Program Overview
Public Administration (PhD)
The Public Administration (PhD) program at New York University's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service is an interdisciplinary, flexible, and powerful doctoral program. Through theoretical and methodological training, students learn how to produce insights required for effective and equitable public and nonprofit programs and policies.
Program Description
The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of public administration, including theoretical frameworks, research methodologies, and practical applications. Students can draw on various fields, including economics, political science, sociology, psychology, organization studies, and other disciplines. The program encourages students to study the questions that drive them, while providing the guidance necessary to have the greatest impact.
Research Areas
Students interested in conducting research in the following areas are encouraged to apply:
- Education policy
- Health policy
- International development
- Management
- Public finance and financial management
- Public policy
- Urban policy
Program Requirements
The program requires 72 credits for the doctoral degree, with a GPA of 3.3/B+ or better average. At a minimum, 32 credits of coursework must be completed at NYU Wagner and/or other graduate divisions of NYU. Of these 32 credits, at least 16 must be other than the Core or introductory level courses.
Course List
The following courses are required:
- PHD-GP 5902: Research Methods (4 credits)
- PADM-GP 2172: Advanced Empirical Methods (3 credits)
- PHD-GP 5905: Qualitative Research Methods (4 credits)
- PHD-GP 5910: Doctoral Research Colloquium I (2 credits)
- PHD-GP 5911: Doctoral Research Colloquium II (2 credits)
- Theoretical Framework Module (3 courses, 4 credits each) (12 credits)
- Research Methodology Module (2 courses, 4 credits each) (8 credits)
- Electives (37 credits)
Additional Program Requirements
Preliminary Qualifying Examination (PQE)
The PQE is an essay exam that assesses the student's capability to design a research proposal based on a research problem scenario. It also tests the capacity for clear and logical expository writing.
Fields of Study
Students choose two fields of study and must pass a Comprehensive Exam for each field at the end of the second year of study. The fields of study include:
- A core doctoral field (Management or Public Policy)
- Another established field or a customized field
Comprehensive Examinations
Comprehensive Examinations are the second and final set of exam requirements for the PhD degree. In these examinations, students are expected to demonstrate their capacity to analyze and assess critically the major concepts, theories, and research in each of their chosen fields.
Third-Year Paper
In the third year, students are required to demonstrate the knowledge and proficiency gained from their theoretical framework and research methodology modules by completing a research paper under the guidance of two faculty members.
Dissertation
A dissertation is the result of a scholarly investigation on a topic or problem conducted independently by the candidate under the general guidance of a faculty committee and chaired by a primary advisor.
Sample Plan of Study
A sample plan of study is provided to guide students through the program. The plan includes the required courses, electives, and research methodology modules.
Learning Outcomes
The program is designed to provide students with the following learning outcomes:
- Foundational skills in research methods
- Capability to design a research proposal
- Capacity in specific content areas of interest
- Advanced methodological skills
- Theoretical frameworks in social science
- Synthesizing scholarly literature to support an original argument
- Independent critical evaluation of literature
- All aspects of conducting a scholarly investigation
- Expository and analytical writing skills
- Oral communication skills
Policies
The program is governed by the policies of New York University and the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages, and additional academic policies can be found on the Wagner academic policy page.