Doctor of Public Policy

Plan Description

This degree is a professional doctorate. It is designed for individuals interested in developing skills in policymaking and policy implementation at all levels of government. Completion of this degree will prepare students to conduct policy analysis, advocate for public policies and community-based solutions, or serve in decision-making positions. Its focus is to integrate what is known about the policy process into a set of skills and abilities so individuals can be competent actors in the policy arena. Course delivery is very structured with courses offered in a very specific sequence on Fridays and Saturdays over five semesters.

For more information about your program, including your graduate program handbook and learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Directory.

Plan Admission Requirements

Application deadlines

Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website.

All applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements. 

Students may only begin the program in Fall. Only DPP courses taken in sequence at UNLV will be considered for transfer credit.

1. Students must have at least a Masters degree.
2. Students must submit three letters of reference
3. Students must submit a resume and should have at least five years of professional work related experience
4. An essay explaining student’s interest in the degree and how they believe the degree will aid in their professional development.  In addition, the letter must articulate a policy area that the student has a substantive interest in studying.  The letter must accompany the application.  (An interview will be required before a final admissions decision is made).
5. At least one graduate level research and/or statistics course (if the student has not had a course in either of these two area, they may be eligible to remedy these deficiencies through a conditional admission).
6. Interview.
7. No transfer credits will be accepted.

Students are accepted into a degree program as described in the Graduate Catalog. The faculty and corresponding sub-disciplines and sub-plans within the described programs are subject to change at any time.

Plan Requirements

Total Credits Required: 51

Plan Graduation Requirements

The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing his/her degree requirements.