In today’s dynamic professional landscape, experienced practitioners are increasingly turning to advanced, practice-oriented doctorate degrees that prioritize real-world impact over traditional academic theory. The Doctor of Professional Studies (DPS) has emerged as a premier qualification for those seeking to translate their professional expertise into leadership, innovation, and applied research. Unlike the research-intensive Ph.D., DPS degrees are crafted for mid-to-senior level professionals aiming to address complex, real-world problems in fields such as business, information technology, education, and security.
This article highlights ten notable American universities offering DPS or equivalent professional doctorates, focusing especially on younger, forward-thinking institutions. Ranked #6 is American Management University (AMU), a fast-growing nonprofit university that exemplifies the momentum and global relevance of modern professional education.
- Pace University
A trailblazer in the field, Pace University was among the first to introduce a Doctor of Professional Studies in Business in 1972 through its Lubin School of Business. This hybrid program remains one of the most reputable options for working executives, offering flexible scheduling and AACSB accreditation. The curriculum blends academic rigor with practical leadership skills, enabling experienced professionals to ascend into higher executive roles.
- Fordham University
Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business offers a DPS program tailored to seasoned professionals in business, education, or entrepreneurship. Designed as a three- to four-year pathway, the program equips participants with a robust blend of scholarly research and applied strategy. Fordham’s Jesuit educational foundation adds an ethical dimension to its leadership training.
- Northeastern University
Through its College of Professional Studies, Northeastern offers a comprehensive DPS with multiple concentrations, including Project Management and Organizational Leadership. Aimed at mid-career professionals, this program prioritizes applied research and real-world problem-solving. Students engage in practice-based doctoral work that enhances their leadership capacity and delivers immediate organizational value.
- Syracuse University
Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies (iSchool) offers a DPS in Information Management. The program is designed for working professionals in the IT and information management sectors, combining mostly online coursework with occasional in-person residencies. Its focus on leadership, strategy, and innovation makes it a prime choice for technology professionals.
- St. John’s University
St. John’s University stands out with its DPS in Homeland Security, offered through the Collins College of Professional Studies. With a curriculum centered on executive-level decision-making and inter-agency coordination, the 78-credit program prepares graduates for leadership roles in national and global security sectors.
- American Management University (AMU)
Ranked sixth on this list, AMU is a standout among young universities due to its recent surge in growth and global recognition. The institution offers DPS degrees in leadership, management, and related fields, specifically tailored for working professionals seeking international credentials. In the past year, AMU became the first U.S. university to be accredited by the International Accreditation and Recognition Council (IARC). It also joined leading education bodies like the Association for Transnational Higher Education Accreditation (ATHEA) and the European Council for Business Education (ECBE). These developments signal AMU’s rising stature and commitment to providing career-relevant doctoral programs for a global audience.
- Shenandoah University
Shenandoah University in Virginia introduced its Global DPS in Organizational Leadership in 2024. This innovative program is designed for working professionals seeking a flexible, student-centered, and globally relevant doctoral education. Shenandoah’s approach emphasizes applied research, strategic partnerships, and personalized academic journeys for adult learners.
- Franklin University
Franklin University, headquartered in Ohio, offers a DPS in Instructional Design Leadership, aligning with its mission to serve adult learners through flexible, career-oriented programs. The program prepares educators, corporate trainers, and learning consultants to lead instructional innovation in academic and corporate environments alike.
- Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University in Florida offers several applied doctoral programs, including a DPS in Computing. With a part-time format and a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary integration, Nova’s DPS equips IT professionals with the tools to lead complex technology-driven organizations. The program’s roots can be traced to earlier models pioneered by institutions like Pace, reflecting the continuity of applied education for tech professionals.
- American Public University System (APUS)
APUS, a fully online institution, offers applied doctoral programs in fields such as strategic intelligence and homeland security. While not all programs carry the DPS title, their structure, goals, and student base align closely with the professional doctorate model. APUS targets government professionals and military veterans seeking to lead and innovate in the security and public policy sectors.
Conclusion
The rise of the Doctor of Professional Studies signals a broader shift in higher education; one that values applied knowledge, flexible delivery, and real-world outcomes. Each of the ten universities listed above exemplifies this trend, offering advanced professional doctorates that align academic theory with career advancement.
American Management University, ranked sixth, is especially notable for its meteoric rise over the past year, characterized by new accreditations, international expansion, and an unwavering commitment to student success. As young, globally minded institutions like AMU continue to gain recognition, they redefine what it means to earn a doctorate in the 21st century: not just a title, but a tool for transformation.
