Doctoral Programs in Public Administration

Cole Neder

Cole Neder

Updated & Fact Checked: 07.16.2024

Introduction

A Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) is a terminal degree designed for professionals seeking advanced knowledge and skills in public administration, policy analysis, and leadership. It is typically pursued by individuals already working in the public sector or related fields who wish to advance their careers or transition into academia.

Obtaining a DPA can be a valuable investment for professionals seeking advanced knowledge and skills in public administration. While it requires a significant commitment of time and effort, the potential benefits, including career advancement and personal satisfaction, can make it a rewarding pursuit for those passionate about public service and leadership.

ADVERTISEMENT

  • 12 Specializations
  • Built For Executives

Walden University

Doctor of Public Administration


Prepare for executive-level leadership or consulting roles in our Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) program.

  • 100% Online
  • Accredited Program

Liberty University

Doctor of Public Administration


Liberty University’s Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) provides the training you need to make a difference in public and private policy administration.

Program Design and Overview

A DPA provides in-depth knowledge of public administration theory and practice, preparing graduates for leadership roles in government, nonprofit organizations, and academia. The time to complete a DPA varies but generally takes 3-5 years of full-time study. Part-time options are often available, extending the time to completion.

Curriculum Format

DPA programs typically include a mix of coursework, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation. Coursework covers advanced topics in public administration, policy analysis, research methods, and leadership. Students may also choose electives to specialize in areas such as nonprofit management, public finance, or environmental policy.

Comprehensive exams are usually taken after completing coursework and test students’ knowledge of the field. The exams may be written or oral and are designed to assess students’ readiness to move on to the dissertation phase of the program.

The dissertation is a significant research project that contributes new knowledge to the field and demonstrates the student’s ability to conduct original research. The dissertation process begins with the student selecting a research topic and developing a research proposal. Once the proposal is approved by a faculty committee, the student conducts the research, analyzes the data, and writes up the findings in a dissertation document.

The dissertation is a significant undertaking and requires students to demonstrate their ability to conduct independent research, analyze data, and contribute new knowledge to the field of public administration. It is overseen by a faculty advisor who provides guidance and support throughout the process. The dissertation is typically defended orally before a committee of faculty members who evaluate the student’s work and determine whether it meets the standards for the DPA degree.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for DPA programs vary but generally include:

  • A master’s degree in public administration, public policy, or a related field.
  • Minimum GPA requirements, often around 3.0 or higher.
  • Letters of recommendation.
  • A statement of purpose outlining career goals and reasons for pursuing the DPA.
  • Resume or CV detailing professional experience.
  • Some programs may require GRE scores, though this is becoming less common.

Benefits and Challenges

Pursuing a Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) offers numerous benefits for professionals in the field. One of the key advantages is the opportunity to deepen one’s knowledge and expertise in public administration, policy analysis, and leadership. A DPA program provides advanced coursework that allows students to explore complex issues facing public organizations and develop innovative solutions.

Additionally, earning a DPA can enhance one’s career prospects by opening up new opportunities for advancement into senior leadership roles in government, nonprofit organizations, and academia. The research and writing skills developed through the dissertation process are also valuable, enabling graduates to contribute to the field’s body of knowledge and make a meaningful impact in their chosen area of specialization.

Despite the benefits, pursuing a DPA also presents several challenges. One of the primary challenges is the time and commitment required to complete the program. DPA programs typically take 3-5 years of full-time study, and balancing coursework, research, and other responsibilities can be demanding, especially for working professionals. The dissertation requirement, in particular, can be a significant undertaking, requiring students to conduct original research, analyze data, and write a scholarly dissertation.

Doctoral Programs in Public Administration

American University

  • Washington, D.C.
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
The PhD in Public Administration and Policy at the School of Public Affairs follows the AU scholar-teacher model, preparing students for research and teaching careers in public administration and public policy. This full-time program emphasizes academic rigor and scholarly inquiry.

