phd public policy admission requirements

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Earn your phd from duke university, phd admissions.

Duke University’s PhD in Public Policy program at Sanford offers candidates the chance to explore policy questions that have critical impact on society today, both globally and domestically.

The program spans about five years, with a requirement of 48 credits. We emphasize interdisciplinary study, mentorship and personal attention. 

6-8 students matriculate each year, and work closely with a mentor. 

Photo: Ajenai Clemmons PhD'21 with Professor Deondra Rose. Ajenai's research examines policing of African American and European Muslim communities.

Covid & GRE

We will not penalize applicants whose transcripts show Pass/No Pass or other similar grading options from Spring 2020.

GRE Scores are required and cannot be waived.

Our philosophy

We are interested in the potential of our graduate students to make significant, real world policy contributions, which is often not reflected in grades. We consider whether applicants pursued a rigorous curriculum relevant to their graduate or professional school plans. Academic records are considered wholistically alongside letters of recommendation, personal accomplishments, personal statements, and test scores.

FAQs on Applying to the PhD Program

Applicants to the PhD Program in Public Policy will be applying to the Duke Graduate School using its electronic application.  Please review the  Duke Graduate School Admissions Website  for detailed instructions on all application requirements .

Students may also apply for  joint degrees .

In addition to completing the Graduate School requirements, applicants must also:

• Designate a disciplinary concentration. After selecting “Public Policy Studies – PhD” in the “Proposed Department/Program and Highest Degree Sought,” the next section of the application is “Intended Special Field.” Choose one: economics, political science, psychology or sociology. 
• Submit a resume (not to exceed two printed pages)
• Submit a Statement of Purpose and Educational Objectives
• Submit a writing sample of no more than 20 pages, demonstrating academic or professional research. Add this to “additional documents.”  

Please utilize this essay to discuss your goals in relation to Duke University. We are interested in your academic and professional experience, your intended course of study (including a disciplinary concentration and policy area focus) and your longer-term career objectives.

Yes. Please see our section on financial aid  for funding and fellowship opportunities.

Explore the  Graduate School's admission statistics for Public Policy candidates  for information on scores, career outcomes and other data.

Most applicants wait until admission decisions are made before visiting our campus.

Personal interviews are conducted in February for a select group of students as part of the admissions process.

No, you may only apply to one of the programs.

Please contact the  Public Policy PhD Program Coordinator  with any questions.

Browse the Sanford faculty directory . Contact individuals whose research aligns with your interests.

Duke's University Program in Environmental Policy (UPEP) PhD is a 5-year program for intense research training, combining disciplinary specialization in economics or political science with an emphasis on understanding policy settings and the precise nature of the problem we hope to solve with policy.

UPEP applicants should apply directly to the  Duke Graduate School . More information on PhD Applications can be found on the  PhD Admissions  page. All doctoral students must enter the program in the fall semester. We welcome applicants from diverse academic, cultural, socioeconomic, and professional backgrounds. Approximately 3-5 students are projected to enter the program each fall, for a total of 20-25 students enrolled at any given time.

Admission to the UPEP program is extremely competitive, with less than 10 percent of applicants typically offered admission. Applicants should have a record of high academic achievement and the potential to become leading researchers on environmental policy issues. Although the program’s admissions committee evaluates applicants from a comprehensive standpoint, successful applicants will likely have:

• High GPA and GRE scores.
• Personalized letters of recommendation that attest to the applicant’s scholarly ability.
• Research interests that overlap those of one or more UPEP faculty members.
• A personal statement that explains the applicant’s interest in pursuing an Environmental Policy PhD at Duke and preferred disciplinary concentration.
• Clearly specify the preferred concentration in the personal statement. Adequate preparation for PhD-level training in either economics or political science is an important consideration in admissions. 

No, but your chances of admission will increase if your application indicates that you have identified one or more faculty members in the Nicholas or Sanford schools whose research interests are similar to yours.  You are welcome to communicate with faculty members before you apply, but please note that they cannot tell you whether you will be admitted.  Admission decisions are made by the Duke Graduate School, as advised by the UPEP admissions committee, not by individual faculty members.

Will I be assigned an advisor if I am admitted?

Yes.  You will be assigned an advisor when you are admitted. 

Can I change my advisor?

Yes.  Contact the UPEP Director of Graduate Studies.

Can I work with only my advisor as a teaching assistant (TA), a research assistant (RA), or on my dissertation research?

No.  TA assignments are made independently of advisor assignments, although you will likely serve as a TA for your advisor at least once.  RAships depend on funding availability.  You can serve as an RA for either your advisor or another faculty member.  UPEP students form dissertation committees consistent with Duke Graduate School rules, and members of the committee other than your advisor often play a large role in supervising aspects of the research.

Special Programs

Md/phd program.

Pursue a joint degree in medicine, through Duke’ s Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). This program seeks to train leaders in academic medicine, who will combine clinical and research careers. Successful applicants receive funding to pay for both their medical school and PhD training. Applicants must apply to both the PhD and the MSTP program.

Ph.D. Fellowship in Media and Philanthropy

The Center for Strategic Philanthropy and Civil Society and the DeWitt Wallace Center for Media and Democracy provide support for a pre-doctoral fellowship in the Ph.D. program of the Sanford School of Public Policy. This position is designed to further research and inform practice on questions at the intersection of the media, philanthropy, and democracy in the U.S.

UPEP Program in Environmental Policy

Duke's University Program in Environmental Policy (UPEP) PhD is a 5-year program for intense research training, combining disciplinary specialization in economics or political science with an emphasis on understanding policy settings and the precise nature of the problem we hope to solve with policy. 

