The Doctorate in Public Administration (DPA)
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A new cohort will form for Fall 2009. | |
The Hamline University Doctorate in Public Administration (DPA) degree program is ideal for seasoned employees interested in state and local policy issues who wish to strengthen their knowledge and skills to continue their
public service or for those individuals preparing for a career transition to consult or teach.
The Doctorate in Public Administration (DPA) degree program is directed toward practicing public program administrators and those working in closely related areas. The Doctorate in Public Administration (DPA) degree program is designed for professionals who wish to build on the experience and knowledge they have already attained, and who anticipate substantial increases in their responsibilities.
Through skills learned in the Doctorate in Public Administration (DPA) degree program, students may be able to advance their careers, and also advance the field of public administration, allowing for more effective public leadership.
Location
The Doctorate in Public Administration (DPA) degree program is offered at the Hamline University Saint Paul Campus. More on the Hamline University Saint Paul Campus>
Program Features
The Doctorate in Public Administration (DPA) is a part-time degree program that integrates theory and practice, and service and values to foster students’ critical thinking skills and scholarship.
Students in the Doctorate in Public Administration (DPA) degree program are required to complete five core and four elective courses (36 credits), and pass a comprehensive exam, which leads to the completion of the Certificate in Advanced Public Administration (CAPA). After completing the requirements for the Certificate in Advanced Public Administration (CAPA) program, students complete and defend a dissertation involving three course equivalents (12 credits). MORE INFO>
New students enter in the fall semester, and normally complete most or all of their core courses together. (Exceptions can be arranged with the approval of a student’s advisor and the program faculty coordinator.)
It is assumed that the student will make satisfactory and steady progress, which typically means one course per term, two or three terms per year. Normally students complete all required core courses within the first three years of study. Ten years is the maximum time allowed for students to complete the Doctorate in Public Administration (DPA) program.
Degree Requirements
NOTE: These requirements are consistent with other doctoral program requirements (as per the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs Administration Committee on Doctoral Programs, 1993).
Curriculum
Required Core Courses
- Historical Foundations and Professional Development (GPA 8501)
- Advanced Research Methods (GPA 8502)
- Critical Issues for Public Administrators (GPA 8503)
- Advanced Organizational Theory and Leadership (GPA 8504)
- Advanced Seminar in Public Policy (GPA 8506)
Elective Courses
Final Written Comprehensive Exam
After completion of the coursework, DPA students are required to take a final written comprehensive exam.
Dissertation
The completion and defense of a dissertation is the final requirement in the Doctorate of Public Administration (DPA) degree program. DPA candidate must demonstrate a high level of academic competence, which typically results in a significant contribution to new knowledge in the field. The DPA dissertation usually focuses on applying theory to practice in the contexts of critical public issues and the student's professional experience.
To advance to degree candidacy, the DPA candidate is required to complete the Dissertation I: Advanced Research Methods (GPA 8507) course and successfully defend a dissertation prospectus.
Then, the DPA candidate is expected to register for dissertation work for two consecutive semesters: Dissertation II (GPA 8992) and Dissertation III (GPA 8993), which leads them to the completion and successful defense of Dissertation.
Program Schedule
The Doctorate in Public Administration (DPA) degree program is tailored to meet the scheduling needs of working professionals by offering evening classes and online components.
Faculty
Hamline University's Doctorate in Public Administration (DPA) faculty combines years of practical experience as practitioners with extensive academic credentials and teaching experience.
Faculty Highlights
Professor David Schultz named Fulbright Senior Specialist
Professor Schultz was chosen for a Fulbright Senior Specialists project to teach at the American University of Armenia. As part of this project, Professor Schultz taught election law to law students in Armenia in February and March 2007. More Information>
Professor David Schultz' Recent Publications
"Economic Development and Eminent Domain After Kelo: Property Rights and 'Public Use' under State Constitutions," 24 Environmental Outlook Journal 195, 2006.
"Alternatives to Encouraged Donation for Organ Procurement: Moral Principles and Ethical Practices," with Richard Lally, Journal of Public Integrity, Fall, 2006).
 Professor Lyle Wray’s New Book
Professor Wray's new book "Results that Matter: Improving Communities by Engaging Citizens, Measuring Performance, and Getting Things Done" was recently published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
More Information>
Professor Thomas Walkington's Recent Presentations
Professor Walkington delivered the presentation titled "Public-oriented Service Delivery, Using the Balanced Scorecard to Focus on Results and the Customer to Improve Service Delivery and Outcomes for the Customer" at the 3rd Sino-American Conference on Public Administration, Renmin University, Beijing, China. June 2006.
Professor Walkington accepted an invitation to present at the 5th International Public Administration Conference, "Public Administration in the XXI Century: Traditions and Innovations," at the School of Public Administration, Lomonov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia, in May 31- June 2, 2007. His presentation is titled "Measuring Organizational Performance." |
More on the Faculty>
David Schultz
