phd public policy online

PhD in Public Policy

In this section.

• Economics Track
• Judgment and Decision Making Track
• Politics and Institutions Track
• Science, Technology and Policy Studies Track
• Current Students
• Doctoral Student Handbook
• Dissertations & Job Placements
• PhD Student Life
• Faculty & Research

As an exceptional scholar, you want an exceptional graduate program.

The PhD in Public Policy (PPOL) program provides the advanced graduate training you need to successfully launch yourself into a research or related position in academia, government, a nongovernmental organization, or the private sector. 

You will get the training you need to conduct analytical research, help shape and execute policy, and teach the next generation of educators, researchers, and practitioners. The program encourages scholarly research that empowers public policy practitioners like you to make informed decisions and be leaders in their fields. 

Finding firm grounding for research in environmental economics

PPOL PhD alumnus Todd Gerarden’s fascination with bike mechanics mingled with his love of cycling and the outdoors; what emerged was a budding interest in energy and environmental policy. An undergraduate professor suggested he read  Economics of the Environment,  a collection of selected readings edited by HKS professor  Robert N. Stavins . That suggestion changed the course of his career.

Todd Gerarden PPOL PhD 2018

The complete phd.

The PPOL admits students to one of four tracks: Economics ; Judgment and Decision Making ; Politics and Institutions ; and Science, Technology and Policy Studies .    

PPOL graduates enter the workplace prepared to teach, carry out research, and make a profound impact in academia, while for others the degree leads to productive careers in think tanks, multinational organizations, NGOs, or the private sector.

"I've joined two research labs at HKS: Jennifer Lerner's and Julia Minson's. The brainstorming, feedback, and mutual pursuit of important research that comes from working in the labs is truly fulfilling."

Brad dewees ppol phd 2019, doctoral program admissions, funding your doctoral education.

• Best Ph.D. In Public Administration Online

Best Ph.D. In Public Administration Online Of 2024

Updated: Oct 4, 2023, 4:44pm

From poverty to rising healthcare costs, political polarization to government unaccountability, holders of online doctorates in public administration are working to address the most pressing problems facing our world.

The academic field of public administration covers the management of public resources and organizations related to government. Through the study of strategic management, economic policy, budgeting and other core subjects, an online doctor public administration (DPA) prepares learners for public administration careers .

Graduates go on to work in all types of important positions, including nonprofit manager, legislative aide, political consultant and college professor, to name a few.

Online education has been rising in popularity for more than a decade, and students now have multiple options to pursue a public administration degree while staying close to home and even holding down a full-time job. This pathway might be available even if you haven’t seriously studied public administration before, as not all online DPA programs require applicants to hold degrees in public administration.

Read on to learn about the nonprofit, accredited U.S. universities offering online DPA programs.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We scored three accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online doctor of public administration degree programs in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process.

We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of June 2023.

We scored schools based on the following categories:

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

We listed all three schools in the U.S. that met our ranking criteria.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Degree Finder

Best online ph.d. in public administration degree options.

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Should You Enroll in an Online Doctor of Public Administration Program?

Accreditation for an online doctor of public administration, how to find the right online doctor of public administration for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about earning an online doctor of public administration, west chester university of pennsylvania, california baptist university, valdosta state university, featured online schools.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial credit and much more by clicking 'Visit Site'

Graduate Tuition

$645/credit (in state)

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU) prepares doctoral students for work at the highest levels of public administration through core coursework focused on policy advocacy, leadership, strategic management and public-sector financial decision-making. WCU offers a personalized dissertation process and graduate assistantships. Students can work on research projects alongside faculty and present their work at regional and national conferences.

WCU charges a distance education fee of up to 15% of tuition per course along with an educational service fee.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on a set schedule
• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 45 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Strategic public management and governance, quantitative methods of program and policy and evaluation
• Concentrations Available: Public policy and administration, criminal justice, geography and planning and graduate social work
• In-Person Requirements: No

$827/credit (in state)

Based in Riverside, California, California Baptist University (CBU) offers an online doctor of public administration that students can complete in as little as three years. The DPA program features a cohort model that allows students to progress together through coursework and their dissertation projects. Online courses are offered in an accelerated, eight-week format.

CBU is authorized to offer distance learning in 37 states. As CBU is a religious institution, its DPA program prepares learners to apply Christian ethical standards to important issues of policy and governance.

