Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

Program Overview

The Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A.) program at Nova Southeastern University equips emerging leaders with the knowledge and skills to lead and manage in the public and nonprofit sectors. Through a 60-credit program offered online, students gain expertise in public policy analysis, strategic management, and research methods. Graduates are prepared for careers as county managers, city managers, and other leadership roles in public service organizations.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A.) program at Nova Southeastern University is designed to prepare emerging leaders in public service. The program provides a grounding in the theories and applications of management and policy in the public and nonprofit sectors.

Objectives:

Graduates of the D.P.A. program will be able to:

• Lead and motivate teams in the public and nonprofit sectors
• Analyze and solve complex problems in the public and nonprofit sectors
• Develop and implement effective policies and programs in the public and nonprofit sectors
• Conduct research on public and nonprofit organizations and issues
• Advance their careers in the public and nonprofit sectors

Program Description:

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

Outline:

Core Courses (44 credits)

• PUB 5438: Public and Non-Profit Strategic Management
• PUB 5449: Public Policy Analysis
• PUB 5459: Managing Information & Tech in the Public Sector
• PUB 5469: Public Finance
• PUB 5926: Public Budgeting
• PUB 5932: Sustainable Community Development
• PUB 6000: Public Management and Leadership Practice
• PUB 6100: Public Affairs and Public Administration Research Methods
• PUB 6200: Practice in Public Administration
• PUB 6400: Doctoral Closure Course
• PNP 5927: Evaluation of Nonprofit Policies and Programs
• PUB 6999: Doctoral Seminar (required for each 5000 level course)

Closure Exercise (16 credits)

• PUB 6900: Doctoral Closure Seminar

Assessment:

The D.P.A. program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:

• Exams
• Papers
• Projects
• Presentations
• Portfolios

Teaching:

The D.P.A. program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience. The faculty members use a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures
• Discussions
• Case studies
• Simulations
• Role-playing

Careers:

Graduates of the D.P.A. program are prepared for a variety of careers in the public and nonprofit sectors, including:

• County Manager
• City Manager
• Chief Executive Officer (Non-Profit)
• Fundraising Manager