politics phd distance learning

Department of Politics and International Relations

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PhD in Politics (Distance Learning)

PhD details 3 to 4 years full-time 6 years part-time Start date October 2023 January 2024 (semester dates)

Research Research in the department takes place within four clusters: Comparative Politics and Public Policy International Studies Political Economy Political Theory Members of staff participate actively in interdisciplinary research. Examples include: Centre for Applied Human Rights Centre for Renaissance and Early Modern Studies Research Centre for Social Sciences School of Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Fees 2023/24 UK fees 2023/24 international fees

PhD students benefit from: Dedicated study space Quality research training Teaching opportunities Financial support for conferences and fieldwork Interdisciplinary events

Find out more about some of our current PhD researchers .

Contact us Contact our Graduate Office +44 (0)1904 323542 [email protected]. uk

Apply for this course

The Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of York is at the heart of current thinking, research and debate, and home to a prestigious, lively and international community. Our students and academics are internationally recognized as being at the forefront of research. Our staff are committed to both research of the highest standards and to applying their knowledge to real-world problems. They advise governments and international organisations on a wide range of issues, and regularly contribute to the news media and current affairs programmes throughout the world. Current concentrations of research expertise include the history of political thought, contemporary political theory, comparative politics, public policy, peacebuilding, global development, international security, human rights, international political economy, environmental and gender politics. We welcome PhD   applications in any of these areas.

The focus of your work will be an independent research project. We provide training which will equip you with skills in a wide range of research skills, including qualitative and quantitative research methods, to support your growing expertise. The PhD requires a dissertation of 70,000- 80,000   words or (for the 'thesis by papers' doctorate) a series of papers making an original contribution to your thesis topic.

Postgraduate research provides opportunities to develop your academic, creative and practical skills. You'll work independently in a supportive academic environment where scholarship and creativity go hand-in-hand.

The PhD in Politics (Distance Learning) allows access to academic supervision and research training for those students unable to work on campus on a regular basis.

Distance learning may be challenging and applicants need to have a high capacity to work independently and in a disciplined fashion to pursue their research goals. Supervisory teams are there to support you in acquiring the knowledge and skills to complete the thesis and there will be opportunities to participate in our research environment through online and hybrid events.

Distance learning students are expected to attend a five day induction process at the University, at the start of their studies.

Department of Politics and International Relations University of York , York , YO10 5DD , UK Tel: work +44 (0) 1904 323542 | Fax: fax 01904 323563

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Politics and International Relations at Leicester

• Your learning experience

PhD by distance learning

The PhD by distance learning is designed to offer an additional mode of study to those who seek a PhD but would find it difficult to fulfil the requirements of full or part-time study on-campus.

Successful applicants for this programme will require a good quality research proposal as a key condition of entry, as well as meeting the usual University and departmental requirements. They will be assigned supervision from the relevant department.

All distance learning PhD candidates, regardless of department, will initially undertake a structured programme of research training over the course of 12 months. The research training will consist of four mandatory modules, delivered through a combination of module books and interactive tasks, readings and discussion on the University’s Blackboard virtual learning environment.

Following the completion of the research training, you will begin to focus solely on your proposed theses, with supervisory support provided by telephone or electronically.

If you are interested in applying for a PhD in Politics and International Relations, please contact Dr Tara McCormack  with a research proposal. Browse our  PhD guidelines  for producing a proposal.

• Further information

2023 Best Online PhD in Political Science Programs

An online PhD political science program may be a good fit for you if you’re interested in gaining an advanced understanding of public policy, governance, and political institutions.

This career path may allow you to participate in valuable research activities within an academic or government setting. You may also get the opportunity to teach political science students at a postsecondary level.

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By earning this advanced degree in political science, you may take advantage of the field’s positive job outlook and high annual salaries.

Online PhD in Political Science Programs

Earning a PhD in Political Science online may provide you with the opportunity to pursue advanced research and education related to governance, political systems, policy, and political theory.

