Doctorate in Law and Policy
| Campus Locations | Boston |
|---|---|
| Also available 100% Online | No |
| Other Format(s) | |
| Credits Required for Graduation | 48 |
| Entry Terms | Summer Quarter |
| Meets International Visa Requirements | No |
Overview
The shortage of doctoral credentials has been highlighted in numerous articles and journals. Executives and upper-level administrators operate in an increasingly global environment, and a doctoral education provides the policy, research, and administrative skills necessary to take your career to the highest level.
Developed jointly by the College of Professional Studies and Northeastern's Law and Public Policy program, the Doctorate in Law and Policy program (LPD) allows students to craft a meaningful course of study and imbues them with new thinking and actionable learning that quickly translates into real impact and real results.
The LPD program is structured so coursework and the doctoral thesis are completed in two years without interrupting life and career. Classes meet one weekend per month in Boston, and the learning continues online throughout the rest of the month.
The LPD program's unique format encourages team collaboration. Every year, a cohort of the world's most promising doctoral scholars is selected to begin the program. All students follow the same schedule through eight consecutive terms. In its inaugural year, the LPD program drew more than 500 applicants and inquiries from across the country and around the world. Only the most promising individuals were offered admission to this highly selective program.
Northeastern University also offers a traditional PhD in Law, Policy, and Society. To learn more, visit the Law and Public Policy program website.
Interested in learning more?
Attend the April 11, 2012 LPD Open House in Boston, Massachusetts.
Curriculum
The Doctorate in Law & Policy program offers a rigorous curriculum and hands-on approach to law and policy. It encompasses an interdisciplinary course of study covering many policy domains. The curriculum follows an accelerated format, allowing you to complete your coursework in two years.
Sample Course Sequence
Please note, the below course sequence may vary depending upon your start date.
Year One, First Quarter (6 q.h.)
| n/a | Orientation and Introduction to Law and Policy Doctoral Research Workshop | 0 q.h. |
| LWP 6120 | Law and Legal Reasoning 1 | 2 q.h. |
| LWP 6410 | Economics for Policy Analysis 1 | 2 q.h. |
| LWP 6420 | Quantitative Methods 1 | 2 q.h. |
Year One, Second Quarter (6 q.h.)
| LWP 6121 | Law and Legal Reasoning 2 | 2 q.h. |
| LWP 6411 | Economics for Policy Analysis 2 | 2 q.h. |
| LWP 6421 | Quantitative Methods 2 | 2 q.h. |
Year One, Third Quarter (6 q.h.)
| LWP 6401 | Law and Policy: Strategy and Concepts 1 | 2 q.h. |
| LWP 6412 | Economics for Policy Analysis 3 | 2 q.h. |
| LWP 6422 | Quantitative Methods 3 | 2 q.h. |
Year One, Fourth Quarter (6 q.h.)
| LWP 6402 | Law and Policy: Strategy and Concepts 2 | 2 q.h. |
| LWP 6404 | Evaluation Research | 2 q.h. |
| LWP 6423 | Qualitative Methods | 2 q.h. |
Year Two, First Quarter (6 q.h)
| LWP 6403 | Law and Policy: Strategy and Concepts 3 | 2 q.h. |
| LWP 6424 | Research Methods | 2 q.h. |
| LWP 6500 | Doctoral Research Design 1 | 2 q.h. |
Year Two, Second Quarter (6 q.h)
| LWP 6450 | Public Policy Workshop 1 | 4 q.h. |
| LWP 6501 | Doctoral Research Design 2 | 2 q.h. |
Year Two, Third Quarter (6 q.h)
| LWP 6451 | Public Policy Workshop 2 | 4 q.h. |
| LWP 6502 | Doctoral Research Design 3 | 2 q.h. |
Year Two, Fourth Quarter (6 q.h)
| LWP 6452 | Public Policy Workshop 3 | 4 q.h. |
| LWP 6503 | Doctoral Research Design 4 | 2 q.h. |
Additional Quarters (If Needed)
| LWP 7994 | Thesis Continuation | 0 q.h. |
Total Quarter Hours: 48
Admissions Requirements
Below are the official Admissions Requirements for this program.
