Doctoral Degree Types

by Sandra Wrangell

When looking at the professional level of any career, the higher you are on the educational food chain, the better. If you want to be above the rest, especially in positions of power within any industry, you will want to look into getting a PhD. This is a doctorate or professional degree that comes after a master’s, and takes on average five years to complete, sometimes more.

There are many different doctoral degree types. We will look at a few of the most popular now.

University of Phoenix

Doctoral Degree Types

University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (http://ncahlc.org).

The Doctoral Programs of Phoenix mold students to become leaders in their chosen professions. The learners will have access to a comprehensive administration literature that will open windows of opportunity for the students to adeptly apply their knowledge in the business and health environments.

The Doctor of Education Program transforms students from being learners to becoming leaders in enhancing the educational institutions in the country. The program focuses mainly on leadership and on applied research that improve the educational system.

Doctoral Programs:

  • Doctor of Business Administration
  • Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
  • Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction
  • Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership with a specialization in Educational Technology
  • Doctor of Health Administration
  • Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership
  • Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership with a specialization in Information Systems in and Technology
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

Read more or get a program guide from University of Phoenix.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A PhD degree can be attained in most fields. Unlike the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), the PhD is considered a research-oriented degree rather than a professional degree.

Business (DBA)

This PhD qualifies the student for a teaching position in higher education, or a research career with a focus on marketing, advertising, product placement or other issues circulating around the business world.

Education (EdD)

The PhD in this industry is somewhat different, as it prepares students for a job in administration or academia, usually for higher education. The EdD focuses more on training for lower level administration or teaching, such as in primary or secondary school.

Engineering (DCS)

This degree will either prepare you for an academic career teaching engineering, or more commonly one in a number of fields at the highest level. This might include computer science, civil engineering or mechanical work. It is one of the more versatile doctorates.

Psychology (PsyD)

This doctorate gives you two different directions to go in: counseling or research. Either the PsyD or PhD can be applied to each side, though traditionally the first is for therapeutic purpose, and the second for mental health and neuroscience research.

Public Health (DPH)

This degree is both research and policy oriented. From small communities to a national level, graduates work to promote and protect public health.

As you can see, there are many different doctoral degree types, and these are only a few.