Public Administration

PhD Program Description

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Public Administration at Rutgers School of Public Affairs & Administration (SPAA) is a research degree. It trains students for careers as scholars, researchers, and teachers in the diverse and dynamic field of public management and administration.

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Through disciplined research, the Ph.D. in Public Administration seeks to expand the knowledge base and problem-solving capacities of universities, independent research organizations and government and nonprofit agencies. Such entities are routinely expected to conceptualize and carry out research relevant to the processes of acquiring human, fiscal and informational resources; utilizing those resources efficiently and effectively; and producing desired social and policy outcomes.

General Information

Degree Offered: Ph.D.

Degree Credit Requirements

Ph.D.: 60 credits

Career Opportunities 

Rutgers SPAA is one of the top-ranked schools in public management and administration in the U.S., according to U.S. News & World Report. We have a widely published and internationally recognized core faculty, and our doctoral graduates are teaching and gaining tenure at dozens of universities throughout the United States and around the world.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

Before enrolling, applicants must have received an MPA or other relevant master's degree (e.g., public policy, political science, sociology, law, education, public health, social work, etc.). Consideration of applications begins on February 1 for admission to the fall semester. Admissions decisions are not made for the spring semester. It is particularly important for applicants to have taken the GRE before submitting an application.