Earn your Doctor of Public Administration degree.
Complete the form below to receive more information
Take an active role in creating innovative, sustainable solutions to societal problems and improved governance.
The Doctorate in Public Administration degree allows graduates to evaluate public policies and programs, identifying areas for improvement and making recommendations to policymakers and stakeholders. Graduates will be equipped to design and implement new policies and programs, and manage and supervise staff in government agencies or other organizations.
Doctor of

Public Administration
The Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) at California Baptist University is designed to develop innovative leaders who seek to maximize impact in public and non-profit organizations. Created for the working adult, the online DPA program, including dissertation, can be completed in three years. Students will focus on one online class every eight weeks. Curriculum and courses are designed to meet the needs of professionals tasked in responding to the complex and unique issues organizations encounter at the federal, state and local levels within planning, criminal justice, governance, policy, health management, and social service arenas.
DPA graduates will be equipped to:
- Conduct research and analysis on public policy issues, such as healthcare, education, social welfare, or environmental policy.
- Develop and implement new policies and programs to address public needs and issues.
- Provide expert advice and consultation to government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or private businesses.
- Manage and supervise staff in government agencies or other organizations.
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders and the public to promote transparency and accountability in public administration.
- Advocate for public policy changes or reforms based on research findings and analysis.
56
Degree Units Required
$830*
Cost Per Unit
$46 K
Estimated Degree Cost
36 months
Avg Time to Complete
CURIOUS ABOUT THE TYPE OF CLASSES YOU'LL TAKE?
A curated curriculum maximizes your learning opportunities and career outcomes.
Public Administration Foundations and Theory
Public Policy, Advocacy and Economics
Strategic Planning and Management
This course introduces students to the foundational theories and concepts of public administration within the discipline and practice. Historical and seminal works of foundational theorists as well as classical and contemporary perspectives will be addressed as they pertain to efficient and effective practices for both government and non-profit management.
This course explores trends, characteristics, imperatives, and consequences of public-policy making. Discussion includes how global economies affect the political climate and how representation of powerful actors, PACS, and institutions are representative factors of collective action, electoral processes, fiscal policy, bureaucracy, regulation and constitutional reforms at the federal, state and local levels.
This course presents innovative concepts of strategic planning in relation to an organization's mission, and vision for organizational sustainability. Students will learn practical skills of best practices needed to develop strategic plans that focus on key aspects of resource allocation, implementation, collaboration, and budgeting.
DID YOU KNOW AT SOME SCHOOLS STUDENTS INTERACT WITH TEACHER ASSISTANTS MORE THAN PROFESSORS?
CBU faculty are here to teach, first and foremost.
I have over 20-years of experience in public, non-profit and private sectors. Since the 2016 inception of the DPA program I have been the Program Director, and I have had the privilege of mentoring and guiding over 50 students through their doctoral degree. As a practitioner, I recommend the online DPA program for working professionals seeking a doctoral degree for practitioners by practitioners.
Elaine Ahumada, D.P.A.
I am an Associate Professor of Public Administration with more than 20 years of experience working in the public sector. Most recently (2009-2013), I served as the City Manager for the City of Norco, and I have the rare distinction of holding every management position within the City Manager’s Office in the City of Corona, beginning as a management analyst in 1996, promoting through the ranks and ultimately serving as Corona’s City Manager from 2004 to 2008.
Beth Ann Groves, D.P.A.
I am a tenured Professor at CBU. I have held roles as a Dean, committee member in Admissions, Retention, Curriculum, Vice President’s Council, and IRB. I have been published on Bitcoin Magazine, CoinTelegraph and I authored a bestselling book on inflation entitled: The Bitcoin Heir Next Door: Happiness Beyond Generational Wealth. My wife and I, own and operate two pediatric dental offices (Palm Springs and Yucca Valley).
Riste Simnjanovski, D.P.A.
WHY CBU ONLINE?
CBU online students don't have to sacrifice the campus experience.
CBU online students have full access to these traditional campus student services:
- Recreation Center
- Career Center
- Tutoring Center
- Writing Center
- Counseling Center
- Veterans Center
- Wellness Center
- Disability Services
- Office of Spiritual Life
- University Library
- and more!
CBU ONLINE QUICK FACTS
40+ Fully Online Programs
Find the perfect degree that matches your educational needs and professional goals.
$6 Million+ in Tuition Scholarships
CBU strives to increase accessibility to higher education by offering competitive tuition rates and various opportunities for financial assistance.
7,500+ Online Graduates
For more than a decade, CBU has helped a growing group of accomplished alumni earn their degree while balancing career and family needs.
8 Week Sessions
Classes start every 8 weeks. Restart and complete your academic journey at your own pace but with the full support of CBU staff and faculty – register for enrollment today.
Next CBU online session starts in
HOURS
MINUTES
SECONDS
DAYS
CLASSES BEGIN MAY 5, 2025
WHY CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY?
CBU offers faith-based, relevant degrees backed by decades of unmatched support
Established and Accredited
Established in 1950, CBU has earned a reputation of excellence throughout California and beyond. CBU graduates are held in high regard for their unique combination of competence, confidence and compassion. CBU is a Division 1 University accredited by WSCUC.
Diverse Student Population
More than 11,000 students attend CBU to improve their intellectual, physical, social and spiritual development. The CBU experience is designed to ensure students are academically prepared, Biblically rooted, globally minded and equipped to serve.
Christian Faculty and Staff
CBU is a university dedicated to supporting your gifts by providing academic, social and spiritual opportunities in an encouraging, community environment. Faculty and staff treat you like family while nurturing your interests and intellect.
WHAT MAKES CBU DIFFERENT?
Features and Benefits of a CBU Education



Not-For-Profit
Revenues are invested back into the University. This ensures CBU continues to improve its infrastructure to better serve students.
A Teaching University
Learn from faculty who are here to teach, first and foremost. Their ground-breaking research comes second to your academic growth.
Small Class Sizes
Be seen and heard - Professors know you by your name, not by your student ID number.



Student Success Specialists
There is an entire department of 30 staff members ready to guide and support you from start to finish.
100% Christian Faculty
Your professors care for your edification as much as they care about your education.
Future Focused
A robust Career Center and Alumni network will ensure a smooth transition into the work field once you graduate.

California Baptist University have helped students live their purpose since 1950. CBU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Regional accreditation by WSCUC means you can be confident that your CBU degree is recognized and respected by schools and companies across the country.
Are you ready to live your purpose? Complete the information form and a friendly admissions counselor will be assigned to help you begin your application process.

Copyright © 2025. All rights reserved.
California Baptist University utilizes cookies, web beacons, and comparable technologies by third parties to gather or receive information, aiming to offer measurement services and tailor advertisements. For further details and opt-out guidelines, kindly refer to our Privacy Policy.