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.

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.
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.
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.
Academic transcripts: Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission
The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
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.
Discuss your career trajectory and your professional goals. How will earning this degree help you achieve those goals? (500 words)
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.
Program objectives
Prepare for success
Advance your career with specialized skills in leadership, law, and policy in this unique hybrid program.
Gain new leadership and strategic-thinking skills.
Utilize law as a way to be a better policymaker and change agent.
Interpret research and use it to further policy-related goals.
Be able to negotiate with stakeholders in courts, legislatures, and agencies in corporate and nonprofit environments.
Watch and learn
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Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$114,747Tuition 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.
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