Interdisciplinary, Flexible and Powerful

False knowledge can be more dangerous than ignorance, as sages have noted. But much of what we think we know about public policy, finance, and management is based on exactly that - making well-designed research in these areas critical.

Through theoretical and methodological training, Wagner's doctoral students learn how to produce insights required for effective and equitable public and nonprofit programs and policies. Our program is interdisciplinary just like our faculty, so students can draw on economics, political science, sociology, psychology, organization studies and other fields, and it is flexible, allowing students to design a plan of study that takes advantage of the many courses offered at Wagner and NYU's other graduate schools.

We encourage students to study the questions that drive them, while providing the guidance necessary to have the greatest impact. And we emphasize research and teaching experience. Students have many opportunities to participate in research projects with individual faculty or through our affiliated research centers, as well as opportunties to lead classes as teaching colleagues and instructors.

Fast Facts: Wagner's Doctoral Program at a Glance

More information about the NYU Wagner Doctoral Program.

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Program Milestones

Critical milestones in the Doctoral Program include advanced coursework, a preliminary qualifying examination, three comprehensive field examinations (including one in research methods), participation in the NYU Wagner Research Colloquium, and a dissertation based on independent and original research defended before a faculty committee.

Careers

The program prepares graduates for careers at academic institutions, in think tanks, research firms, and research units of public, quasi-public and private organizations, as well as for other positions with substantial responsibilities for the supervision and administration of research.


Advisement

Because the program has considerable flexibility in terms of course selection and preparation for the key milestones, faculty advisors play a pivotal role in the doctoral education process. For an overview of advisement relationships in the Doctoral Program, please visit the student advisement web page.

Recent Dissertation Abstracts

Videos

"The Ph.D. program at NYU Wagner prepares students to perform rigorous, cutting edge research.  But we also encourage students to ask insightful, impactful questions that follow their passions."

-Brian Elbel, Assistant Professor and Doctoral Program Director

Global Perspective

Research has long been a global enterprise, with scholars sharing their work and insights across national, cultural and linguistic borders and within international venues such as journals and conferences. No matter the subject, a researcher's work is enriched by findings from colleagues all over the world.

Located in New York City, an international crossroads, NYU embodies this stance with extensive international networks and an international program Wagner. Our doctoral students have the opportunity to focus their studies on international issues, approaches and institutions, especially those affecting development policy, finance and management. However, all our students can position their work in a global context and all can benefit from the far-reaching connections of our faculty.

Research Colloquium

Doctoral Forms

News/In the Press

10/25/2012
NYU Wagner Alumna Earns Prestigious Teaching Award

03/12/2012
NYU Wagner Soars in US News & World Report Rankings

03/29/2013
Who really gets hurt from cutting child allowances (מי באמת ייפגע מקיצוץ קצבאות הילדים)
- Rajeev Dehejia in Calcalist