A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy is a graduate-level academic degree that focuses on the study of public policies and their impact on society. It is an interdisciplinary field that draws on various disciplines, including economics, political science, sociology, and law, to understand how public policies are developed, implemented, and evaluated.
The program usually requires students to complete coursework in policy analysis, research methods, public management, public finance, and political economy. In addition, students are typically required to conduct independent research and write a dissertation on a topic of their choice.
Graduates of a PhD in Public Policy program are prepared to work in a variety of fields, including academia, government, think tanks, and non-profit organizations. They can pursue careers as policy analysts, researchers, consultants, and policymakers.
Some of the key skills that students acquire during a PhD in Public Policy program include critical thinking, problem-solving, research design, data analysis, and communication. They also develop expertise in specific policy areas, such as healthcare, education, environmental policy, and social welfare.
Stream | Doctor of Philosophy |
Course | Doctor of Philosophy - Public Policy |
Full Name | Doctor of Philosophy - Public Policy |
Eligibility | Master in relevant Subject with 55 % marks |
Duration | 3 Years |
Fees | Updated Soon |
Type | Degree |
Mode | Year |
Most PhD in Public Policy programs require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Some programs may also require subject-specific tests such as the GRE Subject Test in Economics or Political Science.
The duration of a PhD in Public Policy program varies, but most programs take between 4-6 years to complete. The length of the program can depend on factors such as the student's prior education and experience, the complexity of their dissertation project, and their progress towards meeting program requirements.
Admissions committees for PhD in Public Policy programs typically consider a range of factors when selecting applicants. These factors may include academic performance, test scores, letters of recommendation, work experience, and research interests. Programs may also consider factors such as diversity, potential for contributions to the field, and fit with the program's faculty and resources.
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To apply to a PhD in Public Policy program, applicants typically need to complete an application form that can be found on the program's website or through a centralized application service. The application usually requires basic personal information, academic history, test scores, and essays or personal statements. Applicants will also need to submit letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and transcripts from all previous educational institutions attended. Some programs may require a fee to submit the application.
The application fee for a PhD in Public Policy program varies by institution and can range will be Coming soon or more.
Some programs may offer fee waivers for applicants with financial need or for students from underrepresented groups.
Semester 1: Introduction to Public Policy Concepts and theories Evolution of public policy Policy analysis frameworks Research Methods in Public Policy Quantitative research methods Qualitative research methods Mixed-methods approaches | Semester 2: Policy Process and Institutions Legislative process Bureaucratic decision-making Interest groups and advocacy Policy Areas I: Social Policy Welfare policy Health policy Education policy |
Semester 3: Policy Areas II: Economic Policy Fiscal policy Monetary policy Trade and industrial policy Policy Areas III: Environmental Policy Sustainable development Climate change policy Natural resource management | Semester 4: Policy Areas IV: International Policy Global governance Foreign policy analysis International development policy Advanced Topics in Public Policy Policy entrepreneurship Behavioral economics and public policy Policy innovation |
Semester 5: Advanced Research Methods Advanced statistical analysis Qualitative data analysis techniques Experimental design in policy research Elective Course I (Choose from a list of specialized topics) Comparative public policy Urban policy Healthcare policy management | Semester 6: Dissertation Proposal Development Formulating research questions Literature review Research design and methodology Elective Course II Policy modeling and simulation Policy communication and advocacy Ethics in public policy |
Some career opportunities for graduates with a PhD in Public Policy include:
Some of the top colleges and universities offering PhD in Public Policy programs include:
Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.