Public Policy, Ph.D. (Joint with Georgia Tech)

A completed application includes the following materials submitted online. Do not submit paper copies:

1. Two online applications (Apply to Georgia State and apply to Georgia Tech): Online applications must be submitted by the deadline. Paper applications are not available.
2. Application fee: A nonrefundable fee should be paid when submitting your application to Georgia Tech. Review instructions before completing process.
3. Statement of Interest: Two- to three-page, typed statement of interest covering personal and professional goals as they relate to the Ph.D. in Public Policy, including desired area of specialization, research interests and faculty with whom applicant would like to work. Statement should discuss your reasons for applying to the doctoral program, expectations for completion of the coursework and dissertation, and prospective employment. Include special circumstances, if any, or other information not covered in the application that you think would be helpful in evaluating your application.
4. Biographical Statement: Two-page biographical statement that includes biographical information and defines how you have prepared yourself for doctoral study. It may include schools attended, areas of study and formative experiences, (particularly those that are relevant to pursuing a Ph.D.). This statement is intended to help the committee better know the applicant and to see why pursuing a doctoral program is the next logical step.
5. Official GRE (Graduate Record Examination) Scores: Official scores must be reported to institution code 5251. More information can be found at our Admissions FAQ page or, to schedule the test, at www.gre.org.
6. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing Systems) Academic scores (International applicants only): International applicants are required to submit official TOEFL or IELTS academic scores.
7. Three letters of recommendation: Letters should be submitted through the online application.
8. Upload Transcripts from each post-secondary college/university attended:
   • Upload each transcript to the Academic History section of the online application before submitting your application or upload to your application status page under the Upload Materials section if your application has been submitted.
   • Review all requirements for submitting transcripts here.
   • Failure to follow these requirements will delay your application processing.

The coursework is divided into three sections:

1. Core master’s-level curriculum or its equivalent (27 hours)
2. The doctoral core curriculum (24 hours)
3. Seven 3-hour core courses in areas of specialization chosen by the candidate (21 hours)
   1. Environmental Policy
   2. Health Policy
   3. Science and Technology Policy
   4. Urban and Regional Economic Development Policy

Candidates will then complete a written and oral qualifying examinations and compose a dissertation.

View Curriculum Details

Students admitted to the program are typically offered a graduate assistantship with a minimum $22,000 yearly stipend and full tuition waiver.

The doctoral program prepares its graduates to take positions as college professors or as research-oriented policy analysts in research centers, nonprofit organizations and government agencies.