PhD Conversion Program

Convert your doctorate degree to PhD.


PhD Degree Conversion: The Althash University College of Advance and Graduate Studies offer all Doctoral Graduates an optional pathway to convert their other doctoral degrees to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).


Why pursue a PhD?


In the majority of countries, a PhD is a prerequisite for pursuing a career in academia. It is an introduction to the world of independent research — a kind of intellectual masterpiece created by an apprentice under the supervision of a supervisor.


  • A PhD will make you more money over the course of your career than the average Master's degree holder. Earning a PhD increases your chances of earning a greater wage than someone with only a master's degree. The median salary for an employee with a PhD and less than a year of experience – in other words, their first job out of graduate school – was nearly $80,000. After earning a PhD in the sciences, technology, engineering, or mathematics, individuals can expect to earn six-figure salaries.


  • You will have distinct job opportunities that you will not have with a Master's alone. Certain posts in extremely competitive disciplines are reserved solely for PhD candidates. Along with the financial benefits and distinguished CV that come with a PhD, there are the contacts you will establish along the way. As you advance in your industry, you'll establish your expertise and build a network of connections who will attest to your work.


  • Earning a PhD provides you with the self-confidence that comes from knowing you completed your degree rather than abandoning it. According to a Psychology Today article, nothing instills confidence in people like working toward goals that provide a feeling of purpose. As everyone pursuing a PhD degree is aware, obtaining a doctorate requires a significant amount of labor and time. While this requires effort, it is all in the service of the field in which you are most devoted. After completing your PhD, you will have achieved something that only a small percentage of the population has. You'll have won the respect of your colleagues and peers while also establishing an academic reputation. By obtaining the title of doctor, you will significantly boost your self-confidence.


  • Writing a Doctoral Dissertation will significantly improve your writing skills. Basic writing abilities are becoming increasingly rare in highly trained occupations. According to a CollegeBoard research, large corporations spend more than $3 billion annually on remedial writing instruction for their staff. Businesses are scrambling to acquire talented writers, and your PhD demonstrates great writing abilities. For a company who has scoured the globe for qualified writers to hire, a degree demonstrates that you are a wise investment.


  • By collaborating with your committee to earn your PhD, you will strengthen your interpersonal abilities. Collaborating with instructors or peers in graduate school involves a set of specialized interpersonal skills that are distinct from those required for regular cooperation. Academics are typically self-sufficient and ambitious thinkers. Additionally, graduate school collaborations are frequently centered on exceedingly complicated and demanding subjects. The emotional intelligence required to conduct research in a collaborative environment will serve you well in any area. Even if you are doing an online PhD, networking and developing your communication skills are possible. PhD degrees need the development of professional relationships with mentors and the ability to navigate bureaucracy in order to gain access to resources. Whatever area you work in, these are all transferable talents that will help you achieve your career goals.


What are the requirements?


PhD Conversion Program may be used convert your existing other doctorate degree to a full-blown PhD degree, as determined by your academic advisor and graduate school. Your academic advisor will assist and guide you in fulfilling the PhD Conversion Program requirements


With Dissertation (EdD, DBA, DM, DSW and all other Research & Terminal Doctorates)

  1. Dissertation - submit a copy of your research dissertation.

  2. Academic Transcript of Records - All research courses you completed in your previous learning institution will fulfill this requirement. In case of course deficiency, the PhD candidate will be advice to take research courses to complete the 12 credit hours requirement.

  3. Residency requirement - The PhD candidate must take residency for a minimum of two semesters at Althash University to fulfill the PhD Conversion Program. The student is required enroll in 3 credit hours in Doctoral Dissertation PhD 799B in 2 semesters period.

  4. Dissertation defense (Doctoral Dissertation PhD 799B) - Presentation of your existing dissertation to the graduate committee. The candidate can invite a maximum of 4 dissertation panel members out from the existing graduate committee during the defense.


Without Dissertation (EdD, DBA, DM, DSW and all Applied & Professional Doctorates)

  1. Doctoral Dissertation PhD 799A - You will need to enroll a minimum of 9 credit hours for your dissertation writing.

  2. Academic Transcript of Records - All research courses you completed in your previous learning institution will fulfill this requirement. In case of course deficiency, the PhD candidate will be advice to take research courses to complete the 12 credit hours requirement.

  3. Residency requirement - The PhD candidate must take residency for a minimum of two semesters at Althash University to fulfill the PhD Conversion Program. The student is required enroll in 3 credit hours in Doctoral Dissertation PhD 799A in the last semester period for the dissertation defense.

  4. Dissertation defense- Presentation of your dissertation to the graduate committee. The candidate can invite a maximum of 4 dissertation panel members out from the existing graduate committee during the defense.

  5. Candidacy examination is fulfilled when the student completed the 12 credit hours of research course, see #2 requirement, requirement.


When should I apply for PhD Conversion Program?


​​​​​​We encourage you to submit a portfolio early in your academic program, before taking courses that may duplicate your PhD Conversion Program.


Credentials are evaluated continuously throughout the year, but expect a turnaround time of 8 to 10 weeks for processing your documents, from the time it is received at Alt-U’s PhD Conversion Program Committee until you receive your program acceptance notification letter form the graduate school.


While credentials can be submitted at any time, consider the following dates as guidelines for receiving Prior Learning credits in time for graduation:​


-May 1 for August graduation

-September 1 for December graduation

-February 1 for May graduation​


How much will it cost to avail the PhD Conversion Program?


​​​​After you receive your PhD Conversion Program acceptance notification letter form the graduate school, you need to meet with your academic advisor. Your advisor will determine whether and how the previously awarded credits may be used in the conversion process.

  • You may complete and submit a portfolio at any time (after becoming an Alt-U student and meeting with your advisor).

  • You will only pay for the course you are required to take in the PhD Conversion Program.



The cost to enroll for Doctoral Dissertation PhD 799A is 100 USD per credit hour and Doctoral Dissertation PhD 799B is 833.50 USD per credit hour. (New rates effective January 1, 2022.)