Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies professional doctorate programs are designed for working professionals to address problems of practice through coursework, based on developing professional, scholarly, and research expertise, culminating in a dissertation in practice. The programs are guided by industry-leading faculty and are built on the scholar-practitioner model. Students conduct research that is related to their professional experience and designed to solve new and emerging problems.
The Doctor of Education
The Doctor of Education (EdD) empowers students to bring about solutions to complex problems of practice in their local context, while leveraging a global network to magnify students’ boundless experiential learning to build a more socially just world. The Dissertation in Practice, the culminating component of the degree, is designed to prepare leaders who can construct and apply knowledge to transform their organizations and communities through laboratories of practice where students implement change and then measure and analyze the impact to improve their professional practice. This knowledge is the start of students’ potential for meaningful change work. Students magnify their ability to generate socially just change by leveraging Northeastern University’s global network of students, alumni, employers, and entrepreneurs.
Doctor of Law and Policy
The Doctor of Law and Policy (DLP) prepares experienced professionals to become transformative leaders who understand and influence the intersection of law, policy, and practice. Our diverse students develop expertise in legal reasoning, policy analysis, and practical implementation while pursuing a thesis tailored to their professional interests and goals. The DLP empowers exceptional citizens to leverage their professional experience with advanced academic training to solve complex problems in organizations, policymaking, and democratic governance. Through rigorous coursework and mentored research, students master advanced analytical methods, develop a nuanced understanding of governance systems, and build expertise in evidence-based decision making within their chosen specialization. The program's distinctive hybrid format accommodates working professionals while fostering a collaborative learning community where intellectual diversity enriches academic discourse. Graduates emerge equipped to drive meaningful change in their organizations, industries, and communities, with the intellectual adaptability to navigate evolving regulatory environments and emerging societal challenges throughout their careers.
Doctor of Professional Studies
The Doctor of Professional Studies (DPS) is an advanced degree program designed for mid-career professionals seeking to enhance their professional expertise and leadership capabilities. This practice-oriented research degree is ideal for individuals from a wide range of disciplines, empowering them to research, develop, and communicate solutions to complex problems. By participating in the program, professionals become cocreators of knowledge and innovation in their workplaces. The DPS fosters significant personal and professional growth, equipping students with advanced skills and knowledge that lead to increased career opportunities. The curriculum focuses on critical thinking and leadership, preparing participants to excel in their chosen fields