phd topics in public policy

PhD Dissertations in Public Policy

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Doctoral Program (PhD)

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GSPP offers a doctoral degree program for students who seek careers in policy research in academia and/or with governments, non-profits, or research institutes. Usually only two or three Ph.D. applicants are admitted each year.

The Ph.D. program emphasizes the generation of knowledge, theories, methodologies, and applications appropriate to the advancement of public policy analysis and policy-relevant research. Doctoral students pursue highly individualized programs of study and typically work closely with Goldman faculty members who share the student’s subject matter interest. The doctoral program provides enormous flexibility in the topics addressed and the program of study, but is designed mainly to train social science researchers with an interest in applied policy issues.

A thorough preparation in or aptitude for rigorous policy research is a prerequisite for the doctorate. Because there is no core program of study, the PhD committee prefers applicants who can show some clear evidence of sustained interest in (and aptitude for) public policy and applied research.

For more information about the PhD program, please review the Goldman School's 2023-2024 Program Bulletin .

Ph.D. in Public Affairs

• Public Policy
• Introduction

Harvard Griffin GSAS strives to provide students with timely, accurate, and clear information. If you need help understanding a specific policy, please contact the office that administers that policy.

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Questions about these requirements? See the contact info at the bottom of the page. 

The Public Policy PhD is awarded by the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences but is administered by the Higher Committee on Public Policy.  Students enroll in one of four tracks: Economics, Judgment and Decision Making, Politics and Institutions, or Science, Technology and Policy.

The Economics track in the PhD program in Public Policy provides a curriculum for doctoral students seeking rigorous disciplinary training, with a focus on applying the tools of economics to the study of major public policy issues.  Graduates will be prepared for academic teaching and research positions in schools of public policy, economics and other disciplinary departments, as well as policy positions in national governments and international institutions. HKS has a strong core of faculty specializing in a diverse range of subfields of economics, including labor, public and applied microeconomics topics, behavioral economics and decision sciences, environmental economics, international trade, economic development, and other subjects. The program embeds formal economics training within a unique interdisciplinary atmosphere of scholars and practitioners who are working on problems of practice in a wide range of settings. In addition, the PhD program offers teaching and research opportunities for students with leading scholars at HKS and elsewhere at Harvard.

Judgment and Decision Making

The judgment and decision-making track in the PhD program in Public Policy provides a curriculum for doctoral students seeking rigorous interdisciplinary training in psychological science, behavioral economics, and decision science, with a focus on understanding and improving public policy.  A typical program of study includes emphasis on descriptive and normative approaches as well as prescriptive interventions. Graduates will be prepared for academic teaching and research positions in public policy schools, interdisciplinary programs (e.g., management, decision science), and traditional behavioral science departments (e.g., psychology), as well as for analytic positions in industry, think tanks, government, and international institutions.  HKS has a strong core of faculty specializing in judgment and decision-making research as well as faculty specializing in applied policy domains where students may wish to focus.  Intrinsic to the program are teaching and research opportunities with leading scholars at HKS and elsewhere at Harvard.

Politics and Institutions

The Politics and Institutions track provides a curriculum for students interested in a rigorous program of study and research on international or domestic politics and institutions as these issues relate to major public policy issues in the U.S. and around the world.   Graduates will be prepared for academic research and teaching positions in schools of public policy and disciplinary departments such as, but not limited to, political science and history, as well as policy positions in national governments, research centers, and international institutions.  HKS offers a strong cadre of faculty across multiple social science disciplines specializing in politics and institutions, renowned and dynamic research centers, and a unique interdisciplinary atmosphere of scholars and practitioners with expertise in diverse fields. In addition to research opportunities with leading scholars, the PhD program offers training in teaching as well as in public policy writing and communication.

Science, Technology and Policy Studies

The Science, Technology and Policy Studies track provides rigorous interdisciplinary training, drawing on methodological tools from science and technology policy, science and technology studies, policy analysis, political theory, law, and economics. At HKS, students have access to leading scholars from across Harvard in the social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering, with specialties in areas such as security studies, energy policy, innovation and development, environment and climate, biotechnology, data science, and information. The HKS faculty includes practitioners with wide experience at the highest levels of government and industry in science and technology policy. Graduates are qualified for academic teaching and research in public policy schools, interdisciplinary programs, and traditional social science departments, as well as for leadership positions in national and international science and technology policy in both the public and private sectors.

The First Two Years

Students are expected to complete required coursework and sit for the oral general examination. Approval to take the oral examination is predicated on successful completion of the required courses with requisite grades.

Credit for coursework done elsewhere is not granted. There is no language requirement.  Each track has specific course requirements, outlined below: 

Economics 

• Two courses in microeconomics theory (Economics 2020a and Economics 2020b) 
• One course in political theory 
• One course in analytical methods, or completion of a qualifying exam 
• Two courses in empirical methods 
• Two doctoral research seminars (API 901 and API 902)

Judgment and Decision Making   

• Two courses in economic theory 
• One course in normative theory 
• Three courses in empirical methods 

Politics and Institutions 

• Two courses in political theory 
• One course in analytical methods 

Science, Technology and Policy 

• Two courses in analytical methods 
• One course in empirical methods 
• Two doctoral research seminars (API 901 and API 902) 

Incompletes

In order to convert a grade of Incomplete to a letter grade, the student must complete the requisite coursework by the end of the term following that in which the course was taken. No grade of Incomplete can be used to satisfy any program requirement.

