PhD in Public Policy

Student Profile

For his dissertation, Michael Cote will be examining the role of citizen initiatives and referendum voting in the democratic process. Read More

The doctor of philosophy degree offers the highest level of professional and academic education in public policy. The program is designed for those students who are interested in questions surrounding the origins, development, implementation and analysis of public policy decisions in government and related institutions. The program prepares students to function within a variety of fields while focusing their dissertation research on a specific topic.

Students undertake the PhD in order to develop answers to questions about the ways in which policy is formulated and implemented, and to make their own original contribution to the knowledge of these public questions. In pursuing the PhD Program, students acquire skills as independent researchers, the ability to interpret and assess the research of others, and the ability to communicate their knowledge to a wide variety of audiences. Those who successfully complete the degree are equipped to bring their knowledge to senior policy and management positions in government, nonprofit agencies, school districts, research organizations, consulting firms, and in college university faculty and administrative appointments.

Student Profile

"As I begin work on my dissertation, I am impressed with how valuable the Ph.D. program has been in developing my understanding of philosophical as well as methodological approaches to research." Read More

The Muskie School is distinguished by extensive, nationally recognized research and public service activities (more than 150 projects across the country) that provide valuable expertise, highly developed databases and research opportunities for PhD students. Faculty and research staff are engaged in numerous public policy venues — international, national, state and local- giving students unique opportunities to participate in major ongoing projects. Areas of expertise where faculty are available to supervise doctoral students include health policy, environment and natural resources policy, economic and community development, role of nonprofits, and public policy development and implementation.

For More Information

For more information about the Ph.D. in Public Policy, please contact Barbara Fraumeni, Chair of the Ph.D. Program.

Visit our admissions page for more information on Ph.D. admissions.

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