Government and Public Policy (PHD)

Application

Applications to the PhD program in Government and Public Policy are submitted online through the University of Arizona Graduate College

Academic Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose should be a concise statement about the applicant's academic and research background, career goals, and how the School of Government and Public Policy will help him/her to meet their career and educational objectives. Applicants should speak specifically to how their research interests align with those of the faculty in the School. Applicants are encouraged to list specific faculty with whom they share research interests.
The statement should not exceed three pages in length.

Personal Statement

Applicants should use the personal statement to address how their background and life experiences (including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges) motivated their decision to pursue a PhD in Government and Public Policy.

The personal statement is not the same as the academic statement of purpose.

Transcripts

The School of Government and Public Policy requires a bachelor's degree for admission. Applicants must submit transcripts from all institutions for which they received college credit. Transcripts can be scanned and uploaded with the application. Scans of official transcripts are preferred; if unofficial transcripts are used, they must include the name of the institution and the name of the student. Transcripts are submitted through the online application process.

Standardized Tests

All applicants must take and submit scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Scores should be submitted through ETS using institution code 4832.
All applicants whose native language is not English or who have not received an undergraduate degree from an institution where English is the exclusive medium of instruction are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Scores should be submitted through ETS using institution code 4832.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants should request three letters from individuals who can speak to their academic potential, including knowledge and creativity, communication skills, and ability to complete projects.  Letters of recommendation are submitted by the letter writers through the online application process.

Writing Sample

The writing sample should be a good representation of original research/work by the applicant. The writing sample should not exceed 25 pages in length.

The General GRE test is required.  Scores should be submitted through ETS using institution code 4832.

All applicants whose native language is not English or who have not received an undergraduate degree from an institution where English is the exclusive medium of instruction are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language, TOEFL (minimum of 79) or IELTS (minimum of 7, no score below 6). 

Scores should be submitted through ETS using institution code 4832.

In addition to the fellowship and grant opportunities administered by the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, there are numerous awards offered private foundations and the federal government. Such awards can provide important funding for students to undertake fieldwork or to complete dissertation writing. Awards range from one-time grants of a few thousand dollars to multi-year fellowships that provide tuition and stipends.

Funding Opportunities

Domestic and International Applications open October 18, 2021:

Domestic Applicants:

• Fall: January 5, 2022

International Applicants:

• Fall: January 5, 2022

International applicants may be considered for conditional admission to this program at the department's discretion.