PhD admissions

How to apply to our joint doctoral programs

The Ford School of Public Policy's joint PhD program in public policy and social science offers three distinct degrees: the PhD in public policy and economics, the PhD in public policy and political science, and the PhD in public policy and sociology. Applications for each program become available in September and are due by December 1 for admission the following fall.

Listed below are the required materials for a complete application. Please consult our PhD FAQs for additional information.

Application

All applicants must apply via the Rackham Graduate School online application, and must include the following materials:

• Official Transcripts: Please upload official or unofficial transcripts with your online application. Transcripts from non-U.S. institutions (if not in English) must be accompanied by certified English translations. An official transcript from your undergraduate degree-granting institution must be submitted to Rackham Graduate School only after an offer of admission is made. Visit this link for more information on submitting official transcripts to Rackham Graduate School.
   
• Demonstration of English Proficiency (if applicable): Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. Further information on Rackham English proficiency exemptions and accepted language tests can be found on Rackham's website. Please note that applicants self-assess eligibility for an exemption at the time of application. The program will not verify or confirm whether you qualify for an exemption.
   
• Three Letters of Recommendation: Recommenders should submit letters electronically via the online application. Additional letters are not necessary.
   
• Academic Statement of Purpose: The Statement of Purpose describes your skills, achievements, and relevant experience; professional, intellectual, research interests; and career and educational objectives. We encourage applicants to write about how your specific area of research fits into the joint program structure. While there is no specific limit to the statement, most are 500-1,000 words (2-4 pages).
   
• Personal Statement: Tell us about yourself. How have your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational, or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan? Your personal statement should be no more than 500 words.
   
• Writing Sample (20 pages or fewer): A writing sample is required for those applying to the Joint PhD with Political Science or Sociology. It should be a good representation of original research/work and should provide evidence of your creativity, methodological preparation, theoretical and critical thinking, and potential for engaging in independent research. A writing sample is not required if applying to the Joint PhD with Economics.

Please be sure to confirm your materials are correct and finalized before submitting your application, as we are unable to accept changes to application materials after they have been submitted.