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Those obtaining an online PhD in public policy can expect to establish themselves as local, state, and federal government managers and leaders. The online public policy PhD focuses on systematically helping students to understand executive organization and management and how best to apply this knowledge in the context of a public service role. An online doctorate in public policy program prepares graduates for providing service by uniting research with intensive studies. Careers for those with an online PhD in public policy provide excellent compensation and the opportunity to impact public outcomes.

Online PhD in Public Policy Requirements

Individuals with a passion for serving their communities and/or the world should consider entering top online PhD programs in public policy. Those seeking online doctoral degrees in public policy should also be considerably analytical and math oriented. Coursework will prepare students for understanding the channels and systems in place through which individuals can work to influence public policy.

Master’s degrees in a legal field, criminal justice, public administration or a health-related field can prepare individuals for their pursuit of online doctorate degrees in public policy.

Careers accessible to those who have completed the best online doctoral programs in public policy include nonprofit management and leadership, public management and leadership, and public health and safety management.

Online PhD in Public Policy Education

Included in the course of study for the best programs to obtain an online doctorate in public policy are principles of public administration; public budget procedures and financial management; administrative law; professional ethics; public personnel management; and research methods. Online doctorate programs include classes that emphasize the role economic and political factors play in public decision-making and formation of policy; microeconomic analyses; the allocation of resources; how to perform cost/benefit analysis; and statistical methods.

Information on Public Policy Courses

Courses involved in obtaining a public policy degree online are challenging and stimulating for those attracted to the field. Some examples of courses associated with online PhD degrees in public policy include the following:

• Advanced Research Methods
  Students learn to apply stringent research protocols to public policy methods and procedures.
• Microeconomic theory and applications
  Students begin to understand the forces at work in the development of microeconomic theory and applications.
• Logic of public policy
  Students apply the principles of logic to the origin of theory and applications in public policy.
• Scope and theory of public policy
  Students undertake an in-depth study of the limits of public policy and how to manage situations in which no precedent applies.

Specializations and Concentrations

A number of specialty areas exist for those completing accredited online doctoral programs in public policy. Examples of specific specialties are public policy administration; public policy administration, law and public policy; public policy and administration, local government management for sustainable communities; public policy and administration, terrorism and mediation.

Careers in Online PhD in Public Policy

Public policy careers for those with an online public policy doctorate are wide-ranging. The job outlook for this field varies significantly by specialization, but overall, the field is expected to grow 19 percent from 2008 to 2018. Occupations those who have completed an online public policy PhD can anticipate being eligible for include the following:

• Superintendent of Schools
  Superintendents of Schools inform and advise the school committee or board regarding budgetary issues, programs, practices, school issues and concerns. The average annual salary for superintendents of schools is $144,000.
• Policy Advisor
  Policy advisors assess the effect of legislation changes and implement appropriate changes within their organization as necessary. They also review policy options and make recommendations. The annual salary for policy advisors averages between $70,000-$85,000.
• Urban Planner
  Urban planners create plans and programs for the use of lands and facilities under town, city, county and metropolitan jurisdiction. The average annual salary for urban planners is $87,000.
• Non-profit executive director
  The executive director reports to the Board of Directors, and is held accountable for achieving the nonprofit’s mission and financial goals. The average annual salary for nonprofit executive directors is $86,000.

The variety of positions available to those who complete online doctoral programs in public policy is broad and the remuneration is clearly well above average. For more information regarding careers in public policy, websites for professional organizations in the field can prove helpful. For those with an interest in policy and procedure as it applies to state, local and/or federal governments, completing online PhD programs in public policy can be the ticket to a rewarding and well-compensated career.