Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
Bring about Lasting Change in Your Community with a Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
Are you passionate about politics and ensuring that government procedures run smoothly? Maybe you’re currently an educator or a civil servant who wants to make a difference in government for the betterment of society. It is the efforts of administrators, civil servants, and bureaucrats that make the government work, and that’s the realm of public administration. Liberty University’s Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) is an excellent degree option providing the training you need to make a difference in public and private policy administration.
Throughout this degree, you’ll explore the administrative functions of governmental agencies and gain experience in strategic planning, program implementation, advanced management techniques, and results-based leadership. You can take on positions in higher education as an administrator or professor. You can have the option of working as a civil servant, politician, consultant, or grants writer.
So don’t wait any longer! The public needs someone like you who is passionate about the laws and policies that affect their daily lives.
What is the difference between a Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) and a Ph.D. in Public Administration?
The major difference between these 2 degrees is that the DPA will require you to complete a capstone project to demonstrate how your industry-specific skills can solve real-world problems. You will identify a problem or need, perform an assessment, and address the need. If you are looking for a way to create original research that will add to the general knowledge of this field, then you may want to pursue a Ph.D. in Public Administration. With the guidance of our professors, you create your own research concept and complete a dissertation on the concept you choose so you can be recognized as a scholar in public administration.
What Will You Study in Your Doctor of Public Administration Program?
The training you receive in this degree will allow you to:
- Construct innovative change proposals to policies that address public needs and problems
- Synthesize a Christian model of statesmanship that incorporates a biblical worldview in public administration
- Conduct independent research that contributes to the public administration field
Career Opportunities for Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) Graduates
- Academic program director
- Budget analyst
- City manager
- Civil rights specialist
- Elected official
- Foundation program officer
- Grants writer/administrator
- Higher education administration
- Legislative aide
- Lobbyist
- Management consultant
- Nonprofit manager/leader
- Policy analyst
- Professional researcher
- Public affairs officer
- Public agency manager
- Research scientist
- Sustainability consultant
- Teacher/professor
- Urban planner
Benefits of Pursuing a Doctorate in Public Administration
As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked among Niche.com’s Top 5 College Campuses in America – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
- Online undergraduate tuition rates have been frozen for the last 10 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
- This program is offered in an 8-week course format, with 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times!
Military Tuition Discount
We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $375/credit hour. Here’s how:
- If you’re earning or have earned a master’s degree through Liberty, you automatically qualify for the low price (when you begin within 2 years of your master’s completion).
- If you haven’t earned a graduate degree through Liberty, our Executive Certificate program allows you to pay only $375/credit hour for a postgraduate certificate that can stand alone or potentially count as the first 21 hours of a related doctoral degree. Then pay just $375/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more!
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Credit Hours
Available Online
Class Type
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Date
Jun 23, 2025
Accreditation
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC
