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
- Microeconomics
- Policy Analysis and Evaluation
- Quantitative Methods
- Data Analysis Practicum
- 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:
- Two restricted electives in qualitative and quantitative methods
- Three or more courses in your chosen field of research specialization
- A teaching seminar and assistantship at the Evans School or elsewhere on the UW campus (some portions of this requirement can be waived depending on your career goals and prior 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)
The third through sixth years of study can be completed full- or part-time (27+credits) and is focused on writing and completing your dissertation.
For more information, download our Ph.D. program brochure (17.1KB pdf), or contact the Evans School Student Services office at evansphd@u.washington.edu or 206.543.4900.
