Program Overview

Doctor of Public Administration Program

The Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A.) program at Nova Southeastern University is designed to build the skillsets of emerging leaders in public service. It provides a grounding in the theories and applications of management and policy in the public and nonprofit sectors with a curriculum that provides a strong foundation and allows for flexibility.

Program Overview

The D.P.A. program consists of 60 total credits and can be completed in as little as 3 years. Classes are offered in an online (synchronous) format, primarily on Saturdays from 8 am to 5 pm. Attendance at on-campus end-of-term seminars may also be required periodically during the program.

Curriculum

The D.P.A. curriculum includes:

• D.P.A. Core Courses (40 credits)
  • PUB 6000: Public Management and Leadership Theory and Practice (4 credits)
  • PUB 6100: Public Affairs and Public Administration Research Design (4 credits)
  • PUB 6200: Analysis in Practice for Public Administration (4 credits)
  • PUB 6400: Doctoral Closure Proposal Seminar (4 credits)
  • PUB 6449: Perspectives on Policy Analysis (4 credits)
  • PUB 6500: Design Thinking and Innovation in the Public Sector (4 credits)
  • PUB 6600: Strategic Human Resources in Public Management (4 credits)
  • PUB 6700: Planning Local Economic Development (4 credits)
  • GIS 6800: Geospatial Statistics Seminar (4 credits)
  • PUB 6927: Program Evaluation and Performance Management (4 credits)
• Closure Exercise (20 credits)
  • PUB 6900: Doctoral Closure Seminar

Admissions Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must have:

• A master's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.25 GPA or higher
• A minimum of 5 years of public sector experience in positions with increasing levels of responsibility
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• A current, up-to-date professional resume
• A $50 nonrefundable application fee
• TOEFL scores (if applicable)

Additional Admission Information

International applicants must fulfill additional admission criteria. A Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL or IELTS or PTE Academic) is required for any applicant whose native language is not English and whose bachelor's degree education was not completed in English. The minimum required scores are as follows: a TOEFL score of 550 (paper test) or 79 (Internet test), a score of 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, or a score of 54 on the PTE Academic exam.

Program Goals and Objectives

The D.P.A. program is designed to prepare students to lead, motivate, and inspire in the public or nonprofit sector. Graduates will emerge equipped to address the social, economic, and political challenges of leadership with the confidence to advance change. The program focuses on advanced training for practice, preparing future executives in the public and nonprofit sectors. Leadership development is critical in these sectors, and the program is designed to meet these challenges.