Ph.D. Program Degree Requirements
The first year of coursework prepares you for independent research in public policy and management. Prior coursework in 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 (two courses)
- Professional development seminar (Proseminar)
- 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 policy or management or a related policy field (e.g. education, environment, urban affairs, nonprofit management, international development). Your second year curriculum is full-time, 30+ credits, chosen in consultation with your faculty advisor, and includes:
- Data Analysis Practicum
- Restricted electives in qualitative and quantitative methods
- Three or more courses in your chosen field of research specialization
- An elective teaching seminar and three-quarter teaching 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 (a critical literature review designed to help you identify a dissertation topic)
The third year includes preparation for and completion of the General Examination and dissertation prospectus.
The fourth year of study can be completed full- or part-time and is focused on writing, completing, and defending 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.