phd law and policy

Doctor of Law and Policy — Boston

The Doctor of Law and Policy program is designed for experienced professionals seeking to effect change through a deeper understanding of the origins, development, implementation and analysis of legal and public policy decisions in government and related institutions.

• REQUEST INFO

Take a Quick Look

We’re committed to creating an education as unique as your career path. So, whether your goal is a new career or moving up in your field, our innovative programs will get you going your way.

Customize your plan

We work with you to map your path to your goal.

Learn from experience

From real-world case studies to employer-based projects, we prepare you to manage what comes next.

Choose your focus

Whatever you’re passionate about, you’ll find the classes to sharpen your specialty.

Study anywhere, on your time

Part-time or full-time, we move at your speed, to get you where you’re going.

Entry Terms

Completion time, f1 visa eligible.

In an increasingly complex and globally connected environment, the Doctor of Law and Policy program empowers leaders in the government, for-profit, and nonprofit sectors to establish expertise, advance their careers, and drive lasting change. In a flexible learning format, you’ll examine the intersection of three key themes—law, research, and policy—honing your professional and analytical skills as you learn to tackle practical problems with a multidisciplinary approach.

You’ll study the impact of political, economic, and social trends, crafting recommendations, strategies, and arguments to influence global and domestic law and policy. In the Executive Program, you’ll attend weekend residencies twice a quarter in Boston, affording you the opportunity to complete your coursework and doctoral thesis in 24 months. And with the guidance of our expert faculty, you’ll design and execute a personalized plan of inquiry to study and address the public policy issues you care about most.

This program is based in Boston, MA. Our Charlotte campus is now accepting applications for the fall 2024 term.

More Details

Unique features.

• Our executive program is designed for working professionals with 10 years of experience and can be completed in two years
• Hybrid format with classes meeting twice a quarter on ground, and online learning throughout the rest of the year
• Cohort learning model allows students to cultivate a network of friends and colleagues from a myriad of industries, ages, and experiences
• Residencies twice a quarter offer students the advantages of interactive learning without the restrictions of a traditional doctoral program
• In addition to the residencies in Boston, students participate in one three-day residency in Washington, D.C. and one international four-day residency. Students participate in a mixture of sessions that include guest lecturers from various elected officials and public policy advocates, as well as excursions to places that play key roles in policy-making
• Past guest speakers have included Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Samuel Alito, and Clarence Thomas; congressional journalists from CNN, NPR, Buzzfeed, and Politico; Marty Baron, executive editor of the  Washington Post ; Representative Joseph Kennedy III; Lonnie Bunch, director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture; Mason Dunn, executive director of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition; and Dr. Victor Dzau, president of the National Academy of Medicine
• Learn from faculty with decades of experience as international consultants, higher education consulting experts, legal experts, and experts in development policy

Program Objectives

• Develop new leadership and strategic-thinking skills
• Utilize law as a way to be a better policy maker and change agent
• Interpret research and use it to further policy-related goals
• Be able to negotiate with stakeholders in courts, legislatures, and agencies in the corporate and nonprofit environments

Graduates Share Their Story

View the video below to hear Doctor of Law and Policy graduates share why they chose the program, what they learned, and their area of focus.

What Program Format is Right for Me?

Check Out Your Career Prospects

Beginning your journey with us is a big decision. But it's a smart one.  Your field is evolving rapidly. That's why we're constantly innovating our programs to anticipate your industry's needs.  So, no matter where your field goes, you can lead the way.

reported increased earnings of those with doctoral degrees vs. master's degrees and 43% more than those with just bachelor's degrees.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021

is the expected lifetime earnings for someone with a doctoral degree.

Forbes, 2021

Get Set With a Course Plan

Please note: Enrolled students should reference the academic catalog for current program requirements.

Follow Our Leaders

Our faculty represents a wide cross-section of professional practices and fields. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside students to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Kevin Brannon

• Assistant Teaching Professor

Megan Kennedy

Ted Johnson

• Senior Lecturer

Fiona Creed

• Associate Teaching Professor

Seth Harris

• Distinguished Prof of the Prac

I gravitated to Northeastern right away because it was the only program that offered the duality of law and policy – where it wasn’t just law and wasn’t just policy. I felt that duality would present more than one option for me to further my career. Cherron Payne Doctor of Law and Policy, 2020

Now Let's Talk Admissions

You know where you are headed and you've seen how our program will lead you there. So let's get going. Here's what you need to know before you enroll.

Application Requirements

• Online application
• The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
• Professional resumé:  Current resumé that displays job responsibilities, relevant experience, and education history
• Academic recommendation:  This letter should come from a former professor or mentor who can speak to your ability to succeed in an academic environment. The recommender should address your capacity to conduct research and write at the doctoral level. If you have been out of school for a long time or are no longer acquainted with your professors, you may ask someone who has evaluated you during a professional training seminar or workshop to compose this recommendation.
• Two Professional Recommendations:  One must be from your current supervisor; recommendations should not come from individuals who report to you. Recommenders are encouraged to identify specific examples that highlight your skills and abilities.
• Discuss your career trajectory and your professional goals. How will earning this degree help you achieve those goals? (500 words)
• Identify an important problem or issue related to your profession. Why do you want to explore and understand this problem or issue? Be sure to articulate how this problem or issue relates to law and policy. (500 words)
• Interview:  Applicants may be requested to participate in an interview as part of the admissions process. If this is determined, we will reach out to you directly.
• Proof of English language proficiency:  ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language:  English language proficiency guidelines
• DLP Transfer Credit  – Due to the cohort model of the Doctor of Law and Policy program, transfer credits from other institutions are not accepted.

International Requirements

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Financing Requirements

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Cost and Tuition

Avg institutional aid, % receiving aid.

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2024-2025 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services .

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the  Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

Application Deadlines

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:

Domestic Application Guidelines

International Application Guidelines *

*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.

Student Body Profile

Below is a look at where our Law & Criminology alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

Where They Work

• City of Boston
• State Board of Education

What They Do

• Business Development
• Entrepreneurship
• Community and Social Services

What They're Skilled At

• Policy Analysis
• Legal Writing
• Public Speaking
• Legal Analysis

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on  Linkedin .

Related Programs

Law and policy — professional doctorate — seattle, wa.

Learn more about Law and Policy

Let's Go For Your Goals

With our innovation, flexibility, and expertise, we know we can get you there.

Back to Top

Doctor of Law and Policy

• Program Description
• Find Out More

Our flexible online doctoral program allows you to work at your own pace and collaborate in a cohort, including quarterly in-person residencies at our Seattle campus. Gain the skills you need from global and domestic policy leaders to advance your career.

The Doctor of Law and Policy is a national online program with classes that meet in-person in Seattle once per quarter. Students from all over the country, including Washington state, are encouraged to join this group of working professionals and accomplished leaders. Candidates come from a variety of industries including health care, nonprofit, education, biotechnology, business, government, social services, homeland security, and technology.

This professional doctoral degree emphasizes the integration of qualitative and quantitative social science methods, economics, law and policy, and political theory. Doctoral candidates specialize in a particular domain that enables them to align their research and doctoral thesis with their professional and intellectual interests.

The DLP program provides you with the opportunity to complete your coursework and doctoral thesis within 3-6 years

Request More Information

Certificate information.

If now is not the right time for you to enroll in a Northeastern University–Seattle master’s or doctoral degree program, but you know that advanced study will enhance your skills and career potential, consider our graduate certificate programs .

Align Master of Science in Computer Science

Doctor of Education

Master of Professional Studies in Analytics

Master of Science in Computer Science

Master of Science in Data Analytics Engineering

Master of Science in Data Architecture and Management

Master of Science in Economics

Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Master of Science in Information Systems

Academic Catalog 2024-2025

Law and policy, dlp.

Public servants, executives, and managers operate in an increasingly complex global environment. A doctoral education seeks to provide the policy, analytic, and research skills necessary to advance one’s career.

Developed jointly by the College of Professional Studies and Northeastern’s Public Policy program, the Doctor of Law and Policy program (DLP) is designed for experienced professionals who are interested in the origins, development, implementation, and analysis of legal and public policy decisions in government and related institutions. The program prepares students to advance their careers within a variety of fields while focusing their thesis research on a precise law and policy topic.

Students undertake the DLP in order to understand the ways in which public and related institutions formulate and execute policy. Students have the opportunity to develop the ability to interpret and assess the research of others, to acquire skills as researchers, and to communicate their knowledge to a wide range of audiences. Those who successfully complete the degree are equipped to bring their skills and knowledge to senior policy and management positions in government, nonprofit agencies, research organizations, consulting firms, and corporations.

The DLP program is structured so course work and the doctoral thesis can be completed in two years. Classes meet one weekend per month in Boston, and the learning continues online throughout the rest of the month.

Northeastern University also offers a traditional PhD in Public Policy. To learn more, visit the Public Policy program website . 

• Concentrations and course offerings may vary by campus and/or by program modality.  Please consult with your advisor or admissions coach for the course availability each term at your campus or within your program modality.  
• Certain options within the program may be  required  at certain campuses or for certain program modalities.  Please consult with your advisor or admissions coach for requirements at your campus or for your program modality. 

Complete all courses and requirements listed below unless otherwise indicated.

Required Courses

Program Credit/GPA Requirements

69 total quarter hours required Minimum 3.000 GPA required

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

2023-24 Undergraduate Day PDF

2023-24 CPS Undergraduate PDF

2023-24 Graduate/Law PDF

2023-24 Course Descriptions PDF

Course Catalog | Liberty University

Doctor of law & policy (d.l.p.), program specific admissions requirements.

