PhD in Public Administration
Introduction
The University of Illinois Chicago is Chicago’s only public research university and an R1 institution. We are the highest-ranked Illinois institution that offers a PhD in Public Administration. Our PhD program prepares scholars to address the most pressing issues in governance, public policy, and management. From day one, students join a research community anchored in the Department of Public Policy, Management, and Analytics (PPMA) and supported by numerous research centers and labs within the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs. Our location in Chicago, one of the world’s great cities, offers a living laboratory for students to engage with public agencies and civic partners across the region.
The PhD program’s curriculum combines strong theoretical foundations in organizational theory and policy processes with advanced methodological training in statistics, causal inference, and network analysis. Students tailor their interests into one of our four concentration areas through advanced seminars and collaborative research. This structure is designed to accelerate each student’s path from coursework to conference papers and publishable manuscripts. Graduates secure tenure-track appointments and research roles at leading universities, policy schools, government agencies, and think tanks.
Admitted students are offered four-year funding packages that include tuition coverage, a stipend, and health insurance. Students are also provided with strong professional development opportunities, the chance to teach their own course, and additional funding to present their research at major conferences. Overall, the PhD program in Public Administration provides rigorous training, close mentorship, and practical experience that prepare graduates for research-intensive careers.
PhD Advisors
Michael Siciliano
Director of Graduate Studies and Professor
Department of Public Policy, Management, and Analytics (M/C 278), 2116 AEH
phone: (312) 413-5177
sicilian@uic.edu
Megan Daly
Academic Advisor
Department of Public Policy, Management, and Analytics (M/C 278)
ppma@uic.edu
Alumni Testimonials
“Looking back, my time in the PhD program was more than just educational; it was transformative. The journey was demanding, but what defined it was the department’s genuine, unwavering belief in us. I’ll never forget how the professors guided a nervous, first-year me through my initial academic conference or the incredible moment Dr. Carr and Siciliano moved me to first author, simply because they believed in nurturing our success. These are scholars whose work I cited before I even arrived, yet they are so humble and collaborative, truly investing in you as a whole person. My second home became the Network and Governance Lab, our bi-weekly sanctuary where we shared ideas, practiced presentations, and built each other up with incredibly supportive, yet rigorous, feedback. It’s a place where rigorous training meets a profoundly supportive community, all nestled in the heart of Chicago. I truly can’t imagine finding another program that so perfectly combines world-class scholarship with such a personal, intimate commitment to its students. It’s a special place that shapes both your career and your character.”
“I knew that the PhD program at UIC was strong and competitive since my first semester, and after graduating, I can attest to that early intuition. It is a privilege to learn research design and quantitative methods from scholars who are actively conducting exceptional research, while also being excellent at transferring knowledge and skills to young scholars. The opportunities I had to work directly on research projects have helped me create and advance a coherent research agenda. The way faculty at the Department care for and invest their time and expertise in their roles as mentors, program directors, and department heads is a prime example of what public service truly means. This collegial and supportive environment throughout the program is the gravitational force that powers dynamic research groups across cohorts and keeps graduated colleagues like me connected to UIC.”
“As someone pursuing an academic career, the PhD in Public Administration at the Department of Public Policy, Management, and Analytics was a life-changing experience. The two years of coursework provided a solid foundation in the core theories of public administration and policy, while also allowing me to deepen my knowledge in specific areas aligned with my research interests. One of the program’s greatest strengths is its comprehensive training in research and analytical methods. The PhD program enables students to engage in research at an early stage. You can join research labs, collaborate with Professors and peers, and learn the process of conducting research and academic writing. Similarly, you are encouraged to attend and present at research conferences. This not only allows you to showcase your research and improve your communication skills but also helps you expand your professional network by connecting with students and professors from other universities. Good mentoring is essential for PhD students, and that is the cornerstone of the program at UIC. You will have the opportunity to work closely and learn from well-known and amazing researchers who also serve as your mentors. That experience significantly enhanced my PhD journey and shaped my academic career. I strongly recommend applying to the PhD in Public Administration program at UIC; it has the potential to change your life.”
“Reflecting on my time in the PPMA PhD program, what stands out most is how thoroughly it prepared me for a career in research and how supported I felt throughout the process. The theoretical and analytical training was comprehensive and really robust. The curriculum gave me a solid grasp of public administration as a whole, not just my concentration. That foundation, plus training in cutting-edge methods (quantitative modeling, computational stuff, you name it), gave me a versatile toolkit for tackling tough research questions.
But honestly, the best part of the program is the people. The professors are incredible. They are brilliant, but also kind, accessible, and genuinely invested in us. I never hesitated to ask for help, whether it was theory, research, or career advice. I always got thoughtful guidance, often from multiple faculty at once. That support was a lifeline during the inevitable tough phases of the PhD.
I also loved the sense of community. My peers, with all their diverse backgrounds, became close collaborators and friends. Being in the Network and Governance Lab felt like being part of a team where everyone actually cared about each other’s growth. We learned together, got through exams and job hunting stress, and celebrated each other’s wins. Never once felt alone in the process.
All in all, it was challenging but deeply rewarding. I left not just as a trained researcher, but as a more confident and connected professional. And having such great mentors showed me how to support my own students now.”
“As a PhD program, UIC turned out to be a great choice. Faculty are extremely accessible, and I still stay in contact with multiple faculty members today. Courses are small and students form a tight bond between each other. When I entered the job market, I consistently found other universities who knew UIC’s reputation for financial management and also faculty members in the program. I received a total of three tenure-track academic job offers, and each job offer involved someone at the school having a connection with someone at UIC. I would wholeheartedly recommend UIC to anyone wishing to make the journey to a PhD in Public Administration.”