PhD Curriculum 

The objective of the Heinz School's doctoral program is to train students to conduct innovative, interdisciplinary research into current issues in public policy, management and information systems.

The pre-dissertation stage of the doctoral program is structured around two sets of requirements. The first is course work designed to build methodological skills, modeling competence and substantive depth. The second requirement includes preliminary papers that demonstrate the ability to conduct effective research and readiness to undertake the dissertation. While fulfilling these requirements, students work closely with the faculty to develop individualized programs of study and research that meet their goals.

Course work must be completed in five areas: a three semester Ph.D. Seminar Series focusing on the research process; two semesters of Research Seminars offering depth in specialized fields; a Quantitative Methods Cluster of courses in statistics, econometrics, operations research or discrete mathematics; two semesters of course work in Social and Policy Sciences; and a Concentration Area requirement, combining research and courses to support the research agenda and long-term professional objectives of the student.