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.