This educational pursuit may contribute to a deeper understanding of international political relations and comparative politics. Your coursework may include a look at how politics operate in different countries around the world, including Russia, Eastern and Western Europe, Asia, and South America.

With a PhD in Political Science, you may be qualified for advanced positions in policy planning, development, and analysis. You may also evaluate and explain legislative and governance processes at a local, national, and international level.

Positions in research within a government institution, academic setting, or bipartisan think tank may be available to you as well. Areas of study in a PhD political science program may include comparative politics, American politics, international politics, economics, and national security.

Comparative politics emphasizes understanding the differences and nuances of political processes, policies, and institutions of different countries. American politics focuses on the study of the US specifically. This includes a look at the two-party political system, constitution, and impact of public policy on the population in the United States.

In most PhD programs, research is the cornerstone of the curriculum. As a result, you may be required to complete coursework to advance your research practices. This may include taking courses in qualitative and quantitative research methods related to political science.

Political Science Careers & Salaries

With a PhD in Political Science, you may be in a position to pursue advanced career paths in government, from local, state, and national politics to foreign policy and international relations.

You may also be qualified to become a member of faculty at various postsecondary institutions, acting as a professor or instructor. In this role, you may be responsible for the development of curriculum in relation to various political science topics as well as instructing students on those content areas.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , there are several rewarding and lucrative careers in the field of political science .

Another common career for those with an online doctorate in political science is a researcher. Research positions may exist within government, academia, or business sectors.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers stemming from a PhD in Poli Sci are predicted to experience growth over the next ten years. This includes the positions of political scientists (6%), postsecondary teachers (9%), urban and regional planners (11%), and economists (14%).

PhD in Political Science Curriculum

Within political science PhD programs, the curriculum builds on the foundation of previous studies in master level programs and work experience in the field of poli sci.s

Courses may cover a range of political science, public policy, and public administration topics at national and international levels of politics.

• Public Administration : This course will give an advanced look at the development and implementation of public policies by various levels of government in America.
• Public Policy Analysis : You’ll examine the principles of analysis in relation to public policy and governance in American society and with consideration to population equity and globalization.
• American Political Parties : This course gives an in-depth analysis of the two-party political system in US politics, including the various roles within the parties, historical party performance, and ideological foundations.
• Political Theory : You’ll receive a comprehensive review of various political theories in relation to American politics throughout history, including social, revolutionary, progressive, and conservative politics.
• Comparative Politics : This course utilizes comparative and empirical methodologies to examine similarities and differences between various countries, populations, and concepts in relation to politics.
• International Law : In this course, you’ll get an in-depth look at contemporary issues, perspectives, and topics in relation to international law and public policy, including human rights, environment, and terrorism.
• Global Politics : This course is a review of international relations, globalization, and the global economy and its relationship to and impact on government and public policy.
• European Politics : You’ll explore public administration, political behavior, voting patterns, and policy in a European context.
• Qualitative Research Methods : You’ll learn qualitative research methods utilized in the discipline of political science and policy analysis.
• Quantitative Research Methods : This course is an examination of quantitative research methods and best practices in the field of political science.

Other course topics covered in a PhD political science degree program may include foreign policy, organizational behavior, feminism, racism, and political revolutions.

Admissions Requirements

Due to the advanced nature of political science PhD programs, you may be required to have the following before being accepted into a program:

• Masters degree : You may be required to submit proof that you have completed a master’s degree program at an accredited postsecondary institution to be accepted into a PhD program.
• Work experience : Some schools may require you to have previous work experience in government or policy-related career paths.
• Letters of recommendation : In many cases, PhD programs will request one or more letters of recommendation from former academic or workplace supervisors and colleagues.

Additional admission requirements—such as a complete CV or proof of funding for your PhD studies—may depend on the program and school you’re interested in applying to.

