phd planning and public policy

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Urban planning and public policy - doctorate (phd).

DEGREE OVERVIEW

The program prepares doctoral students for academic careers and for leadership in research positions in the public, private, or nonprofit sectors.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Ph.D. in urban planning and public policy (UPPP) integrates the academic disciplines of urban planning and public policy by training Ph.D. students to conduct independent research that makes a substantive contribution to their chosen planning and policy subfields. The program prepares doctoral students for academic careers and for leadership in research positions in the public, private, or nonprofit sectors. UPPP graduates have secured academic and research positions at research universities and institutes, think tanks, and public planning agencies nationally and internationally.

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

• Government Administrator
• City and Regional Planning Professional
• Transportation Administrator
• Research Scientist

DEGREE OPTIONS

The UPPP Ph.D. stresses interdisciplinarity in four field areas:

• Urban Policy and Planning
• Physical Planning, Development, and Urban Design
• Land Use/Transportation Analysis, Planning, and Policy
• Environmental Planning Policy/Sustainability

WHY CHOOSE US?

• Cutting-edge research with faculty
• Fully funded research assistantships
• Access and opportunities to work with research centers
• Accredited program
• Guidance and mentorship from faculty
• Evening classes to allow flexibility for students who are working professionals
• Teaching opportunities
• Dissertation options tailored to student interests
• Support for conference participation

GET STARTED

Take the next step toward investing in yourself by learning more about our Urban Planning and Public Policy - Doctorate (PHD) program.

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Apply Today

If you're ready, so are we. The next step is to apply. Applying for admission is easy, and we're here to work with you every step of the way.

PROGRAM CONTACT

Name: Karabi Bezboruah 

Phone: 817-272-0727 

Email: [email protected]

Learn more about this program on the Department or College website.

Department of Public Affairs & Planning

College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs

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UNIVERSITY CATALOG

Check out the University Catalog for more information.

If you wish to apply follow this link.

WANT MORE INFORMATION?

We are here to help with any questions you may have.

The Ph.D. program at Harris Public Policy prepares students for careers in academia, industry, and government. It emphasizes a rigorous foundation in microeconomics, econometrics, and political economy, along with in-depth study of particular substantive areas associated with policy and policy-making. The program allows students to develop individualized and innovative courses of study in which they work closely with faculty members of the School and the University.

Consistent with the highly quantitative and analytic nature of the Harris School's Ph.D. degree, Harris has categorized the degree under a code which is currently on the DHS STEM list . Students on F-1 visas who have earned a degree that has been designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a STEM degree may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT) so long as they meet all eligibility criteria at the time of application.

Ph.D. Program Requirements

Get information about the curriculum and academic requirements for the Ph.D. in Public Policy Program.

If you have questions about the Harris degree requirements, email the Harris Dean of Students Office at  [email protected] . Policies on the results of not meeting these requirements can be found on the Harris policies page .

Ph.D. Candidates on the Job Market

Meet the Ph.D. program’s current job market candidates.

Ph.D. Placements

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Ph.D. Workshop

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Program Details

Director of graduate studies.

Steven Durlauf , Professor ([email protected])

Durlauf's research spans many topics in microeconomics and macroeconomics. His most important substantive contributions involve the areas of poverty, inequality and economic growth. Much of his research has attempted to integrate sociological ideas into economic analysis.

Associate Directors

Yana Gallen , Assistant Professor ([email protected])

Eyal Frank , Assistant Professor  ([email protected] )

Dean of Students

Kate Shannon Biddle ([email protected])

Program Director

Barbara Williams ([email protected])

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PhD in Public Policy

Interdisciplinary. experiential. scholarly focused..

Northeastern University’s PhD in Public Policy is a scholarly-focused degree and training program for individuals interested in conducting research in academia or other high-level professional settings, such as think tanks, nonprofit organizations, industry, and government. It equips students with the theory and research skills to address societal issues of pressing concern at national and international levels, such as sustainability and resilience, urban planning and policy, and health policy. 

