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 for all graduate course work is required.

Admission Cycle: Fall Only

  • Jan 16, 2024 = Application deadline for all materials if you want to be considered for a graduate assistantship and/or a doctoral fellowship.
  • Feb 6 = Due date for ALL applicants
  • Mar 20 = Applicant notified of admission decision
  • Apr 17 = Applicant must give response by

To Apply for the Program, Please Submit the Following

Please e-mail (policy@uark.edu) or mail (Public Policy Ph.D. Program, 213 Gearhart Hall, 340 N. Arkansas Ave., 1 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA 72701) the following by the requisite application date:

  • Application to Graduate School
  • Pay the application fee of $60
  • Letter of intent to enter the program
  • Official Transcripts
  • Official GRE Scores
  • 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 (the public policy issue paper/essay must address a public policy problem in a research/empirical context).
  • Three letters of reference

If you are currently a University of Arkansas graduate student, transcripts are not required and the application fee is $25

Available Specializations

  • Agriculture Policy
  • Community Development and Recreation Policy
  • Education Policy
  • Health Policy
  • Policy Management
  • Social Justice policy

Important Notes

  • If you have questions, please contact Dr. Brinck Kerr at jbkerr@uark.edu.
  • Applicants denied admission will not be able to reapply for two years from the application action.