Ph.D. Program Degree Requirements

The first year of coursework prepares you for independent research in public policy and management. Prior coursework in differential calculus, intermediate microeconomics, and multivariate statistics is required before matriculation. The first-year curriculum is full-time, earning 30+ credits, and includes:

• Research Design
• Institutional Perspectives on Management and Leadership
• Public Policy Processes
• Advanced Microeconomics for Policy Analysis
• Policy Analysis and Evaluation
• Quantitative Methods
• Quarterly seminars on policy management and research
• Qualifying exam (must be passed to enter second year)

The second year of coursework enhances your research skills while focusing on a chosen field of research specialization in public or nonprofit management or a related policy field (e.g. education, environment, land use, international development). Your second year curriculum is full-time, 30+ credits, chosen in consultation with your faculty advisor, and includes:

• Data Analysis Practicum
• Two restricted electives in qualitative and quantitative methods
• Three or more courses in your chosen field of research specialization
• A teaching seminar and three-quarter assistantship at the Evans School or elsewhere on the UW campus (some portions of this requirement can be waived depending on your teaching experience)
• Quarterly seminars on policy management and research
• Second-year assessment exam (includes two tests that must be passed before submitting your written dissertation proposal)
• General Exam
  

The third and fourth years of study can be completed full- or part-time (27+credits) and are focused on writing and completing your dissertation.

View application instructions for our Ph.D. program. 

For more information, contact the Evans School Student Services office at evansphd@u.washington.edu or 206.543.4900.