PhD in Public Policy at Harvard University

Harvard University

United States of America, Cambridge

University Rank:#5

Study Public Policy at Harvard University, a PhD degree offered on the HARVARD UNIVERSITY campus in Cambridge , United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 4 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for September 5, 2027.

About PhD in Public Policy

The PhD in Public Policy Program trains candidates to conduct policy analytic research, help shape and execute public policy, and teach the next generation of educators, researchers, and practitioners. The flexible nature of the program allows you to choose your own path in areas that most interest you–from microeconomic research to international development to climate change. Whichever program track you choose–economics, politics & institutions, judgment and decision sciences, and science, technology, and policy–you will have the opportunity to conduct scholarly research using the vast resources of Harvard University.

Students in the program have been involved in many diverse projects such as water research allocation in Zambia, racial disparities in the criminal justice system in Massachusetts, and the politics of the American welfare state.

Graduates of the program have gone on to teach at MIT, Duke, University of Texas, Penn State, and Yale. Others now have influential positions with NGOs like Resources for the Future, private institutions like JP Morgan and Analysis Group, and multi-lateral organizations like the World Bank and Global Innovation Fund. Among many illustrious graduates of the program is Larry Bacow, president of Harvard University.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Public Policy Program and requirements for the degree are detailed in GSAS Policies.

Disciplines

School of Arts & Sciences

Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Public Policy at Harvard University

Entry Requirements

Your degree program will note one of three options regarding submission of scores for the GRE General Test (GSAS also accepts scores from the GRE General Test at Home).

Required: You must submit GRE General Test results.
Optional: You may submit GRE General Test results if you wish.
Not Accepted: Do not submit GRE General Test results. GRE General Test scores will not be considered when applications are reviewed.

Sending GRE Scores

When taking the GRE, you will have an opportunity to request that your scores be sent to your academic institutions of choice. Be sure to select Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, as each Harvard admissions office has its own ETS school code. To ensure that your scores are matched to your applicant record, the First Name, Last Name, and Date of Birth on your test score report must match the information you enter in the GSAS Applicant Portal. GRE score reports must be sent to GSAS by the application deadline.

Use ETS code 3451 to send GRE scores to Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (department code is not required).
GRE tests must be taken within five years of your expected date of matriculation. If you are applying for fall 2023 admission, you must submit scores from tests taken no earlier than September 1, 2018.
An official score report from Educational Testing Service (ETS) to Harvard University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is required. If you have personal score reports from tests taken within the valid period (as described above), you can upload them to your application in addition to requesting that your scores be sent.

Some degree programs also require GRE Subject Tests. Visit your degree program page of interest for more information.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 103

Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Public Policy at Harvard University

Application Fee 105

How to Apply for PhD in Public Policy at Harvard University

STEP 1: CHOOSE A PROGRAM

GSAS offers master’s and PhD degrees in programs based in the arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering and applied sciences. Many programs also allow a student to conduct more focused research by choosing an area of study. Review the programs on offer to decide which best meets your academic goals.

STEP 2: MAKE A NOTE OF THE APPLICATION DEADLINE

Application deadlines vary by program and are noted on the program page.

STEP 3: Review the STANDARDIZED TESTS requirements

Programs may require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test or subject test scores. Applicants who are non-native English speakers may be required to demonstrate English proficiency by submitting scores from an English Language test (TOEFL or IELTS). Review the admissions policy on English Proficiency for more information. Be sure to register early for required tests.

STEP 4: COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION BY THE DEADLINE

The online application becomes available in September. The application and all components are due by 5:00 p.m., eastern time, on the deadline date.

PhD in Public Policy at Harvard University

Harvard University

United States of America, Cambridge