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Doctor of Public Administration
Public Administration
Develop advanced skills in critical thinking, communication, and leadership with an online Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) degree from Capella University. In this program, you can gain a deep understanding of how public policies and practices enhance public value and collaboration. Discover how earning a DPA can help you make an impact on public policy, protect the public interest, and maintain community trust.
Classes start May 10
Use the code SPRING to waive the $50 application fee
At a Glance
- Online & in-person
- 16 Core courses
- 2 Residencies
- Doctoral capstone
- 62 Coursework credits
- 18 Max transfer credits
Reduce your tuition by $5,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree.
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
GuidedPath
A more structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–2 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$710 per credit, 62 coursework credits, 18 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Capstone
$2,130 Per quarter
Most students spend one third to one half of their program working on their capstone; others may take longer
Capstone
What is capstone?$2,130
Per quarter
Most students spend one third to one half of their program working on their capstone; others may take longer
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$50 One-time fee
Application fee
$50
One-time fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- The program specialization you choose
- Scholarships and finances
- Prior coursework
- Transfer credits
- Employer and/or military benefits
- Number of quarters spent working on capstone
- Complexity of your capstone
- Academic performance
- School/work/life balance
- Unexpected life events
Progress Reward Offer
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree.
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2020–21 Capella tuition rates, and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing information is current as of January 1, 2020. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost scenarios
Completes capstone in 4 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $710/credit 14 quarters |
$44,020.00 |
| Capstone: $2,130/quarter 4 quarters |
$8,520.00 |
| Sub-total
|
$52,540.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$47,540.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings* 18 quarters |
$50,040.00 |
Completes capstone in 6 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 50% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $710/credit 14 quarters |
$44,020.00 |
| Capstone: $2,130/quarter 6 quarters |
$12,780.00 |
| Sub-total
|
$56,800.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$51,800.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings* 20 quarters |
$54,300.00 |
Completes capstone in 8 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 75% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $710/credit 14 quarters |
$44,020.00 |
| Capstone: $2,130/quarter 8 quarters |
$17,040.00 |
| Sub-total
|
$61,060.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-5,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$56,060.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 14 quarters |
$2,450.00 |
| Application fee one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings* 22 quarters |
$58,560.00 |
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Your education is an investment in your future that’s within your reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
The Doctor of Public Administration program can help you evaluate current theories and practices in the public administration field and conduct valid research. It includes professional doctorate research seminars designed to help you gain momentum toward your doctoral capstone early in your program.
| PUAD7015 * |
Theories and Concepts in Public Administration
Learners in this course investigate the structures, practices, and theoretical underpinnings of public administration. Learners acquire and demonstrate public administration knowledge and skills to provide high-quality professional services to the communities they serve. Prerequisite(s): PSL7020, completion of or concurrent registration in PSL7030. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| PUAD7035 * |
Public Sector Policy Analysis
Learners in this course gain knowledge of differing theories associated with organizational structure, organizational environments, and organizational leadership in public sector settings. Learners also determine ways to effectively apply theories and skills needed to collaborate with diverse populations; manage human, technological, information, financial, political, and networking resources; analyze and formulate appropriate responses to public administration, public health, and public safety issues; communicate clearly and effectively; and maintain professional ethics and integrity. Prerequisite(s): PSL7030 and PUAD7015; or PSY8002. |
4 quarter credits |
| PUAD8015 * |
Operational Strategic Management and Planning
Learners in this course build their understanding of operational strategic management and planning concepts. Learners analyze processes as well as collaboration, cooperation, and coordination practices within and among organizational operations. Learners apply these concepts to real-life situations and organizational operations through the examination of their internal and external environments, the allocation of resources, and the translation of strategic plans into tactical operations. Prerequisite(s): PUAD7015, PUAD7025. |
4 quarter credits |
| PUAD8045 * |
Public Administration Strategic Accounting and Finance
In this course, learners analyze and implement strategic finance and accounting concepts within public administration. Learners investigate the policies and practices associated with public organizations in conjunction with the operational fiscal climate. In addition, learners apply the skills required to construct and evaluate budget documents and assess the strategic operational financial needs. Prerequisite(s): PUAD8025. |
4 quarter credits |
Learning outcomes
This program is designed for working public administration professionals seeking advanced leadership responsibilities. Its curriculum emphasizes how public policies and practices enhance public value and collaboration.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Evaluate current theories and practices in the public administration field
- Conduct valid, reliable and ethical public administration research
- Create public value through public administration policies, administrative processes, and leadership
- Integrate citizen involvement and community advocacy in public sector decision-making
- Evaluate and apply professional ethics and integrity
- Create equitable solutions for diverse populations in the global community
- Think critically and communicate effectively across the public administration discipline
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
Your education can help you reach your professional and personal goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a Doctor of Public Administration degree.
Related job titles to explore*
- Adjunct or part-time public administration faculty
- Human resources specialist
- Auditor
- Management analyst
- Budget analyst
- Executive director
- Director of human resources
- Director of finance
- Chief executive officer
- City manager
- Policy analyst
Employment settings to explore
- College or university
- Community or technical college
- Government—local, state, federal
- Hospital
- Nonprofit organization
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Support to reach the finish line
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
Exploring Five Careers in Public Administration
Wondering what job position you might pursue with a degree in public administration? Capella faculty discuss five potential careers and why you might like them.
What Is Public Administration?
Public administration is focused on serving citizens and communities via local, state, and federal government. Is it the right field for you?
What’s It Like to Be a Doctoral Student?
What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.