Program Overview

Public Policy, PhD

Overview

This doctoral degree in public policy is distinctive in its heavy emphasis on the combined influence of technology, culture, and institutions on public policy. Students investigate the increasing tensions created by technologically driven organizational change. This doctoral program prepares its graduates to assume positions of significant responsibility in academia, government, and the private and public sectors. With a focus on analytical and research-based approaches to public policy, our students seek to understand the underlying determinants of public policy choices, analyze and improve the implementation of policy, and identify and assess new opportunities to address emerging issues.

Admissions

See Graduate Admission Policies for general information on graduate admission to George Mason University. See Schar Admissions for application requirements and deadlines for the PhD in Public Policy. Students are considered for admission for the Fall term only.

Policies

For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6.10 Requirements for Doctoral Degrees.

Program Requirements

Stage One - Core Skills

• Four foundational core courses
• One semester of participation in the research colloquium (public policy seminar)
• Two advanced methodology courses
• Three courses in an area of program specialization
• Three advanced courses tailored to the student's research needs and interests

Stage Two - Policy Fields and Skills

• Three courses in an area of program specialization, chosen in collaboration with advisor
• One advanced methods course chosen from the following:
  • POGO 611: Advanced Data Analysis for Policy and Government
  • PUBP 754: Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis for Public Policy
  • PUBP 791: Advanced Field Research for Policy: Theory and Method
  • PUBP 792: Advanced Economic Analysis for Policy Research
  • POGO 793: Big Data Analytics for Policy and Government
  • POGO 850: PhD Professional Development Seminar

Stage Three - Research Foundations

• Three substantive Field of Study courses that will serve as a foundation for their Field
• One Advanced Methods course

Stage Four - Dissertation

• Twelve credits of PUBP 998 and PUBP 999 must be applied to the degree
• A minimum of six credits must be PUBP 999

Degree Requirements

• Total credits: minimum 80

Prerequisites: Methodological and Substantive Foundations

• PhD students are required to have competence in the following three areas, either by taking these courses or by proving competence through a placement exam and/or evidence of previous relevant coursework:
  • POGO 511: Introductory Data Analysis for Policy and Government
  • PUBP 720: Microeconomics for Public Policy
  • PUBP 730: US Institutions and the Policy Process

Transfer of Credit

• Previously earned and relevant graduate credits may be eligible for transfer into this program; details can be found in the Credit by Exam or Transfer section of this catalog.