OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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Coursework in the Public Policy Ph.D. program is directed toward two goals: to provide a strong foundation in the theory and methodology that are central to public policy scholarship; and to develop expertise in an area of concentration. To this end, the full-time curriculum encompasses the following areas:
| Courses | Credits |
| Advanced Theory: PPOL 613 & PPOL 614 (plus 3 credits of theory electives, e.g., SOC 513, PS 571) | 11 |
|
Advanced Methods: PPOL 621 & PPOL 628 (plus 8 credits of methods electives, e.g., PPOL 622) Note: PPOL 522 or relevant coursework is a prerequisite for PPOL 621 and PPOL 628). |
14 |
| Area of Concentration | 16 |
| Responsible Conduct of Research | 1 |
| Dissertation Research | 36 |
| Discretionary* | 42 |
| TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED | 120 |
| *Discretionary credits may include: | |
| MPP/MA/MS Transfer Credits | Up to 20 |
| Professional Practicum / Internship | Up to 12 |
| Electives (additional theory, methods, or area of concentration) | Variable |
| Additional Dissertation Research | Variable |
Most students will complete the required coursework by the end of year two.
Required components of the course of study include:
At least 11 credits of advanced theory courses are required for the program. The objective of these courses is to provide a body of theoretical knowledge that informs research and analysis in public policy. Two core courses, required of all Ph.D. students, will draw from important theoretical frameworks within the three disciplines of the School, to be divided into the following two general categories: economic theory for public policy and social/political theory for public policy. These courses are:
An additional 3 credits of advanced theory coursework are required. Students may choose which course(s) to take, but they must be drawn from a list of pre-approved courses or approved by the student’s dissertation committee chair. MPP core and slash (i.e., 4xx/5xx) courses will not count toward fulfilling this requirement.
At least 14 credits of advanced methods courses are required for the program. Two required courses, totaling eight credits, and required of all Ph.D. students, will draw from qualitative and quantitative methodologies, as practiced in modern policy scholarship. These courses are:
The purpose of Advanced Qualitative Research Design and Methodology is to provide a body of knowledge on qualitative approaches to policy research. Upon completion of this course, students will have an understanding of leading qualitative data collection and analysis methods, including their relative strengths and limitations when applied to policy research. The course will allow students to interpret and critically review published qualitative scholarship in the social sciences.
The purpose of Advanced Quantitative Research Design and Methodology is to teach students the uses and limitations of quantitative analysis in policy research. Upon completion of this course, students will understand quantitative data structures and the methods for their collection, as well as their advantages and limitations in addressing policy questions. They will be familiar with leading techniques to estimate and infer causal effects of policies and other factors on outcomes of interest.
Six additional credits of methods training are required. Students may choose which courses, to take, but these courses must be drawn from a list of pre-approved courses, or approved by the student’s dissertation committee chair. MPP core and slash (i.e., 4xx/5xx) courses will not count toward fulfilling this requirement.