individual’s chosen career, their location, and their level of education. Annual earnings may also be different from organization to organization. The table below uses data from PayScale to give graduates a sense of possible salaries at five common jobs in this field. In addition to showing the median salary for each role, the table displays how a worker’s earnings change as a function of their experience.
Public Administration Professional Organizations
Regardless of where they work, public administrators can look to professional organizations for a variety of benefits and resources. These organizations provide members with networking opportunities at local chapter events and national conferences. They also offer professional development and educational resources, many of which are accessible online. Additionally, these organizations often publicize job opportunities for those looking to enter or advance in the field. The list below details three popular public administration professional organizations.
American Society for Public Administration (ASPA)
Alliance for nonprofit management, international city/county management association (icma), paying for your online doctorate in public administration.
After looking at public administration doctoral programs online, students should be sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA office helps connect students with various forms of federal aid, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Students should be mindful that grants, scholarships, and work-study wages do not need to be paid back; these represent the most attractive sources of financial aid.
Students should also look into scholarships and discounts offered by states, schools, and private organizations. Schools may also offer discounted tuition to veterans or active duty military personnel. Furthermore, many doctoral programs pay students to serve as teaching assistants, although this may pose more of a logistical challenge for online learners.
Private student loans can help individuals pay for the remainder of their tuition after they have taken advantage of grants, scholarships, and federal loans. However, individuals should be cautious about financing too much of their education through private student loans. These loans often come with higher interest rates; additionally, unlike federal loans, private loans cannot be forgiven after spending 10 years working in a public service position.
Featured image credit: Hill Street Studios | DigitalVision | Getty Images
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Online Public Administration Doctorate Degree
Online Public Administration Doctoral Degree: An Overview
Jobs for doctorate in public administration degree holders, degree requirements, prerequisites for an online doctorate in public administration degree, online coursework.
- Research methodology in public administration.
- Seminar in administrative management.
- Public budgeting.
- Strategic public sector management and governance.
- Advocacy and leadership in public policy and administration.
- Data analysis and interpretation.
How long does an online public administration doctorate degree take to complete?
Example courses.
- Public budgeting and finance
- Strategic public management and governance
- Quantitative reasoning and analysis
- Legitimate bureaucracy and accountability
- Managing human resources in public and nongovernmental organizations
Cost and Return on Investment (ROI)
How much does a doctorate in public administration degree cost, how to estimate the roi of your degree, job outlook and salary, what doctor of public administration degree holders have to say.
"I was able to do a graduate assistantship with the program's director, and I really did learn as much outside the classroom as I did through classwork. She involved me in research, publications, strategy and introduced me to a whole new network that has proved invaluable to where I am today in my career. Another highlight was the cohort model. I really gained different perspectives from the program as we were from all over the United States, representing from various agencies, higher education and backgrounds."
- Emily Devereux , West Chester University of Pennsylvania, class of 2020, DPA
"The content covered in the core courses was on point and highly relevant to both state government and higher education. I have worked in both since graduating. Also, I became a much more concise and effective writer which has come in very useful. Finally, the fact that I had a doctorate helped me to be more competitive for both promotions and new jobs."
- Sophia Gehlhausen Anderson , University of Illinois–Springfield, class of 2019, DPA
"I really enjoyed networking with so many great people. (The program) was a lot more challenging than I anticipated – in a good way. It gave me a whole new perspective on how complicated some of our challenges are. ... My dissertation really helped me now that I'm doing a lot of consulting. I do a lot of strategic planning, and it helps having done the dissertation and research. I recommend someone really understands their why and how it fits into your career path, and then create a reasonable path. Commit and don't stop."
- Julie Olsen , Valdosta State University, class of 2020, DPA
"The DPA program truly enhanced my writing, research and critical thinking skills. I also have a much broader view of research and its practical application within public administration. Most of all, the program has helped me think more critically about the plethora of information that I am presented with in the workplace. Whether it is a policy issue, program evaluation or research on governmental best practices, I have a greater appreciation for methodology and a stronger foundation for analyzing the results of a study."
- Marlon Brown , Valdosta State University, class of 2023, DPA
Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) Degree Online Change Makers, Lead the Charge
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100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Bring About Lasting Change in Your Community with a Doctor of Public Administration Online (DPA) Program
Are you excited about the idea of transforming communities into better environments for their citizens — from the local to the national level? Do you enjoy implementing efficient government processes and procedures? Maybe you’re currently an educator or a civil servant who wants to make a difference in government for the betterment of society. Liberty University’s Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) program is an excellent option that can give you the training you need to make the difference you want to in public and private policy and administration.
