Make a Positive Impact: Top Online PhDs in Public Policy
Do you want to shape, teach, or research public policy? Learn more about the best online PhD in Public Policy programs and learn how this advanced degree can serve your academic and career goals.
The demand for professionals with a PhD in Public Policy (or the related Doctor of Public Administration) is rising across various fields, including social work, human services, public administration, public policy, and more.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, at least 50% of all public policy career positions require an advanced degree, including political scientists, economists, sociologists, and lawyers. To meet this demand, colleges and universities are offering online PhD in Public Policy programs that provide flexibility and convenience for students.
If you’re considering earning a terminal degree in public policy, this guide is here to help. It’s important to research the different types of programs, format types, accreditation, and cost. To help you find the right program, keep reading to find a list of the best online PhD programs in public policy and other essential information about this degree.
Online Public Policy PhD Programs: A Closer Look
Selecting the best online PhD in Public Policy program to meet your academic and career goals, study preferences, and busy lifestyle is crucial to your success. It is important to take the time to assess your individual situation and explore the various available degree programs.
To help you get started with your program search, you’ll find spotlights below on three online PhD in Public Policy programs that provide insight into the cost, study formats, admissions and academic requirements, and other important factors. While everyone’s definition of “best” will be different, these three universities offer a variety of quality PhD programs with flexible study options and reasonable costs.
Liberty University
Liberty University’s online PhD in Public Policy program is designed to prepare you for a variety of careers in which you’ll make a lasting difference in education and policy, including serving as an academic specialist, counterterrorism analyst, federal agent, intelligence analyst, policy researcher, professor, and more.
Built around a Christianity-centered curriculum and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the fully online, 60-credit-hour program is completed in a series of eight-week courses. Students will learn about state and federal leadership, explore the models of policy analysis, and look at the interplay between state and federal governments.
In this program, you can choose between a general track or a degree specialization — Chinese affairs, economic policy, education policy, foreign policy, national security policy, or social policy among them. Liberty University offers a competitive tuition rate: $595 per credit for full-time doctoral students, and $650 per credit for part-time doctoral students.
Walden University
Walden University’s online PhD in Public Policy and Administration helps prepare you to pursue careers in academia or high-level practitioner and leadership roles in government, public, and nonprofit sectors.
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Walden University offers this online program with flexible start dates throughout the year. Core courses in governance, policy analysis, and research methods will contribute to your leadership and policy expertise, and four required residencies will help you gain in-depth knowledge through lessons and networking. You’ll also be required to publish a dissertation as part of this PhD program.
Walden also offers competitive tuition and financial aid options, including the ability to transfer up to 20 credits from a prior program to reduce overall costs. Estimated tuition cost for three-year completion is $57,785, while an eight-year completion is estimated to cost $133,610.
Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University’s online PhD in Public Policy and Administration is designed to develop leaders who can address public sector challenges at the local, state, national, and international levels. It is the only university in the state offering a PhD in Public Policy.
Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, this program offers a strong emphasis on research, governance, and policy analysis. You’ll earn 48 credits (minimum) in a fully online and synchronous format, providing flexibility if you’re a working professional. Students gain expertise in areas like theory and practice of public administration, applied quantitative techniques, research methods, administrative management, and ethical decision-making.
Financial aid opportunities are available for TSU’s online PhD in Public Policy program. In-state students pay about $575 per credit; online students who live out of state may be eligible for the E-Rate of about $824 per credit.
PhD vs. Doctorate in Public Policy: Which is Right for You?
When pursuing advanced education in public policy, you can choose between two major doctoral degrees: a PhD in Public Policy or a Doctor of Public Policy (DPP). The PhD in Public Policy is research-intensive, preparing students for careers in academia and policy analysis through theoretical exploration and original research.
