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.
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.
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.
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.
Objectively evaluate and critically analyze existing literature and evidence regardless of personal opinions or biases.
Collaborate with stakeholders, and communicate research findings to partners and stakeholders.
Design, execute, and disseminate original research. Apply advanced methodologies, and translate learnings into solutions. Identify patterns and trends to draw meaningful conclusions.
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.
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Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$69,975Tuition 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 aidYour education, your way
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)