UNT’s Ph.D. in Public Administration and Management emphasizes the development of new knowledge through research and theoretical inquiry.
The Department of Public Administration at the University of North Texas offers a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Public Administration and Management, in addition to the nationally ranked Master of Public Administration. The program admits a selective number of students (8 to 10) each Fall semester. The program is full-time and on-campus, which prioritizes collaboration with faculty and optimizes students’ research and academic career success.
Students are trained for research-oriented scholarly careers in the field of public administration with specializations in urban management, nonprofit management, public financial management and emergency management.
Both faculty and students benefit from access to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, which presents a superb laboratory for research into the complex and compelling issues facing the public today. Our collegial and distinguished faculty have established research agendas, excellent reputations, and a collaborative spirit that provides a strong foundation for students who want to become the academic leaders and scholars of the future.
Please peruse the web pages for our PhD Program, and do not hesitate to get in touch with the PhD Program Coordinator or any of the faculty in the Department of Public Administration.
Thank you for your interest in the PhD at UNT!

Scholarships & more
The Department of Public Administration in UNT’s College of Health and Public Service offers about $100,000 in scholarships and research assistantships each year, including:
- Lynn F. Anderson Fellowship
- Clarence E. Ridley Scholarship
- E. Ray Griffin Scholarship
Your Academic AdvisorGraduate students are advised by department faculty. Dr. Simon Andrew, PhD program coordinator, can help connect you with potential faculty advisors based on your unique interests. Simon Andrew, Ph.D. Chair, Professor, Ph.D. Program Coordinator Simon.Andrew@unt.edu 940-565-4982 Chilton 204A |
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PhD Financial Support
The Department of Public Administration at the University of North Texas proudly provides a small number of funded fellowships to well-qualified applicants as part of the Newell Fellows Program.
Newell Fellows work toward their PhD in Public Administration while completing important research projects with the department’s world-class faculty and assisting with course instruction.
This exciting program is named for a renowned scholar in the field and former UNT professor, Charldean Newell. It provides financial support for the tuition and fees associated with attending the PhD program full time and a stipend for living costs.
Newell Fellows are selected on a competitive basis in the Spring of each year from among applicants who will start the PhD program the following Fall semester. Applications should be submitted by February 1, and must include GRE scores.
This is an exciting time to earn a PhD at UNT, and we would be happy to discuss how a Newell Fellowship could help make that a reality for you! Please feel free to contact us for more information.
Department of Public Administration
University of North Texas
Chilton Hall Room 204
940-565-2165
Department of Public Administration
University of North Texas
1155 Union Circle 310617
Denton, TX 76203
Or email your interest and questions to us: phd.padm@unt.edu
The Department of Public Administration partners with the Toulouse Graduate School and the College of Health and Public Service (HPS) to support the Newell Fellows program each year.
Major funding for the programs is also provided by the Graduate School and allocated by the College, and students must meet all requirements of these program partners to qualify.
Please note that funding is contingent on availability and requires that students successfully meet all obligations of the university, department, and program, as well as any stipulations of the Newell Fellows program.