Throughout this degree, you’ll explore the administrative functions of governmental agencies and you can gain experience in strategic planning, program implementation, advanced management techniques, and results-based leadership. You could also take on positions in higher education as an administrator or professor or have the option of working as a civil servant, politician, consultant, or grants writer.
It is the work of administrators, civil servants, and public officials that makes the government work, and society benefits when professionals like you get involved and influence the laws and policies that affect daily life.
As a pioneer in distance education since 1985, we understand what you’re looking for in an online degree program. You want to earn a degree that can help you command respect among peers, hiring managers, and various entities — one backed by a brick-and-mortar campus and an esteemed accrediting partner. At Liberty, you can have confidence in our decades-long commitment to uncompromised excellence.
Your officially conferred degree name will be Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) .
Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked among Niche.com's Top 5 College Campuses in America
- What Sets Us Apart?
- Private Nonprofit University
- 600+ Online Degrees
- No Standardized Testing for Admission
- Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
- Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree
Why Choose Liberty’s Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) Online Degree?
Choosing where to pursue your doctoral degree is an important decision. When you choose to pursue your doctorate through Liberty University, you’re choosing a well-respected, accredited, globally recognized university. You’re also choosing flexible course scheduling and academic excellence that is grounded in Christian principles and values.
Liberty University is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ). This means all of our degree programs have met rigorous academic standards and requirements. You can be confident that you’re receiving a challenging and worthwhile degree.
This degree can be completed 100% online with no set login times. We understand that you can’t afford to put your life on hold to pursue a doctoral degree, which is why at Liberty, you can stay committed to both your family’s success and your professional success while pursuing your academic and professional goals.
What Will You Study in Our Doctor of Public Administration Online (DPA) Degree?
Our doctorate in public administration is designed to train you in leadership, management, and problem-solving skills in government and governance. Throughout this degree, you can learn how to create change in government, nonprofits, and other policy-creating organizations. You can also develop a thorough knowledge of the legal, ethical, and political environments of public administration.
Our doctorate degree in public administration is divided into 3 sections: core public administration courses, research-focused courses, and a capstone sequence. In the public administration doctorate’s core courses, you will study public administration ethics, statesmanship, and governance; finance and budgeting in the public sector, the legal and regulatory aspects of public administration, and urban planning. You will also study information management, organizational leadership studies, statesmanship, and federalism.
The research section of our online doctoral program in public administration consists of just 3 courses: quantitative research, qualitative research, and research methods. These courses are designed to help equip you with high-level research skills that are necessary for success in your capstone project: which is the next and final part of our Doctor of Public Administration .
Our doctorate in public administration online’s capstone consists of 4 sequential courses. In these courses, you will be challenged to recall and apply the lessons you learned in the core and research courses as you analyze a real-world issue and present a solution.
Potential Career Opportunities
- Academic program director
- Budget analyst
- City manager
- Civil rights specialist
- Elected official
- Foundation program officer
- Grants writer/administrator
- Higher education administration
- Legislative aide
- Management consultant
- Nonprofit manager/leader
- Policy analyst
- Professional researcher
- Public affairs officer
- Public agency manager
- Research scientist
- Sustainability consultant
- Teacher/professor
- Urban planner
Featured Courses
- PADM 700 – Public Administration Ethics, Statesmanship, and Governance
- PADM 710 – Information Management in Public Sector Organizations
- PADM 712 – Organizational Leadership and Behavior in Public Administration
- PADM 804 – Intergovernmental Relations and Public Administration
Degree Information
- This program falls under the Helms School of Government .
- View Graduate Government Course Guides (login required ).
Degree Completion Plan
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- Tuition & Aid
Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.
Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .
Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
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Admission Information for the Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) Online Degree Program
Admission requirements.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
- Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA* is required for admission in good standing.
- Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .
Please note: The Office of Graduate Admissions may request additional documentation when conducting admission reviews to evaluate a candidate’s record before a final admission decision can be made.
*A GPA of 2.8 is required for admission to the Executive Certificate in Law and Policy.
Preliminary Acceptance
If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:
- Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
- Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
- Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
- Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.
Transcript Policies
Official college transcript policy.
An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .
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Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
- Active Duty
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/Retirees
- Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
Military Tuition Discount
We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is different between online phd in public administration vs. doctor of public administration.
