- Home
- Helms School of Government
- Helms School of Government – Doctoral Degrees
- Home
- Helms School of Government
- Helms School of Government – Doctoral Degrees
Helms School of Government – Doctoral Degrees Conduct In-Depth Research in the Area of Government
Why Choose Liberty University for Your Online Doctoral Program?
As you grow in your profession, you may find that many fields require a doctoral degree for continued advancement. A doctoral degree demonstrates your high level of expertise in a specific area of study and is available to students who have already completed a master’s degree. Having a doctorate can help you stand out from among your peers, especially in competitive career fields.
Liberty University is dedicated to helping you expand your knowledge and cultivate new career opportunities, so our variety of online doctoral degree programs are designed to not only add to your existing expertise but also help you become even more competitive in today’s labor market.
Contact an admissions counselor today at (800) 424-9595 and see how an online doctorate degree from Liberty can give you the skills and knowledge you need to shape a better world.
Available Helms School of Government Doctoral Degree Programs
Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ)
Liberty’s 100% online Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ) is designed to help prepare you for positions of added responsibility, foster skills that enhance criminal justice operations, and apply leading criminal justice theory and techniques in a variety of settings.
This program offers a general specialization as well as specializations in homeland security and leadership.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Criminal Justice
Liberty’s 100% online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Criminal Justice is designed to train you for senior leadership positions, enhance your credentials, and prepare you to teach criminal justice at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
This program offers specializations in homeland security and leadership.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Administration
Liberty University’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Administration can provide you with the knowledge and tools you’ll need to become an expert while increasing your career options and earning potential. Our program is designed to help you advance into new positions as well as provide cutting-edge research and insight into the operations and concepts surrounding public administration.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy
Liberty’s 100% online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy is designed to train you for senior leadership positions, enhance your credentials, and prepare you to teach public policy or conduct research to add to the body of knowledge within this discipline.
This program offers specializations in Chinese affairs, economic policy, education policy, foreign policy, national security policy, and social policy.
Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
Liberty’s 100% online Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) is designed to train you in the administrative functions of governmental agencies and gain experience in strategic planning, program implementation, advanced management techniques, and results-based leadership.
Doctor of Public Policy (D.P.P.)
Our online Doctor of Public Policy (D.P.P.) can help equip you with advanced knowledge in policy analysis, research, and implementation to address complex governmental challenges. Designed for professionals – like you – seeking to influence public policy in government, nonprofits, or the private sector, this program offers practical training with a focus on real-world applications.
This program offers specializations in Chinese affairs, economic policy, education policy, foreign policy, national security, and social policy.
Doctor of Law and Policy (DLP)
Liberty’s 100% online Doctor of Law and Policy (DLP) can help equip you with the skills needed to analyze complex political and legal issues. Through this degree’s rigorous curriculum, you can learn how to critically analyze various government policies. You can also develop lawyering and legislative skills that are critical to the defense of individual liberties.
Available Helms School of Government Executive Certificates
Not sure if you are ready to commit to a full doctoral program? An Executive Certificate may be the path for you. You will complete the same doctoral-level coursework but on a much faster, 21-credit-hour track. This can help you test the waters and see if a full doctoral degree is the best option for you.
With the Executive Certificate in Public Administration and the Executive Certificate in Criminal Justice, you will work towards a postgraduate credential while preparing specifically for our Doctor of Public Administration or PhD in Criminal Justice program. If you choose to pursue Liberty’s DPA or PhD after completing your certificate, all 21 credit hours can potentially be transferred in.
The Executive Certificate in Public Policy also allows you to work towards a postgraduate credential while preparing for a PhD program. Upon completion of the public policy executive certificate, all 21 of the executive certificate’s credit hours can potentially transfer into the PhD in Public Policy.
With the Executive Certificate in Law and Policy, you can gain valuable training at the doctoral level while working toward a full degree. All 21 credits of this certificate can potentially transfer into our Doctor of Law and Policy (DLP) program.
Not sure what to choose?
Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.
Value of a Degree
At Liberty, you can strengthen your leadership and administrative skills and accomplish something remarkable. Earning a degree isn’t just something you do – it can be an invaluable experience. Take a look at some other reasons why earning an online postgraduate degree is worth it.
Return on Investment
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides valuable information on how a degree can impact salary prospects. Learn more!*
Employment Opportunities
Explore job outlook statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the following careers: public policy and social services** and criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, postsecondary.***
Professional Connections
Mastering concepts and gaining advanced knowledge shouldn’t be the only benefits of a doctoral degree. Our world-class online learning environment is designed to facilitate collaboration and networking.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, at Earnings and unemployment rates by educational attainment (viewed online April 19, 2024). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
**Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, at Field of Degree: Public Policy and Social Services (viewed online April 19, 2024). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
***Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, at Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary (viewed online April 19, 2024). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What will you study in our online government doctoral degree programs?
You want an education that’s worth the effort you put into it, and we want you to be proud of the education you receive. Your online doctoral degree through Liberty University can position you to possess advanced knowledge of a specialized body of theoretical and applied topics, a high level of skills and techniques associated with your chosen field, and a range of transferable and professional skills gained through independent and highly focused learning and research.
Your online degree will be taught by professional educators dedicated not only to your academic success but also to mentorship and teaching from a biblical worldview. Become a part of a growing community of innovators, dreamers, and leaders. Join champions dedicated to living with integrity every day as they impact their families, communities, and the world.
What are the benefits of choosing our online doctoral degree programs?
Getting a doctoral degree shouldn’t mean putting the important people, plans, and responsibilities in your life on hold. Completing an online doctorate at Liberty University is a great way to advance your career without losing the time you need for other priorities.
Take a look at the benefits available to Liberty’s doctoral students:
- We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility. Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America. Earning your 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.
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences).
- Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Military
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.
Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Inner Navigation
Have questions?