Develop and lead policy solutions for some of government and society's most complex problems. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy is a research-based program and is the highest degree awarded in public policy at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School. It denotes an advanced level of competence in scholarly research and communication. This program will provide you with an opportunity to expand your knowledge and acquire in-demand skills, contribute to the study of public policy, and master the theories, concepts and applications of policy within a government or organization.   

Quick Facts

Looking for answers to some of your key questions? We have you covered.

Areas of Focus

As one of Canada's leading schools for policy analysis and research, the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy is making a difference by concentrating its research capacity on areas related to innovation, science, technology, health, society and inequality, and governance. To ensure engagement in these areas of research, JSGS faculty are committed to encouraging student involvement in research projects, grant applications, seminar series, and other opportunities for knowledge translation.

Research Supervisors

Curriculum

The PhD is a research-based program that involves a combination of twelve credit units of coursework (four courses), research, and the writing of a dissertation. Once you are admitted into the program, your supervisor and program advisor will work with you on your program of studies (i.e., selection of appropriate courses). 

If you have already taken one or more of the following courses (i.e., in a master's program), you will be required to substitute with a different course(s). You may take additional courses in a particular subject area if you wish, subject to the approval of your advisory committee.

Minimum four courses (twelve credit units) from the following:

Students must also register in the following courses:

Transfer Credit

• The University of Saskatchewan campus does not accept transfer credit.
• At the University of Regina, transfer credit is awarded when a student has successfully completed coursework at this or another accredited institution of higher education at the Master’s level. This coursework must be first reviewed by JSGS, then recommended to Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research via JSGS. Credits can then be transferred to the student’s program at the University of Regina. Transfer credit(s) must be submitted for review and obtained in the first semester of beginning the new program. Transfer credit only applies to courses that have not been used to satisfy another academic credential (e.g. master’s degree, certificate, diploma). For more information, visit here.

Schedule

The intent of the PhD core course schedule is to provide students with assistance in planning for upcoming semesters.

Normally, some core and elective courses are scheduled during the daytime and some in the evening (or on weekends and/or in blocks) to accommodate both full-time and part-time learners.

**Classes may change as circumstances require.

As a student entering the PhD program, you will be required to pass a qualifying exam. This exam may be waived for students with a master’s degree (with thesis) in public policy from a recognized university and for students with a master’s degree (with thesis) in a cognate field (e.g., economics, political science, political sociology, public or educational administration). Normally this examination is administered within the first year, preferably within the first four months, of starting your PhD program.

You will also be required to complete a comprehensive exam following your prescribed coursework. The comprehensive exam involves both written and oral components. The exam will cover general public policy topics, as well as material linked to your research program. Following the successful completion of your comprehensive exam, you will move to the development of a dissertation proposal and, upon its approval, to the dissertation research (either a standard dissertation structure or a three-paper model).

Effective September 1, 2023, the per-term tuition for the PhD program is approximately $1,993 for both domestic students and international students, plus on-campus graduate student fees.

Assuming a four-year completion, the total tuition (using rates for 2023-24) for both domestic and international students is approximately $23,916. Assuming the average time to competition of 5.5 years, the total tuition (using rates for 2023-24) for both domestic and international students is approximately $32,885.

Continuous registration for all students in the PhD program is required—that is, students must register in all three terms each academic year until their program is completed.

• University of Regina Tuition and Fees
• University of Saskatchewan Tuition and Fees

Highly qualified PhD students who are engaged in the program on a full-time basis will automatically be considered for funding at a competitive rate. In addition to potential funding from the school, there are scholarships and awards available for students at the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan.

• University of Regina Scholarships and Funding
• University of Saskatchewan Scholarships and Funding

As Saskatchewan's policy school, the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School is unique in its partnership with both the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan. As a student, you'll benefit from learning from faculty and executives-in-residence across our two campuses and will have the opportunity to visit both campuses (either in person or virtually) throughout your program.

So how do you decide where to apply? Besides considering available faculty advisors at each campus, we encourage you to explore both universities and communities to determine which is the best fit for you.

Application Deadlines

The PhD program has one intake every year and welcomes a new class each September. The application deadline for the PhD program is December 1 for entry in the following academic year.

To meet the deadline, all components of your application must be received by 11:59 PM CST on December 1. Applications that are incomplete will not be reviewed nor will they be deferred to future terms.

Application Qualifications

Applicants to the PhD program must have a master’s degree in public policy, public administration or in a cognate discipline such as economics, political science, political sociology or educational administration, with a minimum average of 75 percent in that program.

Please note that because the number of applications received greatly exceeds the number of available places, not all qualified applicants will be offered admission (we typically admit two to three students a year). Indeed, successful candidates will typically have an average well in excess of 80 percent (or lower first class).

Application Process and Required Documentation

The Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy has aligned its application requirements (where possible) across its two university campuses; however, please note that the application portal varies by campus. 

Please apply through one campus only.

What are JSGS PhD Alumni up to?

• Read more alumni stories

PhD Student Stories

• Read more about our PhD students' research