Request Info Visit Us Apply Now

Insight that makes an impact.

The Doctor of Public Policy (DPP) program is designed to meet the rising demand for skilled professionals in evidence-based policymaking, a need highlighted by the Federal Government’s Evidence Act. Created to bridge the gap between theory and application, this program equips you with advanced analytical skills essential for impactful roles in government, non-profits, or the private sector. Incorporating disciplines such as Public Policy, Political Science, Statistics, and Economics, the DPP offers a transdisciplinary approach to navigating and influencing today’s complex policy landscapes, preparing you to utilize practice-focused analysis in professional settings.

Program Benefits

Our DPP program prepares you to become a leader in the field of public policy through a unique blend of analytics and hands-on experience. The focus on high-level research tools and methodologies will enable you to navigate and influence complex policy environments. Direct access to Southern California’s dynamic urban, environmental, and governmental landscapes offers unparalleled opportunities for real-world analysis and problem-solving. As a graduate of the DPP program, you will be primed to excel in your career with a practice-based doctoral education that sets you apart in the professional world.

Loading...

Program Highlights

Career Paths

Graduates of this program will be ready to excel in public administration, non-profit management, consultancy, and governmental research, shaping policies that address society’s most pressing challenges. Common job titles may include Research Analyst, Policy Analyst, Policy Researcher, Evaluator, Data Scientist, and Team Lead.

Ideal Candidates

Our DPP program is designed for:

Program At a Glance

UNITS
64 units (students can transfer up to 20 units)

PROGRAM MODALITY
Hybrid

PROGRAM LENGTH*
Full-time: 3-4 years
Part-time: 5-6 years

DEGREE AWARDED
Doctor of Public Policy (DPP)

PROGRAM ENTRY
Fall | Spring | Summer

*Program completion times may vary depending on course registration, units transferred, and time to complete other degree requirements.

Curriculum

The DPP curriculum is designed to position you at the forefront of policy analysis, ensuring your success in leadership roles within government and non-government organizations. By blending Transdisciplinary courses and practicum experiences exclusive to Claremont Graduate University, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the practical and theoretical aspects of policy evaluation. Our small class sizes and high-touch environment foster an immersive learning experience, while flexible scheduling accommodates working professionals. You’ll work closely with highly accomplished faculty, selecting courses and a Capstone project that align with your career goals, ensuring a personalized educational journey.

Degree Requirements

Coursework

Practicum

Workshops offered through The Evaluators Institute (TEI) which may be completed online. Topics may include Utilization-Focused Evaluation; Culture, Equity, and Evaluation; Introduction to ChatGPT4 for Evaluation; Sampling; Applied Measurement for Evaluation; Introduction to Machine Learning, etc.

Field Training

Not required, but preferred for students without work experience.

Capstone

Option 1:
All Federal agencies must create a learning agenda, capacity plan, and an evaluation plan based on the Evidence Act. Students may select capstone project research questions from this vast set of federal projects, making the capstones truly grounded in the policy world, even without a specific client in mind. The US federal government addresses almost every policy topic of importance; students should be able to follow their policy passions within this structure.

Option 2:
Students may analyze a policy or program for a specific client, including their employer.

Competencies & Learning Outcomes

Additional Details

CGU is an Institutional Member of the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM). This gives us high-quality links to this policy community, including free student memberships. In addition, other Institutional Members include policy-analysis organizations such as Mathematica, Abt Associates, MDRC, Westat, and more organizations of the type that are potential employers of DPP graduates.

Faculty & Research

Request information about the Public Policy (DPP) program

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Frank Frias

Director of Admissions & Recruitment
T: 909-607-3240
E: franklin.frias@cgu.edu