The Doctorate in Public Policy (DPP) is a comprehensive doctoral program that combines rigorous theoretical and practical training in public policy and advanced analytics. The program focuses on developing the analytical and quantitative skills that prepare students for careers in public, private, and non-profit organizations, where they will work as high-level analysts and leaders.

Note: The PhD in Political Science, not the DPP, is intended for students who specifically wish to prepare themselves to be professors.

Students entering with all prerequisites met through prior coursework and attending full time will complete the degree in approximately six semesters.

Program Outcomes

This practice-oriented degree provides rigorous theoretical, analytical, and practical training in public policy and advanced research methods. Students will be prepared to work in public, non-profit, and private firms as policy analysts and consultants. Students also received leadership training and training in working in multidisciplinary teams. 

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 64 units is required for the degree. Additionally, students will complete the Division of Politics and Economics  Practical Experience Milestone.

Prerequisites

Students entering with a BA/BS should have 3 or more years of professional experience and coursework equivalent to:

• ECON 308 - Math for Economists (4 units)  
• PP 481 - Introduction to Statistical Analysis (4 units)  
• One Microeconomics course
  • ECON 313 - Microeconomic Analysis (4 units)  
  • SP&E 313 - Microeconomics & Public Policy (4 units)  

Students entering with an MPP are assumed to have the equivalent of this coursework but should take courses as needed; any needed prerequisites are in addition to the 64 units required for the DPP.

Coursework

Research Tools (28 units)

• SP&E 489 - Computational Tools for Social Science (4 units)  
• SP&E 487 - Visualizing Data (4 units)  
• PP 482 - Advanced Quantitative Research Methods (4 units)  
• PP 484 - Survey Research (4 units) *
• PP 485 - Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research (4 units) **
• PP 487L - Applied Data Analysis: Limited Dependent Variables and MLE (4 units)  
• PP 487M - Applied Data Analysis: Machine Learning and Data Mining for Social Scientists (4 units)  
• PP 487S - Applied Data Analysis: Survey of Advanced Methods (4 units)  
• Course on Experimental Design

**With advisor approval you may take PSYCH 315Q - Qualitative Research Methods  as a substitute.

Core Courses (12 units)

• PP 330 - Public Policy Process (4 units)  
• PP 331 - Policy Evaluation (4 units)  
• PP 338 - Policy Design & Implementation (4 units)  

Transdisciplinary Studies (6 units)

Students will take at least six units of Transdisciplinary (TNDY) courses, usually offered cohort-style in summer/fall intensive formats. Specific courses should be chosen in consultation with an advisor.

Practicum Courses (6 units)

PSYCH 352L - Professional Development in Evaluation & Applied Research Methods (2 - 4 units) 

Students will take six units of practicum coursework offered by CGU’s The Evaluators’ Institute (TEI). 

• 4 units - Students will take eight to ten days of TEI workshop
• 2 units - Students will take four to five day sof TEI workshop

Capstone Courses (8 units)

DPP students will take a total of 8 units of Capstone courses, one during the first year, one during the second year, and the 4-unit Completion course during the final semester of the program.

• SP&E 501A - DPE Capstone: Proposal (2 units)  
• SP&E 501B - DPE Capstone: Progress (2 units)  
• SP&E 501C - DPE Capstone: Completion (4 units)  

Electives (4 units)

It is highly reccomended that students complete SP&E 354 - Comparative Public Policy . Students are advised to consult with their academic advisor for alternatives.

Division of Politics and Economics Practical Experience Milestone

• An applied research project with CGU or 5C faculty OR
• An applied research report submitted to a client OR
• One or more semesters of relevant work experience between matriculation and graduation OR
• Another practical or applied work or research experience approved by the department as achieving one or more program
• learning outcomes.

Students must have their milestones approved by the department prior to the submission of their Final Approval Form. This milestone is to be completed during the time to degree at CGU (maximum of 7 years for doctoral students). Extensions of Time to Degree citing the need to complete this milestone will not be approved. Students can have a maximum of 3 years of experience for the Practical Experience Milestone.