The Ph.D. in Public Policy program is structured into three distinct phases: core course, policy field courses, and the dissertation. In all, the program requires a minimum of 63 hours of graduate credit for completion of the degree. All students must complete the program within eight years. The program encourages applications from both full-time and part-time students. Classes meet during the later afternoon and early evening hours to facilitate involvement by part-time students. Full-time students could normally complete the program within four years. This structure is driven by three core principles:

Interdisciplinary Perspective
Effective policy analysis and policy formation is not informed by any single discipline. Rather, it requires an understanding of the historical, cultural, political, institutional, geographic and economic aspects that frame each policy arena.

Applied and Empirical Policy Analysis 
Public policy is an inherently applied endeavor that seeks practical solutions and cogent analysis. While all research and analysis is informed by theory, the purpose of policy research is to elevate public discourse and improve public decision-making.

Place-Based Research 
To exercise applied policy analysis in an interdisciplinary context, policy research must be place-based. Valid policy analysis, based on real data, applied to actual policy settings is one of the main strengths of the program. Students work with professors in numerous capacities to develop the practical skills underpinning place-based research.