Program Overview
Program Overview
The PhD in Public Administration and Policy program at Rockefeller College prepares students for a successful research career, primarily in academia, by providing advanced education and mentoring in theory-driven interdisciplinary social science research.
Program of Study
The core PhD curriculum covers the theoretical foundations of public administration and public policy, advanced research design, and professional development. Students take additional coursework in public management, public policy, or public financial management, and receive rigorous training in specialized methods tools such as econometrics, qualitative methods, spatial analysis, and network analysis.
Core Courses
- Field Seminar in Public Policy
- Scholarly Foundations of Politics and Administration
- Research Design
- Advanced Quantitative Analysis
- Scholarly Foundations of Public Administration
Fields of Concentration
Students focus their studies by taking two advanced research tools appropriate to their planned research approach, and five or more courses in one of three fields of study:
Public Policy
Study public policy problems from an interdisciplinary perspective to support decision making on important applied public policy issues. Develop an expertise in a policy area, and be trained to design and manage policy research projects in diverse academic, private, or government settings.
Public Financial Management
Study how public and nonprofit managers plan for, acquire, and manage financial resources. Conduct research on a variety of topics such as state and local government budgeting and financial management, education finance, healthcare finance, and nonprofit financial management.
Public Management
Examine management challenges within public and nonprofit organizations, and the challenges and opportunities presented by politics, inter- and intra-governmental interactions, and multi-sector policy and program implementation. Conduct theory-informed empirical research to build on interdisciplinary foundations from the fields of political science, sociology, psychology, economics, organization behavior and theory, and information sciences.
Professional Development
- Seminars in Doctoral Research and Professional Development
- Rockefeller Brown Bag Research Seminar
- Specialized doctoral readings groups
- Opportunities to work with faculty, research centers, and government practitioners on research projects
Candidacy Requirements
- Completion of courses in the core curriculum, and personalized courses in research tools and concentration electives
- Empirical research paper
- Literature review
- Outline of the dissertation proposal
Dissertation
After passing candidacy requirements, students work closely with a faculty committee to craft a dissertation proposal, collect and analyze data, and write their dissertation. Students may take a diversity of approaches tailored to their interests and career goals.
Career Paths
Graduates of the public administration and policy PhD program pursue academic careers, or research-intensive positions in the government and nonprofit sectors.
Graduate Student Funding
The department offers fellowships with multiple years of funding that includes a full tuition waiver and stipend. Students also receive financial support to attend academic conferences.
Admissions Requirements
Deadlines
- Fall (For funding consideration): January 1
- Fall: July 1*
- Spring: Not Available
- Summer: Not Available
*Students not applying for departmental assistance will be reviewed on a space available basis only. Review is not guaranteed and the department can close admissions when there is no longer space in the program.
Required Application Materials
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official GRE or GMAT scores
- Resume
- Statement of Background and Goals
Student Learning Objectives
PhD
- Demonstrates substantive mastery of the academic literature in public administration and policy
- Demonstrates substantive mastery of the academic literature in a specialized area of research within public administration and policy that draws upon the broader social science literature
- Shows a foundational understanding and ability to evaluate diverse quantitative and qualitative methods in public administration and policy research
- Makes an original contribution to the field
- Competently and rigorously applies at least one quantitative or qualitative method in public administration and policy research
- Articulates a coherent argument in an article-length paper that links research question(s), theory, results and implications for theory and practice
- Articulates the relevance of the research
- Demonstrates an emerging scholarly identity
- Effectively communicates research results to scholarly, practitioner and student audiences orally and in writing
- Involved in the broader public administration and policy scholarly community
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The PhD in Public Administration and Policy program at the University at Albany's Rockefeller College prepares students for research careers, primarily in academia. The program focuses on multi-dimensional public policy and public management problems, training students in social science methodologies to analyze and address these issues.
Objectives:
- Train students to produce original research on systemic public problems and public service professionals to address practical challenges.
- Equip students with the ability to create and implement rigorous research designs, use quantitative and qualitative methods, inform theory development, contribute to improving practice, maintain high ethical standards in research, and consider competing public values in policy and administrative decisions.
Description:
- The core curriculum covers theoretical foundations of public administration and public policy, advanced research design, and professional development.
- Students can focus their studies through two advanced research tools and five or more courses in one of three fields: Public Policy, Public Financial Management, or Public Management.
- The program emphasizes causal inference methods and theories of the policy process while providing opportunities to work with faculty, research centers, and government practitioners.
Outline:
Core Courses:
- Field Seminar in Public Policy
- Scholarly Foundations of Politics and Administration
- Research Design
- Advanced Quantitative Analysis
- Scholarly Foundations of Public Administration
- Develop expertise in a policy area and receive training in designing and managing policy research projects.
