10 Best Online Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) Programs [2024 Guide]

By Joy Cromwelle
Updated on March 10, 2024
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Explore Online Doctor of Public Administration Programs for 2023. Compare DPA programs, career paths, and salaries.

Looking for Online Doctor of Public Administration Programs for 2024? Compare DPA programs, career paths, and salaries.

Doctor of Public Administration

Public administration careers are on the rise, and a doctor of public administration online might be just what you need to distinguish yourself from other job applicants.

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It’s a high-level degree, so it will likely require a certain amount of commitment, but the benefits may be substantial.

Online Doctor of Public Administration Degrees

Budget analyst meeting with colleagues

Public administration is a broad field with many specialties and sub-specialties.

At its core, it’s about working in governments and nonprofits to handle budgets, policies, laws, social programs and other things that impact local communities. Potential jobs can include:

  • City manager
  • Budget analyst
  • Human resources director
  • Administrative services manager
  • Nonprofit program director

If you get a PhD, you may also explore careers in academia like researcher and university professor.

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As for the degree itself, you’ll likely have a few different options. You may go for a Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) for the most straightforward credentials, or if you’re keen on getting that Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) on your resume, you may enroll in a PhD program with a concentration in public administration.

Research has shown that there’s little difference between DPA and PhD programs. They teach the same courses, and they’ll require the same amount of time, effort and research. The primary difference is that a DPA is geared more towards practical application, while a PhD is geared more towards academic research and contributing to the body of knowledge in this field.

Doctor of Public Administration Careers & Salaries

Working in public administration may lead to a number of rewarding careers with pay ranging from $75,950 to $137,940, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A Doctor of Public Administration degree can help prepare you for a variety of careers, such as:

Careers Annual Median Salary
Natural Sciences Manager $137,940
Political Scientist $125,350
Human Resources Manager $121,220
Public Relations and Fundraising Manager $118,430
Government Chief Executive $113,270
Management Analyst $87,660
Postsecondary Teacher $80,790
Budget Analyst $78,970
Urban and Regional Planner $75,950

As you look at these numbers, it’s important to remember that salaries will vary depending on the specifics of your job. For example, students with a master’s degree in public administration online may not receive salaries as high as those with a doctorate degree, but it will depend on the employer, your work experience, and even regional location.

Choosing an Online Public Administration Doctorate Degree

Public Administration Doctorate Degree student studying online

It’s one of the first questions to ask yourself when considering an online PhD in public administration: Which degree program is right for me?

Ultimately, the decision will come down to both practicalities and preferences. You may need to choose a college that fits within your budget and offers the courses, credits and learning options that you want.

You should also consider the usual things like tuition and graduation rates.

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Your personal checklist might look a little something like this:

  • Accreditation: Look for regional, national or programmatic accreditation. There are searchable databases online if you aren’t sure about the accreditation status of your school.
  • Admissions: What are the deadlines? Will you need GRE or GMAT test scores? What’s their acceptance rate?
  • Faculty: The quality of a school’s professors can make or break its doctorate program. They should be accomplished individuals with strong backgrounds in public administration.
  • Online Format: Some schools have “synchronous” classes where lectures and discussions are hosted through live video conferences. Others have “asynchronous” classes that are self-paced with individual study through pre-recorded materials. Which online learning method is better for you?

Your checklist might look different from another student’s. That’s okay. Everyone has their own priorities when it comes to choosing a PhD program.

Admissions Requirements

Public Administration Doctorate Degree student studying on her laptop

Competition may be fierce when applying to graduate programs. The classes are smaller, and grants and scholarships are often distributed on a first come, first served basis. For the best chance of success with a DPA online, you may need to be familiar with the admissions process and what it requires.

  • Transcripts: Competitive schools will want to see a high GPA. Others might accept lower GPAs on a conditional basis or with other academic factors considered.
  • Test Scores: It’s common for doctorate programs to require the GRE or GMAT, but more and more universities are waiving this requirement.
  • Resume or CV: You don’t usually need professional work experience to apply for graduate school, but you may be asked to submit your resume or CV.
  • Letters of recommendation: Most colleges will ask for 2 – 3 letters of recommendation from mentors or professors, but it varies.
  • Statement of Purpose: This is your letter of intent to the university. It’s the place to outline your goals, interests, academics, extracurriculars and more.

It’s recommended that you start applying for grad schools 4 to 8 months in advance. Since it can take time to gather all of your admissions materials, this might mean sending out for transcripts and recommendation letters 6 to 12 months in advance.

Accreditation

Doctor of Public Administration Accreditation

As a graduate student, you may be probably familiar with accreditation. You might even know your way around the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) database already.

