The Doctoral Program in Public Affairs is designed to prepare graduates to advance research and theory by exploring topics at the leading edge of public affairs. To achieve this goal, the program builds on a set of four foundational core courses that explore the intellectual history of public administration, the principal theories of public organizational theory and behavior, the public policy process, including policy formulation and implementation, and advanced public policy analysis. Students will appreciate and apply an understanding of social, economic, political, and technological factors that shape governance through formal and informal processes and actions.
The program matches the career goals of students through the interdisciplinary nature of course content, the interaction with faculty, and the flexibility inherent in the choice of program electives. Those seeking advancement within public agencies or nonprofit organizations can choose a mix of electives, including course work from other UCF programs, while those seeking to teach at the college or university level will focus on elective courses within their discipline.
More specifically, the graduates of this doctoral program will demonstrate the ability to: 1) attain and apply knowledge and understanding of the complex relationships that characterize public affairs and policy; 2) conduct and lead original research, 3) become professional individuals either in academia or in other positions related to public administration, public affairs, and policy.
Program Tracks
The Doctoral Program in Public Affairs offers prospective applicants who do not have a graduate degree the opportunity to apply to the Public Affairs PhD - Public Administration MPA Dual Degree Track.
The Public Affairs PhD - Public Administration MPA Dual Degree Track provides academically talented students an opportunity to earn the Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs and the Master of Public Administration degrees concurrently. Students successfully completing the PhD/MPA Dual Degree program will have the skills and analytical techniques for careers in academia or in the public and nonprofit sectors. After successful completion of the PhD/MPA Dual Degree program, students will receive two diplomas, one for the Public Administration MPA degree and one for the Public Affairs PhD degree.
Students seeking admission to the PhD/MPA Dual Degree program should apply directly to the Public Affairs PhD - Public Administration MPA Dual Degree Track. Only one application will be required. If admitted, students will be active in both the Public Administration MPA and the Public Affairs PhD programs but will be required to complete all coursework for the MPA program prior to starting any coursework required for the PhD program.
Degree Requirements
Required Core Courses
24 Total Credits No Rules
Core Curriculum
12 Total Credits
- Complete the following:
- PAD7006 - Intellectual History of Public Administration (3)
- PAD7016 - Public Policy Processes and Theory (3)
- PAD7106 - Public Organization Theory and Behavior (3)
- PAD7308 - Advanced Public Policy Analysis (3)
Research Methods
12 Total Credits
- Complete the following:
- PAD7706 - Advanced Research Design for Public Administration and Policy (3)
- PAD7754 - Quantitative Methods for Public Administration & Policy I (3)
- PAD7756 - Quantitative Methods for Public Administration and Policy II (3)
- PAD7709 - Advanced Qualitative Methods for Public Administration and Policy (3)
Elective Courses
18 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Earn at least 6 credits from the following:
- PAD7939 - Special Topics (3)
- PAD7026 - Advanced Seminar in Public Administration (3)
- PAD7707 - Advanced Research in Public Administration (3)
- PAD6938 - Special Topics (3)
- Earn at least 12 credits from the following types of courses: Students can select 6000 or 7000 level courses offered by the School of Public Administration, or other units, that align with their dissertation research area and approved by the program director. Students may also complete up to 6 credit hours of independent study in the area of their anticipated dissertation topic as part of their elective requirement.
Dissertation
15 Total Credits
- Earn at least 15 credits from the following types of courses: PAF 7980 Doctoral candidates must enroll in PAF 7980 Doctoral Dissertation until they defend their Dissertation. Doctoral candidates are required to enroll in dissertation hours for at least one semester of every three consecutive semesters in order to maintain active student status. Students are not permitted to register in more than 9 dissertation credit hours in any given semester and must take at least three credit hours. Students wishing to enroll in fewer than 3 credit hours must have approval from their Committee Chair. Students who have met the 15-credit hour dissertation requirement and have not defended their Dissertation must continue to register in subsequent semesters to meet the UCF College of Graduate Studies requirement of continuous enrollment; at which point, students can enroll in one credit hour each semester. The dissertation demonstrates the candidate’s ability to select and masterfully approach an issue in their respective field by conducting independent research, analyzing, and interpreting results, and placing the study and its findings into a larger context. The defense also establishes the candidate’s capability to skillfully communicate this process and its results. Each completed dissertation must be defended before a committee of the graduate faculty. Most of the committee members must approve dissertations. The determination is by vote of the committee. Where a determination is made that revisions are necessary, members can withhold signing the dissertation until additional modifications have been completed or leave it to the discretion of the Chair. Students must submit their final dissertation to the College of Graduate Studies once their committee has signed off.
Examinations
0 Total Credits
- Comprehensive Exam: All students are required to stand for the comprehensive Examination at the completion of their course of study, prior to defending a prospectus and entering candidacy for the degree. Students will be required to test in three areas: intellectual history, methods, and their area of specialty. For each of the three exams, students will be given two questions and will select one. The exam will be in person and closed note. The final grading for the comprehensive exam will consist of a score of “High Pass” “Pass” or “Fail.” All students will have two opportunities to pass the comprehensive exam. Students who fail their first attempt will be given a second chance of an oral examination taking place with the graders, PAF program director, and SPA director. Students who do not pass the oral examination will be dismissed from the program with no opportunity for re-admittance to the PAF program.
Candidacy
0 Total Credits
- Students can officially obtain candidacy status when they have passed the comprehensive exam, formed their Dissertation committee, have no more than six credits/units remaining electives included, and all required paperwork has been completed and submitted. In addition, students must complete all CITI Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) training and required professional development courses (zero credit). Once they have obtained Candidacy status, students can register for dissertation hours. Students officially enter candidacy when the following work has been accomplished: 1. Pass Comprehensive Exam 2. Form an appropriate Dissertation Committee by the established university deadline: i. Chair (Graduate Faculty member who is eligible to chair a dissertation committee) ii. Minimum of four committee members (all must hold a Graduate Faculty or Graduate Faculty Scholar appointment) iii. At least three, and a majority of the committee, must be members of the Graduate Faculty iv. At least one member must be from outside the department (or college, if a college-wide program) v. At least one member must have served previously on a thesis or dissertation committee that graduated a student, either at UCF or at another accredited institution. If the Chair does not have this experience, another graduate faculty member who has this experience may serve in this role as Vice-Chair. Under certain circumstances (see page 2), a graduate faculty scholar who has previous committee experience may serve as Vice-Chair. 3. Have no more than 6 total credit hours of coursework remaining (including electives) 4. Complete all required RCR Workshops and CITI Integrity Trainings and Professional Development courses. 5. Complete PAF Notification of Doctoral Candidacy form.
Grand Total Credits: 57
Application Requirements
Application Deadlines
Financial Information
Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowship Information
Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.
Degree Requirements:
24 credit hours core courses
18 credit hours elective courses
0 credit Professional Development courses (first two years)
Comprehensive exam
15 credit hours Dissertation (Candidacy status)
Additional Rules and Requirements:
A grade of "B-" or better is required in all courses. Students receiving a grade below a "B-" must repeat the course and receive an acceptable grade prior to taking the Comprehensive Exam. Any student who receives more than one grade of "C" in their doctoral course work will be dismissed from the program.
A minimum of 3.0 program GPA is required to maintain graduate student status and for graduation. Students with a GPA less than 3.0 will be dismissed from the program.
