Program Overview

Introduction to the Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) Program

The University of La Verne's Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) program is designed for professionals with five or more years of work experience who wish to become the next generation of outstanding civic leaders and professionals. Graduates of the program are ready to assume vital roles as insightful and thoughtful contributors to a broad spectrum of public sector organizations, as well as nonprofits, municipal government, and a variety of quasi-governmental agencies.

Program Overview

The DPA program is offered by the College of Law and Public Service and consists of 56 units, which can be completed in four to eight years. Students take three classes per term for three years, with classes taking place on Saturdays to accommodate full-time work schedules. The third year is focused on each student's individual research, and following years are for the development of a dissertation. Continuous enrollment is required in dissertation courses until students complete the dissertation and earn their degree.

Program Objectives

The program aims to develop scholarly practitioners as leaders committed to improving the quality of life and environmental sustainability of the Southern California region. Students learn to consciously integrate and apply current theoretical, moral, and institutional perspectives that contribute to the disciplined analysis and professional resolution of administrative problems.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students interested in the DPA program must meet all admission requirements before starting coursework. Applicants should possess a master's degree, ideally in Public Administration or a closely related field, and must also have a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in the public or nonprofit sectors. The DPA Admissions Committee evaluates applicants based on the following:

• Initial screening of files is based on undergraduate GPA
• Graduate GPA
• Statement of Purpose or prompts that address the following:
  • Reason(s) to pursue the DPA degree
  • Why choose the Department of Public Administration at ULV
  • Provide details on professional experience
  • How would a DPA enhance your professional career or help with your professional goals
  • Describe affinity for public service
  • Include at least 250 words on research interests at the doctoral level
• At least one example of academic writing (optional)
• Two letters of recommendation

Curriculum

The DPA curriculum offers state-of-the-art management courses that emphasize creativity, responsible leadership, values, and the essential abilities to anticipate, interpret, and manage the rampant changes in the workplace of today and tomorrow. The program includes coursework and two related programmatic and scholastic indicators: comprehensive examinations and the dissertation process.

Coursework

The DPA academic year consists of two, 17-week semesters per year (Fall and Spring). Students enter in the Fall term that typically begins in late August and ends in mid-December. Classes resume in late January with the Spring Semester. The Spring term ends in late May. There is no formal coursework during the Summer months. Students complete three courses each semester, for a total of six courses per year.

Comprehensive Examinations

Students must successfully pass the comprehensive exams at the end of the second year to advance to the third-year coursework and begin the dissertation process. Students who successfully complete the first 36 units of coursework with a grade of B or better in each of these courses are eligible for the Master of Arts in Policy Studies. Additionally, students must pass the comprehensive examinations with an 80% cumulative grade.

Dissertation

Students are required to produce and defend a dissertation of publishable quality after finishing coursework. Continuous enrollment is required in dissertation courses until students complete the dissertation and earn their degree.

Faculty and Staff

The ideal graduate program will have faculty with relevant expertise in the field and who've worked in the kinds of places graduates want to work. The DPA faculty can prepare students to take the next step in their career and education.

Careers in Public Administration

Most DPA graduates pursue careers as senior-level practitioners; many others go on to work in academia, nonprofits, or civil service at the local, state, or government levels. Possible job titles for DPA graduates include:

• Human resources director
• Executive director
• Budget analyst
• Research director
• Professor
• Policy analyst
• City manager
• Chief of police and/or fire
• Hospital administrator
• Senior utility executive

Program Values

The University of La Verne's DPA program has built an educational environment that empowers students to become scholarly practitionersdynamic individuals who can combine substantial knowledge and thoughtful understanding of theory with capable, practical management and leadership. The department continuously provides high-quality, student-oriented learning by seeking and fostering qualified, responsible, and dedicated faculty who believe in and can deliver its key values:

• Educational excellence
• Professional and personal success for students
• Relevant coursework

Tuition and Fees

The cost per unit is $1,270. The Office of Financial Aid will work with students on a financial aid package to help make their degree affordable. The university also offers partnerships with more than 100 corporations and government agencies that may subsidize tuition.