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While both are doctoral degrees, the DPA is distinct from a PhD. The DPA emphasizes practical application and impact, preparing graduates for leadership roles in public service, government, and nonprofit organizations, while a PhD focuses more heavily on theoretical knowledge and research, often leading to a career in academia.

Our DPA program prioritizes public scholarship, allowing students to apply their research to real-world issues and contribute to meaningful change.

The DPA program requires 36 credit hours of coursework, followed by the development and execution of your public scholarship project. This revised structure provides a clear road map for timely completion, typically within four years. The program offers both full-time and part-time options, allowing flexibility to accommodate your professional and personal commitments. A detailed course map with timelines and important milestones is available on the program website.

We operate on a hybrid model, with a mix of online and in-person classes. This approach provides flexibility and accessibility for working professionals. Our in-person classes are held at our campus in Rockville, MD and our online classes are hosted on Zoom. 

Classes meet six times per semester on Saturdays or Sundays, typically from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This typically means that classes meet every 2-3 weeks.

Full-time students typically take two courses per semester—one online and one in-person. 

Part-time students typically take one course per semester—either a course that meets online or in-person. 

Each class meets six times per semester on either Saturday or Sunday.

A DPA demonstrates a commitment to public service, advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to conduct impactful research. Graduates often move into leadership positions in various sectors, including:

• Government: Advance within federal, state, and local government agencies, assuming roles with greater responsibility and decision-making authority.
• Nonprofit Organizations: Lead and manage nonprofit organizations, impacting social change through program development, advocacy,and community engagement.
• Public Sector Consulting: Provide expert advice and analysis to public sector clients, addressing complex challenges and improving organizational effectiveness.

As a DPA program, we don't have the same research funding opportunities as traditional PhD programs. However, we do offer a range of opportunities that provide funding:

• The Schaefer Center for Public Policy offers selective fellowships and assistantships for full-time students to work on various center projects, as well as paid internships through the NextGen Leaders for Public Service program.
• There are departmental graduate assistantships that can help fund part or all of your tuition, and you'll gain academic, professional or research experience while working on campus and making progress toward your graduate degree.
• Students who apply for financial aid may be awarded federal work-study as part of their financial aid package, depending on their need and eligibility.

Public scholarship is a form of engaged research that emphasizes practical application and impact within the public sphere. Unlike a traditional dissertation, which primarily focuses on academic contribution, the DPA program's public scholarship track guides students to develop and execute projects directly addressing real-world problems. This approach allows students to hone their skills in applied research, stakeholder engagement, and translating complex information into actionable insights for meaningful change.

The DPA program equips you with the knowledge and skills to be a thought leader and change agent in your chosen field. By engaging in public scholarship, you will:

• Gain practical experience: Apply your learning to real-world issues, developing valuable skills in research design, data analysis, and project management.
• Build a portfolio of impact: Showcase your ability to tackle complex challenges and generate solutions, enhancing your credibility and marketability.
• Expand your professional network: Collaborate with stakeholders, policymakers, and community partners, forging valuable connections within your field.
• Make a tangible difference: Contribute to positive social change by addressing critical issues and influencing policy decisions.

Our 48-credit program requires 36 credits of coursework, with the final 12 credits dedicated to a structured public scholarship project. This replaces the traditional dissertation model and provides a clear roadmap for students to develop, execute, and disseminate impactful research. You'll receive guidance from a dedicated advisor (Dr. Mariglynn Edlins) and work within a supportive cohort throughout the process.