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Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs (Ph.D.)

"The doctoral program at the Woodrow Wilson School is without peer in the rigor of the training it provides public policy researchers. Our graduates are able to apply theory and knowledge from the social and natural sciences to real-world policy problems. This training prepares them for careers in academia, government, business and nongovernmental organizations."

Denise Mauzerall
Faculty Chair of the Ph.D. Program

Overview

Ph.D. candidates in the Woodrow Wilson School undertake the in-depth study of policy issues in conjunction with appropriate departments of the University. The goal is to admit and enroll an incoming class of 6 students in which each person brings his or her own distinctive qualities based on academic strengths, life and work experiences, and a commitment to excellence in research.

The School's Ph.D. program bases its degree requirements on the doctoral requirements of its affiliated departments of Politics, and several science departments, in conjunction with the Program in Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy. Woodrow Wilson School Ph.D. students acquire the research methodologies required in these departments

The purpose of the doctoral program is to train researchers in areas relating to public policy. To ensure that each student's coursework is directed most effectively toward preparation for the dissertation, the program is organized into two academic clusters with a faculty chair assigned to provide guidance to currently enrolled students.

Robert C. Orr, M.P.A. '92, Ph.D. '96


Assistant Secretary-General for Policy and Planning, United Nations, New York, N.Y.
A leading authority on nation-building, peace operations, and counter-terrorism, Robert Orr was named Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations in August 2004. Working directly in the U.N. Secretary-General's office, he is in charge of policy and planning for the United Nations.

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