Find your degree of interest from one of our many programs of study offered 100% online.
Liberty University's online programs offer you the flexibility to study at your own pace, from your home or office, while retaining a level of structure that will help you stay on track toward achieving your educational goals. You'll receive a quality education - that is both flexible and affordable - from an accredited institution.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public Administration
Earn a Doctorate in Public Administration to Take on Leadership Positions in Any Field
As a professional in public administration, you understand the value of continued learning and strong leadership. This field is diverse, expansive, and complex. Governments and organizations need thoughtful, experienced professionals to provide new ideas and insight and lead with integrity.
Liberty University’s Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public Administration can help you cultivate the knowledge and tools you’ll need to hone your expertise, have the potential to advance in your field, and strengthen the value of your contributions to the field of public administration. Our program is designed to partner with you in your career goals as well as develop cutting-edge research skills and insight into the operations and concepts surrounding public administration. Partner with us so you can advance your knowledge and potentially further your career.
What is the difference between a Ph.D. in Public Administration and a Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)?
If you are looking for a way to create original research that will add to the general knowledge of this field, then you may want to pursue a Ph.D. in Public Administration. With the guidance of our professors, you create your own research concept and complete a dissertation on the concept you choose so you can be recognized as a scholar in public administration. The Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) will require you to complete a capstone project to demonstrate how your industry-specific skills can solve real-world problems. You will identify a problem or need, perform an assessment, and address the need.
What Will You Study in Liberty University’s Ph.D. in Public Administration?
- Finance and budgeting
- Organization leadership
- Statesmanship
- Urban planning
Our public administration Ph.D. also focuses heavily on research. You’ll take courses that cover both quantitative and qualitative methods for public administration. You will also create your own research concept and complete a dissertation on the concept you choose so you can be recognized as a scholar in public administration.
Potential Careers for Ph.D. in Public Administration Graduates
Because the theory and practice of this field can be applied to many careers, graduates will be able to pursue a variety of jobs with a public administration degree, including:
- Budget analyst
- City manager/chief administrative officer
- Government researcher/research director
- Health services manager
- Human resources manager
- Operations research analyst
- Public policy consultant/analyst
- University professor
- Urban planner
Benefits of Pursuing Your Ph.D. in Public Administration with Liberty University
As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked among Niche.com’s Top 5 College Campuses in America – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your online degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
- The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
- Public administration degree jobs can be found in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors, giving you a variety of career opportunities upon graduation.
Military Tuition Discount
We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour. Here’s how:
- If you’re earning or have earned a master’s degree through Liberty, you automatically qualify for the low price (when you begin within 2 years of your master’s completion).
- If you haven’t earned a graduate degree through Liberty, our Executive Certificate program allows you to pay only $300/credit hour for a postgraduate certificate that can stand alone or potentially count as the first 21 hours of a related doctoral degree. Then pay just $300/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more!
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Credit Hours
Class Type
100% online
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Date
Feb 10, 2025
Accreditation
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC
Maximize Your Time
- 100% online programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level.*
- Earn credit for prior learning.
- Transfer in up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree.
- Transfer in up to 50% of a master’s degree.
* excludes licensure, certification, and some doctoral programs
Your goals on your time
We are committed to helping you achieve your goals and complete your degree as quickly as possible. One of our admissions counselors is ready to assist you with starting the process.
Contact Us: (800) 424-9595
Why Choose Liberty University?
Prepare for a Career
Go from merely surviving in your current job to thriving in the career of your dreams.
Enjoy Flexible Courses
Complete assignments at your own pace, at a time convenient to you within each week.
Access Academic Support
Access our electronic and print resources through the Jerry Falwell Library, writing resources, study aids, and IT support.
Grow in Your Faith
Each of our programs is grounded in biblical principles, and our professors consider teaching to be more than a job – it’s their calling.
Liberty’s online courses give you the ability to choose when and where you study.
Financing Options
Financial Aid
87% of all Liberty students in an online program are awarded financial aid.
Tuition Discounts
Available for military service members, including active duty, reserve, veterans, and their spouses, as well as emergency response personnel.
Corporate Tuition Assistance
Deferred – If your company reimburses you for the cost of your education, you submit your grades to your employer who pays you, and then you pay for your classes.
Other Payment Options are Available
Contact one of our admissions counselors for more information by calling (800) 424-9595.
An Accredited Private Education Made for You
As a nonprofit university, we have been pioneering distance education since 1985 and offer a unique and proven approach to online education.
Along with our advanced accreditations, we also have been recognized by the following organizations for our excellence in education.
Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked among Niche.com’s Top 5 College Campuses in America – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well.