Advanced Studies in Public Administration Programs

A new cohort will form for Fall 2009.

The Advanced Studies in Public Administration programs are directed toward practicing public program administrators and those working in closely related areas. Each of the programs (doctorate and certificate) 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.
  

Programs at a Glance

Hamline University offers two advanced study programs in public administration:

Certificate in Advanced Public Administration (CAPA)

Offered at the Hamline University Saint Paul Campus.   9 (5 core and 4 elective) 4-credit courses, 14-week terms, evening courses.   Final comprehensive exam, taken after all coursework is completed.   Completion time: 3-4 years (10 years is the allowed maximum). Upon passing the comprehensive exam, students may exit the program with a CAPA or continue working toward the DPA degree. More Information>

Doctorate in Public Administration (DPA)

Offered at the Hamline University Saint Paul Campus.   9 (5 core and 4 elective) 4-credit courses, 14-week terms, evening courses.   Final comprehensive exam, taken after all coursework is completed.   Completion and defense of dissertation (12 credits).   Completion time: 4-5 years. (10 years is the maximum allowed.) More Information>

Both programs are designed for working professionals interested in the in-depth analysis of state and local public policy issues. They integrate theory and practice, service and values to foster students' critical thinking skills and scholarship. They are interdisciplinary, intersectoral, and intercultural in scope, recognizing that the field of public administration, as well as the larger field of governance, increasingly demands these perspectives.
 

Message from the Program Director Dr. David Schultz, director of Advanced Studies in Public Administration, discusses the DPA program and who his real heroes are: VIDEO  (The free Windows Media® Player is required to play this video clip.)

Who are the Advanced Study Programs in Public Administration for?

The Hamline University Certificate in Advanced Public Administration (CAPA) or the  Doctorate in Public Administration (DPA) are 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. 

Both programs are directed toward practicing public program administrators and those working in closely related areas. Each 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 Certificate in Advanced Public Administration (CAPA) and Doctorate in Public Administration (DPA) programs, students may be able to advance their careers, and also advance the field of public administration, allowing for more effective public leadership.

Students completing the Certificate in Advanced Public Administration (CAPA) or the Doctorate in Public Administration (DPA) should expect to achieve:

• Advanced public leadership skills and knowledge, with a focus on critical issues and challenges facing senior managers in governance and politics.
   
• Mastery of the field of public administration, due to an in-depth exploration of contemporary ideas and practices related to public administration.
   
• A substantial ability to work with, synthesize, and integrate public administration concepts. 
  
• Enhanced skills as producers and consumers of public administration research, applying this advanced knowledge to the field and to the workplace.
   
• An improved ability to communicate public administration concepts to diverse audiences.
   
• Enrichment through interaction with other reflective public administration practitioners.

NOTE: Hamline University recognizes that many professionals interested in public administration may have received master’s degrees or extensive graduate-level education in fields other than public administration. To accommodate these students, the Hamline University Graduate School of Management offers options to prepare oneself academically prior to entering the Advanced Studies in Public Administration program. More on Graduate Programs>
 

Why Choose a Hamline University Advanced Study Program?

• Learn from full-time and part-time faculty who are leaders in their respective fields, emphasizing courses directly applicable to the pressing issues faced by today's government leaders.
   
• Welcoming, collaborative learning environment helps practitioners build new bridges with colleagues and peers in the field who share a commitment to government excellence.
   
• Hamline University provides strong support services and an outstanding library for study and research.
       

Talk to a Faculty Member   David Schultz   Professor, Program Director   Advanced Studies in Public Administration   (651) 523-2858   Send E-mail to David Schultz   David Schultz' Biography   David Schultz' Portfolio   "I am deeply committed to making government more effective in its capacity to reflect the concerns of its citizens, makes good public policy decisions, and fosters an ethical and fair environment. Teaching at Hamline University gives me a great opportunity to work with leaders who share these values."   Kristen Norman-Major   Assistant Professor   Advanced Studies in Public Administration   (651) 523-2814   Kristen Norman-Major's Biography   Send E-mail to Kristen Norman-Major