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Doctoral Programs
APUS professional practice doctorates are multidisciplinary degrees that address intellectual, cultural, and organizational challenges in the respective profession of study. These programs, which embrace a scholar-practitioner model, are preparing the next generation of global leaders to advance their fields. This transformational approach concurrently integrates and develops knowledge, skills, findings, and insights applied to solve or provide greater understanding of complex problems. Likewise, we aim to advance theory and practice to enhance the related disciplines, areas of professional practice, and communities wherein our students, faculty, and University serve.
A Professional Practice Doctorate is an applied degree that focuses on the scholar-practitioner model. In this program, you will conduct research related to your professional experience to bridge theory and practice, advance knowledge in the field, and contribute to organizational change. While maintaining the rigor of a doctoral program, the emphasis on application of theory to practice differentiates the applied doctorate from the traditional PhD program.
Program Framework
Students will progress through the coursework with options for three elective courses. In addition to coursework, students will complete virtual residencies, an ePortfolio with oral defense of the portfolio, a dissertation proposal with an oral defense, and a dissertation with oral defense.
Residencies: Doctoral programs contain residencies at crucial program points.
- The first residency is part of your Doctoral Foundations course, which establishes expectations for the program, develops rapport with fellow students, and introduces students to doctoral faculty.
- The second residency depends on the specific degree program and may include presentations at professional conferences or international experience.
- The third residency is an 8-week course that focuses on program requirements, such as the e-portfolio defense, committee formation, the practicum and preparing the dissertation proposal.