More Details

Arizona State University

  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
The PhD in Public Administration and Policy is a four-year, full-time program that prepares students for research-based careers in academia and policy. It offers a dynamic, cohort-based experience focused on applying analytical social science methods, building knowledge, producing high-quality academic research, and informing public action.

More Details

Auburn University

  • Montgomery, AL
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
Students take core courses such as Seminar in Public Administration and Policy, Research Design, Quantitative and Qualitative Methods, and Professional Development, along with electives in two chosen field areas. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and requires students to take a portion of their coursework at each campus.

More Details

Boise State University

  • Boise, ID
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
The curriculum is designed for both full-time students and working professionals seeking to enhance their policy analysis skills and methodological preparation. The program offers opportunities for full-time enrollment, supported by graduate research assistantships (GRAs).

More Details

Carnegie Mellon University

  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
The program emphasizes interdisciplinary perspectives and the application of advanced analytical and theoretical models. Students benefit from close collaborations with faculty and explore the intersection of information systems, public policy, and management.

More Details

Florida Atlantic University

  • Boca Raton, FL
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
The FAU School of Public Administration offers a highly competitive Ph.D. program with concentrations in Organizational Studies, Public Administration Theory, Public Budgeting and Financial Administration, and Public Policy Studies.

More Details

Florida State University

  • Tallahassee, FL
  • Online + Campus

Modality: Online/On- Campus

Program Overview:
The Ph.D. program at the FSU School of Public Administration requires 45 credit hours beyond the MPA degree. This includes 18 core course hours covering topics like Administrative Behavior, Institutions and Society, and Theoretical Perspectives in Public Policy.

More Details

George Washington University

  • Washington, D.C.
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
Students specialize in one of the approved fields of study, conducting specialized research. The program is diverse and progressive, with about a quarter of each cohort comprising students from countries outside the United States.

More Details

Georgetown University

  • Washington, D.C.
  • Online + Campus

Modality: Online/On- Campus

Program Overview:
The McCourt School and the Department of Government offer a dual MPP/PhD in Government program through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. This program allows students to combine applied interests and training in public policy with broader exposure to political theory and institutions.

More Details

Jackson State University

  • Jackson, MS
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
The university offers a wide range of graduate programs designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed for success in today’s job market.

More Details

Mississippi State University

  • Starkville, MS
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
Ph.D. in public policy and administration with a diverse faculty engaged in broad research. Many faculty members have governmental service experience. The program features a favorable faculty-to-student ratio, fostering close faculty contact.

More Details

New York University – Wagner

  • New York, NY
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
NYU Wagner’s doctoral program focuses on providing theoretical and methodological training to produce insights for effective public and nonprofit programs and policies. The program is interdisciplinary.

More Details

North Carolina State University

  • Raleigh, NC
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
The Ph.D. in Public Administration requires 72 graduate credit hours, comprising 60 credit hours of coursework and 12 credit hours of dissertation research. Students with a relevant master’s degree may be eligible for up to an 18-credit hour reduction.

More Details

Northern Illinois University

  • Dekalb, IL
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
The Department of Political Science at NIU offers a strong Public Administration (PA) program, known for its national reputation and the high number of alumni placed in U.S. graduate-level teaching positions.

More Details

Ohio State University

  • Columbus, OH
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
The Glenn College offers a selective, research-oriented doctoral program preparing students for university careers in teaching and research, as well as senior-level research roles in government, nonprofits, and business organizations.

More Details

Old Dominion University

  • Norfolk, VA
  • Online + Campus

Modality: Online/On- Campus

Program Overview:
The program emphasizes the creation and dissemination of knowledge to advance public service in a multi-sector environment. It focuses on collaborative decision-making and problem-solving across governments, nonprofits, businesses, community groups, and individuals.

More Details

Pennsylvania State University – Harrisburg

  • Middletown, PA
  • Online + Campus

Modality: Online/On- Campus

Program Overview:
The Ph.D. program in Public Administration offers a dynamic learning environment focused on enriching scholarship, fostering research, and advancing professional careers. Students can collaborate with their committees to design their own specializations.

