Top Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) Programs Online
Discover how earning your Doctor of Public Administration online can help you advance your career, earn more, and become a leader in public administration.
Earning your Doctor of Public Administration degree can mean a lot of good things for your career, like substantive, challenging work that leads to real, meaningful improvement in the lives of your neighbors. It can also mean a major improvement to your paycheck. And, you won’t need to put your career on hold while you spend years traveling to and from campus to attend classes. Now you can earn your DPA through the convenience of one of many quality, fully accredited Doctor of Public Administration online programs.
We’ve put together this guide to introduce you to the best online DPA programs available today. Below, you’ll find the answers to important questions like:
- Can I earn my DPA entirely online?
- How much will my DPA program cost and can I get help to pay for it?
- What exactly will I learn in my doctoral course of study?
- What types of jobs await me once I’ve graduated? And just how much can I earn?
Sound interesting? Read on to discover how you can take your public administration career to the top by earning your Doctor of Public Administration online.
Public Administration Program Spotlights
As you explore Doctor of Public Administration online programs, you’ll quickly discover that there are quite a few to choose from in both fully online and hybrid formats. We’ve spotlighted three of the best of those programs to give you an idea of what to expect. Our selections were made based on the availability of student-friendly components such as affordability, curriculum quality, study convenience, and access to useful academic and career support services.
California Baptist University
Study convenience and flexibility are key features of the online Doctor of Public Administration program offered by California Baptist University, a private Baptist Christian school located in Riverside, California. Developed with the working student in mind, students complete one eight-week course at a time.
Content is delivered 100% online in an asynchronous format that allows students to access their coursework according to their own schedules. The curriculum culminates with the writing and defense of a dissertation. Full-time students can complete all degree requirements, including dissertation, in as few as 36 months. Part-time study is also available.
Admissions requirements include a master’s degree from an accredited institution earned with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. The current per-credit tuition rate (not including fees) for this 60-credit program is $830. Financial aid opportunities are available to qualifying students, including a 20% tuition scholarship for employees of CBU-partnered employers.
University of Illinois Springfield
The Doctor of Public Administration program from the University of Illinois Springfield is designed for mid-range and advanced career professionals seeking top-level roles that “serve the public interest, drive social change, and make a difference in their communities and workplaces.” Students can complete their program entirely online with synchronous course delivery, entirely on-campus, or by combining online and on-campus study.
Students may also use their 16 credit hours of elective coursework to complete one of three specializations: Data Modeling and Analytics, Organizational Leadership and Management, or Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation with subfield options in education policy, environmental policy, public health policy, and social policy. The 52-credit cohort-modeled curriculum, including coursework and dissertation, is completed in three to four years.
Admission into the program requires a master’s degree earned with a minimum 3.25 GPA and evidence of significant work experience in the public sector. Applicants must also submit an education/professional goals statement, writing sample, and three letters of recommendation. The current tuition rate, including per-hour fees, for online courses is $435.25 per credit, regardless of state resident status.
West Chester University
West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania, is another public university with a Doctor of Public Administration delivered 100% online. Customization and collaboration are notable features. Students have the option to develop a customized interdisciplinary concentration from among WCU’s departments of Criminal Justice, Geography and Planning, Graduate Social Work, and Public Policy & Administration.
Many students additionally participate in assistantships in which they work alongside faculty members on research projects. The course of study culminates with completion of a dissertation-level research project, demonstrating mastery of required competencies. The 45-credit program can be completed in three full-time (nine credits per semester) or four part-time (six credits per semester) years of study. The current per-credit tuition rate is $645 for Pennsylvania residents and $658 for out-of-state residents.
Admission requirements include a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Application submittals include a current CV or resume, writing sample, supplemental application questions, and two letters of recommendation. Applicants whose master’s is not in public administration or a related discipline or do not have relevant work experience may be required to complete additional coursework.
Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) vs. PhD in Public Administration – Which Do You Need?
The lines between PhDs and applied doctorates in any given discipline are often blurred, with plenty of crossover between the two degree types. This is certainly true when it comes to public administration doctoral programs. That’s why it’s critical that you develop a thorough understanding of your academic and career goals — as well as the content and form of any public administration doctoral program you’re considering —prior to enrollment. The table below gives you a general idea of the similarities and differences between DPA and PhD in public administration degrees.
