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Ph.D. in Public Administration

Ph.D. in Public Administration

The Ph.D. program in Public Administration offers a vibrant learning environment to provide enriching scholarship, cultivating research, and advancement in professional careers. The program offers unique features that allow students to customize their programs of study. In addition to the listed areas of specialization, they can work with their committees to design their own specializations, by selecting courses from SPA programs or other Penn State graduate programs.

The Ph.D. program in Public Administration (with various specialization areas) at Penn State Harrisburg offers a vibrant learning environment to provide enriching scholarship, cultivating research, and advancement in professional careers. Established in 1989, the program has a long tradition of providing advanced education in public administration and policy, as well as related fields.

The program offers unique features that allow students to customize their programs of study. In addition to the listed areas of specialization, they can design -- together with their committees -- their own specializations, by selecting courses from the programs of the School of Public Affairs or other graduate programs of the University. 

Individuals with strong academic records and interest in research and teaching are encouraged to apply to the program. The program typically admits a cohort of full-time students to begin each fall semester. Applications for part-time study are considered if the applicant has a strong academic record and if his/her research interests are compatible with those of the program faculty members.

Public Administration PhD Program Virtual Open House

PhD in Public Administration Virtual Open House

PhD in Public Administration Virtual Open House, recorded November 2022

Program faculty members work closely with students to help enhance their knowledge of the fields of study. They also help students gain experience in conducting research, presenting scholarly papers at academic/professional conferences, publishing in scholarly journals, and teaching college/university-level courses.

Information about the expertise and interests of the faculty members, the background and interests of current student members, and the experience and current employment statuses of the program alumni can be found at the respective links on this page. The students who are currently in the program are members of the Public Administration Doctoral Student Organization.