Explore the Doctoral Program

Prepare for careers in multidisciplinary research environments.

Through courses and experiences, gain the knowledge and skills to conduct public policy and management research and inform practice.

Core Coursework

All doctoral students take core coursework on the professional and intellectual foundations of public affairs, public policy, public economics, organization theory and behavior, and research methods.

PUBAFRS 8000: Public Policy and Management Foundations & Approaches
PUBAFRS 8890.01: First Year Doctoral Seminar
PUBAFRS 8890.02: Second Year Doctoral Seminar
PUBAFRS 8890.03: Third Year Doctoral Seminar

PUBAFRS 8030: Seminar in Public Policy & Analysis

PUBAFRS 8050: Seminar in Public Sector Economics

PUBAFRS 6040: Public Budgeting and Finance

PUBAFRS 8040: Seminar in Organizational Theory & Public Management

PUBAFRS 8782: Policy Modeling Seminar
Econometrics I & II (or equivalent)
Two additional methods courses (qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods) aligned with student interests.

Specialized Coursework

In addition to core coursework, students take three or more elective courses within the Glenn College or across the university to develop specialized expertise in a focus area. Many students take additional specialized courses to obtain official graduate minors or interdisciplinary specializations. Explore a full listing of minors, interdisciplinary specializations, and certificates available to OSU graduate students.

Public management
Nonprofit management
Education and workforce policy
Housing and community/urban/economic development policy
Social policy
Energy and environmental policy and governance
Food policy and food system governance
Science and technology policy and management
Criminal justice policy and management

Economics
Demography
Statistics

Demography
Data-Driven Sustainable Energy Systems
Quantitative Research Methods

Additional Degree Requirements

First year paper: Student work closely with a faculty member on an empirical manuscript during their first year, and each student presents their completed paper during autumn of their second year.
Candidacy Exams: Students take written and oral exams during the summer between their second and third years in the program. Passing these exams typically marks the completion of core coursework and the beginning of students’ dissertation research.
Dissertation Proposal: Students defend their dissertation proposals by the end of the third year or the very beginning of the fourth year in the program.
Dissertation Defense: Students complete the program with an oral defense of their completed dissertation, typically at the end of the fourth or fifth year.

Funded Opportunities

We particularly encourage applicants with research interests that align with funded projects in the following areas:

Energy System Resilience and Equity

Understand how underrepresented groups respond to and bounce back from critical infrastructure and lifeline service interruptions. A US DOE Fellowship is available to work with Glenn College faculty to study resilience of tribal communities.

Assessing the early childhood policy landscape in Ohio

Join an interdisciplinary team working with stakeholders in Ohio to assess the needs of parents and children in Ohio, and how our policy landscape helps or hinders family wellbeing. Contribute to qualitative and policy research around the state.