| DPA | PhD in Public Administration | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Applied public administration practice (agency and organization leadership). | Academic and research, as well as public administration practice. |
| Student Type | Mid- to advanced-career professionals. | Early- to mid-career professionals. |
| Career Goal | Careers in senior-level administration and management roles in the government and nonprofit sectors, as well as in private consultation. | Careers in postsecondary academics and advanced research, and senior-level administration and management roles in the government and nonprofit sectors, and private consultation. |
| Funding | Scholarships, grants, fellowships, student loans. | Scholarships, grants, fellowships, student loans. |
| Prerequisites | Master’s degree (public administration and related majors preferred). | Master’s degree (public administration and related majors preferred). |
| Length | 3-4 years. | 3-5 years. |
| Capstone | Applied research project (often labeled as a dissertation or dissertation-level project). | Academic dissertation. |
Online Program Timeline: Public Administration Doctorate
Depending on your specific program and chosen study pace, you will likely spend between three and four years pursuing your Doctor of Public Administration online. The following timeline offers a glimpse at how your time will be spent.
Year One
Whether you’re enrolled full-time or part-time, didactic coursework is what’s on the menu for the entire first year of your Doctor of Public Administration online curriculum. That may include specialization courses and electives mixed in with the core subject courses required of all DPA students. But you’ll likely tackle the bulk of your non-core classes in your second year. You’ll find a discussion of public administration curriculum subject matter and descriptions of some of those core courses below.
Year Two
Much the same as year one, the bulk of your second year of studies will be didactic coursework, with a small shift in focus to more specialization and elective courses. Also included will be courses in research design and practice that will prepare you to conduct the original research for your dissertation or capstone project.
Full-time students will likely complete all required didactic coursework and sit for their doctoral candidacy comprehensive exams in year three. Either shortly before or just after successful completion of the comprehensive exam, doctoral candidates will participate in the formation of the faculty committee that will oversee their progression throughout the entire dissertation/capstone process.
Year Three
It’s in year three that you’ll experience the major shift in your study focus away from coursework to the dissertation/capstone project process. For full-time students, the shift will come at the very beginning of the term and start with the submittal (and approval) of the dissertation/capstone project proposal. This will quickly be followed by the entire process of conducting research, writing, and presenting the dissertation or capstone project. Part-time students will continue with didactic coursework through the first semester of the term, after which they will sit for their comprehensive exams and then begin the dissertation/capstone process in the second semester.
Year Four and Beyond
Year four and beyond in Doctor of Public Administration online programs is devoted solely to the continuation and completion of a candidate’s dissertation or capstone project. That includes part-time students and anyone else requiring additional time beyond three years to finish all degree requirements. Taking longer than three years is certainly not unusual, and most DPA programs are more than willing to accommodate the extra time. Just be sure that you are fully aware of all program length policies, including maximum time limits, before signing on to any degree program.
Specializations in Public Administration: Tailor your study
Specialized study allows you to tailor a portion of your curriculum to focus on a particular area within the larger public administration field. It is available in most Doctor of Public Administration online programs in the form of specialization/concentration options such as the three examples listed below. In consultation with a program advisor, or simply through the choice of elective courses, students create a customized specialization that can provide an advantage in landing jobs requiring specialized knowledge and skills.
- Healthcare Administration Ideal for professionals interested in careers in administration and management of public health agencies and departments, this specialization covers topics like health insurance, health finance, and policy issues in healthcare.
- Justice Administration For those seeking administrative careers with police and criminal investigative agencies, correctional programs, and court and justice systems, this specialization includes topics such as the nature of crime and criminology, contemporary corrections, and justice systems applications.
- Program Evaluation Focus in this specialization is on the development of skills needed to effectively assess the components and social impact of governmental, nonprofit, and other public organization policies and programs, typically within a subfield of the larger public administration discipline.
Accreditation & Online Doctorates in Public Administration
Accreditation of online doctoral programs and their schools is how programs and schools are vetted for important standards of academic quality. There are two primary forms of postsecondary accreditation: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation, which assesses the quality of colleges and universities as a whole, is administered by several independent regional and national accrediting agencies, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Programmatic accreditation concerns the vetting of individual degree programs within a specific discipline. Public administration doctoral programs are typically not programmatically accredited. However, programs offered through a school’s business department may be programmatically accredited through that department. For example, the DPA program at West Chester University is offered through its College of Business and Public Management which is accredited by the AACSB.
You can check current institutional and programmatic accreditation status of any DPA program by using this Department of Education database.
Common Components of Online Public Administration Doctorate programs
Below is a look at the common components of a Doctor of Public Administration online program. The details of each of these components will be slightly different for each program but this is generally how your course of study will be structured.
Coursework
As we mentioned earlier, you’ll be spending the first two years (and maybe longer) focused on completing core, specialization, and elective coursework. The purpose of concentrating on coursework at the start of your studies is to lay the theoretical foundation you’ll need to succeed in the writing and defense of your dissertation or completion of your capstone project. Course content will focus on general topics including public policy and management, public sector leadership and innovation, and research design and methodology.