Since grad school is a significant investment of time and energy, you’ll want to be completely sure that your degree is recognized as legitimate.

Here are the two types of accreditation:

  • Regional accreditation
  • National accreditation

Regional and national accreditation are known as institutional accreditation and are given to colleges as a whole. Regional accreditation is considered the gold standard when it comes to quality.

Public Administration Professional Organizations

Public Administration Professionals attending a seminar

As a public administration student, you might benefit from joining an industry organization. It may provide many resources and opportunities while you’re in school, and once you graduate, it may serve as a network of like-minded professionals within your field.

Here are just a few names to consider:

  • Alliance for Nonprofit Management: The ANM is dedicated to the management of both government and non-government nonprofits. It offers countless events and awards as well as discounts on industry-related products, services and certifications.
  • American Society for Public Administration: With more than 10,000 members, the ASPA is one of the world’s largest organizations for public administration professionals. Members enjoy access to conferences, journals, job listings and e-learning platforms.
  • International City/County Management Association: The ICMA runs through local chapters to support government operations throughout the country. Its services include everything from webinars to leadership development programs.

This is a small list of professional organizations for public administrators. Your DPA online may be used to gain entry into many different professional networks.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid for PhD in Public Administration students

Despite what you may have heard, it’s entirely possible to get financial aid for a doctorate degree. While it’s true that your options will be more limited as a graduate student than an undergrad, there are still ways you may get help with funding your online PhD in public administration.

The first step is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It will determine your eligibility for several types of assistance, including:

  • Grants: As a PhD student, you won’t qualify for things like the Federal Pell Grant anymore, but you might get lucky with a school-based research or academic merit grant.
  • Loans: Student loans are available for qualified students.
  • Work-study programs: Work-study opportunities are available to both undergraduate and graduate students, so it’s just a matter of finding a job that works for you.

Another option is scholarships. You may find need-based scholarships for students at every level of study, so if you’re under a certain income threshold, they’re worth considering. If you have a good GPA, you might also look into merit-based scholarships.

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Last but not least, do a little research into fully- or partially-funded doctorate programs. These programs may waive your tuition in exchange for things like researching and student teaching, and some may even provide a monthly stipend.

As you might imagine, you’ll likely have a lot of competition for a fully-funded PhD, but it doesn’t hurt to at least read about them.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Public Administration?

PhD in Public Administration student studying at a cafe

It can take anywhere from 3 to 5 years to earn a PhD. It’s hard to get more specific since there are so many factors that go into a graduate school timetable:

  • Will you be studying full-time or part-time?
  • If you’re enrolling online, will the program have any face-to-face requirements? This can slow down your degree if you have to travel for internships or exams.
  • Does your school have credit requirements? Some doctorate programs will monitor your credits just as vigorously as they do with undergrads; others will stop requiring or tracking your credits once you meet a certain threshold.

If you’re eager to finish school as quickly as possible, the good news is that a doctorate in public administration is usually on the shorter side. With dedicated, full-time study, you might be done in 3 to 4 years.

What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Public Administration?

Project Manager talking to colleagues while working on a project

A traditional or online public administration degree may open many doors, especially when it’s a specialized, high-level degree like a PhD.

Do you want to create change in your community? You may look for a job with the government or with a nonprofit organization. Your degree may qualify you for work as an administrator, director, policy planner, budget analyst or human resources specialist.

Do you enjoy academia? Consider a career as a government researcher or college professor. This is a common track for PhD students, including ones who are studying public administration, so the infrastructure may be there for you.

You may even take your degree and go into politics. Many mayors, chiefs, directors and police commissioners have backgrounds in public administration. Internationally, there are also a number of presidents and prime ministers who have studied public administration.

There are many places you may to take a DPA or PhD. You just have to tailor your career path to your unique strengths and interests.

Is a Doctorate in Public Administration Worth It?

Doctorate in Public Administration student studying at a cafe

Yes, a Doctor of Public Administration is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 5% job growth in life, physical, and social science occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include urban and regional planner, administrative services manager, budget analyst, and city manager.

While everyone has their own opinion about the value of a college degree, a DPA or PhD in Public Administration may be a great option.

What is the Employment Outlook for Doctorate in Public Administration Graduates?

It’s a good time to go back to school. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t track the occupational outlook for public administrators, it does offer a growth rate of 6% for administrative service managers and 17% for social and community service managers.

This is higher than the national average on both accounts.

Can I Work While I Obtain My Online Doctorate in Public Administration?

In general, many students work while they attend graduate school. No matter if you were taking an online MPA program no GRE, or an online DPA, you may still be able to work in your free time. In fact, one of the benefits of getting your PhD in Public Administration online is the fact that you won’t be tethered to a campus while you study.

