Find your degree of interest from one of our many programs of study offered 100% online.
Liberty University's online programs offer you the flexibility to study at your own pace, from your home or office, while retaining a level of structure that will help you stay on track toward achieving your educational goals. You'll receive a quality education - that is both flexible and affordable - from an accredited institution.
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’ll 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 Learn 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:
- We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility. Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America. Earning your online Doctor of Public Administration degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
- 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 our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.
- 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 $300/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 $300/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 $300/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more!
Credit Hours
Class Type
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Date
May 13, 2024
Accreditation
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC
Maximize Your Time
- 100% online programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level.*
- Earn credit for prior learning.
- Transfer in up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree.
- Transfer in up to 50% of a master’s degree.
* excludes licensure, certification, and some doctoral programs
Your goals on your time
We are committed to helping you achieve your goals and complete your degree as quickly as possible. One of our admissions counselors is ready to assist you with starting the process.
Contact Us: (800) 424-9595
Why Choose Liberty University?
Prepare for a Career
Go from merely surviving in your current job to thriving in the career of your dreams.
Enjoy Flexible Courses
Complete assignments at your own pace, at a time convenient to you within each week.
Access Academic Support
Access our electronic and print resources through the Jerry Falwell Library, writing resources, study aids, and IT support.
Grow in Your Faith
Each of our programs is grounded in biblical principles, and our professors consider teaching to be more than a job – it’s their calling.
Liberty’s online courses give you the ability to choose when and where you study.
Financing Options
Financial Aid
87% of all Liberty students in an online program are awarded financial aid.
Tuition Discounts
Available for military service members, including active duty, reserve, veterans, and their spouses, as well as emergency response personnel.
Corporate Tuition Assistance
Deferred – If your company reimburses you for the cost of your education, you submit your grades to your employer who pays you, and then you pay for your classes.
Other Payment Options are Available
Contact one of our admissions counselors for more information by calling (800) 424-9595.
An Accredited Private Education Made for You
As a nonprofit university, we have been pioneering distance education since 1985 and offer a unique and proven approach to online education.
Along with our advanced accreditations, we also have been recognized by the following organizations for our excellence in education.
Liberty University is proud to announce that we are recognized by multiple institutions for our affordability, accessibility, and academic quality. Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America.