An earned master’s degree in public administration or related field from an accredited institution.
Generally, the target master’s degree level GPA is above 3.20 (on a 4.0 scale).
Applicants are required to have a command of oral and written English. Those who do not hold a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from the U.S., OR a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from a pre-determined country on the waiver list, must meet the minimum language proficiency score requirement in order to be considered for admission.

Applicants should present a TOEFL score of 557 or higher, 90 internet-based, IELTS 6.5 or PTE 61 or better.

International applicants are expected to demonstrate the ability to communicate orally and in writing in a manner sufficient to compete effectively at the doctoral level.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE): combined scores of at least 305 on the verbal and quantitative portions of the exam, and a score from the new analytical writing section
At least 3 Letters of Recommendation, two of which must come from academic references
Statement of Purpose
A statement of purpose, not to exceed 5 double-spaced, type-written pages, explaining why the student wishes to pursue a doctoral degree in public administration. The statement of intent should also address the applicant’s interest in one of the six areas of specialization listed below. These statements are reviewed for quality of writing, academic sophistication, and the extent to which the applicant’s goals are compatible with the strengths and interests of the public administration faculty and the stated objectives of the program.
Resume
The resume will be examined to assess an applicant’s professional work experience and/or extracurricular activities while attending school. Additionally, resumes are examined to assess an applicant’s potential ability to understand and do research on the context and practice of contemporary public management.
Students are responsible for additional information found on the Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration here.
The doctoral program committee reviews student academic preparation, specifying appropriate courses that must be taken as prerequisites to doctoral study. Except for those who have completed an MPA degree, all new doctoral students may be required to first complete 9 hours of MPA course prerequisites prior to enrolling in 9000-level core or research courses.