D.P.P. – Social Policy

Learn More About LU

Campus Type
Apt., P.O. Box, or don't see your address?

By submitting contact information through this form, I agree that Liberty University and its affiliates may call and/or text me about its offerings by any phone number I have provided and may provide in the future, including any wireless number, using automated technology.

Message and data rates may apply. For additional information, text HELP to 49595 or 49596. You may opt-out at any time by sending STOP to 49595 or 49596. Visit for Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

OR

15 colleges and schools

350+ degrees on-campus

600+ degrees online

20 NCAA Div. 1 Sports

Doctor of Public Policy (D.P.P.) – Social Policy 

Overview
What You Will Study
Careers
Benefits
Military

Help Transform Society with a Doctor of Public Policy – Social Policy Degree from Liberty University

Are you passionate about shaping social policies that reflect Christian values and make a real difference in people’s lives? Our Doctor of Public Policy (D.P.P.) in Social Policy is designed for those ready to lead, influence, and create positive change in society.

This program seeks to help prepare you to take on roles in public service at all levels – whether federal, state, or local government – helping you serve communities and advance meaningful policy initiatives that reflect a Christian perspective. Throughout this program, you can gain the skills to work with elected officials or advocacy organizations, providing real, practical solutions to today’s challenges. 

As you dive into this degree, you’ll study ways to conduct public policy research that can have an immediate impact on real-world debates. You’ll explore the theological and philosophical foundations of American government, which can help equip you to understand and analyze social policies through a constitutional and faith-driven lens.

You’ll also have the opportunity to strengthen your understanding of public policy institutions and the key players involved, developing skills in policy analysis, evaluation, and implementation. Whether you want to serve in public office, advocate for policies that benefit society, or teach others about public policy, our D.P.P. in Social Policy can help you become a leader who brings faith and excellence to every aspect of public policy work. 

What Will You Study in Liberty University’s D.P.P. in Social Policy Doctoral Degree?

  • Conduct impactful public policy research that directly addresses real-world issues and challenges 
  • Develop practical skills for analyzing, evaluating, and implementing public policy initiatives
  • Explore the roles of public policy institutions and actors
  • Gain a deep understanding of the constitutional roots and Christian values that shape American government

        In the Doctor of Public Policy – Social Policy degree, you can gain an in-depth look into how policies are shaped and enacted in the United States. You’ll begin by studying the historical roots and constitutional framework that make the American system unique. This knowledge can help provide you with the tools to analyze and solve policy problems, helping you create solutions that meet the needs of communities.

        As you progress, you can learn how different institutions and political figures work together to shape public policy. You’ll study advanced research techniques – like data analysis and program evaluation – so you can assess what is and isn’t working in today’s policies. These skills are crucial for understanding how to improve or create initiatives that bring about change.

        Potential Careers for Public Policy Doctoral Degree – Social Policy Graduates

        • Community program director
        • Government affairs specialist
        • Legislative analyst
        • Nonprofit executive director
        • Policy advisor
        • Public policy consultant
        • Social policy advocate

        Benefits of Pursuing Your D.P.P. – Social Policy Degree with Liberty University

        As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

        Here’s what sets us apart:

        • Our online programs are backed by our brick-and-mortar campus – ranked among Niche.com’s Top 5 College Campuses in America – and that commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well. Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
        • Online undergraduate tuition rates have been frozen for the last 10 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
        • Learn from a Christian perspective, integrating faith with real-world public policy solutions.
        • Benefit from expert studying under faculty who have extensive experience in public policy and social advocacy.
        • Earn your degree from a university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
        • Semester-long capstone courses emphasize preparation for professional practice.

        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. Here’s how:

        • If you’re earning or have earned a master’s degree through Liberty, you automatically qualify for the low price (when you begin within 2 years of your master’s completion).
        • If you haven’t earned a graduate degree through Liberty, our Executive Certificate program allows you to pay only $300/credit hour for a postgraduate certificate that can stand alone or potentially count as the first 21 hours of a related doctoral degree. Then pay just $300/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more! 

           

          These rates are reflective of academic year 2024-2025. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

          60

          Credit Hours

          SACSCOC

          Available Online

          Class Type

          100% online, 8-week courses

          Transfer Credits

          Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

          Next Start Date

          Jun 23, 2025

          Accreditation

          Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

          Areas of Interest

          Choose your area of Interest:

          Please select a Program of Interest. View Area of Interest

          Training Champions for Christ

          Liberty’s promise to you is an education that expertly brings knowledge and faith together. Here, education is designed around you. It connects you to people and opportunities that help you develop the skills and confidence you’re looking for. At Liberty, you’ll find the knowledge, experience, and mentorship you want to make your career — and life — a fulfilling one.

          Image thumbnail describing Why Liberty

          Why Liberty

          Liberty University is not just another school. It is the realization of a dream, the product of thousands of prayers. It was built to invite students into a bigger, better story. Discover the Liberty difference for yourself.

          Learn More
          Image thumbnail describing Scholarships

          Scholarships

          When it comes to choosing a college, finances make a difference. That’s why at Liberty, we believe in offering you a top-notch education — that’s also affordable. Discover how Liberty can help you keep your college costs down.

          For residential students

          Learn More
          Image thumbnail describing Online Discounts

          Online Discounts

          At Liberty University, we believe everyone should have an equal opportunity to pursue higher education, and it's our job to keep private education affordable. Explore the many ways a Liberty education can be an affordable one.

          For online students

          View Discounts
          Image thumbnail describing Academic Excellence

          Academic Excellence

          Liberty University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and certain programs have earned additional field-specific accreditation as well.

          View Accreditation