Program Overview

Ph.D. Program Overview

The Engineering and Public Policy (EPP) department offers a Ph.D. program that empowers students with technical backgrounds to address policy issues focused on science and technology. This program is designed for individuals who want to explore how engineering interacts with other disciplines to tackle the complex problems of today's society.

Program Details

• The Ph.D. program includes a series of core classes on fundamental approaches and methods for engineering and public policy, as well as classes in statistics and economics and electives in engineering, sciences, mathematics, and the social sciences.
• Research efforts begin early in the academic program with the first journal-quality research paper written during the third semester and continue through the development of subsequent papers and a Ph.D. thesis.
• While some work involves single investigators or small groups, much of it is conducted as part of the numerous research centers affiliated with the department.

Research Areas

• Energy systems
• Climate and environment
• Technology innovation policy
• Risk analysis
• Information and communication technology

Ph.D. Students

• Are engineers, scientists, and mathematicians adept in technical areas that affect issues nationally and internationally in the environment, energy, risk, regulation, information technology, internet security and privacy, telecommunications, education, technology development and exchange, or economic development.
• Recognize that the technical details matter in many policy issues, and wish to obtain or enhance advanced disciplinary skills in engineering and science.
• Understand that the technical details are not all that matters, and want to learn and apply knowledge and methods in the social and behavioral sciences, economics, political science, and law.

Ph.D. Certificate in Engineering Management, Leadership, and Innovation

Industry needs leaders who understand both engineering and business strategy. This certificate program prepares students for a head start in their career by taking strategically selected courses that will position them at the intersection of engineering and business strategy.

Admission Timeline

Applications for the Fall 2026 semester will be open from October 15th, 2025, to December 15th, 2025.