Questions or Clarifications?

Anna Gassman-Pines

Professor in the Sanford School of Public Policy

Anna Gassman-Pines is a professor of public policy and psychology and neuroscience at Duke University. She is also a Faculty Affiliate of Duke’s Center for Child and Family Policy. Gassman-Pines received her BA with distinction in Psychology from Yale University and PhD in Community and Developmental Psychology from New York University. Her research focuses on low-wage work, family life and the effects of welfare and employment policy on child and maternal well-being in low-income families. Her research has been supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, American Psychological Association, National Head Start Association, and National Institute of Mental Health, and various private foundations.

PhD Handbook

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Questions about these requirements? See the contact info at the bottom of the page. 

The Public Policy PhD is awarded by the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences but is administered by the Higher Committee on Public Policy.  Students enroll in one of four tracks: Economics, Judgment and Decision Making, Politics and Institutions, or Science, Technology and Policy.

The Economics track in the PhD program in Public Policy provides a curriculum for doctoral students seeking rigorous disciplinary training, with a focus on applying the tools of economics to the study of major public policy issues.  Graduates will be prepared for academic teaching and research positions in schools of public policy, economics and other disciplinary departments, as well as policy positions in national governments and international institutions. HKS has a strong core of faculty specializing in a diverse range of subfields of economics, including labor, public and applied microeconomics topics, behavioral economics and decision sciences, environmental economics, international trade, economic development, and other subjects. The program embeds formal economics training within a unique interdisciplinary atmosphere of scholars and practitioners who are working on problems of practice in a wide range of settings. In addition, the PhD program offers teaching and research opportunities for students with leading scholars at HKS and elsewhere at Harvard.

Judgment and Decision Making

The judgment and decision-making track in the PhD program in Public Policy provides a curriculum for doctoral students seeking rigorous interdisciplinary training in psychological science, behavioral economics, and decision science, with a focus on understanding and improving public policy.  A typical program of study includes emphasis on descriptive and normative approaches as well as prescriptive interventions. Graduates will be prepared for academic teaching and research positions in public policy schools, interdisciplinary programs (e.g., management, decision science), and traditional behavioral science departments (e.g., psychology), as well as for analytic positions in industry, think tanks, government, and international institutions.  HKS has a strong core of faculty specializing in judgment and decision-making research as well as faculty specializing in applied policy domains where students may wish to focus.  Intrinsic to the program are teaching and research opportunities with leading scholars at HKS and elsewhere at Harvard.

Politics and Institutions

The Politics and Institutions track provides a curriculum for students interested in a rigorous program of study and research on international or domestic politics and institutions as these issues relate to major public policy issues in the U.S. and around the world.   Graduates will be prepared for academic research and teaching positions in schools of public policy and disciplinary departments such as, but not limited to, political science and history, as well as policy positions in national governments, research centers, and international institutions.  HKS offers a strong cadre of faculty across multiple social science disciplines specializing in politics and institutions, renowned and dynamic research centers, and a unique interdisciplinary atmosphere of scholars and practitioners with expertise in diverse fields. In addition to research opportunities with leading scholars, the PhD program offers training in teaching as well as in public policy writing and communication.

Science, Technology and Policy Studies

The Science, Technology and Policy Studies track provides rigorous interdisciplinary training, drawing on methodological tools from science and technology policy, science and technology studies, policy analysis, political theory, law, and economics. At HKS, students have access to leading scholars from across Harvard in the social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering, with specialties in areas such as security studies, energy policy, innovation and development, environment and climate, biotechnology, data science, and information. The HKS faculty includes practitioners with wide experience at the highest levels of government and industry in science and technology policy. Graduates are qualified for academic teaching and research in public policy schools, interdisciplinary programs, and traditional social science departments, as well as for leadership positions in national and international science and technology policy in both the public and private sectors.

The First Two Years

Students are expected to complete required coursework and sit for the oral general examination. Approval to take the oral examination is predicated on successful completion of the required courses with requisite grades.

Credit for coursework done elsewhere is not granted. There is no language requirement.  Each track has specific course requirements, outlined below: 

Economics 

• Two courses in microeconomics theory (Economics 2020a and Economics 2020b) 
• One course in political theory 
• One course in analytical methods, or completion of a qualifying exam 
• Two courses in empirical methods 
• Two doctoral research seminars (API 901 and API 902)

Judgment and Decision Making   

• Two courses in economic theory 
• One course in normative theory 
• Three courses in empirical methods 

Politics and Institutions 

• Two courses in political theory 
• One course in analytical methods 

Science, Technology and Policy 

• Two courses in analytical methods 
• One course in empirical methods 
• Two doctoral research seminars (API 901 and API 902) 

Incompletes

In order to convert a grade of Incomplete to a letter grade, the student must complete the requisite coursework by the end of the term following that in which the course was taken. No grade of Incomplete can be used to satisfy any program requirement.

Teaching is not required. A maximum of sixteen term-fifths over a period of five years is permitted. During the third year, a combination of teaching and research, not to exceed three-fifths TIME, is recommended.

First Two Years

Students are assigned an advisor, taking into account each student’s stated research interests at the time of admission. If the research focus changes, students are encouraged to seek out new advisors on their own; however, the director of graduate studies will intervene as needed to facilitate new links to different faculty.

The major effort expended during the first two years is on coursework. By the end of the second year, students are expected to affiliate with a research center at either HKS or FAS. Research assistantships and, in some cases, teaching fellowships often lead to a close relationship with a faculty member that will develop into an official advisor/advisee role.

