An online doctoral degree in public administration may equip individuals with the tools and training needed to implement goals and resources in order to initiate policy change. In this three to five-year program, students may gain advanced planning, organization, and communication skills. Program coursework may include specialized electives, dissertation courses, and major-specific courses including global and diverse societies, public administration research, and theories of leadership.

Those who successfully complete the program may seek senior-level public administration employment in their chosen specialization. Doctoral-level graduates may find employment in political associations, government, academia, special interest groups, and non-profit organizations.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree at minimum
• Program Length: Three to five years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment
• Projected Employment Growth: 27% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum for doctoral-level public administration degree programs may include research-heavy core coursework along with dissertation preparation classes. These classes may teach students how to utilize coursework, research, and technology to devise action-based solutions to community issues. Core online public administration courses may include the following:

• Principles of Organization Theory and Practice
• Global and Diverse Societies
• Public Administration and Community Collaboration
• Public Needs Assessment and Planning
• Ethics and Social Responsibility
• Public Administration Research
• Theories of Leadership and Public Administration

Career Options

Doctoral-level graduates may seek employment in universities, special interest groups, non-profit organizations, government organizations, and political associations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social and community service management employment is projected to increase by 27% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Government Relations Manager
• University Professor
• Political Strategist
• Economic Development Director
• Lobbyist

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook