The mission of the Doctoral Program at the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service is to prepare students for careers in research and teaching in the fields of public affairs and administration. Wagner offers students an array of educational opportunities to become scholars and researchers in policy, finance and management in the public, health and nonprofit sectors. The degree granted is a Ph.D. in Public Administration.
The admissions process is designed to review the overall potential of applicants in order to determine which students will succeed in their studies and their careers. Decisions are not based on one single indicator. An admission decision will include the following criteria:
In addition, applicants are encouraged to submit any documentation that they feel will allow the Admissions Committee to understand better their record of accomplishments and leadership capabilities. Applicants should not feel constrained by the information requested in the application packet.
Completion of a Master's degree prior to entering the Doctoral Program is highly recommended. Students without graduate-level training are rarely admitted into the doctoral program, however, provisional admission may be granted to exceptional students based on the following guidelines:
Applicants with no master's preparation may be granted provisional admission to the Doctoral Program, pending completion of the MPA at Wagner. These students must pass the doctoral research methods course with a grade of B or better in the fall of their second year, and the Preliminary Qualifying Exam (PQE) the following spring. Upon completion of the Master's degree and successful completion of these two requirements, students would be admitted to the doctoral program as a second year student.
Current first year Wagner MPA/MUP students who wish to be considered for the doctoral program must submit a formal application by the December 11th deadline. These students may be granted provisional admission to the Doctoral Program. They must pass the doctoral research methods course with a grade of B or better in the fall of their second year, and the Preliminary Qualifying Exam (PQE) the following spring. Upon completion of the Master's degree and successful completion of these two requirements, students would be admitted to the doctoral program as a second year student.
Doctoral applications are accepted for the fall semester only and will be reviewed on one occasion as noted in the deadline schedule. While we strongly encourage you to submit your materials as early as possible, decisions will not be made until after the December deadline.
Application Deadlines