The first year of coursework prepares students for further specialized coursework leading to 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 33+ quarter credits, and includes courses in:
- 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). The second year curriculum is full-time, 30+ quarter credits, chosen in consultation with your faculty advisor, and includes:
- Data Analysis Practicum
- Restricted electives in qualitative and quantitative methods
- Opportunity to develop a disciplinary cognate field (e.g., economics, political science, psychology)
- 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)
- Major area paper (a critical literature review designed to help you identify a dissertation topic)
- Professional development seminar (Proseminar)
Ph.D. students have the option to acquire the Master of Science in Public Policy and Management degree after successful completion of the first two years of coursework, the first year Qualifying Exam and the Major Area Paper at the end of the second year.
The third year includes preparation for and completion of the General Examination and dissertation proposal.
The fourth year of study 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.