Doctoral and Ph.D. Programs
Doctor of Policy, Planning, and Development (DPPD)
Application Deadlines
Fall 2026
- Final Deadline: February 1, 2026
Advancing leaders through research and knowledge.
The Doctor of Policy, Planning, and Development (DPPD) is for working professionals seeking a doctorate to advance their careers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The degree builds knowledge in public affairs and develops applied research capacity. Students finish with a refined expertise that only a doctorate can provide.
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 of established public, private, and nonprofit professionals. Students typically have 10-15 years of work experience when they apply.
Life in Los Angeles
Los Angeles provides a rich, complex ecosystem for studying public policy.
Skill Enhancing
The program’s focus on applied research includes coursework and a dissertation project supervised by faculty experts.
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
| Date | Name | Register |
|---|---|---|
| November 6, 2025 | DPPD Info Session | Register |
Financial Aid
Numerous financial aid opportunities are available for grad students.
Join a Dynamic Cohort
Each cohort enters a vibrant learning community where shared growth, camaraderie, and intellectual influence extend 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.
Students pursue the DPPD while advancing careers in diverse fields. Examples include public policy, public management, health, real estate development, law, 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.
Contact Us
For admissions information, please email [email protected].
Anna Parks,
Student Services Advisor
(213) 740-8181
[email protected]