PhD in Public Policy and Public Administration

The multidisciplinary doctorate in public policy, gender and social policy program is offered in partnership with the GW Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration (TSPPPA). PhD students write a dissertation in addition to completing required and elective coursework in feminist theory and public policy.

Learning in downtown Washington, D.C., our PhD students see public policy happen firsthand. Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) Program graduates have worked with many nonprofit, government and public policy organizations during their studies or following graduation.

The program also offers options for transferring credit for current TSPPPA students and WGSS students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Public Policy and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program.

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Course Requirements

The doctoral degree requires 72 credits, including a 12-credit dissertation, 18 hours of credit in WGSS courses, 30 credit hours in core public policy courses and up to 12 hours of electives.

Learn More on the TSPPPA Website