"I needed flexibility. I needed to schedule school around my schedule. And the system at ODU worked well for me. The professors were amazing, and so were the staff members."

    Sally Meredith '24

Study Public Administration 100% Online with ODUGlobal.

Lead Change.
Shape Public Policy.

Effective policy-making requires innovation, collaboration and leadership. Old Dominion University’s online PhD and graduate certificate programs prepare you for leadership roles in government, nonprofits and public service. Are you ready to answer the call?

Choose the Public Policy Program for You.

Ranked and Respected

ODU’s PhD program is ranked among the nation’s top online public service programs.

Fully Online and Flexible:

Earn your doctorate or certificate online while balancing work and family commitments.

Career-Advancing Skills:

Learn to conduct policy analysis, assess implementation strategies and lead in public admin.

Fill out the form to learn more about ODU’s graduate programs in public administration and policy.

Public administration professionals are in demand, with careers spanning government, nonprofit leadership, consulting and policy research. Make your move in a flexible, online program at ODU!

Wherever You Lead, ODU Moves with You.

Request information to learn more about earning your doctorate or grad certificate in public administration and policy through ODUGlobal.

Request Info

Where government, nonprofits and businesses intersect, leaders are needed to solve today’s pressing challenges. Choose the path that fits your goals:


PhD in Public Administration & Policy - For developing high-level research and leadership skills to drive policy change and influence decision-makers. Areas of expertise include:

  • Public Management and Administration

  • Policy Analysis and Research

  • Multi-Sector Collaboration and Governance

  • Public-Private Partnerships

  • Nonprofit Leadership

For Those Who Serve. For Those Who Lead Change.

Graduate Certificate in Public Administration & Policy - For enhancing your preexisting credentials with focused courses in topics like:

  • Leadership and Ethics in Public Administration

  • Public Policy Evaluation

  • Financial Management & Human Services Administration

  • Negotiation and Dispute Resolution

Both programs are designed to help professionals like you drive change in public service roles.