Teaching is not required. A maximum of sixteen term-fifths over a period of five years is permitted. During the third year, a combination of teaching and research, not to exceed three-fifths TIME, is recommended.

First Two Years

Students are assigned an advisor, taking into account each student’s stated research interests at the time of admission. If the research focus changes, students are encouraged to seek out new advisors on their own; however, the director of graduate studies will intervene as needed to facilitate new links to different faculty.

The major effort expended during the first two years is on coursework. By the end of the second year, students are expected to affiliate with a research center at either HKS or FAS. Research assistantships and, in some cases, teaching fellowships often lead to a close relationship with a faculty member that will develop into an official advisor/advisee role.

The primary hurdle of the third year is completion of the dissertation prospectus (which may be a paper or a slide deck), and an oral presentation of either one chapter, (or one paper and an executive summary of the second and third papers, in the case of a three-paper dissertation), to two members of the dissertation committee. A copy of the prospectus, with written approval from both advisors, is then submitted to the program office by the beginning of the fourth year. In addition, students must complete the PhD Research Seminar (API 902), where work in progress on the dissertation is presented.

Fourth Year

By the beginning of the fourth year, all students must have chosen two members of the dissertation committee. The dissertation committee will include at least three faculty members. Affiliations of these faculty members will include one member of the PhD Standing Committee, one HKS-appointed faculty member, and one Harvard Griffin GSAS-appointed faculty member.

Field Requirements and Qualifying Examinations

In order to advance to PhD candidacy, a student must demonstrate PhD-level proficiency in six areas: analytic methods; economics; politics and management and normative theory; quantitative empirical methods; advanced methodology; and a special field of the student’s election. Students must complete at least two PhD-level courses in a primary field and the secondary field.

The purpose of the primary and secondary field requirement is to establish a solid foundation for future research. Students should seek PhD-level courses that broaden and deepen their knowledge in a special field. Since many HKS courses and seminars are targeted toward practitioners rather than scholars, at least part of the special field work will normally be done at Harvard Griffin GSAS (in courses at the 2000-level), or at other graduate units outside the HKS. A plan of study that includes the syllabus for each proposed course in the special field must be submitted to the program office for approval. Only in exceptional circumstances (where, for example, the field of one’s research is not well developed), will the PhD committee grant a petition to substitute a Reading and Research course for a normal course.

General Oral Examination

The general oral examination determines whether the student has sufficient grounding in the literatures of the primary and secondary fields. More broadly, the exam provides an assessment of the student’s academic preparation and aptitude, as well as the student’s interest in and prospects for a successful career after completion of the PhD.

In the middle of the second year the student identifies a primary and secondary field critical to the dissertation research, and works with two faculty examiners confirmed by the director of graduate study. The student meets with the examiners to agree on the nature and scope of the fields and develops a reading list that provides adequate coverage of the fields. The exam is scheduled before the beginning of the third year.

Dissertation

The candidate is required to demonstrate their ability to perform original research in an area of public policy by writing a dissertation that represents a significant contribution to knowledge in that field. Three faculty members supervise the writing of the dissertation. One member of the committee must come from the HKS. The other two must come from a combination of the Harvard Griffin GSAS and the PhD committee.

Note: A member of the Committee on Higher Degrees in Public Policy may represent the Harvard Griffin GSAS at a dissertation defense.

A prospective fifth year, or more advanced, student must have produced at least one acceptable chapter of the dissertation each year beginning in the fifth year. This chapter must be submitted to the dissertation committee for its approval. Evidence of satisfactory progress may also include manuscripts submitted for publication, or abstracts of papers delivered at professional meetings, or other evidence as specified by the dissertation committee chair.

A dissertation may be written in book form or it may take the form of three publishable papers. Two papers may be co-authored. The job market paper must be single-authored.

Details on the format of the PhD dissertation are published in the Policies . 

Dissertation Defense

After the candidate has met all other degree requirements, they must pass an oral examination focused on the dissertation. This examination is given when the final draft of the dissertation has been completed. Dissertation examiners will normally include the three supervisors of the dissertation. The purpose of this examination is to assure the committee that the methodology and basic approach of the dissertation are sound and that the student has received critical advice at the most appropriate stage of their advanced research. The dissertation must be accepted before the formal application for the degree can be activated. The dissertation defense is ordinarily open to the public.

Length of Time to Degree

Average time to completion of the PhD is five years. Except by special vote of the committee, all work for the PhD degree must be completed within five years of completion of the general written and oral examinations.

