Doctor of Professional Studies

The Doctor of Professional Studies (DPS) is for experienced professionals and focuses on their professional growth within an organizational/professional environment. The 48-Unit DPS is available to all professional fields, since the focus is determined by the candidate’s individual work setting, area of activity, and area of interest.

The DPS is intended for the advanced practitioner who is likely in a high management position or is a consultant/professional. The objective is to grow both themselves and their future role via the professionalism of their practice and the greater degree of analysis and critical thinking they intend to bring to it. Therefore, it is not a doctorate for people who seek to increase their technical skill in their field, but a doctorate for those who wish to increase their professional practice and reputation.

Due to the flexibility of this program, a student may select up to eight (8) electives to make up their coursework. Up to 24 units may also be transferred in, leaving only the project to complete. A student who transfers in the maximum credits may complete their Doctor of Professional Studies program in 12 to 18 months.

How to Apply

The world needs top-level leaders to take charge of companies, non-profits, and government agencies. Stand out from the rest with a doctoral degree that is geared toward making you a success.

DPS Curriculum

Core Courses

DPS801 or Approved Elective	Professional Studies in Practice I	3
DPS802 or Approved Elective	Professional Studies in Practice II	3
DPS803 or Approved Elective	Professional Studies in Practice III	3
DPS804 or Approved Elective	Professional Studies in Practice IV	3
Approved Elective	Elective	3
Approved Elective	Elective	3
Approved Elective	Elective	3
Approved Elective	Elective	3

	Four graduate-level electives can be transferred in or taken from any of AMU’s master’s programs
	Total Core Quarter Units	24

Research Courses

Course ID	Course	Credits
DOC 800	Qualitative Research	3 OR
DOC 801	Quantitative Research	3
DOC901	Doctoral Proposal	3
DOC902	Literature Review	3
DOC903	Applied Research Methods	3
DOC905	Project I	6
DOC906	Project II	6
DOC 950	Doctoral Defense	0

	Total Research Project Units	24

	Total DPS Units	48

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