Public Policy, PhD

Program Overview

This doctoral program explores the interplay of technology, culture, and institutions in public policy. Emphasizing research-based approaches, it prepares graduates for leadership roles in academia, government, and the private and public sectors. Students develop expertise in analytical and research methods, and gain a deep understanding of American values, institutions, and culture. The program culminates in a dissertation that demonstrates mastery of public policy research and analysis.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This doctoral degree in public policy emphasizes the combined influence of technology, culture, and institutions on public policy. The program focuses on the tensions created by technologically driven organizational change. It prepares graduates for leadership roles in academia, government, and the private and public sectors. The program emphasizes analytical and research-based approaches to public policy, aiming to:

• Understand the underlying determinants of public policy choices.
• Analyze and improve policy implementation.
• Identify and assess new opportunities to address emerging issues.
Students develop in-depth understanding of American institutions, values, and culture, competence in research methods and advanced analytical methodologies, and a comparative, international perspective. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor who assists in designing and developing their program.

Outline:

Stage One - Core Skills:

• Coursework:
• PUBP 800: Culture and Public Policy (4 credits)
• POGO 801: Research Design for the Social Sciences and Public Policy (3 credits)
• PUBP 804: Multivariate Statistical Analysis in Public Policy (4 credits)
• PUBP 805: Foundations of Social Science for Public Policy (4 credits)
• Assessment: Students must pass a comprehensive Qualifying Exam evaluating their mastery of the first year's material and their ability to integrate it when addressing complex public policy problems and issues.

Stage Two - Policy Fields and Skills:

• Coursework:
• Three courses in an area of program specialization, chosen in collaboration with the advisor (9 credits)
• One advanced methods course chosen from the following (3-4 credits):
• POGO 611: Advanced Data Analysis for Policy and Government
• PUBP 791: Advanced Field Research for Policy: Theory and Method
• PUBP 792: Advanced Economic Analysis for Policy Research
• POGO 793: Big Data Analytics for Policy and Government
• POGO 850: PhD Professional Development Seminar (1 credit)
• Assessment: Students must submit a Field of Study Plan to their Field Committee Chair, outlining their proposed research area, relevant citations, four relevant field courses, and faculty involved.
The plan must be approved by both the chair and the program director.

Stage Three - Research Foundations:

• Coursework:
• Three substantive Field of Study courses that serve as a foundation for their field (9-12 credits)
• One advanced methods course from the approved list for the doctoral program, or approved in writing by the Field Committee Chair and Doctoral Program Director (3-4 credits)
• Assessment: Students are expected to complete coursework before taking PUBP 998 credits.
A student may take no more than six credits of PUBP 998 before completing a field of study plan and having it approved by three Graduate Faculty members.

Stage Four - Dissertation:

• Coursework:
• Up to six credits of PUBP 998: Research/Proposal for Dissertation (6 credits)
• At least six credits of PUBP 999: Dissertation (6 credits)
• Assessment: Students must pass a qualifying exam after completing core courses.
They must also present and successfully defend a dissertation proposal before advancing to candidacy.

Careers:

The program prepares graduates for positions of significant responsibility in academia, government, and the private and public sectors.

Other:

• Prerequisites: Students must have competence in introductory data analysis, microeconomics for public policy, and US institutions and the policy process.
These prerequisites can be fulfilled through coursework or by demonstrating competence through a placement exam or evidence of previous relevant coursework.
• Transfer of Credit: Previously earned and relevant graduate credits may be eligible for transfer into the program.
Details can be found in the Credit by Exam or Transfer section of the catalog.
• Program Handbook: A complete description of the program policies, procedures, and requirements is available in the PhD student and faculty handbook, which is published annually.