Help Create Positive Cultural Change with Liberty University’s PhD in Public Policy – Social Policy
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.
Why Choose Liberty’s Online PhD in Social Policy 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.
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 towards your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession — for less.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with a social policy degree?
How long does a PhD in Public Policy – Social Policy take to complete?
Social policy vs. public policy — what’s the difference?
What Will You Learn in Our Online Social Policy PhD Program?
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.
Featured Courses
Highlights of Liberty’s PhD in Social Policy Online
- 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 online PhD in social policy 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.
- You can earn your PhD in Public Policy at Liberty University in as little as 3 years.
- Explore the other areas of study within our PhD in Public Policy program and select the specialization that best matches your interests and career goals.
- Our PhD in social policy distance learning program is designed to help you fit your coursework into your busy schedule.
- You’ll have the opportunity to network with leaders and experts in the field of social policy while pursuing your degree.
- As an online Liberty student, you can access a wealth of resources through our top-notch research portal.
PhD in Public Policy – Social Policy Job Opportunities
- Director of research
- Professor of political science
- Public interest/advocacy group leader
- Public policy evaluator
- Senior public policy analyst
- Social research scientist
- Social scientist
Doctorate in Social Policy Degree Information
- This program falls under the Helms School of Government.
- Download and review the Degree Completion Plan.
- View the Graduate Government Course Guides (login required).
Admission Requirements for Liberty’s Online PhD in Social Policy
A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with a 3.0 or above GPA is required for admission in good standing. Please visit our admission requirements page for more detailed admissions-related information.
All applicants must submit the following:
- Admission application
- Application fee*
- Official college transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency (for applicants whose native language is other than English)
*There is no upfront application fee; however, a deferred $50 application fee will be assessed during Financial Check-In. This fee is waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses — documentation verifying military status is required.