Students take core courses in policy theory, quantitative and qualitative methods, and research design, and specialize in one of three concentrations: Sustainability and Resilience, Urban and Regional Policy, and Health Care Policy and Management. Students develop insight, experience, and synergies while working with faculty on key research projects or working at any of the school’s  research centers . The school provides a high level of support, allowing students to excel in their studies and research.

Learning Outcomes

• Become versed in the foundational knowledge in public policy as a field of inquiry sufficient to contribute to its continued evolution and relevance
• Obtain deep and nuanced expertise in a specified subject area
• Develop the methodological tools to enable policy-relevant research in high-level professional settings
• Understand and reveal structural and historical inequities in the particular area of focus
• Identify issues of pressing concern to society at local, national, and international levels. 

Current and prospective students should refer to the  graduate catalog  for a description of the PhD in Public Policy curriculum, including the  advanced entry option.

Applications for Fall 2023 are no longer being accepted.

For additional information, contact:

Daniel T. O’Brien

Program director.

617.373.8900 [email protected]

Type of Program

• PhD Program
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• Beverly Ballaro

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More programs, human services program, jd/ms in law and public policy, ma in international affairs, master of public administration, master of public policy.

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Doctor of Policy, Planning, and Development

Elevating Leaders through Knowledge and Scholarship

A unique doctoral d egree, request information.

The Doctor of Policy, Planning, and Development (DPPD) connects interdisciplinary scholarship to professional expertise. The program encourages reflection on policy and practice in Los Angeles, a living laboratory of social, political, and policy issues. Students apply research skills to solve a contemporary problem of practice, resulting in a professional dissertation.

Application Deadlines

Learn about the application process →

For admissions information, please email [email protected] . For program information, please email Anna Parks [email protected] .

Learn from Peers, Scholars, and Expert Practitioners

This program brings together established leaders in industry, government, and nonprofit sectors to design frameworks and strategies for sophisticated problem-solving. Students learn from their peers as well as from the Price School’s expert faculty, who address some of the most complex and challenging governance problems of our time.

Students pursue doctoral studies while simultaneously advancing careers in a diverse range of fields. Examples include public policy, health, real estate, law, civil engineering, philanthropy, and social work. The program’s participatory learning approach leverages students’ professional expertise to deepen critical engagement with theories, models, and emerging data. Courses produce rich debate and analysis as students apply contrasting perspectives to complex problems.

Each cohort enters a dynamic learning community where shared growth, comraderie, and intellectual influence extend far beyond the classroom. Through a rigorous course sequence, interdisciplinary peer engagement, and mentored research, students become scholar practitioners, ready to lead innovation in their fields.

Program Learning Objectives

The DPPD supports students in developing a deeper understanding of their professional practice, supporting the development of networks, and refining skills through a cohort-based model. Learning objectives include:

• Establish the ability to bring research and theoretical models to bear in support of effective decision-making, leadership, and innovative practice;
• Articulate the nature of complex policy and planning systems and strategically plan for success in problem-solving;
• Develop strategies for working across sectors to design solutions, particularly within urban settings;
• Enhance analytic capacities as consumers and evaluators of academic research;
• Conduct applied research and translate it to practice;
• Develop sensitivity and cultural awareness as leaders.

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Ph.D. in Urban Planning

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The Ph.D. in Urban Planning is focused on training individuals for future careers as teachers, researchers, policy-makers, and business entrepreneurs in and near the field of urban planning—in academia, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and think tanks. The program equips students with the theoretical and methodological expertise to address important contemporary issues, such as climate change and adaptation, built environment transformation, immigration and migration, housing and community development, and poverty and inequality. It is a highly competitive doctoral program, accepting only three candidates each year.

We welcome prospective students from a wide range of backgrounds, and value strong abilities for critical thinking and independent research. In reviewing applications, the Ph.D. faculty make decisions collectively, based on students’ academic preparation, topical areas of interest, and experience with analytical. We encourage students to explore various directions of intellectual growth after enrollment.

The Ph.D. in Urban Planning is a program within the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP) while the actual degree is granted by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).

