Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public Policy – Social Policy
Help Create Positive Cultural Change with Liberty’s Ph.D. in Public Policy – Social Policy
With Liberty University’s Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public Policy – Social Policy, you can master the art and practice of shaping social policy at the local, state, and national levels — all from a Christian worldview. Upon graduation, you can have the advanced expertise you need to construct innovative change proposals that will address public needs and solve real-world problems.
The purpose of our Ph.D. in Public Policy – Social Policy is to prepare you to help bring about positive change at all levels of government and in every sector of society. With in-depth studies in policy-making and social policy issues, culminating in original doctoral dissertation research, you can demonstrate your authority and problem-solving ability through social policies that improve lives while incorporating a biblical worldview.
What Will You Study in Our Doctoral Degree in Public Policy – Social Policy?
- Policy analysis and statesmanship
- Introduction to social policy
- Economics and public policy
- Statesmanship, federalism, and intergovernmental relations
By specializing in social policy, you can be confident your Ph.D. in Public Policy will equip you to engage with the most challenging cultural issues of our time. The experience and advanced knowledge you gain through this program will give you insights into legislative impact and policy effectiveness grounded in biblical values so that you have the tools you need to help guide policymakers in making our communities freer and more prosperous.
You may also be interested in exploring our Ph.D. in Public Policy – General or our economic policy specialization.
Potential Career Opportunities with a Ph.D. in Public Policy – Social Policy
- Director of Research, Public Policy Evaluation
- Social Scientist
- Senior Public Policy Analyst
- Public Interest/Advocacy Group Member or Leader
- Professor (Higher Education)
- Research Scientist
Benefits of Choosing Liberty University’s Online Ph.D. in Public Policy – Social Policy
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 online public policy degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
- The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
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!
Credit Hours

Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Date
Jun 23, 2025
Accreditation
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC










600+ Online Degrees
With over 600 online degrees, we have something that will accommodate your dreams and calling.
Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus
Our residential campus ranked among Niche.com’s Top 5 College Campuses in America. That commitment to excellence extends to our online students as well.
No tuition increase for 9 years
We want to help you pursue your goals - so while tuition rates at most universities have continued to increase over the years, the majority of our rates haven't.
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Hear from our Graduates
“The best part of my LU experience has been my growing faith formation through my developing educational understanding, as an aspiring school administrator.”
Megan Schultz, EdD School Administration & Supervision
“Liberty offers an affordable, Christ-centered education, honoring the foundations of our country. I have learned how to apply a Biblical worldview to my work in public policy while adequately knowing history and the founding documents of United States.”
Morgan Schlesselman, Master's in Public Policy
“There have been so many highly qualified professors who have sown generously into my academic endeavors at Liberty that encouraged me when I felt like giving up.”
James, Master of Divinity