The doctoral program in public policy has two primary objectives:

• to contribute to the advancement of research and teaching of public policy by drawing on various theoretical frameworks, multi-disciplinary perspectives, and applied methodologies
• to develop scholars and researchers for positions in universities, private research institutions, and various other public and private organizations

The PhD focuses on the study of public policy, including its formation, evolution and implementation. The primary focus is on Canada in an international or comparative context.

While the School’s M.A. degree outlined above offers exposure to both policy and management, the PhD focuses directly on the study of public policy from both Canadian and comparative perspectives. The formation and evolution of policy in Canada is a primary focus of the program. In addition, Canadian, European, and other international students interested in research with a European-Canadian and North American comparative perspective will also find the program conducive to their work in the fields of specialization offered.

A distinguishing feature of the School of Public Policy and Administration is the presence of faculty who strive to integrate political science and economics in their research and teaching. The PhD program is to a considerable extent based on the view that political economy is essential to an understanding of the public sector. It is also based on the view that such multi-disciplinary perspectives are essential to an understanding of the public sector.

Prerequisites to the Doctoral Program in Public Policy