Combined MPP/PhD in Political Science Program

The Master of Public Policy Program and the Department of Political Science offer a dual MPP/PhD. Students would receive both an MPP and a PhD in Political Science within the same 72 credit hours that would be normally required for a PhD in Political Science. Students who seek to earn the dual degree must apply to and be accepted by both the Public Policy and Political Science programs. (Students enrolled in the dual degree would not earn a masters in Political Science.) Students must meet all of the requirements in both programs. Requirements and descriptions of the programs are found on the Political Science and Public Policy program websites.

The dual program works if students choose to take several courses that can be counted towards both degrees. To accomplish this, students must choose Public Policy Processes and Institutions as their policy field in the MPP program and Public Policy as their minor in the Political Science PhD program. Students choosing the Public Policy Processes and Institutions field as their MPP policy field would select three of these courses:

PSC 6228  Media and Politics (3 credits)

PSC 8210  American Political Processes (3 credits)

PSC 8211  Urban Politics (3 credits)

PSC 8213  Judicial Politics (3 credits)

PSC 8218  Legislative Politics (3 credits)

PSC 8219  Political Parties and Elections (3 credits)

PSC 8221  Interest Group Politics (3 credits)

PSC 8226  Politics and Organizations (3 credits)

PSC 8286  Special Topics *

PSC 8388  Special Topics *

PSC 8454  Special Topics *

PSC 8454  Advanced Theories: Foreign Policy and Decisionmaking (3 credits)

* Special topics are taught when relevant and with advisor approval, e.g., a comparative public policy course when it is taught

By choosing the Public Policy Processes and Institutions field as their MPP policy field, a student pursuing a dual MPP/PhD would be able to count up to three of the above Political Science courses as the three MPP policy field courses. Students would also choose their MPP electives in courses that would count towards their Political Science PhD. Several political science courses that are quite similar to required courses in the MPP program would substitute for PPPA requirements. Students pursuing this dual degree would be able to complete all requirements for both the MPP and PhD in Political Science program within 72 credit hours.

The admissions and curriculum requirements in the MPP program are the same for joint degree students as they are for other MPP students.  For answers to questions regarding the PhD portion of the degree, please contact the director of the PhD program in political science.

To pursue the MPP/PhD program, you must apply to both programs and be accepted by the admissions committees of both departments.