Choosing the right path for your academic and professional future is a significant decision. For those driven to address society’s most pressing issues through rigorous research and impactful policy change, a Doctorate In Public Policy offers an unparalleled opportunity. At the University of Michigan, our joint doctoral program provides a pioneering approach to this field, setting you on a trajectory to become a leader in public policy research and academia.
Our program uniquely combines the depth of public policy studies with the robust methodologies of top-ranked social science disciplines. As a doctoral candidate, you will integrate your policy focus with intensive study in economics, political science, or sociology, gaining membership in both the Ford School of Public Policy and your chosen disciplinary department. This dual affiliation ensures you receive comprehensive training, becoming fluent in both the language of policy and the rigorous analytical tools of social science.
Distinctive Features of Our Doctorate in Public Policy Program
The University of Michigan’s approach to a doctorate in public policy is distinguished by several key elements designed to foster your success as a leading scholar and researcher:
Generous and Comprehensive Funding
We are committed to making our program accessible to the most talented students. All admitted PhD students receive five years of guaranteed funding, contingent on satisfactory academic progress. This robust support package includes full tuition coverage, health insurance, and a living stipend, allowing you to fully dedicate yourself to your studies and research. Funding may be awarded through a mix of fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships, providing diverse experiences within academia. Learn more.
Strong Disciplinary Foundation
We believe that impactful public policy research is grounded in disciplinary rigor. Therefore, the initial years of our doctorate in public policy are spent immersed in your chosen department (economics, political science, or sociology). You will undertake the same demanding coursework in theory and methods as students solely within those departments. Furthermore, you will be paired with a dedicated faculty advisor from your department, ensuring deep integration and a solid grounding in disciplinary theory and methodologies.
Emphasis on Empirical Methods
In today’s data-driven world, sophisticated analytical skills are paramount. Our doctorate in public policy program emphasizes the development of advanced empirical methods. You will gain expertise in statistical analysis, economic modeling, benefit-cost analysis, program evaluation, and both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques. This rigorous training will equip you to conduct cutting-edge research and contribute meaningfully to the field.
Extensive Research Training Opportunities
Active engagement in research is central to our program’s philosophy. We provide numerous avenues for you to develop your research skills and contribute to the field. Every student has the opportunity to work as a research assistant for a faculty member for at least one year, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. Additionally, all first and second-year students participate in a bi-weekly research seminar, fostering a collaborative research environment. Guidance from faculty advisors is also provided for the crucial independent research paper in the third year, nurturing your ability to conduct independent, impactful research.
Interdisciplinary Policy Analysis Focus
Addressing complex public policy challenges requires a multifaceted approach. Our program is intentionally designed to foster interdisciplinary training and research. Coursework is structured to expose you to diverse perspectives and methodologies early in your studies, encouraging comparative analysis and cross-disciplinary thinking. Our faculty, many holding joint appointments across departments, are actively engaged in multidisciplinary research and are committed to mentoring students in bridging disciplinary insights to address critical policy issues.
Meet Our Accomplished Graduates
Our doctorate in public policy program has a strong track record of producing impactful scholars and leaders. Our graduates are placed in leading universities and research institutions, making significant contributions to their fields. See where the Ford School’s PhD has taken our graduates. Here are a few examples of our distinguished alumni:
Angel Harris (PhD ’05), Professor of Sociology, Duke University
Dr. Harris’s groundbreaking dissertation, “An In-Depth Examination of the Oppositional Culture Theory and African American School Resistance,” was recognized with the prestigious 2005 Horace H. Rackham Distinguished Dissertation Award.
Christina Cross (PhD ’19), Postdoctoral Fellow and Assistant Professor of Sociology, Harvard University
Dr. Cross’s impactful dissertation, “Examining the Intersections of Family Structure, Race, Class, and Context and their Relationships with Children’s Educational Success,” received the esteemed ASA 2020 Dissertation Award.
Alexandra Resch (PhD ’08), Senior Researcher, Mathematica Policy Research
Dr. Resch’s dissertation, “Essays on Education Economics and School Finance Reform,” delves into critical issues within education policy and resource allocation.
Take the Next Step
Are you ready to pursue a doctorate in public policy that will empower you to conduct impactful research and shape the future of policy? We encourage you to explore the specific requirements and program details in your chosen area of disciplinary focus.
Download our PhD brochure
To gain a comprehensive overview of our program, faculty, and application process, we invite you to download our PhD brochure.
