Doctor of Professional Studies — Boston
Embark on a transformative journey in this rigorous program. You'll engage in a curriculum blending academic excellence with practical application, preparing you to solve complex problems and drive meaningful change.
Take a Quick Look
We’re committed to creating an education as unique as your career path. So, whether your goal is a new career or moving up in your field, our innovative programs will get you going your way.
Overview
The Doctor of Professional Studies (DPS) is an advanced, practice-based research degree designed for midcareer professionals seeking to enhance their professional expertise and leadership capabilities. The program invites professionals from a wide range of disciplines—empowering you to research, develop, and communicate solutions to complex problems and become a co-creator of knowledge and innovation in your workplace.
The program fosters significant personal and professional growth. As a student, you will develop advanced skills and knowledge, leading to increased career opportunities. The curriculum’s focus on critical thinking and leadership equips you to excel in your chosen field.
Online coursework provides a flexible educational journey that allows you to tailor your learning path.
Program Concentrations
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.
Program Benefits
- 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.
Career Prospects
Beginning your journey with us is a big decision. But it's a smart one. Your field is evolving rapidly. That's why we're constantly innovating our programs to anticipate your industry's needs. So, no matter where your field goes, you can lead the way.
Median Salary, Management Analysts
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Median Salary, General and Operations Managers
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Cost and Tuition
Tuition
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2024-2025 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.
Application Deadlines
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.
Admissions
- Online Application
- Statement of Purpose: 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 your professional field. (500 words)
- Professional Resumé: Current resumé that displays job responsibilities, relevant experience, and education history.
- Academic Transcripts: Unofficial undergraduate and graduate 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.)
- Three Letters of Recommendation:
- One 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.
- 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.
- DPS Transfer Credit: Due to the cohort model of the Doctor of Professional Studies program, transfer credits from other institutions are not accepted. Prior Learning Assessment will be considered, and credit/advanced standing will be awarded as appropriate.
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.
Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.
How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.
For the 2025–2026 academic year, MPS Applied AI and MPS Applied AI Connect are being offered as a collaboration between the College of Professional Studies (CPS) and the Office of the Provost. During this period, students will follow Northeastern University’s Graduate (GR) Academic Calendar and be governed by the academic policies and procedures documented in the university’s Graduate Catalog. CPS will continue to 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 MPS Applied AI and MPS Applied AI Connect 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 CPS’ academic policies and procedures within the university’s Graduate Catalog.
Let’s Find Your Path Forward
Our enrollment representatives can walk you through the application process and help you explore your program options.
Call Toll Free: 877.668.7727
