How are they different?
The College of Doctoral Studies is a dedicated practitioner doctoral school, focused exclusively on the value of applicable, practical research and relevant, real-world field studies. Our practitioner doctorate provides a holistic approach to research that drives innovation and spawns new ways of responding in today's increasingly integrative, digital working environment. The University does not offer PhD programs.
If you鈥檙e aspiring to earn an advanced degree and become a leader in your field, you may be wondering about the differences between a PhD and a practitioner (or, professional) doctorate degree. While they each have unique benefits, both degrees are considered to be at the apex of their discipline of study. Members of each group represent elite scholars and both require arduous coursework, research, analysis and scholarship designed to help you literally 鈥渨rite the book鈥 in your areas of specialization.
Simply put 鈥 with a PhD, graduates contribute to an original body of knowledge in preparation for an academic career pursuing that knowledge; but with our practitioner doctorate, you鈥檒l contribute largely by applying existing knowledge toward solving real-world problems in your field and your community.
To learn more about taking your doctoral journey with us, contact an Enrollment Representative.