Work with faculty across our five academic areas and take the opportunity to specialize in one.
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
Determine your per semester cost of attending VCU
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:
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
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.
“Professors at the Wilder School are simply outstanding. The most important lesson learned was not to accept the status quo but to challenge it, interrogate it, excavate it, and thus arrive at new understandings in the field.”
— Cynthia Cors, Ph.D., Class of 2014, Acting Director, Division of Program Operations, Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services