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Public Policy PhD

The Goldman School of Public Policy (GSPP) offers three graduate degrees in public policy, the Master of Public Policy (MPP), the Master of Public Affairs (MPA), and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Master in Public Policy (MPP)

The MPP degree is earned in a two year, full-time program consisting of a core curriculum, a policy internship in the summer after completion of the first year, a second-year policy analysis project, and elective courses chosen from those available on the campus and at GSPP. The program emphasizes practical and applied dimensions of policy-making and implementation, encouraging students to develop skills in:

• Defining policy issues to make them more intelligible to officials in the public, private or non-profit sector
• Providing a broader perspective for assessing policy alternatives
• Examining techniques for developing policy options and evaluating their social consequences
• Developing strategies for the successful implementation of public policies once they have been adopted

Given the relatively small class size, the school's approach to teaching emphasizes teamwork, cooperation, and interaction among students and with the faculty. Students work, either as individuals or in small groups, on real policy problems for real clients under close faculty supervision.

Concurrent Degrees

The Master in Public Policy may be earned in combination with an advanced degree from a number of Berkeley schools under a coordinated program. Applicants must be accepted to both programs to pursue a concurrent degree.

• Public Policy & Public Health (MPP/MPH)
• Public Policy & Law (MPP/JD)
• Public Policy & Engineering (MPP/MS offered for Civil and Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, and Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences)
• Public Policy & Energy Resources Group (MPP/MA and MPP/MS)
• Public Policy & Social Welfare (MPP/MSW)
• Public Policy & Global Studies (MPP/MA)

Master of Public Affairs (MPA)

The Berkeley Master of Public Affairs (MPA) is a flexible one-year degree program for domestic and international mid-career professionals with an average of seven years or more work experience and who have led or managed teams. Emphasizing innovation and leadership skills, the MPA curriculum prepares mid-career executives and professionals to act as strategic and visionary leaders and advance their careers.

Please visit the school website for more information about the MPA.

PhD in Public Policy

GSPP offers a doctoral degree program for students who seek careers in academia and/or with governments, non-profits, or research institutes. Usually, only two or three PhD applicants are admitted each year. The program emphasizes the generation of knowledge, theories, methodologies, and applications appropriate to the advancement of public policy analysis and management. Doctoral students pursue highly individualized programs of study and typically work closely with Goldman faculty members who share the students subject matter of interest. The doctoral program provides enormous flexibility in the topics addressed and the program of study but is directed mainly at training academic social science researchers with an interest in policy issues.

A thorough preparation in or aptitude for rigorous policy analysis skills is a prerequisite for the doctorate. Because there is no core program of study, the PhD committee prefers applicants to have completed an MPP or equivalent, or some other indication of sustained interest in (and aptitude for) public policy. Visit the "Applying for the PhD" page for more information and specific application procedures.

Contact Info

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At a Glance

Department(s)

Public Policy

Admit Term(s)

Application Deadline

December 4, 2023

Degree Type(s)

Doctoral / PhD

Degree Awarded

GRE Requirements

RESEARCH AT THE LEADING EDGE

Doctoral Studies in Public Policy & Management

Ph.D. Studies in Public Policy & Management

The doctoral program in Public Policy & Management at Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College prepares students to apply a rigorous scientific approach to social, organizational, economic, and management problems in an increasingly connected world.

At Heinz, we live and work at the critical nexus of information technology and public policy. Our Ph.D. in Public Policy & Management was created to train students to approach problems from multiple disciplinary perspectives, to use advanced analytic and theoretical models, and to apply modern technological capabilities such as machine learning to the policy domain.

Heinz College Ph.D. students enjoy close partnerships with faculty as they explore the complex and exciting interconnectedness of information systems, public policy, and management. Upon graduating, our Ph.D.s receive desirable placements at academic institutions, government agencies, and consulting firms.

KEY RESEARCH AREAS

Doctoral students take on a broad range of topics and problems, but some key areas of strength at Heinz College include:

Analyzing and designing practical crime and drug policies is highly challenging. Many of our faculty have been working with sophisticated statistical and policy tools to understand the impact of various state and federal policies on crime rates and the sale of drugs. The research then leads to recommendations on how policies should be designed and updated.

Our faculty is widely acclaimed for their work and influence in this domain and have won top academic honors. Key faculty members are: Al Blumstein , Jon Caulkins , Amelia Haviland , and Daniel Nagin .

The functioning of energy markets and the consequences of environmental regulations have been widely debated in many countries around the world. Our faculty has been actively working on issues related to innovation in the energy sector, impact of energy infrastructure and energy production on local development and pollution, effects of air and water pollution on health outcomes, and the costs and benefits of environmental regulations.

Key faculty members are: Lee Branstetter , Karen Clay , Akshaya Jha , and Edson Severnini . 

CMU's Scott Institute for Energy Innovation  also has a number of faculty working on a broad array of topics related to energy and the environment.

The importance of health care policy cannot be overstated. Many faculty members are working on important role of competition, technology, and regulations that affect the cost and quality of health care delivery.

Our faculty is widely recognized for their academic excellence as well as influence on policy-making. Some key faculty are Martin Gaynor , Amelia Haviland , Rema Padman , and Lowell Taylor .