The primary hurdle of the third year is completion of the dissertation prospectus (which may be a paper or a slide deck), and an oral presentation of either one chapter, (or one paper and an executive summary of the second and third papers, in the case of a three-paper dissertation), to two members of the dissertation committee. A copy of the prospectus, with written approval from both advisors, is then submitted to the program office by the beginning of the fourth year. In addition, students must complete the PhD Research Seminar (API 902), where work in progress on the dissertation is presented.

Fourth Year

By the beginning of the fourth year, all students must have chosen two members of the dissertation committee. The dissertation committee will include at least three faculty members. Affiliations of these faculty members will include one member of the PhD Standing Committee, one HKS-appointed faculty member, and one Harvard Griffin GSAS-appointed faculty member.

Field Requirements and Qualifying Examinations

In order to advance to PhD candidacy, a student must demonstrate PhD-level proficiency in six areas: analytic methods; economics; politics and management and normative theory; quantitative empirical methods; advanced methodology; and a special field of the student’s election. Students must complete at least two PhD-level courses in a primary field and the secondary field.

The purpose of the primary and secondary field requirement is to establish a solid foundation for future research. Students should seek PhD-level courses that broaden and deepen their knowledge in a special field. Since many HKS courses and seminars are targeted toward practitioners rather than scholars, at least part of the special field work will normally be done at Harvard Griffin GSAS (in courses at the 2000-level), or at other graduate units outside the HKS. A plan of study that includes the syllabus for each proposed course in the special field must be submitted to the program office for approval. Only in exceptional circumstances (where, for example, the field of one’s research is not well developed), will the PhD committee grant a petition to substitute a Reading and Research course for a normal course.

General Oral Examination

The general oral examination determines whether the student has sufficient grounding in the literatures of the primary and secondary fields. More broadly, the exam provides an assessment of the student’s academic preparation and aptitude, as well as the student’s interest in and prospects for a successful career after completion of the PhD.

In the middle of the second year the student identifies a primary and secondary field critical to the dissertation research, and works with two faculty examiners confirmed by the director of graduate study. The student meets with the examiners to agree on the nature and scope of the fields and develops a reading list that provides adequate coverage of the fields. The exam is scheduled before the beginning of the third year.

Dissertation

The candidate is required to demonstrate their ability to perform original research in an area of public policy by writing a dissertation that represents a significant contribution to knowledge in that field. Three faculty members supervise the writing of the dissertation. One member of the committee must come from the HKS. The other two must come from a combination of the Harvard Griffin GSAS and the PhD committee.

Note: A member of the Committee on Higher Degrees in Public Policy may represent the Harvard Griffin GSAS at a dissertation defense.

A prospective fifth year, or more advanced, student must have produced at least one acceptable chapter of the dissertation each year beginning in the fifth year. This chapter must be submitted to the dissertation committee for its approval. Evidence of satisfactory progress may also include manuscripts submitted for publication, or abstracts of papers delivered at professional meetings, or other evidence as specified by the dissertation committee chair.

A dissertation may be written in book form or it may take the form of three publishable papers. Two papers may be co-authored. The job market paper must be single-authored.

Details on the format of the PhD dissertation are published in the Policies . 

Dissertation Defense

After the candidate has met all other degree requirements, they must pass an oral examination focused on the dissertation. This examination is given when the final draft of the dissertation has been completed. Dissertation examiners will normally include the three supervisors of the dissertation. The purpose of this examination is to assure the committee that the methodology and basic approach of the dissertation are sound and that the student has received critical advice at the most appropriate stage of their advanced research. The dissertation must be accepted before the formal application for the degree can be activated. The dissertation defense is ordinarily open to the public.

Length of Time to Degree

Average time to completion of the PhD is five years. Except by special vote of the committee, all work for the PhD degree must be completed within five years of completion of the general written and oral examinations.

Contact Info 

Public Policy Website

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Public Policy PhD

The Goldman School of Public Policy (GSPP) offers three graduate degrees in public policy, the Master of Public Policy (MPP), the Master of Public Affairs (MPA), and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Master in Public Policy (MPP)

The MPP degree is earned in a two year, full-time program consisting of a core curriculum, a policy internship in the summer after completion of the first year, a second-year policy analysis project, and elective courses chosen from those available on the campus and at GSPP. The program emphasizes practical and applied dimensions of policy-making and implementation, encouraging students to develop skills in:

• Defining policy issues to make them more intelligible to officials in the public, private or non-profit sector
• Providing a broader perspective for assessing policy alternatives
• Examining techniques for developing policy options and evaluating their social consequences
• Developing strategies for the successful implementation of public policies once they have been adopted

Given the relatively small class size, the school's approach to teaching emphasizes teamwork, cooperation, and interaction among students and with the faculty. Students work, either as individuals or in small groups, on real policy problems for real clients under close faculty supervision.

Concurrent Degrees

The Master in Public Policy may be earned in combination with an advanced degree from a number of Berkeley schools under a coordinated program. Applicants must be accepted to both programs to pursue a concurrent degree.

• Public Policy & Public Health (MPP/MPH)
• Public Policy & Law (MPP/JD)
• Public Policy & Engineering (MPP/MS offered for Civil and Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, and Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences)
• Public Policy & Energy Resources Group (MPP/MA and MPP/MS)
• Public Policy & Social Welfare (MPP/MSW)
• Public Policy & Global Studies (MPP/MA)

Master of Public Affairs (MPA)

The Berkeley Master of Public Affairs (MPA) is a flexible one-year degree program for domestic and international mid-career professionals with an average of seven years or more work experience and who have led or managed teams. Emphasizing innovation and leadership skills, the MPA curriculum prepares mid-career executives and professionals to act as strategic and visionary leaders and advance their careers.

