Doctor of Public Policy (D.P.P.) in Education Policy Drive Policy Change in Education

60
Credit Hours
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Start Your Journey Toward Transforming Education and Making a Difference with a Doctorate of Public Policy – Education Policy
The Doctor of Public Policy (D.P.P.) in Education Policy at Liberty University is designed to help you become equipped with the skills and knowledge to influence educational practices and policies at all levels of government. By pursuing this degree, you can expand your knowledge of public policy in education, using data-driven insights and policy analysis to shape the future of the field. Whether you aspire to work in government, think tanks, or advocacy groups, this program offers you the chance to deepen your understanding of the intersection between public policy and education.
Our program not only provides you with a solid foundation in public policy principles but also helps you specialize in the nuances of educational policy. With the D.P.P. in Education Policy, you can prepare to create positive change, advance educational quality, and ensure equity and opportunity for all learners.
Our online format allows you to balance your studies with your professional and personal commitments. You can engage with course materials and collaborate with faculty and peers on your schedule. Whether you are already working in education, public policy, or government or are transitioning into these fields, this program can help you prepare to lead effectively.






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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
Why Choose Liberty’s Online Doctorate in Public Policy – Education Policy?
Choosing Liberty University for your Doctor of Public Policy in Education Policy means selecting an institution that is committed to academic excellence, flexibility, and a values-driven education. Liberty’s online D.P.P. program provides a learning environment where you can explore policy issues from a perspective that emphasizes ethical leadership and positive societal impact.
You can benefit from courses taught by faculty who are experts in public policy and have substantial experience in both academic research and applied policy analysis. These professors bring their real-world insights into the classroom, providing you with a comprehensive view of both the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. Moreover, Liberty’s commitment to a Christian worldview allows you to explore how values and ethics intersect with policy decisions, ensuring that your education aligns with biblical principles.
Because of the flexibility of our online programs, you can complete coursework on your schedule (as long as you meet assignment deadlines), making it easier to balance your studies with your career and personal responsibilities. Liberty also provides access to a variety of online resources, including research databases, writing assistance, and networking opportunities with peers and professors.
What Will You Study in Our Doctor of Public Policy – Education Policy?
The Doctor of Public Policy in Education Policy at Liberty University is structured to provide you with a deep and well-rounded understanding of both general public policy and the specific challenges within education policy. You can take courses such as Foundations of Public Policy, Founding Era and the Constitution, and Contemporary Challenges to Constitutional Order and the Role of the State.
You will also study topics like political actors and institutions, competing visions of statesmanship, and federalism and intergovernmental relations. Courses like Policy Analysis and Research Design, Advanced Research Methods for Policymakers, Quantitative Methods I, and Qualitative Methods can help equip you with the skills to design, evaluate, and implement effective policies using rigorous research methodologies.
The education policy specialization focuses your learning on the specific issues facing the education sector. You will engage in courses such as Education and Public Policy, Introduction to Education Policy Studies, and Research Seminar in Education Policy, which provide an in-depth understanding of how public policies impact the educational landscape and the critical issues affecting learners today.
The capstone sequence will culminate your studies and give you the opportunity to demonstrate your expertise. Through these courses, you can apply your knowledge to a significant project that addresses real-world issues in education policy. This comprehensive capstone experience can help you prepare to make meaningful contributions in the field of public policy and education.
Potential Career Opportunities
- Advocacy organization analyst
- Applied research specialist
- Elected official
- Government educator
- Policy developer
- Policy evaluator
- Policy implementation specialist
- Political science educator
- Public policy advocate
- Public policy analyst
- Public policy educator
- Public servant (national, state, or local level)
Featured Courses
Degree Information
- This program falls under the Helms School of Government.
- View the Graduate Government Course Guides (login required).
- Semester-long capstone courses emphasize preparation for professional practice.
Degree Completion Plan

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Tuition & Aid
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 |
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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.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Admission Information for Our Public Policy Doctoral Programs Online
Admission Requirements
- Apply online or over the phone with an admissions counselor by calling (800) 424-9596.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required).
- Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
- Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy.
Preliminary Acceptance
If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:
- Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
- Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
- Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
- Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.
Transcript Policies
Official College Transcript Policy
An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to luoverify@liberty.edu.
Admissions Office Contact Information
Liberty University Online Admissions Verification
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24515

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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a D.P.P.?
A Doctor of Public Policy (D.P.P.) is an advanced professional degree designed for individuals who want to influence public decision-making and drive positive change in society. This degree focuses on developing a deep understanding of public policy processes, from analysis and design to implementation and evaluation.
A D.P.P. can help you prepare to address complex policy issues by equipping you with the skills to conduct rigorous research, understand political and social contexts, and formulate practical, evidence-based solutions. Graduates often pursue leadership roles in government, nonprofits, think tanks, or academic settings, using their expertise to shape policies that impact communities and improve the quality of life for citizens.
What’s the difference between a Doctor of Public Policy (D.P.P.) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy?
Apart from requiring a capstone rather than a dissertation, the D.P.P. degree differs from the PhD in Public Policy in 2 ways. First, the courses in the D.P.P. are more tailored for public policy analysis and applied research. Second, the methods sequence in the D.P.P. differs from that of the PhD in Public Policy, allowing D.P.P. students to take methods courses better suited for practical public policy research.
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