5 credits per term for a minimum of four terms until completion

The Professional Administrative Study (PAS) results in a formal manuscript designed and written to address a problem in public administration practice. Each DPA student is required to complete a PAS. The PAS involves students completing an applied research study that addresses an actual administrative problem or need faced by a client organization. Students complete the PAS independently, with the guidance of a supervisory committee chair, and a committee member. Students complete a prospectus, proposal, research ethics review, and a final written PAS. Oral presentations are required both after the proposal and final projects are approved by the committee. The PAS paper takes the format of a consulting report and, at a minimum, includes the following sections:

• Abstract
• Introduction to the Problem
• Conceptual Approach and Background
• Data Collection Process and Analysis
• Evaluation and Recommendations
• Dissemination Plan

Prerequisites

• All prior coursework

Note: Students take this course for a minimum of four quarters and are continuously enrolled until completion of their doctoral study with final chief academic officer (CAO) approval.