Public and Urban Policy (PhD)

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.