Public administration is an academic subject that studies the implementation of government policy and prepares individuals for working in public service. A degree in public administration can also give skills in the organization of non-government and non-profit organizations in so far as these organizations affect the public. These fields include such things as:
- Climate change
- Securing countries against terrorism
- Providing health care and education for children in poverty
- Supplying food and water to underdeveloped nations
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people in public administration jobs analyze information, oversee expenditures, draft and implement governmental and public policy, manage people and resources, conduct safety inspections, investigate suspected criminal activity and serve as consultants and stewards of the public interest. A doctorate in this field makes a difference on the highest level – influence on people!
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Best Online Schools for Doctor in Public Administration (DPA) Degree Programs
METHODOLOGY: See our choices for the 5 Best Online Schools for Doctor in Public Administration (DPA) Degree Programs, listed in random order. As each school has their own attributes, check out their websites to find one that will fit your needs. These were chosen based on the following:
- Offers a degree program in Public Administration that is designed to help graduates advance in their career,
- Promotes critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, as well as management skills used in today’s PA workforce,
- Provides DPA degree programs offered through a 100% or Hybrid class format,
- Allowing for access to coursework 24/7, in addition to school resources and career counseling,
- Allows for a variety of concentrations within the field of Public Administration,
- Offers DPA programs that can often be completed within 3 years,
- Promotes research and residency participation,
- Displays proper Accreditation,
- Allows Financial Aid opportunities,
- Taught by exceptional professors experienced in the field of Public Administration.
To learn more, please see our Methodology page.
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LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
DBA- NON-PROFIT MANAGEMENT distance learning degree
Program Standouts:
Liberty University offers a Doctor of Business Administration – Non-Profit Management. The program is offered completely online and focuses on the same skills as a public policy degree. The DBA in Non-Profit Management gives students confidence and top-notch training so that they can make a difference with their organizational skills in non-profit management. Students will deepen their knowledge and gain tools and resources to improve their leadership and operation of an efficient non-profit organization.
Campus Location: Lynchburg, VA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; Commission on Colleges
Retention Rate: 84%
Acceptance Rate: 29.8%
Admission Requirements:
- Apply online or download the application for admission and submit via mail
- $50.00 application fee
- Earned MBA, MSA or MS in Information Systems or earned MS in Management Information Systems
- Statement of Purpose
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required for entrance into the program from any of the acceptable degrees
- English language competency tests (see website for more information)
Degree Outcomes:
Liberty University’s Doctorate in Business Administration-Non-Profit Management qualifies students in many fields including the following:
- Lead Management
- Non-Profit Organization Director
- Regulatory Affairs Manager
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTORATE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION – NON-PROFIT MANAGEMENT AT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
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WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Online DPA
Program Standouts:
The Doctor of Public Administration degree at West Chester University in Pennsylvania is designed to prepare students to advance to the highest level of their practice of public affairs and administration. The courses of this degree develop core competencies in the areas of:
- Strategic management
- Public sector economic and financial decision-making
- Policy advocacy and leadership
DPA students at West Chester will be assisted in thorough evaluation to identify the most effective and efficient solutions to the problems that they encounter in practice. With an advisor, their courses will be chosen from among the departments of:
- Public Policy & Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Geography and Planning
- Graduate Social Work
Students will also complete a series of capstone seminar courses where they will create a piece of applied scholarship that demonstrates a high level of competence in applying the Doctorate learning outcomes to the solution of an actual organizational or public problem/issue.
