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 principal 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.
Preparation
Many incoming students hold a master's degree in public policy, public administration, political science, economics, agricultural economics, or business administration. All students are also expected to have a strong background in research methodologies. Students who have not had adequate preparation in specific courses may be required to enroll in pre-requisite courses prior to entering certain Ph.D. classes. Details about these requirements will be provided by the Director of Graduate Studies, Dr. David Agrawal.