Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) Degree Online Change Makers, Lead the Charge

48

Credit Hours

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Are you excited about the idea of transforming communities into better environments for their citizens — from the local to the national level? Do you enjoy implementing efficient government processes and procedures? Maybe you’re currently an educator or a civil servant who wants to make a difference in government for the betterment of society. Liberty University’s Doctor of Public Administration program is an excellent option that can give you the training you need to make the difference you want to in public and private policy and administration.

Throughout this degree, you’ll explore the administrative functions of governmental agencies and you can gain experience in strategic planning, program implementation, advanced management techniques, and results-based leadership. You could also take on positions in higher education as an administrator or professor or have the option of working as a civil servant, politician, consultant, or grants writer.

It is the work of administrators, civil servants, and public officials that makes the government work, and society benefits when professionals like you get involved and influence the laws and policies that affect daily life.

As a pioneer in distance education since 1985, we understand what you’re looking for in an online degree program. You want to earn a degree that can help you command respect among peers, hiring managers, and various entities — one backed by a brick-and-mortar campus and an esteemed accrediting partner. At Liberty, you can have confidence in our decades-long commitment to uncompromised excellence.


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Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

What Sets Us Apart?

  • Private Nonprofit University
  • 600+ Online Degrees
  • No Standardized Testing for Admission
  • Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
  • Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Choosing where to pursue your doctoral degree is an important decision. When you choose to pursue your doctorate through Liberty University, you’re choosing a well-respected, accredited, globally recognized university. You’re also choosing flexible course scheduling and academic excellence that is grounded in Christian principles and values.

Liberty University is accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). This means all of our degree programs have met rigorous academic standards and requirements. You can be confident that you’re receiving a challenging and worthwhile degree.

This degree can be completed 100% online with no set login times. We understand that you can’t afford to put your life on hold to pursue a doctoral degree, which is why at Liberty, you can stay committed to both your family’s success and your professional success while pursuing your academic and professional goals.


Our doctorate in public administration is designed to train you in leadership, management, and problem-solving skills in government and governance. Throughout this degree, you can learn how to create change in government, nonprofits, and other policy-creating organizations. You can also develop a thorough knowledge of the legal, ethical, and political environments of public administration.

Our doctorate degree in public administration is divided into 3 sections: core public administration courses, research-focused courses, and a capstone sequence. In the public administration doctorate’s core courses, you will study public administration ethics, statesmanship, and governance; finance and budgeting in the public sector, the legal and regulatory aspects of public administration, and urban planning. You will also study information management, organizational leadership studies, statesmanship, and federalism.

The research section of our online doctoral program in public administration consists of just 3 courses: quantitative research, qualitative research, and research methods. These courses are designed to help equip you with high-level research skills that are necessary for success in your capstone project: which is the next and final part of our Doctor of Public Administration.

Our doctorate in public administration online’s capstone consists of 4 sequential courses. In these courses, you will be challenged to recall and apply the lessons you learned in the core and research courses as you analyze a real-world issue and present a solution.

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)


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Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Doctoral Full Time $595/Credit
Doctoral Part Time $650/Credit

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour (learn more).

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Submit your application online or over the phone.


Military

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

  • Active Duty
  • Reserve/National Guard
  • Veterans/Retirees
  • Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

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 $300/credit hour. Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.