DPPD Curriculum
| YEAR | FALL | SPRING | SUMMER | UNITS AND REQUIREMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Core Course (4 units) | Core Course (4 units) | Select one: Elective Course Methods Course (4 units) | 12 Units Complete |
| Year 2 | Core Course (4 units) | Core Course (4 units) | Select one: Elective Course Methods Course (4 units) | 24 Units Complete |
| Year 3 | Select one: Elective Course Methods Course (4 units) | Select one: Elective Course Methods Course (4 units) | Directed Research (4 units) | 36 Units Complete Qualifying Exam/ Proposal Defense Complete by September |
| Year 4 | PLUS 694A Dissertation (2 units) | PLUS 694B Dissertation (2 units) | July Deadline for Manuscript Submission | 40 Units Complete Degree conferred in August |
Four-Year Plan for Students with Prior Graduate Degree
Core Courses (16 units with cohort)
PLUS 650 Public Policy and Globalization (4 units)
PLUS 651 Applied Research Design and Inquiry (4 units)
PLUS 652 Place, Institutions, and Governance (4 units)
PLUS 653 Leading Change and Innovation in Urban Communities (4 units)
Methodology Course (4 units)
In consultation with their faculty advisor, each student selects one four-unit methods course in preparation for dissertation research.
Field of Study Courses (16 units)
In consultation with their faculty advisor, students craft an elective sequence related to their professional field and dissertation research.
Qualifying Exam
At the end of the third year, each student appoints a qualifying exam committee and presents an oral defense of their dissertation research proposal. Committee approval constitutes passing the qualifying exam, after which the student begins their dissertation.
Dissertation (4 units)
The professional dissertation is an in-depth study of a public policy issue, administrative process, or other element of professional practice that demonstrates an original contribution to public policy, planning, or development theory and/or practice. It must be a substantial scholarly work that satisfies the rigorous standards of doctoral-level research. Each student’s professional advisory committee supervises the research.
Foundation Courses (20 units)
Up to 20 units of foundation courses are required for students admitted without a prior graduate degree. These courses may be taken from Price’s master’s degree programs or, with prior approval, from other USC graduate programs.
Contact Us
For admissions information, please email [email protected].
Anna Parks,
Student Services Advisor
(213) 740-8181
[email protected]