- Conduct research on topics like state and local government budgeting, financial management, education finance, healthcare finance, and nonprofit financial management.
- Draw on theories and concepts from economics, finance, accounting, and political science.
Public Management:
- Examine management challenges within public and nonprofit organizations, focusing on politics, inter- and intra-governmental interactions, and policy implementation.
- Conduct theory-informed empirical research based on interdisciplinary foundations from political science, sociology, psychology, economics, organization behavior and theory, and information sciences.
Professional Development:
- Seminars in Doctoral Research and Professional Development
- Rockefeller Brown Bag Research Seminar
- Specialized doctoral readings groups
- Opportunities to work with faculty, research centers, and government practitioners on research projects
Assessment:
Candidacy Requirements:
- Completion of core curriculum courses
- Personalized courses in research tools and concentration electives
- Empirical research paper
- Literature review
- Dissertation proposal outline
Dissertation:
- Work closely with a faculty committee to craft a proposal, collect and analyze data, and write the dissertation.
- Tailor the approach to interests and career goals, including quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research tools; drawing on theories from various disciplines; selecting topics in domestic or international contexts; and utilizing a three-paper or book format dissertation.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
- Seminars
- Research projects
- Readings groups
- Collaboration with faculty, research centers, and government practitioners
Faculty:
- Committed to training students in theory-driven interdisciplinary social science research.
- Expertise in various areas, including public policy, public finance, and public management.
Unique Approaches:
- Interdisciplinary focus on public administration and policy.
- Emphasis on causal inference methods and theories of the policy process.
- Opportunities for hands-on experience through research projects with faculty, research centers, and government practitioners.
Careers:
Career Paths:
- Academic careers in research or teaching positions
- Research-intensive positions in government and nonprofit sectors
Career Services and Support:
- Departmental fellowships with funding and research/teaching assistantships.
- Financial support for attending academic conferences.
- Assistance with locating additional employment opportunities.
Other:
Overview:
University at Albany, also known as the University at Albany - State University of New York, is a public research university located in Albany, New York. It is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and has a long history, having been established in 1844. The university is known for its diverse academic programs, strong research focus, and commitment to public engagement.
Services Offered:
The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support to students in choosing courses, planning their academic careers, and navigating university resources.Libraries:
Offers access to a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other research materials.Career Services:
Assists students in exploring career options, developing job search skills, and connecting with potential employers.Student Life:
Provides opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events.Residential Life:
Offers on-campus housing options for students, fostering a sense of community and providing support services.Dining:
Provides a variety of dining options on campus, catering to different dietary needs and preferences.Athletics:
Offers a variety of intercollegiate sports programs for students to participate in or cheer for.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at University at Albany can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, organizations, and social events. The campus is located in a city setting, providing easy access to cultural attractions, entertainment venues, and dining options.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Diverse Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, allowing students to pursue their interests and career goals.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, providing students with opportunities to engage in research projects and collaborate with faculty experts.Commitment to Public Engagement:
The university is deeply committed to serving the community and addressing societal challenges through research, outreach, and public service initiatives.Faculty Access:
The university has a low student-faculty ratio, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to interact with and learn from their professors.Academic Programs:
The university offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Over 50 undergraduate majors across various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, business, education, and engineering.Graduate Programs:
A wide range of graduate programs, including master's and doctoral degrees, in fields such as business, education, public health, criminal justice, and the sciences.Online Learning:
Offers a variety of online courses and programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.Other:
The university has a strong alumni network, with over 195,000 alumni who support the university and its students. The university is also home to a number of research centers and institutes, focusing on areas such as nanotechnology, public health, and environmental science.
Entry Requirements:
Public Administration and Policy PhD program:
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
- Letters of recommendation: Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic and research abilities.
- GRE or GMAT scores: Official scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).
- Resume: A detailed resume outlining your academic background, research experience, and other relevant professional experiences.
- Statement of Background and Goals: A personal statement explaining your academic and professional goals, research interests, and how the PhD program aligns with your aspirations.
- International Applicants: International students must also provide proof of English language proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE scores.
- Application Deadlines:
- Fall semester with funding consideration: January 1
- Fall semester without funding consideration: July 1
Language Proficiency Requirements:
English Language Proficiency:
- TOEFL: Minimum score of 100 overall, with a minimum score of 25 in each section.
- IELTS: Minimum overall score of 7.0, with a minimum score of 6.5 in each section.
- PTE Academic: Minimum score of 68 overall, with a minimum score of 61 in each section.
Note:
These are the minimum requirements.