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Build your expertise in the field you’re passionate about with our PhD in Public Policy and Administration.
Gain the insights to address critical challenges in your community—and the credibility to shape sustainable change—with a PhD in Public Policy and Administration from Walden. PhD programs in public policy prepare students to become high-level practitioners and leaders in government and nonprofit sectors.
Learn from the No. 1 granter of doctoral research degrees in the U.S. 1 Walden has been serving the needs of doctoral learners at a distance for 50 years.
This program is taught by a distinguished faculty of scholar-practitioners, many of whom have senior-executive experience in government and public service.
Discover engaging classroom experiences that immerse you in a diverse and inclusive environment.
Four residencies help you build skills and network with peers and faculty. Get research guidance from our Library, Writing Center, and Center for Research Quality.
Receive up to a $4,000 grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on March 1, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowWalden students have up to eight years to complete their doctoral program unless they petition for an extension.
In general, students are continuously registered in the dissertation/doctoral study course until they complete their capstone project and it is approved. This usually takes longer than the minimum required terms in the dissertation/doctoral study course shell.
This represents the minimum credit requirement for program completion. The number of credits for completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Course Code | Title | Credits |
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DOCTORAL WRITING ASSESSMENT |
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DRWA 8880G |
Doctoral Writing AssessmentThis course is part of Walden's commitment to help prepare students to meet the university's expectations for writing in courses at the doctoral level. In this course, students write a short academic essay that will be scored by a team of writing assessors. Based on the essay score, students will complete or be exempted from additional required writing support needed to meet writing proficiency standards. This required assessment course is free. Students will be enrolled automatically in it at the beginning of their doctoral program. |
(0 cr.) |
FOUNDATION COURSE |
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Choose one course from the following courses: |
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PPPA 8004 |
Foundations for Doctoral StudiesStudents in this course are introduced to Walden University and to the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. Students work toward building a foundation for academic and professional success as a scholar-practitioner and social change agent. They assess the relationship of mission and vision to professional goals and develop a program of study and strategies for online success. Students also explore resources used throughout the program, such as the online Walden University Library. Students engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of professional writing, critical-thinking skills, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence as they relate to practice in public policy and administration. |
(3 cr.) |
PPPA 8004I |
Foundations for Doctoral Studies for International StudentsStudents in this course are introduced to Walden University and to the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. Students work toward building a foundation for academic and professional success as a scholar-practitioner and social change agent. They assess the relationship of mission and vision to professional goals and develop a program of study and strategies for online success. Students also explore resources used throughout the program, such as the online Walden University Library. Students engage in course assignments focused on the practical application of professional writing, critical-thinking skills, and the promotion of professional and academic excellence as they relate to practice in public policy and administration. |
(3 cr.) |
CORE COURSES |
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PPPA 8405 |
Ethics and Social JusticeEthics is a foundational element of leadership. In this course, students examine the philosophy of ethics as well as responsibility and social justice—basic tenets of public service. Students explore the complex social, political, and related ethical challenges leaders face as they seek to meet the needs of diverse constituents. They examine ethics and social justice related to economic disparity, power, and privilege. Students also assess demographic data and current social trends and themes to understand, analyze, and address ethical and social justice issues that impact service delivery in a global community. Applying concepts presented in the course, students engage in an in-depth assessment of an emerging or persistent ethical or social justice issue, through which they demonstrate their ability to make recommendations for improvement or change. |
(5 cr.) |
PPPA 8465 |
Strategic Planning: Collaboration, Cooperation, and CoordinationIn an increasingly complex world, leaders and managers in public and nonprofit organizations plan strategies to fulfill the organizational mission and enhance stakeholder satisfaction. Students in this course explore the role and process of strategic planning, including collaboration, cooperation, and coordination. They also examine the benefits, challenges, and pitfalls of strategic planning, in addition to the impact of globalization. Students apply these concepts to real-life scenarios and develop a strategic plan for a nonprofit or public organization. |
(5 cr.) |
PPPA 8431 |
Finance and Budgeting for the Public SectorSound financial practices are crucial to managing scarce funds in both public and nonprofit operations. Students in this course examine finance and budgeting concepts, policies, and practices related to organizations as well as the fiscal climate within which they operate. They assess theories for motivating major fiscal-policy debates, and they explore and discuss auditing practices, tax systems, financial management, budgetary reform, financial technology systems, the use of dashboards for financial reporting, and the impact of globalization on finance and budget. Students read and analyze budgets, financial statements, and reports. They contextualize their learning as they apply knowledge gained from their analysis to develop a new budget and financial plan for either a public or private organization. |