We have a strong group of faculty in the Management Science domain who use optimization/operations research techniques to solve public policy problems.

In particular, faculty such as Al Blumstein , Jon Caulkins , and Ramayya Krishnan   use these techniques to address problems related to urban planning and transportation research, policy analysis, data mining, and more.

This group is focused on understanding the role of social networks within organizations, the role of teams, and evidence-based analysis. Our faculty includes experts on network-based analysis who examine how influence diffuses. 

David Krackhardt uses his expertise in sociology, economics, and statistics to examine these issues. 

Denise Rousseau is a leading expert on evidence-based management within organizations.

Ph.D. Curriculum

The pre-dissertation stage of the Ph.D. in Public Policy & Management is structured around two sets of requirements: coursework and preliminary papers.

Coursework is designed to build methodological skills, modeling competence, and substantive depth.

Preliminary papers illustrate your ability to produce effective research that exhibits your readiness to begin the dissertation.

• A three-semester   Ph.D. Seminar Series   focusing on the research process
• Two semesters of   Advanced Electives offering depth in specialized fields
• Quantitative Methods Cluster   of courses in statistics, econometrics, and machine learning
• Two semesters of coursework in   Social and Policy Sciences
• Concentration Area Requirement , combining research and courses to support your research agenda and long-term professional objectives

Admission to candidacy means that all requirements of the Ph.D. program preliminary to the dissertation have been fulfilled. In addition to satisfying all coursework requirements, you must also meet the following research requirements:

• First- and second-year   Research Papers   meeting current Ph.D. requirements
• Dissertation focused on Public Policy   topic as per judgment of Ph.D. committee

While fulfilling these requirements, you'll work closely with the faculty to develop individualized programs of study and research that meet your goals.

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Phd in public policy.

The PhD in Public Policy prepares qualified candidates to shape the direction of public policy research and to train the next generation of researchers, teachers, and leaders. It also qualifies individuals to perform high-level policy analysis in both national and international organizations.

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PhD Public Administration & Policy

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PhD Public Administration & Policy (On-Campus)

Be part of the next generation of leading scholars who produce methodologically sound, socially relevant research that makes important contributions to knowledge and theory.

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PhD in Public Administration & Policy

In the historic tradition of the AU scholar-teacher model, the PhD in Public Administration and Policy at the School of Public Affairs, a full-time degree, prepares students for careers in research and teaching in the fields of public administration and public policy.

For detailed program curriculum information, review the Program Handbook .

Publishing Cutting-Edge Research

Our philosophy is that doctoral education should be about much more than coursework. Our program provides a rigorous and comprehensive introduction to the research enterprise. Our mission is to build the next generation of leading scholars, to advance theory, develop knowledge, and craft solutions to today's most pressing problems in public administration and public policy.

From the first day of orientation to the final dissertation defense, each student works one-on-one with a faculty mentor to develop and apply the skills needed for a career in academia. We encourage students to produce research that is methodologically sound and socially relevant, and that makes important contributions to knowledge and theory. By the time they graduate, virtually all of our students have presented their research at key conferences and published their work in peer-reviewed academic journals.

See our list of recent PhD Student publications and conference presentations . Review faculty profiles and explore mentorship opportunities. Read about recent research conducted by SPA faculty.

Research Seminars

In addition to formal coursework students take four semesters of PUAD-089, in a series of research seminars by external scholars, departmental faculty, and PhD students on a variety of topics in public administration and public policy. These weekly seminars expose students to innovative research and provide a chance to interact with nationally-recognized scholars.

Review the current Departmental Research Seminars schedule.

Meet Our Doctoral Students

With expertise spanning public management, global health governance, regulatory policy and more, our PhD candidates bring the knowledge and action necessary to make great impact in the fields of public administration and public policy. Each of them pushes the boundaries of scholarship, educating the next generation of public affairs leaders and researching the significant issues of the day.

Review our current doctoral students' profiles , and learn more about our doctoral students on the market .

Placements and Achievements

We place graduating students into the top programs in public administration and public policy. Students receive professional mentoring on the job search, the application process, conference participation, interviews, and job talks.

Review the placements of our recent graduates .

Frequently Asked Questions

Review answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the SPA PhD Program in Public Administration and Policy.

For more information, please contact the SPA Graduate Admissions Office at 202-885-6230 or [email protected] .

The PhD degree in Public Administration and Policy requires 54 credit hours of approved graduate work for students entering the program with a bachelor's degree alone, or 36 credit hours if entering with a related master's degree.

Students will be admitted into one of two tracks: public administration or public policy. A minimum grade point average of 3.20 in all coursework is required to remain in good standing and to earn the degree. Full-time status is considered to be nine credit hours per semester. Students are expected to complete the degree within four years for those entering with a master's degree and within five years for those entering with a bachelor's degree alone.

Students advance to PhD candidacy by successfully completing all required courses, passing the oral qualifier and two written comprehensive exams (one in each of their fields of study), and defending their dissertation proposals. To earn the degree, students must pass a final oral defense of the dissertation.

