The doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree program in urban systems, which is offered jointly by the Graduate School–Newark, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), and the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), draws upon the strengths of all three schools. It prepares students for research in urban systems and participation in the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies and services for urban populations. Program participants conduct original research in urban systems and apply lessons gained from the social sciences to improving urban services, planning, design, and policies. The program requires 72 credits for the doctorate. It has three specializations: (1) urban health systems, (2) urban environmental studies, and (3) urban educational policy. Faculty members come from the health sciences, architecture, public administration, political science, economics, planning and policy, history, management, information systems, computer sciences, sociology, and education.
Graduates have a wide range of career options, including work as university faculty members and researchers, government executives in policy and planning posts, and as analysts and administrators in various health care fields. They also are equipped to take positions as directors of foundations, political organizations, environmental groups, and architectural associations.
