51³Ô¹Ï

Our PhD program in public administration equips you for research and leadership roles in government, universities and other institutions. This is a full-time program, expected to be completed in 5 years. Students usually spend at least 75% of their regular work time dedicated to studies.

You'll gain an in-depth understanding of issues in comparative policy, governance and organizational studies. You'll work closely with faculty members on projects while you pursue your own externally-funded research.

Studying here will give you an in-depth academic understanding of issues in public policy analysis, governance and management and help you develop theoretically informed research that guides cutting-edge practice.

Join us to contribute a positive impact on government, nonprofit organizations and communities in British Columbia, Canada and around the world.

Learn about our vision, mission and values.

Program structure

You and the graduate adviser will decide on your program. You will need to complete 9 units of coursework, a candidacy examination (3 units) and a dissertation (30 units).

The first year of the program is a full-time course of study. You'll take coursework and a non-credit doctoral seminar. You may also need language training for your dissertation research.

Typically by November of your second year, you'll take a written candidacy exam. This exam covers the foundational studies and methods of public administration. This model assumes a generalist orientation to the exam.

Within 3 terms of completing coursework, you will create and submit a dissertation proposal. You will then defend it in an oral defence.

You must finish both the written candidacy exam and the dissertation proposal defense within 36 months of starting the program. Once you have passed the candidacy exam and defended your proposal, you are admitted to candidacy for the PhD degree.

Admissions

We admit a cohort of approximately 10 PhD students to the program every 2 years. The next entry is September 2026.

Learn everything you need to know about becoming a 51³Ô¹Ï grad student, from finding a supervisor to submitting your application.

Funding

Every year, UVic awards $12 million to help fund graduate students through a combination of:

• UVic fellowships and awards
• teaching assistantships
• research assistantships

Learn about funding on our frequently asked questions page.

Research strengths

Learn about research our faculty members are involved with.

Recent PhD student research topics include:

• Indigenous executive turnover in Canadian Indigenous organizations
• communicating planetary health for radical socio-ecological transition
• fostering sustainable food systems: a case study of Comox Valley, British Columbia
• a multi-criteria evaluation of Canadian net-zero climate policy pathways: combining integrated energy-economy and electricity system modelling with an exploration of public support
• skilled immigrants work integration challenges in Canada: policies, discourses and implications

Co-op

Full-time PhD students may take part in the co-operative education program. Participation is optional. PhD students complete 3 work terms; a fourth work term is an option.

Concurrent PhD & Graduate Certificate in Evaluation

Complete a Graduate Certificate in Evaluation program at the same time as your PhD. You'll pay a one-time fee and can count evaluation courses as electives in the PhD program. Please contact paservice1@uvic.ca before applying to the certificate program.

Information sessions

Join us in an upcoming Zoom information session to see if our programs are the right fit for you.