Doctor of Public Policy
3 Years
Program duration for full-time students
51
Credits required to complete the program
Hybrid
Course sessions delivered online and in-person on Thursday evenings and Friday evenings and Saturdays.
About Our Program
From guiding how our cities evolve to ensuring our communities remain safe, public policy is woven into everyday life. As our world grows more complex, so does the need for visionary leaders who can shape, deliver, and measure policies that make a real impact.
The UNLV Doctor of Public Policy program is a competency-based, applied program designed to prepare leaders to address complex policy challenges across multiple sectors. Our students are professionals who aim to understand and respond to both emerging and longstanding issues that affect communities at the local, state, and national levels. The program equips graduates with the analytical, leadership, and problem-solving skills needed to develop effective, evidence-based solutions that strengthen communities and advance the public good.
Six Reasons to Choose UNLV for Your Doctor of Public Policy Degree
- Receive an Education that’s Tailored for Academic and Professional Growth: What truly sets this program apart is its combination of flexibility, hands-on experience, and professional networking. Students participate in a cohort model, building meaningful connections with peers and faculty, while learning from instructors who are not only experts in their fields but also actively engaged in shaping public policy.
- Surround Yourself in a Network of Passionate Peers: Our program is designed for experienced professionals, from mid-career to executive levels, who are ready to expand their influence and drive strategic policy decisions. Our students' professional and life experiences enrich classroom discussions and applied projects. They are motivated, outcome-focused, and committed to creating meaningful impact within their organizations and the communities they serve.
- Leverage the Dynamic Nature of Our State and City: Students from across the U.S. have enrolled in UNLV’s program because Nevada itself serves as a dynamic living laboratory for our students. The combination of metropolitan areas to rural communities across Nevada offers a robust learning ground for students. The national demographic makeup will mirror what happens in Nevada. The doctorate of public policy curriculum is adaptable for communities around the U.S.
- Receive the Tools to Make a Difference: Our program goes beyond observation—students acquire the knowledge, tools, and practical experience needed to actively shape policy, influencing communities locally, driving statewide initiatives, and contributing to national policy discussions. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are prepared to create meaningful change at every level of public service.
- Learn From Industry Experts: Students receive personalized mentorship from faculty and industry leaders, helping them refine their research focus and advance their career goals. Students are connected to an executive real world policy coach executive at no additional cost. This mentorship opportunity gives students an opportunity to receive career guidance and preparation as they face complex challenges in policy environments.
- Affordable Degree Program: UNLV’s Doctor of Public Policy program is designed to be accessible for working professionals. With one of the lowest tuition structures in the country for applied policy doctorates, students can pursue a doctoral degree without stepping away from full-time employment. The program also includes a signature experiential learning trip to Washington, D.C. giving students the opportunity to engage directly with national policy leaders.
"Knowing that I was able to plant seeds to spark thought around improving children's mental health services in Nevada is the win. In public policy, the seeds may bloom in future legislative sessions, but the growth begins during everyday community advocacy.”Ashley Pruitt, Class of 2025
Ready to Become a Rebel?
Professors of Practice
Laura Alison "Ali" Caliendo
Lisa Morris Hibbler, Ph.D.
Dorian Stonebarger
