The Politics and Institutions track of the PhD in Public Policy Program provides a rigorous program of study and research on international or domestic politics and institutions as these issues relate to major public policy issues in the U.S. and around the world.
HKS offers a strong cadre of faculty across multiple social science disciplines specializing in politics and institutions, renowned and dynamic research centers, and a unique interdisciplinary atmosphere of scholars and practitioners with expertise in diverse fields. In addition to research opportunities with leading scholars, the program offers training in teaching as well as in public policy writing and communication.
Graduates will be prepared for academic research and teaching positions in schools of public policy and disciplinary departments such as, but not limited to, political science and history, as well as policy positions in national governments, research centers, and international institutions.
Politics and Institutions Track Prerequisites
To demonstrate that you are prepared for our rigorous curriculum, you must have successfully completed and excelled in the following:
- A university-level course in politics or institutions
- A university-level course in statistics
- One research paper you have written by yourself that has a policy focus (co-authored papers not accepted)
Politics and Institutions Track Core Requirements
- Two courses in political theory
- One course in normative theory
- One course in analytical methods
- Two courses in empirical methods
- Two doctoral research seminars (API-901, API-902)
You are required to stay on the declared track while working toward your doctorate and must meet the core requirements above. If your research focus changes to a different track, you are required to speak with the Doctoral Programs Office regarding the procedures to apply to change tracks.