The doctoral program in Public and Urban Policy seeks applicants with academic and/or professional qualifications that prepare them for advanced research and practice in public policy analysis with an urban orientation. Applicants must have or be in the process of completing a master's degree in management, economics, or another related field.

Application Deadline

January 15 for the next fall semester. Plan ahead to meet the strict application deadline. It takes time for supporting documents such as official transcripts and reference letters to reach The New School. Your application will not be reviewed until all the required documents have been received by the Office of Admission. Applications received after the deadline may be rolled over for the following academic year at the discretion of the Milano School. There is no spring semester admission.

How to Apply

All applicants (except readmit and visiting) are required to use the online application. The application fee and most supporting documents can be submitted online with the application form. The online application form includes detailed instructions. For your convenience, you can also download the application instructions (PDF). Please read the instructions carefully before you fill out the application. Note: Former students seeking readmission and prospective visiting students must contact the Office of Admission for instructions before proceeding.

A complete PhD program application includes:

• Application fee: $50 nonrefundable
• Official transcripts from every college/university previously attended, including documentation of undergraduate and graduate degree completion
• A Statement of Purpose: A two-part explanation of your interest in the PhD program and your academic and career goals, consisting of an autobiographical essay (two typewritten pages) and a statement of your academic preparation and research interests (three typewritten pages)
• Three academic/professional letters of recommendation from persons qualified to assess your suitability for the PhD program
• A current résumé or curriculum vitae
• An academic writing sample: an original research paper, published or unpublished, authored by you alone; maximum of 48 typewritten pages, double spaced
• GRE score (not required but strongly encouraged): Applicants who took the Graduate Record Examination and/or GMAT should have their scores sent to the Office of Admission

Any supporting documents not submitted online can be mailed to the Office of Admission accompanied by a Materials Cover Sheet.

International Applicants and Others with Foreign Credentials

See special requirements for English language proficiency and transcript evaluation.

Costs and Financial Aid

See current tuition and estimated cost of attendance information for the PhD in Public and Urban Policy. Speak to an admission counselor if you are concerned about costs. The New School will work with you to help you finance your graduate program. Admitted students can apply for a two-year scholarship that includes a partial tuition remission and/or a modest living stipend as long a student remains in good academic standing. Public and Urban Policy scholarships are based on merit. All accepted students are automatically considered for other New School merit-based scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships. We strongly recommend that all students applying to a doctoral program seek third-party funding.

Veterans and active members of the U.S. armed forces may be eligible for financial assistance under various programs of the U.S. Veteran's Administration.

All U.S. citizens and permanent residents who file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are considered for loans and grants based on need. The New School's federal school code is 002780. You do not have to wait for an admission decision to file the FAFSA. We recommend that you file not later than March 1 in the year for which you are applying.

Additional Information

Successful applicants receive a letter of acceptance, which includes detailed information and instructions about financial aid, housing, registration, student visas (for nonresidents of the United States), and other matters.

A decision to admit is always contingent upon an applicant's successful completion of any current studies and receipt of a final transcript by the admission committee. Accepted students must arrange have their official final transcripts sent before they begin classes.

All documents submitted as part of the application for admission become the property of The New School and cannot be returned to you or transmitted to a third party.

Students who wish to apply to more than one graduate degree program at The New School should call the office of admission for instructions: 212.229.5150 or toll free at 800.292.3040.