online phd programs public policy

2024 Best Online PhD in Public Policy Programs

If you’re interested in high-level policy work, you may consider earning a PhD in Public Policy online.

A public policy doctoral program may not only teach you the necessary skills for the field but also qualify you for employment within universities, government agencies, and research organizations.

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You may even earn your online public policy degree with self-paced or part-time courses that fit within your busy schedule.

Universities Offering Online PhD in Public Policy Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Liberty University

The public policy doctorate program at Liberty University consists of 60 credits. It offers specialties in social policy, education policy, economic policy, foreign policy, and more. The program usually takes 3 years to complete, and classes are available 100% online.

Liberty University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University offers a PhD in Public Administration and Policy. Students can learn how to design research studies, conduct policy evaluations, build multi-sector programs, and even teach postsecondary classes in policy.

The program requires 49 credits to graduate, with 37 credits being coursework and 12 credits being dissertation related.

Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Saybrook University

Rather than offering a public policy degree, Saybrook University has a transformative social change degree. It covers many of the same topics, including advocacy, public relations, and social program development, but it has a stronger emphasis on reform and research.

Classes are available online with a 5 day, in-person conference at the beginning of the semester.

Saybrook University is accredited by the Senior Commission of Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Union Institute and University

The public policy program at Union Institute and University is divided into two 6 month terms, and classes are a hybrid blend of online and in-person.

There are two residency periods in winter and summer to get hands-on experience with policy, reform, leadership, and administration. The program requires 66 credits and can be completed in as little as 3 years.

Union Institute and University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Walden University

Walden University offers a PhD in Public Policy and Administration. The school operates on a quarter credit system, and there are several tracks that you can choose from, depending on whether you’re more interested in coursework, projects, or residencies. Some elements of the program are online while others are in person.

Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Online Ph.D. in Public Policy Programs

An online doctorate in public policy is the highest qualification that you can obtain in the field. As such, you may encounter rigorous coursework in subjects like business, economics, civics, ethics, and public administration.

A lot of your curriculum will typically depend on your specialization. If you’re focusing on welfare reform, for example, your schedule might look very different from someone who is studying education or international politics.

Most schools require the completion of a dissertation in order to graduate with a PhD. Some might let you complete a capstone project or a certain number of fieldwork hours instead. Additionally, schools might have opportunities for internships and fellowships within public policy agencies and other relevant organizations.

After you graduate, you may pursue many different career paths, including legislator, policy analyst, political scientist, university professor, and health services manager. The direction of your career will often depend on what you studied in school and what you’re qualified to do.

The good news is that public policy is a growing field. More and more people are being hired to work in nonprofits, social service agencies, government offices, and international think tanks, among others.

While a public policy PhD isn’t a guarantee of a good job, it may help you stand out from other applicants in competitive fields. It may also provide you with the educational foundation that can help you thrive in a high-level position.

Public Policy Careers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average salary for management positions is $109,760 per year. They don’t track public policy jobs specifically, but a PhD will often qualify you for managerial positions.

The following are a few careers in this field that you might consider:

These jobs range from university positions to ones within government agencies, private businesses, and even community service groups. A public policy degree can be very versatile.

Public Policy Doctoral Curriculum

Most public policy degree programs are divided into core classes and electives. The core classes will likely cover things like quantitative research methods. The electives are broader and more wide-ranging to account for different specializations, such as finance, economics, health policy, environmental policy, or international business.

You might find the following courses in a public policy doctoral program.

• Evaluating Public Policies and Programs : This is a basic, introductory-level course that will teach you how to perform evaluations and apply standard research methods to tasks and studies.
• Finance : Even if you aren’t specializing in it, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with budgeting, accounting, and fundraising for public policy work.
• Ethics in Public Policy : Usually required as a core class, this is an ethics course with an emphasis on the challenges and moral debates surrounding both classic and contemporary issues in public policy.
• Leadership : Though they’re not exclusive to public policy programs, leadership courses can be useful for future managers and supervisors of all types. They’ll cover things like communication, delegation, organizational behavior, and strategic decision making.
• Policy Analysis : An analysis course will teach you how to approach and understand policy research and development through readings, data collections, discussion boards, collaborative projects, and more.
• Global Affairs : These classes can cover everything from foreign policy study to diversity and sensitivity training for future overseas workers.
• Economics : Economics is another subject that’s frequently considered essential for public policy students. You might be required to take microeconomics, macroeconomics, or statistical methods in economics.
• Public or Business Administration : These classes will cover the administrative side of things, like policy development and research.
• Special Topics in Public Policy : Since the field of public policy is ever-changing, it’s common to find “special topics” courses that cover current, real-world issues in the field.
• Dissertation : Your dissertation will often be the culmination of your degree, and it usually requires several semesters’ worth of drafting, writing, editing, and researching. Some schools will even have a mandatory credit requirement for dissertation preparation.

If you’re going for a PhD in Public Policy online, you may want to speak with an advisor about the face-to-face requirements of your degree. Even an online program might require in-person fieldwork with a nonprofit, government office, or social service agency.

There can be various admission requirements for a public policy PhD program, so it’s often worth looking into the specifics of your chosen school to make sure that you meet their criteria. Generally speaking, the requirements will look a little something like this:

• Test scores . While a growing number of schools are experimenting with “test optional” admission models, PhD programs may still request GMAT or GRE scores.
• Transcripts . Some grad schools will require both a bachelor’s and master’s degree for admission. Others will only require a bachelor’s degree.
• Application . In addition to personal and financial data, a typical PhD application involves a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose or intent.

Sometimes it can take weeks or even months to gather all of the necessary documents, submit an application, arrange for financial aid, and work out the minutiae of your schedule. Instead of waiting until the last minute to apply, you might want to give yourself plenty of time to figure things out.

Accreditation

As a prospective PhD student, you may already be familiar with accreditation and why it’s important, but it bears repeating. It’s beneficial to check the website of the U.S. Department of Education for accredited schools when looking at public policy doctoral programs.

High-level universities and government agencies are generally only going to recognize a PhD from an accredited school. Additionally, many loan and scholarship organizations require you to attend an accredited school to qualify for financial aid.

Financial Aid

Financial aid for PhD students is a little different than financial aid for undergrads. While you’ll still qualify for certain parts of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) , including the Direct PLUS Loan for Graduate and Professional Studies, aid like the Pell Grant will no longer apply.

Instead, you may want to look at fellowships, scholarships, and assistantships that are meant specifically for PhD students. You can also see if you qualify for fully-funded or partially-funded PhD programs that may pay you a stipend in addition to covering costs of tuition and textbooks.

In addition to seeing what’s available to you as a public policy student, you can also check out financial aid for business administration and political science students. There’s often a lot of overlap in these fields, so you might find scholarships that are open to anyone within politics, economics, policy, and law (PEPL).

What Can You Do with a Ph.D. in Public Policy?

A public policy degree can help prepare you for a number of different careers. If you’re interested in politics, for example, you might pursue a career as a legislator, political scientist, policy analyst, or government program director.

If you want to make the world a better place, you might focus on education, public health, or social services work as an administrative manager. You might study or teach at universities as a researcher or professor. You may even become a fundraiser for your favorite charitable cause.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Public Policy?

It may take anywhere from 3 years to 5 years to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public Policy. It depends, though, on the required number of credits from your degree program and whether you’re studying full-time or part-time.

If you’re enrolled in a hybrid or online program that allows for extra flexibility with your classes, the trade-off might be a longer graduation time than if you’d studied on a more traditional schedule.

What Is the Difference Between Public Policy vs. Political Science?

As a subject, political science is closely related to public policy, but it’s not quite the same. Political science takes a broad, sweeping look at politics as a whole. On the other hand, public policy has a narrower, more specialized focus on public organizations and their policies and procedures.

This isn’t to say that public policy is a small field. On the contrary, it may lead to many different jobs in schools, charities, courtrooms, law firms, government agencies, and social service offices. It’s just focused exclusively on the policy work of such institutions.

What’s the Difference Between a PhD in Public Policy vs. Public Administration?

Public administration is another field with a lot of crossover into public policy. Again, the difference lies in the focus areas of the two disciplines.

Public policy is dedicated to policy: researching it, analyzing it, creating it, and reviewing it. Public administration, on the other hand, can involve policy work in addition to many other skills and subjects.

Is a Ph.D. in Public Policy Worth It?

Yes, a public policy PhD is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 5% job growth in management-level positions over the next 10 years. Common public policy careers include policy analyst, political scientist, administration manager, nonprofit director, and public relations specialist.

Maybe you’re a long-time student of public policy. Maybe you already have a background in political science or business administration, but you’re looking to specialize your focus area or qualify for higher-paying jobs within your industry.

Either way, a PhD in Public Policy may be a strategic investment for the future, and the existence of accredited online degree programs may make it more convenient for you to earn this terminal degree.

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Public Administration and Policy Online (PhD)

• Doctor of Philosophy
• Strome College of Business
• School of Public Service

Why ODU for Public Administration and Policy?

Effective public administration and policy-making requires collaborative decisions and problem solving. Our PhD program takes a multi-sector approach. You'll focus on the challenges that arise where governments, nonprofits, businesses, community groups, and individuals intersect.

You will graduate with a solid grounding in the theory and issues of traditional public administration and public policy. You'll also gain the practical knowledge to influence decision makers and lead organizations involved in public service.

You will develop the skills to:

• Conduct policy analyses
• Design and conduct research studies in public administration
• Report research findings and its implications to a variety of audiences and decision-makers
• Make informed policy and administrative decisions
• Assess policy and implementation issues
• Establish, manage, and evaluate multi-sector programs and relationships
• Teach courses in public administration and policy

Whether you're new to public administration or taking your public service career to the next level, you will be able to apply your experience and education to effect change in the public sphere.

Want to learn more? Contact us!

Best Online Doctorate in Public Administration, 2024 - Intelligent.com

Most Affordable Online Doctoral Degrees, 2023 -  OnlineU.com

Required Courses

• 37 credit hours of doctoral level coursework
• 12 credit hours of dissertation work

You will be taught by ODU faculty with expertise in:

• nonprofit and public management
• public-private partnerships
• public procurement and contract management
• citizen participation
• dispute resolution
• economic development
• Core Course Long Range Schedule
• View Course Details in ODU's Graduate Catalog

Online Learning Environment

Participate in live, regularly scheduled online class meetings and access course materials online from any location. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

• Taking Classes Online

Careers in Public Administration and Policy

Public administration and policy is an interdisciplinary field. With ODU's PhD, you can apply your experience and education in other fields — like political science, criminal justice, social work, business, engineering, fine arts, education, and more — to effect change in the public or nonprofit sphere. 

Our coursework will teach you how to create and disseminate knowledge to advance public service, whether you plan to become an instructor, conduct research, or take management positions in government or nonprofit environments.

Calculating Cost

Rates are effective Fall 2024 and subject to change. * In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

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Meet Your Team

You'll have a dedicated academic advisor for this program.

Contact us if you have questions about admission requirements, transferring credits, or application deadlines.

Ready to get started?

How to apply.

You may be able to take up to four courses (12 credit hours) as a non-degree graduate student, before you are accepted into this degree program. Please contact us through the form above to learn more from our enrollment team.

Applications are accepted year-round, and new students start each fall semester. The deadline for completed applications is March 1. To apply, you will need:

• A master's degree from a regionally-accredited institution or comparable foreign institution with a minimum 3.25 GPA (4.0 scale).
• Two letters of recommendation from academic sources.
• A professional resume.
• A 3-6 page essay about your academic and professional goals and why you chose our program.
• GRE/GMAT scores at 25th percentile for verbal and quant (taken within the last five years). A GRE waiver request is available here .
• If your native language is not English and you do not have a U.S. graduate degree, a minimum score of 79 on the TOEFL, or 6.5 on the IELTS.
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• Best Ph.D. In Public Administration Online

Best Ph.D. In Public Administration Online Of 2024

Updated: Oct 4, 2023, 4:44pm

From poverty to rising healthcare costs, political polarization to government unaccountability, holders of online doctorates in public administration are working to address the most pressing problems facing our world.

The academic field of public administration covers the management of public resources and organizations related to government. Through the study of strategic management, economic policy, budgeting and other core subjects, an online doctor public administration (DPA) prepares learners for public administration careers .

Graduates go on to work in all types of important positions, including nonprofit manager, legislative aide, political consultant and college professor, to name a few.

Online education has been rising in popularity for more than a decade, and students now have multiple options to pursue a public administration degree while staying close to home and even holding down a full-time job. This pathway might be available even if you haven’t seriously studied public administration before, as not all online DPA programs require applicants to hold degrees in public administration.

Read on to learn about the nonprofit, accredited U.S. universities offering online DPA programs.

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• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
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Our Methodology

We scored three accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online doctor of public administration degree programs in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process.

We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of June 2023.

We scored schools based on the following categories:

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

We listed all three schools in the U.S. that met our ranking criteria.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Should You Enroll in an Online Doctor of Public Administration Program?

Accreditation for an online doctor of public administration, how to find the right online doctor of public administration for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about earning an online doctor of public administration, west chester university of pennsylvania, california baptist university, valdosta state university, featured online schools.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial credit and much more by clicking 'Visit Site'

Graduate Tuition

$645/credit (in state)

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU) prepares doctoral students for work at the highest levels of public administration through core coursework focused on policy advocacy, leadership, strategic management and public-sector financial decision-making. WCU offers a personalized dissertation process and graduate assistantships. Students can work on research projects alongside faculty and present their work at regional and national conferences.

WCU charges a distance education fee of up to 15% of tuition per course along with an educational service fee.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on a set schedule
• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 45 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Strategic public management and governance, quantitative methods of program and policy and evaluation
• Concentrations Available: Public policy and administration, criminal justice, geography and planning and graduate social work
• In-Person Requirements: No

$827/credit (in state)

Based in Riverside, California, California Baptist University (CBU) offers an online doctor of public administration that students can complete in as little as three years. The DPA program features a cohort model that allows students to progress together through coursework and their dissertation projects. Online courses are offered in an accelerated, eight-week format.

CBU is authorized to offer distance learning in 37 states. As CBU is a religious institution, its DPA program prepares learners to apply Christian ethical standards to important issues of policy and governance.

CBU charges DPA students an online education fee of $365 per semester. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

• School Type: Private nonprofit
• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 56 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, full-time, part-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Collaboration and networked governance, Strategic planning and management
• Concentrations Available: N/A

$254/credit (in state)

Georgia-based Valdosta State University (VSU) offers a DPA program geared toward professionals already working in the field of public administration. Admission is highly competitive; for fall 2021, VSU received 113 applications and accepted only 38 students.

The program typically takes between five and seven years to complete. Coursework is divided among core, theory, method, elective, and capstone or project courses.

DPA students are assessed an online tuition fee of $293 per credit hour.

• Our Flexibility Rating: N/A
• Application Fee: $45
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time, part-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Research and methods for public administration, culture of formal work organizations
• Concentrations Available: Students must identify a concentration, though no formal list of concentrations is offered. Students instead develop their own DPA program of study in consultation with an advisor.
• In-Person Requirements: Yes. Students meet for residency seminars at the VSU campus during the first weekend of the spring and fall semesters.

A DPA can lead to exciting and high-paying new career opportunities, but before you start gathering application materials, take some time to consider whether pursuing an online doctorate is the right move.

For one thing, ask yourself if online learning is best for you. Earning a doctorate takes time. The programs on this list can take up to seven years—a long time to commit to online education if you prefer to learn in a traditional classroom format.

The most successful online learners are typically self-starters who are well-organized and disciplined. So if you’re more successful with face-to-face learning and in-person support, an online degree might not suit your learning style.

Next, think about your lifestyle and schedule. Online learning is known for its flexibility, so if work and family commitments currently take up a lot of your time, online learning might be preferable to an on-campus education. Through asynchronous coursework, you can access course materials 24/7 and learn on your own schedule.

Finally, consider how much you want to spend. Online learning can be cheaper than an in-person education, especially if the institution is located in another state. This is because schools sometimes extend in-state tuition rates to all online students, even if they live out of state.

While researching degree programs, you should give plenty of thought to accreditation. Accrediting bodies endorse schools and programs that meet certain standards for student outcomes, financial management and other important metrics. There are two types of accreditation to consider, institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation concerns entire institutions, while programmatic refers to specific departments and degrees.

A degree from an unaccredited school might not be recognized by employers, other schools or credentialing bodies. Plus, students of unaccredited institutions don’t qualify for federal financial aid.

The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA), a body that accredits public policy master’s degree programs, does not accredit doctoral programs. However, two schools on this list are NASPAA members: WCU and VSU, meaning they adhere to NASPAA’s standards at the master’s level.

Some DPA programs, such as WCU’s, fall within business departments and can therefore hold accreditation from a business-oriented programmatic accreditor. WCU’s program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Consider Your Future Goals

People who earn online DPAs go on to work jobs in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. They oversee people and projects in city and county governments, state legislatures, health departments and military branches.

But each program on this list is different and offers unique opportunities. So, consider if you’d like to perform and present important research alongside established scholars; if so, you might seek a doctoral program with faculty who specialize in areas that align with your interests. If you already work in the public administration sector, you might prioritize programs geared toward current public administration professionals.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

The cost of an online doctor of public administration varies widely, as indicated by the three programs on this list. Tuition rates range from $254 to $827 per credit, and programs require between 45 and 56 credits to complete. The cheapest option, Valdosta State University, costs less than $14,000, while the most expensive, California Baptist University, runs around $46,000.

To help fund tuition, schools offer aid in the form of scholarships, fellowships and assistantships. To locate federal student aid opportunities, including grants, scholarships and loans, fill out the FAFSA.

How long does it take to get a doctor of public administration?

According to NASPAA, earning a DPA takes an average of five to six years, or potentially less if the student has already completed a master of public administration or a similar degree. VSU allows students up to 12 years to complete its DPA program—seven to complete the coursework and five to finish the dissertation. On the other end of the spectrum, students at CBU regularly complete the DPA program in three years.

What is the difference between a Ph.D. and a DPA?

Many DPA students already work in the field of public administration and are pursuing the credential to gain further career opportunities. DPA programs typically aim to train practitioners to work in the field, while Ph.D. programs focus more on academic scholarship. DPA graduates often become senior-level public executives, and people who graduate with a Ph.D. in public administration commonly become college professors and research directors.

