PhD Program – Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration
The PhD in Public Administration at Rutgers SPAA fosters a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical knowledge and analytical skills needed to excel in the dynamic field of public affairs, administration, and policy. Through rigorous coursework and research training, students are well prepared for careers as scholars, researchers, or educators, and to contribute to the intellectual and creative capacities of the organizations and institutions they serve.
The program welcomes both full-time and part-time students. Our graduates often go on to serve as university professors, think-tank researchers, nonprofit executives, and government officials.
Recent PhD Job Placements
View Rutgers SPAA's Recent PhD Job Placements >
Why the PhD Program at Rutgers SPAA?
- Comprehensive Academic Training: The PhD program offers strong theoretical foundations, rigorous methodological training, and hands-on experience with cutting-edge research. Students develop the essential knowledge and skills vital for excelling in their fields of research, teaching, and practice.
- Renowned Faculty and Mentorship: SPAA faculty are renowned for producing influential research and are highly respected both nationally and internationally. They are committed to student success, working closely with students and guiding them throughout their PhD journey.
- Superior Funding Packages: The PhD program offers exceptional funding packages to a limited number of outstanding PhD students pursuing the degree full-time. The funding package covers tuition, an annual stipend of $40,000 (2026 rate), and state-employee-level health insurance, in addition to other benefits.
- Diverse and Supportive Community: SPAA stands out not only for its high academic rankings but also for its commitment to a diverse and supportive community. SPAA staff are committed to supporting students.
- Worldwide Network Opportunities: SPAA has over 150 PhD alumni, many of whom are accomplished scholars and hold prominent roles, such as leaders of professional associations, school deans, editors of major academic journals, and leaders in nonprofits and government agencies. SPAA maintains strong connections with alumni as well as government agencies and nonprofits, providing valuable networking opportunities.
- Proximity to Major Cities and Resources: SPAA students benefit from the easy access to New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC, along with the wealth of public affairs, science, and cultural institutions these cities offer.
PhD Curriculum & Coursework
Student Groups
PhD Alumni
Patria de Lancer Julnes, PhD'97
Patria de Lancer Julnes (PhD'97) was the first woman to graduate from Rutgers with a PhD in public administration. She is an internationally recognized scholar and consultant in performance measurement, government capacity building, and citizen-driven governance.
Inkyu Kang, PhD'22
Inkyu Kang (PhD'22) is an assistant professor of public administration and policy at the University of Georgia. He applies methods for causal inference to problems of public management, street‐level bureaucracy, citizen-state interaction, and police reform.
Josh Osowski (PhD'18)
Josh Osowski (PhD'18) is a regional park superintendent for urban state parks and initiatives with the New Jersey State Park Service. Throughout his career in state government, he has done much to improve the parks where he has worked.
PhD Students
Timothy Little, Doctoral Student
Timothy Little is a part-time doctoral student at SPAA and a principal of public finance and capital markets strategy with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. His research interests include the areas of public and infrastructure finance.
To Apply / Admission Requirements
How to Apply (PhD) >
Questions?
If you have questions about a program or the application process, contact Aaron Gibbs, associate dean of student and academic services, at algibbs@rutgers.edu.