Public and Urban Policy (PhD)
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Contact Us
General Admission Contact
The New School for Social Research
Office of Admission
72 Fifth Avenue, 1st floor
New York, NY 10011
212.229.5600 or 800.523.5411
SocialResearchAdmit@newschool.edu
Program Contacts
Department Chairs
Michael Cohen
PhD Chair, Public and Urban Policy
cohenm2@newschool.edu
Oscar Sosa Lopez
MS Chair, Public and Urban Policy
sosalopo@newschool.edu
Department Secretary
Charles Whitcroft
WhitcroC@newschool.edu
Admissions Pause for the 2026-27 Academic Year
The New School for Social Research is pausing admissions to this PhD program for one year while we undertake a comprehensive review of the doctoral program. Because of this review, we will not be admitting a new cohort of PhD students for the 2026-27 academic year.
We encourage you to remain connected with us and to check our website for updates on the program and the next admissions cycle.
The doctoral degree program in Public and Urban Policy is rooted in The New School's tradition of progressive scholarship in the social sciences. Scholarly research and thinking are brought to bear on pressing issues of policy, design, and local and global development. You are encouraged to explore a range of theoretical perspectives, methodologies, and critical research approaches as you expand and refine your focal area of study to meet ongoing and emerging policy challenges.
- DegreeDoctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- FormatFull-time or part-time, on campus
- Start TermFall
- Credits60
- Application DeadlineDecember 15
Funding and Scholarships
As of the 2024–2025 academic year, doctoral fellowships are offered to a small number of new PhD students in the Public and Urban Policy program. All PhD applicants are automatically considered for these fellowships. Generally awarded for four years, doctoral fellowships consist of:
- A full-tuition scholarship for the duration of study, but not exceeding the time limit set for completion of the PhD degree (please note that fees are not covered by the fellowship)
- Annual support of at least $25,000 for four years
- A health insurance subsidy for fellows enrolled in the university health insurance plan during the first four years of study, currently set at 80 percent of the cost
For more information, please see the NSSR Institutional Funding page.
Career Paths
The Public and Urban Policy PhD program prepares students for careers in the academy and professional practice. Our graduates pursue academic careers in teaching and research, as well as research and senior-level roles in think tanks, government, and nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations.
Graduates hold academic positions at the University of Illinois at Chicago; Brooklyn College; University at Buffalo; Ohio State University; Queens College; University of California, Davis; City University of New York; Loughborough University; and The New School. They serve as researchers and executives at major organizations such as the Center for Data Insights at MRDC, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Human Rights Watch, the Center for Women's Policy, and the Center for American Progress.
