The Doctor of Law and Policy (DLP) PhD at Northeastern University is designed for ambitious professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in law, research, and policy analysis. You will explore the intricate relationship between legal frameworks and public policy, developing advanced skills to address complex societal challenges within government, non-profit, or for-profit sectors. This doctoral program is ideal for those aiming to become leaders and influential thinkers, ready to contribute to significant policy changes through rigorous, multidisciplinary inquiry. You will engage with critical debates and gain a comprehensive understanding of policymaking processes.
This full-time, on-campus PhD program, studied over two years, integrates advanced coursework with a substantial doctoral thesis. You will develop your legal reasoning, research methodologies, and policy analysis capabilities through required courses covering historical foundations, current debates, and quantitative and qualitative methods. The program culminates in a doctoral research design and thesis, allowing you to examine a compelling policy change in depth. Upon graduation, you will be equipped to establish yourself as an expert, driving innovation and solving emerging issues in your chosen field.