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Program OverviewThe Ph.D. in Public Policy at UNC Charlotte is an interdisciplinary program focusing on the development, implementation, and evaluation of policy solutions to public problems. It stresses the development of applied analytic tool skills, advanced cognitive abilities, and topical specialties allowing students to tailor the program to the policy field of their interest. Graduates are expected to advance in careers that contribute to society through the application of their training. Career options include policy analysis, program evaluation, policy development, decision-making and academia in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors at the local, state, national and international levels. Degree OverviewThe 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 PerspectiveEffective 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 AnalysisPublic 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 ResearchTo 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. Degree StructureThe Ph.D. in Public Policy program is structured into three distinct phases: core courses, policy field courses, and the dissertation.CoreStudents must complete the core set of courses which focus on:
Policy FieldAfter passing the qualifying exams, each student chooses a policy field on which focus. The program has five established policy tracks:
DissertationAfter advancing to candidacy, each student will establish a dissertation committee and write a dissertation proposal for presentation to the committee. After committee approval, the candidate must then execute a dissertation showing the planning, conduct, and results of original research and scholarship. Upon completion, the student presents a defense of the dissertation to the committee and university community.FundingThe Ph.D. in Public Policy strives to provide academic-year funding for all full-time students. Various options for funding include graduate assistantships, full and partial tuition waivers, fellowships, grants, and scholarships. Students on a graduate assistantship also receive tuition support and health care coverage. Furthermore, the program and faculty strive to provide additional support for those taking summer courses on a full-time basis. |
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