More Details

Rutgers University

  • Newark, NJ
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
Prepares students for careers as scholars, researchers, and teachers in public affairs and administration. The program aims to advance students’ research and analytical proficiency, deepen their understanding of theoretical frameworks, and cultivate effective teaching skills.

More Details

Syracuse University

  • Syracuse, NY
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
The program aims to develop students’ competency in core subject matter and methodologies, provide a strong understanding of the intellectual tradition of public administration, and cultivate them as active researchers from the outset.

More Details

Tennessee State University

  • Nashville, TN
  • Online

Modality: Online

Program Overview:
This synchronous online program is tailored for working individuals, a unique feature among research doctorates in public administration. Most students continue to work full-time while pursuing the PhD, as core classes meet once weekly in the evening.

More Details

University at Albany (SUNY)

  • Albany, NY
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
The program emphasizes creating and implementing rigorous research designs, using quantitative and qualitative methods, contributing to theory development, improving practice in the public and nonprofit sectors.

More Details

University of Georgia

  • Athens, GA
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
The program emphasizes research and maintains high admission and evaluation standards. Graduates have received national dissertation awards and are placed in Research I institutions in the U.S. and leading institutions globally.

More Details

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
The program requires a minimum of 96 semester hours of coursework beyond the baccalaureate, with up to 32 semester hours granted for those holding a Master of Public Administration from UIC or an equivalent program.

More Details

University of Kansas

  • Lawrence, KS
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
Students complete seminars and independent research courses to develop competency in public administration history, theory, methodology, discipline specialization, and complementary fields. The program prepares researchers for academia or careers involving innovative research in public affairs, policy, planning, and management/governance.

More Details

University of Kentucky

  • Lexington, KY
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
Graduates are expected to apply research and analytical methods to analyze policy and administrative problems, and have an in-depth understanding of policy issues in a functional public affairs area. Most incoming students hold a master’s degree in related fields and have a strong background in research methodologies.

More Details

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
The program emphasizes collaborative research projects with faculty experts, providing students with opportunities to publish in top academic journals. Coursework consists of small seminars, allowing for intensive study and close interaction with faculty.

More Details

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
The curriculum includes academic coursework, field exams, a dissertation proposal, and a doctoral dissertation. Core theory seminars, research courses, specialization courses, and teaching and professional development workshops are part of the coursework.

More Details

University of North Texas

  • Denton, TX
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
The program benefits from its location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, providing opportunities for research on current public issues. The faculty are distinguished scholars with established research agendas and a collaborative approach, offering a strong foundation for students aspiring to academic leadership and scholarship.

More Details

University of Southern California

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
All Ph.D. students receive funding for four years through fellowships and assistantships, with additional support available for conference travel. The program’s faculty are distinguished scholars who mentor students in scholarly research, leading to publications and conference presentations.

More Details

University of Texas at Arlington

  • Arlington, TX
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
Faculty specializations include economic and community development, education, environmental, transportation and welfare policies, intergovernmental relations, organizational structure and change, and public finance/budgeting.

More Details

University of Washington

  • Seattle, WA
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
The program offers a rigorous and supportive educational experience for those interested in pursuing applied research careers in academic, government, and nonprofit organizations.

More Details

Valdosta State University

  • Valdosta, GA
  • Online

Modality: Online

Program Overview:
The program, tailored for professionals in the field, consists of 54 semester-hours of coursework. It includes foundation and core courses, theory and methods courses, elective courses, and capstone/project credits.

More Details

Virginia Commonwealth University

  • Richmond, VA
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
Specializations in public policy, public administration, criminal justice policy, and urban policy. The Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs is highly ranked, with the graduate program in public affairs ranked No. 39 in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report.