Accreditation

Regional accreditation verifies the academic quality of a postsecondary program. The accreditation status of a program not only impacts your ability to transfer credits from one institution to another but can also play an important role in the hiring decisions of an organization.

A program’s accreditation status may also impact your ability to register with various political science member-based associations. It may also influence your ability to receive adequate funding for your PhD studies. You can find out the accreditation status of programs you’re interested in attending through the US Department of Education ‘s website.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Pursuing a PhD in Political Science may be a significant and costly undertaking. Luckily, financial aid options, like federal and state aid or scholarships, may help ease the financial aspect of your degree.

Due to the large amount of research that is undertaken as part of a PhD program, some postsecondary institutions offer full or partial funding for PhD students. The availability of school-based funding varies from one school to the next. In some cases, funding may be limited to program length.

For example, a school that has a PhD program that can be completed in 5 years with full-time study may only provide funding for 5 years. In that instance, no additional funding may be given if you require additional time to complete your PhD.

For more information about the financial aid options that may be available to you, you can visit the US Department of Education’s website and fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid .

What Can You Do with a PhD in Political Science?

With a PhD in Political Science, you may be able to pursue a career as a political scientist working in government, business, or nonprofit. You may also be able to develop a career as a policy analyst or economist.

Other common careers with a PhD in Political Science include researchers as well as professors or instructors at postsecondary institutions. Online PhD programs in political science may advance your career as a social scientist, urban or regional planner, and survey researcher.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Political Science?

A PhD in Political Science may generally take between 3 to 5 years to complete, depending on the program you choose to enroll in. Programs may be composed of a combination of courses, research, teaching placements, examinations, and the completion of a dissertation.

In some cases, PhD programs will set a maximum number of years for completion. This means that you must complete your coursework, research, and dissertation within that timeframe in order to ensure your eligibility to graduate.

Can You Get a PhD in Political Science?

Yes, you may pursue a PhD in Political Science. Other common doctoral degrees related to the field of political science include a PhD in Public Policy or a PhD in Public Administration.

While there is some overlap between political science, public policy, and public administration programs, some key differences exist in the areas of emphasis or concentration. Political science focuses on content related to structures of the political system, analysis of policy and events, and researching political behavior. Political science encompasses both public policy and public administration.

Public policy, as the name suggests, centers more specifically around the advanced study of public policy. Public administration focuses on the bureaucracy of politics, including the implementation of policy and processes.

Is a PhD in Political Science Worth It?

Yes, a doctorate in political science is worth it for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, life, physical, and social science jobs are set to grow at 5% over the next 10 years, faster than the average for all occupations.

Common careers for political science PhD graduates in this field include professor, political scientist, researcher, policy analyst, and economist. With your completed degree, you may be able to find exciting career opportunities in government, business, academic, and nonprofit sectors.

Universities Offering Online PhD in Political Science Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

California Baptist University’s Doctor of Public Administration program requires 56 units for completion and can be finished in only 3 years. It’s a cohort-model program, and courses are delivered via 8 week courses. Graduating students should be able to address issues in a global context, using Christian ethics as a guide.

California Baptist University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

The PhD in Public Policy program at Liberty University is a 60 credit program that takes about 3 years to complete. The curriculum is delivered 100% online through a series of 8 week courses. There are optional specializations in foreign policy, education policy, social policy, economic policy, and national security policy.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

National University offers a Doctor of Public Administration program that requires the completion of 18 courses and can typically be completed in 41 months.

The program seeks to teach students how to evaluate current issues in public organizations, create practical strategies based on evidence-based research, and formulate domestic and global solutions to public policy issues.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

The PhD in Public Administration and Policy program offered at Old Dominion University provides students with solid foundations in theory and issues surrounding public administration and public policy. Students learn to conduct policy analyses, conduct original research in public administration, report on their research, and assess policy and implementation issues.

Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Regent University’s online PhD in Governement program will provide training in the study and practice of government. Students learn from specialized, field-specific coursework tailored to their interests and career goals with international development, international relations, security studies, and policy advocacy concentrations.

Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Students interested in public policy and public administration at Salve Regina University can enroll in the school’s PhD in International Relations program. It’s the first program of its kind in the nation, and it seeks to “promote humanity and eliminate prejudice” by teaching students to have a more comprehensive, empathetic global worldview.

Salve Regina University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Tennessee State University offers a PhD in Public Policy and Administration. The degree is available in a synchronous online format that enables students to continue working full-time. Some electives are asynchronous. Students in the program are given opportunities to conduct research and present their findings at scholarly conferences.

Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Valdosta State University’s Doctor of Public Administration program is a 54 credit program that can be taken online. It’s a good program for students interested in pursuing careers as public policy analysts, directors, specialists or consultants, public works directors, city managers, or professors. There are specific GRE and GPA requirements.

Valdosta State University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Students in the PhD in Public Policy and Administration program at Walden University will take foundational, core, research, and dissertation-related courses. Students must also complete a doctoral capstone and four residencies to graduate. Available courses include foundations for doctoral studies, ethics and social justice, and strategic planning: collaboration, cooperation, and coordination.

Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

West Chester University’s Doctor of Public Administration degree can be earned entirely online. There are four concentrations available in graduate social work, geography and planning, criminal justice, and public policy and administration. The curriculum focuses on policy advocacy and leadership, public sector financial and economic decision making, and strategic management.

West Chester University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Getting Your PhD in Political Science Online

Earning your PhD in Political Science through an accredited online program may provide you with lucrative and rewarding career options.

This field may offer the opportunities to lead social advocacy initiatives, plan and develop public policy, develop postsecondary political science curriculum, and instruct future political science professionals. Careers in various areas of political science are expected to experience growth over the next decade.

If you are interested in advancing your career in this field, it may be an advantageous time to pursue your PhD in Political Science.

The Best Online Doctorate in Public Policy Programs

Staff Writers

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated October 25, 2023

thebestschools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Online ph.d. public policy.

Students with strong analytical skills and the drive to create positive change through political action may benefit from an online doctorate in public policy. Public policy has a significant impact on people's lives. With an online Ph.D. in public policy, professionals can shape regulatory policy, research public policy impact, and train the next generation of policy advocates.

An online format makes a doctorate more accessible for working professionals and busy students. During an online public policy doctoral program, graduate students complete coursework requirements using a virtual learning platform. Enrollees must also meet practicum requirements and conduct research in their local areas.

Our list ranks the best doctoral programs in public policy that offer online enrollment options. By reviewing the rankings, prospective doctoral students can identify the programs that best fit their unique needs. This article also introduces common courses and focus areas for Ph.D. students in public policy, along with career paths and tips for choosing the right program.

These rankings include TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners. We use publicly available provisional datasets from Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to inform the data for these schools. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

#1 The Best Online Doctorate in Public Policy Programs

Liberty University

• Lynchburg, VA
• Online + Campus

The public policy program at Liberty University offers a doctorate in an online learning format. With its flexible format, the private university makes doctoral studies more accessible. Doctoral students receive support services like career advising and research assistance.

In the online public policy program, learners take advanced doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates choose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. With a doctorate in public policy, professionals can work in academia, research, and leadership roles.

At the accredited institution, online doctoral students can qualify for scholarships, federal loans, and other forms of financial aid. Reach out to the program to learn more about transfer credit policies, research support, and admission requirements.

Liberty University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 78,511

Online Master's Programs: 67

Online Doctoral Programs: 9

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,980

#2 The Best Online Doctorate in Public Policy Programs

Old Dominion University

• Norfolk, VA

The public administration and policy program at Old Dominion University uses an online learning format. Thanks to a flexible format, the public institution makes it easier to complete a doctorate. Doctoral students benefit from support services like career advising.