CBU charges DPA students an online education fee of $365 per semester. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

• School Type: Private nonprofit
• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 56 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, full-time, part-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Collaboration and networked governance, Strategic planning and management
• Concentrations Available: N/A

$254/credit (in state)

Georgia-based Valdosta State University (VSU) offers a DPA program geared toward professionals already working in the field of public administration. Admission is highly competitive; for fall 2021, VSU received 113 applications and accepted only 38 students.

The program typically takes between five and seven years to complete. Coursework is divided among core, theory, method, elective, and capstone or project courses.

DPA students are assessed an online tuition fee of $293 per credit hour.

• Our Flexibility Rating: N/A
• Application Fee: $45
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time, part-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Research and methods for public administration, culture of formal work organizations
• Concentrations Available: Students must identify a concentration, though no formal list of concentrations is offered. Students instead develop their own DPA program of study in consultation with an advisor.
• In-Person Requirements: Yes. Students meet for residency seminars at the VSU campus during the first weekend of the spring and fall semesters.

A DPA can lead to exciting and high-paying new career opportunities, but before you start gathering application materials, take some time to consider whether pursuing an online doctorate is the right move.

For one thing, ask yourself if online learning is best for you. Earning a doctorate takes time. The programs on this list can take up to seven years—a long time to commit to online education if you prefer to learn in a traditional classroom format.

The most successful online learners are typically self-starters who are well-organized and disciplined. So if you’re more successful with face-to-face learning and in-person support, an online degree might not suit your learning style.

Next, think about your lifestyle and schedule. Online learning is known for its flexibility, so if work and family commitments currently take up a lot of your time, online learning might be preferable to an on-campus education. Through asynchronous coursework, you can access course materials 24/7 and learn on your own schedule.

Finally, consider how much you want to spend. Online learning can be cheaper than an in-person education, especially if the institution is located in another state. This is because schools sometimes extend in-state tuition rates to all online students, even if they live out of state.

While researching degree programs, you should give plenty of thought to accreditation. Accrediting bodies endorse schools and programs that meet certain standards for student outcomes, financial management and other important metrics. There are two types of accreditation to consider, institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation concerns entire institutions, while programmatic refers to specific departments and degrees.

A degree from an unaccredited school might not be recognized by employers, other schools or credentialing bodies. Plus, students of unaccredited institutions don’t qualify for federal financial aid.

The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA), a body that accredits public policy master’s degree programs, does not accredit doctoral programs. However, two schools on this list are NASPAA members: WCU and VSU, meaning they adhere to NASPAA’s standards at the master’s level.

Some DPA programs, such as WCU’s, fall within business departments and can therefore hold accreditation from a business-oriented programmatic accreditor. WCU’s program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Consider Your Future Goals

People who earn online DPAs go on to work jobs in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. They oversee people and projects in city and county governments, state legislatures, health departments and military branches.

But each program on this list is different and offers unique opportunities. So, consider if you’d like to perform and present important research alongside established scholars; if so, you might seek a doctoral program with faculty who specialize in areas that align with your interests. If you already work in the public administration sector, you might prioritize programs geared toward current public administration professionals.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

The cost of an online doctor of public administration varies widely, as indicated by the three programs on this list. Tuition rates range from $254 to $827 per credit, and programs require between 45 and 56 credits to complete. The cheapest option, Valdosta State University, costs less than $14,000, while the most expensive, California Baptist University, runs around $46,000.

To help fund tuition, schools offer aid in the form of scholarships, fellowships and assistantships. To locate federal student aid opportunities, including grants, scholarships and loans, fill out the FAFSA.

How long does it take to get a doctor of public administration?

According to NASPAA, earning a DPA takes an average of five to six years, or potentially less if the student has already completed a master of public administration or a similar degree. VSU allows students up to 12 years to complete its DPA program—seven to complete the coursework and five to finish the dissertation. On the other end of the spectrum, students at CBU regularly complete the DPA program in three years.

What is the difference between a Ph.D. and a DPA?

Many DPA students already work in the field of public administration and are pursuing the credential to gain further career opportunities. DPA programs typically aim to train practitioners to work in the field, while Ph.D. programs focus more on academic scholarship. DPA graduates often become senior-level public executives, and people who graduate with a Ph.D. in public administration commonly become college professors and research directors.