Garrett Andrews is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Political Science at Portland Community College where he teaches State and Local Government.

The Best Online Doctorate in Public Policy Programs

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Online Ph.D. Public Policy

Students with strong analytical skills and the drive to create positive change through political action may benefit from an online doctorate in public policy. Public policy has a significant impact on people’s lives. With an online Ph.D. in public policy, professionals can shape regulatory policy, research public policy impact, and train the next generation of policy advocates.

An online format makes a doctorate more accessible for working professionals and busy students. During an online public policy doctoral program, graduate students complete coursework requirements using a virtual learning platform. Enrollees must also meet practicum requirements and conduct research in their local areas.

Our list ranks the best doctoral programs in public policy that offer online enrollment options. By reviewing the rankings, prospective doctoral students can identify the programs that best fit their unique needs. This article also introduces common courses and focus areas for Ph.D. students in public policy, along with career paths and tips for choosing the right program.

Liberty University

• Campus + Online
• In-State $15,417
• Out-of-state $15,417
• Retention Rate 81%
• Acceptance Rate 51%
• Students Enrolled 85,586
• Institution Type Private
• Percent Online Enrollment 92%
• Accreditation Yes

Old Dominion University

• In-State $7,029
• Out-of-state $26,664
• Retention Rate 80%
• Acceptance Rate 89%
• Students Enrolled 23,675
• Institution Type Public
• Percent Online Enrollment 54%

Best Online Doctorate

Public policy, online doctorate in public policy programs ranking guidelines.

We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

Featured Online Doctorate in Public Policy Programs

What is an online ph.d. in public policy.

A Ph.D. program in public policy trains graduates to analyze proposed policies and assess the impact of existing policies. This research-based degree prepares graduates for academic, governmental, or nonprofit roles that require analytical and research skills.

During an online Ph.D. in public policy, doctoral students build strong research skills. Programs incorporate courses on both quantitative and qualitative research methods to help students become versatile researchers. Students also gain a theoretical and practical perspective on public policy . Coursework emphasizes analytical and methodological skills.

Each doctoral student chooses a research area to focus their studies. Doctoral students may focus on regulatory policy, international economic policy, social policy, or environmental policy. Depending on the program, they may also choose secondary focus areas. Candidates also conduct original research and write dissertations.

Earning a doctorate in public policy typically takes several years. Before applying to doctoral programs, applicants should ensure that they meet admission requirements. For example, a candidate may need a master’s degree . Many programs also require GRE scores, course prerequisites, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

Choosing an Online Doctoral Public Policy Program

An online Ph.D. in public policy is a major commitment of time, effort, and money. As a result, prospective applicants should carefully research programs before submitting their applications.

Several factors can help applicants find the best fit to reach their goals. For example, many applicants begin by looking at the total cost of a degree, the program length, and specialization options. At the doctoral level, graduate students should also research faculty mentors to find a good fit.

Some public policy doctoral programs emphasize research, while others focus on practice. Candidates should consider which of these best suits their professional goals when applying to programs.

Accreditation for Online Public Policy Degree Programs

A prospective doctoral student should always choose an accredited university for their online Ph.D. in public policy. Regionally accredited schools meet the highest standards for academic excellence. An accredited degree also fulfills the requirements for licenses and professional certifications.

In addition to choosing an accredited university, applicants should also research accreditation for public policy programs . The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration grants accreditation to public policy programs.

What Else Can I Expect From a Ph.D. in Public Policy Program?

A doctorate in public policy builds strong research and analytical skills. During a Ph.D. in public policy, doctoral students focus their training by choosing concentrations or specific research areas. Doctoral candidates can focus on the financial side of public policy by taking courses in budgeting, economic regulations, and public administration.

In addition to coursework, doctoral students must pass comprehensive examinations and write dissertations to earn their degrees. The training prepares graduates to work in policy-making, research, or academia.

Common Courses for an Online Doctorate in Public Policy

• Strategic Management and Planning: Coursework explores the processes and best practices involved in strategic planning, including collaboration, resource allocation, and coordination. Using real-life case studies, candidates develop strategic plans for nonprofit and public groups that align with their respective organizational missions. Lectures emphasize the importance of strong leadership skills in creating effective organizational change.
• Public Sector Budgeting: This course addresses the unique economic challenges faced by public and nonprofit organizations and presents crucial financial concepts and skills, such as budgeting and tax auditing. Enrollees use specialized technologies and software to analyze financial documents, formulate reports, and develop budgets within an organization’s financial constraints.
• Ethics and Social Justice: In this course, candidates examine the relationships between leadership, power, and privilege, along with how these factors inform ethical decision-making and policy development. By examining social, economic, and demographic trends, students learn to create effective policies that meet the needs and enhance the lives of individuals in underserved communities.
• Quantitative Methods: Lectures cultivate the integral skills needed to perform doctoral-level research. Topics include statistical testing and its accompanying ethical issues, data collection methods, and the logic of inference. Learners create their own model research studies to analyze data and present the results.
• Qualitative Methods: This course introduces the qualitative research and analytical methods used in both the public sector and academic research. Exploring the theoretical and conceptual frameworks behind qualitative methodologies, each candidate creates research questions, designs and implements studies, and analyzes collected data to create a detailed analysis.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Doctorate in Public Policy Program?

While a full-time student can typically complete their online Ph.D. in public policy in 2-4 years, the length of an online degree depends on several factors. Residency requirements, dissertation procedures, and transfer credits all affect degree length, but program structure and format play the most significant role.

To provide maximum flexibility, many schools offer their online degrees in an asynchronous format. Featuring more relaxed deadlines and flexible coursework, asynchronous programs allow working professionals to review lectures and complete assignments at their convenience. While this format allows candidates to complete their studies quickly, it also requires strong organizational skills and personal dedication.

By comparison, cohort-based programs are highly structured, with stricter deadlines and scheduling requirements. Courses may require students to be online at specified times to complete group discussions and collaborate with cohort members and faculty. While cohort learning can be more time-consuming, it also provides more academic support and accountability.

Public Policy Jobs

In addition to strengthening a range of broadly applicable skills, an online Ph.D. in public policy allows enrollees to specialize in particular areas of interest. Individuals with strong analytical skills and the drive to create positive changes through political action can pursue diverse roles in the field. Below are a few such roles.

Political Scientist Median Salary $128,020

Political scientists study the origins and development of political systems and policies. Most specialize in a particular area, such as geopolitics, political theory, or public policy. Using qualitative research methods, they collect and analyze data to develop theories and predictions for political trends, new policies, and election outcomes.

Public Relations and Fundraising Manager Median Salary $125,620

Charged with positively enhancing their client’s image, public relations managers develop effective media strategies by examining social and political trends, target demographics, and public opinion. While some work for private corporations, many find employment in government, nonprofit groups, or political organizations. They need excellent communication and analytical skills.

Postsecondary Teacher Median Salary $80,840

Some public policy doctoral students go on to pursue careers in postsecondary teaching at colleges and universities. Aside from planning lessons, grading papers, and staying informed about their field, these teachers may advise students about how to achieve their goals in public policy.

Urban and Regional Planner Median Salary $79,540

Urban and regional planners design communities and create land-use plans. They help revitalize cities and implement community development plans. Urban and regional planners typically work for local governments, where they play a role in setting public policy agendas and making sure public works align with public policy.

Social and Community Service Manager Median Salary $74,240

These managers coordinate social service programs for government, private, and nonprofit agencies. They assess challenges and issues faced by particular communities or demographics to develop outreach programs, policies, and initiatives as needed. They commonly must prove the efficacy of their work by collecting statistical data from the surrounding community and presenting their findings.

Popular Questions About Public Policy Degrees

What can you do with a public policy ph.d..

Doctoral degrees in public policy prepare graduates for academic roles as professors and researchers. Professionals with doctorates in public policy may also work for nonprofit think tanks, government agencies, or other non-academic research institutions.

How Much Does a Ph.D. in Public Policy Make?

According to PayScale , professionals with a doctorate in public policy analysis earn an average salary of over $106,000 per year.

Is Public Policy a Good Career?

Public policy specialists work for legislative bodies, governmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Public policy professionals with doctorates can also pursue academic careers. These careers tend to be prestigious, though actual experience varies by professional.

Why Should Someone Study Public Policy?

Public policy has a significant impact on the way people live. The study of public policy trains thinkers to identify successful public policies and develop strategies for improving public life.

Header Image Credit: mavo | Shutterstock

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Trachtenberg School of Public Policy & Public Administration

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The PhD in Public Policy and Administration prepares students for research, administration and teaching positions in public policy.

The flexible curriculum allows students to customize coursework to their interests while developing sophisticated research skills. Students enter the PhD program with the intention of completing specialized research in one of the approved fields of study .

With about one-quarter of each cohort's students coming from countries outside of the United States, our interdisciplinary PhD program is diverse and progressive. Many PH.D. Students enroll in the program on a part-time basis while working at think tanks, research firms, international organizations, and the federal government.

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Whether you want to pursue a career in academia, advise leaders in local government or develop breakthrough research, TSPPPA will prepare you for what lies ahead. Alumni of the PhD program have pursued careers in teaching, research and analysis in government and the private sector.

Flexible Timeframe

Most TSPPPA doctoral students already have a graduate degree and significant experience in a policy-related environment. Many of our students are mid-career professionals. As such, the PhD is open to both full-time and part-time students. The program is rigorous, but many students appreciate the opportunity to study alongside other pursuits.

Subject Matter Mastery

Doctoral students at TSPPPA master the competencies needed to undertake sophisticated research in public policy and public administration. The interdisciplinary curriculum tackles subjects including politics, economics and quantitative and/or qualitative methods in policy research.

“I really appreciated being able to earn a PhD in a quality, well-respected program part time while building my career in policy research."

Theresa Anderson PhD '20

Fields of Study

Students enter the PhD program with the intention of completing specialized research in one of the approved fields of study:

This field is designed for students who desire a greater depth and breadth of knowledge about those issues surrounding taxation, public expenditure, and the management of financial resources. The field generally draws on several intellectual traditions including economics, political science, accounting and public administration. As a student who successfully completes this field of study, you will be prepared to teach a wide variety of general courses in budgeting and public finance, and you will have a solid understanding of the research questions and methodologies that have defined this field.

Field Advisors

• Dr. Joseph Cordes
• Dr. Kate Yang

Students in the Public Budgeting and Finance Policy field must complete four courses; two required core courses, and two additional courses selected in consultation with the field advisor of which one course should be a doctoral-level course in accounting, economics, finance, public policy and public administration, or political science. Courses offered in the MBA Program, and in the MA in Applied Economics may be substituted for the required doctoral-level course with advisor approval.

Public Budgeting and Finance Core

PPPA 6005: Public Budgeting, Expenditure and Revenue Analysis (or equivalent)

PPPA 6051: Governmental Budgeting

Public Budgeting and Finance Accounting, Economics or Political Science Electives

*Nonexhaustive list; other courses may be selected with advisor approval.

ACCY 8001: Seminar in Accounting Theory

ACCY 6701: Government and Nonprofit Accounting and Auditing

ECON 8363: Public Finance I (Public Goods and Expenditures)

ECON 8364: Public Finance II (Tax Incidence)

ECON 6305: Applied Macroeconomic Theory 

ECON 6323: Applied Behavioral Economics

ECON 6330: Applied Macroeconomic and Monetary Policy

ECON 8363: Public Finance I

ECON 8364: Public Finance II

FINA 8324: Topics in Empirical Finance

PHIL 6231: Economic Justice

PPPA 6016: Public and Nonprofit Program Evaluation

PPPA 6015: Benefit-Cost Analysis

PPPA 6048: Financing State and Local Government

PPPA 6052: Tax Policy

PPPA 6053: Public and Nonprofit Financial Management

PPPA 6054: Federal Budget Policy

PPPA 6055 : Contracting Out and Privatization

Comprehensive Field Examination

The field examination in Public Budgeting and Finance is administered as a take-home exam (open book, open note) over a 48-hour period. The examination consists of two parts. One part is made up of questions based on a list of general topics and readings provided by the faculty examiners which is common to all students taking the examination. These general topics will include material from PPPA 8105 and PPPA 8174 in addition to material from the field core and selected field electives. The second part is based on a list of individualized topics and readings developed by each student being examined, which is approved by the examiners. Examples of possible individual topics are fiscal decentralization/federalism; state and local tax policy; performance budgeting, public-private partnerships, and uses of the tax system for social purposes.

Education and training policies play an important role in the economic and social wellbeing of local communities, states and nations. From preschool to graduate school, improving the quality of education is a priority for policymakers worldwide. The education policy track draws on multidisciplinary tools from economics, education, philosophy, political science, psychology and sociology to train researchers and practitioners to: identify education policy problems and opportunities, develop policy alternatives, analyze their costs and benefits, influence policy decisions, plan and guide the implementation of new policies, and evaluate the impacts of education programs and policies.

• Dr. Stephanie Cellini
• Dr. Dylan Conger
• Dr. Yas Nakib

Students in the Education Policy field must complete two required core courses, plus two additional courses in methods and topics chosen in consultation with their advisor .

Education Policy Core

EDUC 8321 : Economics of Education

EDUC 8322 : Education Policy Implementation

Education Policy Topics

ECON 8341/42 : Labor Economics

ECON 8351/52: Development Economics I

ECON 8358 : Urban Economics

ECON 8363/64 : Public Finance I

EDUC 6555 : Higher Education Policy

EDUC 8320 : Politics of Education

EDUC 8323 : Policies of Education Equity

EDUC 8325 : Policy Design — Education Accountability

EDUC 8340 : Methods of Policy Analysis in Education

PPPA 6081 : Poverty & Social Policy

PPPA 6048 : Financing State & Local Government

PPPA 6049 : Urban and Regional Policy Analysis

PPPA 6054 : Issues in Federal Budgeting

PSC 8286 : U.S. Social Policy

Education Policy Methods

ECON 6291: Methods of Demographic Analysis

ECON 6300 : Mathematical Methods for Economics

ECON 8375 : Econometrics I

ECON 8379 : Applied Econometrics Lab (micro version)

PSC 8122 : Longitudinal Analysis

PSC 8124 : Multilevel Modeling

PSC 8130 : Game Theory I

PSC 8131 : Game Theory II

PPPA 6015 : Benefit-Cost Analysis

Upon completion of coursework in the field, students take a comprehensive field exam involving two parts:

• Content from the core education policy field courses
• Content from field electives that typically focus on one of the following areas (area is chosen in consultation with your advisor and will be based loosely on topics covered in your field electives):
• Early childhood education
• Elementary and secondary education
• Higher education
• Education finance
• Education inequality
• Economics of education

The Program Evaluation field is designed for Ph.D. students who wish to develop both quantitative and qualitative research skills that may be applied to analyze and assess the performance of public and nonprofit programs. As a student in this field, you will be exposed to research methods from multiple disciplines that will prepare you for program evaluation and performance auditing professions.

• Dr. Kathryn Newcomer
• Dr. Burt Barnow

Students in the Program Evaluation field must complete two required core courses, plus two additional courses in methods and topics chosen in consultation with their advisor.

Program Evaluation Core ( covered on field exam )

PPPA 6016: Public and Nonprofit Program Evaluation 

PPPA 8164: Seminar on Program Evaluation

Program Evaluation Electives (choose 2; courses approved by the field advisor may be substituted for the courses listed below)

ANTH 6331: Research Methods in Development Anthropology

DNSC 6275: Advanced Statistical Modeling and Analysis

HSML 6276: Exploratory and Multivariate Data Analysis

ECON 8375: Econometrics I

ECON 8376: Econometrics II

EDUC 8122: Qualitative Research Methods

PPPA 8023: Mixed Methods in Research Design

SOC 6232: Qualitative Methodology: Doing Field Research

STAT 6287: Modern Theory of Sample

STAT 6291: Methods of Demographic Analysis

STAT 8265: Multivariate Analysis

STAT 8266: Topics in Multivariate Analysis

STAT 8281: Advanced Time Series Analysis

STAT 8288: Surveys

This field is for Ph.D. students with a generalist’s orientation towards conducting research on complex problems in public policy and administration. Students specializing in this field may carry out research on a variety of themes such as public and nonprofit management, and issues that lie at the intersection of traditional fields such as social policy, program evaluation, public budgeting and finance, education policy, health policy, and public administration.

The purpose of completing the field coursework is two-fold:

• To develop an overarching and integrated perspective on public and nonprofit management.
• To develop theoretical knowledge and methodological competencies that will be useful in conducting scholarly research in public and nonprofit management.

Students who have not already completed a Master of Public Administration/Policy (MPA/MPP) degree, either at the George Washington University or at another university, will be expected to complete selected MPA/MPP core courses before taking more advanced coursework in this field. 

In the PNM field, the field advisors will work with you on an individual basis in identifying the appropriate coursework. Although most of your coursework will consist of public policy and administration courses, you may also include courses from other GW departments as well as courses at other universities participating in the Consortium of Washington Area Universities upon consultation with your advisor.

Although students may consult with any field advisor, we encourage PNM students to consult with the field advisor whose interests are closest to their dissertation research interests 

• Dr. Lori Brainard
• Dr. Jasmine McGiniss Johnson
• Dr. Sanjay K. Pandey

Students are required to take 4 field courses. The field has one required course and three elective courses. In addition to the listed field courses, students should follow the guidelines on choosing field courses provided below. Students are required to have an advising meeting with a field advisor to obtain approval for their choice of field courses.

The purpose of completing the field coursework is to develop competencies and knowledge that will be useful in conducting scholarly research in public and nonprofit management on dissertation and other relevant themes.

Students are required to take 4 field courses; 3 are electives and 1 is required of all students. The required course is: 

PPPA 8164: Seminar in Program Evaluation Doctoral seminar on theory and practice in public and nonprofit program evaluation. 

The choice of elective field courses should be guided by the field coursework purpose. Given the scope of Public and Nonprofit Management, both in academe and in practice, we do not offer a closed master-list for choosing field elective courses. Rather, students must abide by the following guidelines:

• Students should consult with an appropriate field advisor about field electives and communicate the agreement about field courses to all field advisors (e-mail is sufficient). If this plan gets updated, changes in the plan should be communicated as well.