The online public policy program incorporates doctoral coursework. Doctoral candidates pass comprehensive examinations and conduct research for their dissertation. As the terminal degree in public policy, the program prepares graduates for academic, research, and industry positions.

Doctoral students who attend the accredited institution in an online format qualify for several types of financial aid. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about research support, financial aid opportunities, and admission requirements.

Old Dominion University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 12,854

Online Master's Programs: 16

Online Doctoral Programs: 5

Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,207

Online Doctorate in Public Policy Programs Ranking Guidelines

We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

Our Methodology

Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.

Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools  cannot buy better rankings  at TBS.

While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.

• Affordability
• Online Enrollment

Data Sources

The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.

The  Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System  (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's  National Center for Education Statistics  (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the  College Navigator .

Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from  AcademicInfluence.com , subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.

Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology

About our ranking factors.

Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.

Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.

We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.

• Collapse All

Academics - 75%

Affordability - 15%, online enrollment - 10%.

In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.

If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through  contact page .

We thank you for your readership and trust.

Featured Online Doctorate in Public Policy Programs

What is an online ph.d. in public policy.

A Ph.D. program in public policy trains graduates to analyze proposed policies and assess the impact of existing policies. This research-based degree prepares graduates for academic, governmental, or nonprofit roles that require analytical and research skills.

During an online Ph.D. in public policy, doctoral students build strong research skills. Programs incorporate courses on both quantitative and qualitative research methods to help students become versatile researchers. Students also gain a theoretical and practical perspective on public policy . Coursework emphasizes analytical and methodological skills.

Each doctoral student chooses a research area to focus their studies. Doctoral students may focus on regulatory policy, international economic policy, social policy, or environmental policy. Depending on the program, they may also choose secondary focus areas. Candidates also conduct original research and write dissertations.

Earning a doctorate in public policy typically takes several years. Before applying to doctoral programs, applicants should ensure that they meet admission requirements. For example, a candidate may need a master's degree . Many programs also require GRE scores, course prerequisites, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

Choosing an Online Doctoral Public Policy Program

An online Ph.D. in public policy is a major commitment of time, effort, and money. As a result, prospective applicants should carefully research programs before submitting their applications.

Several factors can help applicants find the best fit to reach their goals. For example, many applicants begin by looking at the total cost of a degree, the program length, and specialization options. At the doctoral level, graduate students should also research faculty mentors to find a good fit.

Some public policy doctoral programs emphasize research, while others focus on practice. Candidates should consider which of these best suits their professional goals when applying to programs.

Accreditation for Online Public Policy Degree Programs

A prospective doctoral student should always choose an accredited university for their online Ph.D. in public policy. Regionally accredited schools meet the highest standards for academic excellence. An accredited degree also fulfills the requirements for licenses and professional certifications.

In addition to choosing an accredited university, applicants should also research accreditation for public policy programs . The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration grants accreditation to public policy programs.

What Else Can I Expect From a Ph.D. in Public Policy Program?

A doctorate in public policy builds strong research and analytical skills. During a Ph.D. in public policy, doctoral students focus their training by choosing concentrations or specific research areas. Doctoral candidates can focus on the financial side of public policy by taking courses in budgeting, economic regulations, and public administration.

In addition to coursework, doctoral students must pass comprehensive examinations and write dissertations to earn their degrees. The training prepares graduates to work in policy-making, research, or academia.

