Department of Public Policy, Management, and Analytics FAQ’s
Public Administration PhD FAQ's
Thank you for your interest in the PhD program in Public Administration at UIC! Prospective applicants are encouraged to read these frequently asked questions (FAQs) before starting their application. If you have other questions about the program not answered below, or wish to talk over your career goals or research interests before applying, please reach out to schedule an appointment with the Director of Graduate Studies for the doctoral program.
Can the program be done part-time?
We admit students for full-time study only. Students must take a full-time course load each term to complete the program in a reasonable timeframe. A full-time course load is approximately 12 credits per term (generally 3 courses). In addition, students are expected to complete 20 hours per week of paid research and teaching assistantships each semester they are in the program.
Is there an online option for the PhD program?
No. Our program is fully in-person. Instructors may occasionally hold class sessions virtually, but students should expect to attend all their classes in person.
Is there funding available for the program?
Yes. We offer an initial commitment of four years of funding for all students admitted to the program. Funding includes a full tuition waiver, a nine-month stipend each year (research and/or teaching assistantship of 20 hours/week), and campus health care. Students may be eligible for additional years of funding, pending good standing in the program and satisfactory progress toward the dissertation and degree.
How long does it take to complete the PhD program?
All students complete coursework in the first two years. Variation in degree completion is driven by the student’s dissertation. The time it takes to complete the dissertation depends on many factors, including, for example, the student’s research design and whether or not original data are being collected, the student’s personal and family commitments, activities outside the program, and the student’s time management abilities. On average, students complete the degree in 5 years.
How many students do you admit to the program?
The number of admitted students each year is based on budgetary and other factors, but generally, we admit a cohort of 4 students each year for full-time study.
Is the GRE required? What if my scores are below the recommended values?
GRE test scores are required with your application, but they are only one of many sources of information used in admission decisions. The admissions committee takes into account all parts of the application, including master’s GPA, letters of recommendation, student’s personal statement, writing sample, and GRE scores.
Do I need to identify a potential advisor before applying to the program?
We do not expect that students applying to the program will have identified an advisor. It is helpful for applicants to explain their research interests in their personal statement, and if these interests align with those of a particular faculty member, students are encouraged to discuss this in their statement. Many students’ research interests evolve during the first year or two in the program, and thus, the faculty who eventually advise a student may shift as well.