The DPP focuses on practical application, equipping professionals with the skills to lead and implement policy in public, nonprofit, or government sectors. Both degrees offer unique paths depending on your career goals. The following table provides a more detailed comparison between the two options.
| PhD in Public Policy | Doctorate in Public Policy (DPP) | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Research and theoretical knowledge | Practical application and leadership |
| Student Type | Academic students and researchers | Mid- to senior-level career professionals |
| Student Goal | Academic or research position | Solving real-world problems in top echelons of government, public service, or nonprofit organizations |
| Funding | Grant- or scholarship-based, fellowships | Self-funded or employer sponsorships |
| Prerequisites | Master’s degree | Professional experience in public service or policy-related fields |
| Length | 5-8 years | 3-4 years |
| Capstone | Dissertation & presentation | Major project focused on practical application |
Duration: Online Public Policy PhD
The duration of an online PhD or doctorate in public policy can vary. Some students can complete their degree in three years, while others may take up to six or eight years. Timeline of completion depends on various factors, including course format, full-time versus part-time enrollment, credit transfer, and more. With this variation in mind, let’s examine a standard timeline for earning an online PhD in Public Policy.
Year One
In the first year, students typically focus on core courses that introduce key concepts in public policy and administration. Core courses may cover topics like quantitative research methods and ethics. You may also weave in electives related to your research interests and identify potential faculty advisors. Students also begin to develop research skills, learning how to analyze policy issues critically.
Networking opportunities with faculty and peers lay the groundwork for future collaboration. By the end of the year, you’ll likely be expected to formulate research interests — setting the stage for dissertation work — and you may also be required to file a plan of work to explain your academic intentions.
Year Two
The second year often involves more specialized coursework in policy evaluation and research, allowing students to deepen an understanding of policy analysis techniques. You may also choose elective courses that align with your specific interests, such as economic, foreign, or social policy. This year typically includes the development of a comprehensive exam or proposal, pushing students to synthesize learnings.
Year Three
In the third year, you’ll transition from coursework to research-focused activities. You may begin working on the tactical elements of their dissertation proposals. This year often involves intensive literature reviews and the identification of gaps in current research. Students may present proposals to faculty for feedback, refining ideas and methodologies. Additionally, you may have opportunities for internships, fellowships, or practical experiences, applying knowledge in real-world settings.
Year Four
In the fourth year, you’ll typically focus on conducting original research for your dissertation. You may enroll in a dissertation research methods class and work closely with Your advisors to refine their research questions and methodology. This year is crucial for gathering data, conducting interviews, or analyzing existing policy frameworks. Students may also attend conferences to present preliminary findings, building a professional network and gaining valuable feedback from the academic community.
Year Five
In the fifth year, you’ll concentrate on writing your dissertation. You may take dissertation writing courses to help structure your work and ensure you’re meeting academic standards. Continuous feedback from advisors and peers is essential during this time, as students finalize research findings and implications. This year may also include preparation for defense, where you’ll present your research to a committee, demonstrating your expertise and contributions to the field.
Year Six
The sixth year typically marks the culmination of the PhD journey, as students finalize dissertations and prepare for graduation. You may participate in your dissertation defense and complete any necessary revisions based on committee feedback. This year often includes job preparation activities, such as interviewing skills workshops and networking events. Graduates leave the program equipped with advanced research skills and practical knowledge, ready to contribute to academia, government, or nonprofit sectors.
Specializations for Public Policy PhD Programs
A PhD in Public Policy allows you to specialize in areas like economic, foreign, and social policies, offering expertise to address complex societal issues. Choosing a specialty is valuable because it deepens your knowledge with advanced research and analysis, enhances career prospects, and positions you as a leader in the field of public policy.
- Economic Policy: A specialization in economic policy will build upon your existing expertise in economic and financial politics while specific courses will focus on shaping economic policy in the areas of legislation, communications, politics, education, and international relations.
- Foreign Policy: A specialization in foreign policy will offer advanced study in policy and global government functions for specialized careers as government leaders, international policy researchers, professors of political science, senior public policy analysts, and more.
- Social Policy: A specialization in social policy will grant you advanced foundations in statesmanship, natural law, the Constitution, federalism, and policy analysis related to healthcare, taxation, and immigration to help you succeed as a senior leader in public service.
Accreditation & Online PhDs in Public Policy
When you attend a school offering an accredited online degree in public policy, you’re ensuring that the institution meets high educational standards and provides quality instruction recognized by employers and other institutions. At minimum, the school should hold institutional accreditation, and often, you’ll find that online PhD programs in public policy will also hold some type of specialized programmatic accreditation. One example is from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), which ensures that your program meets rigorous industry standards in education and professional practice.