In addition to the general admission requirements, specific requirements for admission to the Doctor of Law and Policy (D.L.P.) are as follows:

• Earned Master's degree or its equivalent from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (e.g., SACSCOC, TRACS, ABHE, etc.).
• An undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above (on a 4.00 scale).
• TOEFL Scores for students who speak English as a second language (score of 600 paper-based test; 250 computer-based test, 80 internet-based test)

Transfer Credit

Students may transfer up to 30 hours of graduate-level credit from an accredited institution. In order to transfer credit, students must have earned the minimum grade of B-, and courses must have been completed within seven (7) years of the start date of the student’s program at Liberty University. Credits from a prior degree on the same academic level earned through Liberty University are considered transfer credits.

Program Learning Outcomes

The student will be able to:

• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the literature in policy analysis and legal research to inform innovative change proposals that integrate legal principles, precedents, and practices and inform public policy goals.
• Synthesize a Christian model of statesmanship that incorporates a Biblical worldview with sound law and public policy analysis and application.
• Conduct independent research and explore practical solutions that can be applied to contemporary challenges facing practitioners in the fields of law and public policy.

Delivery Format: Online Only

• Law & Policy (D.L.P.)
• Budget analyst
• Legislative aide
• Sustainability consultant
• Policy analyst
• Research scientist
• Intelligence officer
• Urban planner
• Public interest lawyer
• Public Agency Manager
• Management consultant
• Foundation program officer
• Foreign service officer
• Grassroots organizer/advocate
• Elected official
• Election campaign staffer
• Public affairs officer
• Journalist / reporter
• Editorial assistant
• Teacher/Professor

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.

Liberty University 2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

A PDF of the entire 2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog.

Liberty University 2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

A PDF of the entire 2024-2025 Graduate Catalog.

Liberty University 2024-2025 College of Osteopathic Medicine

A PDF of the entire 2024-2025 College of Osteopathic Medicine Catalog.

• School of Law

Ph.D. in Law

The Ph.D. in Law prepares graduates for global leadership in the judiciary, academia, business and government. Since 1966, the program has offered a select number of diverse students the opportunity to attain their highest professional aspirations and career goals. A preeminent center for interdisciplinary legal studies, UW Law offers a global focus and innovative approach to integrating legal scholarship within the humanities and social sciences, medicine and global health, business and technology, and environmental and public policy.

The Ph.D. program is designed to provide a rich and thorough foundation in research methodologies, jurisprudence, legal theory, policy, dissertation preparation and ready access to specialized elective coursework from within the law school and university-wide research centers, institutes and schools. Throughout the program, our graduate students receive individualized attention from exceptional faculty and staff.

With its long and respected history, the Ph.D. program provides students with a global alumni network. Alumni are committed supporters and mentors and lead in many sectors around the world.

The Ph.D. program requires a minimum of three years’ study, at least two years of which are comprised of coursework taken while in residence at the UW. Ph.D. candidates must complete 90 credits. A minimum of 60 credits must be taken at the UW including a minimum of 27 dissertation credits. Some of the credits earned in an LL.M. program may be counted among the 60 credits.

Doctoral dissertation committees are led by faculty experts from UW Law and include members with deep knowledge and expertise from across the university. Students can customize their studies with interdisciplinary coursework, independent study, field research, global internships and externships.

See full curriculum

• Current Ph.D.s in Law
• PhD Admissions

Related Links

Graduate Programs, UW School of Law William H. Gates Hall Box 353020 4293 Memorial Way Seattle, WA 98195-3020, USA gradlaw@ uw .edu

Graduate Program

Jurisprudence & social policy graduate program, october 2, 2024, august 29, 2024, august 20, 2024, july 30, 2024.

Berkeley Law offers a unique interdisciplinary program of graduate study in law and society, leading to the Ph.D. degree in Jurisprudence and Social Policy (JSP) . The JSP Program promotes the study of law and legal institutions through the perspectives of several disciplines, including economics, political science, philosophy, sociology, history, psychology, and criminal justice

The Jurisprudence and Social Policy Ph.D. is ideal for students interested in:

The scholarly study of legal ideas and institutions from the standpoint of one or more of the basic disciplines, such as, history, economics, philosophy, sociology, or political science.

Policy analysis and applied research on law-related issues in such fields as criminal justice, poverty and discrimination, human rights, urban planning, and environmental protection.

Preparation for teaching legal studies in graduate and undergraduate curriculums.

Interdisciplinary preparation for teaching law.

A Note from Associate Dean Dylan Penningroth:

Thanks for visiting our website.  The Jurisprudence and Social Policy (JSP) Program is a unique doctoral program focused on the interdisciplinary study of law. JSP is housed within the School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley, but organized under UC Berkeley’s Graduate Division. Established in 1978, JSP was the first law-focused PhD program in the United States and continues to be the leading program of its kind anywhere.

By integrating the study of law with the humanities and social sciences, JSP seeks a broad context for understanding and developing legal policy. While there are many productive ways to link law to the research tools of the disciplines, we are committed to pursuing plural, interdisciplinary scholarship that includes humanistic and social scientific approaches to the study of law. Our students generally specialize in some portion of this spectrum while learning from teachers and peers with diverse research interests. Students take a mix of interdisciplinary courses offered within JSP, as well as classes in the Law School’s traditional JD curriculum. These and other features of our program have become a model for other doctoral programs in interdisciplinary legal studies, many of which have recruited our alumni for their faculties. 

JSP faculty are leading scholars in their field who hail from a variety of disciplines – including political science, sociology, economics, history, philosophy, and psychology. Beginning with the JSP Orientation Seminar and through a range of course offerings in the humanities and social sciences, we offer students training in both empirical and normative analysis of law. Over the past decade, JSP has grown, adding faculty who offer a range of cutting-edge courses in quantitative and qualitative research methods and research design that are specially oriented to the study of law. Our substantive course offerings also have increased in scope, pushing the boundaries of knowledge across multiple fields.

JSP is closely integrated with the Center for the Study of Law and Society (CSLS), which attracts visiting scholars from all over the world, hosts one of the most dynamic speaker series on campus, and provides an intellectual hub for top-notch research on law and legal institutions. CSLS also offers the Berkeley Empirical Legal Studies (BELS) Graduate Fellowship, which brings together doctoral students studying law and social science from JSP and other programs on the Berkeley campus in a year-long research workshop. Berkeley Law is also home to a vibrant array of other research centers dedicated to issues ranging from law, energy, and the environment to reproductive rights and justice; from law and business to law and social justice; from law, morality, and public affairs to law and technology. 

This is an extraordinary time for scholars and students who have interdisciplinary training in law. The collective challenges confronting us today span diverse legal systems, fields of expertise, cultures, and regions of the world. In this context, the training we provide is not only an advantage for a professional career in academia, public service, or policy advocacy, but also urgently needed kindling for innovative theorizing, creative problem-solving, and breakthrough empirical research.

On this website you can get to know our students and our faculty and learn more about the JSP program by viewing recent course offerings and upcoming conferences. I especially urge you to learn more about our advanced graduate students currently on the academic job market, as well as our alumni. Nothing reflects so well on our program as our graduates, and what they are accomplishing with their training here at Berkeley continues to inspire us. 

If you have any questions about the JSP Program, please feel welcome to contact me, our Graduate Advisor, Sarah Song, or our Graduate Student Advisor, Michael Paz.

Dylan C. Penningroth, Associate Dean Jurisprudence and Social Policy

Doctoral Programs

5 Tips for Choosing Your DLP Dissertation Topic

Faculty Insights Law & Criminology Public Health & Public Policy

Kimberly Larson, associate teaching professor and director of Northeastern’s Doctor of Law and Policy program , shares her advice for students choosing the subject of their doctoral research.

Northeastern’s Doctor of Law and Policy Program (DLP) is focused on developing scholar-practitioners who wish to advance their field of practice. Students join the program from a variety of fields, such as government, human services, and higher education. During the program, professionals come together from their respective disciplines with the common goal of pursuing their passions through doctoral research and thinking deeply about how to advance their fields. The DLP Program provides legal and policy frameworks that students can use to pursue research in their respective fields and areas of interest. 

Choosing a topic of study can feel daunting at first, but the coursework in the Doctor of Law and Policy Program, along with our expert faculty, are here to support you through this journey. Keep in mind—many students successfully navigate this journey every year. Below are a few tips to think about in considering what you might want to pursue within your doctoral research. 

5 Tips for Choosing Your Doctoral Thesis or Dissertation Topic

1. consider the “fit” between your research and professional goals..

Students returning to obtain a doctoral degree after gaining experience in their field often have specific career goals. 

Is your goal to advance in your current position? 

One might, for example, choose a topic that will be applicable within their current field but in a more advanced role. Engaging in doctoral research and earning an advanced degree provides these students the opportunity to showcase their ambitions to their current employers. Or perhaps their thesis might help address a particular question that their current employer may be interested in.

Do you want to pivot in your current field? Or are you embarking upon a new journey altogether? 

Those looking to make a career change might utilize their thesis to establish themselves as an expert on a topic in the area to which they would like to make a shift. Students also often utilize their committee to make professional connections that can help support them in a career change or advancement. 

Reflecting on your objectives and making strategic decisions can help you focus in on a topic that will help you reach your professional goals.

2. Read more about your topic of interest.

Regardless of your professional expertise, students will need to read and master related scholarly literature as part of the thesis process. Why not get a jump start on this? Students’ best “ah-ha!” moments about their research question or methodological approach often come from reviewing recent literature in their area of interest. Explore available literature to see what questions are open and where there are existing gaps in the literature that you might address with your project. 

3. Consider topics you are passionate about.

Students should choose a subject that they feel strongly about, and that will sustain their interest over the course of the dissertation process. Is there an issue about which you are passionate? Is there a particular question that you don’t feel is being adequately addressed within your field? When choosing a dissertation topic, these questions are both good places to start. Then, you can continue your exploration by diving into reading on that topic. 

One student, for example, parlayed their interest in housing policy into research by examining potential technological solutions to housing crunches for low-income individuals in urban areas. As such, this was the focus of their thesis in the DLP program. They were also able to open up a business and obtain patents to very practically effect change once they graduated.

4. Contemplate the contribution you want to make to your field of study.

Some of the best research ideas come from one’s field of practice. DLP students often choose their doctoral thesis questions from those that are currently pressing within their professional field. Examining a question from one’s professional area gives the student a competitive advantage, as they likely already have a depth of professional experience in that area, and also helps ensure that the issue to be addressed is a problem in the field that needs solving and has practical application. 

5. Work with the support of your faculty advisor to focus your research questions.

While it’s best to enter your doctoral program with an idea of what you’d like to study, the faculty is there to help support you and hone your questions. After you’ve considered your goals and reviewed the literature in your area of interest, your thesis advisor and committee become invaluable resources in narrowing your question and developing a project that you’re excited about and can be completed during your doctoral program. Most students begin with a project idea that is very ambitious. The iterative review process, along with one’s committee, is designed to help you settle upon a project that both addresses an important problem of practice or gap in the extant literature and allows you to graduate on time. Always remember—this is just one study that marks the start of what will hopefully become your ongoing contributions to the scholarship in your field.

Examples of Past DLP Thesis Titles

Below are some real-world examples of theses pursued by Northeastern’s Doctor of Law and Policy students: 

• New Models of Private Sector Financing of Not-For-Profit Corporations
• Department of Defense Source Selection Procedural Ambiguities
• The Impact of College Cost on Low-Income Students at Private (Not-for-Profit), Four-Year Institutions in New England
• Zero Tolerance Policing: An Evaluation of the NYPD’s Use of Stop and Frisk
• Social Determinants of Vulnerability Framework: Incorporating the Needs of People into Mitigation, Response, and Recovery
• An Evaluation of Integration Programs for Deportees in Latin America and the Caribbean
• What Can Higher Education Administrators Learn from the Healthcare Industry’s Experience with Regulatory and Policy Change? A Success Framework
• Social Media Legitimacy: a New Framework for Public Participation and the Behavior of Organizations
• Nuclear Arsenals at Low Numbers: When Less Is Different
• Federalism and Federal Food Safety Procedures: Implementing the 2010 FDA Food Safety Modernization Act Across the 50 States

To learn more about Northeastern’s Doctor of Law and Policy program , explore our program page or get in touch with an enrollment counselor to get your questions answered. 

Subscribe below to receive future content from the Graduate Programs Blog.

About kim larson, jd, phd, related articles.

Jackney Prioly Joseph on How Her MPA Helped Her Career

Master’s in Nonprofit Management vs. Public Administration

How an MPH Clarified One Alumna’s Career Path

Did you know.

The median annual salary for professional degree holders is $97,000. (BLS, 2020)

Doctor of Law and Policy

Realize your career potential in law and policy.

Most Popular:

Tips for taking online classes: 8 strategies for success, public health careers: what can you do with an mph, 7 international business careers that are in high demand, edd vs. phd in education: what’s the difference, 7 must-have skills for data analysts, in-demand biotechnology careers shaping our future, the benefits of online learning: 8 advantages of online degrees, how to write a statement of purpose for graduate school, the best of our graduate blog—right to your inbox.

Stay up to date on our latest posts and university events. Plus receive relevant career tips and grad school advice.

By providing us with your email, you agree to the terms of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Keep Reading:

Top Higher Education Conferences To Attend in 2024

Grad School or Work? How To Balance Both

Is a Master’s in Computer Science Worth the Investment?

Should I Go to Grad School: 4 Questions To Consider

PhD in Public Policy

In this section.

• Economics Track
• Judgment and Decision Making Track
• Politics and Institutions Track
• Science, Technology and Policy Studies Track
• Current Students
• Doctoral Student Handbook
• Dissertations & Job Placements
• PhD Student Life
• Faculty & Research

As an exceptional scholar, you want an exceptional graduate program.

The PhD in Public Policy (PPOL) program provides the advanced graduate training you need to successfully launch yourself into a research or related position in academia, government, a nongovernmental organization, or the private sector. 

You will get the training you need to conduct analytical research, help shape and execute policy, and teach the next generation of educators, researchers, and practitioners. The program encourages scholarly research that empowers public policy practitioners like you to make informed decisions and be leaders in their fields. 

Using economics to understand the cost of inequity and discrimination

An applied microeconomist, Lauren Russell PPOL PhD 2023 headed to the Federal Reserve Board to continue her study of racial disparities.

The Complete PhD

The PPOL admits students to one of four tracks: Economics ; Judgment and Decision Making ; Politics and Institutions ; and Science, Technology and Policy Studies .    

PPOL graduates enter the workplace prepared to teach, carry out research, and make a profound impact in academia, while for others the degree leads to productive careers in think tanks, multinational organizations, NGOs, or the private sector.

"I've joined two research labs at HKS: Jennifer Lerner's and Julia Minson's. The brainstorming, feedback, and mutual pursuit of important research that comes from working in the labs is truly fulfilling."

Doctoral Program Admissions

Funding your doctoral education.

Ph.D. Program

The ph.d. in law degree.

The Ph.D. in Law degree program is designed to prepare J.D. graduates for careers as legal scholars and teachers through a doctoral program aimed at the production of a substantial body of academic research and writing under the close supervision of a three-member faculty dissertation committee. Unlike programs designed for students who wish to learn about law from the disciplinary perspectives of the social sciences or the humanities, the Ph.D. in Law is directed at students who wish to pursue advanced studies in law from the perspective of the law. This program offers emerging scholars an opportunity to contribute to the development of law as an academic field, and it provides an alternate pathway into law teaching alongside existing routes such as fellowships, advanced degrees in cognate fields, legal practice, and clerkships.

Because our entering Ph.D. students will have already completed their J.D. degrees, the anticipated course of study toward the Ph.D. in Law degree is three academic years and two summers in residence. In their first two semesters, Ph.D. students will enroll in courses designed to help them acquire the background and research skills needed to complete a dissertation in their field of interest and to prepare them for qualifying examinations that test the depth and breadth of the literacies and skills they have acquired. During their second year, students will prepare a dissertation prospectus and begin work on a dissertation. The dissertation may take the form of either three law review articles or a book-length manuscript and will make up a portfolio of writing that will be essential for success in the job market. Ph.D. students will also gain experience in the classroom, and receive the full support of Yale Law School’s Law Teaching Program , which has had remarkable success in placing graduates in tenure-track positions at leading law schools.

Ph.D. students receive a full-tuition waiver, a health award for health insurance coverage, and a stipend to cover their year-round living expenses, as well as support for participation in national and international conferences.

Applications for admission to the Ph.D. in Law program are available starting on August 15. The deadline for submission of all materials is December 15. Applicants to the Ph.D. in Law program must complete a J.D. degree at a U.S. law school before they matriculate and begin the Ph.D. program. Any questions about the program may be directed to Gordon Silverstein, Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs, at [email protected] .

Watch Gordon Silverstein, Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs, describe the Ph.D. program at Yale Law School.

Section Menu

Student Profile Videos

Omar Yousef Shehabi LLM

A student perspective on the LLM program, international law, and law teaching at Yale Law School.

Harley F. Etienne MSL

A student perspective on the M.S.L. program and the inspiring community at Yale Law School.

Poppy Harlow ’22 MSL

A perspective on the M.S.L. program and what it was like to dive into the study of constitutional law, civil procedure, and criminal law as a journalist.

Graduate Student Life

2020 and 2021 Graduate Programs alumni celebrate in the YLS Courtyard with Assistant Dean Gordon Silverstein before their in-person ceremony in May 2022

2022 Graduate Program degree candidates with Dean Heather K. Gerken in April 2022

At Yale, I treasured being part of a close community of students, faculty, alumni, practitioners, and staff committed to understanding and critiquing the law. I draw on lessons I learned from that community every day in my career as an economic justice lawyer.

Doctor of Law and Policy

Learn More About The Program

Request information

By submitting contact information through this form, I agree that Liberty University and its affiliates may call and/or text me about its offerings by any phone number I have provided and may provide in the future, including any wireless number, using automated technology.

Message and data rates may apply. For additional information, text HELP to 49595 or 49596. You may opt-out at any time by sending STOP to 49595 or 49596. Visit for Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Doctor of Law and Policy (DLP)

Influence public policy and legislative bodies with liberty’s doctor of law and policy.

If you currently work in public policy and are searching for advanced training that can help you improve the lives of others through policy and law, Liberty University’s 100% online Doctor of Law and Policy degree can help. This degree program has been designed to equip you with the training you need to take your career to the next level.

Our Doctor of Law and Policy (DLP) degree offers advanced training in public policy that can be used to interpret the full scope of current laws, lobby government officials, write legislation for proposed laws, or run for elected office. This degree program’s overview of both law and policy can help make you a more informed, effective statesman or stateswoman.

What Will You Learn in Liberty University’s Doctor of Law and Policy?

• Contemporary challenges to the Constitution
• Foundations of statesmanship
• Human rights law
• Public policy lawyering skills
• The role of the state in protecting civil liberties

This degree program features courses in law, public policy, and research as well as a 5-course capstone sequence that allows you to apply learned skills to a final research project.

