Master of Arts [M.A] [Applied Professional Studies - Organizational Leadership] From DePaul University

DePaul University Master of Arts in Applied Professional Studies in Organizational Leadership is an online 52 quarter hour graduate track from Chicago for working professionals. Applicants need a bachelors degree, and total 2026 to 2027 tuition is US$39,468 (INR 37.88 Lakhs) for the Winter 2027 intake.

The programme trains students to apply leadership theory, evidence based decisions, change practice and inclusive communication inside organizations. It fits applicants already handling teams, projects or community work because the curriculum uses professional experience as study material.

• The online format allows full-time or part-time study through synchronous night or weekend meetings.
• The 24 quarter hour leadership track includes decision making, social change, diversity and organizational theory.
• The capstone structure suits applicants who can convert workplace problems into an applied final project.

Also Check: DePaul University Admissions

DePaul MAAPS Leadership Fees and Living Costs 2027

For Winter 2027, DePaul lists the School of Continuing and Professional Studies graduate tuition at a per quarter hour rate. The degree requires 52 quarter hours, so tuition is calculated directly from the official rate.

Target cycle: The table uses the 2026 to 2027 academic year because Winter 2027 belongs to that cycle.

All INR conversions in the article use a conversion rate of US$ 1 = INR 95.9664 as of 25 September 2026. Rates fluctuate daily, verify before applying.

The tuition figure is predictable because DePaul charges this programme by quarter hour. The final billed comprehensive fee depends on whether your registered load is full-time or part-time in each term.

• Taking two 4 hour courses in a quarter may move the fee calculation toward full-time billing.
• Applicants using employer sponsorship should budget by quarter because DePaul bills by enrolled course load.
• The published tuition excludes personal technology, housing, insurance and visa costs.

Cost of Living in Chicago for MAAPS Students

DePaul publishes 2026 to 2027 graduate cost-of-attendance allowances for students living in on-campus or off-campus housing. These allowances are separate from tuition and are not the F-1 visa maintenance rule.

Official basis: The monthly values below are calculated from DePaul annual allowances for an independent graduate student living away from parents.

A planning budget for tuition plus one 2026 to 2027 non-tuition allowance is US$67,545 (INR 64.82 Lakhs). Add more living costs if your part-time plan stretches beyond one academic year.

Read More: Cost of Living in USA

Key insight: The degree tuition is clearer than the living budget because tuition follows 52 quarter hours. Your risk sits in Chicago living time, so plan quarters before borrowing.

DePaul MAAPS Leadership Admission 2027

Admission is rolling for this online MAAPS track, and DePaul asks applicants for documents that show prior study and professional direction. Indian applicants should treat the interview and essays as fit evidence.

Forward intakes: The programme uses rolling review, while DePaul academic calendar dates control class starts and add deadlines.

Academic Eligibility

The live programme page requires an online application, official transcripts, resume or curriculum vitae, brief essay questions and an admission committee interview. International applicants also need credential review and English proof when applicable.

Indian equivalency note: DePaul makes the official equivalency decision after reviewing transcripts and any required course-by-course evaluation.

English Language Proficiency

DePaul accepts several English routes, and the current TOEFL wording includes both old and revised scales. Applicants should verify the scale before booking any post January 2026 TOEFL test.

• Book English testing before the interview window so scores do not delay review.
• Keep translated marksheets ready because international transcripts may need word-for-word English translation.
• Use workplace examples in essays because the course is designed around professional practice.

Tip for Indian students: The strongest file connects current leadership work with the capstone model. Treat the interview as a curriculum-fit check, not a general visa conversation.

DePaul MAAPS Leadership Application 2027

The application strategy is simple because the programme uses rolling review. The tradeoff is timing, since later submission can leave less room for admission review, I-20 paperwork and visa booking.

Application status: DePaul states that applications are reviewed on a revolving basis for this track.

For Winter 2027, the class start is 4 January 2027, so a December application can be risky for applicants needing a new F-1 visa. A November submission is more practical because it gives DePaul and the consulate more processing room.

• Use one statement theme across essays, resume and interview instead of presenting unrelated career claims.
• Ask recommenders for examples of leadership behavior if DePaul requests supporting evidence later.
• Keep funding documents ready because admission does not itself complete the I-20 process.

Applicants can verify the rolling-review wording on the official programme page.

Read More: Study in USA for Indian Students

Application tip: Rolling review rewards early readiness rather than last-date chasing. Submit when transcripts, essays and funding evidence can move together.

DePaul MAAPS Leadership Scholarships 2027

DePaul publishes a few graduate scholarship routes, but most are conditional rather than general international awards. Indian applicants should read this section as funding eligibility triage, not a promise of discount.

Target-cycle tuition basis: Percentage examples below use the confirmed 2026 to 2027 programme tuition of US$39,468 (INR 37.88 Lakhs).

SCPS also lists endowed scholarships and the SCPS M.A. Scholarship, but the page ties consideration to annual scholarship applications and FAFSA. That makes eligibility uncertain for many F-1 applicants from India.

• Do not subtract Double Demon from your budget unless you already hold a DePaul degree.
• Ask SCPS whether any scholarship route is available without FAFSA before accepting the offer.
• Use employer sponsorship as a funding route if your leadership project benefits your organization.

Read More: Scholarships in USA for Indian Students

Scholarship reality: This programme is better suited to applicants with employer support, DePaul alumni status or confirmed personal funding. A speculative scholarship plan is too weak for visa budgeting.

DePaul MAAPS Leadership Salary 2027

DePaul does not publish course-specific salary outcomes for this MAAPS Organizational Leadership track. For ROI, the safer evidence is the verified cost plus external labor-market benchmarks for related leadership roles.

Evidence scope: The table below is not DePaul graduate placement data, and it should not be read as a job guarantee.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics role benchmarks, not DePaul course outcomes.

The BLS benchmark for training and development managers is useful because the curriculum includes leadership theory, communication and evidence based decisions. However, those roles usually require experience, so the degree works best as an advancement credential.

• The tuition-only cost is US$39,468 (INR 37.88 Lakhs), so employer reimbursement changes the ROI sharply.
• The one-year tuition plus living planning budget is US$67,545 (INR 64.82 Lakhs), so self-funded applicants need salary upside before borrowing.
• The programme is online, so applicants already working in India may avoid Chicago living costs while building leadership evidence.
• United States employment depends on visa eligibility and employer sponsorship, not on the degree title alone.

Gross U.S. salary does not equal take-home pay. Before estimating repayment, compare the role, state, tax withholding and health insurance costs.

ROI reality: This degree is most rational for experienced professionals who can apply the capstone at work. It is riskier as a first U.S. job-search bet.

USA Visa for DePaul MAAPS Leadership Students 2027

International students normally use the F-1 student visa for eligible U.S. study, and the State Department lists the visa application fee at US$185 (INR 17,754). New students may receive a visa up to 365 days before study starts, but entry is limited to 30 days before that start date.

• The I-901 SEVIS fee for F-1 students is US$350 (INR 33,588), paid separately before the visa interview.
• Standard OPT gives eligible F-1 graduates 12 months of work authorization after completion.
• A STEM OPT extension should not be assumed because this leadership track is not confirmed as STEM designated.
• F-2 spouses and children may accompany the student, but F-2 dependants cannot work in the United States.

Verify visa steps on the official student visa page before paying fees. H-1B sponsorship later depends on an employer petition and the required wage rule, not DePaul admission.

Read More: US Student Visa Guide

Visa reality: The online format may reduce living cost, but F-1 benefits depend on eligible enrollment and university documentation. Confirm visa fit before choosing online study from outside the United States.