Option for Doctoral Research and Residence with NYU Shanghai

NYU Wagner, in partnership with NYU Shanghai, invites applications from exceptional students for PhD study and research in Public Administration.

Participating students are enrolled in NYU Wagner's Public Administration PhD program, complete their coursework at NYU Wagner and NYU's other graduate schools in New York, and then transition to full-time residence at NYU Shanghai where they undertake their doctoral research under the supervision of NYU Shanghai faculty.

Program Highlights

NYU degree upon graduation
Graduate coursework at NYU Wagner and NYU's other graduate schools in New York
Research opportunities with and close mentorship by NYU Shanghai faculty
Access to the vast intellectual resources of NYU Wagner and NYU's other graduate schools
Cutting-edge research environment at NYU Shanghai, including the Urban Lab, Center for Applied Social and Economic Research, Center for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and Center for Global Asia, a thriving community of PhD students, post-doctoral fellows, and research associates, activities such as a regular program of seminars and visiting academics, and links with other universities within and outside China
Financial aid through the NYU Shanghai Doctoral Fellowship, including tuition, fees, and an annual stipend
Additional benefits exclusive to the NYU Shanghai program, including international health insurance and travel funds

Structure of Program

Participating students complete the PhD degree requirements set by NYU Wagner and in accordance with the academic policies of NYU Wagner. Each student develops an individualized course plan in consultation with the Director of the PhD Program at NYU Wagner and the student’s NYU Shanghai faculty advisor. A typical sequence follows:

Summer 1 in Shanghai
Begin program with funded research opportunity, up to three months preceding first Fall semester, to familiarize with NYU Shanghai and faculty as well as lay a foundation for future doctoral study.

Year 1 (Fall and Spring) in New York
Pursue PhD coursework at NYU Wagner alongside other NYU PhD students.

Summer 2 in Shanghai
Return to Shanghai for a second funded research opportunity to solidify relationships with NYU Shanghai faculty and make further progress in research.

Year 2 and Beyond
Under supervision of NYU Shanghai faculty advisor, pursue dissertation research and continue coursework. Depending on each student’s individualized course of study, return visits to New York may also occur. Complete all required examinations and progress evaluations, both oral and written, leading up to submission and defense of doctoral thesis.

To learn more about NYU Wagner’s Public Administration PhD program degree requirements, please visit the Program Overview page.

Program Overview

Application Process and Dates

Submit your application through NYU Wagner's Application portal, within which students should select the Public Administration PhD as their program of interest, and then indicate their preference for NYU Shanghai by marking the appropriate checkbox when prompted in the Program Information section. Applicants will be evaluated by a joint admissions committee of faculty from both NYU Wagner and NYU Shanghai. Application requirements are the same for all NYU Wagner PhD applicants regardless of campus preference. However, candidates are encouraged to elaborate on their specific interest in the NYU Shanghai program and faculty in their application and personal statements.

Applications are only accepted for Fall admission.

Review Application Deadlines

Contact Us

For more information and answers to your questions, contact NYU Wagner Admissions.