Study Public Policy at University of California, Berkeley, a PhD degree offered at its main campus in Berkeley , 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 August 16, 2027.

About PhD in Public Policy

The Goldman School of Public Policy (GSPP) offers three graduate degrees in public policy, the Master of Public Policy (MPP), the Master of Public Affairs (MPA), and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Master in Public Policy (MPP)

The MPP degree is earned in a two year, full-time program consisting of a core curriculum, a policy internship in the summer after completion of the first year, a second-year policy analysis project, and elective courses chosen from those available on the campus and at GSPP. The program emphasizes practical and applied dimensions of policy-making and implementation, encouraging students to develop skills in:

Defining policy issues to make them more intelligible to officials in the public, private or non-profit sector
Providing a broader perspective for assessing policy alternatives
Examining techniques for developing policy options and evaluating their social consequences
Developing strategies for the successful implementation of public policies once they have been adopted

Given the relatively small class size, the school's approach to teaching emphasizes teamwork, cooperation, and interaction among students and with the faculty. Students work, either as individuals or in small groups, on real policy problems for real clients under close faculty supervision.

Concurrent Degrees

The Master in Public Policy may be earned in combination with an advanced degree from a number of Berkeley schools under a coordinated program. Applicants must be accepted to both programs to pursue a concurrent degree.

Public Policy & Public Health (opens in a new tab) (MPP/MPH)
Public Policy & Law (opens in a new tab) (MPP/JD)
Public Policy & Engineering (opens in a new tab) (MPP/MS offered for Civil and Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, and Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences)
Public Policy & Energy Resources Group (opens in a new tab) (MPP/MA and MPP/MS)
Public Policy & Social Welfare (opens in a new tab) (MPP/MSW)
Public Policy & Global Studies (opens in a new tab) (MPP/MA)

Master of Public Affairs (MPA)

The Berkeley Master of Public Affairs (MPA) is a flexible one-year degree program for domestic and international mid-career professionals with an average of seven years or more work experience and who have led or managed teams. Emphasizing innovation and leadership skills, the MPA curriculum prepares mid-career executives and professionals to act as strategic and visionary leaders and advance their careers.

Please visit the school website (opens in a new tab) for more information about the MPA.

PhD in Public Policy

GSPP offers a doctoral degree program for students who seek careers in academia and/or with governments, non-profits, or research institutes. Usually, only two or three PhD applicants are admitted each year. The program emphasizes the generation of knowledge, theories, methodologies, and applications appropriate to the advancement of public policy analysis and management. Doctoral students pursue highly individualized programs of study and typically work closely with Goldman faculty members who share the students subject matter of interest. The doctoral program provides enormous flexibility in the topics addressed and the program of study but is directed mainly at training academic social science researchers with an interest in policy issues.

A thorough preparation in or aptitude for rigorous policy analysis skills is a prerequisite for the doctorate. Because there is no core program of study, the PhD committee prefers applicants to have completed an MPP or equivalent, or some other indication of sustained interest in (and aptitude for) public policy. Visit the "Applying for the PhD" (opens in a new tab) page for more information and specific application procedures.

Source: Berkeley Academic Guide (opens in a new tab)

Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Public Policy at University of California, Berkeley

Entry Requirements

A bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution;
A satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale; and
Enough undergraduate training to do graduate work in your chosen field.

Academic Requirements

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English Requirements

IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 90

Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Public Policy at University of California, Berkeley

Application Fee 155

How to Apply for PhD in Public Policy at University of California, Berkeley

When to do it: September to December, but as late as February depending on the program

Ready to apply? You can submit your application for Fall admission beginning in September, and the majority of deadlines are in December but check the programs list.

The online application will ask you for specific information such as your academic and professional history, transcripts, and potentially your CV, resume or links to your portfolio. You’ll also need to provide the contact information for your recommenders who will be invited to submit their recommendation.

You’ll need to have a major credit card to pay the non-refundable application fee. If you are a U.S. Citizen or current Permanent Resident, the application fee is $135 (Application Fee Waiver Information); for all others, the fee is $155.