About PhD Program,
In the historic tradition of the AU scholar-teacher model, the PhD in Public Administration and Policy at the School of Public Affairs, a full-time degree, prepares students for careers in research and teaching in the fields of public administration and public policy.
Our philosophy is that doctoral education should be about much more than coursework. Our program provides a rigorous and comprehensive introduction to the research enterprise. Our mission is to build the next generation of leading scholars, to advance theory, develop knowledge, and craft solutions to today’s most pressing problems in public administration and public policy.
From the first day of orientation to the final dissertation defense, each student works one-on-one with a faculty mentor to develop and apply the skills needed for a career in academia. We encourage students to produce research that is methodologically sound and socially relevant, and that makes important contributions to knowledge and theory. By the time they graduate, virtually all of our students have presented their research at key conferences and published their work in peer-reviewed academic journals.
For detailed program curriculum information, review the Program Handbook.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
The PhD degree in Public Administration and Policy requires 54 credit hours of approved graduate work for students entering the program with a bachelor’s degree alone, or 36 credit hours if entering with a related master’s degree.
Students will be admitted into one of two tracks: public administration or public policy. A minimum grade point average of 3.20 in all coursework is required to remain in good standing and to earn the degree. Full-time status is considered to be nine credit hours per semester. Students are expected to complete the degree within four years for those entering with a master’s degree and within five years for those entering with a bachelor’s degree alone.
Students advance to PhD candidacy by successfully completing all required courses, passing the oral qualifier and two written comprehensive exams (one in each of their fields of study), and defending their dissertation proposals. To earn the degree, students must pass a final oral defense of the dissertation.
PhD Funding Coverage,
Upon acceptance into the program, students selected for AU funding are granted a fellowship with full funding for four years of study if they are entering with a master’s degree. Students entering with a bachelor’s degree alone are granted a fellowship with full funding for five years of study. Fellowship is contingent on maintaining satisfactory progress each year. Unless applicants expect to be funded through a reliable external source, they must request consideration for funding on their application.
The fellowship with full funding includes tuition benefits as well as an annual stipend. Please, contact the SPA Graduate Admissions Office with questions about the annual stipend during a particular year of admission. As a requirement for the fellowship, students work 20 hours a week with a faculty member.
Students must advance to candidacy by the end of their third year of study (fourth year for those entering with only a bachelor’s degree) to continue receiving funding. If they have not achieved candidacy by then, they are required to find external funding or self-fund the remaining part of their program.
Application Requirement,
- Application form
- Letters of recommendation
- Application fee
- Resume or CV
- Unofficial transcripts from all previously attended postsecondary institutions (official transcripts required upon matriculation)
- Official standardized test scores: GRE general test (GMAT or LSAT may be substituted for select master’s programs)
- GRE general test (Optional for master’s programs. GRE required for all Ph.D. programs, no exceptions)
- International application only: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo
- Personal statement
- Interview (by request only)
- Writing sample
For more detailed requirements for each program, please visit the Admission Requirements page. All required materials must be submitted before your file is reviewed.
Application Deadline,
Dec 15, 2024
Application Fee,
Please refer official website
