About PhD Program,
The Brooks PhD Program in Public Policy prepares the next generation of research scholars to address pressing national and international public policy issues.
- We are training thenext generation of research scholars positioned to address pressing national and international public policy issues.
- Focus on substantive policy areas–ranging from health and social policy to environmental and technology policy–with advanced training in a disciplinary area, empirical methods, and multiple disciplinary approaches.
- Be part of a close-knit, welcoming community and have access to all the resources of a world renowned Ivy League institution.
- Graduate with the skills to shape and evaluate policyin a range of settings, from faculty positions in academic institutions to leadership roles in the public and private sectors.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
Admission to the Public Policy PhD program is based on academic merit, research potential, and fit with the topical strengths of the public policy graduate field. The Public Policy Admissions Committee, comprised of a rotating set of faculty members that span different disciplines and subfields, takes a holistic approach to graduate admissions – one that considers academic records and test scores as only one part of a broader application that includes letters of recommendation, writing samples, personal accomplishments, and prior research and professional experiences. It helps if you have a background in public policy or related social science disciplines such as economics, political science, and sociology as well as research methods. We typically matriculate 6-7 students per cohort, allowing for a personalized and close-knit graduate experience.
International students complete the same Application for Graduate Admission that U.S. students do and pay the same application fee. There are additional requirements for applicants with international credentials, and you will need to show that you’ve met our English language proficiency requirement. Your application will be reviewed and considered for admission along with all of the other applications received. If you are admitted, you will need to complete our online Admission Supplement for International Students form to finalize your admission.
PhD Funding Coverage,
Students admitted to the Public Policy PhD program are guaranteed funding for 6 years, which includes a stipend, tuition, and health insurance. The form of that funding can include a combination of fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships. Assistantships require a work commitment of 15 hours per week. These details are spelled out in each student’s offer of admission. Summer funding is also guaranteed. Students are also admitted with funding that they secure from foundation and government sources. We have a robust set of opportunities for internal and external fellowships, described in more detail here, based on academic merit and in support of diversity. All financial support is conditional on maintaining good academic standing.
Application Requirement,
Documents required for the completion of your application file are:
- Completed online application form.Use ‘Public Policy PhD’ as the proposed field of study. You may also list a 2nd choice field, to which your application will be forwarded if you are not accepted into the Public Policy Ph.D. program.
- Statement of Purpose.Use your statement of purpose to describe why you are interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy. Effective statements typically include information about prior academic preparation, research experiences and skills, and personal and professional accomplishments. They also typically discuss one’s areas of research interest and fit with areas of expertise in Public Policy. Please see here for a more detailed list of tips for preparing your Statement of Purpose.
- Scan all transcripts and save as a single pdf file, then upload into the online application. If there are any aspects of your transcripts that you wish to address, please feel free to do so in your personal statements or letters of recommendation.
- Letters of Recommendation.Two letters of recommendation are required. Recommenders need to upload their letters into the online application.
- Writing Sample.A writing sample illustrative of your independent research. If the writing sample is co-authored, your specific contributions should be clarified.
- GRE scores.The Public Policy PhD application requires the GRE as of Fall of 2024.
- $105 Application Fee.Cornell offers fee waivers in cases of financial hardship and for those involved in academic pipeline programs for underrepresented scholars.
- If you are a foreign applicant, Cornell also requires proof of English proficiency, defined by the Graduate School. Please see herefor more information about language proficiency requirements.
Please note: Cornell University expects all applicants to complete their application materials without the use of paid agents, credentials services, or other paid professional assistance. The use of such services violates University policy, and may lead to the rejection of application materials, the revocation of an admissions offer, cancellation of admission, or involuntary withdrawal from the University.
Application Deadline,
Jan 15, 2025
Application Fee,
a nonrefundable application fee of $105 is required at the time you submit your online application. This fee covers the cost of processing your application for admission.