Potential Careers for Doctor of Law and Policy Graduates

• Elected official
• Journalist/reporter
• Legislative aide
• Policy analyst
• Research fellow

Benefits of Pursuing Your Doctor of Law and Policy with Liberty University

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online Doctor of Law and Policy from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years — and counting.
• You can complete this Doctor of Law and Policy program in as little as 3 years!

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only  $300/credit hour . Here’s how:

• If you’re earning or have earned a master’s degree through Liberty, you automatically qualify for the low price (when you begin within 2 years of your master’s completion).
• If you haven’t earned a graduate degree through Liberty, our Executive Certificate program allows you to pay only $300/credit hour for a postgraduate certificate that can stand alone or potentially count as the first 21 hours of a related doctoral degree. Then pay just $300/credit hour for your doctorate.  Learn more !

Credit Hours

100% online, 8-week courses

Interested in studying on campus?

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Next Start Date

Jan 13, 2025

Accreditation

Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

600+ Online Degrees

With over 600 online degrees, we have something that will accommodate your dreams and calling.

Ranked in the top 10% of Niche.com’s 2024 best online schools in America

Recognized by multiple institutions for academic quality, affordability, and accessibility.

No tuition increase for 9 years

We want to help you pursue your goals – so while tuition rates at most universities have continued to increase over the years, the majority of our rates haven’t.

Popular Degrees

BS in Business Administration

BS in Psychology

MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

• BS in Aviation

All Areas of Interest

Arts & Sciences

Popular programs:

• BS in English and Writing View All Writing Programs
• BS in History View All History Programs
• MFA Creative Writing View All Writing Programs
• BS in Aviation Management
• MS In Aeronautics

View All Aviation Programs

Behavioral Sciences

• BS In Psychology: Christian Counseling
• BS In Social Work
• MA In Clinical & Mental Health Counseling

View All Behavorial Sciences Programs

• Bachelor of Science (BS) Business Administration and Data Analysis
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Doctor of Strategic Leadership

View All Business Programs

Communication & Design

• BFA in Graphic Design
• MFA in Graphic Design
• PhD in Communication

View All Communication & Design Programs

Criminal Justice

• AA in Criminal Justice
• BS in Criminal Justice
• MS in Criminal Justice

View All Criminal Justice Programs

• BEd in Elementary Education
• MA in Teaching: Elementary Education
• PhD in Curriculum & Instruction

View All Education Programs

Engineering & Computer Science

• BS in Civil Engineering
• BS in Computer Science Cyber Security
• BS in Information Technology – Data Networking & Security

View All IT Programs

Health Sciences

• BS In Health Sciences
• MPH In Global Health
• MS in Exercise Science & Wellness View All Sports Management Programs

Law & Government

• AA: Paralegal Studies View All Law Programs
• BS: Law & Policy: Pre-Law View All Law Programs
• MA in Public Policy — International Affairs View All Government Programs

Music & Worship

• BS in Commercial Music
• BS In Worship Studies
• Doctor of Music Education

View All Music & Worship Programs

• MS in Nursing
• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• PhD in Nursing: Nursing Education

View All Nursing Programs

Religion & Seminary

• BS In Religion
• Master Of Divinity
• Doctor Of Ministry: Biblical Studies

View All Divinity Programs

Hear from our Graduates

Megan Schultz, EdD School Administration & Supervision

Morgan Schlesselman, Master’s in Public Policy

James, Master of Divinity

Apply FREE This Week*

*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, Non-Degree Seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and Certificates.

just applied for !

Ph.D. Program in Law & Economics

• Student Profiles

Program Overview

Vanderbilt Law School's Ph.D. Program in Law and Economics is unlike any other. Dual-degree students pursue a J.D. and a Ph.D. concurrently in a fully integrated curriculum that combines economic theory and methodology with the study of law. The program is designed so that students complete both degrees in just 6 years. Admitted students receive a full funding package , including tuition for both degrees and a competitive annual stipend, for all 6 years of study.

• Explore The Program's History

About our Program

Applicants must complete separate applications to Vanderbilt Graduate School and Vanderbilt Law School. Each applicant's Law School and Graduate School applications will be considered together in a collaborative admissions process.

Program students pursue policy-relevant research within four primary research fields developed for the J.D./Ph.D. Program in Law and Economics: behavioral law and economics, labor markets and human resources, law and economics, and risk and environmental regulation.

Program graduates are in academic positions at University of Alabama, University of Arkansas, University at Buffalo, Florida State University, George Mason University, University of Texas, University of Texas Southwest Medical Center, Pace University, Vanderbilt University, and Western Kentucky University, as well as in positions in government, legal practice, and consulting.

The Law & Economics/Applied Microeconomics Seminar Series brings scholars from around the world to Vanderbilt to present research spanning a variety of fields and topics. The program also hosts a variety of conferences, including the biennial Frontiers in Law and Economics (FILE) conference. 

Applications Open for Fall 2025

• How To Apply

August 1, 2024

January 15, 2025.

Deadline for Priority Consideration

April 1, 2025

Final Deadline

Information Sessions

Wednesday, october 16th.

6pm CST Zoom

Zoom Info Session

The event is held by our Director of Graduate Studies and several current program students.

Register Now

Thursday, November 14

7pm CST Zoom

In the News

Have questions.

Contact the Ph.D. in Law & Economics Program Manager.

Coordinated JD/PhD Program

Harvard Law School and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

The Coordinated JD/PhD Program is designed for students interested in completing interdisciplinary work at Harvard University and is founded on the belief that students’ legal studies and their arts and sciences graduate studies can be mutually enriched through this pursuit. Students completing the coordinated program receive a JD from Harvard Law School (HLS) and a PhD from the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences  (Harvard Griffin GSAS). It is expected that these students will be strong candidates for teaching posts at law schools and in arts and sciences programs, as well as for other positions in law and academia. Prospective students interested in the coordinated program may reach out to  HLS J.D. Admissions  and the  Harvard Griffin GSAS Office of Admissions  to learn more. Current and admitted students interested in the coordinated program are encouraged to contact  April Pettit , in the Office of Academic Affairs at HLS for questions about the JD program, or  Dan Volchok , Assistant Dean of Student Success at Harvard Griffin GSAS for questions about the PhD programs.

Prospective students must separately apply to and be admitted to both HLS and a Harvard Griffin GSAS PhD program in order to participate in the coordinated JD/PhD program.

• Students enrolled in HLS, but not yet admitted to Harvard Griffin GSAS, must apply to Harvard Griffin GSAS no later than the 2L year, meeting the Harvard Griffin GSAS application deadline for matriculation the following year.
• Students enrolled in Harvard Griffin GSAS, but not yet admitted to HLS, should apply to HLS no later than the G3 year, meeting the HLS application deadline for matriculation the following year.
• Please see below for details about participation in the coordinated program for Harvard Griffin GSAS students who apply and are admitted to HLS after the G3 year.

Once admitted to both schools, students must submit a proposed Plan of Study to the coordinated program no later than October 1 of the academic year following admission to both schools. Students should submit the Plan of Study to April Pettit in the Office of Academic Affairs at HLS.

Please note: Harvard Griffin GSAS students who apply to and are admitted to HLS after the G3 year at Harvard Griffin GSAS must then separately apply to the coordinated program. The application to the coordinated program should include (1) a statement detailing the way in which the student plans to integrate his or her legal studies with his or her graduate studies including how work done at HLS will inform the dissertation work and vice versa; and (2) a letter of support from the primary Harvard Griffin GSAS advisor; and (3) the Plan of Study.

The JD/PhD committee will review the applications to determine admission to the coordinated program.

Students will be registered in only one School during any given semester/term. Pursuant to ABA rules, students must  complete all requirements for the JD degree within seven years of the date they first enroll in HLS ; they may graduate from HLS before completing the PhD. Students must have satisfactorily completed at least 16 half courses in their Harvard Griffin GSAS department to receive the PhD. Students in the coordinated program will have two primary faculty advisors, one at HLS and one at Harvard Griffin GSAS, who will jointly advise students.

Students will be expected to complete the first-year program, three upper-level fall or spring semesters, and two winter terms at HLS, for a total of five fall and spring semesters and three winter terms. In lieu of the sixth HLS semester generally required of JD students, students in the coordinated program may take a semester at Harvard Griffin GSAS, completing courses or dissertation work pre-approved by HLS, and equivalent to at least 10 HLS credits. This Harvard Griffin GSAS semester may be taken only after a student has matriculated at HLS and completed their entire first year of study there. Students and their faculty advisors will determine the most appropriate sequencing for each student’s course of study, keeping in mind the HLS course, credit, and residency requirements for this program.

Course and Credit Requirements

First-year program.

The first year at HLS consists of (1) Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law, Legislation and Regulation, Property, and Torts; (2) First-year Legal Research and Writing; (3) January Experiential Term; and (4) a spring upper-level elective at HLS of a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 classroom credits.

Upper-Level Years

Credit and residency requirements.

Students must earn no fewer than 52 credits beyond the first year, including 36 HLS classroom credits. Classroom credits include those connected to courses, seminars and reading groups, but not writing or clinical credits. The 36 required classroom credits also include the required minimum of two credits to satisfy the Professional Responsibility Requirement and credits from the required winter terms (provided that the course chosen offers classroom credits). Of the remaining 16 required HLS credits, a maximum of ten are earned through courses or tutorials taken in Harvard Griffin GSAS and/or for dissertation writing (see below). Note that students must have their advisor’s approval before engaging in a semester of Harvard Griffin GSAS dissertation writing that is expected to count toward the HLS credit requirements . The remaining six required HLS credits may be earned in classroom, writing or clinical courses.

