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
- Fast-Track Career Advancement: Complete your doctoral degree faster without qualifying exams or a dissertation, starting your research career sooner.
- Expert-Led Instruction: Learn from faculty with extensive governmental experience that bring real-world insights into the classroom.
- Practical Skills: Gain a comprehensive skill set in quantitative and qualitative research, and cross-boundary communication and leadership.
- Flexible Learning Options: Balance your studies with your professional life through our mix of in-person and online coursework.
- Personalized Learning Experience: Receive individualized faculty attention and tailored mentorship to meet your career goals.
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:
- Aspiring high-level public policy research analysts and leaders seeking advanced skills and deeper insights into critical policy issues.
- Motivated learners eager to join multidisciplinary teams to address and solve society’s pressing problems using evidence-based approaches.
- Individuals with a master’s degree in public policy, economics, politics, or related fields, with at least 3 years of professional experience.
- Working professionals who want to elevate their expertise without interrupting their career progress.
Program At-a-glance
-
64 units
required units
-
Doctor of Public Policy
degree awarded
-
Hybrid
modality
-
Spring, Summer, Fall
program start
-
3-4 years | full time*
estimated completion time
5-6 years | part time
estimated completion time
Faculty
-
Robert Klitgaard
University Professor
Research Interests
Public Policy, Economic Strategy, Institutional Reform, Corruption
-
Heather E. Campbell
Thornton F. Bradshaw Professor of Public Policy
Director, Division of Politics & EconomicsResearch Interests
Public Policy, Urban Environmental Policy, Environmental Justice
-
Tyler Reny
Assistant Professor
Research Interests
American Politics, Racial and Ethnic Politics, Political Behavior, Public Opinion, Political Psychology, Data Visualization
-
C. Mónica Capra
Professor of Economic Sciences
Research Interests
Experimental Economics, Behavioral Economics, Neuroeconomics
-
Melissa Rogers
Professor, Politics & Policy
Co-Director, Inequality and Policy Research Center
Field Chair, Comparative Politics
Field Chair, American PoliticsResearch Interests
Comparative Politics, Political Economy, Economic Inequality
-
Jason T. Siegel
Professor of Psychology
Research Interests
Social Psychology, Health Psychology, Persuasion, Survey Research
-
Kendall Cotton Bronk
Professor of Psychology
Research Interests
Purpose in Life, Adolescent Moral Development, Positive Youth Development, Qualitative Methods
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
- Core policy analysis: 12 units
- Research methods and tools 28-30 units
- Unrestricted electives: 2-4 units
- Practicum: 6 units
- Capstone: 8 units
- Transdisciplinary: 6 units
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
- Demonstrate ability to perform high-quality policy and/or evaluation research.
- Synthesize and communicate research outcomes in several policy-relevant formats focused on different audiences.
- Interpret and apply theoretical concepts to the realities of policy-politics.
- Apply the principle of unintended consequences to forecast outcomes and revise policy design/implementation.
- Demonstrate ability to collect and clean data, and to use computer software to analyze data.
- Apply, with professional-level proficiency, different research tools used in policy analysis.
- Demonstrate specific skill in at least one policy analysis research tool applied to a specific policy area and presented in a high-quality research report.
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.
Application Guidelines
| University Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $80 (fee is non-refundable) |
| Official Transcripts | Undergraduate/graduate Applicants must submit a sealed, official transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution that has granted the applicant a degree. Electronic transcripts sent to admissions@cgu.edu are also accepted. For undergraduate coursework, applicants are required to submit proof of a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Unofficial copies of transcripts are accepted for review purposes, but official copies will be required upon admission. Applicants currently earning a degree that will be completed prior to attending CGU are required to submit a transcript showing work in progress for evaluation purposes. Once the degree has been granted, a final official transcript documenting the degree conferred must be submitted to CGU. International applicants are advised to review the International Transcript Guidelines for additional information on submitting international transcripts. |
| English Proficiency Exam | Required (international applicants only) A valid score on one of the following examinations TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE, Duolingo English Test is required of all non-native English-speaking applicants. The examination is not required for the following applicants:
CGU’s school code for the TOEFL exam is 4053. International applicants are encouraged to visit our International Applicants page for more information, including score requirements. |
| Resume | Applicants must submit an up-to-date copy of their resume. |
| Program Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Statement of Purpose | Please submit a 2-3 page statement of purpose that details your academic and/or professional achievements, your specific areas of research interest within your desired field of study, why you are a strong candidate for graduate studies at CGU, and your career goals. |
| Academic Prerequisites | Master’s degree preferred, especially in Public Policy, Economics, Political Science, or Law. 3 years of work experience is preferred. |
| Letter of Recommendation | 2 letters required When filling out the online application, please enter references acquainted with your potential for success who will submit a written recommendation on your behalf. In most academic departments, references from faculty members who can speak to your academic ability are preferred; applicants with substantial work experience may request professional references. Please do not enter family members as references. You will be required to input information for your recommenders (whether they are submitting online or not) in the “Recommendations” section of the online application. Please follow the directions in this section carefully before clicking on “Recommendation Provider List” to input the names and contact information for each recommender. You will have an opportunity to indicate if the reference writer will be submitting online. These reference writers will receive an email from CGU with instructions on submitting an online recommendation. Recommenders who are indicated as offline will not receive an email from CGU with instructions to submit. These reference writers can submit via traditional mail and should use the supplemental New Student Recommendation Form. Recommenders can also email their letter of recommendation to the Office of Admissions at admissions@cgu.edu. |
Key Dates & Deadlines
CGU operates on a priority deadline cycle. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by the priority dates in order to assure maximum consideration for both admission and fellowships.
Once the priority deadlines have passed, the University will continue to review applications for qualified candidates on a competitive, space-available basis. The final deadlines listed are the last date the University can accept an application in order to allow sufficient time to complete the admissions, financial aid, and other enrollment processes.
Spring 2026
Priority Deadline – November 1, 2025
Final Deadline (International) – November 15, 2025
Final Deadline (Domestic) – December 1, 2025
Classes begin – January 20, 2026
Summer 2026
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2026
Final Deadline (International) – March 1, 2026
Final Deadline (Domestic) – April 1, 2026
Classes begin – May 18, 2026
Fall 2026
Priority Deadline – February 1, 2026
Final Deadline (International) – July 5, 2026
Final Deadline (Domestic) – August 1, 2026
Classes begin – August 24, 2026
Cost & Aid
ESTIMATED TUITION (CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS, NON-RESIDENTS, INTERNATIONAL)
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition rates.
STUDENT FEES (PER SEMESTER)
| $245 Student Fee |
| $150 Technology Fee |
| International Student Services Fee**: $802 fall semester, $898 spring semester **Applies to all international students (F-1 visa only) who are registered in coursework, doctoral study, or continuous registration. The fee is assessed each fall and spring semester for annual ISO accident and sickness plans and administrative fees. Subject to changes. |
For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s Cost of Attendance 2025-2026.
| Program | 64 units |