Garrett Andrews is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Political Science at Portland Community College where he teaches State and Local Government.

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Public Administration and Policy Online (PhD)

• Doctor of Philosophy
• Strome College of Business
• School of Public Service

Why ODU for Public Administration and Policy?

Effective public administration and policy-making requires collaborative decisions and problem solving. Our PhD program takes a multi-sector approach. You'll focus on the challenges that arise where governments, nonprofits, businesses, community groups, and individuals intersect.

You will graduate with a solid grounding in the theory and issues of traditional public administration and public policy. You'll also gain the practical knowledge to influence decision makers and lead organizations involved in public service.

You will develop the skills to:

• Conduct policy analyses
• Design and conduct research studies in public administration
• Report research findings and its implications to a variety of audiences and decision-makers
• Make informed policy and administrative decisions
• Assess policy and implementation issues
• Establish, manage, and evaluate multi-sector programs and relationships
• Teach courses in public administration and policy

Whether you're new to public administration or taking your public service career to the next level, you will be able to apply your experience and education to effect change in the public sphere.

Want to learn more? Contact us!

Best Online Doctorate in Public Administration, 2024 - Intelligent.com

Most Affordable Online Doctoral Degrees, 2023 -  OnlineU.com

Required Courses

• 37 credit hours of doctoral level coursework
• 12 credit hours of dissertation work

You will be taught by ODU faculty with expertise in:

• nonprofit and public management
• public-private partnerships
• public procurement and contract management
• citizen participation
• dispute resolution
• economic development
• Core Course Long Range Schedule
• View Course Details in ODU's Graduate Catalog

Online Learning Environment

Participate in live, regularly scheduled online class meetings and access course materials online from any location. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

• Taking Classes Online

Careers in Public Administration and Policy

Public administration and policy is an interdisciplinary field. With ODU's PhD, you can apply your experience and education in other fields — like political science, criminal justice, social work, business, engineering, fine arts, education, and more — to effect change in the public or nonprofit sphere. 

Our coursework will teach you how to create and disseminate knowledge to advance public service, whether you plan to become an instructor, conduct research, or take management positions in government or nonprofit environments.

Calculating Cost

Rates are effective Fall 2024 and subject to change. * In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

• Explore ODUGlobal Cost & Aid

Meet Your Team

The graduate program director will serve as your advisor through your first nine credits. Then you will form an advisory committee who will mentor you through the rest of the program.

Contact us if you have questions about admission requirements or application deadlines.

Ready to get started?

How to apply.

Applications are accepted year-round, and new students start each fall semester. The deadline for completed applications is March 1. To apply, you will need:

• A master's degree from a regionally-accredited institution or comparable foreign institution with a minimum 3.25 GPA (4.0 scale).
• Two letters of recommendation from academic sources.
• A professional resume.
• A 3-6 page essay about your academic and professional goals and why you chose our program.
• GRE/GMAT scores at 25th percentile for verbal and quant (taken within the last five years). A GRE waiver request is available here .
• If your native language is not English and you do not have a U.S. graduate degree, a minimum score of 79 on the TOEFL, or 6.5 on the IELTS.
• Request Info

Want to get started now?

You may be able to take up to four courses (12 credit hours) as a non-degree graduate student, before you are accepted into a specific degree program. 

Please contact us to discuss this option with an expert advisor.

2024 Best Online PhD in Public Policy Programs

If you’re interested in high-level policy work, you may consider earning a PhD in Public Policy online.

A public policy doctoral program may not only teach you the necessary skills for the field but also qualify you for employment within universities, government agencies, and research organizations.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

You may even earn your online public policy degree with self-paced or part-time courses that fit within your busy schedule.

Universities Offering Online PhD in Public Policy Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Liberty University

The public policy doctorate program at Liberty University consists of 60 credits. It offers specialties in social policy, education policy, economic policy, foreign policy, and more. The program usually takes 3 years to complete, and classes are available 100% online.

Liberty University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University offers a PhD in Public Administration and Policy. Students can learn how to design research studies, conduct policy evaluations, build multi-sector programs, and even teach postsecondary classes in policy.

The program requires 49 credits to graduate, with 37 credits being coursework and 12 credits being dissertation related.

Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Saybrook University

Rather than offering a public policy degree, Saybrook University has a transformative social change degree. It covers many of the same topics, including advocacy, public relations, and social program development, but it has a stronger emphasis on reform and research.

Classes are available online with a 5 day, in-person conference at the beginning of the semester.

Saybrook University is accredited by the Senior Commission of Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Union Institute and University

The public policy program at Union Institute and University is divided into two 6 month terms, and classes are a hybrid blend of online and in-person.

There are two residency periods in winter and summer to get hands-on experience with policy, reform, leadership, and administration. The program requires 66 credits and can be completed in as little as 3 years.

Union Institute and University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Walden University

Walden University offers a PhD in Public Policy and Administration. The school operates on a quarter credit system, and there are several tracks that you can choose from, depending on whether you’re more interested in coursework, projects, or residencies. Some elements of the program are online while others are in person.

Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Online Ph.D. in Public Policy Programs

An online doctorate in public policy is the highest qualification that you can obtain in the field. As such, you may encounter rigorous coursework in subjects like business, economics, civics, ethics, and public administration.

A lot of your curriculum will typically depend on your specialization. If you’re focusing on welfare reform, for example, your schedule might look very different from someone who is studying education or international politics.

Most schools require the completion of a dissertation in order to graduate with a PhD. Some might let you complete a capstone project or a certain number of fieldwork hours instead. Additionally, schools might have opportunities for internships and fellowships within public policy agencies and other relevant organizations.

After you graduate, you may pursue many different career paths, including legislator, policy analyst, political scientist, university professor, and health services manager. The direction of your career will often depend on what you studied in school and what you’re qualified to do.

The good news is that public policy is a growing field. More and more people are being hired to work in nonprofits, social service agencies, government offices, and international think tanks, among others.

While a public policy PhD isn’t a guarantee of a good job, it may help you stand out from other applicants in competitive fields. It may also provide you with the educational foundation that can help you thrive in a high-level position.

Public Policy Careers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the average salary for management positions is $109,760 per year. They don’t track public policy jobs specifically, but a PhD will often qualify you for managerial positions.

The following are a few careers in this field that you might consider:

These jobs range from university positions to ones within government agencies, private businesses, and even community service groups. A public policy degree can be very versatile.

Public Policy Doctoral Curriculum

Most public policy degree programs are divided into core classes and electives. The core classes will likely cover things like quantitative research methods. The electives are broader and more wide-ranging to account for different specializations, such as finance, economics, health policy, environmental policy, or international business.

You might find the following courses in a public policy doctoral program.

• Evaluating Public Policies and Programs : This is a basic, introductory-level course that will teach you how to perform evaluations and apply standard research methods to tasks and studies.
• Finance : Even if you aren’t specializing in it, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with budgeting, accounting, and fundraising for public policy work.
• Ethics in Public Policy : Usually required as a core class, this is an ethics course with an emphasis on the challenges and moral debates surrounding both classic and contemporary issues in public policy.
• Leadership : Though they’re not exclusive to public policy programs, leadership courses can be useful for future managers and supervisors of all types. They’ll cover things like communication, delegation, organizational behavior, and strategic decision making.
• Policy Analysis : An analysis course will teach you how to approach and understand policy research and development through readings, data collections, discussion boards, collaborative projects, and more.
• Global Affairs : These classes can cover everything from foreign policy study to diversity and sensitivity training for future overseas workers.
• Economics : Economics is another subject that’s frequently considered essential for public policy students. You might be required to take microeconomics, macroeconomics, or statistical methods in economics.
• Public or Business Administration : These classes will cover the administrative side of things, like policy development and research.
• Special Topics in Public Policy : Since the field of public policy is ever-changing, it’s common to find “special topics” courses that cover current, real-world issues in the field.
• Dissertation : Your dissertation will often be the culmination of your degree, and it usually requires several semesters’ worth of drafting, writing, editing, and researching. Some schools will even have a mandatory credit requirement for dissertation preparation.

If you’re going for a PhD in Public Policy online, you may want to speak with an advisor about the face-to-face requirements of your degree. Even an online program might require in-person fieldwork with a nonprofit, government office, or social service agency.