While at HLS, students must be enrolled in a minimum of ten total credits each semester in HLS or Harvard Griffin GSAS, with no fewer than eight of these being HLS classroom credits toward the requirement of 36 HLS classroom credits.

Winter Term Requirement

Students also must enroll in the HLS winter term two times during their upper-level years in the program. Each of the winter terms must follow a fall term enrollment or precede a spring term enrollment at HLS. Students may register for a course of two or three credits. JD/PhD students will be permitted to spend one of the winter terms in the HLS Winter Writing Program, provided they are engaged in written work for HLS credit according to the rules of that program.

Written Work Requirement

JD/PhD students must complete the JD Written Work Requirement. Students are permitted to satisfy the requirement with a portion of their dissertation, provided this work meets HLS standards for written work. However, any portion of the dissertation counted toward the JD Written Work Requirement cannot also be used as part of the 10 HLS-equivalent credits earned during a student’s Harvard Griffin GSAS semester. Further information about the J.D. Written Work Requirement and the Winter Term Writing Program is available from the HLS Registrar’s Office .

Pro Bono Requirement

JD/PhD students must complete the  HLS Pro Bono Requirement  of 50 hours of public service.

Residency Requirement

A minimum of two years of full-time study in residence is required for all PhD programs in the Harvard Griffin GSAS. During the period of registration at HLS, coordinated JD/PhD students will have “study-at-another-Harvard-school” status in Harvard Griffin GSAS.

Structure of Academic Work

Students will ordinarily be enrolled for at least four years (8 terms) in Harvard Griffin GSAS. They must complete at least 16 half courses to receive their PhD. Students may cross-register for a limited number of Harvard Griffin GSAS courses during their upper-level terms at HLS. Depending on the Harvard Griffin GSAS department, these courses may count toward the PhD. However, JD/PhD students may count a maximum of 10 credits from Harvard Griffin GSAS coursework or dissertation writing toward the JD. Therefore, students planning to spend a semester enrolled at Harvard Griffin GSAS taking courses or writing the dissertation for which they will earn 10 HLS credits may not also count cross-registered Harvard Griffin GSAS courses toward the JD.

General Examinations

In most departments, once having completed the required coursework, students must pass a general examination or other preliminary or qualifying examinations before undertaking independent research on a dissertation. Normally, when the nature of the field and previous preparation permit, students should pass these examinations by the end of the second year of full-time academic residence.

PhD Dissertation

The student’s dissertation prospectus must be approved by the department. A student who wishes to present as a dissertation a published article, series of articles, book or other document, or a manuscript that has been accepted for publication, must have the approval of the department concerned. In no case, however, may a dissertation be presented that has already been submitted toward another degree, either at Harvard or elsewhere. The Dissertation Acceptance Certificate must be signed by at least three readers approved by the student’s department, two of whom must be members of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS). FAS emeriti (including research professors) and faculty members from other schools at Harvard who hold appointments on GSAS degree committees are authorized to sign the Dissertation Acceptance Certificates as FAS members. GSAS strongly recommends that the chair of the dissertation committee be a member of FAS. The third reader may be a member of the HLS faculty.

Requirement of Satisfactory Status

Continuous registration, a satisfactory grade record, and evidence that satisfactory progress is being made toward the degree are required of all candidates for graduate degrees offered by FAS. All students in Harvard Griffin GSAS must be making satisfactory progress in order to be eligible for any type of financial aid and teaching. The following five provisions are the general definition of satisfactory progress during registration in Harvard Griffin GSAS:

• During the first two years of graduate study any student who has completed expected requirements is considered to be making satisfactory progress.
• In each of the first two years, a student must have achieved the minimum grade-point average required by the faculty, a B average. (see Harvard Griffin GSAS Policies: Grade and Examination Requirements ).
• By the end of the third year, a student must have passed general examinations or the departmental equivalent.
• By the end of the fourth year, a student must have obtained approval of a dissertation prospectus or its departmental equivalent.
• By the end of the fifth year and each subsequent year during which a student is allowed to register, they must have produced at least one acceptable chapter of the dissertation.

For more information about satisfactory progress, please see Harvard Griffin GSAS Policies .

Other Requirements

Ordinarily, programs will have a language requirement and an expectation of teaching. Students should consult with their Harvard Griffin GSAS departments for more information about these requirements.

There are a number of possible academic schedules for students pursuing both degrees. Three sequences are outlined below, but students may propose alternative sequences. In considering their courses of study, students should be aware that their financial aid packages might be affected at the school in which they defer enrollment.

Year 1: HLS Year 2: Harvard Griffin GSAS Year 3: Harvard Griffin GSAS Year 4: HLS Year 5: 1st term, HLS Year 5: 2nd term, Harvard Griffin GSAS (earning the equivalent of 10 HLS credits in dissertation work) Following year(s): Harvard Griffin GSAS until completion of dissertation

Year 1: Harvard Griffin GSAS Year 2: Harvard Griffin GSAS Year 3: HLS Year 4: Harvard Griffin GSAS Year 5: HLS Year 6: 1st term, HLS Year 6: 2nd term, Harvard Griffin GSAS (earning the equivalent of 10 HLS credits in dissertation work) Following year(s): Harvard Griffin GSAS until completion of dissertation

Year 1: HLS Year 2: HLS Year 3: Harvard Griffin GSAS Year 4: Harvard Griffin GSAS Year 5: 1st term, HLS Year 5: 2nd term, Harvard Griffin GSAS (earning the equivalent of 10 HLS credits in dissertation work) Following year(s): Harvard Griffin GSAS until completion of dissertation

Updated Plans of Study

By October 1 each year, current JD/PhD students should submit an updated Plan of Study to April Pettit, in the HLS Office of Academic Affairs.

Other Academic Information

Faculty advising.

Students in the program will have primary faculty advisors at both HLS and at Harvard Griffin GSAS. If possible, HLS faculty advisors should be selected before the completion of the 2L year. The HLS faculty advisor must sign off on any dissertation writing a student expects to use for JD credit. In some Harvard Griffin GSAS departments, the director of graduate studies serves as the faculty advisor during the first two years of study. Faculty advisors will supervise students’ academic work, advise students on their courses of study and on specific classes appropriate for their PhD work, and approve the courses of study for their students on an annual basis. If appropriate, the HLS advisor will be the third reader on the student’s dissertation committee, with at least two readers required to be members of FAS.

Leaving the JD/PhD Program

If a student fails to make adequate progress toward the PhD, the student’s faculty advisors will be permitted to withdraw the student from the program. In such cases, in order to receive the JD degree, a student will still need to meet the graduation and credit requirements for the JD degree.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Harvard law school.

Students must pay five semesters of full tuition. Students will be eligible for HLS financial aid for all semesters during which they pay tuition to HLS. For more information on Financial Aid, visit the Student Financial Services Financial Aid webpage .

Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

The minimum financial requirement for the PhD is at least four terms of full tuition followed by two years of reduced tuition and a facilities fee unless the degree is completed in less than four years. The financial aid awarded upon admission to the PhD program is available during those terms in which the student is enrolled in Harvard Griffin GSAS. Students should refer to their notice of financial support provided by their department upon admission to Harvard Griffin GSAS. Students should consult with their GSAS departments for more information.

Administrative Information

The HLS Registrar’s Office, the FAS Registrar’s Office, the GSAS Assistant Dean of Student Success, the HLS Associate Director of Academic Affairs, and the appropriate financial aid officers, will coordinate on students’ registration status and updated plans of study.

Housing and Student Life

GSAS and HLS will work together to ensure that the student services offered by both Schools are available to JD/PhD students during all their years in the Coordinated Program, including career and counseling offices, financial aid offices, student centers, and alumni offices. Students in the coordinated program will have email accounts at both schools throughout the program. Disability services and visa requirements will be coordinated on a case-by-case basis by the HLS Dean of Students and Registrar and by the Harvard Griffin GSAS Assistant Dean for Student Success. Students may apply for housing through either School for the years in which they are enrolled for at least one semester/term at both Schools. In all other years, students must apply for housing to the School in which they are enrolled.

Modal Gallery

Gallery block modal gallery.

University of Southern California

Doctoral and Ph.D. Programs

Doctor of policy, planning, and development (dppd).

• Attend an information session
• Request Information

Elevating leaders through knowledge and scholarship.

The Doctor of Policy, Planning, and Development is for working professionals seeking a doctoral-level education to advance their careers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The degree builds knowledge in public affairs, enhances leadership capabilities, and develops applied research capacity. You’ll leave the program with the kind of sophisticated understanding of your field that only comes with the rigor and depth of a doctoral program.

Why choose Price?

Pursuing a Doctor of Policy, Planning, and Development at USC Price means deeply expanding your knowledge and advancing your career.

Peer Practitioners

You’ll join—and learn from—a cohort that includes established professionals in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Students typically have 10-15 years of work experience when they apply.

Life in Los Angeles

Los Angeles provides a rich, complex ecosystem for the study of public policy.

Skill Enhancing

With this program’s focus on applied research, you’ll develop strategies for working across sectors to design solutions and conduct applied research.

Attend an Info Session

Join faculty, students, and alumni for live information sessions to learn more about the application process, financial services, and program curriculum.

Upcoming Sessions

• November 12, 2024 Register

• DPPD Curriculum

• DPPD Admissions

Tuition and Fees

• DPPD Current Student Profiles

Financial Aid

Numerous financial aid opportunities are available for grad students.

