Best Online Ph.D. in Public Policy Degree Programs

Saint Louis University offers a dynamic Ph.D. in Public and Social Policy that empowers students to tackle complex societal challenges. The interdisciplinary program equips scholars with advanced methodological skills and multiple disciplinary perspectives. Designed for aspiring leaders in government, research, and public service, this program addresses critical issues like urban renewal, racial inequality, and global development. Students can specialize in six unique concentrations, gaining comprehensive research and analytical capabilities to drive meaningful social change.

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

Saint Louis University's Ph.D. in Public and Social Policy provides a comprehensive interdisciplinary doctoral program designed for scholars seeking transformative policy research. Students can specialize in six distinct concentrations, including health policy, international development, and urban policy. The program prepares graduates for leadership roles in government, academia, and public service by developing advanced research methodologies and multi-perspective analytical skills. Ideal for professionals committed to addressing complex social challenges like poverty, inequality, and urban renewal.

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

Saint Louis University's Ph.D. in Public and Social Policy provides an interdisciplinary approach to addressing complex societal challenges. Students can select from six concentrations, including health policy, international development, and urban community development. The program equips scholars with advanced methodological skills and multiple disciplinary perspectives for leadership roles in government, research, and public service settings. Graduates gain the ability to conduct high-quality research and communicate insights across academic and non-academic platforms.

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

California Baptist University offers a dynamic online Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program designed for working professionals seeking advanced leadership roles in public health. Completed in three years, the program integrates evidence-based science with practical applications, focusing on developing innovative leaders who can address complex global health challenges. Students benefit from flexible online learning, Christian worldview integration, and comprehensive training in policy, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• 100% online, flexible coursework for working professionals
• Develops ethical public health leadership skills
• CEPH-accredited doctoral program with global perspective

The University of Idaho's Ph.D. in Political Science offers an advanced research-driven pathway for students passionate about understanding complex governmental structures and global political dynamics. Scholars examine critical topics like globalization, political revolutions, and American presidencies through immersive academic experiences. Teaching assistantships provide financial support, with scholarships potentially offsetting educational expenses. Students benefit from close faculty interactions and practical learning opportunities, including internships with legislature and political campaigns.

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

Augusta University's groundbreaking PhD in Intelligence, Defense, and Cybersecurity Policy offers a synchronous online curriculum designed for professionals seeking advanced national security expertise. Starting fall 2025, the program prepares students for critical roles in government, military, and private sectors through rigorous coursework exploring intelligence studies, cybersecurity policy, and strategic analysis. With 84 total credit hours and flexible elective options, students gain comprehensive skills in addressing complex security challenges.

• First globally unique intelligence and cybersecurity PhD
• Synchronous online learning with expert faculty
• Strong military and intelligence community connections

Old Dominion University's PhD in Public Administration and Policy prepares professionals to drive transformative change across sectors. This rigorous online doctoral program equips students with advanced research skills, policy analysis techniques, and leadership competencies. Designed for working professionals, the program allows deep exploration of multi-sector challenges, enabling graduates to influence decision-making in government, nonprofit, and public service environments. With flexible online learning, competitive tuition rates, and expert faculty, students develop comprehensive knowledge to conduct sophisticated research, teach at collegiate levels, and create impactful policy solutions.

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

Lipscomb University's Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy offers a transformative doctoral experience for professionals across sectors, including education, public service, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations. This interdisciplinary 63-hour program enables students to develop advanced research skills, conduct independent projects, and adapt to complex environments. Designed for working professionals, the program provides flexible online and in-person learning options, with opportunities 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's innovative Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy empowers professionals to excel across diverse sectors like education, public service, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations. This rigorous 63-hour, three-year program develops critical research skills, enabling students to independently manage complex projects and adapt to evolving environments. Offering flexibility through online and in-person options, the program allows students to customize dissertation research and potentially earn a Master of Science simultaneously.

• 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 transformative doctoral program designed for established professionals seeking to become innovative change agents. This unique cohort-based program prepares leaders to implement systemic change across diverse, international contexts. Candidates must hold a master's degree, have two years of professional experience, and maintain a 3.50 GPA. The rigorous 60-credit curriculum blends leadership studies with advanced research methodologies, empowering students to drive meaningful organizational and community impact.

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

Tennessee State University offers a unique synchronous online PhD in Public Policy and Administration designed for working professionals. The program prepares experienced administrators for careers as faculty members, high-level researchers, or senior managers in public service. Students can continue working full-time while pursuing their doctorate, with core classes meeting weekly in the evening online. The program is the only doctoral program of its kind in Tennessee, providing opportunities for advanced research and professional development in public administration.

• 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 cutting-edge hybrid program designed for ambitious professionals seeking to drive meaningful policy change. Developed in response to the Federal Government's Evidence Act, this program equips students with advanced analytical skills and a transdisciplinary approach to complex policy challenges. With a flexible learning model accommodating working professionals, students complete the program in 3-4 years full-time or 5-6 years part-time. Tuition is approximately $2,020 per unit, with total program costs around 64 units. Ideal candidates hold a master's degree and have at least three years of professional experience in policy-related fields.

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

UDC's innovative Ph.D. in Urban Leadership and Entrepreneurship empowers scholar-practitioners to tackle complex urban challenges through advanced research and practical application. Designed for emerging leaders, the program offers flexible hybrid learning with evening classes, enabling working professionals to advance their careers. With unique concentrations in urban sustainability, governance, education, and entrepreneurship, students develop critical skills in research methodology, team collaboration, and strategic thinking. Admission requires a master's degree with a 3.0 GPA, and the program provides pathways to high-growth industries like consulting, academia, and public sector leadership.

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