Doctor of Public Administration

Develop skills and apply research to address multidisciplinary public service issues within your community.

Enhance competencies in public sector organizational design, leadership, and program evaluation that create public value and new theories in public administration. Advance skills in the use of resources; application of analysis, policy, and politics to societal issues; interaction with stakeholders in policy and regulations; and exemplary ethical practices. This program is designed for professionals who want to pursue leadership or faculty positions in the fields of public administration, public affairs, and political science.

Outcome goals and graduates' proficiency levels

Each doctoral program and specialization is designed around expected learning outcomes (see Expected Program Outcomes below). End of program performance is determined during the comprehensive exam and dissertation process. Because the work is unique to each learner's dissertation or research topic and the criteria for evaluation are aligned to that work, we do not collect data on proficiency levels for doctoral programs.

Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) specialization

  • General Public Administration

Quality and Professional Relevance

  • The DPA program was designed around national public administration curriculum standards.
  • Students will learn from faculty experts that bring both academic and professional experience into the courseroom from public administration and across the public service segments.

Expected Program Outcomes

  1. Evaluate current theories and practices in the public administration field.
  2. Conduct valid, reliable and ethical public administration research.
  3. Create public value through public administration policies, administrative processes, and leadership.
  4. Integrate citizen involvement and community advocacy in public sector decision-making.
  5. Evaluate and apply professional ethics and integrity.
  6. Create equitable solutions for diverse populations in the global community.
  7. Think critically and communicate effectively across the public administration discipline.

Doctoral degree graduates

Data from graduates across all doctoral programs have been combined for these Career Outcomes results.

Capella University doctoral graduates report satisfaction with salary, benefits, and responsibilities. Half of the graduates surveyed work in higher education and another 12 percent hold positions in the P–12 environment.

Satisfaction with Job Doctoral Degree Graduates

Percentage of respondents who answered "satisfied" or "very satisfied"
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q3 2011 – Q2 2012.


Doctoral graduates report receiving salary increases and getting recognition from employers for their Capella degrees. Around half those surveyed have advanced in their careers and just over a third have presented at a professional conference or worked as a consultant.

Career & Professional Accomplishments Doctoral Degree Graduates

Percentage of respondents who indicated they had accomplished each item
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q3 2011 – Q2 2012.

Doctoral degree graduates

Data from graduates across all doctoral programs have been combined for these Student Experience results.

Capella University doctoral graduates think their education meets academic program outcomes and helps them meet career goals. They are likely to recommend Capella to others.

Satisfaction with Capella Doctoral Degree Graduates

Percentage of respondents who answered affirmatively
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q3 2011 – Q2 2012.

Our doctoral graduates report they have gained practical knowledge and expertise which are applicable in a range of professional settings.

Improvement in Skills and Abilities Doctoral Degree Graduates

Percentage of respondents who rated themselves as "proficient" or "distinguished" on ability to demonstrate the skill or ability on the job.
Source: Responses to the Alumni Outcomes Survey one year after graduation. The data were collected during Q3 2011 – Q2 2012.


Expense, completion, &
career information

Expected time to completion:

Not enough data to report at this time.

On Time Completion Rate:

Not enough data to report at this time.

SOC codes:

  • 11-9151 (Social and community service managers)
  • 25-1000 (Postsecondary teachers)

Program cost

Average: $54,376

Books:

Included in Tuition

Fees:

$50

Median Debt:

Not enough data to report at this time.

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Earn Your Doctoral Degree

Become an expert in your field. Enroll in an online PhD, PsyD, or EdD program at Capella.


Alumni Success Story Quote

Photo of Laura Pettler, PhD Laura Pettler, PhD

"Another aspect that was very important was the partnership Capella has with the Federal Bureau of Investigation— it lent credibility to the program."

Watch Laura's story »