Big challenges demand bold thinkers. UCF’s doctoral program in Public Affairs is designed for changemakers: people who lead with purpose, believe in service and want to tackle the big issues facing our communities. Whether you're aiming for a career in academia, government, nonprofits or the private sector, this program prepares you to lead — with access to renowned faculty, hands-on research, and professional development from day one. Ranked among the top 50 public affairs programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, the program surrounds you with opportunities to engage, collaborate and make a difference in downtown Orlando and beyond.
Contact Us
Public Affairs PhD Program Director
Staci Zavattaro, Ph.D.
Graduate Academic Advisor
Edlira Dursun
in Public Affairs
(U.S. News & World Report)
National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) Fellows on Faculty
in Graduate Emergency and Crisis Management
(U.S. News & World Report)
of Students Participate in Professional Development
Program Overview
If you’re passionate about solving today’s most pressing public challenges — and ready to lead with heart, purpose and evidence — UCF’s Doctoral Program in Public Affairs is designed for you. Ranked No. 46 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, the program prepares students to approach issues of public policy, planning and administration through rigorous research and meaningful community engagement. Whether your path leads to academia, government, nonprofits or industry, this degree gives you the tools to drive real impact in your community and beyond.
Possible Careers
- Fire Chief
- Government Coordinator
- Nonprofit Executive Director
- Policy Analyst
- Post-Doctoral Researcher
- Professor
A Mission-Driven Experience
Public affairs is about people, and so is this doctoral program. We’re looking for students who are curious, proactive and eager to contribute both inside and outside the classroom to today’s most pressing public issues, from housing and health access to emergency management and nonprofit leadership. You’ll dive deep into the theory, methods and application of public management and policy, always with an eye toward improving systems and lives.
Career Preparation and Mentorship
From day one, all students — part-time or full-time — participate in professional development to prepare for academic and non-academic careers. Faculty guide you through dissertation workshops, research presentations, brown bag sessions, and one-on-one mentorship, helping you grow as a scholar, researcher and changemaker. Conference travel and networking are encouraged, and fellowships may be available for up to three years, depending on college funding.
Learn from the Best in the Field
Our faculty are nationally recognized leaders in public affairs, including five National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) Fellows and former American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) presidents. Among the top-published researchers in the country, they bring deep expertise in emergency management, nonprofit leadership, planning, and more. Plus, they’re committed to challenging you to think critically, engage boldly and never lose sight of your “why.”
Real-World Impact
Located at UCF Downtown, students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities with local government and nonprofit organizations in downtown Orlando. Many choose community-engaged research, policy analysis or observational studies that address homelessness, health access, sustainability and more — often right in their own backyard. Our doctoral students frequently present at national conferences and pursue projects rooted in the public good.
UCF is where your values align with your education. Where you’ll learn to ask better questions, seek better answers, and stay grounded in your commitment to people over profit. When you graduate, you’ll join a network of changemakers in academia, government, nonprofits, and industry, ready to lead, serve and transform the world around them.
Scholarships & Fellowships
Doctoral students in public affairs may be eligible for scholarships that support their academic journey and community impact. At UCF, we make it easy to find and apply for funding through A2O: Access to Opportunities, a scholarship platform designed to connect students with awards funded by generous donors from the College of Community Innovation and Education and beyond. You’ll also find hundreds of campus-wide and external scholarships, all vetted by UCF’s Office of Student Financial Assistance.
Scholarships for doctoral students include:
- Dr. Naim Kapucu Endowed Scholarship for Doctoral Students
- Dr. Thomas T.H. Wan Endowed Scholarship
- Gerald-Mark Breen Memorial Scholarship
Explore A2O and apply during the spring semester application window.
Faculty Highlights
Kelly Stevens Honored with 2025 Reach for the Stars Award
Kelly Stevens, Ph.D., assistant professor of public administration, is a nationally recognized researcher working at the intersection of science, policy and sustainability. Stevens was recently named a UCF 2025 Reach for the Stars honoree, an award for early-career faculty making a big impact. One of Stevens’ most recent projects — the Resilience, Education and Advocacy Center for Hazard preparedness (REACH) hub — is a mobile, solar-powered hub designed to bring critical services like internet connection and device-charging to Orlando residents following disasters. Her research into resilient energy systems and environmental policy gives students a front-row seat to some of today’s most pressing public affairs challenges — and a chance to help solve them.
Christopher Hawkins Receives Research Incentive Award
Christopher Hawkins, professor of public administration, has been awarded the UCF College of Community Innovation and Education Research Incentive Award. This accolade recognizes faculty members who have demonstrated a sustained record of excellence in research and creative activities. Hawkins' work focuses on local governance, urban policy, and regional collaboration, providing valuable insights into the complexities of metropolitan management. His contributions continue to enhance the academic and practical understanding of public administration.
