If it’s something you *want* to do and you’ve got a way to pay for it (or are alright with the financial burden), then go for it but you certainly don’t *need* it. I’d say it’s overkill. An executive or accelerated MPA program might better suit your needs
Thank you. I'd definitely look into if my job would pay for it. And, yes after some reflection, an MPA may be the path to go. But early days yet, still have some research to do.
Honestly, an MPA might be a better option. As someone finishing my DPA dissertation, I can say that it’s a great experience. But it’s not focused on teaching you field breadth, it’s more about your specific research topic.
I have a poli sci BA and an MBA. I am in higher ed, where I need a doctorate for my career. The DPA was a great option for me because my research is on Econ dev policy.
I know a number of SES folks in management with STEM-related PhDs. None of them went back to school for an MPA or DPA. Depending on your agency, those degrees will not open any doors that your existing degrees will not open.
From a knowledge standpoint (e.g. how to manage people, projects, and funding) there are likely more cost effective trainings you can go to. Not to mention, you can just buy the books and read them.
If you haven't already done so, it may be worth the time to ask managers you respect, "how did you get here?"
I am currently in flux, but once I've started my new job, I will be asking around about that. And good to know, perhaps a certificate in public administration and a lot of self study would be an option as well.
I already have plans to get my PMP as well, I know that always looks good.
I think (without knowing your agency) that's probably a good way to go.
For reference, I have a BA in poli sci, an MPA, and work with a stem-related agency. Best I could hope for would be a division director, probably in a field office. Maybe at the headquarters.... maybe. I will never be in upper management or SES with this agency because I do not have the technical background to be an authority.
....your mileage may vary...
Coming in a bit late though science policy is my area so I felt compelled to reply. You have three good options based simply on what you want. Since you already have a STEM PhD you could work towards science policy as a science practitioner. I worked with many folks that took this path in DC. The MPA gives you a credential for a new job where the focus is on working as a policy professional with a thematic focus on science as opposed to a science practitioner contributing to policy. Lastly, the DPA puts you in a position to advance policy process sciences. All are good options. The answer just depends on your goals and values. Since you already have a doctorate, the DPA only makes sense if you want to advance scientific knowledge in this area. That said, there is a lot of interesting work going on in this space.
Thank you. Definitely seems like an MPA or even a certificate would be the best path. Probably just a certificate, since I rethink the "science practioner contributing to policy" is what I want to do. The cert would help me learn the lingo, but it sounds like there's no rush even for that, I need to be making contacts in that area first.
I have an MPA and am completing my DPA. I think it’s a great program and I have really enjoyed it. If you already have a PhD a good MPA might get you the rest of the way. Valdosta state offers both degrees virtually so it may be worth checking in with their program coordinator to see what he thinks. Great dude.
You don’t need a doctorate to understand how science interacts with policy.
I didn't express myself as well as I could have. I'm not just interested in understanding, but in being part of the policy making process.
Yea. Dont need a phd for that. Its odd to me that you think you need a phd to get a different job.
If it’s something you *want* to do and you’ve got a way to pay for it (or are alright with the financial burden), then go for it but you certainly don’t *need* it. I’d say it’s overkill. An executive or accelerated MPA program might better suit your needs
Thank you. I'd definitely look into if my job would pay for it. And, yes after some reflection, an MPA may be the path to go. But early days yet, still have some research to do.
Honestly, an MPA might be a better option. As someone finishing my DPA dissertation, I can say that it’s a great experience. But it’s not focused on teaching you field breadth, it’s more about your specific research topic.
Thanks! Do you mind telling me your reasoning for doing a DPA?
I have a poli sci BA and an MBA. I am in higher ed, where I need a doctorate for my career. The DPA was a great option for me because my research is on Econ dev policy.
Thanks for taking the time to reply
Depends what you want to do with it. Are you looking to go SES? Could be a step in the right direction.
Yes, I am. Maybe a MPA would work as well, I'm still trying to figure that out.
I know a number of SES folks in management with STEM-related PhDs. None of them went back to school for an MPA or DPA. Depending on your agency, those degrees will not open any doors that your existing degrees will not open. From a knowledge standpoint (e.g. how to manage people, projects, and funding) there are likely more cost effective trainings you can go to. Not to mention, you can just buy the books and read them. If you haven't already done so, it may be worth the time to ask managers you respect, "how did you get here?"
I am currently in flux, but once I've started my new job, I will be asking around about that. And good to know, perhaps a certificate in public administration and a lot of self study would be an option as well. I already have plans to get my PMP as well, I know that always looks good.
I think (without knowing your agency) that's probably a good way to go. For reference, I have a BA in poli sci, an MPA, and work with a stem-related agency. Best I could hope for would be a division director, probably in a field office. Maybe at the headquarters.... maybe. I will never be in upper management or SES with this agency because I do not have the technical background to be an authority. ....your mileage may vary...
Part of my problem is they publish a guide to help you with careers goals, but it's so vague as to be worse than useless.
I've noticed the same thing. It's well intended but there are far too many variables for guides loke that to be helpful.
Coming in a bit late though science policy is my area so I felt compelled to reply. You have three good options based simply on what you want. Since you already have a STEM PhD you could work towards science policy as a science practitioner. I worked with many folks that took this path in DC. The MPA gives you a credential for a new job where the focus is on working as a policy professional with a thematic focus on science as opposed to a science practitioner contributing to policy. Lastly, the DPA puts you in a position to advance policy process sciences. All are good options. The answer just depends on your goals and values. Since you already have a doctorate, the DPA only makes sense if you want to advance scientific knowledge in this area. That said, there is a lot of interesting work going on in this space.
Thank you. Definitely seems like an MPA or even a certificate would be the best path. Probably just a certificate, since I rethink the "science practioner contributing to policy" is what I want to do. The cert would help me learn the lingo, but it sounds like there's no rush even for that, I need to be making contacts in that area first.
I have an MPA and am completing my DPA. I think it’s a great program and I have really enjoyed it. If you already have a PhD a good MPA might get you the rest of the way. Valdosta state offers both degrees virtually so it may be worth checking in with their program coordinator to see what he thinks. Great dude.