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The Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration prepares students for scholarly and leadership roles in settings including government, higher education and research organizations.

Our multi-disciplinary approach means you’ll work with faculty from across our programs and have the chance to specialize in areas including: public policy, public administration, criminal justice policy and urban policy.

Apply to Public Policy and Administration Ph.D. Program

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U.S. News & World Report ranks the Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs graduate program in public affairs at No. 39, which places us in the top 15% of more than 250 schools across the United States.  

We are also rank in the following specialty areas:

• Public management and leadership program - ranked No. 19 in the U.S. and No. 1 in Virginia
• Public policy analysis - ranked No. 36 in the U.S.
• Social policy -  ranked No. 16 in the U.S. and No. 1 in Virginia
• Urban policy - ranked No. 17 in the U.S. and No. 1 in Virginia

All students are encouraged to pursue additional research and training while completing their degree, and those interested in academics careers are encouraged to gain additional teaching experience.

Classes are scheduled in late afternoons, early evenings and on weekends to meet the needs of working professionals and full-time graduate student

Program, admission and degree requirements

Wilder School Request for Information

Want to learn more about the program and application process? Get in touch and request information with this form.

The Wilder School is also recognized for demonstrating exemplary commitment in four areas recognized by Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), the global standard in public service education.