Doctor of Professional Studies

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.

• 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.

For the 2025–2026 academic year, Doctor of Professional Studies is being offered as a collaboration between the College of Professional Studies and the Office of the Provost. During this period, students will follow Northeastern University’s Graduate Academic Calendar and be governed by the academic policies and procedures documented in the University’s Graduate Catalog.

During the time a student is designated under the Office of the Provost, the College of Professional Studies will provide each student with full academic and student support services (e.g., academic advising services, co-op and career advising services, International Tutoring Center, etc.).

Beginning in the 2026–2027 academic year, students enrolled in Doctor of Professional Studies will transition to the College of Professional Studies, and their official college designation will be updated accordingly in the academic system of record. At that time, students will be governed by the academic policies and procedures documented in the University’s Graduate Catalog, specifically relating to the College of Professional Studies.

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.}

• Online application

• Statement of purpose

• Professional resumé

• Academic transcripts

  • Unofficial undergraduate and graduate transcripts at the time of application; official transcripts required at the time of admission

  • A Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is required for all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review FCE requirements by country.)

• Letters of recommendation

  • One academic recommendation

  • Two professional recommendations

• Interview (if requested by the admissions team)

Please visit the College of Professional Studies website for additional application details.

Note: Due to the cohort model of the Doctor of Professional Studies program, transfer credits from other institutions are not accepted. A Prior Learning Assessment will be considered, and credit/advanced standing will be awarded as appropriate.