Please visit the school website for more information about the MPA.

PhD in Public Policy

GSPP offers a doctoral degree program for students who seek careers in academia and/or with governments, non-profits, or research institutes. Usually, only two or three PhD applicants are admitted each year. The program emphasizes the generation of knowledge, theories, methodologies, and applications appropriate to the advancement of public policy analysis and management. Doctoral students pursue highly individualized programs of study and typically work closely with Goldman faculty members who share the students subject matter of interest. The doctoral program provides enormous flexibility in the topics addressed and the program of study but is directed mainly at training academic social science researchers with an interest in policy issues.

A thorough preparation in or aptitude for rigorous policy analysis skills is a prerequisite for the doctorate. Because there is no core program of study, the PhD committee prefers applicants to have completed an MPP or equivalent, or some other indication of sustained interest in (and aptitude for) public policy. Visit the "Applying for the PhD" page for more information and specific application procedures.

Contact Info

[email protected]

2607 Hearst Avenue

Berkeley, CA 94720-7320

At a Glance

Department(s)

Public Policy

Admit Term(s)

Application Deadline

December 4, 2023

Degree Type(s)

Doctoral / PhD

Degree Awarded

GRE Requirements

The Ph.D. program at Harris Public Policy prepares students for careers in academia, industry, and government. It emphasizes a rigorous foundation in microeconomics, econometrics, and political economy, along with in-depth study of particular substantive areas associated with policy and policy-making. The program allows students to develop individualized and innovative courses of study in which they work closely with faculty members of the School and the University.

Consistent with the highly quantitative and analytic nature of the Harris School's Ph.D. degree, Harris has categorized the degree under a code which is currently on the DHS STEM list . Students on F-1 visas who have earned a degree that has been designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a STEM degree may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT) so long as they meet all eligibility criteria at the time of application.

Ph.D. Program Requirements

Get information about the curriculum and academic requirements for the Ph.D. in Public Policy Program.

If you have questions about the Harris degree requirements, email the Harris Dean of Students Office at  [email protected] . Policies on the results of not meeting these requirements can be found on the Harris policies page .

Ph.D. Candidates on the Job Market

Meet the Ph.D. program’s current job market candidates.

Ph.D. Placements

See where our graduates go on to make an impact.

Ph.D. Workshop

Engage with our students' research.

Program Details

Director of graduate studies.

Steven Durlauf , Professor ([email protected])

Durlauf's research spans many topics in microeconomics and macroeconomics. His most important substantive contributions involve the areas of poverty, inequality and economic growth. Much of his research has attempted to integrate sociological ideas into economic analysis.

Associate Directors

Yana Gallen , Assistant Professor ([email protected])

Eyal Frank , Assistant Professor  ([email protected] )

Dean of Students

Kate Shannon Biddle ([email protected])

Program Director

Barbara Williams ([email protected])

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Applying for the PhD

The Fall 2024 UC Berkeley Graduate Application is closed and we are no longer accepting applications.  

PhD Application Deadline for Fall 2024 Admission: December 4, 2023 at 8:59 PDT.

• The application process is completely online . All application materials (including official GRE and TOEFL/IELTS scores) are due at by the application deadline of December 4, 2023 at 8:59 pm PDT.
• GRE: Required. To ensure you meet the December 4 application deadline, please take the GRE no later than early November.
• TOEFL/IELTS: Required for eligible applicants . To ensure you meet the application deadline, please take the TOEFL or IELTS no later than early November. 
• Students are admitted to the GSPP PhD Program for the fall term only, and on a full time basis. There are no rolling admissions, and there is no spring admission for the PhD Program.
• After submitting your application, you will receive an email from UC Berkeley's Graduate Admissions Office confirming your submission. You may log back into your application to monitor the status of materials received or processed, such as fee waivers, test scores, and letters of recommendation.
• The answers to many common questions about the PhD application process can be found in our FAQ section .
• For more information about the Goldman School, refer to our 2023-2024 GSPP Program Bulletin .

PhD Application Checklist of Required Items

Before starting the online application:

• Review the application checklist for required items and instructions below. These instructions are specific to Goldman School PhD applicants for Fall 2024.   Please do not submit additional or supplemental materials.
• Review the Frequently Asked Questions here
• Additional Questions: Contact PhD admissions at [email protected]

After submitting your application, you will receive an email from UC Berkeley's Graduate Admissions Office confirming your submission. You may log back into your application to monitor the status of materials received or processed, such as fee waivers, test scores, and letters of recommendation. Admissions decisions are typically sent in early-March via email. Please check your Spam/Junk/Events folders if you do not receive your decision by early-March.

Financial Support

Fellowships.

GSPP typically admits only two or three applicants each year, and offers support to admitted PhD students through a combination of department fellowships, university multi-year fellowships, and teaching and research assistantships. While funding packages vary by student, incoming PhD students are generally awarded five years of funding support consisting of fees and non-resident tuition, student health insurance and a living stipend. For admitted PhD students who secure funding from external sources outside of UC Berkeley, external funding also goes towards the five years of funding support.

All funding packages are contingent on students meeting minimum academic and residency requirements for the Goldman School and the University throughout the tenure of support. United States citizens and Permanent Residents are required to achieve California residency by the end of their first year in California to receive continued fee support.

