麻豆原创

The Doctoral Program in Public Affairs is designed to prepare graduates to advance research and theory by exploring topics at the leading edge of public affairs. To achieve this goal, the program builds on a set of four foundational core courses that explore the intellectual history of public administration, the principal theories of public organizational theory and behavior, the public policy process, including policy formulation and implementation, and advanced public policy analysis. Students will appreciate and apply an understanding of social, economic, political, and technological factors that shape governance through formal and informal processes and actions.

The program matches the career goals of students through the interdisciplinary nature of course content, the interaction with faculty, and the flexibility inherent in the choice of program electives. Those seeking advancement within public agencies or nonprofit organizations can choose a mix of electives, including course work from other 麻豆原创 programs, while those seeking to teach at the college or university level will focus on elective courses within their discipline.

More specifically, the graduates of this doctoral program will demonstrate the ability to: 1) attain and apply knowledge and understanding of the complex relationships that characterize public affairs and policy; 2) conduct and lead original research, 3) become professional individuals either in academia or in other positions related to public administration, public affairs, and policy.

Program Tracks

The Doctoral Program in Public Affairs offers prospective applicants who do not have a graduate degree the opportunity to apply to the Public Affairs PhD - Public Administration MPA Dual Degree Track.

The Public Affairs PhD - Public Administration MPA Dual Degree Track provides academically talented students an opportunity to earn the Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs and the Master of Public Administration degrees concurrently. Students successfully completing the PhD/MPA Dual Degree program will have the skills and analytical techniques for careers in academia or in the public and nonprofit sectors. After successful completion of the PhD/MPA Dual Degree program, students will receive two diplomas, one for the Public Administration MPA degree and one for the Public Affairs PhD degree.

Students seeking admission to the PhD/MPA Dual Degree program should apply directly to the Public Affairs PhD - Public Administration MPA Dual Degree Track. Only one application will be required. If admitted, students will be active in both the Public Administration MPA and the Public Affairs PhD programs but will be required to complete all coursework for the MPA program prior to starting any coursework required for the PhD program.

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines

Financial Information

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at 麻豆原创 and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.

Fellowship Information

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see 麻豆原创 Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.

Degree Requirements:

24 credit hours core courses

18 credit hours elective courses

0 credit Professional Development courses (first two years)

Comprehensive exam

15 credit hours Dissertation (Candidacy status)

Additional Rules and Requirements:

A grade of "B-" or better is required in all courses. Students receiving a grade below a "B-" must repeat the course and receive an acceptable grade prior to taking the Comprehensive Exam. Any student who receives more than one grade of "C" in their doctoral course work will be dismissed from the program.

A minimum of 3.0 program GPA is required to maintain graduate student status and for graduation. Students with a GPA less than 3.0 will be dismissed from the program.