Through our online PhD in Public Policy and Administration program, you can take the lead in developing sustainable solutions to improve people’s quality of life today and ensure a better tomorrow.

This online public policy PhD program can prepare you to meet the challenges of governance and public service in the United States and around the world. Gain a detailed understanding of public policy theory, research, and practice in a global context.

Earning your online PhD in Public Policy and Administration from Walden can position you to attain a new level of influence in your field. Become a researcher, college-level educator, or administrative leader in the private, public, or nonprofit sector.1

Why earn your PhD in Public Policy and Administration from Walden?

  • The program is taught by a diverse faculty of scholar-practitioners, all of whom hold doctoral degrees, with experience in domestic and international policy.
  • Four academic residencies will support your progress at key points in your doctoral journey. Residencies enrich your learning experience by enabling you to meet face to face with peers, staff, and faculty while gaining skills to prepare you for your dissertation.
  • The program’s international perspective benefits U.S.-based and international students alike. With courses that incorporate global case studies and a foundation course created exclusively for international students, this public policy PhD helps you broaden your understanding.

Learning Outcomes

With our online PhD in Public Policy and Administration program, you can gain the knowledge and credentials that will help you change your world—and the world around you.

Graduates of this public policy PhD program will be prepared to:

  1. Discuss leadership concepts and theories that have been used to effectively lead and manage in the public sector.
  2. Analyze evidence-based research, theories, and models used to promote participation in public and nonprofit policy processes.
  3. Develop solutions for problems related to public policy and public administration using theory and research.
  4. Ethically apply the major theories and concepts of public policy and public administration within organizations.
  5. Evaluate models and best practices utilizing diverse perspectives in local, state, national, and international public agencies by using evidence-based research.

Career Impact

Whether you’re interested in furthering your own research or entering the private sector, a PhD in Public Policy and Administration can position you for a range of careers.

Career options include:

  • College professor
  • Academic administrator
  • Senior-level public executive
  • Legislative aide
  • Government affairs officer
  • Senior-level nonprofit manager
  • Policy analyst
  • Research director
  • Private consultant

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

Save Time and Money on Your Degree

The ability to transfer credit at Walden from your coursework or credentials can give you a more seamless, effective, and cost-efficient way to continue your education.

  • Complete your required PhD in Public Policy and Administration coursework sooner by transferring your applicable credits.
  • Students who have completed a Master of Public Administration or Master in Nonprofit will automatically receive 15 credits for their completed degree.

 

Testimonials

Don Reed

Donald J. Reed

PhD in Public Policy and Administration Graduate
Walden was a natural choice for me due to its method of instruction; it is conducive to professionals looking to earn an advanced degree.
My wife was so impressed with my Walden education that she enrolled in the Doctor of Education (EdD) program.
In the hour I spent talking with Walden’s admissions advisor, I completely changed my career ambition. To this day, I am still on that path.
Michael Schenck PhD in Public Policy and Administration Graduate
Michael Schenck
Thomas Schillinger PhD in Public Policy and Administration Graduate
Thomas Schillinger
Seth Barnett MPA Graduate
Seth Barnett

Note: Time to completion and cost are not estimates of individual experience and will vary based on individual factors applicable to the student. Factors may be programmatic or academic, such as tuition and fee increases; transfer credits accepted by Walden; program or specialization changes; unsuccessful course completion; credit load per term; part-time vs. full-time enrollment; writing, research, and editing skills; use of external data for the doctoral study/dissertation; and individual progress in the program. Other factors may include personal issues such as the student’s employment obligations, caregiving responsibilities, or health issues; leaves of absence; or other personal circumstances.

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Questions about our PhD in Public Policy and Administration?
Questions about our PhD in Public Policy and Administration?
We're here to help. Talk to your personal enrollment advisor for more information today. Please use our International Form if you live outside of the U.S.
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