Graduate Student Instructors

In addition, there are many opportunities for PhD students to work as graduate student instructors at GSPP and other social science departments. These appointments provide a partial fee remission (in most cases) and a monthly salary.

Research Opportunities

There are many opportunities on campus for GSPP PhD students to engage in research (in many cases, in a paid research position) both at the Goldman School and elsewhere on campus. For example, research opportunities typically exist in campus departments including Energy and Resources Group, Labor Center, Global Policy Lab, California Policy Lab, People Lab, and Opportunity Lab, to name a few. These appointments may also provide a fee remission (in most cases) and a monthly salary.

Questions About the Online Application? Contact:

GSPP PhD Admissions [email protected]

Public Policy

The Master in Public Policy (MPP) is a two-year program that prepares students to understand complex public policy problems and craft concrete solutions. Through coursework, exercises, and fieldwork, students master concepts and skills that draw on the social sciences but are adapted for action. MPP graduates are versatile—they lead change in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. Many distinguish themselves in more than one of these sectors during the course of their careers.

The Ph.D. in Public Policy Program provides exceptional scholars with advanced graduate training to prepare them for positions in academia, government, and at research organizations. Candidates are trained to conduct policy analytic research, help shape and execute public policy, and teach the next generation of educators, researchers, and practitioners. The program encourages scholarly research that empowers public policy practitioners to make informed decisions. Coursework reflects this approach by combining core requirements—in theory (economics, politics and management, and normative theory) and methods (advanced methodology, analytical, and quantitative empirical)—with primary and secondary concentrations.

PhD in Public Policy

Interdisciplinary. experiential. scholarly focused..

Northeastern University’s PhD in Public Policy is a scholarly-focused degree and training program for individuals interested in conducting research in academia or other high-level professional settings, such as think tanks, nonprofit organizations, industry, and government. It equips students with the theory and research skills to address societal issues of pressing concern at national and international levels, such as sustainability and resilience, urban planning and policy, and health policy. 

Students take core courses in policy theory, quantitative and qualitative methods, and research design, and specialize in one of three concentrations: Sustainability and Resilience, Urban and Regional Policy, and Health Care Policy and Management. Students develop insight, experience, and synergies while working with faculty on key research projects or working at any of the school’s  research centers . The school provides a high level of support, allowing students to excel in their studies and research.

Learning Outcomes

• Become versed in the foundational knowledge in public policy as a field of inquiry sufficient to contribute to its continued evolution and relevance
• Obtain deep and nuanced expertise in a specified subject area
• Develop the methodological tools to enable policy-relevant research in high-level professional settings
• Understand and reveal structural and historical inequities in the particular area of focus
• Identify issues of pressing concern to society at local, national, and international levels. 

Current and prospective students should refer to the  graduate catalog  for a description of the PhD in Public Policy curriculum, including the  advanced entry option.

Applications for Fall 2022 are no longer being accepted.

For additional information, contact:

Daniel T. O’Brien

Program director.

617.373.8900 [email protected]

Type of Program

• PhD Program
• Daniel T. O'Brien

PhD Program Administrator

• Beverly Ballaro

Helpful Links

• Current PhD Students
• Northeastern PhD Network
• Admissions Requirements & Deadlines

Get more information about this graduate program.

More programs, human services program, jd/ms in law and public policy, ma in international affairs, master of public administration, master of public policy.

PhD admissions

How to apply to our joint doctoral programs.

The Ford School of Public Policy’s joint PhD program offers three degrees: the PhD in public policy and economics, the PhD in public policy and political science, and the PhD in public policy and sociology. Applications for each program are due by December 1.

Admissions process summary

• The application requires a program code. Please choose the code associated with the program you will be applying for: public policy & economics (01677), public policy and political science (01679), or public policy and sociology (01681)
• Level: doctoral
• Note: Applicants for the joint PhD in public policy & sociology and the joint PhD in public policy and economics are recommended to choose a subplan (field). 
• The application files for admission by the Ford School PhD admissions committee are then forwarded to the appropriate department admissions committee counterpart for consideration.
• December 1: Applications are due and the administrative process begins.
• January 15: Applicants are encouraged to view their online application status. Note: Please do not contact the Joint PhD Program Office regarding application status (including incomplete materials) until January 15.
• April 15: Applicants who have been recommended for admission must notify the Joint PhD Program Office and the Rackham Graduate School of their decision by April 15. 

Application requirements

All applicants must apply via Rackham Graduate School's online application (CollegeNet), and applicants must submit the following documentation via the online application:

• Three Letters of Recommendation: Recommenders should submit letters electronically via the online application.
• Official Transcripts: Please upload an official or unofficial transcript with your online application. Transcripts from non-U.S. institutions (if not in English) must be accompanied by certified English translations.  An official transcript from your undergraduate degree-granting institution must be submitted to Rackham Graduate School only after an offer of admission is made.  Visit  this link  for more information on submitting official transcripts to Rackham Graduate School.
• Demonstration of English Proficiency (if applicable): Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. Further information on Rackham English proficiency exemptions and accepted language tests can be found on Rackham's website . 
• Academic Statement of Purpose: The Statement of Purpose describes your skills, achievements, and relevant experience; professional, intellectual, research interests; and career objectives. While there is no specific limit to the statement, most are 500-1,000 words (2-4 pages). 
• Personal Statement: Tell us about yourself. How have your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan? Your personal statement should be no more than 500 words. 
• Writing Sample (20 pages or fewer): A writing sample is required for those applying to the Joint PhD with Political Science or Sociology. It is not required if applying to Economics. 
• Admissions Conduct Code: For those applying online, complete the Conduct Code electronically via the online application. 
• Affidavit of Financial Support (international applicants): Send to Rackham only if you have been recommended for admission and plan to matriculate. Do not send unless matriculating at U-M.