Core Aspects of Online Public Policy PhD Programs
While every online public policy PhD curriculum is different, many programs feature common elements. Below, find four common components of many online PhD programs in public policy or public administration.
Coursework
When earning a PhD, coursework is typically completed first in order to gain a theoretical understanding of public policy principles. Some schools — like Liberty University — offer specialization paths for coursework, including economic, foreign, and social policy. However, most PhD students will take common courses such as public policy analysis, quantitative and qualitative research methods, ethics in governance, and policy evaluation.
Research Concept Development
In an online PhD in Public Policy program, you’ll start your original research by developing your research concept. Most programs ask you to write a proposal outlining a specific policy issue or question, including objectives and methodology. This concept paper or proposal focuses on planning and framing your dissertation before actual research begins.
Dissertation
In an online PhD in Public Policy program, the dissertation serves as a significant original research project demonstrating your expertise. Students select a relevant topic that aligns with career goals and conduct their own research, culminating in a comprehensive paper that contributes new insights to the field of public policy. As a final component of most dissertations, you’ll take part in dissertation defense, which involves presenting your findings and then answering questions from a committee of reviewers.
Residency
Some online PhD programs in public policy require residencies. These provide essential face-to-face interactions, fostering collaboration and networking among students and faculty. These sessions often focus on research skills, dissertation preparation, and professional development, enhancing the online learning experience while ensuring students receive support throughout their academic journey. Walden University requires four PhD residencies for successful graduation.
Public Policy PhD Classes and Coursework
While every online PhD in Public Policy has its own curriculum, the five classes below are common courses typically found in most programs.
Foundations Of Public Policy
Students will explore fundamental theories, concepts, and frameworks that underpin public policy development. You’ll learn about the policy-making process, the role of various stakeholders, and the impact of political, economic, and social factors. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and analysis of real-world policy issues.
Policy Analysis and Research Design
In this course, you’ll gain essential skills in evaluating public policies using quantitative and qualitative methods. Students will learn to formulate research questions, design studies, and apply analytical frameworks. Emphasis is placed on critical evaluation of existing policies, enhancing students’ ability to inform decision-making processes.
Ethics & Social Justice
Students will investigate the principles of ethical decision-making and their application to public policy. Additionally, you’ll analyze contemporary social justice issues, exploring the interplay between ethics and policy formulation. Through case studies, you’ll be asked to develop strategies to address ethical dilemmas and promote equitable policy solutions in practice.
Public Budgeting
Students will focus on the principles and practices of budget formulation and management within public and nonprofit sectors. Additionally, you’ll examine financial theories, budgeting processes, and fiscal policies, analyzing real-world budgets and financial statements and developing skills to create effective financial plans that address organizational goals and constraints.
Leadership and Organizational Change
Students will explore theories and practices of effective leadership within public policy contexts. Additionally, you’ll examine change management strategies, organizational behavior, and the role of leaders in driving innovation. Through case studies, you’ll be asked to develop skills to navigate and implement transformative initiatives in complex organizational environments.
Tuition and Financial Aid for Public Policy PhD Programs
The costs associated with obtaining any college degree, including an online PhD in Public Policy, are substantial. These costs can vary significantly from program to program depending on such elements as the total credits required, any transferable credits from your master’s degree, and whether the school offering the program is public or private.
The table below offers current tuition rates for three online PhD in Public Policy programs. Bear in mind, however, that these are tuition figures only, and the actual cost of your program will be different due to additional items than can add to your costs, such as fees, out-of-state residency, books and supplies, computers, and more. Many online PhD programs offer financial aid assistance for doctoral students, including fellowships, work-study programs, private and university-based scholarships, research funding, and more.