There can be various admission requirements for a public policy PhD program, so it’s often worth looking into the specifics of your chosen school to make sure that you meet their criteria. Generally speaking, the requirements will look a little something like this:

• Test scores . While a growing number of schools are experimenting with “test optional” admission models, PhD programs may still request GMAT or GRE scores.
• Transcripts . Some grad schools will require both a bachelor’s and master’s degree for admission. Others will only require a bachelor’s degree.
• Application . In addition to personal and financial data, a typical PhD application involves a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose or intent.

Sometimes it can take weeks or even months to gather all of the necessary documents, submit an application, arrange for financial aid, and work out the minutiae of your schedule. Instead of waiting until the last minute to apply, you might want to give yourself plenty of time to figure things out.

Accreditation

As a prospective PhD student, you may already be familiar with accreditation and why it’s important, but it bears repeating. It’s beneficial to check the website of the U.S. Department of Education for accredited schools when looking at public policy doctoral programs.

High-level universities and government agencies are generally only going to recognize a PhD from an accredited school. Additionally, many loan and scholarship organizations require you to attend an accredited school to qualify for financial aid.

Financial Aid

Financial aid for PhD students is a little different than financial aid for undergrads. While you’ll still qualify for certain parts of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) , including the Direct PLUS Loan for Graduate and Professional Studies, aid like the Pell Grant will no longer apply.

Instead, you may want to look at fellowships, scholarships, and assistantships that are meant specifically for PhD students. You can also see if you qualify for fully-funded or partially-funded PhD programs that may pay you a stipend in addition to covering costs of tuition and textbooks.

In addition to seeing what’s available to you as a public policy student, you can also check out financial aid for business administration and political science students. There’s often a lot of overlap in these fields, so you might find scholarships that are open to anyone within politics, economics, policy, and law (PEPL).

What Can You Do with a Ph.D. in Public Policy?

A public policy degree can help prepare you for a number of different careers. If you’re interested in politics, for example, you might pursue a career as a legislator, political scientist, policy analyst, or government program director.

If you want to make the world a better place, you might focus on education, public health, or social services work as an administrative manager. You might study or teach at universities as a researcher or professor. You may even become a fundraiser for your favorite charitable cause.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Public Policy?

It may take anywhere from 3 years to 5 years to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public Policy. It depends, though, on the required number of credits from your degree program and whether you’re studying full-time or part-time.

If you’re enrolled in a hybrid or online program that allows for extra flexibility with your classes, the trade-off might be a longer graduation time than if you’d studied on a more traditional schedule.

What Is the Difference Between Public Policy vs. Political Science?

As a subject, political science is closely related to public policy, but it’s not quite the same. Political science takes a broad, sweeping look at politics as a whole. On the other hand, public policy has a narrower, more specialized focus on public organizations and their policies and procedures.

This isn’t to say that public policy is a small field. On the contrary, it may lead to many different jobs in schools, charities, courtrooms, law firms, government agencies, and social service offices. It’s just focused exclusively on the policy work of such institutions.

What’s the Difference Between a PhD in Public Policy vs. Public Administration?

Public administration is another field with a lot of crossover into public policy. Again, the difference lies in the focus areas of the two disciplines.

Public policy is dedicated to policy: researching it, analyzing it, creating it, and reviewing it. Public administration, on the other hand, can involve policy work in addition to many other skills and subjects.

Is a Ph.D. in Public Policy Worth It?

Yes, a public policy PhD is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 5% job growth in management-level positions over the next 10 years. Common public policy careers include policy analyst, political scientist, administration manager, nonprofit director, and public relations specialist.

Maybe you’re a long-time student of public policy. Maybe you already have a background in political science or business administration, but you’re looking to specialize your focus area or qualify for higher-paying jobs within your industry.

Either way, a PhD in Public Policy may be a strategic investment for the future, and the existence of accredited online degree programs may make it more convenient for you to earn this terminal degree.

Public Policy PhD in Social Policy Online Policy Pioneers: Innovate Social Solutions

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Help Create Positive Cultural Change with Liberty University’s PhD in Public Policy – Social Policy

Are you a public policy professional seeking career advancement? Do you have a passion for helping your community work through complex cultural issues to create positive social change? With Liberty University’s 100% online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy – Social Policy, you can prepare to shape social policy at the local, state, and national levels.

Help communities break out of cycles of hardship by learning to develop smart, practical policies that promote the welfare of citizens. Whether you want to conduct social policy research or help train up the next generation of social policy professionals, Liberty’s online PhD in Public Policy can help you develop the skills you need to make a positive impact through your career.

