GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
PhD in Public Policy & Public Administration
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
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Tuition / yr
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PhD
Level
- Prepares graduates for careers in academia, think tanks, government, and nonprofits.Career Outcomes
- Flexible curriculum allows customization to individual research interests.Curriculum Flexibility
- Open to both full-time and part-time students, accommodating mid-career professionals.Flexible Attendance
- Develops sophisticated research skills in public policy and administration.Research Skills Focus
- Interdisciplinary approach integrates politics, economics, and research methods.Interdisciplinary Focus
The PhD in Public Policy and Public Administration at The George Washington University (GW) is designed to prepare students for research and teaching roles in academia, think tanks, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. The program offers a flexible curriculum that allows students to tailor their coursework to their specific research interests while developing advanced research skills. Many students in the program are mid-career professionals with prior graduate degrees and significant experience in policy-related fields, making it suitable for both full-time and part-time study. The interdisciplinary nature of the program integrates subjects from politics, economics, and various quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
Curriculum
The PhD program requires a minimum number of credits, core courses, a qualifying examination, a field examination, and dissertation research. Note: The curriculum requirements listed below are for students entering in Fall 2025 and earlier. A new curriculum with increased flexibility will be implemented starting Fall 2026.
- Core Requirements
- Microeconomics for Public Policy IIPPPA 6014
- Seminar: Literature of Public AdministrationPPPA 8100
- Research MethodsPPPA 8101
- Public Finance and Human CapitalPPPA 8105
- Seminar: Public ManagementPPPA 8174
- Philosophical Foundations of Policy and Administrative ResearchPPPA 8190
- Dissertation WorkshopPPPA 8191
- Politics and Public PolicyPSC 8229
- Quantitative Methods (Intermediate & Advanced)
- Statistical Modeling and Analysis (Intermediate)DNSC 6274
- Econometrics I (Intermediate)ECON 8375
- Laboratory in Applied Econometrics (Intermediate)ECON 8379
- Regression Methods for Policy Research (Intermediate)PPPA 6013
- Empirical Political Analysis (Intermediate)PSC 8102
- Advanced Statistical Modeling and Analysis (Advanced)DNSC 6275
- Econometrics II (Advanced)ECON 8376
- Econometrics III (Advanced)ECON 8377
- Econometrics for Policy Research (Advanced)PPPA 8022
- Qualitative Methods
- Qualitative Research MethodsEDUC 8122
- Case Study Research MethodsEDUC 8131
- History and Its Uses in International AffairsHIST 6030
- Mixed Methods in Research DesignPPPA 8023
- Qualitative Research MethodsPSC 8104
- Qualitative Research Methods and AnalysisPUBH 8417
- Qualitative MethodsSOC 6232
- Additional Requirements
- Written qualifying examination covering designated core courses.
- Field examination in one of the following areas: Education policy; budgeting and public finance; program evaluation; science and technology policy; public and nonprofit management; and social policy (minimum 12 credits required).
- Dissertation Research (taken for 6 to 12 credits)PPPA 8999
Careers
The PhD program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in policy and public administration.
- Academia (Teaching and Research)
- Think Tanks
- Government Agencies
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Policy Research
- Private Sector Analysis
Frequently asked questions
- What are the typical qualifications for applicants to the PhD in Public Policy & Public Administration program?
- Most students entering the PhD program already hold a previous graduate degree and possess significant professional experience in a relevant field.
- What kind of careers can I pursue after completing this PhD program?
- This program prepares graduates for diverse career paths including academia (teaching and research), think tanks, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private sector analysis.
- How long does the PhD program typically take to complete?
- The program requires a minimum number of credits, core courses, qualifying and field examinations, and dissertation research. Specific duration can vary, and the program accommodates both full-time and part-time study.
- What are the core components of the PhD curriculum?
- The curriculum includes core courses, intermediate and advanced quantitative methods, qualitative methods, a written qualifying examination, a field examination, and dissertation research.
- Where can I find information about tuition and living costs?
- The provided information on fees relates to tuition remission benefits for GW employees and does not cover standard tuition or living costs for international students. Specific financial details should be sought directly from the university.
- How do I apply to the program?
- Prospective students should follow the general graduate admissions process, which includes submitting an online application. It is recommended to attend an information session and request more information.
Entry requirements
Previous Graduate DegreeMost PhD students have a prior graduate degree and significant professional experience.
Applicants must also fulfill the general requirements for graduate programs in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and the specific requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Program.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
The provided information on the 'Fees Page' relates to tuition remission benefits for GW employees and their dependents, not standard tuition or living costs for international students. Specific tuition and fee information should be sought directly from the university.
How to apply
1. Attend an Information SessionParticipate in an information session to learn more about the program and ask questions.
2. Request More InformationContact the school to request further details about the program and the application process.
3. Submit ApplicationComplete and submit the online graduate application.
4. Designate Research Interests (for Fall 2026 applicants)Applicants for the Fall 2026 cohort can designate up to three research interests during the application process.
Frequently asked questions
What are the typical qualifications for applicants to the PhD in Public Policy & Public Administration program?
+
Most students entering the PhD program already hold a previous graduate degree and possess significant professional experience in a relevant field.
What kind of careers can I pursue after completing this PhD program?
+
This program prepares graduates for diverse career paths including academia (teaching and research), think tanks, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private sector analysis.
How long does the PhD program typically take to complete?
+
The program requires a minimum number of credits, core courses, qualifying and field examinations, and dissertation research. Specific duration can vary, and the program accommodates both full-time and part-time study.
What are the core components of the PhD curriculum?
+
The curriculum includes core courses, intermediate and advanced quantitative methods, qualitative methods, a written qualifying examination, a field examination, and dissertation research.
Where can I find information about tuition and living costs?
+
The provided information on fees relates to tuition remission benefits for GW employees and does not cover standard tuition or living costs for international students. Specific financial details should be sought directly from the university.
How do I apply to the program?
+
Prospective students should follow the general graduate admissions process, which includes submitting an online application. It is recommended to attend an information session and request more information.