Common Courses for an Online Doctorate in Public Policy

• Strategic Management and Planning: Coursework explores the processes and best practices involved in strategic planning, including collaboration, resource allocation, and coordination. Using real-life case studies, candidates develop strategic plans for nonprofit and public groups that align with their respective organizational missions. Lectures emphasize the importance of strong leadership skills in creating effective organizational change.
• Public Sector Budgeting: This course addresses the unique economic challenges faced by public and nonprofit organizations and presents crucial financial concepts and skills, such as budgeting and tax auditing. Enrollees use specialized technologies and software to analyze financial documents, formulate reports, and develop budgets within an organization's financial constraints.
• Ethics and Social Justice: In this course, candidates examine the relationships between leadership, power, and privilege, along with how these factors inform ethical decision-making and policy development. By examining social, economic, and demographic trends, students learn to create effective policies that meet the needs and enhance the lives of individuals in underserved communities.
• Quantitative Methods: Lectures cultivate the integral skills needed to perform doctoral-level research. Topics include statistical testing and its accompanying ethical issues, data collection methods, and the logic of inference. Learners create their own model research studies to analyze data and present the results.
• Qualitative Methods: This course introduces the qualitative research and analytical methods used in both the public sector and academic research. Exploring the theoretical and conceptual frameworks behind qualitative methodologies, each candidate creates research questions, designs and implements studies, and analyzes collected data to create a detailed analysis.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online Doctorate in Public Policy Program?

While a full-time student can typically complete their online Ph.D. in public policy in 2-4 years, the length of an online degree depends on several factors. Residency requirements, dissertation procedures, and transfer credits all affect degree length, but program structure and format play the most significant role.

To provide maximum flexibility, many schools offer their online degrees in an asynchronous format. Featuring more relaxed deadlines and flexible coursework, asynchronous programs allow working professionals to review lectures and complete assignments at their convenience. While this format allows candidates to complete their studies quickly, it also requires strong organizational skills and personal dedication.

By comparison, cohort-based programs are highly structured, with stricter deadlines and scheduling requirements. Courses may require students to be online at specified times to complete group discussions and collaborate with cohort members and faculty. While cohort learning can be more time-consuming, it also provides more academic support and accountability.

Public Policy Jobs

In addition to strengthening a range of broadly applicable skills, an online Ph.D. in public policy allows enrollees to specialize in particular areas of interest. Individuals with strong analytical skills and the drive to create positive changes through political action can pursue diverse roles in the field. Below are a few such roles.

Political Scientist

Political scientists study the origins and development of political systems and policies. Most specialize in a particular area, such as geopolitics, political theory, or public policy. Using qualitative research methods, they collect and analyze data to develop theories and predictions for political trends, new policies, and election outcomes.

Public Relations and Fundraising Manager

Charged with positively enhancing their client's image, public relations managers develop effective media strategies by examining social and political trends, target demographics, and public opinion. While some work for private corporations, many find employment in government, nonprofit groups, or political organizations. They need excellent communication and analytical skills.

Postsecondary Teacher

Some public policy doctoral students go on to pursue careers in postsecondary teaching at colleges and universities. Aside from planning lessons, grading papers, and staying informed about their field, these teachers may advise students about how to achieve their goals in public policy.

Urban and Regional Planner

Urban and regional planners design communities and create land-use plans. They help revitalize cities and implement community development plans. Urban and regional planners typically work for local governments, where they play a role in setting public policy agendas and making sure public works align with public policy.

Social and Community Service Manager

These managers coordinate social service programs for government, private, and nonprofit agencies. They assess challenges and issues faced by particular communities or demographics to develop outreach programs, policies, and initiatives as needed. They commonly must prove the efficacy of their work by collecting statistical data from the surrounding community and presenting their findings.

Popular Questions About Public Policy Degrees

What can you do with a public policy ph.d..

Doctoral degrees in public policy prepare graduates for academic roles as professors and researchers. Professionals with doctorates in public policy may also work for nonprofit think tanks, government agencies, or other non-academic research institutions.

How Much Does a Ph.D. in Public Policy Make?

According to PayScale , professionals with a doctorate in public policy analysis earn an average salary of over $106,000 per year.

Is Public Policy a Good Career?

Public policy specialists work for legislative bodies, governmental agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Public policy professionals with doctorates can also pursue academic careers. These careers tend to be prestigious, though actual experience varies by professional.

Why Should Someone Study Public Policy?

Public policy has a significant impact on the way people live. The study of public policy trains thinkers to identify successful public policies and develop strategies for improving public life.

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