Legal decisions and the law often have a major impact on the creation of public policy. In this course, students explore and discuss the relationship between laws and public policy and the impact that court decisions have on policy and policy leaders. They examine the role of administrative agencies in the creation and execution of law and public policy and the role of the courts in resolving challenges to agency rule making; conflicts between executive and legislative branches of government; and conflicts between and among federal, state, and local laws. Students have the opportunity to sharpen their understanding of how the law impacts public policy. 

Students in this course engage in an in-depth analysis of how societies are governed and how public policies are formulated, evaluated, adjudicated, and implemented. Students examine governance and public policy from theoretical and practical perspectives using ancient and classical voices as well as more modern and critical literature. Advanced techniques and research tools for policy analysis are used to illustrate various contemporary policy issues. With the aid of these techniques and research tools, students develop a policy plan to address a significant public policy concern or social issue of personal interest. Students also explore their future role in the field of public policy and administration.

Technology in Public Administration is an applied course designed to equip students with the analytical and technical skills needed to leverage organizational data to improve efficiency and support the adoption of evidence-based practices. Through project-based learning in R and Tableau, students will learn to clean, analyze, and visualize data to uncover actionable insights. The course emphasizes the development of interactive dashboards and data products that can be used to inform strategic decision-making, policy evaluation, and performance management in public sector organizations. A critical component of the course is the ethical use of data, with particular attention to transparency, responsible analysis, and the avoidance of misleading or manipulative visualizations. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to lead data-informed initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness and accountability.

This course examines innovative approaches to public administration that fundamentally reimagine how government serves communities and addresses complex social challenges. Students explore transformative leadership models, collaborative governance frameworks, and community-centered design principles that shift traditional bureaucratic paradigms toward more inclusive, responsive, and effective public service delivery. The course emphasizes asset-based community development, participatory decision-making processes, and systems thinking approaches that recognize and leverage community strengths while addressing identified needs. Students learn to conduct comprehensive community assessments, map existing resources and capabilities, and design logic models that connect community assets to desired outcomes. Through practical application of transformative methodologies, students develop skills in stakeholder engagement, cultural humility, and change management while creating solutions that promote equity, social justice, and positive community transformation across diverse populations and governmental contexts.

This culminating course synthesizes and integrates knowledge, skills, and competencies developed throughout the DPA program while preparing students for advanced leadership roles in public administration. Students demonstrate mastery of program learning outcomes through the development of a comprehensive professional portfolio that showcases their growth as scholar-practitioners committed to evidence-based practice and positive social change. The course emphasizes the translation of academic learning into professional practice through the creation of white papers that address contemporary public administration challenges using rigorous analysis and culturally responsive approaches. Students engage with professional networks, present their work to diverse audiences, and develop strategies for lifelong learning and career advancement in public service. Through reflective practice and peer collaboration, students articulate their professional identity, ethical commitments, and vision for contributing to the advancement of public administration practice across local, state, national, and international contexts while serving diverse populations with cultural humility and analytical rigor.

To be considered for this doctoral program, you must have a master’s degree from an accredited college or university and meet the general admission requirements. All applicants must submit a completed online application and transcripts. Depending on program specialization, additional requirements may apply. More information for international applicants.