Why ODU for Public Administration and Policy?

Effective public administration and policy-making requires collaborative decisions and problem solving. Our PhD program takes a multi-sector approach. You'll focus on the challenges that arise where governments, nonprofits, businesses, community groups, and individuals intersect.

You will graduate with a solid grounding in the theory and issues of traditional public administration and public policy. You'll also gain the practical knowledge to influence decision makers and lead organizations involved in public service.

You will develop the skills to:

  • Conduct policy analyses
  • Design and conduct research studies in public administration
  • Report research findings and its implications to a variety of audiences and decision-makers
  • Make informed policy and administrative decisions
  • Assess policy and implementation issues
  • Establish, manage, and evaluate multi-sector programs and relationships
  • Teach courses in public administration and policy

Whether you're new to public administration or taking your public service career to the next level, you will be able to apply your experience and education to effect change in the public sphere.

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Learn From Experts

You will be taught by ODU faculty with expertise in:

  • nonprofit and public management
  • public-private partnerships
  • public procurement and contract management
  • citizen participation
  • dispute resolution
  • economic development
  • and more

Explore More Program Details at the Department's Website

Ranked
#6

Best Online Doctorate in Public Administration, 2025 - Intelligent.com

Ranked
#8

Most Affordable Online Doctoral Degrees, 2023 - OnlineU.com

Program Information

Total
49 Credit Hours
  • 37 credit hours of doctoral level coursework
  • 12 credit hours of dissertation work

Review the Core Course Long Range Schedule

View Course Details in ODU's Graduate Catalog

Participate in live, regularly scheduled online class meetings and access course materials online from any location. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

Total
49 Credit Hours
  • 37 credit hours of doctoral level coursework
  • 12 credit hours of dissertation work

Review the Core Course Long Range Schedule

View Course Details in ODU's Graduate Catalog

Participate in live, regularly scheduled online class meetings and access course materials online from any location. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

Cost & Aid

Smiling woman in professional attire smiles in a casual office setting
Calculating Cost
In-state Virginia Residents
$620 per credit hour*
Out-of-state Students
$642 per credit hour

Rates are effective Fall 2024 and subject to change.
* In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

The newest class of graduates through ODUGlobal celebrated commencement in May 2024.
Scholarships & Aid

Scholarship Opportunities for Online Students

At ODUGlobal, we offer a variety of scholarships to support and empower you in achieving your academic and career goals, making quality education accessible wherever you are. 
 

Careers in Public Administration and Policy

Public administration and policy is an interdisciplinary field. With ODU's PhD, you can apply your experience and education in other fields — like political science, criminal justice, social work, business, engineering, fine arts, education, and more — to effect change in the public or nonprofit sphere. 

Our coursework will teach you how to create and disseminate knowledge to advance public service, whether you plan to become an instructor, conduct research, or take management positions in government or nonprofit environments.

Chief Executives
Growth
5.5%
Median Salary
$206,680
Political Scientists
Growth
2.6%
Median Salary
$132,350
Legislators
Growth
4.1%
Median Salary
$47,290
Emergency Management Directors
Growth
4.0%
Median Salary
$83,960
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Growth
3.3%
Median Salary
$93,810
Education Administrators, Postsecondary
Growth
2.9%
Median Salary
$102,610

Meet Your Team

The graduate program director will serve as your advisor through your first nine credits. Then you will form an advisory committee who will mentor you through the rest of the program.

Contact us if you have questions about admission requirements or application deadlines.

Angel Baker
Applications Coordinator
Angela Schlender
Applications Coordinator

Ready to Apply?

Applications are accepted year-round, and new students start each fall semester. The deadline for completed applications is March 1. To apply, you will need:

  • A master's degree from a regionally-accredited institution or comparable foreign institution with a minimum 3.25 GPA (4.0 scale).
  • Two letters of recommendation from academic sources.
  • A professional resume.
  • A 3-6 page essay about your academic and professional goals and why you chose our program.
  • GRE/GMAT scores at 25th percentile for verbal and quant (taken within the last five years). A GRE waiver request is available here.
  • If your native language is not English and you do not have a U.S. graduate degree, a minimum score of 79 on the TOEFL, or 6.5 on the IELTS.

Want to get started now?

You may be able to take up to four courses (12 credit hours) as a non-degree graduate student, before you are accepted into a specific degree program. 

Please contact us to discuss this option with an expert advisor.