More Details

Virginia Polytechnic Institute

  • Arlington, VA
  • Campus

Modality: On-Campus

Program Overview:
The CPAP Ph.D. in Public Administration and Public Affairs focuses on scholarly inquiry addressing contemporary public administration and policy issues. It emphasizes public service values, equity, and ethical leadership.

More Details
Aceh4D Aceh4D slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor Aceh4D slot gacor aceh4d slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor aceh4d aceh4d aceh4d toto slot toto slot toto slot toto slot toto slot toto slot toto slot toto slot toto slot toto slot aceh4d aceh4d aceh4d slot online slot toto slot bet 400 acehbola Aceh4d Slot Big Win scatter hitam Situs Slot, togel online tus4d scatter hitam Situs Bet 100 perak acehbola acehbola, slot online acehbola, Toto Togel Slot Gacor Slot Gacor Slot Gacor Parlay Bola Acehbola aceh4d aceh4d aceh4d, situs toto 4d aceh4d, situs togel Slot Gacor acehbola Tus4D acehbola tus4d, slot online, bandar togel aceh4d, slot online, slot bet 100 aceh4d, slot toto acehbola, Link Togel acehbola, slot bet 200 aceh4d acehbola, slot toto aceh4d aceh4d aceh4d scatter hitam tus4d, situs toto & togel 4d aceh4d acehbola acehbola acehbola, toto togel acehbola aceh4d aceh4d tus4d acehbola Agen Toto 4D slot bet 200 acehbola, slot toto Toto Slot slot dana slot qris dana Slot Online Gacor Slot Online Aceh4D Scatter Hitam slot bet 200 aceh4d Slot gacor Slot gacor Slot gacor Slot gacor Slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot toto togel slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot toto slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor SLOT ONLINE acehbola slot toto slot gacor slot gacor Acehbola, Agen Togel Agen Slot Gacor Slot Gacor Slot Toto Toto Bet 200 slot gacor slot gacor ACEH4D slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor slot gacor Slot Online toto slot Slot bet 200 Scatter Hitam poker online slot gacor toto slot situs togel SLOT GACOR SLOT GACOR aceh4d jmkbet jmkbet SLOT GACOR Bandar Toto Togel Toto Macau 4D Toto Macau Aceh4d Aceh4d Aceh4d Aceh4d Aceh4d Aceh4d Aceh4d-slot-toto aceh4d-link-alternatif acehbola jmkbet Daftar Aceh4d tus4d login neototo situs aceh4d tus4d-login Aceh4d Aceh4d gacor Aceh4d Tus4D slot toto slot toto Lapak7d aceh4d aceh4d acehbola Neototo Neototo Neototo Neototo Neototo Neototo Neototo lapak7d neototo neototo aceh4d jmkbet aceh4d aceh4d aceh4d slot gacor Toto Slot tus4d Slot Toto Slot Toto aceh4d, slot qris Judi Slot Gacor Slot Toto Gacor neototo Aceh4d Acehbola toto slot 4d

