Doctor of Public Administration

School of Business and Economics

Academic Freedom to Discover Your Purpose
Open Curriculum Design at Atlantic International University

The Doctorate in Public Administration (DPA) program at AIU empowers future leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the dynamic field of public administration. Our DPA program is designed to prepare students for diverse, impactful roles in policy analysis, program direction, development, city management, budget consulting, program direction, human resource management, and so on. Our program goals are crafted beyond traditional education by providing a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum that equips students with the tools to address complex challenges facing governments, nonprofit organizations, and public agencies in today’s ever-changing world. As unique and unrepeatable DPA graduates at AIU, you will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts in the field, collaborate on real-world projects, and explore the latest advancements in public administration.

Core Courses & Topics in Public Administration

In our commitment to providing you with a comprehensive and rigorous education, we have designed a curriculum that covers a wide range of essential subjects relevant to public administration. These core courses and topics are strategically crafted to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the dynamic world of public administration. Let’s look at some key areas you’ll explore when you get admission to the AIU Doctorate of Public Administration (DPA).

Public Administration
Political Economy
Management
Comparative Public Administration
Human Rights and Administration
Development Theory
Poverty and Development Strategies
Population Studies

Decentralization, Governance, and Development
Research Methods
Public Infrastructure Planning and Management
Policy Making and Analysis
Organizational Behavior
Social Sciences
Macroeconomics
Microeconomics

Orientation Courses

Welcome to the Doctorate in Public Administration or DPA program at AIU, where your journey toward becoming a dynamic and impactful public administration professional begins. As you embark on this academic adventure, we understand the importance of a strong foundation and a seamless transition into your doctoral studies.

Communication & Investigation (Comprehensive Resume)
Organization Theory (Portfolio)
Experiential Learning (Autobiography)
Academic Evaluation (Questionnaire)
Fundament of Knowledge (Integration Chart)
Fundamental Principles I (Philosophy of Education)
Professional Evaluation (Self Evaluation Matrix)
Development of Graduate Study (Guarantee of an Academic Degree)

Research Projects in Public Administration

As a doctoral candidate, you will embark on a transformative journey of scholarly inquiry and exploration in public administration. Our research projects are the cornerstone of this program, allowing you to delve deeply into issues of paramount importance to the public sector. These projects empower you to develop innovative solutions, advance knowledge, and contribute meaningfully to the ever-evolving landscape of public administration.

Doctoral Dissertation Project
MBM900 Doctoral Proposal
MBM902 Doctoral Dissertation (15000 words)

Publication: Each Doctor in Public Administration graduate is encouraged to publish their research papers either online in the public domain or through professional journals and periodicals worldwide.

Doctorate in Public Administration Dissertation Defense

The dissertation defense in the Doctorate of Public Administration program stands as the apex of an extensive journey marked by years of meticulous research, unwavering commitment, and scholarly excellence. This pivotal occasion serves as the grand unveiling of our doctoral candidates’ original contributions to the intricate tapestry of public administration. In this spotlight moment, candidates not only reveal their comprehensive grasp of their chosen research domains but also illuminate the profound significance of their findings.

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Experience the Smoothest Student Journey at AIU

At AIU, the student experience in the Doctorate of Public Administration program is not just an educational journey; it’s a dynamic voyage into the heart of transformative learning. Here, you’re not simply a student but an active participant in a vibrant community of scholars, changemakers, and innovators. Our hands-on approach to learning transcends the traditional classroom, inviting you to engage in real-world projects, collaborate with industry experts, and tackle the complex challenges of public administration head-on.

Community & Social

At AIU, our commitment to fostering community and social engagement among our Doctorate of Public Administration students transcends the virtual landscape. Despite being a virtual university, we firmly believe in the power of connection and collaboration. Our students have the unique opportunity to join a vibrant online community that spans the globe, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Through virtual meetups, discussion forums, and collaborative projects, our students create lasting bonds and engage in enriching dialogues on society’s pressing issues.

Contact Us Today!

We understand how busy adults do not have time to go back to school. Now, it’s possible to earn your degree in the comfort of your own home and still have time for yourself and your family. The Admissions office is here to help you, for additional information or to see if you qualify for admissions please contact us. If you are ready to apply please submit your Online Application and paste your resume and any additional comments/questions in the area provided.

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900 Fort Street Mall 905
Honolulu, HI 96813
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808-924-9567 (Internationally)
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Academic Resources

In AIU’s online Doctorate in Public Administration program, we provide robust academic resources for our students. Our digital library, research databases, and e-books offer comprehensive materials. We also have exciting features and tools that our students can leverage and club with the guidance and mentorship of our faculty members to create an overall transformative experience. There are virtual events, including webinars and conferences, to connect students with leading experts in public administration. These resources empower our students to excel academically and engage meaningfully with the field.