Download our PhD brochure

Have any questions.

Kathryn Cardenas

Phd and fellowship coordinator, student & academic services.

Ph.D. in Public Policy

General info.

• Faculty working with students: 42 primary appointments, 19 secondary appointments, adjunct and visiting
• Students: 30
• Students receiving Financial Aid: 100%
• Part time study available: No
• Application terms: Fall
• Application deadline: November 30

Anna Gassman-Pines Director of Graduate Studies Attn: Ph.D. Program Sanford School of Public Policy Duke University, Box 90243 Durham, NC 27708-0243

Phone: (919) 613-9214

Email: [email protected]

Website:  https://sanford.duke.edu/academics/doctoral-program/

Program Description

The Ph.D. in Public Policy is an interdisciplinary social science degree. Graduates of the program are prepared for academic positions in public policy, public administration, policy-oriented schools, social science departments, and for professional positions in domestic and international public agencies and research organizations. The program aims to matriculate 6-8 students per year, enabling each student to receive individual faculty attention in courses and in research.

The core of the program is research mentoring with one or more faculty members, as the student becomes expert in an area of inquiry.  Initially, the student's research is closely tied to that of faculty members but, by the dissertation, the student becomes an independent scholar.  The program requires a two-course sequence in theories of public policy, and coursework in three other social science disciplines. Students designate both a disciplinary concentration such as political science, sociology, or psychology in which they take a minimum of five courses, and a policy focus, such as social policy, globalization and development, health policy, or other policy area. Students interested in environmental policy should apply directly to the University Program in Environmental Policy, but may enroll in Public Policy Ph.D. courses.

• Public Policy Studies: PhD Admissions and Enrollment Statistics
• Public Policy Studies: PhD Completion Rate Statistics
• Public Policy Studies: PhD Time to Degree Statistics
• Public Policy Studies: PhD Career Outcomes Statistics

Application Information

Application Terms Available:  Fall

Application Deadline: November 30

Graduate School Application Requirements See the Application Instructions page for important details about each Graduate School requirement.

• Transcripts: Unofficial transcripts required with application submission; official transcripts required upon admission
• Letters of Recommendation: 3 Required
• Statement of Purpose: Required (See departmental guidance below)
• Résumé: Required
• GRE Scores: GRE General Required (GMAT not accepted)
• English Language Exam: TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test required* for applicants whose first language is not English *test waiver may apply for some applicants
• GPA: Undergraduate GPA calculated on 4.0 scale required

Department-Specific Application Requirements (submitted through online application)

Joint Degree Students will also have the option to apply to the joint degree program in each of our allied disciplines: political science, psychology and sociology. There are a limited number of spots for the joint degree program. You can find more information for this program here: Joint Degree .

Statement of Purpose Guidelines We carefully review each applicant’s essay. Please utilize this essay to discuss your goals in pursuing the PhD in Public Policy at Duke University. We are interested in your academic and professional experience, your intended course of study (including a disciplinary concentration and policy area focus) and your longer-term career objectives.

Writing Sample A writing sample is not required.

Allied Disciplines Applicants to the joint Ph.D. program in Public Policy and Allied Disciplines must submit an additional essay for admission to the program. Regardless of your selection of primary department, please respond to the following prompt:

In 500 words or less, please explain your interest in the joint Ph.D. program offered between Public Policy and an Allied Discipline. Highlight how your research interests and past experiences lie at the intersection between Public Policy and the Allied Discipline and how participation in the joint program will facilitate your professional goals after receiving your degree.

We strongly encourage you to review additional department-specific application guidance from the program to which you are applying: Departmental Application Guidance

List of Graduate School Programs and Degrees

Ph.D. Degree Requirements

The Ph.D. in Public Policy prepares students for advanced professional work or for academic careers. The doctorate degree is based on a core curriculum that stresses intellectual and methodological rigor, using the theories and applications of quantitative analysis; political, economic, and organizational analysis; research design and execution. This core is supplemented with an in-depth study of particular substantive areas of public policy. The academic requirements for the Ph.D. total 54 credit hours with the following key elements:

Information Sessions

Join students and faculty from the Ph.D. in Public Policy to learn more about the program in one of our virtual information sessions. Check back soon for future information session dates.

Register for the SPP communications list.

Required Core Courses

You should review the demands of these courses with your advisor. If you have limited background in the study of public policy research you may consider taking preparatory coursework from the MSPP curriculum. You should identify these courses in consultation with your advisor.

