Ph.D. in Public Policy and Management Course Requirements

The pre-dissertation stage of the Ph.D. in Public Policy and Management is structured around two sets of requirements: coursework and preliminary papers.

Coursework is designed to build methodological skills, modeling competence and substantive depth. Preliminary papers illustrate your ability to produce effective research that exhibits your readiness to begin the dissertation. Coursework in the Ph.D. program must be completed in five areas:

• A three semester Ph.D. Seminar Series focusing on the research process.
• Two semesters of Research Seminars offering depth in specialized fields.
• A Quantitative Methods Cluster of courses in statistics, econometrics, operations research or discrete mathematics.
• Two semesters of coursework in Social and Policy Sciences.
• Concentration Area requirement, combining research and courses to support your research agenda and long-term professional objectives.

Admission to candidacy tells us that you've fulfilled all requirements of the Ph.D. program preliminary to the dissertation. In addition to satisfying all coursework requirements and passing the First and Second Research Papers, you must demonstrate three general competencies:

• Methodological and substantive competence as evidenced by original research accomplishment.
• The ability to learn and apply at least two distinct methodologies or work in two separate substantive areas.
• Skill in identifying and structuring for analysis a previously unstructured research problem.

These competencies are normally met through an assessment of the First and Second Research Paper presentations, complemented by coursework. While fulfilling these requirements, you'll work closely with the faculty to develop individualized programs of study and research that meet your goals.

All pre-candidacy doctoral students are required to complete the annual PhD Education Plan (.doc).