About PhD Program,
Oregon State University (OSU) offers a PhD in Public Policy to graduate students interested in the study and practice of policy as applied to issues critical to Oregonians and the world, drawing on the traditional strengths and emerging signature areas of OSU. While there is a science of policy – including theoretical and methodological approaches – that PhD students are expected to master, the discipline of policy is closely connected to the practice of policy design, implementation, and assessment. This full-time program is designed to ensure that students interact with policy-makers as well as the knowledge-producers who support policy decisions.
The program is offered by faculty in the Economics, Political Science, Public Policy, and Sociology programs in the School of Public Policy. Policy students can also design programs of study with faculty in other colleges including Agricultural Sciences, Education, Forestry, Health and Human Sciences, Liberal Arts, Earth, Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences, and Science.
Qualified graduates of the PhD in Public Policy program will have the capacity to shape the future direction of public policy, participate in original public policy research, and train the next generation of teachers and researchers for programs in public policy and related social sciences. Program graduates will also be able to perform high-level policy analysis and lead in the public and non-governmental sectors. Whether students are experienced practitioners or just launching their careers, there are opportunities in the PhD program to pursue concentrations in substantive areas supported by a wealth of experience and expertise in both the School of Public Policy and across the OSU campus, as well as work closely with experienced mentors in the United States or internationally.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
- A four-year baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and a 45-quarter (equivalent) credit hour graduate degree from an accredited university.
- A master level degree from an accredited university with a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher.
- Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the GRE is now optional for applications.
- Course transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
PhD Funding Coverage,
The Public Policy Graduate Program has provided competitive Laurels Tuition Scholarships, McNair Scholarships, and Graduate Teaching/Research Assistantships for most of our PhD students. In addition, many students are funded by faculty research grants such as the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Oregon Department of Forestry, etc. All funding decisions are based on merit. Applicants interested in funding should submit their applications by the January 20 admissions deadline.
- Laurels Graduate Tuition Scholarship
- Provost’s Distinguished Graduate Fellowships and Scholarships
- Graduate Teaching or Research Assistantship
- McNair Scholar Incentive Program
- Prestigious Diversity Fellowship
- Funding your graduate education can take different forms. Learn your options by visiting the Graduate School’s financing your education
Application Requirement,
- Three letters of recommendation and recent resume. Reference letters and resumes should be submitted through the Graduate School application system.
- Statement of purpose concerning why the applicant would like to pursue the PhD in Public Policy at Oregon State University. The statement should include your reasons for applying to the program, academic and professional background information, policy interests, and any personal experiences or history that are related to your interests in public policy.
- A writing sample.
- Domestic students are strongly encouraged to submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Student Aid Report and to indicate if they are a veteran and/or a first generation college student.
- Identification of at least three possible mentors from the PhD Public Policy Faculty.
- Only applicants interested in a full-time resident PhD program should apply.
General graduate admission standards for international students are available at: Graduate School Admissions Information; for specific country requirements also see: Country Requirements
All international applicants must meet minimum requirements as detailed above.
For calculation of U.S. equivalent grades, see: http://www.wes.org/gradeconversionguide/index.asp
Please note that the Public Policy PhD Program does not consider Conditional Admission for international students who do not meet the minimum OSU TOEFL scores or that is below a combined 90. IELTS scores must be 7.0 or higher for consideration of admission to the PhD.
Application Deadline,
Jan 17, 2025
Application Fee,
Application Fee, $75