The difference between a public administration PhD and a Doctor of Public Administration lies in the emphasis of each degree. PhD programs are typically more theoretical in nature than practical. PhD candidates are often attracted to careers in research and academia. If this sounds like you, our 100% online PhD in Public Administration may be the best fit for you!
On the other hand, the Doctor of Public Administration is primarily designed for practical application. This degree program can help you gain an advanced understanding of various corporate and political theories and teach you how to apply such theories to a number of real-world situations.
How will I benefit from completing the online Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) program?
The training you receive in this online DPA degree can help you to:
- Build an uncompromising code of personal ethics rooted in a Biblical worldview
- Conduct independent research that contributes to the public administration field
- Construct innovative change proposals to policies that address public needs and problems
- Synthesize a Christian model of statesmanship that incorporates a biblical worldview in public administration
Is Liberty University accredited?
Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ).
How long are the courses in this program, and what are the scheduling options like?
The Doctor of Public Administration is mostly offered in 8-week courses, with 8 different start dates each year and no set login times.
What expertise do the professors bring to the instruction of the online Doctorate in Public Administration program?
Our online doctorate in public administration is taught by expert professors with years of experience in the fields of public policy and administration.
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Top 5 Online Doctorates in Public Administration and Policy
Earning one of the Top 5 Online Doctorates in Public Administration and Policy is a sure way to demonstrate one’s ability to evoke innovative and strong-footed change in 2020-2021. They’ll not only have acquired some of the highest levels of understanding of the field but also learn the technical skills for catalyzing relevant research.
Those who pursue long-term ambitions in the fields of Public Administration and Policy are undertaking an impressive, exciting, and crucial commitment. Today’s global society is in desperate need of trained individuals who are ready and willing to act on behalf of the public, and do so in an informed way that proves their experience and understanding of all aspects of Public Administration.
FINDING AN ONLINE DOCTORATE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION & POLICY
Doctorate programs in Public Administration & Policy prepare candidates for competitive careers that combine a passion and drive toward advocacy with a mind ready to take on bureaucratic and organizational challenges. Those who pursue advanced training in the breadth of the field and its methodologies in research and analysis will have many opportunities for specialized work in different areas of public administration. Such areas include health care, education systems, the criminal justice system, and much more.
Public Administrators in all types of subfields make $75,000 to $100,000 annually, and those who prove their commitment to the field by equipping themselves with one of the highest-level degrees in the discipline will find themselves at the higher range of those numbers and with greater, more innovative opportunities available to them.
Finding a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration & Policy or a Doctor of Public Administration program shouldn’t be intimidatingly difficult. Many of those seeking these degrees have already been in the professional field for a reasonable amount of time, and so these programs are designed with working students in mind. Online doctorate degrees in Public Administration often do not require residencies and utilize the same coursework and faculty expertise that one would benefit from in on-campus courses. Pursuing a doctoral degree in Public Administration is an admirable dedication and one that will not cease to provide many benefits and exciting opportunities after graduation.
RANKING THE TOP 5 ONLINE DOCTORATES IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION & POLICY
While you’re on your way to earning your Ph.D. or Doctorate within your field, the editors at Online PhD Programs are already practicing doctors of their craft: ranking the best online Ph.D. programs. To be featured on our annual rankings online doctorates must satisfy four coinciding requirements: accreditation, research and scholarship doctorate certification, NSF recognition, and institutional association with peer-reviewed academia.
Each degree is then ranked using information provided – primarily – through the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook . The data collected is scored through a series of weighted categories to represent seven crucial aspects of what makes an online doctorate valuable to future students. Online program quality and presence are joined by industry salaries, student reviews, degree exclusivity, costs, and completion rates to determine the best online doctorates available. For a comprehensive breakdown of how we categorize and source data, please visit our methodology page.
#1. CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
California Baptist University’s Doctor of Public Administration is a 50-credit program, including a dissertation, that takes an average of three years to complete. The course of study is designed with the working adult in mind. It’s specifically catered to those dedicated to becoming innovative leaders in the field, to maximize impact in both public and nonprofit sectors. Students are often experienced in the professional field and looking for an education that can aid them in responding to the complex issues encountered at the local, state, and federal levels. They might be experienced or prospective workers in the fields of criminal justice, policy, governance, health management, and social services.