The proposed list should be made of doctoral courses (review doctoral seminars offered by other fields in the doctoral program, doctoral courses offered at Washington Metropolitan Area Consortium schools/programs, as well as doctoral-level methods courses. Other departments and programs may also have relevant courses.)

If a Masters-level course is proposed, students need to propose and obtain prior approval, from the instructor of the course, for additional assignments/activities that will make it a worthwhile doctoral elective.  

Elective courses may be used to take methodologically-oriented courses that will prepare you to carry out dissertation research.  

Students may also take directed readings courses with faculty they want to request to serve as their dissertation director. Students are, of course, encouraged to consider doing directed readings with other TSPPPA faculty as well.

The purpose of the field examination is to assess student preparedness to undertake dissertation research in public and nonprofit management. Students are encouraged to seek faculty guidance and feedback on ways in which the field examination can advance their dissertation interests.

Students are expected to have a deep knowledge of material covered in core courses, field courses, and academic literature relevant to students’ dissertation research interests. Further, students are expected to stay current and be conversant with the scholarly peer-reviewed literature in their field of study.

Student Responsibilities:

Students may make a request for the field examination at the beginning of either the Fall semester or the Spring semester. The field examination will not be offered during the summer session.

Before a student can request to schedule the field examination, s/he needs to have a TSPPPA faculty member tentatively agree to serve as the student’s dissertation director. The field examination will be administered by the intended dissertation director in consultation and collaboration with one of the field advisors in accordance with the format and procedures laid out in this document.

Students should share this document, outlining the purpose, coverage, student responsibilities, format, and procedures, with the intended dissertation director so that s/he is familiar with faculty role and obligations in this process. 

Students should also become familiar with and follow the specific guidelines provided under sections titled format and procedures below.

Academic integrity is central to doctoral work at GW. Any indication that any part of a student’s field examination essay is not the original work of the student will result in a failing grade with no subsequent opportunity to revise and resubmit the field examination essay.

The intended dissertation director, in consultation and collaboration with one of the PNM field advisors, will administer the field examination.  The intended dissertation director should propose a second reader (either a PNM field advisor or another Trachtenberg School faculty member) to the PNM field advisor s/he is working with. 

The field examination requirement is for the student to submit an essay to the intended dissertation director and the second reader. The field examination essay should be relevant to the field and can be any combination of a quantitative study, a qualitative study, or a literature review.  

The field examination essay should be comparable in length, style, and quality to a journal manuscript. Specific formatting requirements (i.e. length, style, structure, etc.) for the field examination essay will be determined in a discussion with the intended dissertation director and the second reader (see point 3 under procedures).

The field examination essay may be an extension of work the student has done as part of an independent study or other coursework. The field examination essay must, however, be sole-authored original work.  

The possible grades for the field examination essay are: High pass, pass, bare pass, fail.

Procedures:

The intended dissertation director, in consultation with the student and a PNM field advisor, will schedule the exam and notify the PhD director.

The intended dissertation director will identify a second reader, typically one of the field advisors. In exceptional cases, the second reader can be another TSPPPA faculty member with relevant expertise.

Within two weeks of the notification to the PhD Director (as described in step 1 above) about scheduling of the field examination, the student should prepare a field examination essay proposal and request meetings with the intended dissertation director and the second reader to obtain feedback on the proposal. This can be a joint meeting or two individual meetings at the discretion of the faculty members. The field examination essay proposal should at a minimum have the following elements, title, abstract, outline, and identify a journal to which the essay may be submitted (e.g., PAR, JPART, JPAM, ARPA, A&S, PPMR, ROPPA etc.).

Following this meeting with the intended dissertation director and the second reader, the student will have 8 weeks to complete the field examination essay and submit it to the intended dissertation director and the reader.

The intended dissertation director and the second reader will review the field examination essay and provide written feedback. The feedback may be provided in the form of either written comments on the essay or a typical journal peer-review report. 

The intended dissertation director, in consultation with the second reader, may require revisions to the field examination essay. The student will submit: i) a revised field examination essay within 4 weeks of receiving the feedback from the intended dissertation director and the second reader; and ii) a document itemizing and detailing specific steps taken in response to the feedback provided.  

The student will have only one opportunity to revise and resubmit the field examination essay before receiving a final grade.

The intended dissertation director, in consultation with the second reader, will notify the student of the final grade, copying the PhD director, and TSPPPA Assistant Director for Graduate Studies.

• Dr. Nicholas Vonortas
• Dr. Nina Kelsey
• Dr. Scott Pace

The Science and Technology Policy field focuses on the interactions among scientific development, technological change, and governmental and private-sector activities at the domestic and international levels. This field of study trains students to understand and manage issues at the intersection of science, technology, industrial strategy and structure, and government policy. The field emphasizes a comparative approach to science and technology policy, founded on the twin poles of in-depth understanding of domestic policies and continuous coverage of policy developments around the world. Faculty from the Elliott School's Institute for International Science and Technology Policy and Space Policy Institute manage and advise this field of study. As a student, you will have frequent opportunities for involvement in the activities of these institutes and for collaboration with Elliott School students who are pursuing International Science and Technology Policy MA and certificate programs. For more information, please visit the Institute for International Science and Technology Policy's  Academics  page.

Students in the Science and Technology Policy field are required to take 4 field courses — 2 are core requirements and 2 are electives.

Science and Technology Policy Core

IAFF 6141 : International Science and Technology Policy Cornerstone

IAFF 6158 : Science, Tech, and Policy Analysis OR

IAFF 6085: Seminar in Science and Technology Policy [ offered every 2-3 years ]

Science and Technology Policy Electives

Students may also propose other courses of relevance to their designated specialization. Such courses may be offered by the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (Economics, Political Science), the School of Business (Strategic Management and Public Policy, International Business), the School of Engineering (Engineering Management), and others. Proposed courses will be evaluated by the Program Director.

IAFF 6158/ECON 6255: Economics of Technological Change

IAFF 6145 : U.S. Space Policy

IAFF 6146/LAW 6548 : Space Law

IAFF 6148 : Space and National Security

IAFF 6151 : Environmental Policy

IAFF 6152 : Energy Policy

IAFF 6153 : Science, Technology & National Security

IAFF 6143 : Science and Technology Policy Analysis

IAFF 6158 : Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy (Issues in Space Policy)

IAFF 6158 : Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy (Space Economics)

IAFF 6158 : Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy (Science Diplomacy)

IAFF 6158: Special Topics in International Science and Technology Policy (Artificial Intelligence and Nonproliferation)

PPPA 6006 : Policy Analysis

Upon completion of coursework in the field, students will take a comprehensive field exam. The exam is offered once or twice in an academic year, following a petition from students. The examination relies on the content of the science and technology policy field core courses (cornerstone, capstone, and seminar) and the field electives. In addition, the exam will reflect the specific courses taken by the student and their individual areas of interest. We write an exam that reflects the courses taken by the student and their individual areas of interest. Expectations for students during the examination include:

Staying current and being conversant with the scholarly peer-reviewed literature and important gray literature (i.e. literature produced by different governmental and non-governmental bodies such as relevant federal agencies, the World Bank, Brookings, Rand, EU, OECD, UN Agencies, etc.).

• Discussion should go beyond the readings covered in class.
• Mastery of course material, a demonstrated command of major concepts and literature in the field, and an ability to think beyond concepts directly covered in classes.

The format of the exam is as follows:

• Take home, open book, open notes exam.
• One on Science and Technology policy theory
• One on specific areas of interest
• Time frame – three days

Two graders read each answer and confer on a final grade. One of the two graders is related to the specific area of interest of the student.

The Social Policy field of study offers students the opportunity to study how the actions and decisions of government within the contexts of gender, ethnicity, or urban settings influence the wellbeing of individuals and of society, with a particular focus on poverty and income inequality. Most public policy discussions-local, national, or international-include explicit or implicit assumptions about gender, race and location. Scholarship across various disciplines has demonstrated the importance of studying the interconnections among gender, race, class, and other forms of social inequality. Conflicts associated with these topics affect all institutions and social interactions of every type, and frequently dominate a range of policy debates.

Drawing on interdisciplinary theories and methodologies, as a student in this field, you will gain a broad understanding of: historical trends in poverty and inequality, scholarship illuminating the causes of consequences of poverty and inequality, the current landscape of social welfare programs (defined broadly), and the politics of poverty and inequality in America. In addition, students choose an area of specialization from the following: (a) gender and social policy, (b) race, ethnicity, and public policy, or (c) urban policy.  This specialization provides a theoretical lens for examining social policy.

Students in the Social Policy field must complete one common field course, required courses in their area of specialization, and one or more additional courses selected from electives suggested for that specialization or other courses chosen with advisor approval, to equal a total of 12 credits in the field.

Social Policy Core Requirement

PPPA 8197 U.S. Social Policy

Gender and Social Policy Specialization

• Dr. Ivy Ken
• Dr. Sanjay Pandey

Along with the Social Policy field core course, students in the Gender and Social Policy specialization must complete two specialization core courses and one additional elective.

Gender and Social Policy Core

WGSS 6221: Research Issues in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies

WGSS 6240: Gender and Public Policy

Gender and Social Policy Electives

AMST/HIST/WGSS 6431: Gender, Sexuality and American Culture

ANTH 6501/WGSS 6257: Gender and Sexuality

PHIL/WGSS 6238: Feminist Ethics and Policy Implications

SOC/WGSS 6268: Race, Gender, and Class

SOC/WGSS 6271: Gender and Society

WGSS 6220: Fundamentals of Feminist Theory

WGSS 6225:  Contemporary Feminist Theory

WGSS 6230: Global Feminisms

WGSS 6241 : Gender, Law, and Politics

WGSS 6265: Women, Welfare, and Poverty

WGSS 6283: Practicum in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies

Comprehensive Field Exam

The Purpose of the field exam in Gender and Social Policy is for students to demonstrate proficiency in the major themes, methods, and debates in the field.  It provides an opportunity for students to confirm the breadth and depth of their knowledge and their readiness to make an original contribution to the field.

In consultation with the field advisors, each student develops 3 reading lists as follows:

• One list includes readings related to WSTU 6221: Research Issues in Women's/Gender Studies (a required field course) plus selected readings from other field courses that have influenced the student’s intellectual trajectory but do not appear on the other lists.
• The other two lists cover two substantive areas related to gender policy that best fit the student’s research interests and academic work in the field.  One of these lists could be closely related to the student's expected dissertation topic.  Both lists should include classic texts and current journal articles.  While students are encouraged to include relevant readings from field courses, they should also move beyond coursework in their selections.

The exam is a take-home, open-book, essay exam that usually takes three days to complete. The questions are based on the reading lists. Students answer a total of three essay questions. Typically, in Part A, the student is presented with two questions and must choose one to answer. In Part B, the student is presented with three or four questions and must choose two to answer.   

The student should write seven to 10 pages, double-spaced, for each essay.  The essays should draw on the reading lists and do not require the student to go beyond those lists (though other materials are allowed). 

Students may choose exam dates in consultation with the field advisors.

Race, Ethnicity and Public Policy Specialization

• Dr. Antwan Jones
• Dr. Steven Tuch

Along with the Social Policy field core course, students in the Race, Ethnicity and Public Policy specialization must complete 2 specialization core courses and one additional elective.

Race, Ethnicity and Public Policy Core

SOC 6245 : Race Relations

SOC 6248 : Race and Urban Redevelopment

Race, Ethnicity and Public Policy Electives*

AMST/HIST 3350 : U.S. Social History

HIST 3360 : African American History

LAW 6595 : Race, Racism and American Law

LAW 6596 : Law of Race and Slavery

PSC 8211 : Urban Politics

PSC 8212 : Urban Policy Problems

PSYC 8236 : Minorities and Mental Health

SOC 6250 : Urban Sociology

SOC 6252 : Special Topics (with approval)

SOC 6268 : Race, Gender, and Politics

The comprehensive exam is based on materials covered in the two required field courses and the one elective field course as well as associated scholarly literatures. An initial reading list compiled by the student is reviewed and supplemented by the field advisors. The reading list should be submitted a minimum of 3 months prior to the date of the exam. Students are also asked to provide field advisors with a list of faculty from whom they have taken their field courses so questions can be solicited from those faculty. Field advisors then compile the exam. The format of the exam is a five-day, open book take-home consisting of 3 or 4 questions, with some choice factored in. Students will be provided with the questions at noon on Wednesday and be required to submit their answers by noon the following Monday. Answers typically range from 10-15 pages per question. Two readers evaluate each question and submit a single grade for each question they grade. Field advisors then submit a single grade for the exam.

Poverty and Inequality Specialization

• Dr. Elizabeth Rigby
• Elizabeth Vaquera

Along with the Social Policy field core course, students in the Poverty and Inequality specialization must complete the specialization core course and two additional field electives.

Poverty and Inequality Core

PPPA 6081 : Poverty and Social Policy

Poverty and Inequality Electives ( choose 2 )

ECON 6330 : Applied Macroeconomics and Money

ECON 6340 : Applied Labor Economics and Public Policy

HIST 6011 : History and Public Policy

PHIL 6230 : Ethical Issues in Policy Arguments

PHIL 6231 : Economic Justice

PHIL 6238 : Feminist Ethics and Policy Implications

PHIL 6242 : Philosophy, Law and Social Policy

PPPA 6065 : Federalism and Public Policy

PPPA 6076 : Federal Government Regulation of Society

PPPA 6085 : Comparative Public Policy

PSC 8211 : State and Urban Politics

SOC/WGSS 6265 : Women, Welfare, and Poverty

SOC 6268 : Race, Gender, and Class

WGSS 6240 : Gender and Public Policy

No less than three months in advance of the desired date of the field examination, students should notify the field advisors of their intent to take the exam, as well as the relevant courses the student has taken. Exams are written take-home exams, tailored to student interest.

Urban Policy Specialization

• Dr. Leah Brooks
• Dr. Hilary Silver

Along with the Social Policy field core course, students in the Urban Policy specialization must complete two specialization core courses and one additional elective .

Urban Policy Core

Urban policy electives ( choose 2 ).

AMST 6495 : Historic Preservation — Principles & Methods I

AMST 6520 : Economics of Preservation

AMST 6525 : Politics of Historic Preservation

ECON 8341 : Labor Economics I

ECON 8342 : Labor Economics II

ECON 8357 : Regional Economics

ECON 8358 : Urban Economics 

ECON 8363 : Public Finance I

ECON 8364 : Public Finance II

GEOG 6243 : Urban Geography Seminar

GEOG 6244 : Seminar — Urban Sustainability

GEOG 6290 : Principles of Demography

PPPA 6042 : Managing State and Local Governments

PPPA 6043 : Land Use Planning, and Community Development

PPPA 6048 : Financing State and Local Government

PPPA 6051 : Governmental Budgeting

PPPA 6085 : Homelessness

PSC 8388 : Selected Topics in Comparative Politics

PSYC 8246 : Personnel Evaluation Technology

SOC 6259 : Criminology

SOC 6262 : Corrections

SOC 6263 : Race and Crime

Comprehensive Exam

No less than three months in advance of the desired date of the field examination, students should notify the field advisors of their intent to take the exam, as well as the relevant courses the student has taken. Exams are written take-home exams, tailored to student interests.

Comprehensive Exams

Students in each field of study are required to complete a comprehensive exam. See exam guidelines for each area .

PhD Course Requirements

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs .

The requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Program .

 *Course is covered by the core comprehensive examination.

**The social policy field has four subfields, each with specific requirements: gender and social policy, poverty and inequality, ethnicity and public policy, and urban policy.

The Ph.D. program at Harris Public Policy prepares students for careers in academia, industry, and government. It emphasizes a rigorous foundation in microeconomics, econometrics, and political economy, along with in-depth study of particular substantive areas associated with policy and policy-making. The program allows students to develop individualized and innovative courses of study in which they work closely with faculty members of the School and the University.

Consistent with the highly quantitative and analytic nature of the Harris School's Ph.D. degree, Harris has categorized the degree under a code which is currently on the DHS STEM list . Students on F-1 visas who have earned a degree that has been designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a STEM degree may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT) so long as they meet all eligibility criteria at the time of application.

Ph.D. Program Requirements

Get information about the curriculum and academic requirements for the Ph.D. in Public Policy Program.

If you have questions about the Harris degree requirements, email the Harris Dean of Students Office at  [email protected] . Policies on the results of not meeting these requirements can be found on the Harris policies page .

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10 Best Online Doctor of Public Policy/Administration Degrees

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The modern world needs qualified persons who are prepared to act on behalf of the public, demonstrating their knowledge of all facets of public administration. As a result, online doctor of public administration/policy is one of the degrees gaining more popularity.

Despite being online, these degrees still provide academic excellence that will help aspiring public administrators excel in the field.

People pursuing public administration or public policy are in for an exciting, rewarding, and impressive career path. 

Quick audio summary:

The discipline of public administration/policy is made up of numerous specialties and subspecialties, such as education systems, health care, the criminal justice system, and much more. It primarily involves working in organizations and governments to manage budgets, legislation, policies, social programs, and other issues impacting local communities.

  Methodology

Doctor of Public Policy/Administration students receive academic training for becoming inventive, talented, and successful public administration leaders! 

The best online doctorate programs in this field are offered by some of the leading graduate schools! These are the academic features that make them stand out:

• Delivered online or as a blended program, enabling adult learners to pursue the degree mainly for the purpose of career advancement,
• Features rigorous coursework that explores numerous public policy and administration topics, enabling them to develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills and an interdisciplinary, multicultural perspective,
• Offered on a leading Learning Management System or learning platform that provides ease of coursework access and hosts academic activities and classes,
• Employs seasoned Public Policy and Administration experts in their faculty,
• Offers financial aid options for qualified online doctorate students, as well as other forms of student assistance and career services,
• Properly accredited by agencies that establish the standards of online academic instruction at the doctorate level,
• Acknowledged by industries and organizations relevant to the Public Policy and Administration career or discipline,
• Well-regarded by students and alumni, demonstrating the program’s commitment to delivering a positive learning experience.

Please visit our Methodology page and find out more about our online doctorate ranking process.

The 10 Best Online Doctor of Public Policy/Administration Programs

Walden university.

Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration

Walden University offers an online Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration degree. Students are required to complete 53 credits, in addition to a doctoral writing assessment, research courses, dissertation, and residency with team-based experiences, which can be completed with up to eight years of part-time study.