Comprehensive Exam
Following completion of didactic coursework, most online DPA students are required to sit for and pass a comprehensive examination leading to acceptance into doctoral candidacy. The purpose of the exam is to confirm the competencies in core public administration subject matter needed for the student to successfully take on their dissertation or capstone project.
Dissertation/Capstone Proposal, Research, and Writing
Public administration students will submit a written proposal for their dissertation or capstone project immediately following their transition to doctoral candidacy. The proposal will outline, in detail, the purpose and course of action to be taken in the research and writing of the dissertation/capstone. The proposal itself may require participation in its own defense in front of the dissertation/capstone committee. Following approval, students will begin the major task of conducting original research and the writing of their culminating activity.
Dissertation/Capstone Submittal and Defense
Upon completion, you will submit your written dissertation/capstone manuscript along with a defense request to the committee. This is followed by an oral defense in front of the committee during which you will make a brief presentation and answer questions. The committee will then vote to accept or reject your dissertation/capstone or make recommendations for changes or additions to the manuscript before its acceptance and submittal for publication.
Once accepted, your next steps are to apply for graduation, receive your doctorate, and celebrate your achievement.
What You’ll Learn in an Online Public Administration Graduate Program
As discussed earlier, Doctor of Public Administration online students will spend the bulk of the first two years of their programs completing didactic core, specialization, and elective coursework. Here are descriptions of five core public administration courses similar to those you’ll encounter in your DPA curriculum.
Introduction to Public Administration Theory and Practice
Overview of the theories and concepts related to public organizations and their application to the practice of public policy and administration. Topics covered include the historical works of major public sector theorists, foundational and emerging theories of government and nonprofit management, and the social, economic, and political issues impacting public administration practice today.
Public Administration Research Design and Methodology
Comprehensive examination of both the qualitative and quantitative methods used in research practice and design in the public administration field. Emphasis is placed on the application of these methods to the dissertation research and writing process. Topics include the identification of design criteria and the development of hypothesis statements and research questions.
Public Policy Administration
Introduction to the fundamental principles involved in the design, planning, implementation, and evaluation of public policy in the United States. Emphasis is placed on the unique and critical role of public administrators in policy advocacy and decision making, and the development of skills and strategies employed in influencing policy outcomes.
Public Sector Finance and Budgeting
Detailed analysis of the key issues and challenges impacting the financing and budgeting of governmental, nonprofit, and other public agencies and organizations. Students gain skills in the effective application of economic theory and financial management tools in fiscal decision making. Course topics include the administrative, economic, and legal aspects of budgeting practices.
Strategic Planning and Management
Students in this course are taught the foundational concepts and practical skills of strategic planning and management employed in carrying out a public organization’s mission. Focus is placed on the application of best practices to the major aspects of resource management, including allocation, collaboration, cooperation, and performance measurement both within and between organizations.
Tuition and Financial Aid for Public Administration Doctorate Programs
The cost of obtaining a doctor of public administration degree online can vary, sometimes substantially, depending on the specific program you choose. It’s imperative that you gain a clear understanding of what your degree will cost, in detail, before you enroll. We’ve listed the current estimated tuition costs for three online DPA programs in the table below. Along with the figures discussed in the program spotlights, they’ll give you a solid idea of what you might pay for your degree. Keep in mind that these figures are for tuition only and do not include additional program fees or the costs of books and supplies.
It’s also important to consider any and all financial aid resources available to mitigate your education costs. There are a number of them out there, including scholarships and grants, fellowships, employer tuition reimbursement opportunities, VA benefits, and student loans. Be sure to contact the financial aid offices of the schools you’re considering at the beginning of your program search.
What Your Online Public Administration Degree Could Cost
| School | Program | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty University | Doctor of Public Administration | 48 | $28,560-$31,200 |
| National University | Doctor of Public Administration | 54 | $52,380 |
| Valdosta State University | Doctor of Public Administration | 54 | $16,200 |
Lucrative Careers for Public Administration Doctorate Holders
The table below offers recent salary and job growth figures from the U.S Department of Labor for five common job titles for DPA degree holders. Regarding salary figures, keep in mind that what you actually earn in your job will depend on specific job title and employer, geographic location, and your level of professional work experience. It’s also important to note that most of these job titles may be filled by professionals with a master’s in public administration degree, which means with your DPA, your salary may tend toward the higher end of the earnings scale.
| Job Title | Median Pay | 90th Percentile Pay | Projected Growth (2023-33) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive | $206,680 | $239,200+ | 5.5% |
| General and Operations Managers | $101,280 | $232,110 | 5.8% |
| Management Analyst | $99,410 | $172,280 | 10.6% |
| Postsecondary Education Administrator | $102,610 | $209,870 | 2.9% |
| Urban and Regional Planners | $81,800 | $126,120 | 4.3% |
Source: O*Net OnLine, 2023; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023-33
Public Administration Doctorate FAQs
What are some of the benefits of earning my doctorate online?
