PhD Education Policy at University of Rochester

Programme overview

A flexible doctoral programme preparing students for faculty positions in educational policy, research or policy agency roles, and contributions to educational or public policy knowledge. Students work with faculty on research and education reform projects.

Faculty: Warner School of Education and Human Development | Department: Education Policy | Duration: 90 graduate credits minimum (up to 30 transferable); full-time or part-time | Intake: Start in any semester; PhD applications open Fall 2026 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Rochester, NY, United States

What you will study

Core research and policy courses, electives at Warner and elsewhere in the university, a range of research methods courses and a chosen research method for the dissertation. Optional advanced certificates (Program Evaluation, Urban Teaching and Leadership, Online Teaching) add few credits.

Career pathways

Faculty positions in educational policy, research and policy agency positions, and work contributing new knowledge to educational or public policy.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Programme requirement: master's degree in education policy, public policy or a related field; relevant work experience highly desirable. Warner School graduate applications (doctoral): three recommendation letters (at least one preferably from a former professor); 2-4 page statement of purpose; resume or CV; writing sample of at least five pages; transcripts from all post-secondary institutions; GRE not required for many programmes (doctoral applicants seeking certain university-wide scholarships are encouraged to submit); TOEFL or IELTS required for international applicants with a non-U.S. Priority deadline November 1, 2026; start any semester.

Requirements published at faculty level.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Intake: Start in any semester; PhD applications open Fall 2026

Duration: 90 graduate credits minimum (up to 30 transferable); full-time or part-time

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