PhD in urban policy

[MADHPJZH]

Dear all,

I am a masters in public policy with a undergrad degree in economics. I am desirous of applying for a Phd in public policy specializing in urban policy issues (in 2013). I have had worked in research profiles before and currently I am working with national level ministries responsible for urban development, urban housing and poverty alleviation.

My queries are as follows and would be great to hear from those who can enlighten me on this

1. If I could be suggested good/premier schools and universities that are known for their work (academic research, practice or both) for issues relating to land use, urban transport and/or both and interaction between them and thus the myriad of issues relating to them including sustainable transport, value capture, urban financing and so on. Would be great if I could be suggested schools across America and Europe but other good institutins across other geographies will be good to know too.

2. How much GPA (out of 5) is considered to be a good GPA for a PhD in public policy

[MADHPJZH]

If someone knows about this course and can tell me more about it, would be great..The interdisciplinary 'urban policy and public policy' course at CUNY..

[mirandaw]

What is your reasoning for continuing on to a PhD in policy? Have you worked in the field yet? Have you consulted with professors in your masters program regarding the necessity of a PhD?

[MADHPJZH]

Well I have been working as a practitioner with two national level ministries on urban issues and have been involved in policy making.,.,my reasoning is to scratch my personal itch of doing a PhD and researching policy and institutions with not purely with an academic bent but starting with a premise that it directly can benefit policy making and has a lot of practical implications...thus the field work for the research is eventually also tied with policy making institutions..

my masters teachers have had mixed opinions --for some because of the age (I am 27 now) and for some because of the utility..others have encouraged saying it s a personal decision and that age really doesnt matter...and that I think it through..so I have been thinking for past 2 years and after my masters i wanted to give myself 2 years to work in the field of policy which I did..I do feel that PhD, if done in a properly thought out manner, over a period of next 4 to 5 years, will be a good value add, and a value add for life..given that I choose the right people and places during the course of the PhD..