See more information about course requirements.

Applicants are considered and students admitted for the fall semester only. Please refer to the  application deadlines  page for the deadline to apply. . The personal statement on reasons for pursuing graduate study in the program is essential, along with the other required application materials .

We accept PhD applicants for full-time study only. Students must be funded either by the School of Public Affairs or by an external sponsoring organization (self-funding is not permitted for newly-admitted doctoral students).

Upon acceptance into the program, students selected for AU funding are granted a fellowship with full funding for four years of study if they are entering with a master's degree. Students entering with a bachelor's degree alone are granted a fellowship with full funding for five years of study. Fellowship is contingent on maintaining satisfactory progress each year. Unless applicants expect to be funded through a reliable external source, they must request consideration for funding on their application.

The fellowship with full funding includes tuition benefits as well as an annual stipend. Please, contact the SPA Graduate Admissions Office with questions about the annual stipend during a particular year of admission. As a requirement for the fellowship, students work 20 hours a week with a faculty member.

Students must advance to candidacy by the end of their third year of study (fourth year for those entering with only a bachelor's degree) to continue receiving funding. If they have not achieved candidacy by then, they are required to find external funding or self-fund the remaining part of their program.

For more information, please contact the SPA Graduate Admissions Office at 202-885-6230 or  [email protected] .

• PhD Program Handbook (2022-2023)
• Departmental Research Seminars
• PhD Student Placements
• PhD Student Research
• Faculty Research Highlights
• Public Administration and Policy Department

90 percent of SPA graduates are employed or in graduate school, or both within six months of graduation

UKnowledge > Graduate School > Martin School of Public Policy and Administration > Theses & Dissertations

Theses and Dissertations--Public Policy and Administration

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

THREE ESSAYS ON CONSUMPTION TAXATION IN INDONESIA , Partomuan Transparenter Juniult

THREE ESSAYS ON RURAL EDUCATION: DESCRIPTIVE STUDIES FOCUSED ON FEDERAL RURAL DEFINITIONS AND POLICY CHANGES , Kyung Ha Oh

A Multilevel Jurisdictional Analysis of the Impact of Walmart on Host Communities , Matt Young

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

THREE ESSAYS ON GOVERNANCE, INEQUALITY, AND SOCIAL EQUITY , Sarah Ausmus Smith

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Two Essays on Governments Devolving Fiscal Authority to Lower-Level Actors , Jinsol Park

Three Essays on Tax Compliance in Indonesia , Himawan Saputro

ESSAYS ON EVASION AND ENFORCEMENT IN VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) , Syed Jawad Ali Shah

COLLABORATIVE COMPETITION IN HOMELESS SERVICES: THREE ESSAYS ON FEDERAL-LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS , Andrew Alfred Sullivan

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Home Rule, Local Autonomy, And Municipal Government Behavior , Xin Chen

Move or Improve? Place, Policy, and Educator Labor Markets , Cory Curl

Essays on Economic Development Policies , Hakyeon Lee

EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACH TO DRUG CRISIS , Jiebing Wen

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

THE EFFECTS OF NATURAL RESOURCE DEPENDENCE AND DEMOCRACY ON THE INCREMENTAL BUDGETING THEORY AND PUNCTUATED EQUILIBRIUM WITHIN A BUDGETARY CONTEXT , Barrak Ghanim Algharabali

THE DECISION TO DECENTRALIZE GOOD PROVISION IN THE UNITED STATES: A STUDY IN CLEAN ENERGY POLICY , Whitney Michelle Davis

THREE ESSAYS ON WELFARE POLICIES IN AMERICAN STATES: EXPLAINING AMERICAN WELFARE STATES IN THE POST-WELFARE REFORM ERA , Hyokyung Kwak

THREE ESSAYS ON MUNICIPAL STRUCTURE AND GOVERNMENT FISCAL MANAGEMENT OUTCOMES , Wenchi Wei

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

THE ALLOCATION OF STATE APPROPRIATIONS AND STUDENTS ACROSS DIFFERENT TYPES OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION , Joshua L. Bush

STATE SUBSIDY COMPOSITION IN HIGHER EDUCATION: POLICY AND IMPACTS , Alex Eugene Combs

THREE ESSAYS ON FINANCIAL COLLABORATION IN THE GOVERNMENT AND NONPROFIT SECTORS , Saerim Kim

A MULTIDIMENSIONAL POVERTY INDEX FOR THE UNITED STATES , Nate Kratzer

USING PSYCHOLOGICAL THEORIES TO UNDERSTAND CITIZEN ATTITUDES TOWARD GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE AND COLLABORATIVE BEHAVIORS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR , Jue Young Mok

THREE ESSAYS ON LOCAL PUBLIC FINANCE , Thomas Daniel Woodbury

THREE ESSAYS ON PUBLIC FINANCE AND PUBLIC POLICY: FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE AND POLICY REINVENTION IN U.S. STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS , Jinhai Yu

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Applying a Positive Theory of Organizations: A Closer Examination of State Environmental Protection Agencies , Emily Bedwell

Three Essays on Interaction in Public Management , Seungjin Choi

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• Faculty Showcase Research Contributions Addressing Wide Range of Policy Issues

The School of Public Policy held a faculty research showcase aimed at fostering dialogue and collaboration among the policy community, featuring lightning talks covering a spectrum of pressing policy issues. The event offered a glimpse into the latest advancements and insights in various policy disciplines. 