Learn from Peers, Scholars, and Expert Practitioners

This program brings together established leaders in industry, government, and nonprofit sectors to design frameworks and strategies for sophisticated problem-solving. Students learn from their peers as well as from the Price School’s expert faculty, who address some of the most complex and challenging governance problems of our time.

Students pursue doctoral studies while simultaneously advancing careers in a diverse range of fields. Examples include public policy, health, real estate, law, civil engineering, philanthropy, and social work. The program’s participatory learning approach leverages students’ professional expertise to deepen critical engagement with theories, models, and emerging data. Courses produce rich debate and analysis as students apply contrasting perspectives to complex problems.

Each cohort enters a dynamic learning community where shared growth, camaraderie, and intellectual influence extend far beyond the classroom. Through a rigorous course sequence, interdisciplinary peer engagement, and mentored research, students become scholar practitioners, ready to lead innovation in their fields.

Program Learning Objectives

The DPPD supports students in developing a deeper understanding of their professional practice, supporting the development of networks, and refining skills through a cohort-based model. Learning objectives include:

• Establish the ability to bring research and theoretical models to bear in support of effective decision-making, leadership, and innovative practice;
• Articulate the nature of complex policy and planning systems and strategically plan for success in problem-solving;
• Develop strategies for working across sectors to design solutions, particularly within urban settings;
• Enhance analytic capacities as consumers and evaluators of academic research;
• Conduct applied research and translate it to practice;
• Develop sensitivity and cultural awareness as leaders.

For admissions information, please email  [email protected] .

Anna Parks , Student Services Advisor [email protected]

In this section:

• DPPD Tuition and Fees
• DPPD Frequently Asked Questions
• Full-Time Faculty

• Youth Program
• Wharton Online

Ethics & Legal Studies Doctoral Program

The Ethics & Legal Studies Doctoral Program at Wharton focuses on the study of ethics and law in business. It is designed to prepare graduates for tenure-track careers in university teaching and research at leading business schools, and law schools.

The Ethics & Legal Studies Doctoral Program at Wharton trains students in the fields of ethics and law in business. Students are encouraged to combine this work with investigation of related fields, including Philosophy, Law, Psychology, Management, Finance, and Marketing. Students take a core set of courses in the area of ethics and law in business, together with courses in an additional disciplinary concentration such as management, philosophy/ethical theory, finance, marketing, or accounting. Our program size and flexibility allow students to tailor their program to their individualized research interests and to pursue joint degrees with other departments across Wharton and Penn. Resources for current Ph.D. students can be found at http://www.wharton.upenn.edu/doctoral-inside/ .

Our world-class faculty take seriously the responsibility of training graduate students for the academic profession. Faculty work closely with students to help them develop their own distinctive academic interests. Our curriculum crosses many disciplinary boundaries. Faculty and student intellectual interests include a range of topics such as:

• Philosophy & Ethics : • philosophical business ethics • normative political philosophy • rights theory • theory of the firm •  philosophy of law • philosophy of punishment & coercion • philosophy of deception and fraud • philosophy of blame and complicity • climate change ethics • effective altruism • integrative social contracts theory • corporate moral agency
• Law & Legal Studies : • law and economics • corporate penal theory • constitutional law • bankruptcy • corporate governance • corporate law • financial regulation • administrative law • empirical legal studies • blockchain and law • antitrust law • environmental law and policy • corporate criminal law • corruption • negotiations.
• Behavioral Ethics : • neuroscience and business ethics • moral psychology • moral beliefs and identity • moral deliberation • perceptions of corporate identity.

Contact & Resources

Brian Berkey, Faculty Coordinator

Tamara English, Academic & Business Administrator [email protected]

Prospective Students View the Legal Studies Ph.D. FAQ or Visit Wharton

Current Ph.D. Students

Ethics & Legal Studies Career Placements

All Wharton PhD Placements

Our program prepares graduates for tenure-track careers in university teaching and research at leading business schools and law schools. We have an excellent record of tenure-track placements, including Carnegie Mellon University, Notre Dame University, and George Washington University.  Click here to see our placements .

Students enter the program from a wide variety of disciplinary backgrounds, including undergraduate degrees in business, philosophy, pre-law, psychology, and sociology. Some students have earned master degrees or law degrees prior to admission. Prior coursework in ethics, law, social sciences, or philosophy is considered a plus, although no formal credentials in any one of these areas is a prerequisite.

Course of Study

The course of study for the Ph.D. requires the completion of sixteen graduate course units, including two core doctoral seminars as well as two core courses in statistics. Some graduate-level credit from courses at other universities may transfer to Wharton. The expected time required to complete the degree is five years. Students receive tuition waivers, health insurance, and an annual living stipend. Students are expected to play an active and engaged role in the department’s and the University of Pennsylvania’s scholarly community while pursuing their degree, and as such, they are expected to be resident in the local area as they progress through the program.

Academic Enrichment

The Department regularly hosts junior and senior scholars from around the world for talks, lunches, and seminars. Doctoral students are encouraged to take full advantage of these opportunities.

The Legal Studies & Business Ethics Seminar Series features speakers from various areas of law and business ethics.  A wide range of recent topics includes Coin-Operated Capitalism, Paying People to Take Health Risks, The Curious Case of Social Enterprise Law, and Assigning Blame in the Wake of the Financial Crisis.

The Zicklin Center Normative Business Ethics Workshop Series provides a regular forum for scholars working on business ethics from a normative perspective.  A wide range of recent topics includes the Ethics of Big Data in Genomics, Boycotting the Boycott, a Reflection on the Duty of Charity Within Shareholder Theory, and Workplace Sexual Harassment as Sex Discrimination.

Current PhD Students

Chris Hughes 2nd year Ph.D. Student

Chris Hughes is a Senior Fellow at the Institute on Race, Power, and Political Economy at The New School and the co-founder and chair of the Economic Security Project. His research focuses on contemporary issues in progressive political economy, including the history of central banking, antimonopoly policy, guaranteed income studies, and tax policy. Hughes is currently writing a book on the history of American economic governance entitled  Marketcrafting: How the Visible Hand Shapes the Economy  to be published in 2025 by Simon and Schuster. His first book,  Fair Shot: Rethinking Inequality and How We Earn , was published by St Martin’s Press in 2018.

Hughes has a masters in Economics from The New School of Social Research and graduated from Harvard  magna cum laude  with a bachelors in History and Literature. He was a co-founder of Facebook and directed Barack’s Obama’s digital organizing efforts in 2008. A former member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Hughes chairs the board of the Brooklyn-based Foundation for Community Psychoanalysis, and serves on the boards of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and the Washington Square Park Conservancy.

Michaela Lobo 4th year Ph.D. Student

I majored in business administration during my undergraduate degree, following which I was involved in brand marketing and corporate responsibility for the Estée Lauder Companies. During my bachelor’s degree and my time in the corporate world, I had a growing interest in morality and, more specifically, how ethics should apply within the context of business. This led me to pursue an MLitt in Philosophy at the University of St Andrews and, currently, the Ethics and Legal Studies PhD at Wharton.

During my search for doctoral programs, I was looking for something very specific: a program that would allow me to ask philosophical questions about business organisations, how they should be operated, how their members should behave, and so on. Unlike traditional programs at philosophy or business departments, Wharton’s LGST PhD is unique in that the aim is to prepare students to become academics in business ethics itself. I valued the opportunity to build foundations in business, economics, philosophy, and law. Additionally, I appreciated that we would simultaneously hone skills in our preferred methodology and dive deeper into areas of research we find most interesting. I was fortunate to interact with some of the faculty members and current students one-on-one and via the Zicklin Center’s workshops (enabled by the shift from in-person to the Zoom room). These interactions allowed me to discover first-hand the fantastic academic culture of the department and its members’ passion for normative business ethics.

I would advise prospective students to first focus on themselves: What ideas are you constantly thinking about? What types of questions are you eager to explore and have answered? And, in what ways do you like solving these puzzles? Next, find the department and set of faculty that can best support you in asking these questions, finding ways to solve them, and, eventually, discovering answers to them!

Alessio Salviato 2nd year Ph.D. Student

Alessio Salviato joined the PhD program in Legal Studies and Business Ethics in 2023, after having completed his BA in Management at University of Padua (UniPd) and a two-years MPhil in Philisophy at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (UniSr), where he is currently finishing his PhD in Ethics. Before the PhD, he worked as a corporate social responsibility strategist in a multinational company. He is a member of the European Business Ethics Network (EBEN) and the International Society of Business, Economics and Ethics (ISBEE).

He is interested in corporate moral responsibility; corporations and politics; and philosophical arguments for and against capitalism.

Guilherme Siqueira de Carvalho 5th year Ph.D. Student

I was drawn to studying and researching the vicious cycle of systemic corruption since 2014 with a particular and growing interest in the nuances of the relationship between businesses and corruption. The interdisciplinary approach, the world-class faculty, and the overall academic design of the Ethics & Legal Studies Doctoral Program at Wharton provide the ideal setting for pursuing that interest and will enable me to approach his subject of study from multiple angles.

Yifan Wang 2nd year Ph.D. Student

My main research interests lie in moral psychology and applied political philosophy in the context of free markets.

I studied political philosophy and double majored in statistics in college. After graduation, I worked in the industry of economic consulting and served as a staff to expert witnesses who testified in court about economic issues related to antitrust and class action lawsuits. My interest in corporations and market phenomena sprung during that period. Later, I pursued an MA in philosophy at Georgia State, where I studied market phenomena related to emergent technologies such as sustainable brands and state surveillance embedded in markets. In the future, I hope to hone into some of these topics.

