School of Postgraduate Studies
Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
The Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) at Miva Open University is an advanced professional and scholarly doctoral programme designed for experienced public-sector professionals ready to take on strategic leadership, advanced research, policy development, and institutional transformation.
You will develop advanced knowledge in public administration, governance, policy design, strategic planning, public financial management, human resource management, administrative theory, digital governance, leadership, change management, and other areas of public-sector management.
Full Tuition
$5,100
₦4,500,000
Tuition Per Semester
$1,200
Introduction to Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
Lead Change in Public Administration
The Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) is designed for experienced professionals who want to deepen their expertise in public administration, governance, policy, and institutional leadership.
The programme combines doctoral-level research with practical approaches to solving complex public-sector challenges. You’ll develop advanced skills in policy analysis, strategic leadership, public financial management, research, and digital governance.
The programme also takes a strong Nigerian and African perspective while introducing students to international and comparative approaches to public administration.
Why you should apply
- Build advanced skills in public administration, governance, and policy analysis.
- Learn to design, implement, and evaluate public policies and programmes.
- Develop expertise in strategic planning, public financial management, and institutional leadership.
- Explore digital governance, artificial intelligence, and administrative innovation.
- Build skills to manage complex public-sector challenges and institutional change.
- Conduct doctoral research focused on meaningful public administration, policy, and governance challenges.
- Study flexibly with an online learning model designed for executives and senior professionals.
Study Level
Study Duration
6 Semesters
Mode of study
Blended Learning
Full Tuition
$5,100
₦4,500,000
Tuition Per Semester
$1,200
Applications for January 2027 admission is ongoing.
Apply before 31st January 2027, to secure your place.
Applications for January 2027 admission is ongoing.
Apply before 31th January 2027, to secure your place.
Curriculum
Programme Outline
The DPA curriculum combines advanced public administration theory, policy, leadership, research and professional practice. Students complete core courses in the first two semesters, choose a specialisation track in the third semester, undertake an internship, and complete their doctoral research.
- Faculty Support
- Digital Resources
- Career Services
- Student Community
- Units: 3
- Core course within the programme.
- Units: 3
- Core course within the programme.
- Units: 3
- Core course within the programme.
- Units: 3
- Core course within the programme.
- Units: 3
- Core course within the programme.
- Units: 3
- Core course within the programme.
- Units: 3
- Core course within the programme.
- Units: 3
- Core course within the programme.
- Units: 3
- Core course within the programme.
- Units: 3
- Core course within the programme.
- Units: 3
- Elective course within the programme.
- Units: 3
- Elective course within the programme.
- Units: 3
- Elective course within the programme.
- Units: 3
- Elective course within the programme.
- Units: 3
- Elective course within the programme.
- Units: 3
- Elective course within the programme.
Students choose one of the three specialisation tracks in the third semester.
- Units: 1
- Core course within the programme.
- Units: 6
- Core course within the programme.
- Units: 12
- Core course within the programme.
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements for Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
Entry Requirements for Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
Here’s what you need to apply for the Doctor of Public Administration at Miva Open University.
- Applicants should have a bachelor's degree with a minimum of second class lower division from a recognised university.
- Applicants should have a master's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, Development Studies, Management, Social Sciences, or a related discipline.
- Applicants should have relevant professional experience in public administration or a related field, including at least three years of executive-level experience where applicable.
- Applicants must submit their academic transcripts and a research concept, proposal, or statement of research interest.
- Applicants from unrelated disciplines may be required to complete relevant prerequisite courses.
Careers
Potential Roles for Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) Degree Holders
- Public Administration Director
- Policy Director or Policy Adviser
- Government Administrator
- Public-Sector Executive
- Governance Specialist
- Public Policy Analyst
- Development Programme Director
- Regulatory Affairs Executive
- Institutional Reform Specialist
- Public Management Consultant
- Researcher or University Lecturer
- Government and Development Consultant
Tuition
Payment Plans
Miva Open University offers a flexible payment plan for its degree programmes. You may choose to pay the year’s fee or per semester.
Tuition Per Semester
$1,200
- Pay Per Semester.
- No hidden charges.
- No additional costs.
Full Tuition
- Pay full tuition
- No hidden charges.
- No additional costs.
* Early bird tuition applies for a limited period
FAQ
We’ve answered the most common questions prospective DPA candidates ask.
Is Miva Open University licensed by the NUC?
Yes. Miva Open University is a degree-awarding institution licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC). All programmes, including the DPA, meet approved academic quality standards.
What is the Doctor of Public Administration?
The DPA is a professional and scholarly doctoral programme focused on public administration, governance, policy, institutional leadership, and public-sector management.
It combines advanced academic research with practical approaches to solving public-sector challenges.
Who is the DPA for?
The programme is designed for experienced professionals and senior practitioners involved in public administration, policy, governance, institutional leadership, and strategic decision-making.
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants should have a bachelor's degree with at least a second-class lower division, a relevant master's degree, relevant professional experience and the required O’Level qualifications.
Applicants must also submit academic records and a research concept, proposal or statement of research interest.
How long does the DPA take?
The programme is structured over six semesters, equivalent to three academic years.
Do I need work experience?
Yes. The programme normally requires relevant professional experience, including at least three years of executive-level experience in a public-sector institution, where applicable.
Candidates with at least five years of executive experience in a government establishment may also be considered under the special consideration provision.
Is the DPA fully online?
Yes. The DPA is delivered fully online, allowing you to study from anywhere without physical attendance.
How are assessments conducted?
Assessment may include coursework, research activities, presentations, examinations, and other approved assessment methods. Doctoral candidates will also complete and defend their thesis.
Can I specialise within the DPA?
Yes. Students choose one of three tracks: Public Administration, Public Policy, and Human Resource Management
What career opportunities are available?
Graduates can pursue senior roles in public administration, government, policy, governance, regulatory bodies, development organisations, research, academia and consulting.
How much is the DPA tuition fee?
Tuition is structured to remain affordable for working professionals while maintaining academic quality. Detailed fee information is provided during the application process.
Can I take study breaks?
Students can study flexibly while managing professional responsibilities, subject to the University's academic requirements and study schedules.
What support will I receive?
Students have access to academic advisers and tutors, technical support, digital library resources, orientation, career services, peer support networks, and administrative support.
Can international students apply?
Yes. Applicants with qualifications obtained outside Nigeria may apply, subject to verification and applicable equivalence requirements.