• PUBP 8101 Workshop on Policy Research (one credit hour).  Course provides an overview of research and professional socialization. It presents topics partially satisfying Georgia Tech Responsible Conduct of Research policy for in-person training. Student will brainstorm dissertation topics.
• PUBP 8102 Workshop on Policy Research II (one credit hour).  Course provides an overview of public policy research and professional socialization. It completes the sequence of topics satisfying Georgia Tech Responsible Conduct of Research policy for in-person training.
• PUBP 8200 Advanced Policy Research Methods. The course will cover advanced policy analysis and modeling methods, including regression models, and other topics as time permits.
• PUBP 8205 Advanced Research Methods II.  Building on Advanced Research Methods I, the course will cover advanced policy analysis and modeling methods, for example, panel data and nonparametric regression. Other policy research methods may be explored as time permits.
• PUBP 8211 Microeconomic Theory and Applications.  Extensions of microeconomic theory-consumer theory, firm theory, and markets-to situations involving many periods and uncertainty. Introduces students to general equilibrium, externality, and welfare economics.
• PUBP 8500 Research Seminar in Public Policy.  Exploration of the purpose of and approaches used in public policy research. Requires development of original empirical research.
• PUBP 8510 Logic of Policy Inquiry. This course presents the conceptual foundations of models of policy inquiry. Topics include the scientific, rational-actor, and ethical models. The ethical values underlying cost benefit analysis, pareto-optimal models, and market models are also examined.
• PUBP 8520 Scope and Theory of Public Policy. Overview of core literature of public policy including theories of public policy, the history of public policy studies, the institutional structure of policy analysis, the profession of policy research and the intellectual bases of public policy studies.

PhD in Public Policy

• Mission and Learning Outcomes

Admission Process

• Core Curriculum
• Diversity and International Programs
• Funding and Scholarships
• Research Practicum
• Related Links
• PhD Faculty
• Energy Policy Faculty
• Environmental Policy Faculty
• International Policy Faculty
• Law, Crime and Policy Faculty
• Rural Policy Faculty
• Science and Technology Policy Faculty
• Social Policy Faculty
• Current PhD Students
• Economic Policy
• Energy Policy
• Environmental Policy
• International Policy
• Law, Crime and Policy
• Rural Policy
• Science and Technology Policy
• Social Policy

You are here

Oregon State University offers admission to applicants whose records demonstrate the highest potential for graduate study and promise for substantial contribution to both their academic professions and to a diverse, global society. The university fosters an environment that welcomes inclusiveness.

Admission decisions are based on many factors, such as the quality of the applicant’s prior academic degree and record of accomplishment, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation from professors or others familiar with the applicant’s academic work, performance in aptitude and achievement tests, relevant work experience, preparation in the proposed field of study, and the connection of the applicant’s academic goals with the faculty’s research interests.

Application forms required for admission are available on the OSU Graduate School website.

• A four-year baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and a 45-quarter (equivalent) credit hour graduate degree from an accredited university.
• A master level degree from an accredited university with a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher. 
• Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the GRE is now optional for applications.
• Course transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
• Three letters of recommendation and recent resume. Reference letters and resumes should be submitted through the Graduate School application system.
• Statement of purpose concerning why the applicant would like to pursue the PhD in Public Policy at Oregon State University. The statement should include your reasons for applying to the program, academic and professional background information, policy interests, and any personal experiences or history that are related to your interests in public policy. 
• A writing sample. 
• Domestic students are strongly encouraged to submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Student Aid Report and to indicate if they are a veteran and/or a first generation college student.
• Identification of at least three possible mentors from the PhD Public Policy Faculty .
• Only applicants interested in a full-time resident PhD program should apply.

Satisfaction of minimum entrance requirements does not guarantee admission, since the number of qualified applicants may far exceed the number of places available. As a consequence, many well-qualified applicants may not be accommodated.

General graduate admission standards for international students are available at:  Graduate School Admissions Information ; for specific country requirements also see: Country Requirements

All international applicants must meet minimum requirements as detailed above.

For calculation of U.S. equivalent grades, see:  http://www.wes.org/gradeconversionguide/index.asp 

Please note that the Public Policy PhD Program does not consider Conditional Admission for international students who do not meet the minimum OSU TOEFL scores or that is below a combined 90. IELTS scores must be 7.0 or higher for consideration of admission to the PhD. 

The Graduate School can grant application fee waivers only in limited circumstances for domestic applicants who meet specific criteria.

All applications for the PhD in Public Policy at Oregon State University must be complete by January 20  for full consideration for a Graduate Assistantship or a Provost's Fellowship or Scholarship  ( for Fall Quarter admission only ).  Note that faculty will nominate students for these awards.

See Yourself Here. Take a  virtual tour  of the OSU campus and of the School of Public Policy (SPP)  Graduate Program Spaces  located in  Bexell Hall .

Mike Terry , Graduate Program Assistant

Hilary Boudet , Graduate Program Director

Contact Info

Email: [email protected]

College of Liberal Arts Student Services 214 Bexell Hall 541-737-0561

Deans Office 200 Bexell Hall 541-737-4582

Corvallis, OR 97331-8600

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School of Public Policy

300 Bexell Hall 2251 SW Campus Way Corvallis, OR 97331-8600 Phone:  541-737-5371 Staff Directory

Public Policy - PhD

The doctoral field in public policy offers students mastery of the interdisciplinary concepts that form the basis of public policy analysis. With a focus on the preparation of students for careers in academic institutions, non-university research settings, government, and other institutional settings where public policy is made and influenced, the policy field promotes an understanding of the empirical, methodological, and theoretical issues that have framed and continue to frame policy analysis and research. Although students may choose to focus on a core area, such as urban poverty or housing, the overall objective is comprehensive exposure to the analytical methods and social science theory and research that frames public policy discourse.

Students in the public policy field must complete the modules in microeconomic analysis and in applied statistics and econometrics. While economics and political science have traditionally anchored the conceptual foundations of the policy process and rational models of policy activity, the field of public policy has witnessed an intellectual revolution among the social sciences that form the basis of research and policy analysis. Sociological, historical and anthropological methods and theories, for example, have begun to expand our conceptual approaches to public policy in different ways, particularly as questions about the role of decision-making, politics, and identity have become important considerations in the evaluation of policy action. Students will become familiar with how analytical methods and theories from these various disciplines and intellectual communities offer competing and/or complementary approaches to the rational model.

