The cognate area provides opportunities for the doctoral student to develop an extended knowledge base associated with the concentration field of study. The coursework should lead to the development of an understanding of the origin, history, ontology, philosophy, conceptual underpinnings, or appropriate application of the student's chosen area of study. The major and cognate areas should represent a cohesive program of study. There is one required course in the cognate, and it is to be completed as one of the final courses taken in a student's program of study. Other courses to complete the cognate area requirement are selected by the student in consultation with his or her doctoral advisory committee.
Students study course topics decided by the seminar as well as a topic of their own choosing.
Emphasis is on critical analysis and communication across areas of policy studies. Students study the formative and summative evaluations of educational products, processes, programs, and personnel. Models and philosophies as well as current controversies and applications are examined.