A doctorate in Public Administration prepares you to manage city, state or federal government agencies, hold political office or teach at a university. Some people with PhDs in Public Administration elect to direct think tanks, public policy or non-profit organizations. Career prospects for PhD holders recently become even brighter and more flexible since many major corporations recognized the value of the rigorous research training that these degrees require.
Instructions
1. Visit the American Society for Public Administration's website to get information about public service careers, including an international affairs concentration. Get resources to help you decide if this career is a good fit for you. Use the website's library and links to find additional resources about this field.
2. Sign up for an account at Gradschools to investigate schools with PhD programs. Create your own profile to have your selections stored for later retrieval. Use additional site links to find fellowships, workshops and training opportunities in Public Administration. Compare off-campus and on campus degree programs here too.
3. Register at Educational Testing Service for the Graduate Record Exam. Unless otherwise stated, most universities require scores from this exam as part of the application for admission to their PhD programs. Download exam preparation materials and study guides for the GRE at ETS or get them at your local library.
4. Select 3 to 5 schools, based on your geographical preferences and career interests. Request admissions applications and fellowship applications.
5. Complete the applications, send your undergraduate transcripts and GRE test scores to at least three schools. Start this process early. Many schools allocate their graduate fellowships on a first-come basis, instead of need or merit.
6. Enroll and complete the PhD degree courses at your chosen institution. Depending on your concentration and the school's requirements, expect to finish classes in less than three years. Some schools require a management internship placement.
7. Pass the comprehensive subject examination, usually required before Public Administration PhD students are admitted to final candidacy. Prepare your final project report or conduct research for your dissertation, depending on the school and your concentration.
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