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"The Ph.D. program in Public and Urban Policy is highly distinctive because it combines a strong grounding in social and economic theory with a focus on practical and state of the art methods. As a quantitative researcher, I greatly benefited from the core curriculum which stretched me to view my work in a broader sociological and alternative economic perspective. The program helped me to see more the human factors and assumptions underlying what initially appear to be technical procedures. In addition, the flexibility of the program enabled me to extend my quantitative skills by taking advanced quantitative classes in the economics department including courses in econometrics and agent based models. It has just the right balance."
—Richard Hendra, 2004 Graduate
Senior Associate at MDRC
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A Tradition of Critical Inquiry
Reflecting the New School's tradition of critical inquiry and commitment to progressive social change, the doctoral program in Public and Urban Policy prepares students for the high level of research and policy analysis necessary to develop innovative, equitable, and environmentally responsible solutions to key public and urban policy challenges.
Our curriculum is interdisciplinary, and students have considerable freedom to design a course of study that fits their research and professional interests. We encourage all to explore alternative theoretical perspectives and to make use of a wide range of research methodologies in the search for solutions to tough policy problems.
The doctoral program is led by members of the Milano School faculty affiliated with the Urban Policy Analysis, International Affairs, Environmental Policy and Sustainability Management, and Nonprofit Management programs. Affiliated faculty members include economists, anthropologists, sociologists, political scientists, urban and regional planners, and legal scholars. Our program is also allied with the social science doctoral programs of The New School for Social Research, and the Milano School participates in the New York Inter-University Doctoral Consortium.*
The Public and Urban Policy program graduated its first class in 2004. Our graduates are working as tenure-track faculty members, researchers in leading consulting firms and international organizations, and policy analysts in local and national government agencies. While the backgrounds and research interests of current students are quite diverse, they share a commitment to social change and to critical interdisciplinary approaches to the development and implementation of public policies.
Admission
Acceptance to the doctoral program requires a master's degree in a relevant field and a demonstrated commitment to original research in the subject area defined by the applicant. The Graduate Record Examination is not required for consideration but is recommended. Complete applications must be received by January 15 for admission for the following fall term.
For more information about admission requirements, review the FAQ.
Curriculum
The doctor of philosophy degree is awarded for successful completion of 60 credits of coursework, a qualifying examination, and a dissertation.
The 60 credits normally consists of 24 credits transferred from the student's master's degree coursework and 36 credits (12 courses) taken in residence.
The core curriculum consists of the following required courses:
- Political Economy and Public Policy Analysis I (PEPPA I)
- Political Economy and Public Policy Analysis II (PEPPA II)
- A foundation course in one of the social science disciplines: economics, sociology, anthropology, or politics (usually a doctoral core course offered by the equivalent department of The New School for Social Research.)
- Two research methods courses, one in quantitative methods and the other in qualitative methods, chosen in consultation with the student's advisor
- the Research Workshop
A student must complete all core courses with grades of B+ better to take the Qualifying Examination.
Qualifying Examination
Upon a successful completion of the coursework, students submit a Policy Analytic paper, which is a critical survey of the literature on a specific policy problem. The Qualifying Examination is then taken and defended. The examination covers core knowledge based on the content of the PEPPA I and PEPPA II courses.
Students who pass the qualifying exam proceed to the dissertation proposal defense.
Dissertation Proposal
The Dissertation Proposal consists of a 1) clear statement of the goals and objectives of the proposed dissertation, 2) a literature review, 3) a research plan, and 4) a proposed time schedule to complete the research and writing. The proposal is developed in consultation with the student's Dissertation Committee made up of three members of the university faculty including one faculty member from outside the Milano School. The same committee will also reevaluate the proposal at the time of the student's oral defense.
Dissertation
The dissertation must be theoretically framed and methodologically sophisticated, consisting of original research and focused on a relevant policy issue. Students will be encouraged to write on a contemporary urban issue and to adopt a critical perspective. An acceptable dissertation must advance knowledge in the field. When the dissertation is substantially complete, the student's advisor, in consultation with other members of the Dissertation Committee, will decide whether to allow the student to proceed to the oral defense. If permission is given, the student proceeds to an oral defense and completion of the dissertation.
For further information, contact:
Professor David Howell
Director of the PhD Program in Public and Urban Policy
Milano School of International Affairs, Management, and Urban Policy
72 Fifth Avenue, room 601
New York, NY 10011
212.229.5400 x1503
MilanoPhD@newschool.edu
* Other members of the Inter-University Consortium are Columbia University and Teacher’s College, Fordham University, CUNY Graduate Center, New York University, Princeton University, Rutgers University, and Stony Brook University.