- Convenience: Convenience here refers to the ability to attend classes and complete coursework from the comfort of home or anywhere you like, if you have a reliable internet connection. And with some programs (like the DPA at Valdosta State University) delivering coursework asynchronously, you can enjoy the additional benefit of tackling that to your studies at any time that fits your busy schedule.
- Study Flexibility: Most online DPA programs also provide a great deal of flexibility when it comes to their students’ study pace. Full-time, part-time, and even self-paced options are not uncommon.
One of the biggest advantages with all of this convenience and flexibility is that it allows DPA students to continue working at their present jobs while pursuing their degrees.
Are online Public Administration Doctorate programs more affordable than in-person programs?
The cost of pursuing an online doctorate can be substantial with prices varying from the notably affordable to very expensive. In terms of formal costs for a DPA online vs in person (tuition, program fees, books, supplies, etc.), the answer is no. With a few exceptions, online DPA students will pay the same or close to the same formal costs as their on-campus counterparts. Online DPA students save in commuting costs, making their programs more affordable than on-campus attendance.
How long does it take to earn a DPA degree online?
Doctoral program lengths also vary substantially from discipline to discipline and from program to program. There are even a small number of doctorates that can be earned in a very short time – as little as one year in rare cases. The program lengths of Doctor of Public Administration online programs, however, mostly fall into three-to-four-year range. That includes all three of the programs spotlighted above. It’s important to keep in mind, that most schools allow extensions of two, three, or four (and sometimes more) years to accommodate students who need additional time to complete their dissertations and research projects.
What are some common admission requirements for online Public Administration Doctorate programs?
Although varying slightly from program to program, you’ll find that the majority of DPA online programs have admissions requirements similar to the following:
- Additional application submittals: Other common application requirements include a statement of purpose/personal statement, current resume, and letters of recommendation.
- Previously earned degree: A master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university is the standard. While a degree in public administration or a closely related discipline is often preferred, most programs will consider applicants with a master’s in practically any field.
- GPA: A required minimum cumulative GPA on previous college-level coursework is common. Minimums vary by program, but 3.0 to 3.5 is typical.
- Work experience: Professional experience in the public sector may or may not be required, but it is more likely to be for applicants with a non-public administration master’s.
- GRE: Programs may require submittal of GRE scores by all applicants or only those not meeting other admissions requirements. But most Doctor of Public Administration online programs today, like doctoral programs in many other fields, have done away with GRE requirements entirely.
What are the differences between public administration, public affairs, and public policy?
There are many similarities among the public administration, public affairs, and public policy fields. There are important differences, also. Generally:
- Public administration is primarily concerned with the management of government agencies and other public organizations. Important components of public administration include policy implementation and organizational effectiveness and efficiency.
- Public policy mainly involves the development, research analysis, and advocacy of public policies administered by government agencies.
- Public affairs focuses on the relationships among public agencies and between public agencies and the public at large. Specific aspects of public affairs include information dissemination, strategic communications, and organizational ethics and responsibilities.
Resources for Online DPA Students
- American Society for Public Administration (ASPA)
The ASPA is the preeminent professional association in the public service field. Members include government and nonprofit professionals, researchers, educators, and students dedicated to advancing excellence in public service nationwide and around the world. - Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management (APPAM)
This association of institutions and professionals is dedicated to the improvement of public policy and management through excellence in analysis, education, and research. Student membership offers a range of valuable professional development, mentoring, and networking opportunities. - National Academy of Public Administration
The Academy is a Congressionally charted nonpartisan, nonprofit tasked with providing assistance to Congress and federal agencies, as well as governments on all levels, both domestically and internationally. Their website offers an abundance of useful resources including many focused on higher education. - National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA)
The NFBPA is an independent, nonpartisan non-profit organization with over 2,500 managers and leaders of public agencies and programs that support the advancement of African-Americans in public service careers. Student memberships are available to full-time graduate students. - Pi Alpha Alpha
Pi Alpha Alpha is the Global Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration. There are over 160 chapters on college and university campuses throughout the U.S. and around the world, including several schools mentioned in this guide.