The Ph.D. program is the core of the George Mason School of Public Policy. It offers doctoral candidates an intellectually charged, challenging environment in which to explore new ways of thinking about problems facing the modern world. Doctoral students work closely with an esteemed faculty exploring the intersection of technology, culture, organizational dynamics, international affairs, and public policy. Students and faculty alike conduct research that influences policy decisions at the local, national, and multinational levels while preparing for senior-level careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

The Ph.D. program prepares students to tackle a wide spectrum of policy problems in an increasingly complex world by exposing them to the latest policy theories, sophisticated methodologies, and cross-culture perspectives.



The program fosters a culturally and philosophically diverse community of scholars where the true marketplace of ideas is embraced and innovation is encouraged. It offers an unprecedented degree of academic freedom rooted in a shared commitment to making the world a better place. The program is rigorous, but it takes pride in its philosophy that there are no preset fields of study or methods of research. Its faculty and students adhere to the motto "no matter how good the policy, always look for ways to improve it.''

Admission Information Sessions
Curriculum and Program Requirements
Funding and Scholarship Information
PhD Program Areas of Concentration
PhD Student Dissertations
PhD Student Research Database (for current PhD students only)

Ph.D. Program Guide