Graduate Admissions

Doctoral Degrees

Admission to our doctoral programs is highly selective and competitive.

Each doctoral program has unique admissions requirements:

Doctor of Education

• Online application
• Academic transcripts: Official undergraduate and graduate degree documentation
• 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. From among the most significant issues in education/organizations today, what specific problem of practice are you interested in investigating during your doctoral study? (1,000 – 1,200 words)
     • Describe the problem of practice
     • Explain why you want to investigate it
     • Provide a strong rationale for the significance of the problem
  2. How have your previous research, work, and life experiences prepared you for the Northeastern University doctoral program in education? (300 – 400 words)

• Minimum work experience: Three years in a related field
• Professional resume: Must summarize work and education history, include an outline of your educational/academic skills with examples such as research and teaching experience, affiliations, publications, certifications, presentations, and other professional skills.
• Faculty recommendation: Must be from a faculty member in your previous graduate program who can attest to your readiness for doctoral work. If you are no longer acquainted with a faculty member, please choose a professional who can speak of your academic capabilities to engage in doctoral level research and writing. Recommendations should be presented as a letter attached to the general recommendation form.
• Two professional recommendations: Must be from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities, a supervisor, mentor, or colleague. It is preferred that one letter of recommendation come from your current employer and/or supervisor. Recommendations should be presented as a letter attached to the general recommendation form.
• Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language.

Doctorate in Law and Policy

• Online application
• Academic transcripts: Official undergraduate and graduate degree documentation
• Professional resume: Current resume 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 & 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.

Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy

• Online application
• Statement of purpose (500-1000 words): identifying your educational goals and expectations from the program
• Professional resume: Current resume that displays job responsibilities, relevant experience, and education history
• Two letters of recommendation: from individual(s) with either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities, such as a faculty member, current employer, mentor, or colleague
• Academic transcripts:
  • Official undergraduate degree transcript in physical therapy OR Official graduate degree transcript in physical therapy AND official undergraduate degree transcripts
• Foreign Academic Credentials: Must submit the following
  • English translation
  • Physical Therapy Credential Evaluation: FCCPT (preferred) IERF, ICD or ICA
• Advanced standing may be granted to students that are ABPTS certified or hold similar certifications. Please contact [email protected] for further information.
• Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language

Master’s Degree

Admissions requirements include the following:

1. Online application 
2. Statement of purpose (500-1000 words): identifies your educational goals and expectations of the program; please be aware that the University’s academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose
3. Professional resumé
4. Unofficial undergraduate transcripts. Upon admission to the program, you must provide the official undergraduate transcript(s) in a stamped and sealed envelope from the institution(s), stating degree conferral and date
   1. In addition, please upload a diploma or certificate that clearly affirms your degree has been awarded. You must include mark sheets showing courses, grades, GPA and grading sale with all transcript submission(s).
5. Two letters of recommendation: from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities such as a faculty member, colleague, or mentor, preferably one from your current employer
6. English Language Proficiency Proof: Students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
   1. Official bachelor’s degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date
   2. TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson (PTE) or NU Global Exam scores

Additional Requirement

The following master’s degree programs have additional admissions requirements. Visit the program pages to learn more: 

• Master of Science in Applied Nutrition
• Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs 
• Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education
• Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Education
• Master of Education in Special Education

Graduate Certificates

Admissions requirements include the following: 

1. Online application
2. Statement of purpose (500-1000 words): identifies your educational goals and expectations from the program; please be aware that the University’s academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose
3. Professional resumé
4. Unofficial undergraduate transcripts: upon admission to the program, you must provide the official undergraduate transcript(s) in a stamped and sealed envelope from the institution(s), stating degree conferral and date
   1. In addition, please upload a diploma or certificate that clearly affirms your degree has been awarded. You must include mark sheets showing courses, grades, GPA and grading sale with all transcript submission(s).
5. English language proficiency proof: Students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
   1. Official associate or bachelor’s degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date
   2. TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson (PTE) or NU Global Exam scores 

Non-Degree

We offer personal and professional enrichment as an option if you wish to enroll in a few graduate-level courses.

Admission requirements include the following: 

1. Online application: Select “Graduate” as level, “non-degree course enrollment” as degree, and “Personal and Professional Enrichment” as program on your application
2. Proof of bachelor’s degree completion through the following:

• Copy of bachelor’s degree diploma
• Copy of bachelor’s degree transcript
• Official bachelor’s degree transcript

Students studying in personal/professional enrichment status are not required to abide by prerequisite requirements, but should note if the desired class requires one. If you require a registration override, please contact CPS Admissions for PPE.

If you wish to pursue a degree or certificate program in the future, you will be required to complete the formal admissions process for that program. Courses taken outside a designated program may not apply or transfer.