Doctorate in Public Administration

The Doctorate of Public Administration (MA) program is offered online via distance learning. After evaluating both academic record and life experience, AIU staff working in conjunction with Faculty and Academic Advisors will assist students in setting up a custom-made program, designed on an individual basis. This flexibility to meet student needs is seldom found in other distance learning programs.

Our online program does not require all students to take the same subjects/courses, use the same books, or learning materials. Instead, the online Doctorate of Public Administration (MA) curriculum is designed individually by the student and academic advisor. It specifically addresses strengths and weaknesses with respect to market opportunities in the student’s major and intended field of work. Understanding that industry and geographic factors should influence the content of the curriculum instead of a standardized one-fits-all design is the hallmark of AIU’s unique approach to adult education.

This philosophy addresses the dynamic and constantly changing environment of working professionals by helping adult students in reaching their professional and personal goals within the scope of the degree program.

Important: Below is an example of the topics or areas you may develop and work on during your studies. By no means is it a complete or required list as AIU programs do not follow a standardized curriculum. It is meant solely as a reference point and example. Want to learn more about the curriculum design at AIU? (Course and Curriculum)

Core Courses and Topics in Public Administration

• Public Administration
• Political Economy
• Management
• Comparative Public Administration
• Human Rights and Administration
• Development Theory
• Poverty and Development Strategies
• Population Studies
• Decentralization, Governance, and Development
• Research Methods
• Public Infrastructure Planning and Management
• Policy Making and Analysis
• Organizational Behavior
• Social Sciences
• Macroeconomics
• Microeconomics

Orientation Courses

• Communication & Investigation (Comprehensive Resume)
• Organization Theory (Portfolio)
• Experiential Learning (Autobiography)
• Seminar Administrative Development (Book Summary)
• Seminar Cultural Development (Practical Experience)
• Seminar International Development (Publications)

Research Project in Public Administration

• Doctorate Thesis Project
• MBM300 Thesis Proposal
• MBM302 Doctorate Thesis (5,000 words)
• Publication: Each Doctorate of Public Administration graduate is encouraged to publish their research papers either online in the public domain or through professional journals and periodicals worldwide.

Professional Associations

• American Society for Public Administration (ASPA)
• The American Assembly (TAA)
• Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM)
• Center for Governmental Research (CGR)

Resources and Tools

• USA.gov
• GPO Access

Skills Obtained

• Arbitration skills
• Skill in the use of computers and other office equipment
• Skill in oral and written communications
• Public speaking skills

Employment Opportunities for Public Administration

• Administrative Assistant
• Non-Profit Organization Administrator
• Retail Store Manager
• Human Resources
• Manager Claims Adjuster
• Examiner or Investigator Executive Assistant