Doctor of Philosophy - Public Affairs

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Public Affairs at UNLV prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, and public service. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research and scholarship focused on governmental and nonprofit organizations, equipping students with advanced research skills, analytical thinking, and effective communication abilities. Graduates are well-positioned for roles as college professors, research analysts, policy analysts, and government officials.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs (Ph.D.) program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is designed to prepare graduates for careers in academic research and teaching, policy analysis, and research-based roles in public, private, and nonprofit organizations. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research and scholarship focused on governmental and nonprofit organizations. Graduates are expected to be equipped for advanced teaching and research within academic institutions and for conducting research within governmental and other research-based organizations.

Objectives:

• To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the theories and methods of public affairs research.
• To develop students' research skills and prepare them to conduct original research.
• To enhance students' analytical and critical thinking skills.
• To foster students' ability to communicate their research findings effectively.
• To prepare students for careers in academia, research, and public service.

Outline:

The Ph.D. in Public Affairs program consists of 46 credits of coursework, including:

• Required Core Courses (10 credits):
• PAF 701 - Origins and Development of Public Policy in America
• PAF 702 - Role of Government in Society
• PAF 703 - Institutions and Policy Decisions
• PAF 704 - Public Affairs as a Profession
• Analytical Studies Core Courses (12 credits):
• PAF 710 - Theory and Design of Research
• PAF 711 - Advanced Seminar in Quantitative Research in Public Affairs
• Two additional departmental-approved 3-credit analytical courses that emphasize quantitative or qualitative research methods.
• Area of Specialization Courses (12 credits):
• 12 credits of advisor-approved elective coursework at the 700-level in a specific area of public policy.
• Dissertation (12 credits):
• PAF 799 - Dissertation Research in Public Affairs
Students must also complete a written exam covering coursework in both the core and analytical areas of study, defend their dissertation prospectus, and present and orally defend their dissertation research.

Assessment:

Students are evaluated through a combination of methods, including:

• Coursework grades
• Written exams
• Research papers
• Dissertation proposal defense
• Dissertation defense

Teaching:

The Ph.D. in Public Affairs program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members with expertise in a wide range of public affairs topics. The program emphasizes a research-intensive approach to learning, with students actively engaged in research projects throughout their coursework.

Careers:

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Public Affairs program are prepared for a variety of careers in academia, research, and public service. Potential career paths include:

• College or university professor
• Research analyst
• Policy analyst
• Program evaluator
• Consultant
• Government official