Campuses:
This is archival data. This system was retired as of August 21, 2023 and the information on this page has not been updated since then. For current information, visit catalogs.umn.edu.
Twin Cities Campus
Public Affairs, Ph.D.HHH Administration
Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs
Link to a list of faculty for this program.
Contact Information
Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota, 301 19th Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612-624-3800; fax: 612-626-0002)
Email:
hhhphd@umn.edu
Website: http://www.hhh.umn.edu/degrees/phd/
Along with the program-specific requirements listed below, please read the
General Information section of
this
website for requirements that apply to all major fields.
The doctor of philosophy (PhD) in public affairs offers students opportunities for rigorous, advanced study in the areas of public affairs, policy analysis, and planning. The goal of the PhD program is to train researchers who will enter academia or join highly respected public or nonprofit institutions involved in cutting edge research in public affairs, policy, planning, and management. Successful applicants to the program will be clear about the research they wish to undertake and why they think the Humphrey School is the best place to do that research. Students are expected to make original theoretical, methodological, or substantive contributions in the area of their specialization (sub-plans). Sub-plans are offered in public policy; urban planning; management and government; and science, technology, and environmental policy. Students will be expected to complete the degree program within five years.
Program Delivery
Prerequisites for Admission
The preferred undergraduate GPA for admittance to the program
is 3.50.
Other requirements to be completed before admission:
The general requirement is the capability to pursue PhD-level work. Typically, an applicant should have an academic record from a recognized college that includes undergraduate coursework in microeconomics and mathematics (either calculus, statistics, or algebra).
Special Application Requirements:
A complete application will include a U of MN graduate application, a personal statement that includes motivation for pursuing doctoral studies, a resume or C.V., transcripts, GRE scores, a writing sample, TOEFL scores (if applicable), and at least three letters of recommendation.
Applicants must submit their test score(s) from the following:
International applicants must submit score(s) from one of the following tests:
The preferred English language test is Test of English as Foreign Language.
Key to test
abbreviations
(GRE, TOEFL, IELTS).
For an online application or for more information about graduate education admissions, see the
General Information section of this
website.
Program Requirements
39
credits are required in the major.
24 thesis credits are required.
This program may be completed with a minor.
Use of 4xxx courses towards program requirements is not permitted.
A minimum GPA of 3.00
is required for students to remain in good standing.
At least 1 semesters must be completed
before filing a Degree Program Form.
Practical teaching experience: Each candidate must complete training in pedagogy, and a teaching experience as a course instructor or teaching assistant (TA) with instructional responsibilities. The pedagogical training may take place prior to or concurrent with the teaching experience. Evidence of English-speaking proficiency is required prior to the teaching experience.
Dissertation requirement: Each candidate must complete original academic research and fulfill a dissertation requirement by completing either an academic thesis or three related academic papers that are judged by the student's committee to be of publishable quality.
Research Seminar
PA 8005 - Doctoral Research Seminar in Public Affairs
(3.0 cr)
Research Methods
Minimum of 12 credits in research methods, including at least one course each in: research design, quantitative methods, and qualitative methods. Courses are chosen in consultation with advisor based on student's background and research interests.
Academic Sub-plan
Students are required to complete one of four sub-plans consisting of a minimum of 18 credits, as described below. Sub-plans offer students the opportunity for advanced, rigorous study in the theory, methods, and practice in their field.
Doctoral thesis crdits
Students must register for at least 24 doctoral thesis credits.
Program Sub-plans
Students are required to complete one of the following sub-plans.
Students may not complete the program with more than one sub-plan.
Management and Governance
Electives
12 credits in the area of public and nonprofit leadership and management. Courses are chosen in consultation with advisor based on student's background and research interests.
Public Policy
The public policy sub-plan is a self-designed set of topic-based courses (minimum 18 credits) determined by the student and advisor with the consent of the other faculty in the sub-plan area.
Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy
PA 8706 or PA 5711
PA 8706 {Inactive}
(3.0 cr)
or
PA 5711 - Science, Technology & Environmental Policy
(3.0 cr)
PA 8707 or PA 5752
PA 8707 {Inactive}
(3.0 cr)
or
PA 5752 {Inactive}
(3.0 cr)
Focus Area
One focus area course (at least 3 credits) covering topics such as:
• Energy and environmental policy
• Urban infrastructure and sustainable cities
• Water policy
• Emerging technologies and society
• Courses offered in U of M departments that are related to focus area
Environmental and Sustainability Systems
One course (at least 3 credits) providing depth in environmental and sustainability systems, such as:
• Health & well-being, environmental phycology
• Climate, environment and eco-system studies
• Environmental economics, applied economics
• Industrial ecology
• Models, scenarios, risk, uncertainty, decision analysis
• Courses offered in U of M departments related to environment/sustainability systems
Examples are available from faculty advisors.
Policy Process and Implementation
One course (at least 3 credits) providing depth in policy process and implementation, covering topics such as:
•Law, regulations, science and innovation policy
•Politics of public affairs
•Urban environmental planning
•Leadership and management
•Global policy
•Public finance, budgeting
•Policy implementation and evaluation
•Courses offered in U of M departments related to policy process and implementation
Examples are available from faculty advisors.
Additional course (at least 3 credits) in consultation with faculty advisor
Professional training and seminars
Strongly recommended: Participation in seminars and professional trainings covering leadership, public communication, international and intercultural experiences, effective teaching, such as those offered at the Institute on the Environment and to include PA 8931, PA 8932, and PA 8933 (professional skills courses for PhD/public affairs students).
PA 8931 {Inactive}
(1.0 cr)
PA 8932 {Inactive}
(1.0 cr)
PA 8933 {Inactive}
(1.0 cr)
Urban Planning
Urban Planning Electives
Four additional courses, for at least 12 credits, to be determined by student and advisor. Students must demonstrate proficiency in GIS.
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Credits: | 3.0 [max 6.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Prerequisites: | Public Affairs doctoral student |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Every Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F or Aud |
Typically offered: | Every Fall & Spring |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Typically offered: | Every Fall |
Credits: | 3.0 [max 3.0] |
Grading Basis: | A-F only |
Typically offered: | Periodic Spring |