Online Learning Success

Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

Learn to lead social change and work to solve problems of governance.

This career-oriented, practitioner-directed doctoral program helps to prepare you for key roles in government, public, and nonprofit organizations.

In this professional doctorate program, you will:

  • Apply your research to create tangible solutions and become an effective manager
  • Learn from real-world problems and in-person residencies
  • Collaborate with faculty, professional clients, and following students

Fast Facts

Limited-Time Offer: Receive a $3,000 grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on May 29, 2018. Contact one of our enrollment advisors to learn more.
Next Start Date: May 29, 2018
Transfer Credits: Contact one of our enrollment advisors to learn more.

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Courses, Admissions, and Financial Aid

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This program is designed for those aspiring to move into upper-level management and administrative assignments.

Gain the skills to lead, manage, and motivate others during emergencies, to build confident and capable teams, and to address challenging ethical situations that may arise during the course of duty.

Build specialized skills and knowledge in geographic information systems (GIS) to help businesses, organizations, public agencies, and communities make important decisions.

Explore the intricate relationships among strategic planning, management, and leadership from an international perspective.

Gain valuable knowledge about health delivery systems, health policy, health administration, and health finance centers so you can manage effectively in this unique environment.

Explore collaboration between public security agencies as well as the implementation of protective measures and policies that do not compromise individual rights and freedoms.

Understand how countries organize, regulate, and foster nongovernmental activities; how international intergovernmental organizations operate; and how representatives of these organizations can learn from, partner with, and work within organizations worldwide.

Discover the relationships between law and public policy and access vital legal knowledge available to public policy practitioners.

Learn how to create and maintain sustainable communities that are environmentally sound, economically prosperous, and socially equitable.

Advance in the public or nonprofit sector by gaining an understanding of how to work with government and businesses to address shared issues.

Gain an understanding of the critical context within which organizations and individuals act in a democratic society and work collaboratively to help shape public policy development and implementation.

Learn the immediate and long-term implications of anti-terrorist legislation and policies.

Learning Outcomes

The DPA program can help you develop and refine the leadership skills that will empower you to create lasting change. This online doctoral program can enable you to:

  • Evaluate effective leadership/management principles (including theory, concepts, and practices) utilized in the public sector
  • Evaluate solutions to practical problems in public administration using evidence-based practices and research
  • Apply ethical concepts of public administration within organizations
  • Apply culturally sensitive public administration research to meet the needs of diverse populations at local, state, national, and international levels of government
  • Utilize analytic methods in making decisions related to public administration that contributes to positive social change
  • Engage in scientific inquiry to advance practice in the field of public administration

More about our DPA program

Whether you’re interested in working in a governmental, nonprofit, or private organization, a DPA can position you for a range of careers in which you can make a difference. Career options include:*

  • Senior-level public executive
  • Legislative aide
  • Government affairs officer
  • Senior-level nonprofit manager
  • Government affairs officer
  • Senior-level nonprofit manager
  • Policy analyst
  • Research director
  • Private consultant

*Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

A master's degree or higher is required for entrance into this program. You will also be required to submit a completed online application, employment history, and official transcripts.

Your enrollment advisor will help you gather all of the required materials starting with your application all the way through your first day of classes.

Because tuition costs will vary depending on your previous education, you can get in touch with an enrollment advisor today by calling 8552035779, to learn more about tuition costs for this program and financial aid options.

Walden's enrollment advisors are committed to helping identify and leverage opportunities for you to save money on your education.

Our enrollment advisors are ready to answer any questions you may have regarding this program. Fill out the form on this page to be contacted, or call 855-203-5779.

Why earn your DPA at Walden?

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Charrette Model Residency

This team-based, hands-on experience directly connects you with clients in local government and nonprofit organizations.

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Exceptional Student Services

Benefit from our 24/7 tech support, Writing Center, Career Services Center, and more.

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Applied Doctorate

In this professional program, you apply your skills to solve real problems of practice in government or the workplace.

Meleny Thomas

"Having an advanced degree allowed me to gain new job duties and responsibilities,which will in turn help me in all areas of my life."

Meleny Thomas | PhD in Public Policy and Administration Student