University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

What you'll study

The PhD curriculum emphasises rigorous training in research design, causal inference, statistics and substantive policy areas such as health, education, welfare, environment and governance. Early coursework typically covers microeconometrics, programme evaluation methods, statistics for social scientists, advanced research design and substantive policy seminars. Students combine core methods courses with electives that reflect faculty strengths and personal research interests.

Beyond coursework, the programme requires success on qualifying or comprehensive examinations to demonstrate mastery of methods and a chosen substantive field. Students participate in research seminars, present working papers, and complete a dissertation based on original empirical or theoretical research. Many students engage in collaborative projects with faculty, take specialised workshops on topics such as Bayesian methods, causal inference, machine learning for policy analysis or qualitative comparative methods, and gain experience as teaching or research assistants.

The degree is flexible in accommodating mixed-methods approaches. Typical study components include:

• Core quantitative methods and econometrics
• Research design and programme evaluation
• Substantive policy field seminars (health, education, social policy, environment, etc.)
• Elective coursework in related departments (economics, public health, sociology, statistics)
• Teaching/research assistantships and practicum-style applied projects
• Qualifying examinations and a supervised dissertation

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and aimed at applicants with strong academic records and clear research potential. Typical successful applicants have a master’s degree or a first-class honours degree in public policy, economics, public health, sociology, political science, statistics, or a closely related field.

Key expectations include:

• Quantitative preparation: coursework in calculus, probability/statistics and econometrics or equivalent applied quantitative training.
• Research experience: previous research, a thesis or substantive empirical work is strongly preferred.
• Application materials: academic transcripts, a research statement outlining proposed interests, a CV, writing sample (often a research paper), and strong letters of recommendation.
• English language competence: if applicable, proof of English proficiency per university requirements.

Admissions committees look for evidence of fit with departmental faculty and resources. While standardised tests may be used by some applicants, applicants should check the department’s stated testing policy before applying.

Career prospects

Graduates from this PhD pursue a variety of research-intensive careers. Common pathways include:

• Academic positions in departments of public policy, public affairs, economics, public health or sociology.
• Research and analyst roles in national and subnational government agencies and public sector bodies.
• Policy research positions at think tanks and non-governmental organisations.
• Analyst and senior research roles in international organisations and development agencies.
• Consultancy and data-driven roles in private-sector firms focusing on public policy, evaluation and programme design.

The programme’s methodological emphasis prepares graduates for roles that require strong causal inference skills, quantitative analysis, programme evaluation, and the design of evidence-based policy interventions.

Why study at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

UNC Chapel Hill offers an interdisciplinary environment with access to faculty across public policy, economics, public health, and social sciences, supporting a broad range of policy research topics. Students benefit from research centres and institutes that collaborate on policy-relevant projects, connections with regional policy-makers and proximity to a vibrant research ecosystem that includes government and industry partners.

The Department provides close mentorship from faculty with expertise in rigorous empirical methods and substantive policy domains, a culture of regular seminar presentations and workshops, and opportunities for funded assistantships and research support for doctoral students. This combination of methodological training, substantive breadth and applied opportunities makes UNC Chapel Hill a strong choice for students seeking to become leaders in policy research and evaluation.