Admission for 2024

• The application deadline for 2024 admissions was December 14, 2023, and is now closed.
• For additional information on the application process and requirements, please see the GSAS website.
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Upon entering the program, each student consults with the program director for the duration of their coursework. The program director’s role is to provide independent guidance and mentorship on all aspects of student life. Students meet at least once each semester with the program director to discuss their academic progress and future plans.

By the date of the comprehensive examination and prior to submitting their dissertation prospectus, each student selects a dissertation advisor (also known as sponsor), to act as a guide during the course of dissertation research and for the dissertation defense. During this or any other time, students are still able to draw on the mentorship of other Ph.D. faculty.

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School of planning, public policy and management menu, school of planning, public policy and management.

The School of Planning, Public Policy and Management (PPPM) has offered training in rigorous, professional programs for over 50 years. We are a national leader in community and regional planning, public policy and administration, and nonprofit management. Our graduates work around the world for national, state, and local governments; for nonprofit organizations; and in the private sector. Our hands-on approach to education gives PPPM students an opportunity to start making a difference in the community before they even graduate. 

• PhD in Planning and Public Affairs
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• BA/BS in Planning, Public Policy and Management
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The Student Experience

The School of Planning, Public Policy and Management (PPPM) is located in historic Hendricks Hall in the center of the University of Oregon campus in Eugene. PPPM is a strong and active community where faculty and students engage with professionals and the community to research, learn, and take on important leadership roles.

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PPPM Ranked in Two Program Areas

U.S. News & World Report has released its 2023 rankings. We’re proud to announce that in two areas—public affairs and nonprofit management—the School of Planning, Public Policy and Management is ranked among the Best Public Affairs Schools !

Alumni Spotlight: Agraj Dangal

After working with entrepreneurs in rural Nepal, Agraj Dangal, MPA, NMN ’19, wanted to learn more about how nonprofits could better support small businesses. He found the Nonprofit Management program with its focus in social enterprise and enrolled. At PPPM, he discovered that local government could play a key role, too, and began the Master of Public Administration program concurrently.

Now an operations officer at CEDS Finance in Denver, Dangal works to provide financial and technical assistance to clients who have barriers to access— often immigrants and refugees.

Student Spotlight: Sadie Mae Palmatier

Sadie Mae Palmatier is currently working towards a master's degree in Community and Regional Planning.

She is the 2021-2022 National Institute for Transportation and Community's Outstanding Student of the Year. She was selected to present her research at the highly prestigious Transportation Research Board annual meeting in Washington, DC. She currently serves as the project manager for the Institute for Policy Research and Engagement .

She is currently working to find solutions for lowering the housing costs through transportation policy.

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Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Public policy, phd.

CSSH Graduate Programs General Regulations

The  PhD in Public Policy is an interdisciplinary program that combines social science and legal theoretical perspectives with quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. The faculty in the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs support students’ research and dissertations in three broad areas of inquiry—urban and regional policy, sustainability and resilience, and health management and policy. Students work with faculty advisors to formulate a plan of study within their field of concentration by choosing from graduate programs offered in the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, and in other colleges and schools at Northeastern University. Students study a common body of knowledge in core courses in policy theory, research methods, and statistics, followed by courses in each student’s respective concentration. The school’s research centers and faculty research projects provide opportunities for students to develop insight, experience, and synergies to help with their own research goals. The college and school offer a high level of support allowing all students to be devoted full time to their studies and research. The program is full time and in residence only.

Doctoral Degree Candidacy 

Complete all required coursework with a minimum 3.500 grade-point average, pass the comprehensive examinations, and defend a dissertation proposal. Students entering without a JD or master’s degree must complete 55 semester hours. Students entering with a JD or master’s degree must complete 47 semester hours.

Complete all courses and requirements listed below unless otherwise indicated.

Annual review Comprehensive examination Dissertation committee Dissertation proposal PhD candidacy Dissertation defense

Core Requirements

A grade of B+ or higher is required in each course.

Experiential Research Residency

A PhD research residency or waiver is required.

