PhD in Public Policy and Administration - Public and Nonprofit Management in Washington, D.C. United States | George Washington University

The PhD in Public Policy and Administration equips students for careers in research, leadership, and academia within the public sector.

Our adaptable program enables students to tailor their studies while honing advanced research capabilities. Candidates join the PhD program with the goal of pursuing focused research in one of our designated specialization areas.

Approximately 25% of each class comprises international students, making our interdisciplinary PhD program both globally diverse and forward-thinking. Numerous doctoral candidates pursue their degrees part-time while employed at research institutions, policy organizations, global agencies, and government entities.
This specialization caters to PhD students who take a broad approach to investigating intricate challenges in public policy and governance. Those focusing on this area may explore diverse topics including public and nonprofit leadership, as well as interdisciplinary issues spanning social policy, performance assessment, fiscal management, education reform, healthcare systems, and governmental operations.

The field coursework serves two primary objectives:

To cultivate a comprehensive understanding of public and nonprofit sector leadership.
To build theoretical frameworks and research methodologies applicable to academic investigation in public and nonprofit governance.
Applicants without a prior Master of Public Administration/Policy (MPA/MPP) degree from George Washington University or elsewhere will need to complete foundational MPA/MPP courses before advancing to specialized studies.

Within the PNM specialization, faculty advisors provide personalized guidance in course selection. While most coursework focuses on public policy and administration, students may incorporate relevant classes from other GW departments or through the Consortium of Washington Area Universities, with advisor approval.

While students may seek guidance from any field advisor, we particularly recommend PNM candidates consult with advisors whose expertise aligns most closely with their dissertation focus.