The Status of Doctoral Programs in Public Affairs and Administration

Abstract

At least 72 doctoral programs in public affairs and administration, almost all Ph.D.s, now exist in the United States. The number of doctoral degrees awarded by NASPAA institutions grew from 169 in 2003 to 208 in 2006, according to Public Administration Times. The National Research Council formally recognized the Ph.D. in “public policy, public administration and public affairs” as a field in its 2006 Assessment of Research Doctorate Programs. In the context of this momentum, it is important to assess the current status of Ph.D. programs in public affairs and administration. The purpose of this article is to provide that snapshot of the field, with particular attention to trends and questions grounded in data collection.