Concentrations

Complete one of the following concentrations:

• Health Policy and Management
• Sustainability and Resilience
• Urban and Regional Policy

Exam and Dissertation

Program Credit/GPA Requirements

55 total semester hours required Minimum 3.500 GPA required

Health Policy and Management Concentration

Sustainability and Resilience Concentration

Urban and Regional Policy Concentration

47 total semester hours required Minimum 3.500 GPA required

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Ph.D. Program in Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy

Ph.D Program Requirements

The Ph.D. program consists of four primary components: course work, comprehensive exams, advancing to candidacy and dissertation research, writing, and defense. A typical pattern for completion of requirements is the following:

• First and Second Years : Take required departmental courses supplemented by electives.
• September after Second Year : Take comprehensive exams.
• Third Year: Write and defend dissertation prospectus, advance to candidacy. Begin dissertation.
• Fourth through Sixth Years : Dissertation research and writing (students are expected to complete and defend their dissertations within nine quarters of advancing to candidacy).

The normative time for completion of the Ph.D. in Urban and Environmental Planning and Policy is six years.

The following courses are required of all students and must be completed before advancement to candidacy:

Research Design and Methods 

• UPPP 297 (Research Design)
• UPPP 209 (Qualitative Research Methods) or equivalent
• Social Ecology 264A (Data Analysis) or equivalent
• Complete one advanced research methods course (quantitative or qualitative)

Theory Courses 

• UPPP 281 Theoretical Approaches in Planning and Policy
• Three courses providing theoretical orientation, one of which is a PhD course in the department of Urban Planning and Public Policy, such as UPPP 284 Environmental Theory and Topics or UPPP 285 Urban Theory and Topics

Other UEPP Core Courses

• UPPP 275 (temporary number) PhD Proseminar 
• Two quarters of UPPP 298 or 299 (Independent or Directed Study)

Six electives

• These are typically taken outside the Urban Planning and Public Policy department. They are selected with guidance of the students' advisor. 

Students must serve as a Teaching Assistant for at least one quarter.

Questions regarding admissions applications? Contact Irice Castro.  

Questions regarding program requirements, policies, or resources? Contact the department's Ph.D. program Graduate Coordinator  Dave Halgren , who is trained to guide students in the program and direct you to appropriate faculty or staff as required.

School and Campus Resources

All students in the Ph.D. program should become familiar with the Social Ecology Graduate Student Handbook for the year you were admitted, containing policies, procedures, and requirements for degree completion.

Review formal degree requirements and course descriptions in the UCI General Catalogue .

The School of Social Ecology's Graduate Services website includes a list of campus resources, and information about academic services. The Social Ecology Graduate Student Association (SEGSA) (formerly the Climate Committee) is involved with advocating for and planning community-building events for our school's students. The Director of Graduate Student Services also posts graduate student events, updates, and funding opportunities on the GSS Student Services Updates page.

UCI's Graduate Division website contains a variety of helpful checklists and information for graduate students. Two pages to start: Admitted Student Checklists and Student Resources .

Ph.D. Program Learning Outcomes (PLO)

Program Learning Outcomes can be found here.

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College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs

Doctorate in urban planning & policy.

The PhD program in Urban Planning and Policy at UIC has a traditional research focus, preparing students for university faculty positions as well as careers as urban policy analysts and researchers. The UPP Scholar Award is available to select students, who receive four years of funding for the program. A productive research faculty and multiple research centers in the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs provide students with numerous research opportunities, while our undergraduate program offers meaningful teaching opportunities to talented students. The program offers advanced study of critical urban development challenges facing cities and metropolitan areas in the 21st century blending urban planning and public policy perspectives. The Program provides a unique and powerful resource for the advanced study of challenging urban problems and their complex remedies. Students participate in an interdisciplinary learning community of faculty and research staff conducting a mix of applied and theoretical studies. Graduates will leave as scholars well prepared for positions as university professors and as professional researchers.

