This program aims to train the students to be able to employ a scientific approach in the planning, drafting, execution, evaluation, and revision of STI policy and strategy. Among other things, the program aims to foster administrative officials, practitioners, researchers, and other key personnel who possess advanced skills for policy research, the capability to plan and practice policy and strategy, and are versed with multiple disciplines required for these, along with analytical competence in social science fields, teaching ability in higher education, and high-level foreign language competency.
In principle, the program accepts applicants who possess a Master's degree and are administrative officials or practitioners involved in policymaking, or are personnel who wish to pursue research or education careers in relevant fields. In the first year of the curriculum, participants acquire credits through intensive coursework to acquire theory and analytical methods related to social sciences. Part-time enrollment is possible from the second year onward, with a focus on attendance in seminars. Some of the Japanese classes are held in the evenings and on Saturdays, which makes it possible to obtain the Ph.D. degree while having a job even from the first year upon enrollment. The program accepts enrollment both in April and October.
The degree to be provided is either 'Doctor of Policy Studies' for administrative officials and other practitioners, or 'Ph.D. in Public Policy'' for researchers.
HOW TO APPLY information can be obtained from here.
CURRICULUM and TIMETABLE are here.
A TYPICAL SCHEDULE to obtain Ph.D. Degree:
Program Duration:3 years
Requirements: Students are required to take a sufficient number of the courses listed in the curriculum of the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Program; pass the Qualifying Examination (QE); and successfully complete a dissertation defense.
※In 2021, the number of required credits was changed from 20 to 14 for students who have completed a master's degree program related to science, technology and innovation policy, and for those who have sufficient knowledge of this field. However, students who have not completed a master's degree program related to science, technology and innovation policy and do not have sufficient knowledge of this field are strongly recommended to acquire approximately 20 credits in this program.
Past Ph.D. Papers