Skip to content
Northeastern University Graduate Programs Home
College of Professional Studies

Doctor of Professional Studies

Professional Doctorate

Embark on a transformative journey in this rigorous program. You'll engage in a curriculum blending academic excellence with practical application, preparing you to solve complex problems and drive meaningful change.

A woman with curly hair, wearing a blue shirt, sits at a wooden table with a laptop open in front of her. She gestures with her hands, smiling, in a modern office with large windows. Another person is partially visible in the foreground.
Program Format
Primarily online
Time Commitment
Part time, Full time
Duration
36 Months
Entry Term(s)
Fall
Meets F1 visa requirements
No

Program overview

Optimize your leadership potential

The Doctor of Professional Studies (DPS) is an advanced, practice-based research degree designed for midcareer professionals seeking to enhance their professional expertise and leadership capabilities. The program invites professionals from a wide range of disciplines—empowering you to research, develop, and communicate solutions to complex problems and become a co-creator of knowledge and innovation in your workplace.

The program fosters significant personal and professional growth. As a student, you will develop advanced skills and knowledge, leading to increased career opportunities. The curriculum’s focus on critical thinking and leadership equips you to excel in your chosen field.

Online coursework provides a flexible educational journey that allows you to tailor your learning path.

Project management

This concentration serves as a terminal credential in advanced project management. You’ll have opportunities to engage in a range of advanced topics, including strategic project leadership, emerging technologies, systems thinking, stakeholder management, and program and portfolio management.

Organizational leadership studies

Equip yourself with advanced knowledge and skills in leadership, behavior, global awareness, and technology within an organizational environment. You’ll study leadership in modern organizations, helping you excel in leadership roles that demand strategic vision, cultural intelligence, and technological advancements. You’ll explore cutting-edge theories and practical applications essential for organizational success in an evolving global landscape.

Regulatory Affairs

Prepare to lead regulatory strategy in the global life sciences industry. This concentration equips students to shape regulatory policy and manage compliance across the full life cycle of biomedical products—including medical devices, pharmaceuticals, biologics, advanced therapies, and digital health technologies. It is ideal for professionals in industry, government agencies, consulting, and related organizations.

Artificial Intelligence

Develop the expertise to lead AI-driven transformation within organizations. This concentration prepares senior professionals to evaluate, implement, and govern AI initiatives while working effectively with generative AI tools. Students learn to build ethical, human-centered AI strategies that enhance organizational performance.

  • Gain practical knowledge and skills that increase your career opportunities.
  • Accelerate your personal and professional growth with a focus on critical thinking and leadership.
  • Learn to drive meaningful change and innovation in your field through research-based learning.
  • Build your understanding of theoretical concepts and how to apply them effectively.
  • Develop and execute a practice-based dissertation that showcases your ability to address tangible issues in your field.

Admissions

Apply to the program

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.

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.


Please refer to the College of Professional Studies program page to learn more about required materials.

Program objectives

Prepare for success

Prepare to solve complex problems and drive meaningful change on your professional journey.

Develop as a critical thinker

Objectively evaluate and critically analyze existing literature and evidence regardless of personal opinions or biases.

Communicate effectively

Collaborate with stakeholders, and communicate research findings to partners and stakeholders.

Design meaningful research

Design, execute, and disseminate original research. Apply advanced methodologies, and translate learnings into solutions. Identify patterns and trends to draw meaningful conclusions.

Apply ethical standards

Drive integrity in research and practice with consideration of societal impact.

Connect with us

Want more information?

We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team. 

Loading...

Watch and learn

Market outlook
Industry at a glance
Here's a look at current market trends and the career landscape.

Occupations

Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $69,975
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 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.

There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.

Visit tuition & financial aid
Online Programs

Your education, your way

A person with curly hair in a white zip-up jacket sits at a modern kitchen table, focused on their laptop. They hold a mug and appear engaged, with natural light filtering through a window behind them.

Northeastern's online classes give you the same top-tier education you'd get in person, on a schedule that works for your lifestyle and career needs. They offer a range of videos, interactives, breakout sessions, and experience-focused learning opportunities to immerse you in the material and build community. You'll graduate with the same degree as your in-person peers.

#8

Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools

(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)

53.5%

Percent of graduate students in the U.S. enrolled in online courses

(NCES, 2022)

97%

Percent of students in the U.S. who recommend online education

(BestColleges, 2024)