The showcase kicked off with opening remarks by Associate Dean, Research and Faculty Affairs  Yueming ‘Lucy’ Qiu followed by a series of informative sessions on the research being done by SPP faculty. Qiu highlighted, “Over the past few years, our faculty have accomplished a great deal in their research, publishing well-respected journals and academic outlets, attracting coverage in mainstream media and also winning many prestigious regional awards.”

The first session, moderated by  Claire Dunning , explored "Diversity and equity considerations in policymaking and evaluations." Jiehong Lou discussed income and racial disparities in household publicly available EV infrastructure accessibility in the United States. Juan Pablo Martínez Guzmán explored the role of participatory budgeting in enhancing the voice of underrepresented minorities, while Apolonia Calderon talked about the politics of giving in communities of color.

• Jiehong Lou shared that the transportation sector, primarily managed by state and local governments, emits the largest share of greenhouse gasses, necessitating rapid electric vehicle (EV) adoption and expanded EV infrastructure. Her research illustrates disparities in EV accessibility, particularly for low-income and minority communities, and highlights the importance of equitable policy measures to ensure inclusive EV adoption.
• Juan Pablo Martínez Guzmán presented his research project that explores how participatory budgeting can empower underrepresented minorities, highlighting its potential to improve social equity while addressing challenges like elite capture and inadequate representation. Through a comprehensive study of participatory budgeting systems in the US and Canada, Martínez Guzmán and his research partner Michelle Loughlin from the University of Georgia identified best practices for overcoming barriers to minority participation, emphasizing tailored recruitment, accessibility provisions and inclusive engagement strategies observed in successful cases.
• Apolonia Calderon  showcased community giving in communities of color, emphasizing how public donations often fill gaps in government aid during international crises and domestic issues like the Gaza conflict. Her research explores the priorities of everyday donors, overlooked in research focusing on large foundations, by analyzing their responses to personal experiences, political attitudes and institutional challenges, exploring their policy agendas and patterns of giving.

“It’s really important to understand what they are prioritizing, when they are prioritizing, and how they are prioritizing,” said Calderon. “Is it personal experience that is driving these donations? Is it political attitudes? Is it institutional issues that they are facing in the government? Or is it specifically the nonprofit campaigns?” Apolonia Calderon

The topic turned to "Security Policy and International Policy," a session also moderated by Dunning, with topics ranging from space weaponry to cybersecurity vulnerabilities across government networks.  Alec Worsnop examined how military cadres sustain insurgent warfare.  GoTech Director Charles Harry's assessment of cybersecurity vulnerabilities underscored the importance of safeguarding digital infrastructure, while Professor Meg Brindle explored the intersection of intellectual property and trade strategies.

• Alec Worsnop presented research findings which reevaluate common perceptions of guerrilla warfare, highlighting its complexity and the role of well-trained military cadre in successful insurgency operations, illustrated by the Taliban's improved combat effectiveness despite facing increased pressure. His findings emphasize the need to rethink traditional metrics of counterinsurgency success and the challenges inherent in building capable partner forces in conflict zones.

“One of the major outcomes of the surge is decapitating a number of Taliban mid-level leaders, getting rid of these social networks and social impediments to change,” said Worsnop. “They were replaced with people that embraced the system of modern military cadre.” Alec Worsnop

• Charles Harry shared his research on strategic cybersecurity, highlighting the challenge of safeguarding public infrastructure and strategic assets. He discussed the Cyberspace Solarium Commission's approach to deterrence and the need for sophisticated risk assessment methods, demonstrated through efforts like allocating funds to states and localities and utilizing Python-based analysis of national cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
• Meg Brindle spoke about her research including 14 case studies which involve 14 million farmers and producers, explaining that only 2-3% of retail value reaches them, which prompted initiatives like trademark ownership to increase income. Brindle's work, including a book and workbooks, focuses on empowering low-income farmers through intellectual property strategies, with projects such as the African IP Trust and her work on behalf of the Maasai tribe, which aim to improve their economic prospects through branding and ownership.

IPL Director  John Ronquillo , moderated the "Leadership and Management" session featuring discussions on service shaming in academia, the influence of social connectedness on volunteering and giving and the outcomes of American statecraft. Cullen Merritt's research on service shaming explored the importance of fostering a supportive academic environment; Nathan Dietz examined the dynamics of social connectedness and generosity; and Rob Sprinkle discussed the consequences of cynicism in statecraft.

