Policy Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University
The PhD Policy Studies program is housed in the School of Public Policy and Democratic Innovation (SPPDI). SPPDI harnesses TMU's active community involvement, esteemed research programs and profound understanding of advocacy endeavours to generate a distinctive and positive influence on public policy and democratic engagement. The School aims to enhance democratic processes and foster broader and more equitable participation among various groups.
Learn more about the School of Public Policy and Democratic Innovation.
The PhD Policy Studies program is Canada’s first and only interdisciplinary doctoral program offering students the opportunity to study in three fields: Social Policy; Immigration, Settlement and Diaspora Policies; and Public Policy and Administration.
Societal need for policy research has grown in response to the realities of the knowledge economy and the complex policy challenges facing communities, cities, regions, nations and the world. While policy studies as an area of study has found its disciplinary home in political science, policy research requires an understanding of the historical, cultural, political, institutional, geographic and economic aspects that frame policy fields. Traditional policy fields are increasingly interconnected, have domestic and international dimensions and involve policy actors from the public, non-profit and private sectors. These innate features of public policy require interdisciplinary knowledge and research collaboration across disciplinary boundaries.
This interdisciplinary program is designed to prepare a new generation of researchers for positions in academe and the public, non-profit and private sectors at the local, regional, national and international levels. Please explore our site or contact us to learn more.
Program Highlights
The PhD Policy Studies program is proud to be ranked one of Toronto Metropolitan University's most diverse graduate programs.