PhD in Policy Studies in College Park United States | University of Maryland, College Park

Renowned as one of the country's top graduate institutions, The School of Public Policy specializes in public policy, management, and international affairs, with focused strengths in environmental policy, international development, security studies, economic policy, social policy, nonprofit leadership, public administration, and fiscal policy. The School provides diverse educational opportunities including master's degrees, dual-degree options, graduate certificates, and a distinguished doctoral program. Situated near Washington, D.C., the School draws an exceptional faculty of academic professionals who actively shape policy while maintaining rigorous scholarly standards. This prime location and distinguished faculty attract top-tier students by offering not just comprehensive coursework but also direct engagement with policymakers, federal agencies, diplomatic circles, regional governments, and numerous NGOs and international organizations. Unique among policy schools, it integrates local, national, and global policy perspectives across all economic sectors, enabling comprehensive analysis in every course and research project. The selective Ph.D. program prepares future policy experts for careers in government, research institutions, academia, and private industry. Admitted candidates first master analytical frameworks in economics, ethics, political science, and quantitative methods before specializing in their chosen field and completing original dissertation research.