Program structure

The University of Victoria's PhD in Public Administration is structured to provide a comprehensive and rigorous academic experience, preparing students for advanced research and leadership roles in public administration.

Program Components:

1. Coursework (9.0 units):

   • During the first year, students complete a minimum of 9.0 units of coursework, which includes foundational studies in public administration, research methodologies, and elective courses tailored to individual research interests.

2. Doctoral Seminar (ADMN 600):

   • A non-credit seminar that students must register for throughout their PhD program, fostering scholarly discussion and engagement.

3. Candidacy Examination (ADMN 693 - 3.0 units):

   • Within two terms after completing coursework, students undertake a written candidacy examination focusing on foundational studies and research methodologies in public administration.

4. Dissertation Proposal:

   • Within three terms post-coursework, students develop and defend a dissertation proposal, outlining their intended research.

5. Dissertation (ADMN 699 - 30.0 units):

   • Following candidacy, students conduct original research culminating in a dissertation that contributes to the field of public administration.

Additional Requirements:

• Language Proficiency:

  • If necessary for dissertation research, students may need to acquire proficiency in additional languages, with training undertaken alongside the program.

• Residency:

  • The first year requires full-time, on-campus attendance to complete coursework and participate in seminars.

This structured approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to conduct leading-edge research and assume leadership roles in various public sectors.

For more detailed information, please visit the official program page.

Fees and Funding

The University of Victoria's PhD in Public Administration program involves several financial considerations, including tuition fees and available funding opportunities.

Tuition Fees:

• Domestic Students: Each full fee installment is $2,177.24 per term (every four months).

• International Students: Each full fee installment is $2,746.14 per term (every four months).

These fees are subject to annual adjustments. The program typically requires a minimum of 7.5 fee installments over its duration.

Additional Fees:

Students enrolled in concurrent programs, such as a Graduate Certificate alongside the PhD, incur a one-time certificate fee:

• Domestic Students: $847.78

• International Students: $1,071.98

These fees are updated annually.

Funding Opportunities:

UVic offers various funding options to support graduate students:

• UVic Fellowships: Up to $20,000 per year for PhD students.

• UVic Graduate Awards: Up to $10,000 per year.

These awards are typically based on academic merit. Additionally, students may explore external scholarships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships to supplement their funding.

For comprehensive details on tuition, fees, and funding, please refer to the University of Victoria's Graduate Admissions page.

Scholarship Guidance

The University of Victoria offers several scholarships and funding opportunities for students enrolled in the PhD in Public Administration program:

School of Public Administration Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to academically outstanding graduate students within the School of Public Administration. Recipients are selected by the Faculty of Graduate Studies Graduate Awards Committee based on recommendations from the School.

Jack Ebbels Scholarship in Public Administration: Valued at $10,000, this scholarship is open to both domestic and international students accepted into the Master's program in Public Administration. While primarily for master's students, PhD candidates may also be considered. Scholarships Adviser

G. Neil Perry Award in Public Administration: This award is available to graduate students enrolling in the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program. One award is offered annually, targeting Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have been accepted into the MPA program. Scholarships Adviser

UVic Fellowships and Graduate Awards: The university provides fellowships up to $20,000 per year and graduate awards up to $10,000 per year for PhD students, based on academic merit.University of Victoria

Graduate Assistantships: PhD students may have opportunities for teaching or research assistantships, which offer stipends and valuable experience.Global Scholarships

For comprehensive information on these and other funding opportunities, please visit the University of Victoria's Graduate Admissions page.

Admission Requirements

The University of Victoria's PhD in Public Administration has specific admission requirements regarding coursework, examinations, and dissertation components:

Degree Requirements:

• A minimum of 42.0 units is required for completion, including coursework (9.0 units), a candidacy examination (3.0 units), and a dissertation (30.0 units).

Minimum Course Requirements (9.0 units):

1. Core Courses (3.0 units) in Public Administration:
   • ADMN 605 (1.5 units): Public Policy and Governance in Public Administration
   • ADMN 608 (1.5 units): Innovation, Implementation, and Evaluation in Public Administration
2. Methodology Courses (3.0 units):
   • ADMN 602 (1.5 units): Research Design and Methods in Public Administration
   • A graduate-level quantitative or qualitative methods course (1.5 units) approved by the graduate adviser.
3. Elective Courses (3.0 units): Students choose electives based on their specialization or interest in methods, which may include courses from the School of Public Administration, other UVic departments, or external universities (with adviser approval).
4. Doctoral Seminar (ADMN 600): A non-credit seminar to be taken for the program's duration, supporting knowledge, skills, and research proposal development.

Candidacy:

• Candidacy Examination (ADMN 693 - 3.0 units): An examination to assess foundational knowledge and methodologies.

Dissertation:

• ADMN 699 (30.0 units): A significant research project contributing to the field, culminating in a final oral examination to defend the dissertation in line with Graduate Studies regulations.

For more details, please visit the official program page.

Application Procedure

Applying to the University of Victoria's PhD in Public Administration involves several key steps:

1. Application Deadlines:

• International Applicants: December 15
• Domestic Applicants: March 15 These deadlines are for the September 2024 intake.

2. Admission Requirements:

• Academic Background: A master's degree in a related field.
• Research Proposal: A detailed outline of your proposed dissertation research.
• Supervisor Identification: Contact and secure a faculty member willing to supervise your research.
• References: Three academic or professional references.
• Language Proficiency: If English is not your first language, provide proof of proficiency.

3. Application Process:

• Online Application: Submit through the UVic Graduate Admissions portal.
• Application Fee: $139.75 for domestic applicants; $179.00 for international applicants.
• Supporting Documents: Upload transcripts, research proposal, and other required documents.

4. Post-Application:

• Application Status: Monitor your application through the online portal.
• Acceptance: Upon admission, confirm your acceptance and fulfill any additional requirements.

For detailed information, please visit the official program application page.