Doctoral Application FAQs

Application Process & Materials

Application Deadline & Submission

FAQs for International Applicants

Application Process & Materials

Where do I apply?

You can apply online here.

What should be included in the application?

You can find a full application checklist for the Public Administration PhD program here.

How much weight is put on each aspect of the application?

Doctoral program committee members review each application as a portfolio. One of the most important elements of the application is the statement of intent. Doctoral program committee members look at fit with the program and that you’ve identified research interests and faculty with whom you might work related to your research interests, that you understand the scholarly focus of the PhD program, and that you’ve conveyed an openness to learning and growing as a scholar.

What should be included in my statement of intent?

The five-page statement of intent should: describe the career you wish to pursue after completion of the PhD, research interests and desired areas of specialization offered in the PhD program, faculty with whom you would like to work, and an explanation of academic and professional backgrounds and interests.

Doctoral program committee members look primarily at fit with the program and that you’ve identified faculty with whom you might work related to your research interests, that you understand the scholarly focus of the PhD program, and that you’ve conveyed an openness to learning and growing as a scholar.

See sample statements from accepted applicants: sample 1, sample 2, sample 3.

I've already earned graduate credits. Can these be transferred to the program?

You can transfer in a maximum of 36 graduate credits towards the 92 credits required to complete the PhD program.

My master’s degree is not in Public Administration, can I still apply?

Yes! Several students in our program do not have a public administration background but do well in the program. You may be asked to do preliminary reading or take pre-requisite courses before starting the program.

Should I contact faculty before I apply?

You’re welcome to reach out to any faculty member; however, there is no requirement to contact faculty before you apply. We do encourage you to do research on our faculty to understand their research interests so you can address how your interests align with faculty in your statement of intent. Find more information about faculty members in Public Administration here, Emergency Management and Disaster Science here, and Aviation here.

Application Deadline & Submission

When is the deadline to apply?

There are two application deadlines each year, the first is January 15 for applicants seeking financial assistance and the second is March 15 for all other students seeking admission. If accepted, students start the fall semester of the same year.

I've missed the application deadline. May I still apply?

Typically, it’s not possible to apply after the March 15 deadline has passed.

What happens once I submit my application?

After the application deadline, the doctoral program committee reviews applications. Typically, interviews are conducted with top applicants before a final decision is made regarding acceptance (and funding). The entire process takes around 1 to 2 months.

Application Decisions

I've submitted my completed application. When will I receive a decision?

It will typically take around 1-2 months before we are able to provide a decision.

How will I receive my decision?

All applicants will be contacted by Graduate Studies. If you are accepted or selected to receive funding, the program doctoral committee chair will also be in touch with additional information.

GRE Scores

Is the GRE required?

No, the GRE is not required.

Program Information

What makes this program different from other Public Administration PhD programs?

Our program is unique in creating a supportive, collaborative, and rigorous environment for students to develop their intellectual identities and a comprehensive understanding of the field and a range of research traditions. We value intellectual openness, collaboration, diversity, and excellence. We provide substantial support and opportunities for students to prepare to be well-rounded scholars and instructors.

Our program learning outcomes are that students will:

understand multiple epistemologies, discourses, and theories in the field of public administration.

understand quantitative and qualitative research designs and methodologies applicable to the field of public administration.

design, carry out, and defend an independent research project related to the field of public administration.

Can I start the program in the spring?

Unfortunately, no. Cohorts start only in the fall each year.

Is the program offered on-line or via long-distance?

Unfortunately, no. All our PhD courses are offered in person. Some elective courses may be taken online.

Can the program be done while I’m also working full time?

Yes! We have several students in the program who are also working full-time. It can be a challenge to juggle, but it is possible.

Is the program part-time or full-time?

A student can complete the program either part-time or full-time; however, the university requires that all students complete 24 credit hours within the first 24 months of the program in order to meet the residency requirement of UNO. This means that most students take at least two courses each fall and spring semesters for the first two years of the program. In addition, the time limit to complete the degree is eight years.

What days of the week and times are the courses offered?

Courses are typically offered Monday through Thursday, 5:30-8:10pm.

About how long does it take to complete the program?

The average time it takes a student to complete the program (calculated for the last 18 graduates) is 5 years (the range is 3.5 years to 7 years).