Claire Connolly Knox Inducted as NAPA Fellow
Claire Connolly Knox, Ph.D., is one of the nation’s top emergency management experts who helped build UCF’s nationally ranked No. 1 Master of Emergency and Crisis Management program. It’s no wonder she was recently named a Fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration — one of the highest honors in the field. Her leadership, research and contributions to the field shape national policy conversations and enrich the classroom experience for students preparing to lead in crisis and disaster response.
Doctoral Scholars
Kathryn Hickey is a Ph.D. candidate and currently working towards completing her dissertation that analyzes how recent legislation may impact individuals. Through the tenets of Administrative Evil and Minority Stress Model, she aims to discover the potential impact these laws have on individuals, focusing specifically on mental health and homelessness. In 2024, Kathryn was recognized as an ASPA Founder's Fellow and an ASPA International Young Scholar. She was one of the only students from the United States to be accepted into the European Group for Public Administration (EGPA) PhD symposium at the 2025 annual conference in Scotland. 
Kyungmin Lee is a Ph.D. candidate specializing in reducing administrative burdens on government services to improve service outcomes. She explores the influence of public innovation and technology adoption's impact on organizational structure and employee behavior. Her current research investigates information sharing's effect on service provision for the homeless and her dissertation with Dr. Jeremy Hall will address three public innovations to improve service quality. Prior to her studies at UCF, Kyungmin was a research assistant at the Korea Institute of Public Administration studying regulatory innovation and at the Korean Women’s Development Institute researching representative bureaucracy in South Korea. Kyungmin holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in public administration from Korea University in South Korea. 
Mohammad Newaz Sharif is a Ph.D. student specializing in emergency and crisis management. His research focuses on the intersections of disaster resilience, humanitarian governance, and public service delivery, with an emphasis on improving outcomes for communities through policy innovation and cross-sector collaboration. At UCF, he contributes to the NSF-funded REACH Hub project, supports nonprofit capacity-building initiatives through the Center for Public and Nonprofit Management, and teaches undergraduate courses on disaster response and recovery.
A former DAAD scholar, Newaz holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Erfurt in Germany. He also earned a Master’s in Environmental Economics from the University of Dhaka and a Bachelor of Science in Disaster Management from Patuakhali Science and Technology University, both in Bangladesh. In recognition of his research contributions, he was awarded the 2025 Mary Fran Myers Scholarship by the Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado Boulder. With extensive experience in humanitarian and research organizations, including the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement, he brings a globally informed, practice-based perspective to the study of resilience and public administration. FAQs
You can find the Public Administration PhD program requirements via the UCF Graduate Catalog and the Applications and Deadlines website.
No, we cannot waive application requirements. The College of Graduate Studies requires all applicants to have the required elements to apply.
To view application deadlines and requirements, visit the College of Graduate Studies Application Deadlines and Requirements Overview page. See deadlines. Learn more about additional funding resources.
Yes, the PhD program offers competitive stipends that are available on a limited basis. The college determines these allocations. Stipends are provided for three years and may be revoked based on academic and performance evaluations, per program and UCF policies. Continued funding beyond three years is not guaranteed. Learn more about other forms of graduate student funding.
No, our PhD program is entirely offered in-person, with face-to-face classes held at UCF Downtown in the evenings.
We admit students once a year during the fall semester to maintain a cohort model.
Our School of Public Administration faculty members specialize in various research areas related public affairs
No, a degree in a specific field is not required. We require a master's degree unless you apply to the dual MPA/PhD degree program.
Funding is limited based on annual budget allocations. Other funding sources are available throughout UCF, and program leaders help students find those additional sources.
Yes, applicants making it through an initial screening process will proceed to a 15-minute interview via Zoom.
We take a holistic approach to reviewing submitted application materials. Please clearly express your research interests and explain why you are interested in pursuing a PhD from the UCF School of Public Administration.
A GRE score of 300 or higher is considered competitive. To show evidence of a strong background in calculus, our program considers factors such as grades in master-level or equivalent mathematics courses (e.g., calculus, economics, or other quantitative methods) and a competitive quantitative GRE score.
International students must meet additional requirements. All students who have attended a college or university outside the United States need to provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. In addition, international students, except those from countries where English is the only official language or those who have earned a degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, must submit a score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
The College of Graduate Studies at UCF awards fellowship funding each year. Learn more about UCF's fellowship opportunities.