Joint PhD Program in Urban Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the background and preparation of applicants to this program?

• Typically, students accepted into this program have completed a master's degree in an appropriate discipline and often have substantial professional work experience. Many applicants have backgrounds and training in public health, nursing, architecture, education, social work and public and health care administration. However, applicants are accepted with a broad array of educational and professional experiences.
• Since requirements for admission may vary somewhat among specialties (urban health systems, urban environment and the developing specialty in urban education) potential applicants are encouraged to discuss their background, education, and interests with the program director and/or specialty coordinators prior to completing the application.

Regarding the PhD Program, Urban Environment and Urban Architectural History Tracks
Dr. Karen Franck, Program Director
karen.a.franck@njit.edu

Regarding the urban health specialization:
Dr. Dula Pacquiao, Specialization Coordinator
pacquidf@umdnj.edu

Regarding the urban educational policy specialization:
Dr. Alan Sadovnik, Specialization Coordinator
sadovnik@andromeda.rutgers.edu

2. Who offers the courses and awards the degree for this program?

NJIT, Rutgers-Newark, and UMDNJ jointly sponsor this program. Faculty drawn from all Three Universities offer core and specialty courses. The degree is jointly awarded by all three institutions.

3. Where and when are courses offered?

• Courses are offered on the campuses of all three Universities located in Newark, New Jersey.
• Classes are generally scheduled during the afternoon and early evening.
• Required courses are clustered to facilitate students making more than one course on any given day thus, requiring fewer trips to campus.
• Required courses are not currently scheduled on weekends.

4. Does the program accept both full and part-time students?

• The program accepts both full and part-time students.
• Part-time students are expected to complete a minimum of six credits per semester.

5. How long does it take to complete the program?

• The program has been designed to allow full-time students with a master's degree or the equivalent in a relevant discipline to complete all required course work within two years. Completion of qualifying examinations, dissertation preparation and defense can be expected to take an additional 6 to 24 months depending upon the nature of the research program undertaken and the motivation and determination of the candidate to complete the program expeditiously.
• Part-time students are also expected to complete the program in a timely manner. Required courses are offered at a minimum of once every two years with many offered more frequently. Students are expected to complete a minimum of six credits each semester. Thus, part-time students can complete all required course work (not including early dissertation research or the dissertation) within three years. As in the case of full-time students, the time necessary to complete dissertation research will vary depending upon the motivation and determination of the candidate.

6. What kinds of jobs will I be able to do after I earn the degree?

• Graduates can be employed as faculty, researcher, program planner and evaluator, policy developer, accreditor, administrator, etc. Employment may be in education, health care, government, public health agencies, accreditation/regulatory bodies, etc.