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You may learn anywhere and anytime as long as you have an internet connection.

What Does an Online Public Health Doctorate Degree Cost?

Public Health Doctorate Degree student studying in his office

The cost of a doctorate degree can vary. Some schools will charge you by the credit; others will have a flat tuition rate for the first two years of study and a reduced rate for every year after that.

Financial aid may also play a role in your costs. There are fully- and partially-funded doctorate programs, and depending on their fine print, they may cover everything from tuition to textbooks. Some may even offer a monthly stipend for qualifying students.

In short, every PhD program is different, so their prices are different as well.

Universities Offering Online Doctorate Degree in Public Administration

Each of the universities included below are regionally accredited and offer public administration doctorate degree online.

California Baptist University

California Baptist University campus

Founded in 1950, California Baptist University offers private education for students looking to incorporate their belief system into their academic life. Serving students of all faiths, CBU is a Christian college that offers online and campus-based degree programs, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

Some majors include education, healthcare, and science.

  • Doctor of Public Administration

California Baptist University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Liberty University

Liberty University campus

One of the nation’s most longstanding postsecondary schools is Liberty University, which was created in 1771. Liberty University offers a faith-based private education to students who want to be part of a global learning community.

Liberty University has more than one-hundred academic majors that help students obtain an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree of their choice.

  • Doctor of Public Administration

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

National University

National University campus

Since its founding in 1971, National University has aimed to help adult learners achieve academic success and meet their educational goals. National University provides flexible scheduling options and online courses to meet the needs of busy students.

NU offers a number of bachelor’s master’s, and doctoral degree programs that can be taken online or at multiple campus locations in California.

  • Doctor of Public Administration

National University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University campus

Old Dominion University is recognized worldwide for the research and innovations that come from its academic institution. Opening in 1930, Old Dominion University has a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees that can be obtained online or on-campus.

Working with students across the globe, ODU encourages students to become involved in their many research opportunities.

  • PhD in Public Administration and Policy

Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Saybrook University

Saybrook University campus

Commenced in 1971, Saybrook University is a small academic facility that serves less than 1,000 students each year. Located in Pasadena, California, Saybrook University has several paths to master’s and doctoral degrees. SU teaches students the importance of social justice, environmental awareness, and leadership in all degree programs.

  • PhD in Transformative Social Change

Saybrook University is accredited by the Senior Commission of Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Union Institute and University

Union Institute and University campus

Union Institute and University began in 1964 and provides students with a variety of academic programs that lead to a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. Known as a private research university, UIU allows students to study through an online curriculum or campus programs. Notable alumni include authors, political leaders, and entrepreneurs.

  • PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies – Public Policy and Social Change

Union Institute & University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Illinois – Springfield

University of Illinois - Springfield campus

Created in 1995, the University of Illinois – Springfield offers distance learning programs for busy or working adults. Students at the University of Illinois – Springfield can complete their degrees at their own pace. Their DPA program requires students to complete core, elective courses, qualifying exams, and dissertations. The completion of this program is vary based on the amount of time available for academic study.

  • DPA – Data Modeling & Analytics
  • DPA – Organizational Leadership & Management
  • DPA – Policy Analysis & Program Evaluation

UIS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Valdosta State University

Valdosta State University campus

Valdosta State University commenced in 1906 as a public school for higher education. Spanning the globe, Valdosta State University serves students throughout the United States and in a multitude of other counties by offering virtual learning and traditional college settings.

VSU has a range of degree programs, including two-year, four-year, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

  • Doctor of Public Administration

Valdosta State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Walden University

Walden University campus

Founded in 1970, Walden University is committed to being a leader in private education. Offering both online and campus-based programs, Walden University serves thousands of students worldwide each year.

Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in an assortment of academic majors are available at WU. Popular programs include education, business, and liberal arts.

  • Doctor of Public Administration

Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

West Chester University

West Chester University campus

West Chester University started in 1871 as a private school or teaching. Throughout the years and undergoing many changes, West Chester became a comprehensive public institution that offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level degrees in various academic areas.

WCU is a competitive school to get accepted into, and the payoff is a first-class education for an affordable price.

  • Doctor of Public Administration

West Chester University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Getting Your Public Administration Doctorate Online

Public Administration Doctorate degree student studying online

If you’re interested in public administration, a doctorate degree may be a great way to build your skills, bolster your resume and break down the barriers of your local government or social service groups.

It’s a field where you might effect real change, but you may need to be qualified for the jobs before you can do it. Enroll in a university program to get started.

Ready to start your journey?