Doctor of Professional Studies

Doctor Of Professional Studies

Program Overview: The Doctor of Professional Studies (DPS) at American Management University is tailored for experienced professionals seeking to advance their expertise and influence within their organizational and professional environments. This 48-unit program is designed to enhance the professional growth and strategic leadership capabilities of advanced practitioners, such as high-level managers or consultants, who aim to elevate their professional practice and reputation rather than increase technical skills in their field.

Curriculum Highlights:

  • Advanced Professional Practice: Focuses on developing a deeper understanding and application of strategic leadership within various professional settings, determined by each candidate’s work environment, activity area, and interests.
  • Flexible Coursework: Candidates may choose up to eight electives, allowing for customization of the curriculum to fit specific professional needs and goals.
  • Transfer Credits: Up to 24 units can be transferred into the program, offering a pathway to completion in as little as 12 to 18 months for students who transfer the maximum credits.

Research and Capstone Project:

  • Research Proposal Development: Create a detailed proposal that tackles a significant challenge or opportunity within your professional sphere.
  • Capstone Project: Execute a substantial project that applies doctoral-level research to real-world issues, leading to practical outcomes that enhance both personal and organizational growth.

Professional Development:

  • Leadership and Change Management Workshops: Engage in high-impact workshops focused on strategic decision-making and effective change management.
  • Professional Networking: Leverage a network of industry leaders and peers across diverse fields to enhance collaborative opportunities and further career objectives.

Program Outcomes: Graduates are poised to assume roles that demand high-level problem-solving and decision-making capabilities. They will be leaders capable of influencing policy, advancing professional practices, and significantly improving their professional reputation and the effectiveness of their organizations.

Admission Requirements: Candidates should possess a master’s degree in a relevant field along with substantial professional experience. This program is ideal for those who are in a high management position or are established consultants.

Program Duration: The flexibility of the DPS program allows for part-time or full-time study, with the program duration ranging from 12 to 18 months for those transferring the maximum credits, to 30 to 42 months for other enrollees, depending on the pace and commitment of the student.

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