Public Policy PhD in Social Policy Online Policy Pioneers: Innovate Social Solutions

60

Credit Hours

View Courses

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Are you a public policy professional seeking career advancement? Do you have a passion for helping your community work through complex cultural issues to create positive social change? With Liberty University’s 100% online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Policy – Social Policy, you can prepare to shape social policy at the local, state, and national levels.

Help communities break out of cycles of hardship by learning to develop smart, practical policies that promote the welfare of citizens. Whether you want to conduct social policy research or help train up the next generation of social policy professionals, Liberty’s online PhD in Public Policy can help you develop the skills you need to make a positive impact through your career.

We’re committed to helping you become a leader of integrity — someone who models a biblical understanding of statesmanship while using effective strategies to analyze, develop, and promote social policy. Throughout this program, you’ll explore essential research methods and practical applications that can help equip you to make a real, lasting difference in our nation.

Upon graduation from our social policy PhD program, you could pursue top roles in academia, advocacy, or research. Partner with us and see how far your doctorate in social policy can take you.


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Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked among Niche.com’s Top 5 College Campuses in America

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

Liberty has been a pioneer in distance education since 1985. A lot has changed since then, but our commitment to Training Champions for Christ has not. We seek to develop Christ-centered leaders who can advocate for better, healthier communities and effectively engage with the most challenging cultural issues of our time.

At Liberty, you won’t just earn a degree — you can develop the knowledge, values, and skills essential for impacting the world. Our PhD in social policy is designed to help you make a greater impact on the legislative side of policymaking. And, because we are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), you can pursue your degree with confidence.

Each course within our public policy doctoral program is taught from a biblical worldview, so you can explore ethics and moral decision-making as they relate to public policy development. Additionally, our online doctorate in social policy is offered 100% online, giving you the flexibility to complete your courses from the comfort of your home. You can earn your degree without putting your life on hold and stay invested in your family, job, and community while furthering your education.

Liberty’s PhD in Public Policy courses are taught by professors who have years of experience working in policy, government, and legislation. With their guidance, you can hone your expertise and explore both the theoretical and practical side of policymaking. Our faculty are firmly rooted in the Christian faith and committed to teaching you best practices for developing effective social policies.


The core courses in this degree cover a wide range of topics, including the foundations of statesmanship, natural law, the Constitution, federalism, and policy analysis. You’ll receive advanced training that can help you succeed as a senior leader in public service.

Healthcare, taxation, immigration, and international relations are all issues that affect communities across the country — and they can also be the underlying causes of many social concerns. Our social policy area of study is designed to help you understand the nuances of current trends in social policy and apply ethical solutions to critical policy challenges. You can also gain the skills needed to help educate future public policy leaders, researchers, and scholars.

Additionally, you’ll learn about conducting research within the context of public policy decision-making. Our program seeks to blend theory, biblical principles, and practical application so you can form a well-rounded approach to social policy. By completing a dissertation, you can conduct valuable research and contribute to the base of knowledge in your field.

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)


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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.


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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.