New DPA program at Valdosta State University

I just wanted to let everyone know about a new Doctor of Public Administration program that Valdosta State University will begin offering later this fall. It appears to be an internet-based/WebCT doctoral program, with a mandatory 2-day residency seminar requirement which is held at the VSU main campus at the beginning of each fall and spring semester. The 54 semester hour program appears to be a great bargain at only $127 per credit hour regardless of residency status and up to 6 semester hours may be transferred into the program.

Here's a couple of web sites pertaining to the DPA program and VSU's graduate tuition & fees:

http://www.valdosta.edu/pa/dpa/handbook/DPA_Handbook.pdf

http://www.valdosta.edu/admissions/documents/grad.pdf

I just found out about this program over the weekend and thought it would be worthwhile to post the info considering the recent thread Gavin started about affordable doctoral programs in the United States. I have been looking into various B&M doctoral programs in public administration the last few years and have been considering the DPA programs at Nova Southeastern University and the University of La Verne, however with both schools charging over $700 per semester hour it appears I may be looking at the Valdosta State program now as well.

After reviewing the information about Valdosta State's DPA program I am curious about the final capstone project, or the organizational analysis, which appears to be a graduation requirement in lieu of a traditional doctoral dissertation. After reading the DPA handbook it looks to me like the final project is structured along the same lines as a doctoral dissertation, except the final capstone project is to be practical in nature versus original research. I would most likely be using the degree for adjunct teaching opportunities and possibly full-time instructor positions after I retire, in addition to consulting jobs within the public sector and law enforcement. How do you think this type of "non-dissertation" capstone project will be received in academia?

Does anyone have any comments about Valdosta State in general, or more specifically, how is the university viewed in the workforce and academia? I would eventually like to complete a doctorate in public administration or criminal justice, however my family and job responsibilities preclude any type of full-time education endeavors at this time. I grew up in Indiana, have lived in the Seattle area for the last 17+ years and will hopefully be moving back to Indiana in the near future so I do not have any personal knowledge of Valdosta State but am open to any comments others may have.

abnrgr275

 

Soundsl like a winner!

They have a commitment to quality CHEA-recognized professional accreditation and very reasonable cost

http://www.valdosta.edu/vsu/about/accreditation.shtml

.

 

Good deal

Note that the out-of-state tuition is $508/credit. However, at $508 per credit for out of state residents, it is still a very good deal considering the fact that it has professional accreditation. (Actually, the total out of state tuition is $556/credit but it is a good bargain).

 

That is a really good deal! Here is some more information about VSU from the AACSB web site.

https://datadirect.aacsb.edu/public/profiles/profile.cfm?runReport=1&unitid=55014&userType=All

 

The VSU DPA program charges in-state tuition of $127 per credit for ALL students in the DPA program regardless of residency as listed in their DPA handbook.

 

Wow thanks for posting the information. I'm very intrigued by this program. This is just what I've been looking for!

 

Thanks for posting the info. Does anyone know if this is, indeed, web- based? I read the information about mandatory webCT training and web use, but I didn't come across information that says the program, outside of the 2-day residency requirements during certain periods, can be completed online. It would really be great if this program could be completed online...

 

This is almost too good to be true. I have to wonder, how long will this price hold before the University figures out the market value of what they are offering?

Regards - Andy

 

Projects in-lieu of dissertations are quite common, although usually more on the master's level. I don't think you would any problem getting adjunct or instructor positions because you did a project instead of a dissertation. As you pointed out, they both require about the same amount of work.

 

A not-for-profit school would make decisions based upon the marketplace, would they? Certainly they would leverage their favorable tax status to deliver their quality education at low prices!

 

I've decided to take the plunge and apply for admission to this program. The price can't be beat. The short residencies also aren't too much of a concern for me. Anybody have any idea how many applications this type of program usually recieves and what the acceptance rates typically are? Thanks.

 

Probably not too many... Especially if it's cheap...
SFSU only admits 15 candidates each year to its Ed.D. program.

http://www.sfsu.edu/~bulletin/current/programs/educphd.htm#edd-lead

 

Their handbook actually states that they will admit 20-25 new students per year. Page 8 of the handbook...

 

cumpa,

Let us know how your application process turns out for VSU's DPA program. I know one other board member is applying and I requested an application packet myself. If I don't apply for Fall 2007 I might be applying for either the 2008 or 2009 classes.

abnrgr275

 

I'll definitely do that. I've corresponded with the program coordinator a couple of times via email. It sounds like they may not make final admissions decisions until after the July 15th application deadline has passed. I'll keep you posted.

 

Applied

This is definately the program I have been looking for. It is right up my academic alley, so to speak. I hope I am accepted as this may be my last chance at going for a doctorate.

Orgaknight
BS, MSW, MPA Florida State University

 

VSU is starting to make the first round of admission decisions for the DPA program. I was notified this morning that I have been accepted to the program for Fall 2007.

 

truckie270,

That's great news to hear, especially on a Monday! They were very responsive on your application and didn't make everyone wait until mid-summer to find out if they were in or not, which is a good thing if you ask me. Did they happen to say how many people had been admitted so far? I wonder if cumpa and/or Orgaknight will hear anything soon?

Once again, congrats and keep us posted on how the program works out with the residencies and the coursework.

abnrgr275

 

Congats on your admission to the program. My application is complete other than a couple of letters of recommendation from previous professors. I guess I'm going to have to start bothering them. Good luck with the program hopefully I'll be joining you.

Mike

 

This program looks great - if this had been in place a few years ago, I would have given this SERIOUS consideration...

Best of luck to those who apply!

Shawn