(5 cr.) |
PPPA 8111 |
Leadership and Organizational ChangeSuccessful organizations in a rapidly changing and complex world require leaders who embrace change and are able to engage others in change. In this course, students use traditional literature, current articles, and interactive media to explore the qualities, characteristics, and skills of effective leaders as well as the theories, models, and relationships between leadership and organizational change. They assess the ethical issues and standards as well as the opportunities and challenges related to leading diverse organizations through change. Students also examine how current leaders employ leadership and organizational change to contribute to social change, and they consider how to use these lessons to make further positive changes within an organization or their own community. |
(5 cr.) |
PPPA 8112 |
Governance and Public PolicyDemocratic principles are the foundation of modern life. Students in this course receive an overview of democratic governance in public administration, public policy, or nonprofit or nongovernmental organizations in modern society. Students examine the theoretical underpinnings of democratic governance and public policy in their chosen area of specialization necessary for doctoral-level research. Students examine the context in which public and nonprofit leaders function and the social institutions that influence public policy and guide administrative decision making. Students also review fundamental theories of governance, research current literature on a specialized topic, and apply best practices as they relate concepts to complete practical application assignments and a final case scenario project. |
(5 cr.) |
RESEARCH COURSES |
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RSCH 8110 |
Research Theory, Design, and MethodsIn this research course, students are provided with core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the graduate level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the role of theory, and research processes. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research designs and data collection methods are introduced. The alignment of research components is emphasized. Students also explore ethical and social change implications of designing and conducting research. Students demonstrate their knowledge and skills by developing an annotated bibliography. (Prerequisite(s): RESI 8401.) |
(5 cr.) |
RSCH 8210 |
Quantitative Reasoning and AnalysisIn this research course, students are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for designing and carrying out quantitative research at the doctoral level, including the application of statistical concepts and techniques. Students explore classical common statistical tests, the importance of the logic of inference, and social change implications of conducting quantitative research and producing knowledge. Students approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting appropriate statistical tests for a research design. Students use statistical software to derive statistics from quantitative data and interpret and present results. (Prerequisite(s): RSCH 8110 or RSCH 7110 or RSCH 6110, and RESI 8401.) |
(5 cr.) |
RSCH 8310 |
Qualitative Reasoning and AnalysisStudents in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop basic knowledge and skills for conducting qualitative research at the doctoral level. Students explore the nature of qualitative inquiry, how theory and theoretical and conceptual frameworks uniquely apply to qualitative research, data collection procedures and analysis strategy, and how the role of the researcher is expressed in the ethical and rigorous conduct of qualitative research. Students practice collecting, organizing, analyzing, and presenting data, and they develop a detailed research topic for conducting a qualitative study. (Prerequisite(s): RSCH 8110 or RSCH 7110 or RSCH 6110, and RESI 8401.) |
(5 cr.) |
Choose one course from the following courses: |
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RSCH 8260 |
Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and AnalysisStudents in this research course build upon knowledge and skills acquired in the prerequisite quantitative reasoning course and are presented with opportunities to apply them. They are provided with more specialized knowledge and skills for conducting quantitative research at the doctoral level, including understanding multivariate data analysis and applying more advanced statistical concepts, such as factorial ANOVA, mediation, moderation, logistic regression, ANCOVA, and MANOVA. Students explore existing datasets and apply suitable statistical tests to answer research questions with social change implications. In this course, they approach statistics from a problem-solving perspective with emphasis on selecting the appropriate statistical tests for more complex research questions and social problems. Students use statistical software to perform analyses and interpret and present results. They will apply and synthesize their knowledge and skills by carrying out a quantitative research project. (Prerequisite(s): RSCH 8110 and RESI 8402.) |
(5 cr.) |
RSCH 8360 |
Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and AnalysisStudents build upon the knowledge and skills acquired in RSCH 8310 - Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis. and have experience applying them. Students develop a more sophisticated understanding of the theoretical antecedents and practical applications of eight contemporary qualitative approaches. Students gain experience developing qualitative interview guides, collecting data, and managing the process from transcription through analysis. The unique challenges of confidentiality and ethical issues are explored as well as implications for social change. Students will apply and synthesize their knowledge and skills by developing a qualitative research plan using a topic relevant to their capstone. (Prerequisite(s): RESI 8402.) |
(5 cr.) |
RSCH 8460 |
Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and AnalysisStudents build upon knowledge and skills acquired in RSCH 8210 - Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis and RSCH 8310 - Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis for more specialized knowledge and skills to design mixed-methods research at the doctoral level. Students are provided with more specialized knowledge and skills for designing mixed-methods research at the doctoral level. They gain an understanding of the types of mixed-methods designs and how to select the most appropriate approach for the research question(s). The emphases of this course are on integrating quantitative and qualitative elements into true mixed-methods studies, practice in data analysis, and integration of qualitative and quantitative data within a research write-up. Students will apply and synthesize their knowledge and skills by developing a mixed-methods research plan that incorporates qualitative and quantitative elements appropriately. (Prerequisite(s): RSCH 8110 or RSCH 7110 or RSCH 6110, and RSCH 8210 or RSCH 7210 or RSCH 6210, and RSCH 8310 or RSCH 7310 or RSCH 6310, and RESI 8402.) |
(5 cr.) |
COMPLETION OF DOCTORAL CAPSTONE |
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PPPA 8115 |
Writing a Quality ProspectusThe prospectus is a brief paper, typically 15–20 pages in length, that helps students organize, delineate, and make decisions regarding their doctoral study and appropriate research methodology. Students create a prospectus to establish the background for the problem statement; the problem statement itself; a survey of the relevant literature (typically 25–75 references); and a research, implementation, and evaluation plan for the solution of the problem. Students in this 5-credit course focus specifically on the process of writing the dissertation prospectus. They employ their preliminary research plan to develop a problem statement for their dissertation. Students further refine the problem statement and carry out the planning and the library research that lends to the formulation of a dissertation prospectus. |
(5 cr.) |
PPPA 9000 |
DissertationThrough the final dissertation, students demonstrate their scholarly ability to examine, critique, and synthesize knowledge and experience, so that new ideas can be tested; best practices identified, established, and verified; and theoretical, practice, or policy constructs evaluated and advanced. Doctoral students have the opportunity to integrate their Program of Study into an in-depth exploration of an interest area, culminating in the completion of their dissertation research study in this course. Students complete the dissertation independently, with the guidance of a supervisory committee chair and committee members. Students complete a prospectus, proposal, Institutional Review Board application, and a final oral presentation and written dissertation. Ultimately, every dissertation should make a fresh contribution to the field of public policy and administration.Students take this course for a minimum of four quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their dissertation with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval.To complete a dissertation, students must obtain the academic approval of several independent evaluators including their committee, the University Research Reviewer, and the Institutional Review Board; pass the Form and Style Review; gain approval at the oral defense stage; and gain final approval by the chief academic officer. Students must also publish their dissertation on ProQuest before their degree is conferred. Learn more about the dissertation process in the Dissertation Guidebook. (Prerequisite(s): Core KAMs, RSCH 8100P, RSCH 8200P, and RSCH 8300P.) |
(5 credits per quarter for a minimum of 4 quarters until completion) |
VIEW ALL COURSES |
Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
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Tuition-Coursework | 53 quarter credits | $630 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $33,390^ | |
Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 20-125† quarter credits | $630 per quarter hour for doctoral study/project credits | $12,600-$78,750* | |
Technology Fee | $160 per quarter | $1,760-$5,120* | ||
4-Day Residency Fee | Four Residencies (residency two and four may be virtual; additional residencies may be required or recommended) |
$1,375 (travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) $1475 (virtual) |
$5,700 | |
Estimated Range: | 2.5-Year Minimum | 8-Year Maximum | ||
$53,450 |
$132,410*+ |
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(assuming completion in a 2.5-year timeframe) | (assuming completion in a 8-year timeframe) |
These are ranges of what a student can expect in terms of time and tuition cost to complete a degree. It does not include other fees, nor is it adjusted for tuition increases over time. Walden faculty has concluded that generally students who do not complete their program in eight years are unlikely to complete and only allow students to exceed that time frame when a student petitions for an extension and provides good reason for the delay and assurances that obstacles to completion can be overcome. Time is calculated using the time allowed for each semester or unit that the student completes. Students are encouraged to work continuously during the program so as not to extend the time needed to complete the degree as work can become stale and students lose focus. Students who earn two grades of “Unsatisfactory,” who repeatedly drop a course before a semester or unit has been completed, or are unable to complete in the eight year time frame, should expect that they may be dismissed from the program. Walden believes that it is in the best interest of a student who is unable to complete the degree in the stated ranges to strongly consider withdrawal or obtaining a lesser degree.
Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic such as tuition and fee increases and/or the student’s transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; writing, research and editing skills; use of external data for their doctoral study/dissertation; and/or individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations; care giving responsibilities or health issues; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; leaves of absence; and/or other personal circumstances.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included. Students may incur additional costs for remedial writing assistance, if necessary.
^This assumes students successfully complete their coursework on the first attempt.
† Based on a 2.5-year minimum completion requirement and an 8-year maximum timeframe as outlined in Walden academic policy.
*Tuition and fees will be higher if students petition to extend the 8-year maximum timeframe or choose to take more expensive elective courses.
+Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition discounts. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-642-0198.