Meanwhile, I am drawn to moral psychology, especially emotion-based approaches to moral motivations and moral decision-making. At the LGST Ph.D. program, I plan to further study corporate organization so that I can apply theories in moral psychology to better understand how people make decisions of moral significance in their everyday practice inside corporations.

Olamide Williams 4th year Ph.D. Student

Since the 2008 financial crisis, there has been a public emphasis on the ethical responsibility of the economic and financial policy-making agencies that oversee the financial system. I hope to explore methodological approaches to ethics and critically apply that to economic and financial policymaking, particularly during crisis time. Wharton not only offers the ethical foundation for my research on what responsibility, if any, such agencies have towards economic participants, but a faculty who will engage and are well versed in the economic, legal, and policy questions that arise along the way. I am confident that as my research evolves, Wharton’s interdisciplinary nature and faculty will offer expert guidance in whatever direction I go.

• University Safety and Response
• (866) 825-5426

PhD in Psychology, Public Policy, and Law

Understand the psychology of violence to make systems more just and society safer.

Online Programs

Need additional help or information, phd in psychology, public policy, and law overview.

This unique doctoral program is designed for professionals interested in making private and public sector environments safer, stronger, and more just. Throughout the program you'll join with peers and thought leaders in exploring ways to transform existing systems to make them more equitable, impactful, and humane, resulting in dramatically improved communities, societies, and the world. Psychology and law differ in content, but the two have much in common. Psychological science understands human behavior while political science regulates it.

The doctoral program prepares you to intersect with current systems in different contexts to better understand and mitigate violence and conflict. By strengthening your scientific research as well as legal research skills and expanding your understanding, you should be empowered to engage in thoughtful leadership within civil, criminal law, and public policy frameworks to improve outcomes within local, national, or global settings and public affairs.

As a participant of the PhD in psychology, public policy, and law online program, you may become part of an elite cadre of professional practitioners who are educated and trained in applying science to contemporary social problems and legal issues. You'll learn current violence prevention and intervention practices in forensics, the criminal justice system, social policy, law enforcement and legal system, security, and social engagement to keep individuals and societies safe more effectively. Fellow students include public and private health and safety professionals who have earned a master's degree or juris doctor from a regionally accredited institution and who want to enhance their skills and advance their careers or consultancies.

With timely and relevant concentrations, the program should prepare you to work at the forefront of today’s law enforcement, security, and forensics challenges. Among other concentrations, you may opt to specialize in forensic linguistics, using the study of language to investigate violence. By analyzing word choices, discourse, and subtle changes in language that correlate with an increase in violence, you’ll participate in building a valuable corpus of material for further forensic discovery.

Concentrations include: 

• Forensic linguistics
• Conflict resolution and peace studies
• Disaster planning and management
• Criminal behavior
• Pragmatic situational awareness  

As a graduate of PhD in psychology, public policy, and law online program, you'll be qualified to pursue a meaningful and impactful career in law enforcement and public administration, as a security executive or consultant, as a forensic program developer and evaluator, in forensic linguistics or trial consulting, in risk management, as a civil investigator, mitigation specialist, and as an influencer of public policy.

Program Highlights

Strong Partnerships

CSFS is a proud sponsor of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association  ( ILEETA ), of Forensic Linguistic Intelligence (FLI), and the California Peace Officers Association ( CPOA ). 

Important and Timely

The program provides an opportunity for you to take a deep dive into the psychology of violence and the laws and policies related to it in a variety of contexts such as criminal justice, social services, security, and media.

Online Education

The PhD in psychology, public policy, and law program is offered online with two intensive weekend residencies and incorporates technology to create a rich learning environment outside of the classroom.

Learn About Admissions Requirements

Get to Know Our Diverse Faculty

Degree Information

Faculty spotlight: diana concannon.

Diana M. Concannon, PsyD, is associate provost for Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships at Alliant International University, dean of the California School of Forensic Studies, and director of the APA-Accredited California Psychology Internship Consortium. To each of these positions, she brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience to support the development and delivery of quality, practical, and accessible education in various mental health disciplines.

She is a forensic psychologist, licensed to practice in California, New York, Utah, and Washington D.C., a professional certified investigator by the American Society for Industrial Security, a rape escape Instructor, and a Loyola Law School-trained mediator.

She is the author of Kidnapping: An Investigator’s Guide to Profiling , Neurocriminology: Forensic and Legal Applications , Public Policy Implications , and numerous articles on threat assessment, risk management, and crisis psychology.

Links and Downloads

School Performance Fact Sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the phd in psychology, public policy and law degree program start.

The PhD in psychology, public policy, and law program is offered as an eight-week term program with January, May, and September start dates. You can find a copy of our eight-week term  academic calendar here.

What scholarship and financial aid options are available?

Private and public scholarships can help you meet the cost of your education; Alliant offers a number of institutional scholarships. Learn more about these scholarship opportunities   here . Additional financial aid is available for those who qualify in the form of loans, grants, federal work study, and military aid. Learn more in our  Financial Options Guide .

How long does it take to complete the program?

The PhD in psychology, public policy, and law is a 60-credit program and takes between two and three years to complete.

Who teaches the program?

CSFS faculty includes criminologists, forensic psychologists, law enforcement officers, security professionals, and legal professionals who are engaged in professional practice.

What is the modality of the program?

You can earn your PhD in psychology, public policy, and law degree online with the addition to two onsite, weekend residencies.

Alliant Blog

What's the difference between criminology and criminal justice, crimes of passion.

February 14 th is a day to reflect on love. It’s a day to show our significant others how much we care. And it is a day to look...

The Global Community of Terror

By James Turner, PhD Hate, genocide, totalitarianism…three chilling notions all expressed by one sign— the Nazi salute. The...

Why Alliant

At Alliant, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership and to promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve lives. We offer an education that is accredited, focused on practical knowledge and skills, connected with diverse faculty and alumni, and aimed at the student experience.

CSFS is dedicated to graduating rigorously educated and trained professionals who impact society, public opinion, and policy by applying science in preventing, investigating, and mitigating conflict and violence. CSFS is a corporate partner of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA), and many of our advanced practice certificates are eligible for continuing education credit.

Start on your path to impact today

Start on your path to succeed on purpose, request information.

• 1 Current Select Interests
• 2 Provide Information

Study at Cambridge

About the university, research at cambridge.

• Undergraduate courses
• Events and open days
• Fees and finance
• Postgraduate courses
• How to apply
• Postgraduate events
• Fees and funding
• International students
• Continuing education
• Executive and professional education
• Courses in education
• How the University and Colleges work
• Term dates and calendars
• Visiting the University
• Annual reports
• Equality and diversity
• A global university
• Public engagement
• Give to Cambridge
• For Cambridge students
• For our researchers
• Business and enterprise
• Colleges & departments
• Email & phone search
• Museums & collections
• Research Centres
• Institute of Criminology
• Computer Office
• Squire Law Library
• Faculty of Law
• About overview
• History of the Faculty
• Equality, diversity & inclusion overview
• Athena SWAN
• Diversifying the Law: Postgraduate research poster exhibition
• Equal opportunities
• Dignity at work
• Societies overview
• Graduate Law Society (CUGLS)
• Public media collections
• Cambridge LawLink newsletter overview
• LawLink July 2024
• LawLink April 2024
• LawLink January 2024
• LawLink October 2023
• LawLink July 2023
• LawLink April 2023
• LawLink January 2023
• LawLink October 2022
• LawLink July 2022
• LawLink April 2022
• LawLink January 2022
• LawLink October 2021
• LawLink July 2021
• LawLink May 2021
• LawLink January 2021
• LawLink October 2020
• LawLink July 2020
• LawLink May 2020
• LawLink January 2020
• LawLink October 2019
• LawLink July 2019
• LawLink April 2019
• LawLink January 2019
• LawLink October 2018
• LawLink July 2018
• LawLink April 2018
• LawLink January 2018
• LawLink October 2017
• LawLink July 2017
• LawLink April 2017
• LawLink January 2017
• LawLink October 2016
• LawLink July 2016
• LawLink April 2016
• LawLink January 2016
• LawLink October 2015
• LawLink August 2015
• LawLink April 2015
• LawLink January 2015
• LawLink October 2014
• LawLink July 2014
• LawLink April 2014
• Publications from the Faculty
• How to find us
• People overview
• University and College Teaching Officers in Law Faculty Officers University Teaching Officers in the Institute of Criminology University Teaching Officers in the Department of Land Economy Affiliated Lecturers Retired and honorary members Research Staff Research Students Development and Communications Administrative Staff Computing Staff Squire Library Staff
• Directors of Studies and College Teaching Affiliates
• College Research Fellows in Law
• Human Resources
• Courses overview
• Research overview
• Current research grants
• Faculty Centres, Networks and Groups overview
• Network of Empirical Labour Law Scholars (NELLS)
• Cambridge Socio-Legal Group
• Criminal Jurisprudence and Philosophy Group (CrimJur)
• Cambridge Legal Theory Discussion Group (CLTDG)
• Cambridge Law Club
• Financial support for research
• International Research Groups and Networks
• Research ethics
• Research highlights
• Research with impact
• SSRN Legal Studies Research Paper Series
• Cambridge Law Eminent Scholars Archive
• International links overview
• Faculty academic visitors
• Exchange schemes
• Access & outreach overview
• Why study law?
• How do I become a lawyer?
• Outreach initiatives
• Exploring Law Course: Studying Law at University
• Exploring Law Conference overview
• Attending the conference
• Testimonials
• Exploring Legal Futures Webinars
• Student recruitment events
• #getincambridge
• Life at Cambridge/Applying
• Finding out more: Helpful links
• Alumni & development overview
• Alumni events overview
• Cambridge Women in Law (CWIL) overview
• Statement of aims and objectives
• CWIL Advisory Board
• CWIL mailing list
• Our benefactors
• Ways to give overview
• Squire Law Library appeal

The PhD programme

• International links
• Access & outreach
• Alumni & development

Finance overview    Funding    How to apply

The PhD is awarded after three to four years of full-time research (or five to seven years of part-time study) on the basis of a dissertation of 80,000 words (exclusive of footnotes, appendices and bibliography, but subject to an overall word limit of 100,000 words exclusive of bibliography, table of contents and any other preliminary matter). Examination for the PhD involves an oral examination (viva) by two examiners.