What Your Online Public Policy Degree Could Cost
| School | Program | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty University | PhD in Public Policy Online | 60 | $39,000 |
| Walden University | Online PhD in Public Policy and Administration | 73 | $57,785 |
| Tennessee State University | PhD in Public Policy and Administration Online | 48 | $27,600 – $39,552 |
Lucrative Careers for Public Policy PhD Graduates
According to the most recent data from payscale.com, the estimated average salary for holders of a PhD in Public Policy is $106,000. For comparison, the site’s current comparable salary figure for MS in Public Policy holders is $80,000.
Of course, what you will actually earn with your degree depends on several variables, most notably work experience, geographic location, and specific job title. The table below offers a look at recent Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures for five job titles commonly occupied by PhD in Public Policy graduates.
| Career | Median Salary (50%) | Top Salary (90%) | Projected Growth (2023-33) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Political Scientists | $132,350 | $183,500 | 3% |
| Lawyers | $145,760 | $239,200 | 5% |
| Operations Research Analysts | $83,640 | $148,920 | 23% |
| Postsecondary Teachers (Professors) | $84,380 | $182,710 | 8% |
| Health Informatics Specialists | $103,800 | $126,000 | 9% |
Source: O*Net OnLine, 2024; Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024
Public Policy PhD: FAQs
What are some of the benefits of earning my PhD online?
There are many benefits to earning your PhD online. Earning your PhD online offers flexibility, allowing you to balance studies while working and tending to other personal and family commitments. You can enroll in online PhD programs without relocating, which is ideal for professionals looking to advance their career.
Online programs often provide diverse networking opportunities through a global set of students and educators, making it just as beneficial — if not more so — than attending in person. Additionally, you can study at your own pace, and many online degrees are more affordable, reducing costs associated with commuting or relocating for traditional on-campus programs.
Are online public policy PhD programs more affordable than in-person programs?
Online public policy PhD programs can be more affordable than in-person programs due to lower tuition rates, reduced fees, and the absence of costs related to commuting. Many online programs also allow students to maintain full-time employment, reducing the need for loans or financial strain.
However, affordability depends on the specific institution, as some online programs may have similar tuition rates to in-person options, so it’s important to compare program costs carefully. Liberty University, for example, offers a locked-in tuition freeze for all programs, while Tennessee State University offers reduced tuition for out-of-state students in its online PhD programs.
How long does it take to earn a public policy PhD degree online?
Earning a public policy PhD degree online typically takes three to eight years, depending on the program structure, the student’s pace, and dissertation requirements. It’s rare — though not impossible — to even find one-year doctoral programs. More commonly, though, full-time PhD students might complete a program in three to five years, while part-time students may take longer. Some online programs offer flexible schedules, allowing students to progress at their own pace, which can impact completion time.
What are some common admission requirements for online public policy PhD programs?
Common admission requirements for online PhD in Public Policy programs almost always require a master’s degree in a related field. Applicants typically need to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a writing sample. Some programs may also require GRE scores, though this is becoming less common. Additionally, many programs look for professional experience in policy-related fields, along with a research proposal aligned with faculty expertise.
What should I look for in an online public policy PhD program?
When choosing an online PhD in Public Policy program, look for accreditation to ensure quality and credibility. Consider faculty expertise, especially in your research area, as well as opportunities for mentorship. Evaluate the program’s flexibility, format (synchronous or asynchronous), and support services, such as career guidance or research resources. You’ll also want to check out the school’s graduation rates and alumni career outcomes. Of course, you’ll also want to compare costs, financial aid options, and residency requirements.
Resources for Online Public Policy PhD Students
- Brookings Institution on YouTube
Here, you’ll find videos and a podcast series featuring in-depth discussions with experts on pressing policy issues like economics, governance, and foreign policy. - Dissertation Strategies
The dissertation is a crucial component of an online PhD in Public Policy. This guide from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will help you select the right topic and structure your dissertation for success. - GovTrack
A non-partisan platform that tracks U.S. congressional legislation, this site provides students with access to bill summaries, voting records, and policy updates. It’s ideal for policy research and real-time legislative tracking. - National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)
At this website for a leading nonprofit research organization, you’ll access working papers, data, and publications on public policy, economics, and social science issues. - Public Policy and Governance Review
This student-run publication covers key topics in public policy and governance and offers links to articles, policy analysis, and interviews with experts.