He took degrees in both political science and public administration. In January 2010 he defended a doctoral dissertation on the historical meaning and constitutional relevance of the dichotomy between politics and administration in modern states. In his research, Patrick Overeem mainly concentrates on theoretical and normative issues in public administration and political science. He is one of the founders of The Centre for Public Values & Ethics. He teaches courses on political philosophy, administrative ethics, public values, and the philosophy of social science.