The Heller Ph.D. in Social Policy

Statement of Purpose

Evaluating applicants for the Ph.D. Program involves an assessment of the applicants’ skills and the program’s ability to serve their interests. Therefore, the key element of the application is the statement of purpose.

The statement of purpose should be focused and succinct, no more than four pages long. Applicants should describe work and educational experiences that have influenced their interests, social concerns, and career goals. The statement should focus on how doctoral study will help them meet their goals and their connection to a substantive area of policy.

Applicants should also indicate if they are interested in being considered for a particular federal training grant or named fellowship (see Financial Aid). Applicants may also include any information they deem relevant to their potential as a graduate student. Upon admission, faculty and staff will use the statement of purpose to assess the applicant’s candidacy for various Heller funding and federal training grant opportunities and to assign advisors.

The statement of purpose may be submitted electronically (preferred).