The academic requirements for the doctorate include at least 48 credits of coursework beyond the master's degree, successful completion of a series of comprehensive examinations, and the completion of an acceptable doctoral dissertation. Transfer credits from master's degree programs cannot be applied to the Ph.D. The purpose of comprehensive examinations is to test basic working familiarity with concepts in the field of public administration.
Core curriculum classes typically meet Monday through Thursday afternoons. Courses offered through other campus departments usually meet in the early evenings. Students may also take as electives independent study or courses offered at other Rutgers campuses.
All students must maintain a grade-point average of at least 3.0.
