Doctor of Philosophy in Urban and Public Affairs, University of Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky

48 Months

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About this course

The PhD in Urban and Public Affairs at the University of Louisville is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for careers in teaching, research, policy analysis, public administration, land use and environmental planning, and economic development. The program offers three field areas: Public Administration, Urban Planning, and Sustainability. It requires completing 48 credit hours, including coursework and dissertation research, with a focus on developing advanced knowledge and research skills related to urban environments and policy issues.

Why this course is highly recommended

This program is ideal for individuals passionate about urban and public affairs who wish to engage in high-level research, policy analysis, and academia. Its interdisciplinary approach equips students with versatile skills applicable in various careers related to urban development, environmental planning, and public policy, making it a strong choice for future leaders in this field.

Specialisation

Students can choose from three specializations within the program: Public Administration, Urban Planning, and Sustainability. Each specialization offers tailored coursework and research opportunities aligned with specific career interests in urban policy, planning practices, or sustainable development.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

Living cost

Degree requirements

Students must complete 48 credit hours, which include core courses, methods courses, field area courses, and a dissertation consisting of 12 credit hours. Before starting dissertation work, students must pass a qualifying exam. They are also required to attend departmental colloquia, maintain continuous enrollment until graduation, and meet university academic policies regarding grades and academic standing.

English language test

IELTS

6.5

PTE

TOEFL

DUOLINGO

105

Career prospects

Graduates of this PhD program can pursue careers in academia as university professors, or as researchers and policy analysts in government agencies, think tanks, and non-profit organizations. The program prepares students for leadership roles in urban planning, environmental sustainability, public administration, and economic development.

FAQs

What are the admission requirements for this PhD program?

Applicants need a bachelor's degree with at least a 3.0 GPA, a master's degree with at least a 3.5 GPA, GRE scores, and must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores if English is not their first language. The application also requires transcripts, a statement of purpose, and recommendation letters.

How many credit hours are required to complete the PhD?

The program requires a total of 48 credit hours, including coursework and dissertation research.