Admission into the Ph.D. program requires a formal application with supporting documents, a full résumé, and evidence of research ability. All applications are reviewed by the faculty of the doctoral program (FDP). Usually only applicants who have already 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 Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy master`s programs, after completion of 12 graduate credits.
The number of students admitted to doctoral study is dependent upon (1) the number of applicants who display a high level of performance and (2) the faculty`s capacity to provide high quality supervision in the students` areas of interest. As admission to the program is not per se a guarantee of success, student performance is reviewed each term. The Bloustein School doctoral program has no requirement for full-time residency and no language requirement, except at the discretion of the student`s dissertation committee. However, each term students must register for at least 6 course work credits (equivalent of two classes) prior to their qualifying examinations.