Virtual Campus

Complete assignments online or offline at your convenience with 24/7 access to distance learning through AIU’s Virtual Campus. Step by Step guides including videos, tutorials, live webinars and examples for each course. All materials can be access on all web browsers as well as via AIU's Mobile App which brings all the features of the Virtual Camus to your Mobile Device.

My AIU Elements

MyAIU’s primary goal is to go beyond Academics, it looks to guide students through 11 elements that are key to living life optimally in all aspects. By identifying and reflecting on these key areas, an opportunity arises to holistically address them, through positive change, habits, reinforcement and tools to keep students on their chosen path.

AIU TV & Radio

The students have the opportunity to produce, edit and host their own show reaching a worldwide audience, the AIU community and giving notice of their expertise/passion in the subject. AIUTV & AIU Radio allow students to explore new ways to communicate, develop a platform and form potential collaboration with likeminded individuals.

AIU Campus Mundi

AIU Campus Mundi is a monthly magazine that gathers the most notable news and information about the university and its members in one convenient place. The magazine allows our community to be well informed, involved and keep in tough regardless of their geographic location. AIU Campus Mundi publishes, news, research, events, awards, academic achievements.

Graduation Ceremony

Each year AIU organizes graduation ceremonies where the students can assist and share their experiences with fellow students and academic members Participation in the ceremony is optional, the day’s events include conferences, research presentations, group meetings, networking, lunch and formal dinner.

Video Thumbnail: AIU Symposium Universe is alive best ways to avoid burnout by Julia Koifman

Symposiums & Webinars

Symposiums are virtual gatherings that provide an invaluable platform for our students to delve deeper into critical issues within the field of public administration. At AIU, we curate symposiums featuring prominent experts, scholars, and practitioners who share their insights and engage in thought-provoking discussions.

Live Classes

In our Doctorate in Public Administration program at AIU, live classes are dynamic and integral to the virtual learning experience. Through our state-of-the-art online platform, students can engage in real-time discussions, participate in interactive lectures, and collaborate with faculty and peers worldwide.

These live sessions offer a dynamic and immersive educational environment, allowing students to ask questions, share insights, and explore complex topics in public administration as if they were in a traditional classroom. The flexibility of our virtual live classes ensures that students can balance their academic pursuits with their professional and personal commitments while benefiting from the rich and interactive learning opportunities they provide.

Special Projects

In Doctorate in Public Administration at AIU, our commitment to excellence extends to our special projects. These endeavors represent the pinnacle of academic exploration in public administration. Our doctoral candidates are encouraged to embark on ambitious initiatives addressing pressing challenges and reshaping the governance and public policy landscape.

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Career Center

At the Doctorate in Public Administration program, our dedicated Career Center is your invaluable partner in shaping your professional future. As doctoral candidates in public administration, we understand that your career goals are as ambitious as they are unique. Our Career Center is tailored to meet the distinct needs of individuals pursuing advanced degrees in this field.

Job Opportunities

After completing a Doctorate in Public Administration, the job description is quite promising. We have discussed some of the most appealing examples.

Public Policy Analyst
Public Administration Professor
Government Consultant
Nonprofit Director
City Manager
International Development Specialist
Public Health Administrator
Policy Advocate
Environmental Policy Analyst
Public Affairs Manage

Employment Opportunities in Public Administration

The employment opportunities for Doctorate in Public Administration graduates are outstanding. There are a substantial number of lucrative employment scopes that you can make the most out of.

Public Policy Analyst
Public Administration Professor
Government Consultant
Nonprofit Director
City Manager
International Development Specialist
Public Health Administrator

Policy Advocate
Environmental Policy Analyst
Public Affairs Manager
Research Director
Public Relations Specialist
Legislative Analyst
Urban Planner

Healthcare Policy Analyst
Chief Administrative Officer
Program Evaluator
Grants Manager
Political Scientist
Economic Development Director

Tools for Public Administration Professionals

There are several tools for public administration professionals that they can use to enhance the quality of their work remarkably.

Statistical Analysis Software

SPSS: For quantitative data analysis and statistics.
R: An open-source statistical software for advanced data analysis.
Stata: Another option for data analysis and management.

Data Visualization Tools

Tableau: For creating interactive and visually appealing data visualizations.
Power BI: A Microsoft tool for data visualization and business intelligence.

Reference Management

EndNote: Helps manage and cite research sources.
Zotero: A free, open-source reference management software.

