Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

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

You’re ready for what’s next. Shape the future of public policy and drive positive social change with a top-level degree. When you choose Walden’s online DPA program, you will:

  • Hone your leadership acumen: Use relevant theories and practices to analyze and apply ethical solutions to real-world public sector problems.

  • Develop 21st-century skills: Gain proficiency in evidence-based decision-making, basic grant writing, and data analytics.

  • Build cultural competency: Learn to better serve diverse populations using applied research and practice.

Fast Facts

Next Start Date: October 9, 2023

Transfer Credits: Up to 44 credits

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Curriculum

Designed for students with a master’s degree or higher, Walden’s DPA program helps elevate your skills as a leader or consultant in government and nonprofit organizations. You will gain hands-on expertise through in-person residencies and master key competencies through courses such as:

  • Ethics and Social Justice
  • Public Policy and Finance
  • Leadership and Organizational Change
  • Research Theory, Design, and Methods
  • Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis

Doctoral Degree Coach

A Personalized Guide to Completing Your Doctorate

Earning your online Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) requires commitment, perseverance, and hard work. You can do it, and Walden is here to help—with our Doctoral Degree Coach™.

  • Man at Crossroads

    Map and Track Milestones

    Break your research down into manageable, sequential steps. See where you are, what’s ahead, and what you’ve already accomplished—all in one place.

  •  

    Meet Weekly Targets

    No more guesswork. Set prompts based on your to-do list and receive reminders and updates directly to your inbox.

  • Shaking Hands

    Connect With Faculty

    Stay on the same page and keep your progress on track. With shared access to your dashboard, your chair can easily guide you through your checklists, goals, and timelines.

  • Three Books Lined Up

    Access Helpful Resources

    Quickly find support from the right person at the right time. Our comprehensive resource guide points you in the right direction—no more frustrating searches.

More about our DPA program

DPA is a distinctive credential that can competitively position you for roles such as:

  • Social and community services manager
  • Government affairs director
  • Mayor, city manager, county manager
  • Senior policy analyst
  • Executive director
  • Division chief

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

 
Walden’s Enrollment Specialists are committed to helping you identify and leverage opportunities to save money on your education. Get in touch with an Enrollment Specialist today at 888-968-5331 to learn more.
Our Enrollment Specialists 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?

learn-with-leaders-small

Be a Data Warrior

Master key skills in data-centric decision-making. Through coursework on applied analytics in the public sector, learn to define and drive measurable outcomes to help your organization or clients achieve their goals.

exceptional-student-services

Stand Out From the Crowd

Demonstrate your advanced practical expertise—and boost your portfolio and résumé—by writing a professional consulting project for a government client during your DPA capstone.

relevant-small

Create Change

We not only teach; we empower. Prepare to solve real problems—and better the world around you—at a university dedicated to effecting positive change.

learn-with-leaders-small

Be a Data Warrior

Master key skills in data-centric decision-making. Through coursework on applied analytics in the public sector, learn to define and drive measurable outcomes to help your organization or clients achieve their goals.

exceptional-student-services

Stand Out From the Crowd

Demonstrate your advanced practical expertise—and boost your portfolio and résumé—by writing a professional consulting project for a government client during your DPA capstone.

relevant-small

Create Change

We not only teach; we empower. Prepare to solve real problems—and better the world around you—at a university dedicated to effecting positive change.

“I was inspired to pursue a degree with Walden because I was hoping to advance my career.”

Kennisha Minks | Master of Business Administration (MBA) Graduate & Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) Student

Note: The number of credits for completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate, call an enrollment specialist at 1-866-492-5336.

Enrollment Restrictions by State

Walden currently cannot enroll residents of the following states/districts into the Doctor of Public Administration program: Kentucky and New Mexico.

ONGOING MILITARY OFFER:

A 15% tuition reduction for servicemembers, veterans of the U.S. armed forces, employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and their spouses.*

*A 15% tuition reduction is available to new students who are servicemembers, veterans of the U.S. armed forces, or employees of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This tuition reduction is also available if you are a spouse of a servicemember, veteran, or employee of the VA. This tuition reduction cannot be retroactively applied. Tuition reductions are applicable to tuition only and do not apply toward books, materials, and other supplies or fees needed for a course.

Walden may change the tuition reduction offered hereunder at any time, but such change will not affect the tuition reduction for students who are currently enrolled at Walden and using the existing tuition reduction. All tuition reductions, grants, or scholarships are subject to specific eligibility requirements. Contact a Walden University Enrollment Specialist for details.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, https://www.hlcommission.org/.