Transform public service with knowledge, applied research and real-world impact.
Create change. Drive impact. Lead with purpose.
Are you ready to amplify your impact as a public servant? The 48-credit Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) program at The University of Baltimore is designed for working professionals who are passionate about making a difference in their organizations and communities.
Our program goes beyond theory, offering practical skills and hands-on research that tackle today’s most urgent public challenges. Whether your goal is to lead government agencies, innovate in nonprofit organizations, or shape policy, the DPA will empower you with advanced analytical tools, strategic problem-solving abilities, and research expertise. Join a network of change-makers and turn your commitment to public service into meaningful, lasting impact.
Things to know...
About the DPA program
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What is the difference between a DPA and a PhD?
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 non-profit 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.
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What is the program's structure and timeline for completion?
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 roadmap 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.
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When and where do DPA classes meet?
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.
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What does a typical class schedule look like in the DPA program?
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.
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Who are the faculty who teach in the DPA program?
View the DPA faculty.
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What are the career benefits for DPA graduates?
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.
- Non-profit Organizations: Lead and manage non-profit 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.
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Where can I find additional information and resources about the DPA program?
The DPA program website serves as a central hub for all program-related information. It houses detailed descriptions of the public scholarship track, course offerings, faculty profiles, admissions requirements, and a comprehensive FAQ section. You can also find downloadable resources, such as the program fact sheet and student handbook.
About public scholarship
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What is public scholarship and how does it differ from a traditional dissertation?
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.
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How does the DPA program's focus on public scholarship benefit me professionally?
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.
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How is the DPA program structured around public scholarship?
Our 48-credit pprogram 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.
About applying to the DPA program
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Am I qualified to apply to the DPA program?
To apply to the DPA program, you need to have:
- a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- a master’s degree in public administration, public affairs, policy analysis, public health or nonprofit management from a regionally accredited college or if your master’s degree is not in one of these fields, at least five years of significant public management or related work experience; you may be required to complete additional coursework in public administration prior to enrolling in doctoral-level coursework.
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How do I apply to the program?
To apply to the program, you would:
- submit an application, with a personal statement and $50 fee
- submit your academic transcripts
- send three letters of recommendation
- submit an academic writing sample or GRE or GMAT scores (taken within five years of application)
- submit your resume.
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Are there funding opportunities available for DPA students?
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.
Learn more about UBalt's tuition and fees.
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What is the admissions process for the DPA program?
Once you submit your application, you'll receive a follow-up email to schedule an interview with Dr. Mariglynn Edlins, providing an opportunity to discuss your goals and ask questions. This ensures a consistent point of contact and a personalized experience for prospective students.
Student Spotlight
Congratulations to Doctor of Public Administration student, Georgia Noone-Sherrod, on being selected as a 2024 ASPA Founders’ Fellow by the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). Georgia is one of 22 students selected for the fellowship from institutions around the world.
In his nomination letter to the Founders’ Fellow selection committee, Associate Professor Ed Gibson wrote:
“A review of Georgia’s history of involvement with and advancement of the aims of underserved communities reveals a rich portfolio of immense and impactful leadership. She led disaster relief efforts, administered national outreach and advocacy efforts, orchestrated and implemented 1st Amendment defense, and led development on behalf of constitutional awareness. She held leadership posts for organizations including National Field, NAACP, ACLU, and American Constitution Society. In addition, Georgia has served as a board member and advisor for numerous organizations that advance the aims to which she has devoted her career.”
ASPA's Founders' Fellows program supports the next generation of public service leaders through a series of professional development opportunities. The Fellows attend and present at the ASPA Annual Conference—which will take place this April in Minneapolis, Minnesota—on a subject matter paper on an issue related to their scholarship or work, which is also published in PA TIMES Online, if they wish.
Designed to accelerate the careers of promising, rising stars in public service, the Founders’ Fellows program is open to graduate students as well as new professionals who are in the first three years of their career. This is ASPA's most competitive Fellowship program of the year.
Contact Us
Mariglynn Edlins
program director
email: medlins@ubalt.edu | phone: 410.837.5341
view Prof. Edlins' faculty profile
For more information about graduate admission, please contact the Office of Admission at gradadmission@ubalt.edu or 410.837.6565.