Project Management

Asana: To work on research projects and communication tasks
Trello: A visual project management software to organize tasks
Microsoft Project: Comprehensive project management software.

Survey and Data Collection

Qualtrics: For creating and analyzing surveys.
SurveyMonkey: A user-friendly survey tool.

GIS (Geographic Information System)

ArcGIS: For spatial analysis and mapping.
QGIS: An open-source alternative for GIS tasks.

Writing and Collaboration

Microsoft Word: For writing and formatting research documents.
Google Workspace: Collaborative tools for writing, presentations, and spreadsheets.
LaTeX: A typesetting system for scholarly documents.

Data Analysis and Visualization

Python: A versatile programming language for data analysis with libraries like Pandas and Matplotlib.

Presentation and Visualization

Microsoft PowerPoint: For creating presentations.
Prezi: An alternative for dynamic presentations.
Canva: A design tool for creating visuals.

Qualitative Analysis

NVivo: Software for qualitative data analysis.
ATLAS.ti: Another tool for qualitative research.

Communication and Collaboration

Slack: Team communication and collaboration.
Zoom: Video conferencing for meetings and presentations.

Associations for Public Administration Professionals

For Doctorate in Public Administration graduates and professionals, staying connected with relevant associations is crucial for continuous learning, networking, and keeping up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the field. These organizations provide invaluable resources, opportunities for collaboration, and a platform to contribute to advancing public administration.

American Society for Public Administration (ASPA): A premier organization dedicated to advancing the art, science, teaching, and practice of public and nonprofit administration.
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA): An international association accrediting graduate programs in public administration, public policy, public affairs, and related fields.
Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM): Focused on improving public policy and management through research, analysis, and education.
American Political Science Association (APSA): Provides a platform for scholars and practitioners to engage in discussions about political science, including public administration topics.
International City/County Management Association (ICMA): Dedicated to promoting professional local government management and leadership.
National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA): A network that supports the advancement of African Americans in public administration.
National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA): A global accrediting organization for public administration and public policy programs.
Association for Budgeting and Financial Management (ABFM): Focused on public administration’s financial management and budgeting practices.
American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR): An organization for those interested in public opinion research and survey methodology, often relevant to public policy.
American Evaluation Association (AEA): Provides resources and professional development opportunities for evaluation professionals in public administration.
National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA): Comprised of fellows who provide expert advice to government agencies on improving governance and administration.
National Association of Counties (NACo): Represents county governments and offers resources for county administrators and officials.
National League of Cities (NLC): Advocates for cities and municipalities and provides resources for local government leaders.

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Doctorate in Public Administration Requirements

Our Doctorate in Public Administration program is designed to empower individuals with a master’s degree and at least five years of relevant experience. We provide our students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise to help them succeed in public administration. At AIU, we recognize the vital role experienced professionals play in shaping public policies and promoting effective governance. As such, our admission requirements are tailored to attract dedicated and accomplished individuals eager to contribute to the betterment of society through advanced academic pursuits.

How Can You Apply?

Access the application form through the provided link, carefully input your details, and ensure you complete all required fields.
Don’t forget to attach your resume to the application, as it serves as a vital component of your submission
Once you have thoroughly reviewed and filled out the application, click the “Submit” button to send it in for consideration.

Financial Support & Scholarships

At AIU, we are committed to making your academic journey as financially accessible as possible. We offer a range of scholarships designed to cater to various needs and circumstances. Provide your information and submit your inquiry, and we will assist you in identifying scholarships that align with your requirements.

How Much Does a Doctorate of Public Administration Cost Per Year?

Embark on your academic journey at AIU with confidence in our affordable tuition fees. The total cost for our Doctorate in Computer Science program is quite comfortable for all. We offer a flexible monthly payment option to make it even more convenient. This approach ensures that pursuing your doctoral degree is achievable and financially manageable.

FAQs

What Can I Do with a PhD in Public Administration?

With a Ph.D. in Public Administration, you can pursue careers in academia, research, policy analysis, executive leadership in government agencies, and consulting for public and nonprofit organizations.

How Many Years Is a PhD in Public Administration?

A Ph.D. in Public Administration typically takes 3 to 5 years, depending on the program, research topic, and individual progress.

Who is Eligible for a Ph.D. in Public Administration?

Eligibility for a Ph.D. in Public Administration generally requires a master’s degree in a related field such as public administration, public policy, political science, or a closely related discipline.

Can I do PhD after Public Administration?

Yes, you can pursue a Ph.D. after completing a degree in Public Administration, especially if you have a Master’s degree in Public Administration or a related field.