Research students who intend to undertake PhD research are in the first instance automatically registered for a one-year research training programme leading to the Certificate of Postgraduate Study (CPGS) in Legal Studies. They are assigned a supervisory team by the Degree Committee of the Faculty, ordinarily consisting of a supervisor (who is principally responsible for directing and assisting the research) and an advisor (who provides a second point of contact for academic advice). At the end of the first year, the Degree Committee decides whether students should be registered for the PhD. This decision is taken on the basis of the student’s personal progress log, first-year dissertation of 15,000 words, viva conducted by two assessors from within the Faculty, and outline of plans for the full research project. Candidates who successfully complete the requirements of the CPGS and the first-year progress review are retrospectively registered for the PhD.

All full-time PhD students are ordinarily required to be resident in Cambridge for the duration of their research (except where given leave to work away from Cambridge for academic reasons or whilst undertaking fieldwork), and during the first year in particular must attend weekly research training sessions in the Faculty.

This overview of the PhD programme must be read in conjunction with the detailed information available under the 'Courses' section (see, in particular, the Course Directory) of the Postgraduate Admissions website . Further information on postgraduate admission to research courses in the Faculty of Law is available from [email protected] or +44 (0)1223 330039.

The Faculty of Law The David Williams Building 10 West Road Cambridge CB3 9DZ United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 1223 330033 Email: [email protected]

Terms and Conditions

Connect with us.

Quick links

© 2024 University of Cambridge

• Contact the University
• Accessibility
• Freedom of information
• Privacy policy and cookies
• Statement on Modern Slavery
• Terms and conditions
• University A-Z
• Undergraduate
• Postgraduate
• Research news
• About research at Cambridge
• Spotlight on...

Legal and Political Theory MA

London, Bloomsbury

This is the programme information for 2024 entry

If you require details of this year's programme, Legal and Political Theory MA (2025), click here

This MA provides students with key analytical skills to study the ethical dimensions of public policy. The programme, drawing on three areas of excellence at UCL, offers a distinctive mix of politics, law and philosophy, centred on the normative evaluation of public policy at both the domestic and international levels.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

Applications closed

• Entry requirements

As a minimum, an upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard; Applicants should ideally have a background in in a degree in Political Theory (e.g. Law, Philosophy, Political Science, Economics, International Relations) or in other subjects with heavily weighted modules in related topics (e.g. moral philosophy, jurisprudence, intellectual history or sociology)

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

This MA provides you with the key analytical skills to evaluate the ethical dimensions of law, politics, and public policy. The programme is centred on the normative analysis of public life at both the domestic and international levels.

Who this course is for

The programme is best suited to students who wish to develop their understanding of the major issues in legal and political theory for further research or a career beyond academia in a related field. Applicants should have ideally have a background in a degree in a subject relevant to Legal and Political Theory [e.g. Law, Philosophy, Political Science, Economics, International Relations] or in other subjects with heavily weighted modules in related topics [e.g. moral philosophy, jurisprudence, intellectual history or sociology]. We will also consider applications from those with a particularly strong track record in other disciplines.

What this course will give you

UCL Political Science is recognised as a centre of excellence in the field and offers a uniquely stimulating environment for the study of legal and political theory.

A full programme of colloquia with visiting speakers offers unrivalled opportunity to meet and engage with some of the leading figures in the field.

The Legal and Political Theory MA benefits from the interdisciplinary research culture of the Department of Political Science, as well as from the participation of UCL Philosophy and UCL Laws.

The foundation of your career

Graduates of this programme have an excellent record of employability in leading professions such as law, consultancy, politics, journalism and academia.

Employability

The MA provides an excellent foundation for further research in political theory at the doctoral level as well for a wide variety of careers related to the world of politics and policy.

Students will acquire advanced analytical transferable skills, exposure to cutting-edge scholarship and the ability to engage in independent research, combined with deep understanding of the normative aspects of the major challenges facing the contemporary world.  

The programme offers students the opportunity to meet leading academics in the areas of legal and political theory when they come to speak at our visiting speaker colloquia. Students also organise an annual Legal and Political Theory Forum on a topic of their choice and to invite a panel of speakers that they want to assemble.

Teaching and learning

Teaching typically takes the form of lectures and seminars where time is dedicated both to introducing you to knowledge and materials, and allowing you to test your understanding, knowledge and evaluative skills, through discussion, criticism and debate of issues. Lectures and seminars are accompanied by a list of readings, which will enable you to deepen your understanding of the ideas discussed in the lectures and seminars. Every member of staff offers student support and feedback hours where you can discuss the material one-to-one with your teachers,  

You will be assessed by a variety of methods: examinations, long essays, coursework, oral presentations, and a dissertation. These all contribute to the development of your capacities to craft arguments and defend them cogently, and to anticipate and respond to objections to your arguments. The essays and dissertation in particular require you to undertake independent research. Some modules, including all compulsory modules, include formative assessments, where you receive feedback and guidance on work that is not formally assessed as part of your degree.

150 hours is allocated to each 15 credit module. This includes 20 contact hours and 130 study hours.

You will undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. You are required to take the following three compulsory modules:

1. Meanings of Liberty: Applied Methods in Political Theory. This module will train you in the central methods of political theory, explored through substantive discussion of the concept of liberty and related normative disputes.

2. Colloquia in Political Theory, and Legal Philosophy and Peer Assisted Learning Sessions. This module involves 2-hour sessions with visiting speakers, discussing work in progress that they have given us to read in advance. These colloquia are hosted by the Department during Term 1 when they concentrate on Political Theory ; during the remainder of the year, they are hosted as the Dworkin Colloquium by the UCL Institute for Law, Politics and Philosophy, an interdepartmental collaboration.

3. Dissertation - 10,000 words. This final piece of research gives you the opportunity to engage in a debate in legal and political theory of your choosing. You will receive supervision from a member of staff before researching and writing your dissertation for submission in early September. You will also choose two or three option modules, which connect to the central themes of the degree. Options in this category may include (subject to changes):

• Contemporary Political Philosophy I: Authority, Obligation & Democracy
• Contemporary Political Philosophy II: Social Justice and Equality
• Equality, Justice and Difference
• Global Ethics
• Jeremy Bentham and the Utilitarian Tradition I & II
• Jeremy Bentham and the Utilitarian Tradition I
• Jurisprudence and Legal Theory I & II
• Jurisprudence and Legal Theory I
• The Ethics of Poverty
• Theoretical Foundations of Human Rights
• Social Justice, Social Mobility, Education and the Family
• Public Ethics
• The Ethics of social media

Finally, you will choose an additional elective module from the total list of options offered by the Department of Political Science, or, with approval of the programme director, offered elsewhere in UCL.

The programme structure for part-time students follows the same structure as our full-time students. We encourage our part-time students to distribute their study evenly between the two years of study. The majority of part-time students opt for one of the following patterns:

• 75 credits in year one and 105 credits in year two;
• 90 credits in year one and 90 credits in year two.

Upon completion you will have undertaken modules to the value of 180 credits, comprising of three compulsory modules: Meanings of Liberty: Applied Methods in Political Theory; Political Theory, Colloquium in Legal Philosophy and Peer Assisted Learning Sessions and a dissertation. You will have further attended elective module(s) so you can personalise your programme of study to your own academic or professional interests.  

Compulsory modules

Optional modules.

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MA in Legal and Political Theory.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees .

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this programme.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

Past students on the programme have been awarded prestigious scholarships such as AHRC and UCL graduate studentships.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

Aziz Foundation Scholarships in Social and Historical Sciences

Value: Full tuition fees (equivalent to 1yr full-time) (1yr) Criteria Based on financial need Eligibility: UK

GREAT Scholarship

Deadline: NOW CLOSED FOR 2024/25 ENTRY Value: £10,000 towards tuition fees (1 year) Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees .

When we assess your application we would like to learn

• why you want to study Legal and Political Theory at graduate level
• why you want to study Legal and Political Theory at UCL
• what particularly attracts you to this programme
• if you have not formally studied Political Theory before, how does your personal, academic and professional background meets the challenges of this programme
• where you would like to go professionally with your degree

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.

When it is necessary to calculate a final average mark, the department will calculate all years of undergraduate study.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Got questions? Get in touch

Political Science

[email protected]

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students .

Prospective Students Graduate

• Graduate degrees
• Taught degrees
• Taught Degrees
• Applying for Graduate Taught Study at UCL
• Research degrees
• Research Degrees
• Funded Research Opportunities
• Doctoral School
• Funded Doctoral Training Programmes
• Applying for Graduate Research Study at UCL
• Teacher training
• Teacher Training
• Early Years PGCE courses
• Primary PGCE courses
• Secondary PGCE courses
• Further Education PGCE programme
• How to apply
• The IOE approach
• Teacher training in the heart of London
• Why choose UCL?
• Entrepreneurship
• Inspiring facilities and resources
• Careers and employability
• Your global alumni community
• Your wellbeing
• Postgraduate Students' Association
• Your life in London
• Accommodation
• Funding your Master's