Overview
An online PhD in Public Administration endows you with the highest academic preparation to manage city, state and federal agencies. Top online PhD programs from accredited universities offer both current and future senior-level managers the requisite skills to succeed with courses in the practical and technical as well as the theoretical and analytical. Graduates emerge with a comprehensive understanding of legal, ethical and political issues facing public administrators. Students gain expertise in: strategic planning, advanced management techniques, program implementation, results-based leadership, organizational behavior, administration, law and ethics, current affairs and grant writing.
For more specifics on schools offering deegree programs, check out
eCollegeFinder’s PhD in Public Administration. For now, we highlight
the most important facts concerning the before and after process for
pursuing your doctorate.
Career Opportunities
Accredited online PhD programs in Public Policy and Homeland Security prepare graduates for professional research roles in academia, governmental agencies and private think tanks. Professionals in public policy enjoy plentiful career opportunities thanks to the expanding presence of federal government and the 1996 legislation allowing local administration of national programs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that public, state and municipal openings will continue to rise as parts of the public sector privatize, creating new administration positions.
Application Process and Beyond
- Register at Educational Testing Service (ETS) for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Unless otherwise stated, most universities require scores from this exam as part of the application for admission to their PhD programs. Download exam preparation materials and study guides for the GRE at ETS or get them at your local library.
- Once you’ve selected the schools to which you wish to apply, complete the applications, send your undergraduate transcripts and release your GRE scores. Don’t delay—commence early! Often, schools allocate their graduate fellowships on a first-come basis.
- Once you weigh your acceptances, enroll at your preferred institution and complete the coursework. Remember, in a doctoral program coursework marks only the beginning. Most programs will require you to choose a concentration and while the offerings are vast, eCollegeFinder highlights three that are both highly versatile and practical in today’s market:
PhD Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Management;
PhD Homeland Security;
PhD Public Administration.
- Depending on your concentration, student status and the school's requirements, expect to finish classes in less than three years; sometimes programs require a management internship.
- Take (and pass) the comprehensive subject examination. Often, these exams are called qualifications and continuation in the program hinges on adequate performance.
- Research for a number of years, complete your final dissertation and perform a formal ‘defense’ of your thesis for the degree.
Time Commitment
If enrolled full-time, expect to earn your online PhD in 3 to 5 years versus 7 to 10 years for part-time candidates.
Compensation
In addition to the typical benefits and other offerings (relative to one’s place of employment), PhD holders typically hold senior level positions and those with experience typically command $100,511 yearly; this figure, however, varies by specific job, location, experience, skills and field. If you’re weighing the pros and cons of a doctorate, consider this: doctoral holders, on average, make $6,000 more per month than professionals with a Masters degree.
eCollegeFinder.org helps you find degrees from accredited online colleges to start a new career or improve your current job. Search eCollegeFinder.org today and find the right online degree for you!