Doctoral Program Admissions
The Ph.D. program in the School of Public Administration and Policy is small and highly selective.
Normally, only between two and four students are admitted each year, depending on the applicant pool and the availability of assistantship funding.
The degree is a PhD in Management with a specialization in Public Administration.
Admissions Requirements
Entering students will typically have a master's degree GPA of 3.5 or above and average GRE (or GMAT) scores above the 75th percentile.
In addition to admissions materials listed above, international students must demonstrate English proficiency as a condition for admission. Scores must be submitted for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), with an iBT internet-based score of 115 or paper score of 650. We also accept the IELTS Exam with a score of 8.2.
Applicants are not required to have earned a Master of Public Administration degree and exceptionally strong students who hold only an undergraduate degree will be considered for admission. However, all entering students not holding an MPA degree will be required to complete the MPA core curriculum or its equivalent.
The admission deadline is March 1 (Feb 1 for foreign students). Applications may be considered after that date but only if space in the program is available.
Other Requirements
In addition to completing the online application form, the School has several other requirements for admission to the Ph.D. program. These are:
- Official transcripts
- Test Scores. GRE's can be sent to code 4832.
- Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment on your overall character, motivation, and suitability for doctoral-level study and a career in research and teaching.
- A one-page statement (typed) written by you summarizing your interest in obtaining a Ph.D. in public management and policy, your career aspirations, your intended area of concentration (criminal justice, public organization theory, etc.), and any other relevant information that you feel would help the admissions committee to make a sound decision.
- A copy of your current resume.
- A one- or two-line statement indicating your need for financial support through an assistantship.
- If you are a currently enrolled student at the University of Arizona, you need to complete a "Request for Change of Degree Program" form, in lieu of the regular application.
Application materials should be sent to:
Ph.D. Admissions
School of Public Administration and Policy
Eller College of Management
1130 E. Helen, McClelland Hall 405
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ 85721-0108
For additional information, please contact us.
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