Doctor of Philosophy in Planning and Public Policy

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Planning and Public Policy, offered through the School of Graduate Studies, is an advanced scholarly degree appropriate for students seeking a career in university teaching and research or a leadership position in planning and public policy in the public, private or non-profit sector.

Doctoral Program Learning Goals
This program prepares students for careers in university teaching and research, and in advanced planning and public policy research in the private, public, and non-profit sectors.

These learning goals track the doctoral student's progress through the program; they are considered satisfied when the specified assessment mechanisms have been successfully completed.

• Theoretical Understanding: Students will develop and demonstrate a mastery of the theoretical frameworks
• Analytical Thinking: Students will develop and demonstrate advanced skills in social science qualitative and quantitative methods through coursework and a comprehensive written and oral examination.
• Specialization in a Subjects Fields of Inquiry: Students will develop and demonstrate advanced knowledge in two subject fields of study related to planning and public policy through coursework, independent study, and a comprehensive written and oral examination.
• Inquiry, Analysis and Communication: Students will demonstrate the ability to perform scholarly research and writing through the thesis component of the doctoral program.
• Teaching and Professional Development: Students will develop and demonstrate teaching and professional skills in venues appropriate to the subject matter of their individual doctoral program of study.

Admission
Admission to the Ph.D. program requires a formal application with supporting documents, a full resume, and evidence of research ability. All applications are reviewed by the faculty of the Doctoral Program. In most cases, only applicants who have completed a master’s degree or its equivalent are considered for admission. In rare instances, exceptional students may be considered after they receive their bachelor’s degree or, for students enrolled in Bloustein School master’s programs, after completion of twelve credits of graduate coursework.

Coursework Requirements and Transfer of Credits
Graduate courses completed at other institutions may be accepted for credit toward the doctoral degree, subject to conditions outlined by the School of Graduate Studies and the judgment of the doctoral program director. Such credits would not normally include studio courses, independent or directed studies, or master’s thesis research.

Doctoral Dissertation
Doctoral (Ph.D.) dissertations should make an original contribution to planning and public policy through the rigorous analytical examination of theory and evidence supporting a significant argument or testing a relevant hypothesis. The dissertation may draw from a broad array of quantitative and/or qualitative methods reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of the field.