PhD Programs

As a PhD student at the Schar School, you can study with eminent scholars in a wide variety of fields and conduct groundbreaking research to help you become a subject matter expert in your field and a key authority who influences public debate. Whether you desire to teach and do research at a university, lead a government or nonprofit organization, or craft innovative public policies and programs, we will prepare you to be the leader and academic you want to be.

At the Schar School, students and faculty work side by side to explore the intersection of technology, culture, organizational dynamics, international affairs, and public policy, conducting research that influences decisions at the local, national, and multinational levels. You and your faculty advisor will work together to design a personalized curriculum appropriate to your academic and professional background and goals. This allows you to tie your studies directly to your current and future career objectives, while taking advantage of the extensive resources available in the nation’s capital.

Our PhD programs’ flexibility also fosters a culturally and philosophically diverse community of scholars and practitioners, where the marketplace of ideas is embraced and innovation is encouraged.

The PhD programs produce candidates able to tackle the full spectrum of policy challenges, well prepared for senior-level careers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, and in academia.