We’re committed to helping you become a leader of integrity — someone who models a biblical understanding of statesmanship while using effective strategies to analyze, develop, and promote social policy. Throughout this program, you’ll explore essential research methods and practical applications that can help equip you to make a real, lasting difference in our nation.

Upon graduation from our social policy PhD program, you could pursue top roles in academia, advocacy, or research. Partner with us and see how far your doctorate in social policy can take you.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s Online PhD in Social Policy Degree?

Liberty has been a pioneer in distance education since 1985. A lot has changed since then, but our commitment to Training Champions for Christ has not. We seek to develop Christ-centered leaders who can advocate for better, healthier communities and effectively engage with the most challenging cultural issues of our time.

At Liberty, you won’t just earn a degree — you can develop the knowledge, values, and skills essential for impacting the world. Our PhD in social policy is designed to help you make a greater impact on the legislative side of policymaking. And, because we are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ), you can pursue your degree with confidence.

Each course within our public policy doctoral program is taught from a biblical worldview, so you can explore ethics and moral decision-making as they relate to public policy development. Additionally, our online doctorate in social policy is offered 100% online, giving you the flexibility to complete your courses from the comfort of your home. You can earn your degree without putting your life on hold and stay invested in your family, job, and community while furthering your education.

Liberty’s PhD in Public Policy courses are taught by professors who have years of experience working in policy, government, and legislation. With their guidance, you can hone your expertise and explore both the theoretical and practical side of policymaking. Our faculty are firmly rooted in the Christian faith and committed to teaching you best practices for developing effective social policies.

What Will You Study in Our Online Social Policy PhD Program?

The core courses in this degree cover a wide range of topics, including the foundations of statesmanship, natural law, the Constitution, federalism, and policy analysis. You’ll receive advanced training that can help you succeed as a senior leader in public service.

Healthcare, taxation, immigration, and international relations are all issues that affect communities across the country — and they can also be the underlying causes of many social concerns. Our social policy area of study is designed to help you understand the nuances of current trends in social policy and apply ethical solutions to critical policy challenges. You can also gain the skills needed to help educate future public policy leaders, researchers, and scholars.

Additionally, you’ll learn about conducting research within the context of public policy decision-making. Our program seeks to blend theory, biblical principles, and practical application so you can form a well-rounded approach to social policy. By completing a dissertation, you can conduct valuable research and contribute to the base of knowledge in your field.

Potential Career Opportunities

• Director of research
• Professor of political science
• Public interest/advocacy group leader
• Public policy evaluator
• Senior public policy analyst
• Social research scientist
• Social scientist

Featured Courses

• PLCY 805 – Policy Analysis and Research Design
• PLCY 850 – Introduction to Social Policy Studies
• PLCY 851 – Research Seminar in Social Policy
• PLCY 885 – Research Concept

Degree Information

• This program falls under the Helms School of Government .
• View the Graduate Government Course Guides (login required) .

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Liberty’s Online PhD in Social Policy

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

Ready to Apply?

Submit your application online or over the phone.

Apply by phone: (800) 424-9595

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you do with a social policy degree.

Liberty University’s public policy PhD is designed to help you reach the pinnacle of your career through advanced training in research, theory, and social policy issues. You can become equipped to make a bigger impact on your community and better the lives of those around you. For instance, you could help develop policies that are designed to promote the welfare of a particular population. You could also pursue roles as an advocate, manager, analyst, researcher, or professor in the areas of public service and social policy.

Social policy vs. public policy — what’s the difference?

Social policy is a specialized area that falls within the larger field of public policy. While public policy can refer to any policy or directive from the government, social policy is mainly concerned with policy that affects people’s welfare. Social policy can affect areas like education, housing, healthcare, social security, family policy, criminal justice, and child protection.

Are there any specializations within this degree?

Explore the other areas of study within our PhD in Public Policy program and select the specialization that best matches your interests and career goals.

What are the scheduling options like?

Our PhD in social policy distance learning program is designed to help you fit your coursework into your busy schedule.

Will I have the opportunity to network with other students and professionals while pursuing this degree?

You’ll have the opportunity to network with leaders and experts in the field of social policy while pursuing your degree.

What resources will be available to me in this program?

As an online Liberty student, you can access a wealth of resources through our top-notch research portal.

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