Doctoral Program

Different sorts of competence can be gained through a PhD and a professional doctorate.


A doctoral degree of any kind can help you earn more than 50% more than someone with a master's degree. Professional doctorates and PhDs are considered terminal degrees, indicating that you have earned the highest formal degree in the subject; as a result, they can greatly improve your résumé and employment opportunities. When it comes to making a decision, keep in mind that each PhD degree has advantages and disadvantages, and your choice should be dependent on what you want to study and how you want to use your degree.


You can select between a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a Professional Doctoral Degree in many fields of study. Doctor of Science (DSC), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Doctor of Education (EDD), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Professional Studies (DPS), and Doctor of Public Health (DPH) all examples of professional doctoral degrees. Whether you've decided you want to pursue a doctorate and have begun your search, you might be thinking what a PhD is and how it differs from a professional doctorate. You're not alone in your inquisitiveness. There are variations between both doctorates, despite the fact that they both award you the title of "doctor."


The student must file the "Degree Determination Form" to formalize such request, otherwise, the degree will be awarded as declared from the beginning of the program.


Location

  • Online or Hybrid


Qualifications

  • Master's degree or higher

  • 3 cumulative GPA


Duration

  • 8 to 10 semesters


Research Courses

Six of the following research courses (18) or as required by the department.

  • REAS 520 Introduction to Research Methods

  • REAS 521 Graduate Statistics I

  • REAS 522 Graduate Statistics II

  • REAS 525 Qualitative Research

  • REAS 527 Quantitative Research

  • REAS 526 Advanced Technologies in Qualitative Research

  • REAS 531 Program Evaluation

  • REAS 590 Workshop in Research and Assessment

  • REAS 720 Advanced Research Methods

  • REAS 739 Fieldwork Methods

  • REAS 745 Interpretive Methods

  • REAS 746 Interview Methods


Core Courses

Fourteen of the core or specialization courses (42 credits) or as required by the department.


Course Credit

A maximum of 30 credits can be use to fulfill the university doctoral program for masteral graduates in the department.

Dissertation Tract: A minimum of 75 graduate credit hours.


The PhD programs enables students to assume leadership roles in their respective field of specialization. Designed primarily for professionals who wish to teach at colleges and universities, have careers as researchers and scholars and fill other major academic positions.


The 75 semester credit hour program prepares graduates for leadership roles as professors, as researchers, and as administrators of their respective field of specialization. Required are 18 semester credit hours in research courses, 42 semester credit hours in core courses and 15 semester credit hours allocated for the completion of the dissertation.


Dissertation - 15 semester credit hours

  • 799 A Doctoral Dissertation: Abstract & Introduction 1 semester credit hour

  • 799 B Doctoral Dissertation: Review of Related Literature 2 semester credit hour

  • 799 C Doctoral Dissertation: Methodology 2 semester credit hour

  • 799 D Doctoral Dissertation: Institutional Research Board 1 semester credit hour

  • 799 E Doctoral Dissertation: Data Collection 3 semester credit hour

  • 799 F Doctoral Dissertation: Interpretation of Data 3 semester credit hour

  • 799 G Doctoral Dissertation: Defense 3 semester credit hour


Notes

  • The 999 A to G semester credit hours can be use to fulfill the requirements for professional tract.

  • 799 Courses are variable credit course offered in all terms. Minimum of 15 credits required to graduate. Dissertation may take two to five terms depending on topic and data collection timeline. Students should be aware that faculty are off-contract over the summer; students are encouraged to do independent work to keep their dissertation project moving forward.

Professional Tract: This is a non-dissertation program. A minimum of 90 graduate credit hours.


The Alt+U professional doctorate focuses on the skills needed by practitioners, with an emphasis on applied research and professional practice. Learn how to solve specific organizational problems, improve outcomes, and address gaps in the field with a program that’s flexible enough for you to live your life while earning your degree.


Graduates are awarded for advanced scholarship through residency; professional practice, and professional dissertation or capstone dissertation.


The 90 semester credit hour program prepares graduates for leadership roles as professors, as researchers, and as administrators of their respective field of specialization. Required are 18 semester credit hours in research courses, 42 semester credit hours in core courses, 15 semester credit hours allocated for the fulfillment of the 2000 clinical practice, and 15 semester credit hours specialization cognate - a student chosen and curated courses.


Clinical Practice - 15 semester credit hours

A15 semesters credit on doctoral courses in Clinical, Internship, Prior Learning, Practicum, and other forms of knowledge application & practice combine).

  • 2000 clock hours (3 semester hours = 400 clock hours)

  • A maximum of 400 clock hours for each institution for clinical, Internship and practicum.

  • A maximum of 800 clock hours for Prior learning if applicable.


Specialization Cognate - 15 semester credit hours

A student chosen and curated specialization courses with the guidance of the academic adviser.