The BPP PhD program trains future academics who do research in areas of political economy, development, public policy, and the economics of organizations—which has traditionally included the areas of firm strategy and innovation.

As with PhD programs in Economics, the first two years of coursework in the BPP program include rigorous training in Microeconomics and Econometrics. BPP students take the Microeconomics and Econometric sequences taught in Berkeley’s Economics Department. In addition, the BPP sequence includes various specific courses tailored to our focus on institutions, which are taught by BPP faculty. These courses include the continuation of Oliver Williamson’s doctoral course on “The economic institutions of capitalism,” two courses on political economy, one theoretical and one empirical, a course on the theory of organizations, and a course on research methods.

Unlike most Economics and Political Science PhD programs, the BPP program admits only two to three students a year. This allows admission criteria to be extremely selective and likewise enables extremely close guidance of students by faculty. Students in the BPP program enjoy the dedicated environment and resources in the program, as well as the many possibilities made available to social scientists in the wonderful Berkeley campus. The BPP PhD program boasts an excellent placement record, having populated the faculty ranks of the top universities in the country.

For more information about the Business and Public Policy Program, visit the program website, which includes information about:

• The BPP curriculum
• A profile of the BPP students
• BPP job market candidates
• Recent placements