The Ph.D. in Public Affairs and Policy is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare individuals to pursue research, teaching, advocacy, public service, and/or consulting in a variety of settings ranging from universities to policy research organizations, public agencies, and private consulting firms. The degree may be pursued on a full- or part-time basis.
The degree program is offered through a collaboration between the Departments of Public Administration and Political Science in the Hatfield School of Government. Faculty members across the entire College of Urban and Public Affairs contribute expertise to the program as well.
The curriculum focus is governance, the integrated study of political, administrative, and policy processes. This curriculum is taught against the backdrop of globalizing economies and political systems seeking to recognize governance in a modern world characterized by both cooperation and conflict among the public, private, and non-profit organizations.
The doctoral program in Public Affairs and Policy is designed to enable students to approach governance as an applied area of knowledge in which theory informs and is informed by real-world practice.
Research and Teaching Opportunities
The doctoral degree in public affairs and policy offers a limited number of research and teaching opportunities.
Hatfield Residency Program
This program, conducted in cooperation with the Hatfield School’s Center for Public Service, places qualified doctoral students in public and not-for-profit agencies as paid residents. Agency placements provide students opportunities to conduct dissertation research, gain advanced research experience, and receive assistance in financing their educational objectives.
Graduate research assistantships
Depending on available funds, a limited number of graduate research assistantships are available each year. Students must apply for these by February 1st of the academic year in which the assistantships are desired. Assistantships pay tuition up to 9 credits and associated fees as well as a small additional stipend.
Teaching opportunities
Doctoral students with an interest in developing competencies in teaching in a higher education setting are encouraged to teach prior to completing their Ph.D. programs. There are a limited number of opportunities available in this regard.
Teaching apprenticeships with a university faculty member
These duties can include teaching one or more class sessions, assistance in preparing courses, and correction of examinations. Students are encouraged to consult with their faculty adviser to develop opportunities for teaching apprenticeships.
Teaching in the University Studies Program
Advanced doctoral students may also teach in sophomore inquiry coursework sponsored by the College of Urban and Public Affairs. This coursework deals largely with citizen participation and leadership. Advanced doctoral students may also propose and teach a senior Capstone course at the undergraduate level. These are interdisciplinary community-based courses required of all PSU seniors. These students will develop and implement strategies to deal with a community issue in cooperation with one or more community organizations.