Because this degree is a professional doctorate designed to forge future public administration leaders, students will develop outstanding management abilities and find solutions to urgent issues in government and allied fields.

Applicants to the online doctorate are required to hold a master’s degree or higher in any related field. Students can transfer up to 41 credits of graduate or doctorate coursework earned from other regionally accredited institutions.

Walden University helps doctoral students prepare and pass dissertation research requirements through four residencies and full support from the school. Each student has a personal academic advisor or academic coach beginning of classes until graduation.

Additionally, students can expect to receive federal financial aid.

Old Dominion University

Ph.D. in Public Administration and Policy

Old Dominion University’s online Doctor of Public Administration and Policy. Students are required to complete 49 credit hours of coursework, including 37 hours of online courses and 12 hours for student dissertations.

The curriculum was created to emphasize the value of teamwork and problem-solving skills in leadership and policy-making by allowing students to explore challenges faced by businesses, nonprofits, governments, communities, and even individuals.

Applicants should be master’s degree holders in a related field with a minimum of 3.25 GPA from any regionally accredited institution or comparable foreign institution. GRE/GMAT taken within the last five years are also required and must have scored at the 25th percentile for verbal and quant.

Doctoral coursework includes strategic planning, public administration research, and advanced policy analysis. Professors at ODU’s public administration and policy degree program have years of experience in various fields, including economic development, public and nonprofit organizations, citizen participation, and partnerships between public and private organizations. This gives students a wealth of knowledge of the diverse areas of the field.

Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University offers an online Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration. Students are required to complete 48 credit hours of coursework, including core courses and dissertations, all of which can be completed up to six years of full-time study.

Because this doctorate degree was aimed at working professionals and designed to allow students to work full-time while studying, the program’s synchronous core courses and asynchronous elective classes provide a unique feature for public administration/public policy research doctorates.

Master’s degree holders in any related field may apply. No minimum GPA and GRE/GMAT score are required. Students can transfer credit hours earned from graduate coursework.

TSU’s online Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration should not be taken lightly to help students reach their full potential as researchers, leaders, or professors in the social sector.

Students develop and demonstrate knowledge of the primary literature in the subfields of public administration, such as organization theory, policy implementation, public budgeting, and financial management, through the core curriculum, benchmark test, prospectus, and dissertation stages.

Boise State University

Boise State University offers an online Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration. Students are required to complete 67 credits, including core courses, methods sequence, elective credits, and dissertation credits of culminating activity. Students must move to candidacy for the Ph.D. and pass the comprehensive exam before submitting a dissertation proposal.

Interested students are required to hold a master’s degree in any related field with a minimum of 3.0 GPA on all graduate coursework and a minimum score of 300 (verbal and quantitative; 1,000 for the older scoring system). Master’s degree graduates of any regionally accredited school may be exempt from the GRE requirement.

The degree program is intended for full-time students and working professionals who want to improve their methodological training and policy analysis skills. BSU offers graduate research assistantships for full-time students. This opportunity will help doctoral students worry less about financing their Ph.D. studies since they’ll get a stipend and tuition waiver for working as a research assistant for a professor.

Liberty University

Doctor of Public Administration

Liberty University offers a Doctor of Public Administration program that is available online. Students are required to complete 48 credit hours, including core public administration courses, research-focused courses, and a capstone sequence in approximately 2.5 years.

The public administration online doctoral degree is designed for those who desire to improve the quality of life in small and large communities, including teachers and professionals working in government agencies who want to start or advance their careers.

Applicants are required to be master’s degree holders, with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA for all graduate-level coursework.

Liberty’s doctorate in public administration will prepare students to lead, manage, and solve problems in the realm of governance. Students can learn how to effect change in governmental, nonprofit, and other groups that formulate public policy during this degree program.

Additionally, students will understand the political, ethical, and legal frameworks that govern public administration.

California Baptist University

Doctor Of Public Administration

California Baptist University offers an online Doctor of Public Administration degree. CBU’s online doctoral program is one of the fastest accelerated public administration degree programs, which allows students to graduate as early as 36 months in an eight-week online format in addition to residency and dissertation.

The program’s curriculum and coursework are designed to satisfy the demands of professionals tasked with addressing organizations’ problems at the local, state, and federal levels.

To be admitted, students must have earned any master’s degree in a related discipline from an accredited graduate school with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applicants with only a 2.75 on graduate-level coursework can still apply for conditional admission.

CBU’s online doctorate in public administration is one of the best for financial aid opportunities. Doctoral students have higher chances of being eligible for financial aid opportunities from donors and investors of the school. Students will receive multiple assistance to meet their academic and professional goals.

West Chester University

West Chester University offers a Doctor of Public Administration degree that is available online. Students are required to complete 45 credits, including doctoral study, administration core, methods sequence, electives, comprehensive examination, and dissertation that can be completed in five years.

Graduate social work, geography and planning, public policy and administration, and criminal justice are all available concentrations for students pursuing an online doctor of public administration degree at West Chester.

Doctoral candidates must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution. Students with high GPAs, at least one year of related professional experience, and more remarkable aptitude will be prioritized.

When it comes to graduate assistantships, doctoral students at West Chester University have better opportunities. Two of the most in-demand graduate assistantships in the online degree are the Frederick Douglass Graduate Assistantships and the Institute for Women Graduate Grant.

To be eligible, doctoral students must have satisfactory performance in their academic schedules and good academic standing (minimum GPA of 3.0).

University of Maryland-Baltimore County

Ph.D. in Public Policy

The University of Maryland offers an online Ph.D. in Public Policy. Students are required to complete 48 credits plus a dissertation to gain administrative knowledge and practical skills necessary for for-profit and nonprofit organizations within public and private sectors.

Because the doctoral program was created with working professionals in mind, students can fully customize their degrees to meet their current schedules.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution and GRE scores. Those with high GPAs on all graduate-level coursework can waive GRE score submissions.

In addition to learning about organizational structures and profit and nonprofit management, students in this Ph.D. program will also learn how the political climate can influence or restrict methods of administration and implementation.

Furthermore, all students will receive financial aid from the state and be guided for other private financial aid opportunities. The university will also provide one-on-one academic counseling to help students deal with their studies and professional lives.

Valdosta State University

Valdosta State University offers a Doctor of Public Administration that can be completed online.

This 54-credit online degree program strongly emphasizes honing crucial leadership, management, communication, and problem-solving abilities to help students produce original research in the future. The program’s flexible and accommodating scheduling was created with working students in mind: the nonsynchronous style and 24/7 accessibility to the coursework.

Applicants to Valdosta State must have a master’s degree and a good GRE score to get admitted. There is no required minimum GPA; however, students with outstanding GPAs will have higher chances of admission.

Students at Valdosta State are strong contenders for a range of leadership positions beyond those they have already held. The program expands on students’ current information on the subject and is designed to broaden their understanding and applied research skills.

National University

National University’s Doctor of Public Administration online degree through online education. Students should complete 60 credit hours in 45 months, which gives students a thorough understanding of the principles of organization and management, administrative law, public management theory, and the values that govern the conduct of public administration.

Additionally, it addresses important subjects, including public personnel management, the importance of information technology in public administration, and budgeting.

Applicants must hold a master’s in business administration or any business-related degree from an accredited institution.

National University offers endless financial aid opportunities to its Ph.D. students. One of the biggest financial aid opportunities of the school is the Pursuit of Knowledge Scholarship, which grants three doctoral students a full tuition and two 50% scholarships.

In addition to financial aid opportunities, students can also expect full support from the school’s academic counselors.

Common Courses of Doctor of Public Policy/Administration

Public policy/administration foundation courses.

Learning online can be challenging, especially for those who don’t fully understand how online education works. To help online students, most schools offer foundation courses to help students evaluate how the school’s mission and vision relate to their professional aspirations and create best practices and online success strategies.

This course allows students to review the program’s curriculum and work on assignments that emphasize critical thinking, the promotion of academic and professional quality, and the practical application of scholarly and professional writing to the practice of public policy and administration.

Finance and Budgeting for the Public Sector

This course helps students understand organizational finance and budgeting principles, rules, procedures, and the monetary environment in which they function. Topics under this course include tax systems, financial management, auditing procedures, budgetary reform, dashboards for financial reporting, the effects of globalization on finance and the budget, financial technology systems, and theories for guiding important fiscal policy discussions. 

Leadership and Organizational Change

This course helps students understand the ethical concerns and norms and the opportunities and difficulties associated with leading diverse companies through transformation. Students evaluate ways to apply these skills to advance good changes inside an organization or their community as they look at how contemporary leaders use leadership and organizational change to support social change.

Governance and Public Policy

This course teaches students to analyze in-depth how societies run and how public policies are developed, assessed, decided upon, and carried out. Topics cover governance and public policy from theoretical and practical angles using more contemporary and critical literature and ancient and classical voices. Students also consider how they will fit into the future public administration and policy world.

Research Courses

Research courses teach students the proper research methods used in the field, including quantitative and qualitative research methods. 

Quantitative research methods teach students accurate data-collection methods, inference logic, statistical testing, and the associated ethical concerns. The qualitative research and analytical techniques utilized in both academia and public sector research are introduced in this course.

Common Career Paths for Doctor of Public Policy/Administration Graduates

Graduates with a master’s in public policy have numerous career and employment options. Here are the most common and top career paths for public policy/administration graduates.

Academia Jobs

PhDs are designed to train students for academia. Graduates of public policy/administration doctorates are well-prepared to become effective postsecondary teachers/university professors and researchers. Both professors and researchers publish unique research and analysis in books and scholarly journals.

They participate in administrative and academic committees that study and recommend departmental policies, recruiting practices, promotions, and budgetary considerations.

City Manager

A city manager is comparable to a company’s CEO. City managers control the everyday operations of municipalities. These experts are in charge of creating and managing the city’s budget, among many other duties.

Budget Analyst

A budget analyst is a financial expert who evaluates budgets and offers suggestions on managing funds for initiatives, divisions, or entire organizations. Budget analysts may work alone or with a group of financial experts, depending on their duties.

Human Resources Director

To ensure legal compliance and the effective execution of the organization’s mission and talent strategy, the Human Resource Director will plan, lead, direct, develop, and coordinate the HR department’s policies, operations, and staff.

Administrative Services Manager

Administrative services and facilities managers organize, lead, and coordinate tasks that make a company work smoothly. These managers’ specific duties vary, although they frequently oversee operations, including recordkeeping, mail distribution, and facility maintenance.

Nonprofit Program Director

A professional who manages the activities and projects for a nonprofit organization is known as a nonprofit program director. They are aware of the program’s purpose and ensure that it is supported by the workers and activities under their control.

Professional Associations in Public Policy/Administration

When studying for a doctorate, it’s important to have all the possible support you can get. By joining professional organizations in your field, you can outsource resources, including financial aid opportunities, yearly conferences or meetings, journals and bulletins, and recent research that will help you advance your academics and career.

Here are the top public policy/administration organizations:

American Society for Public Administration

ASPA, the leading professional association for public administration, encourages the practice of nonprofit and public administration. It links all those interested in the field and aids in developing initial responses to societal problems.

The association promotes results-driven management through outreach, education, advocacy, training, and information exchange.

Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management

At its annual research conference, the APPAM provides multidisciplinary research on diverse policy management challenges, intending to enhance public policy by fostering excellence in research, analysis, and education.

Additionally, it produces a peer-reviewed journal that features highly regarded management and public policy research. It also commits to “respecting and developing racial, ethnic, gender, disciplinary, and other types of diversity” among those engaged in Association operations.

National Academy of Public Administration

The NAPA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works on numerous initiatives to improve communications between citizens and national leaders about complex management and policy issues, as well as to provide resources and information to those considering a career in public administration and policy.

National Forum for Black Public Administrators

The NFBPA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan group created to promote Black public leadership. The group works to improve Blacks’ standing in the area of public administration, raise the number of Blacks in executive positions in public service organizations, and develop and train younger aspirant administrators for senior public management roles in the coming years.

Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration

NASPAA maintains excellence in public service education and training professionals while advancing the concept of public service. It establishes a hub for exchanging knowledge on public affairs education and collaborates with public administration educational programs in other nations through joint projects and conferences.

Public Policy vs. Public Administration

From the word itself, you’ll know that there’s a difference between public policy and public administration. But these degrees work hand-in-hand. Regardless if the degree is only a public administration or public policy, both will have similar coursework and requirements.

But to be more precise, public policy is, well, the policy itself. Governmental agencies use public policies to coordinate their varied activities and programs. On the other hand, public administration is the administrative or enforcement component of the already established policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i finance my online public policy/administration doctoral degree.

There are three primary ways to finance your online public policy/administration doctorate:

• applying for federal grants and loans
• applying for graduate assistantships
• working for a professional development benefit

Are online doctorates legit?

Yes, several universities are offering online public policy/administration doctorates. To ensure that you’ll receive a high-quality education, make sure that the university you’re applying to has national, regional, or specialized accreditation. 

Why should someone study Public Policy/Administration?

Public policy/administration degrees are one of the most exciting fields today. Through this degree, you’ll be able to understand how public policy influences the daily lives of individuals.

Additionally, this will help you recognize effective public policies and create plans to enhance society.

Is Public Policy/Administration a good career?

Doctoral-level public policy specialists can work in academia and other prospects that involve establishing policies. Although experience differs by industry, these jobs tend to be prestigious.

What are the most common admissions requirements for a Ph.D. in Public Policy/Administration?

Competition may be fierce when applying to graduate programs. The most common admission requirement for a Ph.D. in Public Policy/Administration includes a master’s degree, transcripts, GRE or GMAT, resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose.

It would be best to start your graduate school applications four to eight months in advance. This can entail sending out transcripts and recommendation letters six to twelve months in advance because it will take time to compile your admissions materials.

Key Takeaways

The study of public policy/administration focuses on the policy process, implementation, management, organization, and government administration. Public policy/administration also focuses on how a government impacts its citizens and community.

Candidates for doctoral studies in public policy/administration are prepared for demanding occupations that require both a passion and drive for advocacy and a mind capable of meeting organizational and bureaucratic hurdles.

Additional Resources:

• The Best Online Doctor of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
• The Best Online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Degrees
• The Most Popular Doctorate Degree Programs

Related Posts

We’re certain of one thing—your search for more information on picking the best graduate degree or school landed you here. Let our experts help guide your through the decision making process with thoughtful content written by experts.

• What We Look For

In This Section

• Degree Requirements

The PhD in Public Policy (PPOL) program balances theory with practical methods to prepare students for careers in academia, in government, at research organizations, or in the private sector.

What do we look for in our PPOL students? 

Evidence of your ability to handle the rigor of our curriculum , which is why you’re required to have completed and excelled in the following: 

• A university-level course in politics or institutions 
• A university-level course in statistics 
• One research paper you have written by yourself that has a policy focus (co-authored papers not accepted)

A demonstrated ability and drive to pursue public policy research is another important qualification. 

Notably, we look for strong recommendations from individuals in academia or other professional sectors who know you well and can tell us about your qualifications for our program.

What else you should know  

You are not required to have a Harvard Kennedy School faculty advisor before   submitting your application . You will be assigned to an advisor if you are admitted to the PPOL Program. 

We will also look at your GRE scores for any tests you have taken in the past five years. Just note we do not accept the GMAT or LSAT.  There is no minimum GRE score to apply.  

If you are an international applicant, you will need to submit either your TOEFL iBT or IELTS score. International applicants who hold the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction do not need to submit the TOEFL iBT or IELTS. The minimum TOEFL score to apply is 103 and a minimum IELTS score to apply is 7. If you are an international student whose bachelor’s degree was not in English—but whose master’s degree was conducted in English—you must submit the one of the two tests. 

We often receive the question: "My undergraduate degree is from an institution where English is not the primary language of instruction. However, my master’s degree is from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction. Do I still need to take the TOEFL?" The answer is: Yes. 

If you are currently a Harvard Kennedy School student 

You will need to submit your PPOL application with new supporting documents—we cannot use your academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, or test scores that you submitted with your original HKS application. 

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Ph.D. in Public Policy and Management

Request information.

The Ph.D. in Public Policy and Management prepares students to shape the direction of public affairs research. Our curriculum combines interdisciplinary training in public policy and management; rigorous methodological training; and specialization in a policy area or field such as economics, sociology, political science, or organizational theory.

Ph.D. students engage with world-renowned research centers, receive expert faculty mentoring, and collaborate with faculty in research. Teaching and research seminars along with faculty-student workshops support professional development and prepare students for employment at  leading universities or research institute.

Learn about the application process →

Application Deadlines

John Romley , Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Public Policy and Pharmaceutical & Health Economics Faculty Director, PhD Programs

For admissions information, please email [email protected]

Fields of S tudy

Working closely with faculty mentors, Ph.D. in Public Policy and Management students focus on and develop substantive expertise in core areas that leverage the Price School’s renowned research strengths in:

• Homeland Security
• International Development
• Nonprofits and Philanthropy
• Social Policy & Justice
• Sustainability and the Environment

All Ph.D. students are supported for four years through a combination of fellowships and graduate assistantships that provides year-round full tuition, a competitive stipend, and health and dental insurance. Students beyond their fourth year obtain support through teaching or research assistantships, or funding from USC and/or outside sources. Ph.D. students have access to stipends for conference travel.

Learn more about funding »

Research in a Supportive E nvironment

Price School faculty mentor Ph.D. students to contribute to the scholarly foundations of their chosen field. Many Ph.D. students publish and present their work at conferences, often co-authoring papers with faculty.

Recent Ph.D. Student Publications

Arthur Acolin , J. Bricker, P.S. Calem, and S.M. Wachter (2016). A Renter or Homeowner Nation?  Cityscape , 18.1: 145-157.

Cynthia Barboza-Wilkes , Bill Resh, and Carmen Mooradian (2020). Unpaid Work? Emotional Labor Assessments and Episodic Recall Bias in Public Engagement, Journal of Behavioral Public Administration , Vol. 3(2), 1-11.

Yi Chen , Bryan Tysinger, Eileen Crimmins, and Julie Zissimopoulos (2019). Analysis of Dementia in the US Population Using Medicare Claims: Insights from Linked Survey and Administrative Claims Data, Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions , Vol 5(1), 197-207.

Andy Hong  with Lisa Schweitzer, L. Marr, and W. Yang (2015). Impact of Temporary Freeway Closure on Regional Air Quality: A Lesson from Carmageddon in Los Angeles.  Environmental Science and Technology , 49(5): 3211-3218.