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

login aceh4d

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

re

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

slot gacor

slot gacor

slot gacor

slot gacor

slot gacor

slot gacor

slot gacor

slot gacor

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

bobatoto

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

slot gacor

slot maxwin

slot gacor

aceh4d

toto slot

aceh4d

slot gacor

slot qris

slot qris

toto slot

toto slot

toto slot

toto slot

toto slot

toto slot

toto slot

jpmania

toto slot

toto slot

toto slot

toto slot

toto slot

toto slot

Slot gacor

aceh4d

toto slot

toto slot

Slot gacor

Slot gacor

Slot gacor

Poker Online

slot gacor

Poker Online

Poker Online

slot gacor

slot gacor

slot gacor

slot gacor

slot gacor

slot gacor

slot gacor

slot gacor

slot gacor

slot gacor

slot gacor

slot gacor

slot gacor

slot gacor

Bandar togel toto

Slot dana

Toto slot gacor

Bandar Toto 4D

Agen toto 88

Toto togel 4d

Bandar togel resmi

slot gacor

Scatter hitam

slot toto togel

Slot dana

Bandar togel online

Situs slot

slot toto togel

slot gacor

slot gacor

Bandar togel 4D

aceh4d login

toto slot

slot gacor

toto slot

slot gacor

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

Slot qris

slot qris

Bandar togel online

Togel online

aceh4d login

Slot gacor

Aceh4d

Togel Online

toto slot

slot toto

slot gacor

Togel toto macau

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

SLOT GACOR

SLOT GACOR

SLOT GACOR

Slot toto gacor

Togel online

Slot toto

Slot Toto

Slot qris

Slot gacor

aceh4d

Slot gacor

tus4d

Slot gacor

Aceh4d

slot gacor

slot gacor

slot toto

ACEH4D

Slot qris

slot online

scatter hitam

slot gacor

slot gacor

slot indonesia

togel online

aceh4d

slot gacor

tus4d

Togel toto online

Slot Gacor

Slot Toto

Bandar togel online

Slot indonesia

toto slot gacor

scatter hitam

slot gacor

slot toto gacor

aceh4d

neototo

slot indonesia

acehbola

situs toto slot

ACEH4D

acehbola

slot toto gacor

slot gacor

toto slot

slot gacor

aceh4d

toto slot

toto slot

Slot online gacor

aceh4d

aceh4d

Slot online

https://stitypilahat.ac.id/

ACEH4D LOGIN

Slot toto gacor

Bandar togel online

ACEH4D LOGIN

acehbola

aceh4d

Toto slot

Scatter hitam

jmkbet

aceh4d

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

slot gacor

slot toto gacor

slot gacor

slot toto

togel toto macau

slot resmi gacor

slot gacor

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

Slot toto

acehbola

slot gacor

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

tus4d

tus4d

Slot gacor

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

SCATTER HITAM

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

slot toto

slot toto

slot toto

slot toto

aceh4d

slot toto

slot gacor

slot toto

aceh4d

aceh4d

scatter hitam

scatter hitam

scatter hitam

Toto slot

ACEH4D

scatter hitam

scatter hitam

scatter hitam

scatter hitam

ACEH4D

ACEH4D

slot toto

tus4d

situs toto

slot toto

aceh4d

slot maxwin

aceh4d

slot toto

tus4d

tus4d

acehbola

slot toto gacor

slot online

ACEH4D

slot gacor online

slot toto 4d

toto 4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

scatter hitam

toto slot gacor

slot toto

slot toto

situs togel

situs togel

tus4d

tus4d

aceh4d

toto slot

situs judi online terpercaya

slot online gacor hari ini

togel online terpercaya

bandar togel resmi

link slot gacor terbaru

situs slot dan togel terpercaya

toto slot

slot zeus

slot toto

togel toto 4d

toto slot gacor

toto 4d

slot gacor

slot toto

slot dana

depo 5000

situs togel

slot maxwn

toto togel

slot gacor

aceh4d

toto macau

slot gacor

slot toto

situs togel

togel online

togel toto 4d

http://ecours-fsam.uiz.ac.ma/

slot dana

slot gacor

neototo

neototo

toto gacor

neototo

slot gacor

slot gacor

slot toto

slot qris

scatter hitam

slot qris

slot dana

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

toto slot gacor

aceh4d

slot gacor

toto slot

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

slot toto

slot toto

aceh4d

slot maxwin

situs toto

slot gacor

toto slot gacor

toto slot

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

slot gacor

slot gacor

slot gacor

toto gacor

acehbola

acehbola

acehbola

acehbola

acehbola

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

aceh4d

slot toto

aceh4d

aceh4d

slot dana

situs toto

slot maxwin

slot gacor

slot thailand

situs toto

slot dana

rtp slot

aceh4d slot

ACEHBOLA

aceh4d

aceh4d

situs gacor

ACEHBOLA

slot 4d

slot dana

Bokep Indonesia

Bokep Sma