• Cullen Merritt created the term "service shaming" to describe how academia often devalues faculty participation in service activities despite their importance to the institution's public mission. Merritt discussed the psychological burden, erosion of faculty governance and decreased public engagement that results from this, suggesting strategies like explicit recognition of service and restructuring performance evaluations to mitigate the effects of service shaming and enhance the perception of higher education's societal contribution.

“It takes the contributions of faculty members to help run a university like the University of Maryland,” said Merritt. “However, faculty governance requires service. And if that is routinely undermined, then how will the university function?” Cullen Merritt

• Nathan Dietz 's research, funded by the Generosity Commission, explores the relationship between volunteering and giving in the context of declining philanthropic engagement. Looking at data over a 10-year period, Dietz’s research found that volunteering and giving positively influence each other, with volunteering having a stronger impact on giving. The research showed that measures of group association significantly impact volunteering and giving, illustrating the important role they play in fostering civic engagement.
• Rob Sprinkle presented his research which challenges the long-standing belief in preference theory's ability to accurately gauge individuals' true preferences and interests, highlighting skepticism toward the notion that nations benefit from opportunistic actions. Through an examination of historical instances of American involvement in international conflicts, Sprinkle's research suggests that while cynical acts may yield short-term success, they often lead to unforeseen complications and ineffective long-term outcomes in statecraft.

The faculty showcase further explored "International Policy," with presentations on information-sharing during COVID-19, the impacts of biomass energy and mining in Indonesia, redefining global well-being perspectives, and the complexities of strategy implementation. This session was moderated by Ronquillo.  CISSM Director Nancy Gallagher talked about nuclear weapons in space; Catherine Worsnop's discussion on information sharing during pandemics highlighted the political dimensions of capacity-building, while Anand Patwardhan's exploration of well-being perspectives emphasized the need for diverse global insights.

• Nancy Gallagher spoke of the recent speculation about Russia deploying nuclear weapons in space and its implications for satellite infrastructure and modern technology dependency. She emphasized the importance of diplomatic initiatives to uphold international treaties and foster stable relations with Russia, advocating against escalating concerns of space-based conflict.
• Catherine Worsnop discussed the challenge of responding promptly to disease outbreaks amidst uncertainty, particularly evident in the slow release of critical public health information during the ongoing avian influenza outbreak in dairy cows. She highlighted the importance of timely information-sharing for effective response strategies and explored the reasons behind countries' hesitance to utilize their full information-gathering capacity, signaling a need for further investigation into this issue.
• Tom Hilde presented the concept of research frontiers and the implications of biomass co-firing in Indonesia for emissions reduction. Hilde’s research shows the potential for environmental and social challenges that may arise from sourcing biomass feedstocks. While available biomass waste could contribute to co-firing, using plant waste for this won't significantly reduce pollution unless more forests are cleared, potentially leading to serious environmental and community issues in Indonesia.

“Biomass co-firing is using biological feedstocks in coal plants in order to reduce carbon emissions from those coal plants.” Tom Hilde

• Josh Shifrinson examined historical examples of highly secure states, including the United States, the Soviet Union and the British Empire, to illustrate how the pursuit and attainment of security can lead to policy inconsistencies and complacency. This can ultimately undermine a state's strategic coherence and durability. Shifrinson poses the concept of a "security curse," suggesting that while security is often desired, its acquisition can disrupt a state's ability to maintain a coherent strategy due to factors like misguided policymaking, shifting priorities and a false sense of invincibility.

The final session, also moderated by Ronquillo, was on "Social Policy," featuring talks on well-being, regulating eating disorder treatment, the impacts of Mexico's universal pre-primary mandate, resident opinions in public housing and modern challenges in illegal drug supply. Anand Patwardhan's exploration of well-being perspectives emphasized the need for diverse global insights. Angela Bies' examination of eating disorder treatment regulations highlighted the complexities of healthcare governance, while Peter Reuter's analysis provided fresh insights into illicit drug supply chains.

• Anand Patwardhan introduced his early research that focuses on understanding the concept of "the good life" in relation to sustainability. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing both supply-side and demand-side concerns, and looks to gather different perspectives on how individual values intersect with social and policy choices. This contributes to rethinking sustainable futures beyond GDP and toward the next phase of sustainable development goals.
• Angela Bies presented her research on the complexities of eating disorders, emphasizing their severity, rising costs and disparities in diagnosis and treatment, especially among marginalized groups. Her research examines failures in understanding and addressing eating disorders, regulatory challenges and a large-scale Lived Experience Project to inform policy and nonprofit interventions.