Sushant Joshi , Teryl Nuckols, and Jose Escarce (2019). Regression to the Mean in the Medicare Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program, JAMA Internal Medicine , 179(9), 1167-1173.

Hui Li  with Shui-Yan Tang and Carlos Lo (2016). Nonprofit Policy Advocacy under Authoritarianism.  Public Administration Review .

Matthew Miller  (2015). Social Finance in Black Geographies: A Statistical Analysis of Locations in Los Angeles County.  Harvard Journal of African American Public Policy , 21: 78-91.

Noah Miller , Adam Rose, Dan Wei, Toon Vandyck and Christian Flachsland (2018). Achieving Paris Climate Agreement Pledges: Alternative Designs for Linking Emissions Trading, Review of Environmental Economics and Policy , Vol. 12, No. 1: 170-182.

Maria Francesca Piazzoni (2018). The Real Fake: Authenticity and the Production of Space , Fordham University Press.

Vincent Reina  with Raphael Bostic and H. Schwartz, R.K. Green, L.M. Davis, and C.H. Augustine (2015). The Preservation of Affordable Rental Housing: An Evaluation of the MacArthur Foundation’s Window of Opportunity Initiative.  RAND Corporation report .

Jovanna Rosen  (2016). Climate, Environmental Health Vulnerability, and Physical Planning: A Review of the Forecasting Literature.  Journal of Planning Literature , 1-20.

Eun Jin Shin (2017). Ethnic Neighborhoods, Social Networks, and Inter-household Carpooling: A Comparison Across Ethnic Minority Groups, Journal of TransportGeography , Vol. 59, pp. 14–26.

Xize Wang  with  Marlon Boarnet  and D. Houston (2016). Can New Light Rail Reduce Personal Vehicle Carbon Emissions? A before-after, experimental-control evaluation in Los Angeles,  Journal of Regional Science .

Featured Research Centers

Bedrosian Center on Governance

The Judith and John Bedrosian Center on Governance and the Public Enterprise, an applied research center at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy, is dedicated to understanding and fostering effective democratic governance as an essential component in ensuring the betterment of communities. The Bedrosian Center fosters effective governance by building the capacity of public and nonprofit institutions; shaping public dialogue across public, private and nonprofit sectors; and promoting and supporting innovative scholarship.

Sol Price Center for Social Innovation

The Sol Price Center for Social Innovation was established with the recent gift to name the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy. This new center aims to advance ideas, strategies, and practices that enhance the quality of life for people in urban communities. The center will provide opportunities for direct student engagement across all of the Price School’s primary disciplines.

Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy

Established in 2000, the Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy promotes more effective philanthropy and strengthens the nonprofit sector to advance public problem solving. Its research focuses on trends and patterns in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector, philanthropic strategies for social impact, and challenges in philanthropic stewardship and leadership.

Center for Inclusive Democracy

Center for Inclusive Democracy (CID), is a nonpartisan research center serving the U.S. Founded and directed by Dr. Mindy S. Romero, CID moved to the USC Price School, Sacramento in 2018. CID conducts a range of national and multi-state research initiatives exploring voting behavior, civic engagement, electoral and economic research, the intersection of social justice and democracy, and more.

Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics

The Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics at USC aims to promote health and value in healthcare delivery through innovative research and policy in the US and internationally. The center brings together policy experts and health economists from the USC Price School and the School of Pharmacy. It uses a novel approach to advance economic, health services and to train a new generation of global health policy leaders.

The Brooks PhD Program in Public Policy prepares the next generation of research scholars to address pressing national and international public policy issues.

Brooks School PhD students

Why a Brooks PhD ?

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• Meet Our Faculty
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About the PhD Program

Program details.

Each Public Policy PhD student completes a course of study designed to produce cutting-edge social science research on policy-relevant topics.

Areas of Speciality

The graduate faculty have multidisciplinary expertise in a range of policy areas, including data science and technology policy; environmental and sustainability policy; health policy; human security; inequality and social policy; the politics and economics of development; and race, racism and public policy.

Meet our Students

Our students enroll with diverse research and academic experiences. Learn about their research interests here.

I get the opportunity to interact with sociologists and political scientists and economists outside of my field who really give me an understanding and a scope well beyond what I would have gotten if I had gone to a school that didn’t have this interdisciplinary nature. The Brooks School is a perfect place for me. I can craft my research in a way that is valuable in the long term. – Shyam Raman, PhD Student

BENEFITS OF GETTING A PUBLIC POLICY PHD AT CORNELL

A multi-disciplinary phd in public policy.

The PhD in Public Policy offers training in a social science discipline (such as economics, government, and sociology), empirical methods, and a policy area of focus. First year coursework is disciplinary; subsequent coursework and research is guided by student interest and faculty expertise.

Generous support

PhD funding is guaranteed for 6 years, which includes a stipend, tuition, and health insurance. Students are funded through a combination of fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships .

Public Policy Placements

Policy PhD graduates go on to academic positions in policy schools, disciplinary departments, and interdisciplinary units; others join government agencies, consulting firms, and non-governmental organizations.

An Ivy League degree in public policy with Cornell’s resources and reputation

Cornell University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions and has the broadest range of programs in the Ivy League. Cornell attracts some of the world’s best researchers, thinkers, scholars, inventors, scientists, and humanitarians.

A community where you’ll feel at home within a comprehensive, world-class university

The Brooks School is a friendly, caring environment and just one community among many that you will discover. At Cornell, there’s a club, activity or group where you can meet people who share your interests. If you want to enrich your studies by pursuing social change or volunteer to make a difference, you’ll find endless opportunities. 

A vibrant, dynamic college town setting

Ithaca is home to spectacular waterfalls and lakes, organic farms and wineries, a thriving music and arts community, and an invigorating climate year-round. Located at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca is consistently rated among the most livable cities in the United States.

PhD News SpotlightS

Brooks School students bring fresh perspectives to APPAM conference

Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (AAPAM) travel fellowship helps doctoral students build national…

First JFI-Brooks Fellowships fund studies of government anti-poverty programs and AI policy

The first JFI-Brooks Fellowships scholars will research regulatory frameworks for artificial intelligence and the…

When recreational cannabis is legal, codeine demand drops

States that permit recreational use of cannabis see a reduction in demand for prescription codeine, an opioid with a…

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PhD Public Administration and Policy

By distance learning.

For 2024-25 £4,778 FT (UK) £21,360 FT (International Students) More Fees and funding details.

• Request a prospectus
• Course details
• Entry Requirements
• Teaching and assessment
• Employability

The Department of Public Administration and Policy works closely with the world of practice in local government, the voluntary sector and other public service agencies

We have a vibrant and close-knit international research community of early-career and established researchers. Our engaged scholarship is theoretically-driven, and demonstrates a commitment to methodological pluralism, with particular strengths in qualitative, collaborative and participative approaches.

Our distance learning PhD in Public Administration and Policy offers those who are unable to live and work on campus on a regular basis the opportunity to conduct original research under the guidance of academic supervisors. You will take a number of research training modules in your first year and may attend further courses offered by the Department or the University that enhance your personal discipline-specific and transferable skills.

Distance learning does present challenges and applicants need to have a high capacity to work independently and in a disciplined fashion to pursue their research goals. However, supervisory teams are there to support students in acquiring the skills and knowledge to complete a thesis. In addition, you will be able to participate in an active research environment through a range of online and hybrid events.

Distance learning students are usually expected to attend one-week visit to the University (it is possible to request an exemption due to extenuating circumstances such as work commitments of caring responsibilities, for example). This visit will take place at the start of your studies during the College’s induction week (which usually takes place in the last week of September). This is a fantastic opportunity to attend a range of training sessions and networking events and meet your peers and supervisory team in person. The College of Social Sciences will make a generous contribution to your accommodation and travel. Your School will write to you to confirm the arrangements of your visit once you have confirmed your offer. Distance Learning students are not required to attend the University for the remainder of their studies but are welcome to visit at their own expense.

The Institute of Local Government Studies (INLOGOV) is incorporated within the Department of Public Administration and Policy (DPAP) and is one of the leading UK and international centres for governance, politics, international development, and public management. 

The School of Government offers much more than a degree. As a doctoral student here, you have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of research events with staff and other doctoral students, including a PGR Colloquium and departmental speaker series. In addition, an individual training plan is drawn up to meet the needs of each student, covering coursework and skills development. As such, completing this research degree will cultivate specialist knowledge in your field and professional skills for a range of career settings. 

We are particularly interested in receiving applications on the following themes:

• Governance, institutional design and leadership
• Co-production, democratic and social innovation, and inclusion
• Policy-making, implementation and service delivery
• Smart, sustainable and creative approaches to policy challenges

Applications to study for a research degree on either a full- or part-time basis are welcomed. 

Further information

• Doctoral research
• Guidance on preparing a research proposal
• Doctoral Research Scholarships and funding

Tricia Thomas Doctoral Research Student Administration Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3497, Email:  [email protected]

PhD by Distance Learning 2024-2025

Uk students.

• £4,778

International students (Band D)

• £21,360

Learn more about fees .

Scholarships and studentships

INLOGOV offers occasional teaching assistantships for those enrolled on a full-time research degree. These provide bursaries to cover living costs, payment of the fee and the opportunity to gain additional income through a limited amount of tutorial work.

International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government. Explore our  postgraduate funding database

Postgraduate research loans

Eligible Doctoral students can now apply for a  government loan  of up to £28,673 (for 2023/2024 entry) to contribute to overall costs. 

For further information contact the School directly or visit  studenthelp.bham.ac.uk .

How To Apply

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Our Standard Requirements

Applicants for the distance learning PhD must provide evidence of prior research experience and/or training suitable for their intended programme of study. When they apply, they are expected to consult with their supervisor who can assess their skills, background and capacity to undertake independent study at a distance. 

Besides formal qualifications, a key factor determining whether the Department decides to accept a candidate for either degree is the quality of his or her research proposal and its relevance to our own interests. Successful completion of a research thesis demands a high level of self-discipline, motivation and commitment to the subject of research. Great importance is placed on work experience, when relevant. Please contact the Department for more details.

International Requirements

Holders of a Licence, Diplome, Diplome d'Etudes Superieures, Diplome d'Ingenieur or a Diplome d'Architecte from a recognised university in Algeria will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of one of these qualifications will normally be expected to have achieved a score of 15/20 for 2:1 equivalency or 13/20 for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Argentinian university, with a promedio of at least 7.5, may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent

A Bachelors (Honours) degree from an accredited Australian higher education institution may be considered for admission to a Masters degree.   Applicants with 3 year Bachelors with distinction from a recognised university, can be considered for admission to a Masters degree.

Holders of a Diplom, a Diplomstudium/Magister or a three-year Bachelors degree from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 2.5 for 2:1 equivalency or 3.0 for 2:2 equivalency, or a high-scoring Fachhochschuldiplom (FH) from a recognised Austrian Fachhochschule, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Students with a good 5-year Specialist Diploma or 4-year Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan, with a minimum GPA of 4/5 or 80% will be considered for entry to postgraduate taught programmes at the University of Birmingham.

For postgraduate research programmes applicants should have a good 5-year Specialist Diploma (completed after 1991), with a minimum grade point average of 4/5 or 80%, from a recognised higher education institution or a Masters or “Magistr Diplomu” or “Kandidat Nauk” from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan.

 Holders of a bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Bahrain will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a Bachelors (Honours) degree of three years duration, followed by a Masters degree of one or two years duration from a recognised university in Bangladesh will be considered for postgraduate taught study. Students with a Bachelors degree of at least four years duration may also be considered for postgraduate study. Degrees must be from a recognised institution in Bangladesh.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0-3.3/4.0 or 65% or above for 2:1 equivalency, or a GPA of 2.6-3.1/4.0 or 60% or above for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Students who hold a Masters degree from the University of Botswana with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (70%/B/'very good') will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Please note 4-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a Diploma of Higher Education. 5-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a British Bachelor (Ordinary) degree.

Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

A Licenciatura or Bacharelado degree from a recognised Brazilian university:

• A grade of 7.5/10 for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement
• A grade of 6.5/10for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement

Holders of a good Bachelors degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Diploma za Zavarsheno Visshe Obrazovanie (‘Diploma of Completed Higher Education’), a pre-2001 Masters degree or a post-2001 Bachelors degree from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 5 out of 6, mnogo dobur/’very good’ for 2:1 equivalence; or 4 out of 6, dobur/’good’ for 2:2 equivalence; will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students with a minimum average of 14 out of 20 (or 70%) on a 4-year Licence, Bachelor degree or Diplôme d'Etudes Superieures de Commerce (DESC) or Diplôme d'Ingénieur or a Maîtrise will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Holders of a bachelor degree with honours from a recognised Canadian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A GPA of 3.0/4, 7.0/9 or 75% is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1.

Holders of the Licenciado or equivalent Professional Title from a recognised Chilean university will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD study will preferably hold a Magister degree or equivalent.

Students with a bachelor’s degree (4 years minimum) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. However please note that we will only consider students who meet the entry guidance below.  Please note: for the subject areas below we use the Shanghai Ranking 2022 (full table)  ,  Shanghai Ranking 2023 (full table) , and Shanghai Ranking of Chinese Art Universities 2023 .

需要具备学士学位（4年制）的申请人可申请研究生课程。请根据所申请的课程查看相应的入学要求。 请注意，中国院校名单参考 软科中国大学排名2022（总榜） ，  软科中国大学排名2023（总榜） ，以及 软科中国艺术类高校名单2023 。  

Business School    - MSc programmes (excluding MBA)  

商学院硕士课程（MBA除外）入学要求

School of Computer Science – all MSc programmes 计算机学院硕士课程入学要求

College of Social Sciences – courses listed below 社会科学 学院部分硕士课程入学要求 MA Education  (including all pathways) MSc TESOL Education MSc Public Management MA Global Public Policy MA Social Policy MA Sociology Department of Political Science and International Studies  全部硕士课程 International Development Department  全部硕士课程

  All other programmes (including MBA)   所有其他 硕士课程（包括 MBA）入学要求

Please note:

• Borderline cases: We may consider students with lower average score (within 5%) on a case-by-case basis if you have a relevant degree and very excellent grades in relevant subjects and/or relevant work experience. 如申请人均分低于相应录取要求（5%以内），但具有出色学术背景，优异的专业成绩，以及（或）相关的工作经验，部分课程将有可能单独酌情考虑。
• Please contact the China Recruitment Team for any questions on the above entry requirements. 如果您对录取要求有疑问，请联系伯明翰大学中国办公室   [email protected]

Holders of the Licenciado/Professional Title from a recognised Colombian university will be considered for our Postgraduate Diploma and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent.

Holders of a good bachelor degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Diploma Visoko Obrazovanje (Advanced Diploma of Education) or Bacclaureus (Bachelors) from a recognised Croatian higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 4.0 out of 5.0, vrlo dobar ‘very good’, for 2:1 equivalence or 3.0 out of 5.0, dobar ‘good’, for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Bacclaureus (Bachelors) from a recognised Croatian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 4.0 out of 5.0, vrlo dobar ‘very good’, or a Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree(from the University of the West Indies or the University of Technology) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A Class II Upper Division degree is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1. For further details on particular institutions please refer to the list below.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Masters degree or Mphil from the University of the West Indies.

Holders of a good four-year government-accredited Bachelors degree from a recognised Higher Education college with a minimum overall GPA of 3 out of 4 for 2:1 equivalency, or a GPA of 2.75 out of 4 for 2:2 equivalency; or a good four-year Bachelors degree (Ptychio) from a recognised University, with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 5.5 for 2:2 equivalency; will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a good Bakalár, or a good pre-2002 Magistr, from a recognised Czech Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, velmi dobre ‘very good’ (post-2004) or 2, velmi dobre ‘good’ (pre-2004), for 2:1 equivalence, or 2.5, C, dobre ‘good’ (post-2004) or 3, dobre ‘pass’ (pre-2004) for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good Bachelors degree/Candidatus Philosophiae, Professionbachelor or Eksamensbevis from a recognised Danish university, with a minimum overall grade of 7-10 out of 12 (or 8 out of 13) or higher for 2:1 equivalence, or 4-7 out of 12 (or 7 out of 13) for 2:2 equivalence depending on the awarding institution will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Ecuadorian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 70% or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Magister/Masterado or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Licenciado with excellent grades can be considered.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Egypt will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4 for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8 for 2:2 equivalency. Applicants holding a Bachelors degree with alternative grading systems, will normally be expected to have achieved a 75% (Very Good) for 2:1 equivalency or 65% (Good) for 2:2 equivalency. For applicants with a grading system different to those mentioned here, please contact [email protected] for advice on what the requirements will be for you.

Holders of a good Bakalaurusekraad from a recognised university or Applied Higher Education Institution with a minimum overall grade of 4/5 or B for 2:1 equivalency or 3/5 or C for 2:2 equivalency, or a good Rakenduskõrgharidusõppe Diplom (Professional Higher Education Diploma), will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with very good grades (grade B, 3.5/4 GPA or 85%) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

Holders of a good Ammattikorkeakoulututkinto (AMK) (new system), an Yrkeshögskoleexamen (YHS) (new system), a Kandidaatti / Kandidat (new system), an Oikeustieteen Notaari or a Rättsnotarie, a good Kandidaatti / Kandidat (old system), a professional title such as Ekonomi, Diplomi-insinööri, Arkkitehti, Lisensiaatti (in Medicine, Dentistry and Vetinary Medicine), or a Maisteri / Magister (new system), Lisensiaatti / Licenciat, Oikeustieteen Kandidaatti / Juris Kandidat (new system) or Proviisori / Provisor from a recognised Finnish Higher Education institution, with a minimum overall grade of 2/3 or 3-4/5 for 2:1 equivalence or 1-2/3 or 2.5-3/5 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good three-year Licence, License Professionnelle, Diplôme d'Ingénieur/Architecte Diplômé d'État, Diplôme from an Ecole Superieure de Commerce / Gestion / Politique, or Diplome d'Etat Maitrise of three years duration or a Maîtrise from a recognised French university or Grande École will be considered for postgraduate taught study.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a minimum overall grade of 13 out of 20, bien, for 2:1 equivalency, or 11 out of 20, assez bien, for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Holders of a good three-year Bachelor degree, a Magister Artium, a Diplom or an Erstes Staatsexamen from a recognised university, or a good Fachhochschuldiplom from a Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences), with a minimum overall grade of 2.5 for 2:1 equivalency, or 3.0 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students from Germany who have completed three years of the Erstes Staatsexamen qualification with a grade point average (GPA) of 10 from the first six semesters of study within the Juristische Universitätsprüfung programme would be considered for entry onto LLM programmes.  Students from Germany who have completed the five year Erstes Staatsexamen qualification with a grade point average (GPA) of 6.5 would be considered for entry onto LLM programmes. 

