How to apply

The deadline to apply is January 4, 2027. The PhD in Public Administration and Policy admits students for fall only.

SPA reviews applications in January and February, and makes offers in the spring of each year. Students must specify whether they are applying to the Two-Year or Three-Year Cohort.

Admission is highly competitive based on academic qualifications, experience, research/career interest, and program fit. Recent applicants have completed undergraduate and master's degrees in public administration, policy, geography, business, social work, economics, engineering, and other related fields.

Applicants should generally have a Master’s degree before enrollment, although exceptional applicants with only a Bachelor’s degree may also be considered. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review faculty research by reviewing our website, faculty profiles, and publications. In the application process, students will be matched with faculty with similar interests. It is not necessary to reach out to faculty in advance. Questions specific to the application process should be directed to the PhD Program Director.

To apply, use the official ASU Graduate application (click on the yellow "Apply Now" button on this page). When completing the application, upload the supporting materials listed below. You can upload all materials simultaneously or save the application and return to it.

Applicants are not reviewed unless the file is complete. To receive full consideration, you must submit the following, along with the application fee, by the deadline. We do not offer waivers for any of these requirements. Applicants must create and submit authentic and original application materials without the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) content generators except for minor grammatical or spelling support.

1. Official transcripts. These must be submitted by mail from the university's Registrar's Office. Information about submitting transcripts can be found here.

2. A written statement of educational and career goals that includes a discussion of research interests. Please organize your statement around the following questions:

• ASU SPA PhD Program Track: Are you applying to the Full Time (2 year course work cohort) or Part Time (3 year coursework cohort)?
• PhD education: Why do you want a PhD? What made you decide to pursue a PhD?
• Career goals: What are your career goals post-PhD? What are your long-term career objectives? How does the SPA PhD program fit with those goals and objectives?
• Research interests: What are your research interests? What drives your interest in the issues you describe? How do your interests fit with SPA research and strengths? Which SPA faculty would you hope to work with and why?
• Background: What are your professional and academic experiences that are relevant to your decision to pursue a PhD in SPA?
• Building your expertise: Students enter our program with different backgrounds, skills, and interests. Which areas do you want to strengthen/build here at SPA?

• If you are submitting a quantitative resume (see below) please attach it at end of your personal statement and submit as a single PDF.

   

3. Writing sample. This may be a manuscript, research reports, a research paper, class paper, or a portion of a thesis. We prefer a sole-authored piece. If this is not possible, please include a statement of your contribution. Writing samples may not exceed 30 pages.
4. A current resume or vitae.
5. Three letters of recommendation. These should be from faculty members who have knowledge about your ability, skills, interests, and scholarly promise. All letters should address your potential to successfully complete the doctoral program, assess your capacity for critical and analytic thought, your ability to communicate effectively (both orally and in writing), and discuss your commitment to an academic or other research career.
6. GRE Test Scores. It is strongly recommended, although not required, that all prospective students submit verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing GRE test scores to be considered for admission. If you do not have prior coursework in advanced math or statistics, or if that coursework is more than 10 years old, submitting GRE scores is highly encouraged.

• Our GRE institution code is 4007. GRE test scores older than five years will not be accepted.
• If you choose not to submit GRE scores, you must submit a quantitative resume, using the following form. Please attach it to the end of your personal statement.

7. Applicants whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required to be considered for admission. Our institution code for the TOEFL is 4007.

• The English proficiency requirement is waived if the applicant has earned a Master’s or Ph.D. degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.
• Minimum score on a TOEFL iBT® is a 5 or a score of 100 if taken before January 21, 2026. Applicants with scores below the minimum are not considered.
• The minimum IELTS score is 7.
• Please note: The School of Public Affairs requires a higher TOEFL/IELTS score than the university.
• Scores must not be over two years old. Either the TOEFL or IELTS must have been taken within two years from the beginning of the semester for which you've applied. Example: A student applies for Fall 2026 admission. Classes for Fall 2026 start on Aug 20, 2026. Therefore, any English language proficiency test must have been taken Aug 20, 2024 or after.