- Online application
- Academic transcripts: Official undergraduate and graduate degree documentation
- Statement of purpose (500-1000 words): identifying your educational goals and expectations from the program; please be aware that the University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to applicant's statement of purpose
- Professional resume: current resume that displays job responsibilities, relevant experience, and education history
- Three 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
- 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
For general admissions information and recommended admissions deadlines, Graduate Admissions.
All requirements must be received prior to review.
Tuition
Estimated total tuition for this program is $59,664.00.
Tuition for individual courses is based on the number of quarter hours. Most courses are 3-6 quarter hours. See Graduate Tuition Rates for details.
Use our Tuition Calculator below to see if transfer credit or tuition reimbursement from your employer could reduce your total tuition.
Tuition Calculator
Please note: The estimated total tuition is based on tuition rates for Academic Year 2011-12 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.
Student Profile
This accelerated, intensive program is designed for working professionals with demanding careers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Applicants are engaged in the most important issues of our time impacting a wide range of dynamic, influential industries and professions. They are accomplished leaders with the talent and ambition to make a difference. They are driven to effect changes in law and policy.
Alumni of this program have held the following titles:
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Ben T.
Doctorate in Law and Policy, Class of 2010
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About the curriculum: "The course topics related to public policy were most interesting to me. I am an elected official and the knowledge I received from my courses helps from both the practical and the academic perspectives. I now teach public policy to undergraduate and graduate students. The course material provided me the tools and credentials necessary to take on the task of being full-time public policy faculty." |
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What sets the program apart: "The critical factor is the cohort format. The support of fellow students that are traveling down a similar path makes the difference in this intense structure. There is no time to catch-up so you must not fall behind. Having supportive colleagues makes all the difference." |
Faculty
Core Faculty
Core faculty lead the program and are chosen for their current experience and success on the front lines of applied law and policy, and for their excellence in experiential higher education, research, and publishing.
Kelly J. Conn, PhD, Boston University
Fields: Quantitative Methods, Program Evaluation, Research Design
Neenah Estrella-Luna, PhD, Northeastern University
Fields: Qualitative Research, Urban Issues, Applied Sociology, Race and Ethnic Relations, Environmental Justice
Joan Fitzgerald, PhD, Pennsylvania State University
Fields: Urban Economic Development, Urban Sustainability, State Renewable Energy Policy
James Alan Fox, PhD, University of Pennsylvania
Fields: Serial/Mass Murder, Juvenile Violence, Capital Punishment
Robert D. Pritchard, PhD, Northeastern University
Fields: Public Policy Research, Transportation Safety, Applied Microeconomics, Law and Economics
Daniel J. Urman, J.D., Harvard Law School, M.Phil., University of Oxford
Fields: Law and Policy, U.S. Foreign Policy, Judicial Processes and Behavior
Affiliated Faculty
Affiliated faculty specialize in a wide range of areas and provide supplemental instruction and expertise.
Barry Bluestone, PhD, Economics, University of Michigan
Fields: Business and Industrial Policy, Urban and Regional Economic Development
Christopher Bosso, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
Fields: Public Policy, Environmental Policy
David Boyd, PhD, Oxford University
Fields: Organizational Behavior, Leadership
Richard Daynard, J.D., Harvard University, PhD, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Fields: Products Liability, Psychiatry and Law, Litigative Strategies
Michael Dukakis, J.D., Harvard University
Fields: Public Policy, Health Policy, Public Management
Jack Levin, PhD, Boston University
Fields: Crime and Violence, Sociology of Hate
Stephen Nathanson, PhD, Johns Hopkins University
Fields: Moral and Political Philosophy, Philosophy of Law
Jorge Nowalski, PhD, London School of Economics
Fields: Labor Market Dynamics, Poverty, Public/Private Partnerships, Central and Latin America, Corporate Social Responsibility
Joseph Raelin, PhD, Policy Studies, State University of New York at Buffalo
Fields: Leadership, Organizational Behavior
David Rochefort, PhD, Brown University
Field: Health Politics and Policy
Alan Schroeder, PhD, Harvard, Kennedy School of Government
Fields: Journalism, National Elections, Presidential Debates
Gregory Wassall, PhD, Rutgers University
Fields: Cultural Economics, Taxation, Public Policy
Edward G. Wertheim, PhD, Organizational Behavior, Yeshiva University, New York
Fields: Negotiation and Mediation Strategy, Organizational Behavior
Alan Zaremba, PhD, University of Buffalo
Fields: Crisis Communications, Media Relations, Organizational Theory, Criticism
Guest Faculty
Monthly intensives also feature renowned guest faculty—all top practitioners and scholars in their field.
