About PhD Program
The doctoral program in public policy and administration is an interdisciplinary, research degree that prepares students to engage in rigorous scholarship that addresses the critical policy and administrative challenges of our times. We achieve this mission through providing a core substantive curriculum in the areas of public policy and public administration and management alongside methodological research training, and research and engagement opportunities with faculty and the research and public service centers in the Biden School.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
As an international student, you will complete the same application process as domestic students to be considered for admission into any Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy & Administration graduate program. You can access the online application through the Doctoral Program Admissions page.
Please keep in mind that all application materials must be submitted online, including your unofficial transcripts, exam scores, and letters of recommendation. Please do not mail printed copies of any application materials.
English Language Testing
The Biden School accepts IELTS and TOEFL scores as indicated on the Graduate Admissions Test Score website: Grad Admissions Test Scores
PhD Funding Coverage,
All full-time Biden School* doctoral students are admitted with 5 years of funding support, which includes a stipend for an assistantship assignment and 100% tuition scholarship. The University of Delaware sets the graduate tuition rate, which typically changes each year.
Biden School doctoral support opportunities include :
Research assistantships in multiple research and public service centers
Teaching assistantships in Biden School and other units on campus
University of Delaware and Graduate College fellowships
Fellowships for students from underrepresented groups
And more
Additional Support
We realize that Ph.D. students need support beyond tuition and a stipend. We offer a number of other supports to help ensure our students’ success. Biden School doctoral students can apply for competitive funding for:
Conference travel
Summer and winter session support
Study abroad
Research abroad
Special equipment and resources for dissertation research
Loaner laptops
Dissertation research support
And more
Our funding support packages also include student health insurance and prescription coverage. The University pays for approximately 86% of the cost of this plan as well as a 50% subsidy of a dental plan. Details are available on the student insurance information page.
*Doctoral students in joint degree programs must consult with their primary department regarding the availability of funding support.
Application Requirement,
When applying to a Biden School doctoral program, the following documents must be submitted online through the graduate application system. Please do not attempt to mail any printed copies of materials, as this may cause delays and errors in the processing of your application.
- University of Delaware Graduate Admission Application.
- One copy of the unofficial transcript(s) for all colleges and universities previously attended that documents and shows all undergraduate and graduate-level work completed.
- A current resumé.
- Three letters of recommendation. We suggest that at least one be an academic recommendation. You are responsible for entering the recommenders’ names and email addresses, and then the application system will automatically contact your recommenders for their letters to be uploaded online.
- Scholarly Writing Sample. Please provide a scholarly writing sample, preferably a master’s thesis or research paper. You do not need to write something new—supplying a piece of writing from your master’s program is preferred.
- Personal Statement. Please follow the submission instructions in the Graduate Admission Application.
- Biden School Supplementary Information Form: Word versionor PDF version
- Nonrefundable university graduate application fee of $75.
- The Biden School accepts IELTS and TOEFL scores as indicated on the Graduate Admissions Test Score website: Grad Admissions Test Scores
Please note that admissions criteria for the education and social policy program may differ. Please refer to the website pages for these programs for more information.
Application Deadline
Dec 15, 2024
Application Fee,
Please refer official website
