requires significant coursework beyond the masters level and a dissertation that contributes to theory or practice.
Upon successful completion, the title of "Doctor" is awarded and the post-nominal letters of D.P.A.
dissertation is usually at the same level as a Ph.D. in terms of effort, rigor, contribution to knowledge, supervision and assessment.
A study published by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration titled What's in a Name?
addresses applied issues, with the results providing professional outcomes that are of direct relevance to practice.
Students in most programs develop a thorough knowledge of the legal, ethical and political environments of public administrators.
Students understand the administrative functions of governmental agencies and gain expertise in strategic planning, advanced management techniques, program implementation and results-based leadership.
Its "Policy on Doctoral Education in Public Affairs/Public Administration" (1983,1987,1) states that: "Doctoral programs in public administration...should prepare students to undertake significant research in their subsequent careers, whether in government, academic life, or other settings; the capacity to do significant research, rather than access to a particular career setting, is the appropriate goal of doctoral training."