The doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in planning and public policy is designed for students interested in urban planning, public policy, and public health and seeking a career in university teaching and research, advanced policy research in the public or nonprofit sector, or basic research in the private sector. The faculty admits only exceptional students who can be expected to complete the program. There is no full-time residency requirement for doctoral students and no language requirement unless the faculty decides otherwise. However, prior to their qualifying examinations, students must register for at least 6 coursework credits (equivalent of two classes) per semester.
Applicants should have a master's degree, although some exceptional students are admitted directly after earning a bachelor's degree. In general, however, applicants who have not completed work on an advanced degree are admitted to the program only after they have satisfactorily completed 24 credits in a master's program. Until they are admitted to the doctoral program, students are considered to be enrolled only in a master's program.
Applicants to the Ph.D. program must provide evidence of their research
abilities and a full résumé in addition to the normal application
requirements. Evaluation of applicants will be performed by the
graduate faculty in planning and public policy.
Students with a master's degree must complete a minimum of 48 credits of coursework and 24 credits of thesis research. If the faculty approves, students may transfer as many as 24 credits from their master's program. Students entering the program without a master's degree must complete a minimum of 63 credits of coursework. All transfers are subject to conditions outlined in this catalog and to the judgment of the graduate faculty. Normally, students are not permitted to transfer credits from studio-type courses, independent or directed studies, or master's thesis research.
While studying for the doctoral degree, the student works closely with a faculty adviser and meets with doctoral faculty in preparing a course of study. Program participants must take at least 15 credits of theory and methods courses. Required theory and methods courses include: 16:762:624 Planning, Public Policy, and Social Theory; 16:762:626 Advanced Scholarly Research; 34:970:630 Discrete Choice Methods; 34:833:628 Advanced Qualitative Methods; and an advanced methods or a research design course appropriate to the student's dissertation research.
Please consult the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy catalog for a detailed description of this degree and all its requirements.
Programs, Faculty, and Courses 