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good four-year Ptychio (Bachelor degree) from a recognised Greek university (AEI) with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 5.5 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalency, or a good four-year Ptychio from a recognised Technical Higher Education institution (TEI) with a minimum overall grade of 7.5 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 6.5 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

4-year Licenciado is deemed equivalent to a UK bachelors degree. A score of 75 or higher from Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC) can be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 60 is comparable to a UK 2.2.  Private universities have a higher pass mark, so 80 or higher should be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 70 is comparable to a UK 2.2

The Hong Kong Bachelor degree is considered comparable to British Bachelor degree standard. Students with bachelor degrees awarded by universities in Hong Kong may be considered for entry to one of our postgraduate degree programmes.

Students with Masters degrees may be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Alapfokozat / Alapképzés (Bachelors degree) or Egyetemi Oklevel (university diploma) from a recognised Hungarian university, or a Foiskola Oklevel (college diploma) from a recognised college of Higher Education, with a minimum overall grade of 3.5 for 2:1 equivalency, or 3 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a Bachelors degree of three or four years in duration from a recognised university in India will be considered for postgraduate taught study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved 55% - 60% or higher for 2:1 equivalency, or 50% - 55% for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Either: A four-year Bachelors degree (first class or very good upper second class)

Or: A three-year Bachelors degree (first class) from recognised institutions in India.

For MSc programmes, the Business School will consider holders of three-year degree programmes (first class or very good upper second class) from recognised institutions in India.

For entry to LLM programmes, Birmingham is happy to accept applications from 3 or 5 year LLB holders from India from prestigious institutions.

Holders of the 4 year Sarjana (S1) from a recognised Indonesian institution will be considered for postgraduate study. Entry requirements vary with a minimum requirement of a GPA of 2.8.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Iran with a minimum of 14/20 or 70% will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate taught programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Iraq will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency, or 2.8/4 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Israel will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved score of 80% for 2:1 equivalency or 65% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a good Diploma di Laurea, Licenza di Accademia di Belle Arti, Diploma di Mediatore Linguistico or Diploma Accademico di Primo Livello from a recognised Italian university with a minimum overall grade of 100 out of 110 for 2:1 equivalence, or 92 out of 110 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold the Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Students with a Bachelor degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for entry to a postgraduate Masters degree provided they achieve a sufficiently high overall score in their first (Bachelor) degree. A GPA of 3.0/4.0 or a B average from a good Japanese university is usually considered equivalent to a UK 2:1.

Students with a Masters degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for PhD study. A high overall grade will be necessary to be considered.

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Jordan will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Students who have completed their Specialist Diploma Мамаң дипломы/Диплом специалиста) or "Magistr" (Магистр дипломы/Диплом магистра) degree (completed after 1991) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of 2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate Masters degrees and, occasionally, directly for PhD degrees.  Holders of a Bachelor "Bakalavr" degree (Бакалавр дипломы/Диплом бакалавра) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of  2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, may also be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/50

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Kuwait will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a good pre-2000 Magistrs or post-2000 Bakalaurs from a recognised university, or a good Postgraduate Diploma (professional programme) from a recognised university or institution of Higher Education, with a minimum overall grade of 7.5 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 6.5 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Lebanon will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a score of 16/20 or 80% for 2:1 equivalency, or 14/20 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Libya will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved score of 70% for 2:1 equivalency or 65% for 2:2 equivalency. Alternatively students will require a minimum of 3.0/4.0 or BB to be considered.

Holders of a good Bakalauras (post 2001), Profesinis Bakalauras (post 2001) or pre-2001 Magistras from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 7 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good Bachelors degree or Diplôme d'Ingénieur Industriel from a recognised Luxembourgish Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20 for 2:1 equivalence, or 14 out of 20 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (70-74% or A or Marginal Distinction from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 60-69% or B or Bare Distinction/Credit is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Malaysian institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum of 3.0) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from a recognised Higher Education Institution with a minimum grade of 2:1 (Hons) for UK 2:1 equivalency, or 2:2 (Hons) for UK 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (Honours) from a recognised institution (including the University of Mauritius) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2:1).

Students who hold the Licenciado/Professional Titulo from a recognised Mexican university with a promedio of at least 8 will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Students who have completed a Maestria from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a Bachelors degree, licence or Maîtrise from a recognised university in Morocco will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a score of 15/20 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency, or 13/20 for 2:2 equivalency.

Students with a good four year honours degree from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. PhD applications will be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Bachelors (Honours) degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Nepal will be considered for postgraduate taught study. Students with a Bachelors degree of at least three years duration plus a Masters degree may also be considered for postgraduate study. Degrees must be from a recognised institution in Nepal.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.2/4.0 or 65%-79% average or higher for 2:1 equivalency, or a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 60%-65% for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Dutch university, or Bachelors degree from a recognised Hogeschool (University of Professional Education), or a good Doctoraal from a recognised Dutch university, with a minimum overall grade of 7 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalence, or 6 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (minimum 4 years and/or level 400) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0

Holders of a good three-six-year Bachelorgrad, Candidatus Magisterii, Sivilingeniø (siv. Ing. - Engineering), "Siviløkonom" (siv. Øk. - Economics) degree from a recognised Norwegian education institution with a minimum GPA of B/Very Good or 1.6-2.5 for a 2.1 equivalency, or a GPA of C/Good or 2.6-3.2 for a 2.2 equivalency; will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Oman will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years in duration from a recognised university in Pakistan will be considered for postgraduate taught study. Students with a Bachelors degree of at least three years duration followed by a Masters degree of one or two years duration, or holders of a two year Bachelors degree and a two year Masters degree in the same subject, may also be considered for postgraduate study.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 2.8-3.0/4.0 or 65% or above for 2:1 equivalency, or a GPA of 2.6/4.0 or 60% or above for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

A two-year degree followed by a three-year LLB will count as a full Bachelors degree.

All qualifications must be from recognised institutions. For further details on recognised institutions, please refer to Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in the Palestinian Territories will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3/4 or 80% for 2:1 equivalency or a GPA of 2.5/4 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.    

Holders of the Título de Licenciado /Título de (4-6 years) or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Paraguayan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 4/5 or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  The Título Intermedio is a 2-3 year degree and is equivalent to a HNC, it is not suitable for postgraduate entry but holders of this award could be considered for second year undergraduate entry or pre-Masters.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría / Magister or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Título/Grado de Licenciado/a with excellent grades can be considered.

Holders of the Licenciado, with at least 13/20 may be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent. The Grado de Bachiller is equivalent to an ordinary degree, so grades of 15+/20 are required.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría or equivalent qualification.

Holders of a good post-2001 Licencjat / Inzynier (Bachelors degree), or a pre-2001 Magister, from a recognised Polish university, with a minimum overall grade of 4.5/4+ out of 5, dobry plus ‘better than good’ for 2:1 equivalence, or 4 out of 5, dobry 'good' for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good Licenciado from a recognised university, or a Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) from a recognised Polytechnic Institution, with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20, bom com distinção ‘good with distinction’, for 2:1 equivalence, or 14 out of 20, bom ‘good’, for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Qatar will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a good Diplomă de Licenţă, Diplomă de Inginer, Diplomă de Urbanist Diplomat, Diplomă de Arhitect, Diplomă de Farmacist or Diplomã de Doctor-Medic Arhitect (Bachelors degree) from a recognised Romanian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalence, or 7 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a good Диплом Бакалавра (Bakalavr) degree with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 from recognised universities in Russia may be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes/MPhil degrees. 

Students who hold a 4-year Bachelor degree with at least 16/20 or 70% will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in the Saudi Arabia will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Students who hold a Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies,Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. A score of 14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2

Students who hold a Bachelor (Honours) degree from a recognised institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (or a score of 60-69% or B+) from a well ranked institution will be considered for most our Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees with a 2:1 requirement.

Students holding a good Bachelors Honours degree will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good three-year Bakalár or pre-2002 Magister from a recognised Slovakian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, Vel’mi dobrý ‘very good’ for 2:1 equivalence, or 2, C, Dobrý ‘good’ for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (Bachelors degree), Diplomant (Professionally oriented first degree), Univerzitetni diplomant (Academically oriented first degree) or Visoko Obrazovanja (until 1999) from a recognised Slovenian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8.0 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalence, or 7.0 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Students who hold a Bachelor Honours degree (also known as Baccalaureus Honores / Baccalaureus Cum Honoribus) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (70%) or a distinction (75%).

Holders of a Masters degree will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelor degree from a recognised South Korean institution (usually with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average 3.0/4.0 or 3.2/4.5) will be considered for Masters programmes.

Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Título de Licenciado / Título Universitario Oficial de Graduado (Grado) /Título de Ingeniero / Título de Arquitecto from a recognised Spanish university with a minimum overall grade of 7 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalence, or 6 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a Special or Professional Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Sri Lanka will be considered for postgraduate taught study.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved 60-74% or a CGPA 3.30/4.0 or B+ for 2:1 equivalency, or 55-59% or a CGPA 3.0/4.0 or B for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Holders of a good Kandidatexamen (Bachelors degree) or Yrkesexamen (Professional Bachelors degree) from a recognised Swedish Higher Education institution with the majority of subjects with a grade of VG (Val godkänd) for 2:1 equivalency, or G (godkänd) for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. Holders of a good Kandidatexamen (Bachelors degree) or Yrkesexamen (Professional Bachelors degree) from a recognised Swedish Higher Education institution with the majority of subjects with a grade of VG (Val godkänd), and/or a good Magisterexamen (Masters degree), International Masters degree or Licentiatexamen (comparable to a UK Mphil), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good " Baccalauréat universitaire/ Diplom / Diplôme; Lizentiat / Licence; Staatsdiplom / Diplôme d'Etat" degree from a recognised Swiss higher education institution (with a minimum GPA of 5/6 or 8/10 or 2/5 (gut-bien-bene/good) for a 2.1 equivalence) will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Syria will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved score of 70%, or ‘very good’ for 2:1 equivalency or 60%, or ‘good’ for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a good Bachelor degree (from 75% to 85% depending upon the university in Taiwan) from a recognised institution will be considered for postgraduate Masters study. Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level. Holders of Bachelors degree from prestigious institutions (see list below) will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4.0 for 2:1 equivalency or 2.7 for 2:2 equivalency. Applicants with grades slightly below these requirements may also be considered for an offer if they have a relevant Bachelors degree, good scores in relevant modules, or relevant work experience.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from all other institutions will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.2/4.0 for 2:1 equivalency, or 2.8 for 2:2 equivalency.

Prestigious institutions: Assumption University Chiang Mai University Chulalongkorn University Kasetsart University Khon Kaen University King Mongkut University of Technology - Thonburi (known as KMUTT or KMUT) Mahidol University Prince of Songla University Srinakharinwirot University Thammasat University

Holders of a bachelor degree with honours from a recognised Caribbean and West Indies university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. 

Students with a Bachelors degree from the following universities may be considered for entry to postgraduate programmes:

• Ateneo de Manila University - Quezon City
• De La Salle University - Manila
• University of Santo Tomas
• University of the Philippines - Diliman

Students from all other institutions with a Bachelors and a Masters degree or relevant work experience may be considered for postgraduate programmes.

Grading Schemes

1-5 where 1 is the highest 2.1 = 1.75 2.2 = 2.25 

Out of 4.0 where 4 is the highest 2.1 = 3.0 2.2 = 2.5

Letter grades and percentages 2.1 = B / 3.00 / 83% 2.2 = C+ / 2.5 / 77%

Holders of a postdoctoral qualification from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.  Students may be considered for PhD study if they have a Masters from one of the above listed universities.

Holders of a Lisans Diplomasi with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0/4.0 from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a Yuksek Diplomasi from a recognised university will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in the UAE will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (2.1) or GPA of 3.5/5.0

Holders of a good four-year Bachelors degree/ Диплом бакалавра (Dyplom Bakalavra), Диплом спеціаліста (Specialist Diploma) or a Dyplom Magistra from a recognised institution, with a minimum GPA of 4.0/5.0, 3.5/4, 8/12 or 80% or higher for 2:1 equivalence, or a GPA of 3.5/5.0, 3.0/4, 6/12 or 70% for 2:2 equivalence, depending on the awarding institution, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

The University will consider students who hold an Honours degree from a recognised institution in the USA with a GPA of:

• 2.8 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement 
• 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement 

Please note that some subjects which are studied at postgraduate level in the USA, eg. Medicine and Law, are traditionally studied at undergraduate level in the UK.

Holders of the Magistr Diplomi (Master's degree) or Diplomi (Specialist Diploma), awarded by prestigious universities, who have attained high grades in their studies will be considered for postgraduate study.  Holders of the Fanlari Nomzodi (Candidate of Science), where appropriate, will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of the Licenciatura/Título or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Venezuelan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Scales of 1-5, 1-10 and 1-20 are used, an overall score of 70% or equivalent can be considered equivalent to a UK 2.1.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Maestria or equivalent qualification

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Vietnamese institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum GPA of 7.0 and above) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.  Holders of a Masters degree (thac si) will be considered for entry to PhD programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5/5.0 or a mark of 2.0/2.5 (A) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Students who hold a good Bachelor Honours degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

International Students

You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:

• by holding an English language qualification to the right level - IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band
• by taking and successfully completing one of our English courses for international students

Research within the School of Government is aligned to one of three departments and Institutes:

The Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

Dr Columba Achilleos-Sarll Feminist and post/decolonial theory; the Women, Peace and Security agenda; civil society and advocacy; visual global politics.

Dr David Bailey Protest, critical political economy and contemporary capitalism

Dr Stephen Bates British politics; Parliamentary Studies (in comparative perspective or focused on the UK Parliament).

Dr Tendayi Bloom Noncitizenship; Statelessness; Migration governance. 

Dr Verena K. Brändle Digital democracy; social media and politics; European politics; border and migration studies; political communication

Dr Sarah Bufkin Racism and racialization; Black Atlantic political thought; Critical Theory; Cultural Studies.

Professor Peter Burnham Restructuring of the state in the global political economy; State theory and radical theories of IPE; Marx and contemporary Marxism; Economic policy and capitalist crisis.

Dr Mwita Chacha Regional integration; International cooperation; Politics of coups d’état; Public opinion.

Dr Licia Cianetti Democracy and institutional change; democratic regression; inclusion and exclusion from policymaking processes; cities and local democracy.

Dr Laurence Cooley Politics of deeply divided societies (especially Northern Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina); post-conflict power-sharing; politics of the census and identity categorisation.

Professor David Cutts Political and electoral behaviour; Party campaigning turnout; Civic engagement; Populist parties; Social media and politics. 

Dr May Darwich International Relations Theory and the Middle East; Foreign policies of Middle Eastern states; Identity politics in the Middle East; Security policies in the Middle East.

Professor David Dunn US foreign and security policy; Strategic and security studies, and diplomacy and statecraft.

Dr Rita Floyd Ethics of emergency politics, theories of security (especially securitization theory), the English school and environmental security.

Dr Guiditta Fontana Peace processes and war-to-peace transitions. The design of peace accords, Powersharing and Reform of cultural and educational institutions in conflict-affected societies. Multi-method research designs. Politics of Lebanon, Northern Ireland, North Macedonia.

Dr Emma Foster Environmental politics; gender/sexuality and international relations; gender/sexuality and international relations.

Dr Charlotte Galpin European and national identities; European public sphere and media; Euroscepticism, EU citizenship and social movements; The role of Germany or Britain in Europe; Brexit; Gender and feminist approaches to these topics.

Dr Julie Gilson Japanese foreign policy; East Asian regionalism and institutions; Asia-Europe and Japan-Europe relations; Civil society in Asia; Climate change and environmentalism in Asia.

Dr Ruben Gonzalez-Vicente South-South relations; Global China; the political economy of development, especially in Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean; critical political economy; political geography. 

Dr Tim Haughton Contemporary politics of Central and Eastern Europe; Political campaigning; Party politics; Electoral politics.

Dr Laura Jenkins Feminist political theory; Contemporary political theory and British politics.

Dr Deema Kaneff Resources and Social Change; Postsocialist transformations and global capitalism; Property relations; Markets and moralities; Transnational migration, Social exclusion and inequalities. (Europe, Eastern Europe, Bulgaria and Ukraine)

Dr Peter Kerr British politics; State theory and theories of social and political change; UK party politics and party modernisation; Political leadership and governing strategies in the UK; Citizenship and political participation and political sociology. 

Dr George Kyris International conflict, conflict management and resolution; International organisations, especially the European Union; State recognition; Statehood and sovereignty; Secession; unrecognised/ de facto states.

Professor René Lindstädt American Politics; Political Institutions; Accountability; Representation; Legislative politics and institutions; Elections; Political methodology

Dr Huw Macartney International or Comparative Political Economy; Banking and financial market governance; Globalisation, and historical materialism. 

Dr Cerwyn Moore Political violence; international relations theory; Post-Soviet and post-communist security; Interpretive approaches to global politics and Chechnya.

Dr Richard North Any area of contemporary political philosophy, but particularly on justice and liberal and democratic political philosophy.  

Dr Julian Panke European Union Politics; European Neighbourhood Policy; German foreign policy and Eastern European foreign policies (Poland, Slovakia).

Professor Patrick Porter The interaction of power and ideas in the making of foreign and defence policy in the U.S. and U.K, and in shaping their conflicts, classical realism, strategic thought and great power diplomacy.

Dr Adam Quinn US ‘grand strategy’; American national identity; American foreign and security policy; Ideological contest in American politics (contemporary and historical). 

Dr Robert Ralston International Security; Civil-Military Relations; Grand Strategy.

