Obtaining a doctoral degree, or PhD, takes years of hard work at the post-graduate level. To be considered for a PhD program, applicants must have a master’s degree and go through a rigorous application process. Once accepted, they often engage in research, academic courses, and completion of a thesis in their academic field.

What is a PhD in Public Management? This high-level degree usually equates to an expertise in the ways that management intersects with public policy. Students examine the evolution and employment of different styles and modes of management in the public arena. Common areas of concentration in public management PhD programs are criminal justice, human resources, information technology systems, statistics and psychology (as they relate to public management). Some of the general courses that students may take deal with qualitative and quantitative research methods, urban management, organizational development, non-profit organization management, politics and administration. Many PhD programs in public management last between five and seven years and require presenting one’s thesis to a university panel of experts. The panel then confirms or denies the candidate’s doctoral status.

A PhD in Public Management can provide students with superb communicative and administrative skills. The degree is rooted in the fundamentals of human interaction and organization, which can give a person an advantage in any field of work.

To find out the cost of a particular PhD program in public management, contact your school of interest directly. Every program cost varies from school to school.

A PhD degree can open up opportunities for many fulfilling careers. Individuals holding a PhD in Public Management may find academic positions teaching human resources management, public policy, administration or management at the university level. Research positions at universities are also potentially an option. Some graduates may find work in government, non-profits or companies as public planning directors, communications directors, public administration analysts or public policy analysts.

If you’re interested in online learning possibilities for a PhD program in public management, some universities may have options available. Search for your program below and contact directly the admission office of the school of your choice by filling in the lead form.