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Turn Ambition Into Achievement
Learn from the #1 grantor of public health doctoral degrees in the U.S. We have helped doctoral distance learners for 50+ years.
ROBUST DISSERTATION SUPPORT
Four residencies help you build skills and network with peers and faculty. Get research guidance from our library, writing center, and Office of Research and Doctoral Services.
EXPERT FACULTY
This program is taught by a distinguished faculty of scholar-practitioners, many of whom have senior-executive experience in government and public service.
BE SUPPORTED AT EACH STEP
The Walden Doctoral Degree Coach® helps you find the right support when you need it and stay on track throughout your journey.
Walden’s online PhD in PPA degree program is designed to prepare students to address the challenges of governance and service delivery in the U.S. and around the world. The curriculum explores public policy theory, research, and practice in a global context.
Successful 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.
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.
In 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.
In this course, students explore the underlying theories, history, and literature (the “great writers”) that provide a foundation for current studies in public policy and administration. In addition to providing foundational concepts, perspectives, and values that enhance critical thinking and an understanding of the field, the course content provides examples of theories that will help students identify relevant frameworks for their dissertation. Students will be exposed to classical and modern thought and events in public policy and administration that have resulted in seminal literature in the field. Topics include governance, economics, decision-making, politics, leadership, and public policy trends. In addition, students consider their roles as public administrators in promoting social responsibility. This course provides a bridge for students to the rest of their coursework in the PPPA curricula, throughout their dissertations, and into their futures as scholar-practitioners.
In 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.
Doctoral Experience
YOUR DOCTORAL JOURNEY
The path to your online doctoral program won’t be easy, but Walden is here to provide support, resources, and encouragement at every stage of your journey.
DOCTORAL DEGREE COACH®
Map and track your doctoral program milestones, meet weekly targets, connect with faculty, and find support with this personalized digital resource.
ACADEMIC RESIDENCIES
Broaden your knowledge, engage with peers and faculty, and shape your professional identity during this valuable doctoral learning experience.
You’ll work one-on-one with an Enrollment Specialist who’ll guide you through every step—from finding the right program to funding your education.
If you want to impact public policy issues like poverty and rising healthcare costs, pursuing your PhD in public policy and administration online may be your next step. We’ve simplified admissions to help you launch your educational journey.
Begin the process with:
No application fee
Easy credit transfer
No essay or SAT/ACT requirement
Walden 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.
To complete a doctoral dissertation/doctoral study, 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/doctoral study process in the Dissertation Guidebook.
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 844-529-2405.
If you’re looking for ways to manage the costs of your online PhD in public policy and administration degree, we’re here to help with partner and military savings, transfer credits, and grants.
Discover the possibilities with:
Tuition savings
Transfer credits
Grants
Receive up to a $5,000 grant when you start an eligible doctoral program.
| Curriculum | Requirements | Cost | Total * | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition-Coursework | 53 quarter credits | $700 per quarter hour for coursework credits | $37,100^ | |
| Tuition-Doctoral Study/Project | 20-125† quarter credits | $700 per quarter hour for doctoral study/project credits | $14,000–$87,500* | |
| Program Fee | $180 per quarter | $2,160–$5,760* | ||
| Residency Fee | Four Residencies | $1,420 (virtual) $1,520 (in-person: travel, lodging and other expenses are additional) | $5,680–$6,080 | |
| Estimated Range: | 3-Year | 8-Year | ||
| $58,940 | $136,440*+ | |||
| (assuming completion in a 3-year timeframe) | (assuming completion in an 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 3-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.
Steady Job Growth
Social and Community Service Manager
Coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public well-being.
Expected growth: 8%1
Estimated annual wage: $48,880–$98,740 1
Shape Business Operations
General and Operations Manager
Coordinate the operations of organizations, overseeing multiple departments and/or locations.
Expected growth: 6%–8%21
Estimated annual wage: $46,340–$160,290 2
Inspire and Educate
Postsecondary Political Science Teacher
Instruct students in political science subjects beyond the high school level.
Expected growth: 3%3
Estimated annual wage: $51,610–$127,940 3
1Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
2Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
3Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Job outlook | Estimated wage (as of May 2023)
No guarantee is made that a person who enrolls in the PhD in Public Policy and Administration program will obtain a job or will earn the stated salaries. Wage estimates are based on the 10th–75th percentile.
As a graduate of Walden’s PhD in Public Policy and Administration online program, you will be prepared to:
Discuss leadership concepts and theories that have been used to effectively lead and manage in the public sector.
Analyze evidence-based research, theories, and models used to promote participation in public and nonprofit policy processes.
Develop solutions for problems related to public policy and public administration using theory and research.
Ethically apply the major theories and concepts of public policy and public administration within organizations.
Evaluate models and best practices utilizing diverse perspectives in local, state, national, and international public agencies by using evidence-based research.
Learn from leaders who've walked the walk. Our faculty of renowned experts seamlessly blend academic knowledge with hands-on experience.
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. 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.
There are a number of features you might want to look for when choosing an online PhD PPA degree program. Here are just a few:
Here are two examples of online courses you might take while earning your PhD in Public Policy and Administration online:
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.
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 online 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.
Walden is the #1 granter of doctoral degrees in Public Policy and Administration with excellent faculty who can share from their professional experiences.
