DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (Ph.D.)
Research and Public Service
The School engages in an extensive research program, including non-funded individual faculty research, applied public service, contract, and grant funded research. Several units exist in the School for the purpose of furthering research in the public sector and linking that research to the effective management of public organizations. One aspect of that research/service/management link has been participation in and/or coordination of several Arizona Academy Town Hall research reports.
Chief among the research linkages is the Morrison Institute for Public Policy. The Morrison Institute analyzes current and proposed public policies that are important to the future of greater Phoenix, the state of Arizona, and the nation. Its mission is to conduct research which informs, advises, and assists Arizona's state and community leaders. Morrison Institute's services include policy research and analysis, program evaluation, and support of community participation in public affairs. Through a variety of publications and forums the Institute shares research results and provides services to public officials, private sector leaders, and community members who shape public policy.
The extensive public service function of the School includes contribution by faculty of their time in responding to inquiries, making referrals, and providing technical assistance and pro bono consultation to Arizona governments. A variety of workshops, conferences, training programs, seminars, and other programs offer public officials, agencies, and citizens the opportunity to better inform themselves to deal with policy and management issues. The School also engages in applied research projects for individual governmental jurisdictions on a continuing basis. The research centers respond to specific research needs and requests of public agencies.
