The doctoral degree in public policy and administration offered by the University of Kentucky through the Martin School of Public Policy and Administration is an academic credential of the highest order. Since 1988, the Martin School has offered a doctoral degree in public administration (now public policy and administration) to prepare scholars and leaders for distinguished careers in public service. Our Ph.D. program was ranked #4 by the National Research Council.
The Ph.D. program is designed to prepare graduates to carry out sophisticated research at the frontier of public policy and administration theory. It provides knowledge of the principle core features of organizational behavior and administrative decision making in public and quasi-public organizations; the development of public budgets and management of public finances; an understanding of the critical aspects of public policy processes, including the interrelationships of economic, political and social factors that facilitate and constrain change. Our graduates have an ability to apply research and analytical methods to the analysis of policy and administrative problems, and an in-depth understanding of policy issues and analytical approaches in a functional public affairs area.
