Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration

KU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

PhD in Public Administration Learning Outcomes

Students completing the PhD in Public Administration are expected to demonstrate advanced knowledge and research competencies. Graduates of the program will be able to:

• Understand the intellectual history, democratic theory, and constitutional and legal foundations of public administration.
• Design and conduct rigorous empirical research using advanced quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Apply major theoretical frameworks shaping research in public affairs, public management, and organizational theory.
• Develop and defend an original dissertation that makes a significant contribution to the field.
• Demonstrate expertise in a chosen specialization and cognate field of study.
• Communicate research findings through academic publications, conference presentations, and teaching.

What Careers Are Possible With a PhD in Public Administration?

Graduates with a PhD in public administration often pursue careers that combine advanced research expertise with leadership in public institutions. Doctoral training prepares graduates to contribute new insights into how governments, nonprofits, and policy organizations function and improve.

Common career paths include:

• University professor or researcher in public affairs or public management
• Policy analyst or research director at think tanks or research institutes
• Senior analyst within federal, state, or local government agencies
• Leadership roles in nonprofit organizations and international development agencies
• Public sector consultant specializing in governance, policy evaluation, or organizational performance

Labor market data from Lightcast indicates continued demand for professionals with advanced research and analytical expertise in policy analysis, government management, and nonprofit leadership. A doctor of public administration pathway such as this doctoral program prepares graduates to produce research that informs policy decisions and improves organizational effectiveness.

Graduates with a doctorate in public administration may also contribute to global research networks focused on public policy, governance innovation, and institutional reform.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The School of Public Affairs and Administration offers multi-year funding packages to doctoral students, including Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA), Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA), and Graduate Assistantships (GA). These positions include a half-time salary (20 hours/week) during the academic year, plus full coverage of tuition and required campus fees. Students are typically offered packages of up to five years at the time of admission. Applicants who submit materials by the January 5 deadline are automatically considered for funding.

For information about financial aid options, visit the Department of Public Administration.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the PhD in public administration requires:

• A completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (transcripts required)
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of no less than 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Resume or curriculum vitae reflecting academic and professional experience
• Statement of research interests (maximum 1,000 words)
• Writing sample demonstrating research aptitude (sole-authored)
• Three letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty
• GRE scores (GMAT or LSAT may substitute; KU institution code: 6871)
• Proof of English proficiency for non-native English speakers

For more information on the admissions process, please visit the Department of Public Administration.

Student Life and Learning Experience

Doctoral students in the PhD in public administration participate in a collaborative academic environment that emphasizes research engagement, mentorship, and professional development.

Students frequently work alongside faculty on research projects addressing topics such as public management, policy implementation, governance systems, and nonprofit leadership. Participation in conferences and academic workshops allows doctoral candidates to present research, receive feedback, and build professional networks across the broader field of government and public administration.

Many students in the PhD in public administration also gain teaching experience by assisting with undergraduate or graduate courses. These opportunities help develop instructional skills while strengthening students’ academic portfolios.

The program’s research-focused environment encourages doctoral students to engage deeply with scholarship while also exploring practical policy challenges affecting governments and nonprofit organizations. Through seminars, collaborative research, and professional development opportunities, students develop the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to public sector knowledge and practice.

PhD in Public Administration Sample Courses

Students pursuing a PhD in public administration may take advanced coursework designed to strengthen theoretical understanding and research methodology in government and public administration. Sample courses may include:

• Creating Good Public Policy
• Managing Public Money
• Context, Ethics and Legal Environment of Public Administration
• Constitutional Foundations of Public Administration
• Advanced Quantitative Methods for Public Administration

These courses prepare doctoral students to conduct high-level research, contribute scholarly publications, and advance the study of government and public administration. For a full course listing, visit the KU Catalog.

Accreditation & Notes