Best Online Ph.D. in Public Policy Degree Programs

Saint Louis University's online Ph.D. in Public and Social Policy with a Public Administration concentration provides a hybrid learning format that combines online coursework with in-person components. This doctoral program requires an entrance exam such as the GRE for admission. It focuses on developing advanced methodological skills through a Jesuit-based approach to social problem-solving, preparing leaders for government, research, and public service roles. The program emphasizes six concentration options and addresses critical issues like urban renewal and racial inequality, offering comprehensive research training for meaningful social change.

• Six diverse policy concentration options
• Jesuit-based approach to social problem solving
• Prepares leaders for multiple professional settings

This online Ph.D. program at Saint Louis University specializes in Urban and Community Development Policy through a hybrid delivery model. Admission requires an entrance exam like the GRE. The interdisciplinary curriculum equips scholars with advanced research methodologies to tackle complex challenges such as poverty and urban renewal. With six concentration options and a Jesuit foundation, it prepares graduates for leadership positions in government, academia, and public service by developing multi-perspective analytical skills for transformative policy research.

• Six unique policy concentration options
• Jesuit-based approach to social problem solving
• Advanced research and methodological training

Saint Louis University offers an online Ph.D. in Public and Social Policy with an International Development Policy concentration in a hybrid format. The program requires an entrance exam such as the GRE for admission. It provides an interdisciplinary approach to addressing global societal challenges, offering six concentration options including health policy and urban development. Students gain advanced methodological skills and multiple disciplinary perspectives for leadership roles in government and research, with training in high-quality research communication across academic and non-academic platforms.

• Six diverse policy concentration options
• Jesuit-based approach to solving social problems
• Prepares leaders for scholarly research roles

The Online Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) at California Baptist University is a flexible, fully online doctorate designed for working professionals aiming to lead and innovate in public and non‑profit sectors. The program’s 60‑unit curriculum allows students to take one class every eight weeks and integrate real‑world experience with advanced theory in areas such as policy, governance, social services, and health management. Delivered asynchronously, it supports students balancing career and life while progressing toward an embedded dissertation. Graduates are prepared for leadership, consulting, and academic roles with a strong emphasis on applied research, effective communication, and ethical public administration practice

• Flexible, Asynchronous Format
• Practitioner‑Focused Curriculum
• Embedded Dissertation Support

The University of Idaho's online Ph.D. in Political Science is a hybrid program that immerses students in advanced research on governmental structures and global political dynamics. This program requires the GRE entrance exam and offers a comprehensive study of political science mechanisms through faculty mentorship and research-focused coursework. Students gain practical experience through internships with legislatures and political campaigns, supported by teaching assistantships and scholarships. The program is military-friendly and provides close faculty interactions for a robust academic experience.

• Comprehensive study of political science mechanisms
• Research-focused doctoral program with faculty mentorship
• Practical internship opportunities in political environments

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) at Augusta University prepares future leaders for impactful careers in government, nonprofit organizations, and public service. Grounded in core values like integrity, democratic principles, professionalism, and service, the program offers a broad, interdisciplinary education that enhances both administrative skills and ethical leadership. Accredited by NASPAA, it emphasizes real‑world application through community engagement, collaborative projects, and applied research. Students can pursue specialized tracks such as criminal justice or participate in accelerated BA‑to‑MPA pathways. Graduates emerge ready to strengthen public institutions and address complex societal challenges with competence and purpose.

• NASPAA Accreditation
• Accelerated BA‑to‑MPA Option
• Community‑Focused, Interdisciplinary Education

Old Dominion University's online Ph.D. in Public Administration and Policy develops professionals for leadership roles across government, nonprofit, and public service sectors. This rigorous 49-credit program emphasizes advanced research skills and policy analysis techniques through a multi-sector approach. Designed for working professionals, it offers flexible online learning with competitive tuition rates. The program requires an entrance exam such as the GRE or GMAT for admission. Graduates are prepared to conduct sophisticated research, teach at collegiate levels, and create impactful policy solutions, with the program ranked #6 for online doctorates in public administration.

• Multi-sector approach to public administration
• 49 total credit hours with dissertation focus

Lipscomb University's online-hybrid Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy with an education leadership and policy concentration provides a 63-hour interdisciplinary doctoral program designed for working professionals. This program develops advanced research skills for conducting independent projects in complex educational environments. The flexible format combines online learning with in-person options, allowing customization of dissertation research. No entrance exam is explicitly required for this online program, which also offers the opportunity to simultaneously earn a Master of Science in Leadership and Policy.

• Interdisciplinary doctorate with broad professional applications
• Flexible online and in-person learning formats
• Customizable dissertation research opportunities

Lipscomb University offers a public service leadership and policy concentration within its online-hybrid Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy, a three-year, 63-hour program that empowers professionals across sectors. This rigorous doctoral program emphasizes critical research skill development for managing complex projects in evolving public service environments. The flexible online and in-person format allows for customizable dissertation pathways. No entrance exam is explicitly required for this online program, which provides opportunities to earn a Master of Science concurrently.

• Interdisciplinary doctoral program with broad career applications
• Online and in-person learning options available
• Customizable dissertation research pathway

Niagara University's Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy is a hybrid online program requiring a master's degree, two years of professional experience, and a 3.50 GPA. This 60-credit doctoral curriculum emphasizes social justice and organizational change through leadership studies and advanced research methodologies. The cohort-based model provides individualized dissertation support, preparing established professionals to implement systemic change across international contexts. The program does not require an entrance exam like the GRE. As a Roman Catholic institution, it is military-friendly and focuses on transformative leadership for meaningful community impact.

• 60-credit doctoral program for professionals
• Focuses on social justice and organizational change
• Cohort model with individualized dissertation support

Tennessee State University's online Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration is a synchronous program tailored for working professionals, allowing students to maintain full-time employment while pursuing their doctorate through weekly evening online classes. As Tennessee's only doctoral program of this kind, it emphasizes advanced research and professional development, preparing graduates for roles as faculty, researchers, or senior managers in public service. This program does not require an entrance exam, and its online format supports flexibility for experienced administrators. Notably, it is military-friendly and offered by an HBCU, with a history dating back to its first cohort in 1991.

• 100% online synchronous doctoral program
• Designed for working professionals
• First PhD admitted in 1991

Claremont Graduate University's Doctor of Public Policy (DPP) is a hybrid online program designed for professionals with at least three years of policy experience. Developed in response to the Federal Government's Evidence Act, it emphasizes advanced analytical skills and transdisciplinary approaches to complex policy challenges without requiring a traditional dissertation. The program requires the GRE entrance exam and offers flexible completion in 3-6 years, with tuition around $2,020 per unit. This practice-focused curriculum combines online learning with expert-led instruction to prepare graduates for impactful policy leadership roles.

• Fast-track doctoral degree without traditional dissertation.
• Hybrid learning with expert-led instruction.
• Practice-focused policy analysis skills.

The University of the District of Columbia offers a hybrid Ph.D. in Urban Leadership and Entrepreneurship, blending online flexibility with in-person evening classes for working professionals. This innovative program prepares scholar-practitioners to address complex urban challenges through advanced research and practical applications. While no specific entrance exam is mentioned in the provided data, admission requires a master's degree with a 3.0 GPA. The curriculum emphasizes research methodology, team collaboration, and strategic thinking, with pathways to careers in consulting, academia, and public sector leadership. As an HBCU, UDC provides a unique doctoral focus on urban leadership nationwide.

• Unique doctoral program focused on urban leadership nationwide.
• Flexible hybrid learning with evening classes.
• Four specialized urban leadership concentrations available.