CORNELL UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
7.5
IELTS
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Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Train the next generation of research scholars.Program Focus
- Address pressing national and international public policy issues.Research Areas
- Advanced training in empirical methods and disciplinary areas.Curriculum
- Part of a close-knit, welcoming community.Community
- Access to resources of a world-renowned Ivy League institution.University Standing
- Develop skills for policy shaping and evaluation.Career Preparation
Cornell University offers a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy designed to train the next generation of research scholars. The program focuses on critical national and international public policy issues, providing advanced training in empirical methods, a chosen disciplinary area, and interdisciplinary approaches. Students benefit from the resources of a world-renowned Ivy League institution within a close-knit and supportive community. Graduates gain the skills necessary to shape and evaluate policy in diverse settings, including academic positions and leadership roles in public and private sectors.
Careers
Graduates will possess the skills to shape and evaluate policy across various settings, preparing them for faculty positions in academic institutions or leadership roles in the public and private sectors.
- Faculty positions
- Leadership roles in public sector
- Leadership roles in private sector
Frequently asked questions
- What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
- International applicants can demonstrate English proficiency by achieving a TOEFL score of 100 (prior to Jan 2026) or 5.0 (recommended 5.5) from Jan 2026 onwards, an IELTS score of 7.5, a Duolingo English Test score of 130, or a Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency score of 191. Proficiency can also be demonstrated through citizenship, native language, or prior instruction in English.
- How does financial aid work for international students applying to the PhD in Public Policy program?
- Financial aid for international applicants is need-based and admission is need-aware. Applicants requiring financial assistance must apply for aid when submitting their application for admission by completing the CSS Profile.
- What are the application deadlines for the PhD in Public Policy?
- The application deadlines are November 1 for Early Decision and January 2 for Regular Decision. Supplemental materials are due shortly after, with financial aid application materials also due by January 2 for Regular Decision applicants.
- What are the potential career paths after completing the PhD in Public Policy at Cornell?
- Graduates will be equipped for faculty positions in academic institutions or leadership roles in the public and private sectors. The program prepares students to shape and evaluate policy across various settings.
- What documents are required for the PhD in Public Policy application?
- Required documents include the Common Application, Cornell Writing Supplement, English proficiency test scores, and the CSS Profile for financial aid. Depending on the program, a portfolio or other specific supplements may also be required.
Entry requirements
TOEFL (prior to Jan 2026)100
TOEFL (Jan 2026 onwards)5.0 (recommended 5.5)
IELTS7.5
Duolingo English Test130
Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency191
English proficiency can also be demonstrated if you are a U.S. Citizen/Permanent Resident, English is your native language, or English has been the primary language of instruction throughout your secondary school career.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
Financial aid for international applicants is need-based. Admission decisions are need-aware, meaning the ability to pay educational costs is considered. Applicants needing financial assistance must apply for aid when applying for admission.
How to apply
1. Complete the Common ApplicationThe Common Application opens in August. Ensure you also complete the Cornell Writing Supplement. An application fee of $85 or a fee waiver is required.
2. Submit Financial Aid Application MaterialsIf you anticipate needing financial assistance, you must apply for need-based financial aid by completing the CSS Profile by the specified deadlines. International applicants admitted without applying for aid will not be eligible later.
3. Submit Supplemental MaterialsDepending on the program, supplemental materials like portfolios or specific supplements may be required. Check program-specific deadlines. All supplemental materials (excluding portfolios and design supplements) are typically due shortly after the main application deadline.
4. Provide English Language Proficiency ScoresSubmit official or self-reported scores from accepted English proficiency exams (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, Cambridge) meeting the minimum requirements. Scores can be self-reported on the Common Application or the Cornell English Language Proficiency Form.
5. Await Admission Decision and Financial Aid OfferDecisions and financial aid offers are typically announced in mid-December for Early Decision and late March for Regular Decision.
6. Respond to Offer of AdmissionApplicants must reply to their offer of admission by May 1.
Frequently asked questions
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?
+
International applicants can demonstrate English proficiency by achieving a TOEFL score of 100 (prior to Jan 2026) or 5.0 (recommended 5.5) from Jan 2026 onwards, an IELTS score of 7.5, a Duolingo English Test score of 130, or a Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency score of 191. Proficiency can also be demonstrated through citizenship, native language, or prior instruction in English.
How does financial aid work for international students applying to the PhD in Public Policy program?
+
Financial aid for international applicants is need-based and admission is need-aware. Applicants requiring financial assistance must apply for aid when submitting their application for admission by completing the CSS Profile.
What are the application deadlines for the PhD in Public Policy?
+
The application deadlines are November 1 for Early Decision and January 2 for Regular Decision. Supplemental materials are due shortly after, with financial aid application materials also due by January 2 for Regular Decision applicants.
What are the potential career paths after completing the PhD in Public Policy at Cornell?
+
Graduates will be equipped for faculty positions in academic institutions or leadership roles in the public and private sectors. The program prepares students to shape and evaluate policy across various settings.
What documents are required for the PhD in Public Policy application?
+
Required documents include the Common Application, Cornell Writing Supplement, English proficiency test scores, and the CSS Profile for financial aid. Depending on the program, a portfolio or other specific supplements may also be required.