Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs (Emphasis in Community Development)
Community development takes place at the intersection of increasingly
complex globalized economic, political, legal, and social systems. Our
interdisciplinary program brings together the perspectives of
public policy, law, and the private sector. This interdisciplinary
program in public affairs and administration, business, and law focuses on social capital, social justice, and social entrepreneurship
leading to a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree with significant applied skills and policy expertise.
The public affairs
Ph.D. curriculum is designed to give students a strong theoretical
grounding in the interdisciplinary nature of public affairs and
specifically, community development. The required courses ensure
students develop an understanding of community development across levels
of analysis, levels of government, and systematically, in particular the
connections across governments, private, and nonprofit organizations. The robust research methods requirements allow students to cultivate
keen research skills that will allow them to compete very successfully
in the job market both in and outside academia. The elective courses further expand the interdisciplinary aspect of the
program while also providing students with the opportunity to tailor the
program to his or her research and professional interests. Students who
are unable to complete the Ph.D. program will be eligible to receive a master of arts in public affairs (M.P.A.) upon completion of 42 credits, which
requires all community development coursework. The Ph.D. curriculum consists of courses totaling 63 credits.
