PhD in Public Policy - Urban and Regional Policy in Boston United States | Northeastern University

The PhD in Public Policy is an interdisciplinary degree program integrating social science frameworks with legal theory and diverse research approaches. Faculty members from the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs guide student research across three primary domains: urban/regional policy, sustainability/resilience, and health policy. Candidates collaborate with advisors to design customized study plans, drawing from graduate offerings within the School, the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, and other Northeastern University departments. The curriculum begins with foundational courses in policy theory, research methodologies, and statistical analysis before branching into specialized concentration courses. Through the school's research centers and faculty projects, students gain valuable insights and practical experience to advance their academic objectives. The program provides comprehensive support, enabling full-time dedication to scholarly pursuits. This residential program requires full-time commitment. The Urban and Regional Policy specialization trains doctoral candidates for academic positions, policy consulting roles, or research positions in public/nonprofit organizations. The curriculum incorporates key concepts from social science, political theory, economics, and urban planning - examining urban social structures, local political economies, metropolitan development patterns, and spatial transformations. Coursework applies these frameworks to contemporary challenges including urban social movements, governance restructuring, labor/housing/transportation optimization, addressing inequality and displacement, responding to global economic shifts, and promoting inclusive policy development. Following their initial year, students engage in practical policy research through residency placements with government agencies or nonprofit organizations. This combination of rigorous academics and hands-on application prepares graduates with both theoretical knowledge and methodological skills to tackle complex policy challenges aligned with their professional aspirations.