Many Walden degree-seeking students—67%—receive some form of financial aid.* Create a customized plan that makes sense for you.
*Source: Walden University’s Office of Financial Aid. Data reports as of 2018.
Find Ways to SaveReceive up to a $4,000 grant if you reside in the U.S. and start this program on March 1, 2021. Contact one of our Enrollment Specialists to learn more.
Get Started NowProgram Admission Considerations: A master's degree or higher.
General Admission Requirements: Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply. More information for international applicants.
We know how important it is to find a balance between work, studies, and your personal life. That’s why we’ve created a program with busy public service professionals like you in mind. Although you’re learning online, you’re never in it alone. From start to finish, get access to a wealth of exceptional student resources designed to move you forward. This includes everything from writing assistance to nurturing faculty who always have time for you.
Earning your doctorate is the ultimate intellectual challenge, and Walden’s online learning environment is designed to help you thrive. You bring your passion, drive, and determination. We’ll provide the ongoing support, guidance, and resources to help you reach the finish line.
From poverty to rising healthcare costs, confronting today’s critical issues requires decision-making informed by the most current thinking. Walden’s online PhD in Public Policy and Administration program equips you with the skills and credentials to become a strong, confident, and innovative public administration leader. Gain a multidisciplinary, multicultural perspective and advanced problem-solving expertise that prepare you to make positive contributions to the field.
As a graduate of Walden’s online PhD in Public Policy and Administration online program, you will be prepared to:
In an era of overwhelming societal challenges and limited resources, the country needs more public policy problem-solvers. Walden’s online PhD in Public Policy and Administration program equips you with the advanced expertise to shape sustainable solutions to America’s most pressing issues.
Whether you want to advance into a leadership role or make a greater impact as a public service practitioner, a PhD can prepare you for bold new career opportunities. Help improve quality of life and ensure a better tomorrow for your community—and beyond.
A PhD in Public Policy and Administration is an elite credential that sets you apart in the market and brings new respect from peers and employers. You’ll be prepared for influential roles at all levels of government and in the nonprofit sector.
Career options include:
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.
One of my committee members is a writing expert. She worked with me personally. I could call her at home or e-mail her at any time, and she would always respond.
Phillip Neely Jr. PhD in Public Policy and Administration Graduate
I really enjoyed the ability to network with students and faculty from around the world at the residencies.
Demarcus Marshall PhD in Public Policy and Administration Graduate
I would not have been able to obtain my master’s or work on my doctoral degree without the flexibility of Walden’s online programs.
Kelley L. Malcolm PhD in Public Policy and Administration Graduate
Here are two examples of online courses you might take while earning your PhD in Public Policy and Administration degree:
Ethics and Social Justice: This online course examines the philosophy of ethics, responsibility, and social justice. You will explore the complex social, political, and ethical challenges that you could face in your career as a leader in public policy and public administration. You will even get the chance to use your new skills to develop a solution to an ethical or social justice issue relevant to public policy today.
Leadership and Organizational Change: Effective leadership in public administration or public policy requires the ability to embrace and lead change. In this course, you will learn what it takes to be a strong leader in diverse organizations—especially during times of change. You’ll also learn how to apply leadership strategies to advance positive social change within your organization or community.
A PhD in Public Policy and Administration is a leadership-focused program designed to help you gain a detailed understanding of public policy theory, research, ethics, and practice in a global context. It’s the right degree program if you want to take an academic approach to developing sustainable solutions that improve people’s quality of life. Doctor of Public Administration degree programs are focused on developing advanced practitioners and researchers in pursuit of social change through public administration, criminal justice, and nonprofit management. If you have a mind for—and an interest in—research and data analysis, a DPA program can help you learn how to use statistics and analytics to address real-world issues and problems.
Online learning can make earning your doctoral degree more possible than ever before. Unlike a PhD program at a campus-based school, an online PhD in Public Policy and Administration program allows you to complete most of your coursework from home on a flexible schedule that can enable you to continue working full time. Plus, at a top online university, you’ll be guided by industry experts and participate in in-person residencies with faculty and fellow students. When earning your PhD in Public Policy and Administration online at Walden, you’ll attend four 4-day residency sessions focused on dissertation preparation.
Virtually all PhD programs—regardless of the focus area—require students to complete and submit a dissertation. At Walden University, the dissertation requirement serves as the culmination of a student’s PhD in Public Policy and Administration studies. While a formidable challenge, this undertaking gives each student the opportunity to apply everything they have learned throughout the program into a research paper uniquely tailored to their interests that can make a lasting impact in the field.
There are a number of features you might want to look for when choosing a PhD in Public Policy and Administration program. Here are just a few:
Fill out the form and we will contact you to provide information about furthering your education.