“BIPOC communities, men, trans people, do not get diagnosed as readily and are not as readily treated,” said Bies. “The quiet, silent, veiled pandemic behind the pandemic has been referring to eating disorders. The rate of eating disorder diagnosis and residential treatment increased significantly during the pandemic and those numbers have not abated significantly.” Angela Bies

• Susan Parker presented her research, which focuses on poverty reduction programs in Latin America and the effects of preschool education, particularly on Mexico's universal pre-primary mandate. Parker's research, in collaboration with co-authors, shows significant long-term impacts including increased preschool attendance, delayed primary school entry, improved test scores and non-cognitive skills and a notable rise in the probability of high school completion among those children.
• Shanna Pearson-Merkowitz presented her research on U.S. public housing, which was initiated by a housing authority's contemplation of transitioning to vouchers. Through surveys of residents, Pearson-Merkowitz uncovered discrepancies between their preferences and assumptions held by housing authorities, which demonstrates the importance of nuanced housing policy informed by residents' perspectives.
• Peter Reuter discussed his research from an NSF project in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon and Rand Corporation which aims to enhance models for comprehending illegal markets, focusing particularly on drug markets. Reuter's research highlights a shift in attention from specific drug epidemics to a 45-year surge in drug overdoses, which prompted inquiries into the long-term trends and factors contributing to this rise. Particular focus was paid to fentanyl's emergence in the opioid market and its gradual dissemination in comparison to other drugs.

The faculty research showcase offered a glimpse into the rigorous work of faculty researchers, highlighting their exceptional research contributions. The event served as a platform to discuss important policy issues, emphasizing the School's commitment to advancing knowledge and addressing pressing societal challenges.

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Where Protesters on U.S. Campuses Have Been Arrested or Detained

By The New York Times

Police officers and university administrators have clashed with pro-Palestinian protesters on dozens of college campuses in recent weeks, arresting students, removing encampments and threatening academic consequences. More than 2,800 people have been arrested or detained on campuses across the country.

Campus protests where arrests and detainments have taken place since April 18

The fresh wave of student activism against the war in Gaza was sparked by the arrests of at least 108 protesters at Columbia University on April 18, after administrators appeared before Congress and promised a crackdown. Since then, tensions between protesters, universities and the police have risen, prompting law enforcement to take action in some of America’s largest cities.

An earlier version of this article misstated the number of arrests at Princeton University. There have been 15 arrests, not 14.

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Our Coverage of the U.S. Campus Protests

News and Analysis

 Arizona State: The campus police chief was put on leave  after dozens of people were arrested at a pro-Palestinian encampment.

 UMass Amherst: The author Colson Whitehead canceled his commencement speech  after the University of Massachussetts Amherst called the police to remove protesters.

The New School: Faculty members in Manhattan set up what may be the first professor-led pro-Palestinian encampment  in a building lobby.  

A Brief Moment of Joy :  With fireworks, a marching band, celebrity congratulations and a drone show, the University of Southern California tried to smooth over the weeks of tumult that have cleaved its campus with a hastily assembled party for its graduates .

An Agreement to Divest :  Discontent over the war in Gaza had been building for months at Trinity College Dublin, but what had been a rumble suddenly became a roar . Here’s how pro-Palestinian students pushed  the school to divest.

Hillary Clinton’s Accusation :  In an interview on the MSNBC show “Morning Joe,” Clinton criticized student protesters , saying many were ignorant of the history of the Middle East, the United States and the world.

Republican Hypocrisy:  Prominent Republicans have seized on campus protests to assail what they say is antisemitism on the left. But for years they have mainstreamed anti-Jewish rhetoric .

• What We Look For

In This Section

• Degree Requirements

The PhD in Public Policy (PPOL) program balances theory with practical methods to prepare students for careers in academia, in government, at research organizations, or in the private sector. 

What do we look for in our PPOL students? 

Evidence of your ability to handle the rigor of our curriculum , which is why you’re required to have completed and excelled in the following: 

A university-level course in social science or social theory of science and technology (e.g., science and technology studies, modern social thought, computing and society) 

• A university-level course in quantitative analysis (e.g. calculus, statistics) 
• A university-level course in qualitative methods (e.g. anthropology, geography, history, law, philosophy) 
• One research paper you have written by yourself that has a policy focus (co-authored papers not accepted)

A demonstrated ability and drive to pursue public policy research is another important qualification. 

Notably, we look for strong recommendations from individuals in academia or other professional sectors who know you well and can tell us about your qualifications for our program.  

What else you should know 

You are not required to have a Harvard Kennedy School faculty advisor before  submitting your application. You will be assigned to an advisor if you are admitted to the PPOL Program. 

We will also look at your GRE scores for any tests you have taken in the past five years. Just note we do not accept the GMAT or LSAT.  There is no minimum GRE score to apply.  

If you are an international applicant, you will need to submit either your TOEFL iBT or IELTS score. International applicants who hold the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction do not need to submit the TOEFL iBT or IELTS. The minimum TOEFL score to apply is 103 and a minimum IELTS score to apply is 7. If you are an international student whose bachelor’s degree was not in English—but whose master’s degree was conducted in English—you must submit the one of the two tests. 

We often receive the question: My undergraduate degree is from an institution where English is not the primary language of instruction. However, my master’s degree is from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction. Do I still need to take the TOEFL? The answer is: Yes. 

If you are currently a Harvard Kennedy School student 

You will need to submit your PPOL application with new supporting documents—we cannot use your academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, or test scores that you submitted with your original HKS application.  

Admissions Requirements

How to apply, funding your doctoral education.