Costs

What is the application fee? Can the application fee be waived?

The application fee is $50. The application fee may be waived for U.S. Military and Veteran applicants and their dependents with proof of military status. Find more information here.

What is the general cost of the PhD program?

The PhD requires 56 credits (in addition to what you transfer in for master’s credit; a maximum of 36 credits). Credit hours currently cost $332 for state residents or $798 for non-residents, plus other fees outlined here. See the latest tuition rates here. You can apply, as part of your application, for a graduate assistantship, which would cover most or all of your tuition.

See also more information about financing your degree here.

Fellowships and Financial Aid

What type of funding is available?

The program awards a limited number of graduate assistantships (GAs) each year. GAs typically include tuition, a stipend of $18,000 per academic year (for 9 months), subsidized health insurance, and office space with computer. Assistantships typically include four years of funding (dependent on the student continuing to meet program requirements)

To apply for an assistantship in the School, applicants need to submit their applications by the January 15 deadline and indicate their request for funding in the application.

Some of our students also work as GAs in other departments on campus. See GA job openings here.

All PhD students in our program can also apply for conference travel funding (for around $1,000 a year) and additional university research support ($5,000 twice while in the program). Summer teaching or research opportunities may also be available for additional pay.

Other funding opportunities are also available (see more information here).

Is there a separate application for department assistantships?

No. To apply for an assistantship in the School, applicants need to submit their applications to the program by the January 15 deadline and indicate their request for funding in the application.

To apply in other departments on campus, see GA job openings here.

Living in Omaha

What is the cost of living in Omaha?

Omaha is among the most affordable places to live while working on a PhD, with a cost of living among the lowest in the country. See cost of living information here.

What is it like to live in Omaha?

Omaha is a great place to live while in school. The cost of living is low, there are plenty of things to do (when you’re not studying), and the people are friendly. Check out these reasons to move to Omaha.

About Our Alumni

Where do your graduates get jobs after they graduate?

Overall, 80% of graduates are employed in academic positions in the U.S. and abroad. Our remaining graduates work in upper-level administrative positions in public, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations. Some examples of where our graduates work at include:

Bowling Green State University
Community Crops
Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City
Korea University
Rutgers University-Newark
Sun Yat-sen University
Tennessee State University
University of Alabama
University at Albany, SUNY
University of Colorado-Denver
University of Nebraska Medical Center

See our PhD alumni profiles here for more information.

FAQs for International Applicants

Is TOEFL/IELTS required? Can it be waived?

For international students, TOEFL or IELTS is required unless alternate proof of English proficiency can be provided. This includes proof of graduation from an accredited U.S. college or university with a bachelor's degree or higher or proof that your education has been completed in an approved English-speaking country. Check the list of approved English-speaking countries.

To use these alternatives or if you have other questions, please contact International Admissions at: unoadmissions@unomaha.edu or 1.877.884.6287.

What is the minimum TOEFL or IELTS score for admission?

A minimum TOEFL score of 557 (or 233 on computer-based test or 90 on Internet based test) or minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required. Duolingo is also currently being accepted (minimum score 110).

How do I send my TOEFL scores to the UNO Office of Graduate Studies?

TOEFL scores may be sent to gradschool@unomaha.edu or 6001 Dodge St., Eppley Admin. Building, Rm. 203, Omaha, NE. Unofficial scores may be sent before admission; however, official scores are required before an applicant can be accepted into the program.

I have earned a degree in the US. Do I need to submit a TOEFL/IELTS score?

No. A waiver of the TOEFL/IELTS score requirement is granted for persons who have received a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from an institution in the United States.

The TOEFL/IELTS requirement will also be waived for applicants who have received or will be receiving a baccalaureate or other advanced degree from a pre-determined country on the waiver list.

Do I need to have a course-by-course evaluation done of my transcripts from Universities outside the U.S.?

For the purposes of having your application reviewed by the School of Public Administration, you may submit a copy of your unofficial transcripts, in addition to all other application materials. Should the department wish to make a recommendation for admission, you will be required to have a course-by-course transcript evaluation completed by WES, ECE, or Educational Perspectives prior to your admission being formally reviewed and processed by the Office of Graduate Studies.

If you have questions not addressed above, please email the Doctoral Program Committee Chair, Dr. Yu-Che Chen at ychen@unomaha.edu