Dr Richard Shorten Political theory, ideology, and rhetoric; fascism, Marxism and totalitarianism; reactionaries and conservatives; the political thought of Hannah Arendt, Albert Camus and George Orwell; intellectual politics of the Cold War.

Dr Asaf Siniver International mediation and conflict resolution; The politics, diplomacy and history of the Arab-Israeli conflict; The Israeli-Palestinian peace process; Contemporary US foreign policy and Foreign Policy Analysis. 

Dr Nicola Smith Gender and sexuality; Feminist political economy; Queer theory; Biopolitics; Body politics; Sex Work; Obesity; Austerity.

Dr Graham Timmins Areas related to the external relations and foreign policy role of the European Union with specific reference to EU-Russia and German-Russian relations.

Dr Tsering Topgyal Chinese foreign and security policy; Tibet and China’s Nationality Policy; Asia-Pacific security and politics; US-China relations; Sino-Indian relations and Security studies. 

Dr Sevasti-Eleni Vezirgiannidou International Environmental Politics; Climate change politics; Environment and trade negotiations; Environmental Regime effectiveness and compliance and The trade-environment debate.

Dr Marco Vieira Rising powers and global order; South-South political cooperation/identity/institutions, South American/Latin American politics; Brazilian foreign policy and International relations theory. 

Dr Yi Wang Memory politics; Nationalism and national identity; Contemporary China; International relations of East Asia; Political communication 

Dr Robert Watt Military History, power and networks, Small Wars/Insurgencies; Native American History & Politics.

Professor Mark Webber NATO; transatlantic relations; European security; American, Russian and British foreign policy; Theories and practices of security

Dr Mark Wenman Continental philosophy; Contemporary political theory; The philosophy of the social sciences; The history of political thought.

Professor Nicholas Wheeler Trust-building between adversaries, especially nuclear armed states; Nuclear weapons and proliferation. 

Professor Kataryna Wolczuk Politics of Russia and post-Soviet countries; EU’s Eastern policy, Russia’s policy towards the post-Soviet states; Regional integration in the post-Soviet space; Nationalism and national identities (across Europe and Eurasia).

Professor Stefan Wolff -  Ethnic conflict, civil war, post-conflict state-building; Geopolitics and great-power rivalry; Central Asia, South Caucasus, Eastern Europe, Western Balkans, Middle East & North Africa.

Dr Christalla Yakinthou Conflict transformation, particularly post-settlement; Transitional justice both in theory and practice, and transitions in the MENA region; The relationship between constitutional design and transitional justice; Power sharing, Cypriot, Lebanese, and Tunisian politics and conflicts and the right to truth in international law and practice, and issues around enforced disappearance and missing people during conflict.

Dr Sotirios Zartaloudis European Union politics and policies; Migration in Europe; European politics; Discourse

The International Development Department (IDD)

Dr Sameen A. Mohsin Ali Bureaucratic politics; politics of development, donor engagement, and public sector reform; public health, especially with regard to vaccination; politics of South Asia (especially Pakistan)

Dr Philip Amis Urbanisation; Urban policy; Poverty and housing.

Not currently accepting new PhD supervision applications 

Dr Danielle Beswick UK development policy, including parliamentary scrutiny and public engagement in this; UK Africa relations; The UK Conservative Party and development; Politics, identity and security in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Rwanda; Knowledge exchange between universities and legislatures.

Dr Brock Bersaglio The political ecology of biodiversity conservation, wild meat (including food sovereignty), and zoonotic disease in eastern/southern Africa; anti-, post- and settler colonial development studies

Dr Adrian Campbell Public and local government reform, especially in transitional states. 

Professor Nic Cheeseman  Elections and democratization; The formation of a social contract in new democracies; Power-sharing and the politics of inclusion; Populism and strategies of political mobilization; African political thought. 

Dr David Cobley Disability-inclusive approaches to development, especially in the areas of poverty reduction, livelihood development, inclusive education and disaster risk reduction.

Dr Niheer Dasandi Politics of international development and foreign aid; development and human rights; politics of climate change and health; foreign policy and development  

Dr Jonathan Fisher Authoritarianism and authoritarian rule; (in)security and conflict; international politics of aid and peacekeeping; particular interest in sub-Saharan Africa.

Professor David Hudson Politics of leadership and coalitions; public opinion, survey analysis, and experiments; migration decision making; network analysis.

Professor Paul Jackson Conflict and post-conflict reconstruction; security sector reform and international intervention; combatants, politics and social reintegration; peacebuilding; economic development.

Dr Chris Lyon Politics of development; political theory; democracy, participation, decentralisation; social justice; development ethics

Professor Heather Marquette The politics of development and foreign policy; Corruption, kleptocracy and organised crime; Anti-corruption/counter-organised crime strategies and interventions

Dr Claire McLoughlin State legitimacy; The politics of public service delivery; The role of ideas in development.

Dr Emeka Njoku Critical security studies; Terrorism and counter-terrorism; Nonprofit organisations; conflict-related gender/sexual violence; State-civil society relations; peacebuilding.

Professor Fiona Nunan Renewable natural resource governance, management and livelihoods in low- and middle-income countries, especially fisheries and coastal ecosystems and community-based or collaborative governance.

Dr Martin Ottmann Political economy of civil war and development, including peace processes and negotiated settlements; Power-sharing, resource redistribution, elections, and political trust after war. PhD applications relying on advanced statistical research methods, mixed-methods designs, and modern methods of causal inference are particularly welcome. 

Dr Emily Scott Humanitarianism, health, and migration; international organisation (IOs) and international non-governmental organisations (INGOs); state-society relations, particularly in the Middle East; conflict and security; localization and the international politics of aid.

Dr Merisa Thompson Feminist political economy; food and agrarian studies; the politics of gender and development; histories of colonialism, particularly the Caribbean.

Dr Kailing Xie Contemporary Chinese society, Gender and reproductive politics, the politics of nation-building; Civil Society; governance beyond the state; collective memory and emotions; Chinese diaspora;feminist epistemologies and methodologies.

Department of Public Administration and Policy (DPAP)

Dr Koen Bartels Social innovation; Democratic innovation; Public encounters; Urban governance; Action research; Interpretive policy analysis; Communication; Practice theory; Relational public policy and administration.

Dr Karin Bottom   The role of small parties; Comparative politics; Policy analysis; Elections and quantitative methodologies.

Dr May Chu Risk regulation; Collaborative governance; Food safety and sustainability

Dr Abena Dadze-Arthur Transfer and brokering of knowledge across cultural and institutional boundaries. Decolonizing, transforming, and indigenising approaches to public management and governance. The scientific study of subjectivity (Q Methodology)

Dr Stephen Jeffares Projects that draw on social media data to understand change or controversies in public policy. 

Dr Timea Nochta Networks in governance and policy; Complexity; Smart cities, digitalisation and e-government; Climate change and net zero; Network analysis; Mixed methods

Dr Louise Reardon Multi-level governance; Policy networks; Agenda setting; Policy change; Policy implementation; Transport policy; Wellbeing and quality of life; Smart cities. 

Dr Philip Whiteman Policy implementation studies; Central and local government relations; Regulation of local government; Local authority corporate management scrutiny; Public sector performance, procurement and efficiency; Public consultation and participation; Organisation dynamics. 

You will contact your supervisor approximately monthly (every 2 months for part-time students) over the course of your study. Supervisors are experienced in managing the research process and are chosen to complement your area of interest. You will discuss your research with a panel annually. The panel is chaired by an experienced researcher from the department, and includes your supervisor and another member of staff. It provides an important opportunity to present progress on your research and to have a wider discussion about your work.

Your supervisor will read and comment on drafts of your thesis before it is finally submitted. An external and an internal examiner (who will not be your supervisor) will then examine it, and will meet with you for a viva. They will judge whether your thesis demonstrates:

• Knowledge of the relevant academic literature
• Skill in use of research methods
• Independent investigation
• Clear presentation of information
• Arguments presented in a coherent and appropriate form

MPhil students must show original work of merit that is worthy of publication. The requirement for PhDs is that the work is an original contribution to knowledge that is worthy of publication.

If I gain a postgraduate research degree in Local Government Studies, what are my career prospects?

In addition to the academic knowledge gained through their course, postgraduates from Birmingham’s Institute of Local Government Studies develop transferable skills that are useful in many occupations. These include familiarity with research methods; the ability to manage large and diverse quantities of information; the ability to organise information in a logical and coherent manner; judging and evaluating complex information; and making reasoned arguments, both orally and in written work.

Institute of Local Government Studies graduates are attracted to careers in both public and private sectors. These include local government, policing, health services, transport, legal services, prison services and housing. Some of these careers require further professional training, and/or building a portfolio of relevant work experience. Many PhD graduates of the Institute of Local Government Studies also successfully gain academic research and teaching posts.

What type of career assistance is available to doctoral researchers in this department?

The College of Social Sciences, to which the Institute of Local Government Studies belongs, has specially designated careers advisors and careers consultants who can provide guidance for doctoral researchers on career paths, CVs, training opportunities, application and interviews. The University’s central Careers’ Service also runs workshops and offers personally tailored advice and guidance including 1-1 careers advice, 1-1 CV advice. The Career’s Service also runs CV writing workshops especially for postgraduates in the College of Social Sciences, giving advice on how to compile CVs for both employment and for academic roles.

The University also has dedicated careers advisors for International students who run workshops and networking opportunities with potential employers. These are especially popular with International postgraduate researchers.

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Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Political Economy

Program description.

Our nationally recognized, interdisciplinary PhD in Public Policy and Political Economy degree program offers training opportunities for doctoral students from internationally renowned faculty. The mission of the program is to prepare our students for professional positions in research, teaching, and practice in fields related to public policy and political economy, in both academic and nonacademic settings. We prepare students through instruction in social science and public policy concepts, advanced methodological knowledge, applied social research techniques and professional communication skills.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program seek positions such as: academics and researcher, policy analysts, government officials, consultants in development policy, foreign and security policy, public administration and public policy.

Marketable Skills

Review the marketable skills for this academic program.

Application Requirements

Degree requirements:  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

GPA:  Minimum of 3.2.

Test score required:  Yes

A score of 160 Verbal and a score of 148 Quantitative on the GRE, or equivalent score on the GMAT is preferred.

Letters of recommendation:  3

Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation from individuals who can judge the candidate’s probability of success in graduate school. Use the electronic request form in the graduate application to submit the letters. Contact the graduate academic program department if you have any questions.

Admissions essay required:  Yes

A one-page essay outlining the applicant’s background, education, and professional objectives.

Deadlines:  University  deadlines  apply.

About the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences

Every new generation inherits a world more complex than that of its predecessors, which prompts a need for new thinking about public policies that impact people’s daily lives. In the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences (EPPS), we examine the implications of innovation and change for individuals and communities. The social sciences are where the world turns to for answers to the important issues of today and the future such as education and health policy, financial crises, globalization, policing, political polarization, public management, terrorism, and the application of geographical information sciences to study social, economic and environmental issues.

As an undergraduate in EPPS, you will have the opportunity to work with professors who are probing issues that will affect your future. You will develop the vital skills you need to thrive in a rapidly evolving, highly competitive job market. EPPS will prepare you for careers in government, non-profits and the private sector that enable you to make a real difference in the world of today and tomorrow. EPPS is at the forefront of leadership, ethics and innovation in the public and nonprofit sectors. Our students and faculty look forward to new opportunities to study and address the complex and evolving issues of the future. Research informs much of the instruction. The school has four centers of excellence:

• Center for Global Collective Action
• Texas Schools Project
• Institute for Urban Policy Research
• The Negotiations Center

Degrees Offered

Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts : Criminology , economics , geospatial information sciences , international political economy , political science , public affairs , public health , public policy , sociology

Master of Science : Applied sociology , criminology , economics , geospatial information sciences , international political economy , social data analytics and research

Master of Arts : Political science

Master of Public Affairs : Public affairs

Master of Public Policy : Public policy

Doctor of Philosophy : Criminology , economics , geospatial information sciences , political science , public affairs , public policy and political economy

Certificates

EPPS offers the following 15-hour graduate certificates, which generally can be completed in one year of part-time evening classes:

• Economic and Demographic Data Analysis : focusing on the understanding and application of quantitative analysis of demographic and economic data.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) : focusing on the application of GIS in government, private sector and scientific areas.
• Geospatial Intelligence : focusing on the application of geospatial ideas and techniques to national security and other intelligence activity.
• Local Government Management : designed to broaden knowledge of important issues and approaches employed by professional local public administrators.
• Nonprofit Management : designed to provide an overview of the nature and context of nonprofit organizations and develop competencies needed by nonprofit managers.
• Program Evaluation : designed to provide students the opportunity to gain competencies in the design and implementation of program evaluations in fields such as education, health care, human services, criminal justice and economic development.
• Remote Sensing : focusing on remote sensing and digital image processing.

Contact Information

Renee’ Green Graduate Program Administrator Email:  [email protected] Phone: 972-883-3593

Dr. Thomas Gray Associate Program Head and Director of Graduate Studies Email:  [email protected] Phone: 972-883-4948

Degree Information Dr. Tom Brunell, Program Head Email:  [email protected] Phone: 972-883-4963

epps.utdallas.edu/

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FACT SHEET: President   Biden Announces New Actions to Keep Families   Together

Since his first day in office, President Biden has called on Congress to secure our border and address our broken immigration system. As Congressional Republicans have continued to put partisan politics ahead of national security – twice voting against the toughest and fairest set of reforms in decades – the President and his Administration have taken actions to secure the border, including:

• Implementing executive actions to bar migrants who cross our Southern border unlawfully from receiving asylum when encounters are high;
• Deploying record numbers of law enforcement personnel, infrastructure, and technology to the Southern border;
• Seizing record amounts of fentanyl at our ports of entry;
• Revoking the visas of CEOs and government officials outside the U.S. who profit from migrants coming to the U.S. unlawfully; and
• Expanding efforts to dismantle human smuggling networks and prosecuting individuals who violate immigration laws.

President Biden believes that securing the border is essential. He also believes in expanding lawful pathways and keeping families together, and that immigrants who have been in the United States for decades, paying taxes and contributing to their communities, are part of the social fabric of our country. The Day One immigration reform plan that the President sent to Congress reflects both the need for a secure border and protections for the long-term undocumented. While Congress has failed to act on these reforms, the Biden-Harris Administration has worked to strengthen our lawful immigration system. In addition to vigorously defending the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood arrivals) policy, the Administration has extended Affordable Care Act coverage to DACA recipients and streamlined, expanded, and instituted new reunification programs so that families can stay together while they complete the immigration process.  Still, there is more that we can do to bring peace of mind and stability to Americans living in mixed-status families as well as young people educated in this country, including Dreamers. That is why today, President Biden announced new actions for people who have been here many years to keep American families together and allow more young people to contribute to our economy.   Keeping American Families Together

• Today, President Biden is announcing that the Department of Homeland Security will take action to ensure that U.S. citizens with noncitizen spouses and children can keep their families together.
• This new process will help certain noncitizen spouses and children apply for lawful permanent residence – status that they are already eligible for – without leaving the country.
• These actions will promote family unity and strengthen our economy, providing a significant benefit to the country and helping U.S. citizens and their noncitizen family members stay together.
• In order to be eligible, noncitizens must – as of June 17, 2024 – have resided in the United States for 10 or more years and be legally married to a U.S. citizen, while satisfying all applicable legal requirements. On average, those who are eligible for this process have resided in the U.S. for 23 years.
• Those who are approved after DHS’s case-by-case assessment of their application will be afforded a three-year period to apply for permanent residency. They will be allowed to remain with their families in the United States and be eligible for work authorization for up to three years. This will apply to all married couples who are eligible.  
• This action will protect approximately half a million spouses of U.S. citizens, and approximately 50,000 noncitizen children under the age of 21 whose parent is married to a U.S. citizen.

Easing the Visa Process for U.S. College Graduates, Including Dreamers

• President Obama and then-Vice President Biden established the DACA policy to allow young people who were brought here as children to come out of the shadows and contribute to our country in significant ways. Twelve years later, DACA recipients who started as high school and college students are now building successful careers and establishing families of their own.
• Today’s announcement will allow individuals, including DACA recipients and other Dreamers, who have earned a degree at an accredited U.S. institution of higher education in the United States, and who have received an offer of employment from a U.S. employer in a field related to their degree, to more quickly receive work visas.
• Recognizing that it is in our national interest to ensure that individuals who are educated in the U.S. are able to use their skills and education to benefit our country, the Administration is taking action to facilitate the employment visa process for those who have graduated from college and have a high-skilled job offer, including DACA recipients and other Dreamers. 

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• What Is Public Policy?

What Is the Public Policy Major?

Public policy is a great major for someone who wants to make a positive impact in the world. It looks at what the government does, doesn’t do, and could do to address public problems such as climate change, healthcare, education, immigration, policing, technology, sustainable development, and more. Majors think about how the government, nonprofits, the private sector, and individuals interface to tackle these societal issues. They may take leadership and management courses, so they are poised to lead public agencies or to create and manage nonprofit organizations and social enterprises.

How Do Public Policy Majors Affect Change?

Policies have a real impact on people’s everyday lives. Take, for example, the problem of higher education affordability.  A public policy major would learn how the political environment and federal branches of government impact higher education policy passage and implementation, utilize economic concepts to understand public funding and market conditions that led to the rise in cost, and analyze data on race/ethnicity, gender, and class to fully understand the problem.

They would learn how to manage public programs, so they could work at the Department of Education implementing a loan forgiveness program. They would learn how to be effective leaders, so they could offer college debt counseling at a nonprofit. They would learn managerial skills, so they could start a social enterprise to provide emergency loans to students.  

Our students have dreams of social change, and we will help them build a toolbox to come up with creative solutions, assess their feasibility, and hone their writing and presentation skills to persuade others to join in support.  They are able to take management classes specifically designed for social mission organizations. 

What Are the Program Specifics?

The major in public policy helps students understand and address complex policy issues from broadband access in rural areas to how to combat global climate change. The major requires foundational courses such as statistics and microeconomics. It also allows for 20-credits of electives based on a student’s interests within a range of public policy areas and contexts—public, nonprofit, and social enterprise management. 

In the senior capstone project, you will bring together your skills and knowledge to help solve real-world policy and management problems. There are an array of capstone options from a team consulting project for a government or nonprofit organization to collaborating with a School of Public Policy faculty member on a university research project to developing an independent project or thesis. Whichever you choose, it will help you bridge from college into your professional career.

