PhD in Public Policy

by Frank Hilley

Searching for PhD in Public Policy?

Policy shapes the world we live in. Simply defined, it is the way the government identifies a public issue and addresses it. This applies to all forms and levels of government. If you want to shape the world at the highest levels, you may want to consider earning your PhD in public policy.

Walden University

phd in public policy

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of The North Central Association.

Students with political inclination will have the chance to enhance their knowledge with Walden University’s Public Policy program:

  • Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration – Criminal Justice
  • Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration – Emergency Management
  • Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration – General
  • Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration – Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
  • Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration – Interdisciplinary Policy Studies
  • Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration – International Non Governmental Organizations
  • Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration – Law and Public Policy
  • Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration – Local Government Management for Sustainable Communities
  • Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration – Mixed-Model – Terrorism, Mediation, and Peace
  • Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration – Nonprofit Management and Leadership
  • Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration – Policy Analysis
  • Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration – Public Management and Leadership
  • Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration – Terrorism, Mediation, and Peace

Venture into the world of politics fully equipped with the theory and practices of political systems and behavior. And in keeping with the latest national political state, Walden ensures its students with the best and updated analysis through the efforts of its academe.

Read more or get a program guide from Walden University.

PhD in Public Policy

The particulars of a program will vary from institution to institution. However, they will likely have the same commonalities. Students will be required to take a series of courses, a dissertation, and perhaps a research internship or practicum. Most programs take 5-8 years to complete depending on how much time the student has to devote to their studies. There are some online programs that are accelerated somewhat, although, the length of all programs will depend on you, the student.

The number of courses required in the program depends upon whether you choose a concentration. Some of the more common concentrations include economics, political science, and sociology. Topics may include political policy, strategy, organizational theory, and race and ethnicity. Students in online programs will complete their courses online but may be required to perform some campus residency during that period.

All students in a public policy PhD will also be required to complete an original research project or dissertation. The findings of this research will likely have to be defended orally in front of a university panel. The findings may also be published in a professional journal as well. Only after all of the courses have been completed and the dissertation successfully defended will the student be granted the title of “doctor”.