DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (Ph.D.)
Residency and Dissertation
The period spent in residence after regular or provisional admission to the Ph.D. program is designed to provide an opportunity for students to avail themselves of university resources and to interact fully with faculty and other students. This time represents total involvement, on the part of the student, in doctoral studies in public administration.
At least two consecutive semesters subsequent to admission to the Ph.D. program must be spent in full- time residence at ASU. It is expected that during this period spent in residence, students take a minimum of nine semester hours of course work (see the ASU Graduate Catalog).
A dissertation is required of each student. The dissertation must consist of a fully documented written analysis demonstrating a high level of research skill and substantive competence. Each student must register for a minimum of 24 hours of research (PAF 792) and dissertation (PAF 799).
The dissertation is supervised by a committee of at least three faculty members appointed by the Dean of the Division of Graduate Studies. The chair of the committee must be a member of the ASU School of Public Affairs faculty or affiliated faculty. The final oral examination in defense of the dissertation is scheduled by the Dean of the Division of Graduate Studies and conducted by the student's dissertation committee. A candidate must pass the final oral within five years after completing the comprehensive examination. Any exception must be approved by the dissertation committee, the Ph.D. director, and the Dean of the Division of Graduate Studies. The student is eligible for graduation when the Division of Graduate Studies scholarship requirements have been met, the final oral examination has been passed, and the dissertation has been approved by the supervisory committee and accepted by the Ph.D. director, and the dean of the Division of Graduate Studies.
Application for graduation must be made by the date specified in the Division of Graduate Studies calendar.