What Are Career Options with a Public Policy Degree?

We provide career services, including a professional development seminar, internship support, job placement support, mentorship, and an engaged alumni network. With your public policy degree, you can go on to work in government or nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and abroad. You may decide to start your own social enterprise, or you may continue on to graduate school. The public policy major provides a solid foundation for law school, doctoral programs, and an array of professional masters programs in public policy and management, education, public health, and business.

• Major Requirements
• Exploring and Declaring the Major
• Careers for Public Policy Majors
• Upcoming Events
• Scholarships
• Undergraduate Minor
• Undergraduate Course List
• Research Opportunities

University of Massachusetts Amherst Thompson Hall 200 Hicks Way Amherst, MA 01003

Phone: 413-545-2278

Master of Public Policy and Administration

Educating tomorrow’s policy leaders in a practical, skills-forward online program.

ONLINE MASTER OF PUBLIC POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION

York College of Pennsylvania’s Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) degree program provides a fresh approach to public policy and public administration studies. Our MPPA graduate curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical experiences, ensuring that students have a comprehensive understanding of their field.

Whether you are a recent graduate or a working professional seeking leadership positions, this fully online master’s degree in public policy and administration incorporates real-world training so you can develop and administer 21st-century public policies in government, nonprofit, private sector, or advocacy organizations.

Designed with working professionals in mind, the online MPPA degree program is highly customizable. Gain a greater understanding of the policy challenges and administrative issues facing your field or community, and put into practice applicable solutions in response.

About the Online MPPA Degree

Key courses, online public policy and administration degree requirements.

Our online MPPA degree program teaches students techniques and strategies to analyze, understand, and advocate for policy, as well as manage public sector teams and projects. The program is flexible and delivered entirely online with hands-on learning opportunities that showcase both analytical and soft skills in communication and management.

Your thesis project varies based on your experience level, completed either in an applied research setting or through an experiential learning component. The program includes 30 credits of core courses and 6 credits of elective courses, which students can choose based on their goals and personal work. These range from public health and private healthcare policy to education policy.

Our faculty members are highly experienced and offer top-notch instruction in various career pathways. The online Master of Public Policy and Administration degree program can be completed in as few as four semesters, with options for full-time and part-time enrollment.

Urban Planning Concentration

This interdisciplinary online program contains core and elective courses from a range of perspectives that allows students from all industries to further their niche training. If you want to take on a policy role or advance to management levels in the urban planning field, demonstrate your elevated knowledge through an Urban Planning concentration pathway.

Courses that may be required or available for students pursuing the Urban Planning pathway vary but may include:

• MPA 512: History and Theory of Urban Planning
• MPA 561: Advanced Geographic Information Systems

Nonprofit Leadership Concentration

Course offerings vary each semester based on online availability. Courses that could further your career in nonprofit administration, policy education, or other community causes include:

• MPA 514: Nonprofits and Public Policy
• MPA 515: Strategic Planning and Management
• MBA 556: Executive Leadership

Local Government Concentration

Pursuing advanced knowledge to support your career in local government allows you to more effectively manage and implement policy and public programs for various municipal functions. 

• MPA 513: Seminar on Local Government
• MPA 517: Governmental Budgeting
• MPA 518: Public Sector Organizations

4+1 Degree Option for Undergraduates

If you are a York undergraduate studying any major, including political science, economics, or public history, the College offers the online master’s in Public Policy and Administration program as a 4+1 degree. This allows undergraduate students to obtain both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in a total of five years.

Earn a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and Administration Online With York College of Pennsylvania

The online master's degree program in Public Policy and Administration at York College of Pennsylvania equips students with the necessary experience and training to become effective leaders in public service. By leveraging policy, graduates of this engaged and accessible program can make a tangible impact in their communities.

Ready to begin or advance your career with an online MPPA? Review graduate program admissions requirements and begin your application today .

Career Opportunities & Benefits

Careers for graduates in the government and private sectors.

Whether you are a recent graduate seeking more training and experience in public administration and policy, or you have experience in working with public programs, funding, or a cause you are passionate about, the skills you gain and the people you meet in the online Master’s in Public Policy and Administration degree program opens doors to career growth and success in fulfilling roles that make real impacts.

Graduates of York’s online MPPA degree program are extensively equipped to enter or advance to roles in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, public policy programs, and private industry. Areas that graduates succeed in include:

• Political office
• Legislative operations
• Management of government departments
• City project management
• Policy research
• Media relations
• Community outreach management
• Funding management 

Prepare to excel as a manager or policy consultant in areas of private business or human services by tailoring your studies and research projects to gain practical skills. Bring your expertise in policy analysis and implementation to fields such as health, tech, manufacturing, media, education, insurance, and energy, or drive change through nonprofit management, advocacy work, policy research, or governmental relations.

The online master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration ensures you knowledgeably tackle issues and provide solutions, whether you pursue elected office; manage public works, parks and recreation, or tax departments; or leverage local and federal policy to better the lives of individuals through nonprofit or private enterprise.

Prepare for Advanced Professions and Further Education

York’s practical and flexible online Master of Public Policy and Administration degree program is excellent preparation for students who will move on to further academic and professional training in pursuit of advanced careers in academics, politics, and urban development.

Whether you are seeking certification in an advanced field or want to become further qualified for roles in policy research, higher education, or public service, use the online MPPA degree program as a springboard to programs and careers such as:

• PhD in Public Policy and Administration
• Research Associate/Fellow
• Certified Urban Planner

Salary and Career Outlook for MPPA Graduates

Holding a graduate degree in policy and public administration is an ideal way to enter related fields at a higher salary point and skillfully perform in leadership roles. The online Public Policy and Administration master’s program can open pathways to roles with the following rewarding annual compensations:

• Policy analysts —$63,802
• Local, tribal, state, or federal legislators —$71,100
• Urban and regional planners —$78,500
• City administrators —$80,200
• Government project managers —$86,122
• Emergency managers —$88,890
• Policy consultants —$101,059
• Medical and health managers —$101,340
• Public works managers —$111,691
• Political scientists —$122,510
• Public relations managers —$150,030

Internships & Work Experience

Conduct public policy research.

Research and applied experiences are integrated into online classrooms, intentionally allowing students to complete projects relevant to their field. Analyze and provide a solution to improve the logistics of a function of your governmental office or agency, evaluate a community project’s effectiveness, or research the history of a certain policy that affects your industry.

Apart from coursework, the Arthur J. Glatfelter Institute for Public Policy at York College provides ample opportunities for students to join research initiatives in service of local organizations and agencies. As a student-staffed, faculty-led organization, the Glatfelter Institute completes commissioned research as well as student-directed research agendas that make real impacts in the community.

Learn about public policy research at York College of Pennsylvania.

Become a York MPPA Scholar-In-Residence

Every two years, the online Master of Public Policy and Administration program offers a qualified student a research residency for the entirety of the two-year degree.

An incredible opportunity to advance a student’s education, the Scholar-In-Residence program provides full tuition remission, a rent-free, unfurnished apartment, special research assignments, a shared workspace, and a monthly stipend.

To qualify, you must apply to the online MPPA program, have earned a bachelor’s degree, and demonstrate an interest and/or experience in public policy or public administration. In each cycle, the research focus area of the ideal Scholar-in-Residence shifts.

Learn about how to become this year’s MPPA Scholar-in-Residence .

Mentorship & Community

Learn from expert scholars, researchers, and policymakers.

Students in the online public policy and administration program have firsthand access to learn from experienced public administrators on faculty, and policy research experts.

From the Glatfelter Institute to on-campus and virtual events, York College’s deep ties in the region foster current and future opportunities for students in the private sector, non-profits, and government organizations.

Center for Community Engagement

York believes in connecting students to community thought leaders and experts in their field. Our Center for Community Engagement reflects this belief and is the central hub for networking opportunities and finding ways to make impactful change through community connections.

A recent effort between an MPPA student and the greater York, Pennsylvania community is the Urban Collaborative , a project focused on empowering individuals through revitalized real estate and affordable housing.

Learn about project- and community-based learning at York College .

Employee Tuition Benefits

York’s innovative and flexible graduate programs are invaluable to working professionals seeking career advancement. It’s just as beneficial to employers to invest in their talented employees and prepare them for the next step. We partner with several businesses and organizations to provide a discounted tuition rate for their employees, so reach out to your Human Resources department to determine if your organization is a participant.

High-Demand Skills

High-demand skills for careers in policy and public administration.

As a student in the Master of Public Policy and Administration online degree program, gain real-world skills that facilitate successful policy interventions and effective management of public or private offices. From soft skills in presentation and vocal and written communication to hard statistical analysis, you’ll begin to apply valuable skills including:

• How to effectively analyze and understand issues at the community level
• Managing channels and individuals to influence legislative processes from local to national levels
• Processes of public program evaluation from the perspectives of private entities and public service organizations
• Execution and optimization of business imperatives including HR, strategic plans, and business financials
• Administration of grant and funding acquisition
• Functional leadership skills, from team dynamics, conflict management, and change management
• How to apply cost-benefit and economic/statistical analysis on suggested policies

Master of Public Policy and Administration Courses

Your class schedule will include a series of core courses related to your field and taught by faculty experts.

Careers in Public Policy Administration

A master's degree in Public Policy Administration opens up a variety of career opportunities. Some of your options may include:

Policy Analyst

City administrator, emergency manager, political scientist, frequently asked questions, what is an mppa degree.

A Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) degree is a type of graduate program that combines coursework in policy and organizational administration.

Typically, graduates of MPPA programs are prepared to enter and advance careers in government administration, nonprofit or community organization management, or policy. These programs orient students to analyzing legislative policy and government programs, as well as professional leadership skills.

What is the difference between a master of public policy and a master of public administration?

While the MPPA is a popular program for students interested in knowing both the analytical and practical procedures of advanced government and public works positions, two other degree types exist: the Master of Public Policy (MPP) and the Master of Public Administration (MPA).

Policy-focused programs teach the design, evaluation, and implementation of policy and legislation, and administration-only programs prepare directors of government agencies and related professionals.

What can I do with an MPPA degree? Is getting an MPPA degree online worth it?

Graduates of Master of Policy and Public Administration degree programs are equipped with the interdisciplinary skills necessary to work in roles ranging from data analysis, public media relations, and policy creation to public and private sector organizational management. If you’re interested in both the policy side and the execution side, an MPPA degree comprehensively prepares you.

Earning a Master of Public Policy and Administration degree online is an accessible way to gain high-level skills in essential political and public service capacities. With fluid networking and research opportunities, York’s online MPPA degree program is just as valuable to your career and resume as a traditional in-person program.

Graduate and Professional Studies Staff

Master of Public Policy Administration in Action

York College, PA Department of Auditor General partner to provide tuition discount

Bronley Martin Merges Theory And Practice In York’s Urban Revitalization And Beyond

York College of PA, Commonwealth of PA Partner to Offer Tuition Discount to Commonwealth Employees

Related programs, strategic leadership and management, m.a..

Take the next step in your chosen career field, whether you’re a recent graduate, career changer, or emerging leader in your organization. In accessible online graduate courses designed for working professionals , you’ll learn how to take an interdisciplinary approach to critical business issues and prepare to become a leader in your field.

Nonprofit Leadership Certificate

Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting your career, our four-course, post-baccalaureate Nonprofit Leadership certificate program will provide you with foundational knowledge of the intersection between nonprofit management and sustainable social change.

Urban Planning Certificate

Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting your career, our five-course, post-baccalaureate Urban Planning Certificate program will provide you with the necessary foundation to succeed in the planning field. 

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Criminal Justice Department Launches Innovative Online Graduate Degree with Mental Health Policy Concentration

Homelessness. Addiction. Incarceration. Those are just three examples of how mental health intersects with the criminal justice system. UNT Dallas is leading the way to empower leaders who can implement solutions to those challenges.

“I have seen firsthand how serious mental health issues are impacting our communities and the horrible impact they are having on our society,” said David Brown, former Dallas Police Chief and Chicago Police Superintendent.

The need for new policies, strategies, and perspective has never been greater. UNT Dallas is committed to delivering an innovative higher education program that elevates current and future leaders in the criminal justice profession. They will gain extensive knowledge and the analytical skills necessary to effectively manage the enormous challenges that mental illness presents in the administration of justice.

“We, as law enforcement leaders, understand that we will not ‘arrest our way’ out of this situation,” said Charles Cato, a Texas peace officer for more than three decades. “As frontline observers, we must actively participate in developing robust mental health policies to address these issues proactively.”

Recognizing the urgent need and critical challenges, the UNT Dallas Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology is introducing a first-of-its-kind 100% online Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Mental Health Policy . This graduate program, offered nationally by UNT Dallas, is now accepting applications and will launch in the Fall 2024 semester.

“This new and novel approach in criminal justice education will no doubt be a catalyst for the rest of the nation,” said Brown, who is just one of numerous public safety and criminal justice leaders endorsing the new UNT Dallas program.

The mental health crisis in America affects the police, the courts, and the correctional system. It intensifies violence, fuels addiction, worsens homelessness, and increases volatile jail and prison populations.

“Unfortunately, our jails and prisons have effectively become the largest provider of mental health services in the nation,” said Robert W. Francis, Senior State District Judge of the Dallas County 4-C Re-entry Court.

The 36 credit hour, online MSCJ degree is designed for working professionals. It is highly immersive, combining theory, application, and experiential learning into 8-week terms. Students will delve into the social and behavioral sciences and the relation of law and ethics to crime.

The concentration in Mental Health Policy focuses on the many connections between mental health and components of the criminal justice system. The curriculum is policy-focused and non-clinical. 

“This new specialization offers a dynamic and forward-thinking approach to addressing mental health issues in every facet of policing and the criminal justice system,” said Angela Shaw, Assistant Chief of the Dallas Police Department. “It will solidify UNTD as a pioneer in reimagining public service and setting a new standard for creating mental health policy.”

The MSCJ with a Concentration in Mental Health Policy from UNT Dallas is a unique opportunity for individuals in leadership and service positions to increase their expertise and proficiency, positioning themselves for more impactful outcomes, significant achievements, and career advancement.

UNT Dallas recognizes that members of the criminal justice profession themselves are among those who need mental health support. 

The Caruth Police Institute at UNT Dallas operates the Texas Law Enforcement Peer Network and the Texas Blue Chip Program , which, in partnership with the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute, provide mental health services for law enforcement and public safety officers statewide.  

“The complexities surrounding mental health issues and their intersection with the criminal justice system demand a nuanced approach,” said John Creuzot, Dallas County District Attorney. “I believe this specialization will not only enhance the educational experience for students but also contribute to the broader societal goal of creating a more informed, compassionate, and effective criminal justice system.”

The UNT Dallas Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology is proud of its talented, committed faculty members , who have decades of real-world experience and established relationships with criminal justice professionals in multiple jurisdictions. “Individually and collectively, our faculty’s experience, expertise and dedication make UNT Dallas uniquely positioned to offer this innovative, 100% online degree,” said Dr. J. Eric Coleman, Senior Lecturer and MSCJ Program Coordinator in the UNT Dallas Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology.

“I believe UNTD’s Mental Health Policy track would provide criminal justice practitioners access to well-educated experts with broad-based knowledge and analytical skills needed to assist in our daily work,” said Judge Francis.

The deadline to apply for the Fall 2024 inaugural cohort is Aug. 5 . Classes begin the week of Aug. 26.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in English

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Enhance Your Knowledge of Literary Theory, Research, and Writing with Liberty’s Ph.D. in English

Are you looking to deepen your understanding of literature, textual analysis, and the English language? Liberty University’s online Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in English is designed to help you do just that. This program gives you the chance to engage with complex texts, develop original research, and contribute to scholarly discussions in English studies.

Our online doctorate in English offers a comprehensive exploration of literature and major authors from a variety of time periods as well as the historical development of the English language. Throughout the program, you can hone your analytical skills and prepare to contribute innovative research to the existing body of academic knowledge, potentially influencing both scholarly and public discourse.

This program may be a great fit if you aspire to teach English, literature, or related subjects at the collegiate level. You can not only enrich your own understanding of important texts but also become equipped to guide the next generation of college students through studies in literary theory, writing, and more.

What Will You Learn in Liberty University’s Doctorate in English Online?

• American and British literature
• Christian literary tradition and major Christian authors
• Literary theory and advanced textual analysis
• Methods and materials of research
• Origin and evolution of English

In addition to taking core English classes, you’ll have the ability to customize your education through elective courses. That way, you can pursue specialized interests and topics that align with your academic and career goals. Your studies will culminate in the completion of a dissertation, where you will conduct research and work to contribute new knowledge to the field of English. The dissertation process gives you an opportunity to showcase your expertise and lay a strong foundation for your future academic or professional endeavors.

Potential Careers for Graduates of Our Ph.D. in English Online Program

• Literary agent

Benefits of Pursuing Your Doctorate in English Online with Liberty University

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
• Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
• We want to provide you with the freedom to balance your studies with personal and professional commitments, which is why our Ph.D. in English is offered 100% online.

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Here’s how:

• If you’re earning or have earned a master’s degree through Liberty, you automatically qualify for the low price (when you begin within 2 years of your master’s completion).
• If you haven’t earned a graduate degree through Liberty, our Executive Certificate program allows you to pay only $300/credit hour for a postgraduate certificate that can stand alone or potentially count as the first 21 hours of a related doctoral degree. Then pay just $300/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more!

Credit Hours

Available Online

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Next Start Date

Aug 19, 2024

Accreditation

Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

Areas of Interest

Choose your area of Interest:

Training Champions for Christ

Liberty’s promise to you is an education that expertly brings knowledge and faith together. Here, education is designed around you. It connects you to people and opportunities that help you develop the skills and confidence you’re looking for. At Liberty, you’ll find the knowledge, experience, and mentorship you want to make your career — and life — a fulfilling one.

Why Liberty

Liberty University is not just another school. It is the realization of a dream, the product of thousands of prayers. It was built to invite students into a bigger, better story. Discover the Liberty difference for yourself.

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When it comes to choosing a college, finances make a difference. That’s why at Liberty, we believe in offering you a top-notch education — that’s also affordable. Discover how Liberty can help you keep your college costs down.

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Academic Excellence

Liberty University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and certain programs have earned additional field-specific accreditation as well.