Online courses are in an eight-week format. Students benefit from a cohort model that allows them to work alongside peers, and progress together both in coursework and dissertation preparation and completion. The curriculum develops goals of preparing graduates for professional communication, analyzing public agencies, conducting ethical research, and determining equity and fairness at all levels of public administration. Applicants may be granted unconditional admission if they have a master’s with a GPA of at least 3.0, and conditional admission if they earned a master’s with a 2.75.
Format: Online
#2. valdosta state university.
Valdosta State University’s online 54-credit Doctor of Public Administration program is a practitioner-based and terminal degree designed for those looking to advance their already established careers in government, nonprofits, or nongovernment organizations. The curriculum is therefore dedicated to the development of essential leadership, management, communication, and problem-solving skills. As the program is designed for working students, scheduling is intended to be flexible and accommodating. Coursework is available 24/7 and in a nonsynchronous format. Students of Valdosta State are competitive candidates for a variety of leadership jobs that surpasses the positions they have already experienced. Prospective roles include Public Policy Directors, Nonprofit Executive Directors, Town Managers, or Court Administrators.
Valdosta State admissions require prospective students to hold a master’s degree with a satisfactory GRE score. There is no minimum GPA, but it should be competitive. All students should also have a comprehensive resume and be able to describe their goals in advancing their intellectual abilities. The curriculum builds upon what students are already familiar with the field, meant to develop knowledge and one’s breadth of applied research skills. Core courses are provided on a two-year cycle, so students should be mindful of when to begin their degree program. There are many options for concentration areas, with the possibility of transferring in up to 15 hours of graduate credits from prior work.
#3. OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY
Old Dominion University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration and Policy can be earned entirely online. The 49-credit program prepares students for making collaborative decisions and solving all sorts of problems faced by organizations and companies. The curriculum takes a multi-sector approach to the field of public administration, covering relevant aspects of government, nonprofits, businesses, community groups, and individuals. Graduates are well-versed in both the theories and practices of traditional public administration and policy, as well as issues facing current global and domestic sectors that intersperse with the field. Skill development is focused on conducting policy analyses; conducting research; reporting research and determining its implications; making informed decisions, and assessing policy and its implementation.
The course of study is divided into 37 credits of coursework and then 12 credits of dissertation work. Faculty members are available for support and guidance throughout the dissertation process, and have expertise in nonprofit and public management, dispute resolution, economic development, public-private partnerships, and more. Students are sure to find allyship in the subfields they’re interested in pursuing. Online courses are synchronous, featuring regular, live meetings for course materials that are accessible from anywhere.
#4. UNIVERSITY OF LA VERNE
The Doctor of Public Administration from the University of La Verne seeks out dedicated professionals in the field who are looking to improve their credentials through the advancement of leadership, management, and decision-making skills. The two primary goals of La Verne’s program are centered around the development of advanced methodologies to increase students capacities for logical inquiry, research, and systematic problem-solving. The SPA offers state-of-the-art management courses that call upon creativity, responsive leadership, ethical values and priorities, and the ability to anticipate how industries are affected by public administration.
The University of La Verne’s Doctor of Public Administration program is unique in how it utilizes the backgrounds of a multidisciplinary faculty in conjunction with a talented and diverse student population. Students of La Verne benefit from peer cohorts and the variety of experiences within the program’s curriculum. Courses are study-oriented and relevant to the ever-changing conditions and events that influence different experiences one may have working in the field. Coursework accounts for about 50 credits in the major, then accompanied by credits for dissertation work. Students must complete the curricular requirements assigned to each year of the program before progressing onto the next set of requirements. The third year consists mostly of applied projects and the dissertation proposal.
#5. UNION INSTITUTE & UNIVERSITY
Union Institute & University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Studies, where students can focus on Public Policy & Social Change. The Public Policy & Social Change concentration is an online but hybrid delivery program drawing from the interdisciplinary aspects of the field. Students get to study the full complexities of case studies using tools from a broad range of concentrations, rather than one concentration lens. Graduates can reexamine the way knowledge and solutions are generated in the industry, and they are given the space to learn how to apply techniques informed by those developed and advanced understandings.
The curriculum in the Public Policy & Social Change concentration explores the historical, economic, and social contexts of public policy by seriously considering the constitutional and legal framework of policymaking. Coursework also covers the dynamics of politics and its consequent policy process and the nature of conflict and power relationships. Students may opt to go in-depth on selected issues like education, criminal justice, health care, housing, employment, and immigration. The 66-credit Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies from ISSUU can be completed in as little as three years and consists of residency weeks that take place in January and July and are hosted in Cincinnati, OH.
Format: Online/Residency
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