Doctor of Law and Policy — Charlotte

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 healthcare, government, and related institutions. Northeastern’s DLP program empowers leaders to advance their careers with a deeper understanding of public policy and succeed in an increasingly complex global environment.

Charlotte

Location

Full-Time
Part-Time

Commitment

3+ Years

Duration of Program

Spring

Entry Terms

No

Meets F1 Visa Requirements

Overview

Northeastern's Doctor of Law and Policy Program (DLP) empowers leaders working in government, for-profit, and nonprofit sectors to advance in their careers with a deeper understanding of public policy. Our DLP engages students in advanced coursework that develops legal reasoning, research, and policy analysis skills. By examining the intersection of three key themes—law, research, and policy—within their professional fields, the program prepares leaders to tackle practical challenges with a multidisciplinary approach.

Through the program, you will complete a doctoral thesis that examines a compelling policy change. Graduates establish themselves as experts on topics where they want to see change, help solve new and emerging issues, or explore an area they are passionate about.

Northeastern's DLP programs offer the majority of the coursework online, although there are two different learning formats based on professional experience and one's need for flexibility:

Doctor of Law and Policy (includes quarterly residencies in Charlotte or Seattle)
Doctor of Law and Policy–Executive Program (includes residencies taking place twice a quarter)

More Details

Unique Features

Our flexible program format with quarterly residencies in Charlotte and Seattle allows you to earn your degree in 3-6 years. Professionals can alternatively complete their doctorate in as little as two years through our Executive DLP format with residencies in Boston.
Advance your current career by learning the skills and knowledge needed to move into policy and management positions in government, nonprofit agencies, research organizations, consulting firms, and more.
Earn your doctorate online, with in-person residencies. Designed for working professionals, the DLP program combines the flexibility of online learning with immersive residencies.
Network with your accomplished classmates, who are fellow driven individuals in a wide range of fields.
- Past students have come from all over the country and worked for various employers such as Amazon, the FDA, the Department of Justice, Harvard University and other higher education institutions, the U.S. State Department, and more.
Learn from faculty that are industry leaders. They are distinguished policymakers, foreign service officers, international consultants, international education consulting experts, and experts in development policy with considerable domestic and global experiences.

Program Objectives

Utilize law to be a better policy maker and change agent.
Develop new leadership and strategic thinking skills.
Interpret research and use it to further policy-related goals.
Negotiate with stakeholders in courts, legislatures, and agencies in corporate and non-profit environments.

Career Outlook

Professional pathways include:

Chief Executive Officer
Deputy State Commissioner
Director of Human Resources
Executive Director
Financial Industry Consultant
Policy Director
Principal
Senior Engineer
Senior Law Partner
University President
Hospital CEO/Chief of Nursing
Director of State/Local Health Department

Graduates Share Their Story

Please view the video below to hear Doctor of Law and Policy graduates share why they chose the program, what they learned, and their focus areas.

Testimonials

"I find it extremely helpful and intellectually stimulating to be in a program with candidates from a wide range of industries and backgrounds."

— Karl Waggoner, DLP Candidate ’20

"Pursuit of the Doctorate in Law and Policy will enable me to tackle new and challenging work in national security. At the start of the program, my goal was to use the degree to propel me from the world of government contracting to a new career in the nonprofit world. While that hasn’t changed, I’m also interested in teaching at the undergraduate or graduate level. The options are limitless."

— Chrissie Noonan, DLP ’19

"I gravitated to Northeastern right away because it was the only program that offered the duality of law and policy – where it wasn’t just law and wasn’t just policy. I felt that duality would present more than one option for me to further my career."

— Cherron Payne, 2020 DLP Graduate

"Upon completion of the DLP… Amazon reached out to me and offered me my dream job as a senior EHS manager with exposure across the globe… I strongly feel anyone with a desire to expand within their field should use the DLP program as the final step into scholarly research and career dominance."

— Scott Smith, DLP ’20

Admissions

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-50 university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

$73K

Tuition

$3.7K

Avg Institutional Aid

4%

% Receiving Aid

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

Online application
Academic transcripts: Official undergraduate and graduate degree documentation
Professional resumé: Current resumé that displays job responsibilities, relevant experience, and education history
Academic recommendation: This letter should come from a former professor or mentor who can speak to your ability to succeed in an academic environment. The recommender should address your capacity to conduct research and write at the doctoral level. If you have been out of school for a long time or are no longer acquainted with your professors, you may ask someone who has evaluated you during a professional training seminar or workshop to compose this recommendation.
Two professional recommendations: One must be from your current supervisor; recommendations should not come from individuals who report to you. Recommenders are encouraged to identify specific examples that highlight your skills and abilities.
Admission statement: Respond to both questions separately and stay within the prescribed word limits. The ability to demonstrate clear, succinct, well-reasoned writing is essential.
1. Discuss your career trajectory and your professional goals. How will earning this degree help you achieve those goals? (500 words)
2. Identify an important problem or issue related to your profession. Why do you want to explore and understand this problem or issue? Be sure to articulate how this problem or issue relates to law and policy. (500 words)
Interview: 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.
Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language: English language proficiency guidelines
DLP transfer credit – Due to the cohort model of the Doctor of Law and Policy program, transfer credits from other institutions are not accepted.

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

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.

Curriculum

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

Experiential Learning

Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace. This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.

Learn About Getting Real World Experience

Faculty

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Students

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 14 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 2,900+ employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

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