Public Administration (Online)

DOCTOR OF Public ADMINISTRATION

The online Doctor of Public Administration at California Baptist University develops innovative leaders who seek to maximize impact in public and non-profit organizations. Created for the working adult, the online DPA program allows students to focus on one online class every eight weeks. Curriculum and courses in the online doctorate in public administration program meet the needs of professionals tasked in responding to the complex and unique issues organizations encounter at the federal, state and local levels within planning, criminal justice, governance, policy, health management and social service arenas.

36

Months to Completion *

$827 + fees

Cost Per Unit *
View Additional Cost of Attendance (COA)
and Fees.

60

Why earn your Doctor of Public Administration (Online) at CBU?

A degree for practitioners by practitioners

By design and intention, our degree is for those in public and non-profit sectors who are desiring to be “pracademics.” We focus on how theory is integrated into practice. All faculty have depth of practitioner experience. Whether your experience is in federal, state, local or county government, law enforcement, public education, health care, non-profit management or politics, faculty are mentors and share their respective real-world experiences to prepare one for teaching, consulting and upward professional career trajectories in their respective sector.

Embedded dissertation
Specific classes and coursework designed to assist in topic selection, literature review development and methodological approaches to the dissertation study. There are also four research courses that assist in preparing scholars for quantitative and qualitative methods.

Asynchronous delivery
We know practitioners are often needing to travel and have flexibility. Our program is designed to meet the needs and demands of mid to senior level public and non-profit practitioners. Each class has five course deliverables and consistent due dates so one can simultaneously manage their life and career.

Learn flexibly online, on your schedule

Classes start every 8 weeks
Accelerated, asynchronous courses offered 100% online
Three semesters offered year round allows students the ability to graduate faster

Ethics and Social Justice

DPA 720

In this course, students examine the philosophy of ethics as it relates to issues of social justice and relationships between ethical and moral practices and effective leadership. Theories of economic disparity, power, and privilege and ethical dilemmas will be explored.

Collaboration and Networked Governance

DPA 740

This course examines introduces the concepts and practices of managing networks. Theories, analytical skills, and processes of designing, developing, sustaining, evaluating, networks will be addressed.

Public Policy, Advocacy, and Economics

DPA 750

This course will explore trends, characteristics, imperatives, and consequences of public-policy making.

Student Learning Outcomes

Consistent with the university student outcomes, upon completion of the Doctor of Public Administration degree, graduates will be able to:

1. Communicate effectively.
2. Analyze public agencies, and the work they conduct, in order to directly and indirectly examine the use of power, authority and resources for the populations they serve.
3. Evaluate authority as determined through legitimate power in public organizations.
4. Examine the necessary political-administrative dichotomy in public organizations.
5. Distinguish what behaviors constitute proper bureaucratic action for the organizations in which they serve as well as for the constituents who receive services.
6. Examine equity and fairness as it relates to the social, economic and political aspects of public administration.
7. Examine the definition of efficiency/effectiveness as it relates to the practice of public administration.
8. Conduct ethical research.

Take the next step toward living your purpose

As you make decisions about college, keep in mind the full social, spiritual and educational experience awaiting you at CBU. Here, you will be supported by professors, staff and fellow students who will help you discover your strengths and challenge you to do more than you ever thought you could. Let us equip you with the education, training and opportunities you'll need to start making a unique difference doing what you love.

Apply today! When you complete and submit your application to CBU, a friendly and knowledgeable admissions counselor will guide you through the admissions process and all the necessary steps to become a Lancer.

CBU accepts applications for online enrollment throughout the year, and most online degree programs can start at 6 semester entry points per calendar year.

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Career Opportunities

Social and Community Service Manager
Top Executive
Sales Manager

*Some career opportunities may require further education

Meet Some of Our Faculty

Dr. Elaine Ahumada

Professor of Public Administration

See Profile >

Dr. Beth Groves

Associate Professor of Public Administration

See Profile >

Dr. Mark Kling

Associate Professor of Criminal Justice

See Profile >