Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy

Degree Options

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Next Start Dates: January 19, 2026 | February 16, 2026 | March 23, 2026

Shape Policy and Change Lives with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy

Imagine making a real and lasting difference in our nation and in the lives of our citizens. You know that Christ cares about the needs of all people, and you recognize the role public policy can play in meeting those needs. By conferring Liberty University’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy, you can gain the skills and knowledge to research and transform the world of public policy.

Public policy dictates every area of our lives – the economic climate of our nation, the education of children from all walks of life, the relationship between different countries, and even our national security. Changes in public policy have profound and far-reaching effects on people across the globe.

What Will You Study in Our PhD in Public Policy Online?

Combine your passion for policy with Liberty’s standard of academic excellence. Our professors look forward to sharing what they’ve learned from their wealth of experience while mentoring you throughout the dissertation process.

In the PhD in Public Policy, you can gain a biblical understanding of statesmanship that will form the foundation not only for your coursework but also for the way you engage with issues of public policy. From there, you will dive headfirst into the institutions and issues shaping public policy today.

In our online PhD in public policy, you can:

Compare the impact of nation-states in various historical eras to today’s era of globalization.
Consider probability theory and hypothesis testing within the context of public policy decision-making.
Consider the role of leaders tasked with protecting nations.
Evaluate various models of policy analysis and implementation in relation to effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, constitutional principles, and statecraft.
Examine how contemporary challenges, such as modern reinterpretations of American constitutionalism, have influenced policy formation.
Explore the interplay between American state governments and the federal government at macro and micro levels.
Practice discussing issues in a fluid fashion, approximating a “think-tank” environment.

Featured Public Policy Courses

Degree Information

Why Choose Liberty’s Online PhD in Public Policy Degree?

Some of the benefits you can look forward to as a Liberty online PhD in Public Policy student include:

Choose a specialization that focuses on the topic that interests you most.
Learn from seasoned professors who are committed to seeing you succeed in your public policy research and dissertation.
Study 100% online so you can remain active in your job, with your family, and in your community without having to travel to take courses on campus.

At Liberty University, we want to equip students to be the hands and feet of Christ, which is why our PhD in Public Policy online combines a focus on biblical principles of government and policy with a practical understanding of today’s political atmosphere.

Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026

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

Top 10 Reasons to Choose Liberty

Potential Careers for PhD in Public Policy Graduates

Academic specialist
Counterterrorism analyst
Director of education policy
Federal agent
Government leader
Intelligence analyst

Policy researcher
Professor (higher education)
Public interest/advocacy group leader
Senior public policy analyst
Social scientist

Degree Options for the Public Policy PhD Program

As a student in Liberty’s PhD in Public Policy degree, you can choose either the general track or one of our specialized areas of study. Get more information about each option below!

Generalized Track (No Specialization)

Liberty University’s PhD in Public Policy – general track* provides a broad study of public policy that can help you address some of the most important issues facing our nation today. Whether you are looking to enhance your credentials, teach public policy at the university level, or conduct research, this program may suit your needs.

View the Degree Completion Plan.

*Please note that this is not a specialization. Any reference using the term “General” is the main degree and is only used to differentiate from other specializations.

Chinese Affairs

Economic Policy

Education Policy

With Liberty’s online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy – Education Policy, you can gain the advanced expertise you need to make a positive impact on local, state, and national education policy. You can use this degree to help you further education policy research or train the next generation of educators to revitalize school systems across the country.

View the Degree Completion Plan.

Foreign Policy

Liberty’s online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy – Foreign Policy degree provides advanced studies of policy assessment and decision-making to help you navigate the complex relationship between foreign and domestic organizations. With the explosion of globalization, effective foreign policy is more important than ever.

View the Degree Completion Plan.

National Security Policy

Liberty’s online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy – National Security Policy degree provides an in-depth study of national security issues, including operational strategy, lawmaking, policy implementation, and law enforcement. This degree can help equip you to combat foreign and domestic threats to our life and liberty.

View the Degree Completion Plan.

Social Policy

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

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Tuition & Aid

At Liberty University, a private Christian education is less expensive than you think. Over the last 10 years, Liberty University’s Online Program has only raised its standard tuition costs by less than 5% – and most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors.

Doctoral Full Time	$610/Credit
Doctoral Part Time	$675/Credit

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $375/credit hour (learn more).

These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

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Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for the Online PhD Program in Public Policy

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 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 $375/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.

These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

View Military Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions for the Online Doctoral Degree in Public Policy

What can I do with a PhD in Public Policy?

A PhD in government and public policy can help equip you for a variety of fulfilling careers. By earning your doctorate in public policy, you could:

Conduct critical policy research for a nonprofit or government organization.
Pass down your knowledge to the next generation of policymakers as a professor.
Work for government officials and organizations to analyze, strategize, and implement public policy changes.
Work in public relations and communications using vital strategy, writing, and relational skills.

With so many avenues to take, our various areas of specialization in the online PhD in Public Policy can help prepare you for the specific focus of public policy that you feel called to.

Or, if you know you want to better understand public policy but do not have a clear area of interest yet, our doctor of public policy general track can give you the foundation and flexibility you need for a variety of directions.

How can a PhD in Public Policy benefit me?

Are you ready to change your future?

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App Fee Waived This Week*

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*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, non-degree-seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and certificate students.

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PhD in Public Policy Online Research in the Field of Public Policy

Shape Policy and Change Lives with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy

What Will You Study in Our PhD in Public Policy Online?

In our online PhD in public policy, you can:

Featured Public Policy Courses

Degree Information

Why Choose Liberty’s Online PhD in Public Policy Degree?

What Sets Us Apart?

Potential Careers for PhD in Public Policy Graduates

Degree Options for the Public Policy PhD Program

Generalized Track (No Specialization)

Chinese Affairs

Economic Policy

Education Policy

Foreign Policy

National Security Policy

Social Policy

Not sure what to choose?

Tuition & Aid

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Admission Information for the Online PhD Program in Public Policy

Admission Requirements

Preliminary Acceptance

Transcript Policies

Admissions Office Contact Information

Military

Frequently Asked Questions for the Online Doctoral Degree in Public Policy

What can I do with a PhD in Public Policy?

How can a PhD in Public Policy benefit me?

Are you ready to change your future?

Request Information About a Program

Request Info About Liberty University Online

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