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

Law and Policy

Professional Doctorate

The Doctor of Law and Policy program (DLP) is designed for experienced professionals interested in the origins, development, implementation, and analysis of legal and public policy decisions in government and related institutions.

A person in a blue blazer is sitting with a laptop outdoors, looking to the side. They have short hair and are smiling slightly. The background has blurred lights and a modern building structure.
Program Format
Primarily online
Time Commitment
Full Time
Duration
2 Year(s)
Entry Term(s)
Fall
Meets F1 visa requirements
No

Program overview

Gain expertise in law and policy

Northeastern’s Doctor of Law and Policy (DLP) program empowers leaders working in the government, for-profit, and nonprofit sectors to advance in their careers with a deeper understanding of public policy. Our DLP students develop legal reasoning, research, and policy analysis skills. By examining the intersection of law, research, and policy within their fields, students learn to tackle challenges with a multidisciplinary approach.

Students complete a doctoral thesis that examines a compelling policy change and establish themselves as an expert on a topic in which they would like to see a change or help solve a new issue, or in an area they are passionate about.

 


Please note: Beginning fall 2026, this program will shift from a quarter-based academic calendar to a semester format. View the program conversion guide for curriculum details or visit our FAQ page for more information.

If you enter this program before fall 2026, your academic advisor will work with you to ensure a smooth transition. This change will not impact your academic progress, path to graduation, or tuition costs.

  • Two years
  • Accelerated, cohort, hybrid model
  • Three courses per term
  • Five in-person intensive weekends in Boston per year
  • Intensive weekend in Washington, D.C., featuring distinguished guest speakers and immersion in national policymaking during first year
  • Intensive weekend in The Hague featuring distinguished guest speakers and engagement with international diplomats during second year
  • 10 years professional experience required
  • Tuition includes registration, textbook purchase, and distribution
  • Three to six years
  • Adjustable course load
  • Online model with in-person residencies
  • One to two courses per term
  • Intensive residencies in Seattle (or other global campus) twice per year
  • Three years professional experience required

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.


  • Unofficial, personal copies of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended; official transcripts are required at the time of enrollment

    • The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents. Please review the FCE requirements by country.

  • Resumé or CV (PDF or Word document)

  • Three recommendation letters (one academic and two professional)

  • Personal statement (500-1000 words in a PDF or Word document)

  • English language proficiency proof

  • Applicants may be requested to participate in an interview as part of the admissions process; if this is determined, we will reach out to you directly.

Program objectives

Prepare for success

Advance your career with specialized skills in leadership, law, and policy in this unique hybrid program.

Develop your skills

Gain new leadership and strategic-thinking skills.

Create change

Utilize law as a way to be a better policymaker and change agent.

Advance your research skills

Interpret research and use it to further policy-related goals.

Learn to negotiate

Be able to negotiate with stakeholders in courts, legislatures, and agencies in corporate and nonprofit environments.

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

  • $114,747
    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
Studying in Boston

A hub of innovation

A group of people walks along a curved pathway beside a modern building, with tall skyscrapers in the background. The late afternoon sun casts a warm glow over the scene, creating long shadows on the path and highlighting the cityscape.

Northeastern's first campus builds on Boston's legacy of innovation. Our 37-plus research facilities allow students and faculty to work on groundbreaking research, while our deep ties to the biotech, healthcare, education, and startup industries provide unique opportunities for learning.

#1

Best state to live in

(WalletHub, 2023)

110K+

Northeastern alumni in Greater Boston

#3

Best state for education

(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)