Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs, with a Concentration in Community Development
Community development takes place at the intersection of increasingly
complex globalized economic, political, legal, and social systems.
The 66-credit public affairs
Ph.D. curriculum is designed to give students a strong theoretical
grounding in the interdisciplinary nature of public affairs,
specifically community development.
Uniquely blending faculty expertise across disciplines such as public policy, political science, sociology, public administration, urban studies, law,
and business, it provides students with a comprehensive perspective on
public affairs and community development. We emphasize social justice and a firm grounding in applied social science research methodologies, leading to a Ph.D. with significant research skills and policy expertise.
The required
course of study is designed to promote proficiency in such diverse areas as policy analysis, governmental
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 their particular research and professional interests.
