Doctor of Philosophy in Social Policy

The Dissertation

Coursework, seminars, independent study, and research experience culminate in the development and execution of a student’s dissertation. Students work with an adviser during their residency years to assure that they are laying the foundation to achieve this goal. After submitting a passing comprehensive paper, students are eligible to name a four-person dissertation committee tailored to the needs of their specific dissertation topic. The committee members serve as mentors and guides through the dissertation process and always include a scholar from outside the Heller community

A Heller dissertation must be independent scholarly research that analyzes a significant social policy issue and makes an original contribution to the field. Students have the option of presenting the problem statement, review of literature, methodology, findings, and policy implications of their dissertation project as a traditional monograph-style dissertation, or may opt to prepare three publishable papers on related topics. Full-time doctoral students have 10 years from the date of entry into the program to complete all requirements for the degree, including the dissertation.

Recent Dissertation Titles

Xiaofei Zhou, PhD candidate studying health policy

Xiaofei Zhou

“Understanding urban-rural variations in diabetes preventive care among older adults with diabetes mellitus: Causes and consequences”
Andrea Harris, PhD student in health policy

Andréa Harris

“The burdening hypothesis: Deconstructing racial identity politics, power, otherness and health in immigrant and U.S.-born women of color”
Robbie Dembo, PhD Student

Robbie Dembo

“Social support and health of parents of children with developmental disabilities: A network-oriented approach”
Sana Shaikh, PhD candidate

Sana Shaikh

“Aligning relational coordination and racial identity to center teachers’ narratives:  A mixed-methods study on culturally-responsive teaching”
Sasha Albert, PhD'20

Sasha Albert

“State-level policy and abortion clinics: Understanding how clinics adapt to challenging and changing policy environments”
Ben Kreider, Heller PhD candidate and research intern for the Economic Policy Institute

Benjamin Kreider

“Labor’s 'new kids on the block:' Three essays on collaboration between immigrant worker centers and unions”