Our PhD programs position students in the national center of influence and relevancy. Here in our nation’s capital, they dive into research that addresses today’s most pressing challenges and produce scholarship with real-world connection and immediate impact.

Our doctoral programs are full-time, cohort-based degrees that draw from the breadth and depth of resources across American University. This rigorous training is rooted in contemporary theory, principles, practices, and research methods in public administration and policy; government and politics; and justice, law, and criminology. Students come to American University for the chance to study firsthand with experts and work closely with prominent scholars whose cutting-edge research activities and professional roles play key roles in national and global issues.

We pride ourselves on growing the next generation of leading scholars. Indeed, we encourage students throughout the course of their graduate careers to present papers at major academic conferences, co-author papers with faculty members, publish in top journals, and seek prestigious awards. By the time our students complete the program, they have already produced methodologically sound, socially relevant research advancing knowledge and theory. They are prepared for university teaching and research or a career as an authority and leader within their respective fields.