The Ph.D. Development Studies program aims to provide advanced knowledge and skills to teachers, researchers, and development specialists who choose a career in policy development, planning and administration. The program emphasizes an understanding of contemporary development challenges that is rooted in a historical perspective, situated within local, national, regional and global realities, and informed by multi-disciplinary theoretical approaches. The objective of the program is to produce scholars and practitioners ably equipped to systemically examine development processes, institutions and outcomes so that they contribute to evidence-based development interventions.

The Ph.D. Development Studies program is available in both standard and research tracks. Under the standard track, students enroll in 48 units of coursework, take a comprehensive examination, and submit and orally defend a dissertation proposal and the completed dissertation.

The research track is intended for those with a demonstrated research track record and/or superior credentials as an executive in development-related work. It is offered to respond to the educational needs of accomplished individuals in government, business, the academe, and non-government organizations. The program involves a full-time, three-year residency in which the student takes a total of 60 units, consisting of 18 units of coursework, 30 units of directed research, and 12 units of doctoral dissertation work.