Program Overview
Syracuse University's PhD in Public Administration prepares scholars for careers in academia and public service. The program emphasizes research and teaching, with students actively involved in research from their first year. Graduates possess expertise in public management, policy analysis, and research methodologies, qualifying them for roles in academia, research organizations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
Syracuse University's PhD in Public Administration is designed to prepare scholars who can both educate the next generation of public service professionals and contribute to society's understanding of public management and policy analysis. The program emphasizes high-quality research and teaching experiences, with doctoral students actively involved in research from their first year.
Objectives:
Upon completion of the PhD program, graduates will:
- Possess substantial competency in the core subject matter and methodologies central to the field of public administration.
- Obtain a firm grasp of the broad intellectual tradition of public administration.
- Become active researchers, typically starting in their first year of the program.
Program Description:
The PhD in Public Administration at Syracuse University comprises four major components: Coursework: During the first two years of the program, students complete coursework in core areas of public administration, research methods, and statistics. Comprehensive Examinations: After completing coursework, students must pass comprehensive written and oral examinations covering the field of public administration. Research Apprenticeship: PhD students engage in research apprenticeships under the guidance of faculty advisors, which may involve working at one of Maxwell's 15 established research centers. Dissertation: Students conduct original research and write a dissertation to demonstrate their mastery of the field.
Outline:
Program Content:
The PhD in Public Administration curriculum covers a comprehensive range of topics, including:
- Public organizations and management
- Statistics
- Quantitative and qualitative research methods
- Managerial economics
- Public Budgeting
- Public policy analysis
- Public administration theory
- Research design
- Ethical and legal issues in public administration
Course Schedule:
Coursework for the PhD program is typically completed within two academic years. Core courses, which must be completed before taking qualifying exams and comprehensive field exams, include:
- Intellectual History of Public Administration
- Foundations of Policy Analysis and Management
- Advanced Seminar: Quantitative Methods I
- Advanced Seminar: Quantitative Methods II
- Research Methods Elective
- PhD Research Seminar
Assessment:
Students in the PhD in Public Administration program are evaluated using a variety of methods, including:
- Coursework grades
- Research papers
- Conference presentations
- Comprehensive examinations
- Dissertation
Teaching:
The PhD in Public Administration program at Syracuse University is taught by a distinguished faculty of scholars with expertise in various areas of public administration.
Careers:
Graduates of the PhD in Public Administration program may pursue careers in academia, research organizations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Some possible career paths include:
- Professor at a college or university
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Public Administrator
