Admission to the Ph.D. program is highly competitive and 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. In most cases, 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. Information on the application process is available on the Rutgers School of Graduate Studies website and the graduate admissions website.
The number of students admitted to doctoral study is dependent upon (1) the number of applicants who display superior qualifications and ability and (2) the faculty's capacity to provide high-quality supervision in the students' areas of interest. Normally, three-to-six doctoral students enter the program each year, selected from about 80-to-100 applicants. Applications are carefully reviewed by the Ph.D. program director and faculty who best match an applicant's research interests. As admission is highly competitive, students are urged to submit their application by no later than January 15. Applicants are notified of the admission decision between mid-March and early April.
Financial support for doctoral students is available in the form of fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships. Many doctoral students also obtain funding through appointment as adjunct instructors, in hourly work at research centers or on faculty research projects, and from other sources. Students should exercise initiative in contacting center directors and/or individual faculty members regarding opportunities for hourly work on research related to their interests.
Bloustein School doctoral students have received a wide variety of awards and fellowships. Program graduates have obtained senior positions in universities, research centers, governments, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector.
Doctoral Program 
