A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Metropolitan Planning, Policy and Design is an advanced academic degree program focused on researching and developing strategies for designing, managing, and evaluating metropolitan areas. This interdisciplinary program combines theories and methods from urban planning, policy, architecture, engineering, environmental science, social sciences, and other related fields to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of metropolitan planning. The program typically takes 4-5 years to complete and includes coursework, comprehensive exams, and the completion of a dissertation. The coursework covers a range of topics including urban design, land use planning, transportation planning, environmental policy, housing policy, and economic development. As part of the program, students also have the opportunity to conduct original research on a topic of their choosing related to metropolitan planning, policy, and design. This research culminates in the completion of a dissertation, which is a substantial contribution to the field and must be defended before a committee of faculty members.
Interdisciplinary Approach: | The program takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining theories and methods from various fields to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of metropolitan planning. |
Research and Dissertation: | Students conduct original research and complete a dissertation, which is a significant contribution to the field. |
Coursework: | The coursework covers a range of topics, including urban design, land use planning, transportation planning, environmental policy, housing policy, and economic development. |
Comprehensive Exams: | Students are required to pass comprehensive exams that test their knowledge in the various fields of study. |
Career Opportunities: | Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in academia, research, government, non-profit organizations, and private industry. |
Sustainable and Equitable Urban Development: | The program emphasizes the importance of sustainable and equitable urban development, preparing graduates to become advocates for these principles. |
Hands-On Experience: | Many programs offer opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience through internships, research assistantships, or practicum projects. |
To apply for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Metropolitan Planning, Policy and Design program, applicants typically need to hold a master's degree in a related field. |
Some universities may also consider applicants with a bachelor's degree and significant work experience in the field. |
The application process usually involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume or CV. |
Some universities may also require a writing sample and a research proposal. |
Universities consider several factors when selecting candidates for a PhD in Metropolitan Planning, Policy and Design program, including:
Academic achievement (such as GPA and previous coursework) |
Professional experience (if applicable) |
Research interests and potential |
Letters of recommendation |
Personal statement or essay |
Standardized test scores (if required) |
To apply for a PhD in Metropolitan Planning, Policy and Design program, applicants typically need to follow these steps:
Step 1 | Research potential universities and programs that align with your interests and career goals. |
Step 2 | Check the admission requirements and deadlines for each program. |
Step 3 | Collect and submit all required application materials, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume or CV. |
Step 4 | Prepare for and take any required standardized tests, such as the GRE or GMAT. |
Step 5 | Submit your application before the deadline. |
Step 6 | If selected for an interview, prepare and attend the interview. |
Step 7 | Wait for the admission decision from the university. |
The application form and process for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Metropolitan Planning, Policy and Design program varies depending on the university. Typically, applicants need to complete an online application form and submit supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a resume or CV. Some universities may require additional materials such as a writing sample or a research proposal. Applicants should check the specific requirements of each university they are applying to.
The application fee for a PhD in Metropolitan Planning, Policy and Design program varies by university. It typically ranges from Updated Soon.
The syllabus for a PhD in Metropolitan Planning, Policy and Design program varies by university. However, some common courses that may be included are:
Graduates of a PhD in Metropolitan Planning, Policy and Design program can pursue a variety of careers in academia, research, government, non-profit organizations, and private industry. Some common job titles for graduates of this program include:
The salary for these positions varies depending on the specific job, location, and level of experience. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for urban and regional planners was $76,240 as of May 2020.
Graduates of a PhD in Metropolitan Planning, Policy and Design program can pursue a variety of career opportunities in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Some potential career paths include:
Academic positions such as professor or researcher |
Government positions such as urban planner, policy analyst, or sustainability director |
Non-profit positions such as community development director or environmental planner |
Private sector positions such as consultant or economic development specialist |
Some of the top colleges for a PhD in Metropolitan Planning, Policy and Design program include:
PH.D. ADMISSION PROCEDURE
DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST
FAQs About Ph.D. Program
Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D.? 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.