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Doctorate Degrees

Doctorate degrees are the pinnacle of accomplishment in higher learning. The first doctorate degree was offered in the United States in 1861. Research doctorate degrees, known as Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D), may also be titled by their specialization.

For example, engineering doctorates are called Doctor of Engineering (EngD), law doctorates are known as Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD), and business doctorates known as Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). Education doctorate degrees are called Doctor of Education (EdD). Physicians can earn a doctoral degree in medicine known as the MD. The Doctor of Public Health degree (DPH) is granted for completion of a program in health administration.

The doctorate degree can take from two to six years to complete. Coursework may be completed in as little as four semesters, with students spending the balance of the program time in dedicated research. Completion requirements often include a qualifying examination and the research, presentation, and defense of a publishable dissertation on a specialized niche within the general field.

Requirements for entry into a doctoral program vary by institution and doctorate degree type. Most programs require a pre-entry examination, prior undergraduate and/or graduate level work, and recommendation letters. Other designated doctorate degrees include Doctor of Applied Science (D.A.S.), Doctor of Chemistry (D.Chem.), Doctor of Computer Science (D.C.S.), Doctor of Library Science (D.L.S.), Doctor of Ministry (D.Min., D.M.), Doctor of Nursing Science (D.N.S./D.N.Sc.), Doctor of Science in Dentistry (D.Sc.D.), and Doctor of Theology (Th.D.).

Professional doctorates are also given in a wide range of disciplines, including Chiropractic (D.C.), Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.), Psychology (Psy.D.), Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), and Physical Therapy (D.P.T.).



Top Doctorate Schools

      
  • University of Phoenix

    At University of Phoenix, we believe everyone deserves access to higher education.

    Programs

    • Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
    • Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration
    • Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
    • More...
    Location:
    Phoenix: , Phoenix AP
    University of Phoenix
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  • Baker College Online

    Earn a Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, Master's or Doctorate for less at Baker College Online.

    Programs

    • Doctor of Business Administration
    • Post Baccalaureate Certificate - Project Management and Planning
    • Master of Business Administration - Leadership Studies
    • More...
    Location:
    Lisle: 550 Warrenville Rd, Suite 101, Lisle IL 60532
    Baker College Online
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  • Liberty University

    We keep our tuition affordable because it is an integral part of the overall mission for our university.

    Programs

    • PhD in Counseling - Pastoral Counseling
    • PhD in Theology and Apologetics
    • Doctor of Ministry
    • More...
    Location:
    Lynchburg: 1971 University Boulevard, Lynchburg VA 24502
    Liberty University
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  • Northcentral University

    Earn your degree online and boost your career at Northcentral University.

    Programs

    • Public Administration - PhD in Bus. Admin.
    • Special Education - PhD in Education
    • Early Childhood Education - PhD in Education
    • More...
    Location:
    Prescott Valley: 10000 E. University Drive, Prescott Valley AZ 86314
    Northcentral University
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  • Colorado Technical University Online

    Earn your degree online in as little as 15 months. Contact Colorado Tech Online today. Learn more today.

    Programs

    • Doctorate of Computer Science - Digital Systems Security
    • Doctorate Computer Science in Enterprise Information Systems - Executive Format
    • Doctorate of Computer Science - Emerging Media
    • More...
    Location:
    Colorado Springs: 4435 North Chestnut Street, Colorado Springs CO 80907
    Colorado Technical University Online
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  • The University of Liverpool

    Earn a masters or a doctoral degree from the online university for business professionals worldwide.

    Programs

    • Doctorate of Business Administration
    • Doctor of Education (Higher Education)
    • LLM in International Finance and Banking Law
    • More...

    Location: Online

    The University of Liverpool
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  • Walden University

    Earn a respected bachelor's degree, master's degree, or Ph.D. online at Walden University.

    Programs

    • Ph.D. in Education - KAM-based - Higher Education
    • Ph.D. in Education - Mixed-Model - Early Childhood and Primary Education
    • Ph.D. in Health Services - Self-Directed - Community Health Edu & Advocacy
    • More...

    Location: Online

    Walden University
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  • Columbia Southern University

    Columbia Southern University offers a broad range of online degrees and prides itself on its high-quality instruction and affordable pricing relative to many other online universities.

    Programs

    • Doctor of Business Administration
    • Certificate in Health Care Management
    • Certificate in Public Administration
    • More...
    Location:
    Orange Beach: 25326 Canal Road, Orange Beach AL 36561
    Columbia Southern University
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  • Keiser University Graduate School

    Keiser University offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

    Programs

    • Educational Leadership, PhD (Online)
    • Psychology, PhD
    • Doctor of Business Administration, DBA
    • More...
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale: 1500 W. Commercial Blvd., Fort Lauderdale FL 33309
    Keiser University Graduate School
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  • Grand Canyon University

    Grand Canyon University is currently offering programs through our Online Campus in our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, and College of Entrepreneurship.

    Programs

    • Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Effective Schools
    • Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Behavioral Health
    • D.B.A. with an Emphasis in Management
    • More...
    Location:
    Little Rock: 3300 W Camelback Road, Little Rock AR 72201
    Phoenix: 3300 W Camelback Road, Phoenix AZ 85017
    Grand Canyon University
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