Ph.D. in Policy Studies
Two fundamental characteristics will underlie all of the aspects of the program:
- A multidisciplinary approach for studying public issues, the policy making process, problem-solving, and public policy analysis
- The synthesis of core competencies in a policy domain leading to rigorous original research
The core courses for the program are designed to expose and assist students with developing fundamental and rigorous quantitative and qualitative analytical skills necessary for effective policy analysis. The core curriculum consists of an interdisciplinary approach to developing competencies in the study of public issues, public policy making, and public policy analysis. In addition to the core curriculum, students also acquire expertise in a policy domain. The policy domains are: environmental and natural resource policy, agricultural policy, rural and economic development policy, and science and technology policy. Policy concentration courses and electives are the foundation for preparing students in policy areas that are central to Clemson’s land grant mission.
Policy Studies Ph.D. students are immersed in a course of study which focuses on the policy making process, state-of-the-art policy analysis methods and techniques, equipping them with the capacity to conduct high level policy research that provides useful information to decision makers and advances the body of knowledge about important policy concerns. Ph.D. graduates are expected to assume research positions in public policy “think tanks” and other policy research organizations, or to serve as high-ranking officials in governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations involved in public issues. The program’s graduates may also elect to pursue academic careers. Clemson’s Ph.D. in policy studies will provide students with a set of research, analytical, and management skills that are transferable across public, private, and nonprofit sectors as well as academic and non-academic settings.
Certificate in Policy Studies
The purpose of the graduate certificate program in policy studies is:
- To provide master’s degree and doctoral candidates, from other Clemson policy-related graduate programs, the opportunity to gain competencies and understanding of policy analysis.
- To give non-policy studies graduate students the option of supplementing their graduate studies with a stronger knowledge in public policy development and analysis.
Students in traditional graduate disciplines at Clemson may supplement their primary studies with competencies in public policy analysis and earn a Certificate in Policy Studies. Graduate students choosing the certificate program will graduate from their programs with expertise in a substantive field along with a set of explicit public policy research and analytical skills. They will be able to supply decision-makers with the substantive knowledge, analytical skills, and policy advice for considering and selecting among alternative and competing public policy options.
The certificate program typically will take one year to complete and provides students with fundamental competencies of quantitative or qualitative policy analysis, enabling them to examine policy problems associated with their primary areas of study. The program will augment the student’s preparation in a standard academic or professional field and will enhance their employment opportunities. The Certificate in Policy Studies is a very promising program for students enrolled in public policy-related master’s degree and doctoral programs who are seeking a public policy research and analysis component to their graduate curriculum. The program consists of 12 credit hours (4 courses).
Clemson University’s interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Policy Studies and the Certificate in Policy Studies will be of great educational value by exposing students to an excellent pedagogy for bringing together policy studies doctoral students and non-policy studies graduate students to equip them with formal competencies in public policy research and analysis. The program’s graduates will step into policy research and analysis positions in either academic or applied settings. The program’s graduates are being prepared to accept faculty appointments or high-level policy research and analysis positions. They will be capable of offering expert advice to decision makers and preparing the next generation of students who must meet the public policy challenges brought on by changing economic, social and political circumstances.
