Doctor of Law and Policy

I noticed that this program operates on the cohort model. What does that mean?
The cohort model means that all incoming students progress through identical coursework at the same pace. Students within a given cohort tend to form strong bonds with one another and, generally, such cohesiveness translates into improved student outcomes and life-long relationships.

What is the typical size of a cohort in the DLP program?
Cohorts typically range in size from 15-30 students.

What are the backgrounds of students currently in the program?
DLP students come from a variety of professional backgrounds. The most common fields represented are: government agencies, non-profit management, homeland security and defense, emergency management, health-care, and higher education administration. Most students are mid to high level managers and executives.

I have taken some graduate courses at Northeastern or another university. Can I apply transfer credits to this program?
The DLP program does not accept transfer credits. All students in a cohort proceed through the same set of courses at the same time.

How long does the program take to complete?
The DLP is structured as a 24 month program.

Can I take time off from the program once I begin?
Barring a documented family or medical emergency, students cannot take time off from the program once it begins. Because the DLP operates on a cohort model, it is not feasible for students to take leave and reenter the program.

What does my tuition cover?
Tuition includes textbooks, meals during intensive sessions, and other program materials. 

What is the introductory seminar like?
The LDP program starts with a five-day introductory seminar and orientation, which covers contemporary issues in academic writing, research methods, and professional development. Orientation activities include a reception with faculty and senior Northeastern administrators and a tour of the Boston campus. 

What are the monthly intensive sessions like?
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 is available here. Normally, at least one intensive during each year of the program is held off-site at a center of law and policy, such as Washington, D.C., Chicago, or New York City.

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.

Does Northeastern University have arrangements with local hotels during the weekend sessions?
Yes. Students are strongly encouraged to reside at the Club Quarters Boston during monthly weekend sessions. Residence encourages group cohesion and facilitates knowledge exchange, growth, professional respect, and collegiality among students. It also enables students to fully concentrate on their academic studies. Students may take advantage of special discounted room rates at the Club Quarters.

Club Quarters
161 Devonshire Street, Boston

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.

What is the dress code during weekend intensive sessions?
Business casual attire is required during weekend intensives.

I’m apprehensive about online learning, can you elaborate on that part of the program?
Between weekend intensive sessions, students 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. Many of students in the program have no experience with online learning, but find Blackboard to be both intuitive and user-friendly.

Do I need any specialized computer equipment for the online portion of the program?
Students will need reliable access to a computer with high speed internet connection. Students will not need to purchase specialized software for the DLP program.

What kinds of topics do students investigate for their doctoral thesis research?
The DLP program emphasizes applied policy research. As such, students investigate a practical problem directly related to their professional lives. It is an expectation that students’ professional experience will inform the research topic that they choose. Topics include, but are not limited to health policy, emergency management, K-12 and higher education, criminal justice, non-profit management, legal reform.

What if my I don’t complete my thesis after two years?
For a number of reasons, a student may not complete his or her thesis at the end of the second year. Students can enroll in continuing thesis credits after they have finished their coursework. It is highly recommended that students complete their thesis within two terms of finishing their coursework, and the coursework is built so that students are able to do so. 

Does this program prepare me to take the Bar Exam and practice law?
The DLP program does not prepare students to take the Bar Exam and practice law. Students interested in practicing law should pursue a traditional Juris Doctorate. 

How will this program help me advance my professional goals?
During the DLP program, students learn to how to be both consumers and producers of high level research. DLP graduates can evaluate research in a systematic way. Graduates also learn how to address policy problems from multiple angles and to communicate with a wide range of audiences. The cohort model means that students, already leaders in their fields, will leave the program with professional and personal contacts across the nation. This makes DLP graduates particularly capable of solving the complex problems they face in their professions and beyond.