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.
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.
Uniquely blending faculty expertise from public policy, law,
and business, this degree program provides students with a comprehensive perspective on
public affairs and community development. Focusing on social capital, social justice, and social entrepreneurship,
it leads to a Ph.D. with significant research skills and policy expertise.
The required
courses lead to proficiency in such diverse areas as analysis, government
systems, and the connections across governments and private and nonprofit
organizations. A rigorous set of
requirements cultivates keen research skills that will prepare students to
compete successfully for careers in academia, and across a wide spectrum of
nonacademic fields.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. The Ph.D. curriculum consists of courses totaling 63 credits.
