Doctor of Public Administration - Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation

The Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) program is devoted to bridging the worlds of scholarship and practice. We intend to spark discussions and stimulate research that improves public and nonprofit management and public policy in Illinois, the nation, and the broader global community.

Thus, we admit and want to work with students who wish to serve the public interest, drive social change, and make a difference in their communities and workplaces. As such, we offer a high-level academic experience designed for mid-range and advanced professionals in the public, private and nonprofit sectors.

This specialization supports the professional and scholarly interests in investigating the consequences of policy choices and evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of public programs—both locally and in general. This specialization emphasizes developing the skills and knowledge to assess the social impact of a policy or a program. Students may pick from a series of courses related to specific problems or policy areas by choosing one of four sub-fields of specialization: public health policy, environmental policy, social policy, and education policy.