Seeking Doctorate in National Security or Public Policy

[FireMedic_Philosopher]

Good morning... I have been lurking here for a bit and feel it is time to make my first post, as I would like some advice. I am a full time paramedic and part time firefighter. I've been doing it for twenty years (and teaching EMS as an adjunct) at the Community College level for 20 years. I already have several associates degrees, an RA B.S. degree where I double majored in Emergency/Disaster Management and Healthcare Administration, and an RA M.S. in Public Safety Administration (think MPA with first responder focus... heavy on grant writing, disasters, and terrorism, very light on community relations)...In addition to working as a medic, I am a part-time civilian with the USCG. (I am NOT a veteran and do not qualify for tuition assistance or the GI Bill) All that being said, my goal is to leave EMS behind soon. Three reasons: My back is ready for a change, the EMS agencies in my state (all private) do not provide anything for retirement, and finally I have hit the glass ceiling and cannot advance any higher. My interests have always revolved around history, the military, and national security/public policy. I am hoping to find an online doctorate, or one with very limited residencies in the field of homeland security, public policy, national security, or a mix thereof. My goal is to leverage this degree and my Coast Guard background into a position in consulting or academia, teaching national defense, homeland security et cetera. I am aware it is a bit of a niche area, but have still managed to find programs at Liberty, (PhD in Policy with National Security specialization), and Missouri State (Doctorate of Defense and Strategic Studies). I do not feel like a DPA or PhD in Public Admin or Criminal Justice would be appropriate because those are not something I've ever worked in before, and also a DPA or DCJ would focus on the wrong things. The Liberty and MSU programs both have the national strategy/military focus I am looking for. Both programs interest me greatly. The issue is cost. Even with the first responder discount at Liberty, I would struggle to afford the degree. (I do not qualify for the vets discount)...the Missouri State program is even more expensive. While I could probably get a full ride if I do a program in-house at a B&M program, I cannot afford to move, both for family and financial reasons.So... does anyone know of any Doctorate level online homeland security or public policy programs cheaper than Liberty?  I have spent hours on Google, but cannot find anything under 25,000. I am NOT looking for a shortcut or a diploma mill, or an African or Spanglish proprio... I am more than willing to bust my butt and do the work of a "real" doctorate. . . . It's just that I'm just a working class paramedic and can't afford the bigger better programs.

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Also, in case it matters, besides my USCG experience, I also spent time in my twenties working as a homeland security intern with both my state police agency and with my state public health department. So I do have some relevant experience I can point to, along with a few minor projects.

I am also a graduate of several military PME leadership courses, but those only provide credit at the undergrad or master's levels... Not suitable for credit at a doctorate program as I understand it.