Paul Almeida, PhD, Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania
Fields: International Business, Strategy, Professional Labor Relations
David Berger, J.D., Yale
Securities and Exchange Commission New England Director.
Fields: Securities Law, Broker Regulation, Policy
Jodi G. Daniel, J.D., Georgetown University, M.P.H., Johns Hopkins University
Fields: Law, Health Care, Information Technology, Public Policy
Amitai Etzioni, PhD, Sociology, University of California
Fields: Communitarian Theory and Application
Kate Gordon, J.D. & M.U.P, University of California-Berkeley
Vice President for Energy Policy, Center for American Progress
Bob Graham, J.D., Harvard University
Former U.S. Senator and Member of Select Committee on Intelligence; Former Governor of Florida
Scott Harshbarger, J.D., Harvard Law School
Former Attorney General of Massachusetts; Partner with Proscauer Rose law firm.
Fields: Law, Policy, Leadership.
Joe Hendershott, M.A., School Administration, Ashland University
Fields: Childhood Education, Education Administration
Dennis Henigan, J.D., University of Virginia Law School
Acting President, Brady Campaign and Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence
Jairo Hernandez, LL.M., Law and International Relations, Tufts University, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
Current Costa Rican Ambassador to the U.N.
Fields: International Law and Policy, Central American Economic Development.
Roderick L. Ireland, J.D., Columbia University, LL.M., Harvard University, PhD, Northeastern University
Chief Justice, Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
Richard D. Kahlenberg, J.D., Harvard Law School
Senior Fellow, The Century Foundation
Michael Klarman, J.D., Stanford Law School, D.Phil, University of Oxford
Kirkland & Ellis Professor of Law, Harvard Law School
Peter J. Koutoujian, J.D., New England School of Law, M.A., Harvard University Kennedy School of Government
Massachusetts State Representative and Chair, Joint Committee on Public Health
Robert Kuttner, M.S., Economics, London School of Economics, Harvard/Guggenheim Fellow
Fields: Economics, Labor Theory, Leadership
James Kvaal, J.D., Harvard Law School
Policy Director, Obama for America 2012
Pedro A. Leon, PhD University of Oregon
Fields: Environment; Sustainable Economic Development, Biology, Chemistry
Monte Lobb, J.D., University of Dayton School of Law
Fields: Ethics, Professional Football, State Government
Anouar Majid, PhD, English, Syracuse University
Fields: Religion, History, Language Studies
Michael G. Masters, J.D., Harvard Law School, M.A., University of Cambridge
Executive Director, Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
John E. McDonough, PhD, University of Michigan, M.P.A., Harvard University
Executive Director, Health Care for All; Former Massachusetts State Representative and Chair, Joint Committee on Health Care
John Nagl, D. Phil, University of Oxford
President, Center for New American Security
Neil Suryakant Patel, J.D., Georgetown University
Fields: International Business, Economic Development, Policy
Jeffrey Rosen, J.D., Yale Law School, M. Phil, University of Oxford.
Legal Affairs Editor, The New Republic, Professor, George Washington University Law School
Fields: Federal Courts, Judicial Nominations, Politics of Law.
Michael L. Rustad, PhD, Boston College, J.D., Suffolk University, LL.M., Harvard
Fields: Cyberspace Law, Torts, U.C.C. Law
Russell K. Schutt, PhD, Sociology, University of Illinois
Fields: Social Science Research Methods, Sociology of Law, Complex Organizations
Dennis Slaughter, LP.D., Northeastern University
Fields: Education, Organizational Leadership
Steven C. Teske, J.D., Georgia State University
Fields: Judicial System, Juvenile Justice
Tomicah Tilleman, PhD, Johns Hopkins University
Senior Advisor, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Peter G. Torkoldsen, MA, Government, Harvard University
Fields: Political Parties, Elections, Workforce Development
Tevi D. Troy, PhD, American Civilization, University of Texas, Austin
Fields: Health Care, National Policy
David G. Tuerck, PhD, Economics, University of Virginia
Fields: Economics, Tax Policy, Competitiveness, Labor Policy
Evelyn Villareal, PhD, Oxford University
Fields: Latin American Studies, Political Science
Eugene Von Taube, MBA, MSEE, University of Minnesota
Fields: IT Strategic Planning, Program Management
FAQs
Program Length & Format
The Doctorate in Law and Policy (LPD) program at the College of Professional Studies is a two-year program completed in eight consecutive terms. The College runs four terms per year and students earn 6.0 quarter hours of credit per term, totaling 48.0 quarter hours.
