Stanford Joint Sociology PhD and Master’s in Public Policy
In Fall of 2007, Stanford University will begin offering a joint degree opportunity for Sociology PhD students who have an interest in public policy and who would like to complete a Master’s in Public Policy (MPP).
This new degree program is currently open to students with a strong interest in poverty and inequality. The joint MPP includes a one-year immersion in MPP core classes as well as a number of joint credit courses from an approved list, followed by a practicum in the second year. Students completing the MPP/PhD program spend the entire second year of study in Public Policy. In the third year, students return to Sociology. Other participating Stanford programs include Psychology, Economics, the Law School and the Graduate School of Business.
Currently, only 1-2 students each year are selected to participate in the joint degree program.
About the MPP
"The program focuses on domestic policy issues, including but not limited to the United States. Economics and quantitative analyses are central to modern public policy analysis. Political science, law, philosophy, organizational behavior, and cognitive psychology are among other necessary disciplinary perspectives. Political philosophy and ethics form the basis for the "ought" of public policy. Political science offers insights to the decision-making process and information needs of a democracy. Organizational behavior focuses on the many decisions made outside the market environment in hierarchies, bureaucracies, and teams. Nearly all public policy is formulated as law, and economic analysis of legal rules and institutions is key to effective implementation of policy decisions."
(see details about the joint Sociology PhD/MPP)
This is a joint program opportunity that is a brilliant prospect for the dedicated scholar. If this is a great fit for you, you may be eligible to apply for admission to the graduate public policy program during your first year in the PhD program. Candidates with faculty support may be nominated for the program, and your application will be reviewed by the Public Policy program. Admissions materials are available from the Public Policy Program office.
Admission
For admissions materials or if you have any questions about the MPP program, contact Niki Calastas - nikic@stanford.edu - the administrator for the program. If you have any questions about how this "fits" with our doctoral program, contact the student services office.