Why Choose UNO's Ph.D. in Public Administration
Making a Difference as an International Student
You can apply online.
See full application checklist for the Public Administration PhD program.
Doctoral program committee members review each application as a portfolio. One of the most important elements of the application is the statement of intent. Doctoral program committee members look at fit with the program and that you’ve identified research interests and faculty with whom you might work related to your research interests, that you understand the scholarly focus of the PhD program, and that you’ve conveyed an openness to learning and growing as a scholar.
The five-page statement of intent should: describe the career you wish to pursue after completion of the PhD, research interests and desired areas of specialization offered in the PhD program, faculty with whom you would like to work, and an explanation of academic and professional backgrounds and interests.
Doctoral program committee members look primarily at fit with the program and that you’ve identified faculty with whom you might work related to your research interests, that you understand the scholarly focus of the PhD program, and that you’ve conveyed an openness to learning and growing as a scholar.
See sample statements from accepted applicants: sample 1, sample 2, sample 3.
You can transfer in a maximum of 36 graduate credits towards the 92 credits required to complete the PhD program.
Yes! Several students in our program do not have a public administration background but do well in the program. You may be asked to do preliminary reading or take pre-requisite courses before starting the program.
You’re welcome to reach out to any faculty member; however, there is no requirement to contact faculty before you apply. We do encourage you to do research on our faculty to understand their research interests so you can address how your interests align with faculty in your statement of intent. Find more information about faculty members in Public and Nonprofit Administration, Emergency Management and Disaster Science, and Aviation.
There are two application deadlines each year, the first is January 15 for applicants seeking financial assistance and the second is March 15 for all other students seeking admission. If accepted, students start the fall semester of the same year.
Typically, it’s not possible to apply after the March 15 deadline has passed.
After the application deadline, the doctoral program committee reviews applications. Typically, interviews are conducted with top applicants before a final decision is made regarding acceptance (and funding). The entire process takes around 1 to 2 months.
It will typically take around 1-2 months before we are able to provide a decision.
All applicants will be contacted by Graduate Studies. If you are accepted or selected to receive funding, the program doctoral committee chair will also be in touch with additional information.
No, the GRE is not required.
Our program is unique in creating a supportive, collaborative, and rigorous environment for students to develop their intellectual identities and a comprehensive understanding of the field and a range of research traditions. We value intellectual openness, collaboration, diversity, and excellence. We provide substantial support and opportunities for students to prepare to be well-rounded scholars and instructors.
Our program learning outcomes are that students will:
Unfortunately, no. Cohorts start only in the fall each year.
Unfortunately, no. All our PhD courses are offered in person. Some elective courses may be taken online.
Yes! We have several students in the program who are also working full-time. It can be a challenge to juggle, but it is possible.
A student can complete the program either part-time or full-time; however, the university requires that all students complete 24 credit hours within the first 24 months of the program in order to meet the residency requirement of UNO. This means that most students take at least two courses each fall and spring semesters for the first two years of the program. In addition, the time limit to complete the degree is eight years.
Courses are typically offered Monday through Thursday, 5:30-8:10pm.
The average time it takes a student to complete the program (calculated for the last 18 graduates) is 5 years (the range is 3.5 years to 7 years).
The application fee is $50. The application fee may be waived for U.S. Military and Veteran applicants and their dependents with proof of military status. More information can be found within the graduate admissions guide.
The PhD requires 56 credits (in addition to what you transfer in for master’s credit; a maximum of 36 credits). See the latest tuition rates and student fees. You can apply, as part of your application, for a graduate assistantship, which would cover most or all of your tuition.
See also more information about financing your degree.
The program awards a limited number of graduate assistantships (GAs) each year. GAs typically include tuition, a stipend of $20,000 per academic year (for 9 months), subsidized health insurance, and office space with computer. Assistantships typically include four years of funding (dependent on the student continuing to meet program requirements)
To apply for an assistantship in the School, applicants need to submit their applications by the January 15 deadline and indicate their request for funding in the application.
Some of our students also work as GAs in other departments on campus. See GA job openings.
All PhD students in our program can also apply for conference travel funding (for around $1,000 a year) and additional university research support ($5,000 twice while in the program). Summer teaching or research opportunities may also be available for additional pay.
Other funding opportunities are also available.
No. To apply for an assistantship in the School, applicants need to submit their applications to the program by the January 15 deadline and indicate their request for funding in the application.
To apply in other departments on campus, see GA job openings.
Omaha is among the most affordable places to live while working on a PhD, with a cost of living among the lowest in the country.
Omaha is a great place to live while in school. The cost of living is low, there are plenty of things to do (when you’re not studying), and the people are friendly.
Overall, 80% of graduates are employed in academic positions in the U.S. and abroad. Our remaining graduates work in upper-level administrative positions in public, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations.
In 2024, we saw 100% Placement of our graduates!
Some examples of where our graduates work at include:
See our PhD alumni profiles for more information.
For international students, TOEFL or IELTS is required unless alternate proof of English proficiency can be provided. This includes proof of graduation from an accredited U.S. college or university with a bachelor's degree or higher or proof that your education has been completed in an approved English-speaking country. Check the list of approved English-speaking countries.
To use these alternatives or if you have other questions, please contact International Admissions at: unoadmissions@unomaha.edu or 1.877.884.6287.
No. A waiver of the TOEFL/IELTS score requirement is granted for persons who have received a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from an institution in the United States.
The TOEFL/IELTS requirement will also be waived for applicants who have received or will be receiving a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from a pre-determined country on the waiver list.
