Site title "Public Policy PhD Program"
Collage including a photo of four students standing in front of Old Main, a photo of a student walking up Old Main steps, and a photo of an entrance to Mullins Library.

Application Information

Applicants must have a Master's degree completed prior to beginning the doctoral program. The Master's degree should be relevant to the policy area of their specialization.  For example, students with a Master’s in Geology might enter the Agriculture Policy specialization, but not the Family Policy specialization unless they commit to additional course work.  If students enroll in classes designated to address deficiencies, students may enter specializations outside of their Master’s area. These decisions will be made on an individual basis by the program faculty.  A GPA of at least a 3.20 on a four point scale on the last 60 hours of graduate work is required.

Admission Cycle  Fall Spring
Completed Application Due Jan 15 Aug 15
Student Notified of Decision March 15 Oct 15
Student Must Give Response by April 15 Nov 15

To apply for the policy Ph.D. program, please read the following:

  • I am now a graduate student at the UA
    • Please e-mail (policy@uark.edu) or mail (Public Policy Ph.D Program, 119 Ozark Hall 1 University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 72701) the following by the requisite application date:
      • Letter of intent to enter the program
      • Transcripts
      • Vitae
      • Statement of policy area of interest (why do you want a PUBP Ph.D. and what will it do for you?)
      • Statement of a current policy problem and a proposed solution
      • Three letters of reference
  • I am new to the UA Graduate School

Available Specializations:

  • Agriculture Policy
  • Community Development
  • Education Policy
  • Family Policy
  • Health Policy
  • Public Policy Leadership, and
  • Recreation Policy

Important Notes

Specialization enrollment in health policy is limited. Please contact the director of the policy program before applying to this specialization.
Applicants denied admission will not be able to reapply for two years from the application action.