Program Overview Heading link Copy link

The Ph.D. curriculum combines core requirements in theory and methods with more specialized course work in each area. Students learn advanced theory, methods and related research literature in one of five areas of specialization:

• Globalization and International Planning
• Economic Development
• Community Development
• Spatial Planning and Design
• Urban Transportation
• Environmental Planning
• Other faculty approved specialization
• PhD Admissions Procedure

Engaged Research Heading link Copy link

Opportunities for advanced research training and faculty supervised research projects are available within the following research centers at UIC:

• Great Cities Institute
• Center for Urban Economic Development
• Voorhees Center for Neighborhood and Community Improvement
• Urban Transportation Center
• Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy
• Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement
• UPP’s Urban Data Visualization Laboratory
• Institute for Environmental Science and Policy

The program also builds on the University of Illinois Great Cities Initiative, providing students with a variety of research related training opportunities to engage in urban issues in the Chicago metropolitan region, the nation and the world.

Degree Requirements Heading link Copy link

Please consult the  Graduate Catalog  and the  PhD Handbook  for degree requirements.  Degree-seeking students are governed by the policies articulated in the PhD Handbook in effect in their first semester registered in the program.

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Urban Planning and Public Policy

Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) and the Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD) offer a joint degree program in public policy and urban planning. The joint degree program permits students to pursue a Master in Public Policy (MPP) degree at HKS and a Master in Urban Planning (MUP) degree at the GSD and to complete both degrees in three years, rather than the four years that would be required if the two degrees were pursued independently. Students in the joint degree program must complete all of the basic requirements for both the MPP and MUP degrees.

A committee made up of HKS/GSD Professor Jose A. Gomez-Ibanez and GSD Professor Jerold S. Kayden (“Faculty Committee”) oversees the degree program. The Faculty Committee is responsible for making decisions regarding the structure and requirements of the program and for working with students.

For details, please read the Guide to the Joint MUP/MPP degree  (PDF).

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Planning, Public Policy and Management (BA/BS)

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• Planning, Public Policy and Management (BA/​BS)
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• Public Administration (MPA)
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• Nonprofit Management Graduate Certificate

What do sustainable city planning, community change, food security, transportation planning, and nonprofit administration have in common? All are rooted in making a difference in our communities, states, and countries. Choose to study in the School of Planning, Public Policy and Management (PPPM) and you’ll discover how governments, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector firms address some of the most important problems facing society—and how you can play a key role in finding innovative solutions.

As a PPPM major you’ll gain a thorough grounding in the principles of civic responsibility, environmental sustainability, and international understanding. Experiential learning, evidence-based decision-making, and interdisciplinary study will be at the core of your PPPM curriculum. You’ll learn from and work with faculty members who are internationally recognized scholars with a wide range of training and research interests. Your courses will focus on concepts and skills and explore how to implement them within communities, organizations, and governments.

Program's Admission Requirements

Please visit the program's website .

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Synthesize core principles and policies guiding nonprofit and public organizations.
• Engage in evidence-based dialogue about urgent social, environmental, and economic issues.
• Apply learned skills to professional-level planning, nonprofit, and public policy projects by participating in courses that work on real-world issues with community partners.
• Build high-demand skills that public sector and nonprofit employers are seeking.
• Utilize professional development tools, like cover letter and resume writing or internship experience, to support their career interests in public service.

Planning, Public Policy and Management Major Requirements

Students should expect extensive writing, analysis, and collaborative projects as part of their education in PPPM. For more information, contact an academic advisor in the College of Design.

Fields of Interest

Students are encouraged to work with a College of Design academic advisor to identify electives in one or more fields of interest.

Fields of interest may include the following:

• arts and cultural leadership
• environment and sustainability
• equity and social justice
• global sustainability and development
• nonprofit administration
• public leadership and management
• social and health policy
• urban planning and development

Internships are optional but highly recommended for all PPPM students as a way to explore and clarify their interests and career goals, apply academic learning, develop new skills, and network with professionals. These career-building experiences help prepare students for fellowships, professional positions, or further academic study. Students interested in the PPPM Internship Program should enroll in PPPM 412 Internship and Professional Development and meet with the PPPM Undergraduate Internship Director.  More information is on the School website .

