About the PhD Program
Program Details
Each Public Policy PhD student completes a course of study designed to produce cutting-edge social science research on policy-relevant topics.
PhD Public Policy programAreas of Speciality
The graduate faculty have multidisciplinary expertise in a range of policy areas, including data science and technology policy; environmental and sustainability policy; health policy; human security; inequality and social policy; the politics and economics of development; and race, racism and public policy.
Areas of policy focusMeet our Students
Our students enroll with diverse research and academic experiences. Learn about their research interests here.
Our studentsI get the opportunity to interact with sociologists and political scientists and economists outside of my field who really give me an understanding and a scope well beyond what I would have gotten if I had gone to a school that didn’t have this interdisciplinary nature. The Brooks School is a perfect place for me. I can craft my research in a way that is valuable in the long term.
– Shyam Raman, PhD Student
BENEFITS OF GETTING A PUBLIC POLICY PHD AT CORNELL
A multi-disciplinary PhD in Public Policy
The PhD in Public Policy offers training in a social science discipline (such as economics, government, and sociology), empirical methods, and a policy area of focus. First year coursework is disciplinary; subsequent coursework and research is guided by student interest and faculty expertise.
Generous support
PhD funding is guaranteed for 6 years, which includes a stipend, tuition, and health insurance. Students are funded through a combination of fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships.
Public Policy Placements
Policy PhD graduates go on to academic positions in policy schools, disciplinary departments, and interdisciplinary units; others join government agencies, consulting firms, and non-governmental organizations.
An Ivy League degree in public policy with Cornell’s resources and reputation
Cornell University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions and has the broadest range of programs in the Ivy League. Cornell attracts some of the world’s best researchers, thinkers, scholars, inventors, scientists, and humanitarians.
A community where you’ll feel at home within a comprehensive, world-class university
The Brooks School is a friendly, caring environment and just one community among many that you will discover. At Cornell, there’s a club, activity or group where you can meet people who share your interests. If you want to enrich your studies by pursuing social change or volunteer to make a difference, you’ll find endless opportunities.
A vibrant, dynamic college town setting
Ithaca is home to spectacular waterfalls and lakes, organic farms and wineries, a thriving music and arts community, and an invigorating climate year-round. Located at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, Ithaca is consistently rated among the most livable cities in the United States.