PhD in Public Policy Analysis

Housed within Brooks School of Public Policy, this doctorate trains scholars and practitioners to work on national and international policy problems. Focus areas range from education and environment to demography, global security, health, inequality, development, race and regulation. The curriculum pairs substantive policy topics with deeper study of one discipline and empirical methods, and students collaborate with doctoral programs in economics, sociology and government. Students spend at least six semesters in residence in Ithaca, and progress reviews begin in the second year. The PhD is administered by Graduate School at Cornell University and follows the academic standards set for that unit, so students should expect to meet both program and university expectations. Current course lists, degree requirements and academic policies are published in the university catalog, and applicants with questions about eligibility or the application process should contact the department or graduate field directly.