Doctor of Public Policy Online  Shape the Future of Policy with Advanced Leadership and Research Skills

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total


If you are passionate about creating a positive impact through policy change and want to see your research directly influence public debates, Liberty University’s online Doctor of Public Policy (D.P.P.) could be your next step. This program is designed to help equip you with the tools needed to evaluate and analyze policy initiatives, allowing you to contribute directly to solving pressing public issues. Unlike traditional academic programs focused solely on theory, the D.P.P. emphasizes practical, actionable research that speaks directly to the current policy environment and its challenges.

With a strong focus on American public policy, this degree can help deepen your understanding of the processes, institutions, and key actors involved in policy development and implementation. You can explore the theological and philosophical roots of American constitutional government and engage with both classic texts and cutting-edge research under the mentorship of experienced faculty who bring a blend of academic rigor and real-world expertise to instruction. This unique approach can help you bridge the gap between theoretical analysis and practical application, preparing you to effectively address policy problems from both empirical and ethical perspectives.

Whether you envision yourself shaping policy at the national, state, or local level; serving in advocacy organizations; or teaching the next generation of leaders, Liberty’s D.P.P. program can help provide you with the knowledge and expertise to make a difference. You can learn to analyze policy through the lens of the American constitutional tradition, considering the foundational principles of liberty and the Christian values that have influenced the development of the United States. This comprehensive perspective can help empower you to make informed contributions that uphold and enhance the ideals of constitutional governance and public service.


What is a D.P.P.?

A Doctor of Public Policy (D.P.P.) is a professional doctoral degree designed to help prepare you for advanced roles in public policy analysis, implementation, and leadership. Unlike a PhD, which is typically research-focused, the D.P.P. emphasizes practical application, helping equip you with the skills to address complex policy issues; influence public decision-making; and pursue leadership in government, nonprofit, or private sector settings. Our program includes courses in policy analysis, competing leadership vision, government relations, and specialized topics like foreign policy or education policy, culminating in capstone courses focused on solving real-world policy challenges. 


In Liberty University’s public policy online doctorate program, you will study the important ideas that have shaped the American government, with a focus on the role of liberty in our system. This doctorate of public policy program also explores how these ideas came from a Christian worldview and were shared by the Protestant founders of the United States. You’ll study the beliefs and values that form the foundation of American constitutional government. Additionally, the program encourages you to compare the American public policy process to those of other countries, including both democratic and non-democratic systems, so you get a global view of how governments work.

The D.P.P. curriculum can help you understand public policy institutions, political leaders, and the challenges facing modern government. You’ll study both historical and current issues in public policy, including topics like the founding era, federalism, and how federal and state governments work together. You can also explore different ideas about leadership and statesmanship. This program can help you develop strong skills in policy analysis, research design, and research methods, which are important tools for evaluating and improving policies.

Throughout the program, you’ll have chances to take part in policy discussions, practice making decisions like a policymaker, and apply what you’ve studied to real-world issues presented by your professors. The D.P.P. curriculum ends with a capstone project where you will conduct your own research on a public policy topic that interests you. This project is a chance to show what you know and make a real contribution to the field of public policy. Whether you want to work in government, nonprofit organizations, or public affairs, this program can help prepare you to make a difference in shaping public policy decisions.


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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

  • Advocacy organization executive 
  • Elected official 
  • Government affairs director 
  • Legislative aide 
  • Nonprofit program director 
  • Policy analyst or researcher 
  • Public policy advisor 
  • Public policy consultant 
  • Public service leader (local, state, or federal levels) 

Liberty University’s online Doctor of Public Policy degree offers a variety of specializations, allowing you to tailor your studies to your specific interests and career goals. Whether you are interested in foreign policy, education policy, or economic policy, each specialization provides focused expertise to help you make a significant impact in your chosen field.


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


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.

Doctoral Full Time $595/Credit
Doctoral Part Time $650/Credit

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

Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.



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.