PhD in Public Administration

This doctorate in Public Administration and Public Affairs, from the Center for Public Administration and Policy, provides the intellectual foundation and analytical skills for scholarly work on current public administration and policy questions. It emphasizes public service values, fairness, and ethical leadership. Early coursework covers theory and research methods, including foundation courses on public organizations, leadership and management, normative foundations, and policy processes and design. Advanced seminars, electives, a capstone research seminar spanning two semesters, and a dissertation follow, supported by a doctoral mentoring program. Graduates are prepared for academic careers and for research and analysis roles in government and the private sector. Students may be based in Blacksburg or at the Washington, D.C. area location in Arlington. The program is located within the Center for Public Administration and Policy.