Doctor of Philosophy in Social Policy

PhD Curriculum and Program Structure

Learn to Research Questions of Critical Social Importance

The Heller PhD curriculum trains students to ask critical questions about social policies and their outcomes, and to conduct rigorous, creative research in search of solutions to persistent social problems. The PhD program consists of a small set of core requirements, allowing students to design learning plans that support a broad array of research interests.

Our core research methods classes are a particular strength of the program, providing students with the fundamentals of research design, interpretation and ethics in the social sciences. Class sizes in the Heller PhD program are often small, allowing for increased interaction with faculty and facilitating tight-knit cohorts.

Our Commitment to Equity, Inclusion and Diversity

Many of our faculty, researchers and doctoral students are deeply concerned with structural inequities and outcomes disparities across multiple social policy areas. In addition to conveying research skills, the Heller PhD program strives to incorporate principles of equity, inclusion and diversity and seeks to create a program culture that promotes belonging for all. We are committed to making our program a safe and inclusive environment in which community members respect and value others. Learn more about equity, inclusion and diversity at Heller.

Residency: Coursework and Comprehensive Exam (Years 1-2)

  • Complete 2 years of coursework* (15 courses; 60 credits)
  • Once coursework is complete, PhD students are eligible to receive a Master of Arts in Social Policy.
  • Must pass the Comprehensive Exam to proceed to dissertation.
  • Funding: Residency years are fully funded for all students, either through a Heller scholarship or outside Fellowship funding. Students receive a stipend.

Post-Residency: Developing a Dissertation Proposal (Year 3)

  • Students may take additional coursework (voluntary)
  • Must attend non-credit doctoral seminar in your concentration
  • Full-time work on your dissertation proposal 
    • Create dissertation committee
    • Prepare and defend dissertation proposal
  • Funding: Post-residency year 3 is fully funded for all students who meet fellowship requirements, either through a Heller scholarship or outside Fellowship funding. Students receive a stipend.

Continuation: Write and Defend Dissertation (Year 4)

  • Write and and plan to successfully defend your dissertation under the guidance of your committee and chair
  • Must attend non-credit doctoral seminar in your concentration
  • Funding: Continuation students in their fourth year who meet fellowship requirements are fully funded, either through a Heller scholarship or outside Fellowship funding. Students receive a stipend.