Introductory Seminar
The LPD program starts with a five-day introductory seminar and orientation during the first term. The introductory seminar covers contemporary issues in academic writing, research methodology, and professional development. Orientation activities include a reception with faculty and senior Northeastern administrators and a tour of the Boston campus.
Weekend Intensive Sessions
After the introductory session, scholars meet for a one-weekend intensive session each month in Boston. Weekend intensive classes meet from 12:30 PM – 9:00 PM Friday, 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday, and 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday. Weekend classes may include course lectures, workshops, group and individual meetings, guest speakers, and other activities. A sample schedule of a weekend meeting during the second term is available here. Normally, one intensive during the program is held off-site at a center of law and policy, such as Washington, D.C., or New York.
Before each weekend meeting session, students complete readings and preparatory assignments. Written assignments (group and individual) and presentations are assigned to be completed by the next session.
Between weekend intensive sessions, scholars use the College of Professional Studies Blackboard online learning management system to communicate and collaborate, participate in class discussions, access course content, and complete and submit assignments.
Location
Classes are held at Northeastern University's downtown campus, a full-service executive facility conveniently located on the second floor of the Hilton Hotel in Boston's Financial District hotel at 89 Broad Street. The facility offers state-of-the-art classrooms, computer labs, and private dining rooms. The building offers easy access from Interstate 93 and Logan International Airport, and is within walking distance of state government and the courts, fine restaurants, the theatre district, and historical sites. Discounted parking for this location is available after 5:00 PM on Fridays, all day Saturday, and all day Sunday at the Langham Hotel Garage (250 Franklin Street, Boston, MA).
Overnight Accommodations
Students are encouraged to reside at the Club Quarters Boston, the Hilton, or nearby hotels during monthly weekend sessions. Residence encourages group cohesion and facilitates knowledge exchange, growth, professional respect, and alliances among students. It also allows students to concentrate fully on their academic studies. Students may take advantage of special discounted room rates at the Club Quarters, the Hilton, and several other nearby hotels.
Club Quarters
161 Devonshire Street, Boston
Northeastern maintains a membership at this private hotel close to the downtown campus
- Individuals must call Club Quarters member services during business hours at 212.575.0006 to reserve their rooms before the cut-off date of 2 weeks prior to arrival date.
- Any reservation after the cut-off date will be subject to availability. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals should identify themselves with College of Professional Studies and mention code CPSLPD.
Hilton Boston Financial District
89 Broad Street, Boston
617.556.0006
Ask for the Batterymarch Conference Center corporate rate
The Langham Hotel (a nearby luxury hotel)
250 Franklin Street, Boston
617.451.1900
Ask for the Batterymarch Conference Center corporate rate
Meals
Meals during the intensive sessions are included in the tuition. Scholars are responsible for any outside meals. Please let the program academic coordinator know if you have any special dietary restrictions or allergies.
Dress Code
Business casual attire is required during weekend intensives.
Registration & Billing
LPD scholars are automatically registered for courses each term, and tuition is billed at the beginning of the term.
Program Materials
Textbooks and program materials are included in the tuition. Textbooks and program materials are distributed during weekend intensive sessions.
Talk to an Enrollment Coach
We can walk you through your program options and the application process.
- Call Toll Free:
- 877.668.7727
- Email:
- Contact Us
Upcoming Academic Term Dates
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Spring Term
April 9, 2012 (6- & 12-week classes)
May 21, 2012 (6-week classes) -
Summer Term
July 2, 2012 (8-, 6-, and 4- week classes)
July 30, 2012 (4-week classes)