Campus Location: West Chester, PA
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Retention Rate: 85%
Acceptance Rate: 68.5%
Admission Requirements:
The Admissions Committee at West Chester will consider the following in making admissions recommendations:
- Master’s degree, from a regionally accredited college or university
- GRE Requirement: Needed for all individuals with a master’s GPA lower than 3.85
- Three letters of recommendation from education professionals
- Professional writing demonstration at the time of application (waived for applicants who present a GRE analytical writing score of 4.5 or higher)
- Resume or vita
- Interview (upon Committee request)
Sampling of Coursework:
- Pre-doctoral Seminar in Public Policy and Administration
- Advanced Practice and Applied Theories of Public Policy and Administration
- Strategic Public Management and Governance
Degree Outcomes:
Students will be prepared, through their core courses, to engage in the terminal levels of program and policy evaluation. Students will be accomplished in methodological competence.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTORATE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AT WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY
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Recommended Schools
VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY
online DPA DEGREE program
Program Standouts:
The Doctorate of Public Administration at Valdosta State University is a practice-based terminal degree which is designed for those who want to advance their careers in:
- Government
- Non-profits
- Non-government organizations (NGOs)
Coursework enables students with essential leadership skills as well as management, communication and problem-solving skills required in today’s professional conditions. The curriculum is web-based which allows students to earn their degree without moving or disrupting professional and personal commitments where they are. Access to the coursework is 24/7 on the student’s schedule and location. The program also allows a wide variety of concentration areas.
Campus Location: Valdosta, GA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Retention Rate: 69%
Acceptance Rate: 74.2%
Admission Requirements:
- Master’s degree, from a regionally accredited college or university
- A satisfactory GRE score
- Three letters of recommendation
- An acceptable cumulative undergraduate GPA
- A statement on goals for advancing intellectual abilities
- A comprehensive resume
Sampling of Coursework:
- Capstone Seminar
- Final Project/Organizational Analysis
Degree Outcomes:
The DPA program at Valdosta State builds upon the students’ experience and helps to develop information and applied research skills needed for the highest level of professional offering in the field of public administration.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTORATE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION DEGREE AT VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY
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CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
DPA distance learning degree
Program Standouts:
The online Doctor of Public Administration degree at California Baptist University Online & Professional Studies develops creative leaders who seek to have an impact in public and non-profit organizations. Designed for the working adult, the online DPA program, including the dissertation, can be completed in as little as three years. Students focus on one online class every eight weeks. The curriculum and courses in the program meet the needs of professionals given the job of responding to the complex and challenging issues organizations face at the federal, state, and local levels within:
- Planning
- Criminal justice
- Governance
- Policy
- Health management
- Social service arenas
Campus Location: Riverside, CA
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
Retention Rate: 78%
Acceptance Rate: 77.1%
Admission Requirements:
- Master’s degree from a regionally accredited university with the following GPA:
- 3.0 for unconditional admission
- 2.75 for conditional admission
- Two recommendations from professional sources that can attest to the candidate’s potential for scholarly and professional success.
- Comprehensive Essay of at least 500 words that include:
- Purpose for entering the program
- Long-term professional goals including how a doctoral degree will influence those goals
- Reasons for choosing California Baptist University
- Professional resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Interview with Program Director
Sampling of Coursework:
- Performance Management and Evaluation
- Collaboration and Networked Governance
- Public Policy, Advocacy, and Economics
- Professional Residency
Degree Outcomes:
The DPA degree at California Baptist University prepares students to “take an active role in creating innovative, sustainable solutions to societal problems and improved governance.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTORATE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AT CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY
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UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND – BALTIMORE COUNTY
online ph.d. IN PUBLIC POLICY – PUBLIC MANAGEMENT
Program Standouts:
The University of Maryland – Baltimore County offers a 100% online Ph.D. degree in Public Policy, specializing in Public Management. Students in this program will not only learn to understand organizational systems but also learn how the political environment may change or constrict approaches to administration and implementation. The public management path will give students management skills that are drawn from the experience of professionals in the public, non-profit, and private categories. Students will take courses in public management, as well as in organization, leadership, budgeting, and program evaluation.
Campus Location: Baltimore, MD
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Retention Rate: 88%
Acceptance Rate: 60.2%
Admission Requirements:
- Application form
- $50.00 application fee
- 3 letters of recommendation (at least two from academia)
- Statement of Purpose
- Official transcripts
- Official GRE scores
- TOEFL scores, if applicable
- Current resume to the Graduate School
Sampling of Coursework:
- Research Methodology
- Theory and Practice of Policy Analysis
- Statistical Analysis
Degree Outcomes:
The Ph.D. in Public Policy – Public Management at the University of Maryland – Baltimore County gives students the ability and strategies to turn government policy into a conclusive action.