Thesis and Honors Program

Students may pursue an undergraduate thesis in PPPM if they are accepted in the honors program , or if they are enrolled in the Clark Honors College. Students may not pursue the thesis option without prior approval; interested students should contact the PPPM Undergraduate Program Director by the end of their sophomore year for more information. Students must have a 3.75 GPA to be considered for the honors program; a thesis is required.

 Four-Year Degree Plan

The degree plan shown is only a sample of how students may complete their degrees in four years. There are alternative ways. Students should consult their advisor to determine the best path for them.

Bachelor of Arts in Planning, Public Policy and Management

Bachelor of Science in Planning, Public Policy and Management

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Public Policy and Regional Planning

The MPPA/MRP program prepares students for meaningful and effective careers at the national, state, and local levels in public policy, management, and economic development and planning.

Students may begin their studies in either program. It is best to complete a full year in one program before beginning the second program. Students fulfill the core requirements of the other program during the second year, then fulfill the remaining requirements of both programs in the third year.

Sample Program Timetable

While applicants must meet both the Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning's and the School of Public Policy's admission standards , students only need to submit one application to the graduate admissions office . Students already enrolled in one of the programs can apply to the other program during their first year to matriculate as a dual-degree MPPA/MRP candidate.

Deadline: February 1

For more information.

• Michael Marr Recruitment and Admissions Manager School of Public Policy [email protected] (413) 577-2396
• Mark Hamin Senior Lecturer of Regional Planning Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning [email protected] (413) 545-6608
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Master of Arts in Environmental & Sustainability Policy

The Master of Arts in Environmental and Sustainability Policy (MA-ESP) at the Trachtenberg School offers an interdisciplinary approach to environmental and sustainability studies. This STEM program prepares students to enter and excel in environmental policy  careers  in government, nonprofit organizations, the private sector, and environmental advocacy groups.

Students will take courses in the areas of science, law, policy, culture and ethics, economics, research, and more. The program curriculum is integrative, flexible, and reflects the knowledge and skills required of environmental policy leaders.  

The program culminates in a  capstone project , during which students collaborate in small groups on a pro bono product for a client of their choice.

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Program Highlights

Multidisciplinary.

The ESP curriculum draws on disciplines including environmental economics, environmental law, public policy, research methods and a two-semester environmental science course. This STEM program teaches students to craft policy using science-based evidence, understand economic incentives and develop a clear-eyed understanding of environmental law and politics.

Practical and Theoretical

The curriculum blends theory and practical experience, culminating in a professional, client-oriented capstone project based on a real-world environmental policy issue. Through group work, students gain experience collaborating on environmental policy issues.

Tailored to You

Master's students can customize their coursework around the required core curriculum by choosing electives from virtually any academic department in the Columbian College. Additionally, GW offers courses at consortium partner schools including American University, George Mason University and Georgetown University.

MA-ESP Course Requirements

The MA-ESP curriculum consists of 36 credit hours. Full-time students typically complete the MA-ESP in two years. Part-time students complete the degree in three to four years. The MA-ESP program is available at the George Washington University's Foggy Bottom campus in downtown Washington, D.C. It is not available as a distance-learning program.

Students complete a common core and select elective coursework in a field of study tailored to their unique interests and career objectives. Other core requirements provide the broad intellectual base and tools necessary for making multidisciplinary environmental and resource decisions.

Note: Students who feel that their prior undergraduate coursework duplicates one of the core requirements may seek a waiver of the requirement. If approved, an elective course can be taken instead. All core courses and most electives are three credits. Please also note that some courses outlined below may have prerequisite requirements.

The general requirements stated under  Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs .

36 credits, including 24 credits in required courses and 12 credits in elective courses.

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 36 credits, including 24 credits in required courses and 12 credits in elective courses.

*Students with a strong statistics background can request to be exempt from taking PPPA 6002 and take an additional 3-credit economics and tools course from the list above.

**Students with limited economics background must take PPPA 6007. PPPA 6007 must be taken before ECON 6237 and students may substitute ECON 6217 for PPPA 6007.