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