Master in Public Administration

Prepare for greater responsibility across sectors with this flexible two-year program

Key Program Information

Program Length: Two years (varies for students pursuing concurrent degrees)

Degree Awarded: Master in Public Administration

Admission Application Deadline: December 2024

Financial Aid Application Deadline: January 2025

Contact the MPA Program

79 John F. Kennedy Street Littauer Building, Room 126 Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138

Elevate your impact as a public leader

The Master in Public Administration Program is for aspiring leaders with real-world experience and graduate-level coursework in economics, public policy, or management.

The Master in Public Administration (MPA) curriculum is flexible. You create a study plan that reflects your academic interests, focuses on your personal and professional aspirations, and integrates across disciplines.

You may also decide to pursue a concurrent degree in business, law, medicine, or other professional fields. You’ll earn two degrees in less time and acquire even more skills you can use to make a difference in the world.

“HKS provided opportunities for me to expand the narrative of what diversity looks like in foreign policy and foreign service.” —Korde Innis MPA 2023

About the MPA Program

The MPA curriculum is flexible. You’ll create your own 64-credit study plan that reflects your academic interests and professional aspirations.

As an MPA student, you’ll take eight credits in a Policy Area of Concentration as well as four credits in each of these key areas:

• Economics and Quantitative Analysis
• Management, Leadership, and Decision Sciences
• Public Ethics and Political Institutions

You’ll select your remaining credits to support your unique intellectual and professional objectives. You can take classes across academic disciplines at HKS and cross-register into courses at other Harvard graduate schools as well as at MIT Sloan School of Management and The Fletcher School at Tufts University. 

Sample Courses

• MLD-223: Negotiating Across Differences
• API-135: Economics of Climate Change and Environmental Policy
• DPI-640: Technology and the Public Interest: From Democracy to Technocracy and Back

Concurrent Degrees

You might consider  pursuing a second degree concurrently  if you’re interested in how the world’s public challenges can be addressed at the intersection of business, law, medicine, design, or other fields.

Pursuing a concurrent degree reduces coursework and residency requirements and makes it possible to earn two degrees in a shorter amount of time.

Concurrent degree students complete 48 credits at HKS, including four credits in each of the key areas:

Concurrent degree students are not required to fulfill the Policy Area of Concentration requirement.

Degree Requirements

The MPA Program consists of four semesters of full-time coursework in residence at HKS.

To graduate, you must:

• Earn at least 64 credits
• Finish with a GPA of B or better
• Earn a B- or higher in all courses counting towards the distribution requirements
• Matriculate as a full-time, in-residence student and take between 12-20 credits per semester
• Fulfill a Policy Area of Concentration requirement by taking eight credits in one of the policy areas at HKS
• Economics and Quantitative Analysis

HKS  faculty members  are among the most influential leaders and thinkers in their fields. They have contributed vital research and scholarship to their fields. Served in U.S. administrations. Founded learning labs to assist local communities. Led negotiations to reduce nuclear stockpiles. Reported on human rights abuses. Led efforts to address climate change. Advised governments and companies on gender equality.

They are doers as well as thinkers, shaping public policy and devising entrepreneurial approaches to public problems at the local, national, and international levels.  

MPA Faculty Chair

Kessely Hong

Mpa at a glance.

*Statistics are based on a five-year average.

Employment Snapshot:  MPA Class of 2023 Employment Sectors

* The number of private sector jobs secured by MPA graduates is, in large part, a reflection of the program’s many concurrent degree graduates.

Featured MPA stories

Elevating the stories of diverse, unsung women.

Jamie Mittleman MPA 2022 launched her COVID-adapted dream job: a platform for women Olympians and Paralympians.

A long military heritage shapes a desire for peace

Clark Yuan MPA 2022 wants unique perspectives to have a seat at the table when critical decisions are being made.

From Santiago to Cambridge to Paris

For Ingrid Olea MPA 2020, a journey that started with a career change has led to remarkable achievements in education policymaking.

Applying to the MPA Program

Prerequisites.

There are specific academic and professional prerequisites required to apply to the MPA Program. You must have:

• A bachelor’s degree with a strong academic record 
• Three years of professional work experience by September 1 of the year you would enroll in the program
• Master of Business Administration
• Master of International Business
• Master of International Development
• Master of International Economics
• Master of Science in Engineering

How to Apply

A complete application to the MPA Program includes the following: 

• Online application
• Three letters of recommendation
• GRE or GMAT required
• Non-native English speakers who did not earn an undergraduate degree conducted in English must submit results of the TOEFL, IELTS, or Cambridge English exam
• Academic transcripts
• $100 application fee or waiver

Read more about how to apply . 

The application for the 2025-2026 academic year will be available in September 2024. There is one admission application deadline and one start date for each degree program per year. You may apply to only one master's degree program per admissions cycle. 

Tuition & Fees

The cost of attendance for the 2024-2025 academic year is outlined in  Funding Your Master ’ s Education  to help you plan financially for our master’s degree programs. Living expense costs are based on residence in Cambridge. The 2025-2026 academic year rates will be published in March 2025. HKS tuition and fees are subject to change without notice. 

At HKS, we consider financing your education to be a partnership and are here to help guide you. We encourage you to explore all opportunities for funding .

Learn more about the HKS community

Student life, student stories, admissions & financial aid blog.