Rankings
#27 U.S. News & World Report 2025-2026 Best Graduate Schools
#1 Best Public Affairs Program in Colorado
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs
The PhD program emphasizes scholarship in public administration, public policy, public management, and criminal justice/criminology in preparation for positions in academia and consulting firms, public management and administration, public policy analysis, politics and advocacy, and nonprofits.
Application Deadlines
Fall Only
Domestic applicants: Feb 1
International applicants: Jan 15
Tuition & Fees
The cost of tuition varies based on credit hours, fees and residency. Click this box for the current table of rates.Full Time or Part Time
Time to Degree
Full Time: 4 Years
Part Time: 6 Years
Credit
Total Major Credits: 60Faculty Mentorship
Students are more likely to be successful in the PhD program when their research interests overlap with members of the faculty. Potential students applying to the program are urged to make an effort to learn about the faculty members at the School of Public Affairs, their academic research interests, their resumes, and their various specializations. Potential students can find out about faculty by taking courses, talking directly with faculty members, and talking with current PhD students. When applying to the PhD program, student candidates should explicitly identify one to three faculty advisors in their statement.
View faculty bios
Financial Assistance
The School of Public Affairs will fund a small number of doctoral research assistantships each year based on financial availability and qualifications of the applicant. If you are a potential or incoming PhD student interested in one of these positions as a part of your admission, please contact spa.admissions@ucdenver.edu.
PhD Curriculum
Learn about the courses you need to complete to earn the Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs.
Academic Catalog Listing & Program Handbook
Find additional information about academic policies, graduation requirements, and more.
Program Director: Dr. Deserai Anderson Crow
Professor; Co-Director, Center for Community Safety and Resilience
Events
Browse upcoming events where you can learn about our graduate programs.
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Alumni Spotlight: Tracy Altman, PhD
Tracy is the founder and Executive Director at Museum of AI, which produces immersive experiences and informal learning programs about artificial intelligence.
Alumni Spotlight: Dallas Elgin, PhD
Dallas is a research scientist at RTI International where he leads research and evaluation studies focused on increasing the effectiveness, equity, and efficiency of programs and policies designed to address adverse childhood experiences and social determinants of health among children and families.