Program Overview

PhD in Public Administration with NYU Shanghai

The NYU Wagner PhD in Public Administration, in partnership with NYU Shanghai, offers a unique opportunity for doctoral research and residence. This program allows students to complete their coursework at NYU Wagner and other graduate schools in New York, then transition to full-time residence at NYU Shanghai for their doctoral research.

Program Highlights

• NYU degree upon graduation
• Graduate coursework at NYU Wagner and NYU's other graduate schools in New York
• Research opportunities with and close mentorship by NYU Shanghai faculty
• Access to the vast intellectual resources of NYU Wagner and NYU's other graduate schools
• Cutting-edge research environment at NYU Shanghai, including the Urban Lab, Center for Applied Social and Economic Research, Center for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and Center for Global Asia
• Financial aid through the NYU Shanghai Doctoral Fellowship, including tuition, fees, and an annual stipend
• Additional benefits exclusive to the NYU Shanghai program, including international health insurance and travel funds

Structure of Program

Participating students complete the PhD degree requirements set by NYU Wagner, in accordance with the academic policies of NYU Wagner. Each student develops an individualized course plan in consultation with the Director of the PhD Program at NYU Wagner and the student's NYU Shanghai faculty advisor. A typical sequence follows:

• Summer 1 in Shanghai: Begin program with funded research opportunity, up to three months preceding first Fall semester, to familiarize with NYU Shanghai and faculty as well as lay a foundation for future doctoral study.
• Year 1 (Fall and Spring) in New York: Pursue PhD coursework at NYU Wagner alongside other NYU PhD students.
• Summer 2 in Shanghai: Return to Shanghai for a second funded research opportunity to solidify relationships with NYU Shanghai faculty and make further progress in research.
• Year 2 and Beyond: Under supervision of NYU Shanghai faculty advisor, pursue dissertation research and continue coursework. Depending on each student's individualized course of study, return visits to New York may also occur. Complete all required examinations and progress evaluations, both oral and written, leading up to submission and defense of doctoral thesis.

Application Process and Dates

Applications are submitted through NYU Wagner's Application portal, where students should select the Public Administration PhD as their program of interest and indicate their preference for NYU Shanghai. Applicants will be evaluated by a joint admissions committee of faculty from both NYU Wagner and NYU Shanghai. Application requirements are the same for all NYU Wagner PhD applicants, regardless of campus preference. However, candidates are encouraged to elaborate on their specific interest in the NYU Shanghai program and faculty in their application and personal statements. Applications are only accepted for Fall admission.

PhD Program Overview

The PhD in Public Administration includes:

• Program Overview
• Coursework
• Preliminary Qualifying Exams
• Fields of Study Overview
• Comprehensive Exams
• Third Year Paper
• Dissertations
• Research and Residence with NYU Shanghai
• Doctoral Student Profiles
• Alumni
• Academic Community
• Academic Policies