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Online Doctoral Programs mobile

Online Doctoral Programs and Professional Doctorates


Explore our online doctoral degree programs designed to help you reach your goals.
Explore our online doctoral degree programs designed to help you reach your goals.

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Choose a Doctoral Program That’s Designed to Promote Your Professional Excellence

Walden’s doctoral programs provide a path for lifelong professional and personal achievement.

TOP CHOICE FOR DEGREE STUDENTS

No. 1 conferrer of doctoral research degrees.1

PURPOSEFUL PROGRAMS

26 doctoral degree programs and more than 125 specializations available to support your goals.

BE SUPPORTED AT EACH STEP

The Walden Doctoral Degree Coach™ helps you find the right support when you need it and stay on track throughout your journey.

PERSONALIZED STUDENT SUPPORT

Complete suite of services dedicated to the completion of your dissertation and academic success.

KNOWLEDGEABLE FINANCIAL ADVISORS

Fund your passion and learn more about limited-time savings and other tuition assistance.

DOCTORAL PEER MENTORS

New students can connect with an experienced doctoral student who will provide advice, tips, and guidance.

Online Doctoral Programs

SHOW ONLY TEMPO LEARNING®

A Different Way to Learn - Programs at Your Own Pace

A Different Way to Learn - At Your Own Pace

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Become a Force for Business Success With Our Online DBA ProgramAre you ready to gain sought-after business expertise that can help you take a seat at the table? Become the leader and influencer you want to be with Walden’s Doctor of Business…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
PhD in Management
A PhD in Management Program Designed to Facilitate Your SuccessWhether you want to teach in academia or help companies solve critical management problems, our online PhD in Management program offers a path to greater credibility, influence, and…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Earn your DNP degree from a leader in doctoral nursing education. You want to lead strong teams and shape a bold new future for nursing practice. With several ways to target your impact, Walden’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    04/08/2024
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
Mentor Future Counselors With a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision Do you want to influence the success of future counselors? Grounded in empirical research and experiential learning, Walden’s PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    05/27/2024
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Walden is the #1 conferrer of doctoral degrees in education in the U.S.¹ Are you ready to reach your full potential as an educational leader and innovator? Walden’s Doctor of Education (EdD) program is the way forward. We’ve spent the last 50…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    04/08/2024
PhD in Education
Choose a university ranked No. 1 in doctoral research degree graduates.¹ You were meant to accomplish great things in the field of education. Walden’s online PhD in Education program can empower you to lead the change you want to see. As the…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    04/08/2024
PhD in Criminal Justice
Explore our PhD in Criminal Justice Make a greater impact within your organization and your field with Walden’s online PhD in Criminal Justice, one of the first online criminal justice doctoral programs available to meet the needs of working…

Next Start Dates

  • Course Based
    04/08/2024

Your Doctoral Journey

At Walden, we’ll guide you every step of the way with a comprehensive suite of support resources designed to help you confidently pursue the finish line, including our Doctoral Degree CoachTM. Are you ready to reach a higher level in your field?

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A Personalized Guide to Completing Your Doctorate

Earning your doctorate requires commitment, perseverance, and hard work. You can do it, and Walden is here to help—with our Doctoral Degree Coach™.

  • Map and Track Milestones: Break your research down into manageable, sequential steps. See where you are, what’s ahead, and what you’ve already accomplished, all in one place.

  • Meet Weekly Targets: No more guesswork. Set prompts based on your to-do list and receive reminders and updates directly to your inbox.

  • Connect With Faculty: Stay on the same page and keep your progress on track. With shared access to your dashboard, your chair can easily guide you through your checklists, goals, and timelines.

  • Access Helpful Resources: Quickly find support from the right person at the right time. Our comprehensive resource guide points you in the right direction—no more frustrating searches.

FAQ About Walden’s Online Doctoral Programs

Are online doctoral degrees respected?

In recent years, online education has become increasingly commonplace as more and more universities put their courses online. In a 2015 survey conducted by Walden University’s Office of Institutional Research and Assessment, 89% of surveyed employers of Walden graduates reported that they are satisfied or very satisfied with the Walden graduate employed at their organization. When deciding where to earn your doctoral degree online, be sure to choose an accredited institution.

Why earn a doctorate?

When you earn a doctorate, you will be well prepared for career advancement and new opportunities. Because only a very small percentage of the U.S. population holds a doctoral degree, which is the highest educational attainment possible, you’ll be in an elite group of achievers. Earning your doctorate can also position you for salary increases, give you highly marketable skills, help you become a true expert in your field, and better position you for leadership roles.

What is the difference between a professional doctorate and a PhD?

The professional doctorate and PhD degrees are considered terminal degrees, meaning you have achieved the highest formal degree in the field. A PhD is an academic degree focused on original research, data analysis, and the evaluation of theory. A professional doctorate focuses on applying research to practical problems, formulating solutions to complex issues, and designing effective professional practices within your field.

How do I balance the time needed to earn a doctorate with my personal and professional responsibilities?

If you’ve made the decision to earn your degree, you may be wondering how you’ll keep up with your online education while balancing work and family commitments. Time management is an important place to start—and these strategies are surprisingly effective. Follow the tips that work best for you:

  • Choose a degree program that offers flexibility.

  • Involve your family and friends in your plans to earn a degree.

  • Assess your strengths, weaknesses, and even how to spend your time.

  • Ask for help when you need it.

  • Prioritize your education and use a planner to schedule specific times to do your coursework.

  • Make daily task lists to organize your studies.

  • Create a space to study.

  • Set milestones toward your goals.

  • Avoid distractions, and learn to say no.

  • Remember your motivation.

What is an academic residency and why is it important to my doctoral program?

Academic residencies, skills labs, and pre-practica are face-to-face or virtual learning experiences that align with your online coursework to enhance your skill development, scholarship, and professional practice. Required for most doctoral programs, residencies also provide students with the opportunity to collaborate and network with other students, staff, and faculty members. Academic residencies can be held virtually or at any location around the world.

What are some tips for completing the dissertation or capstone project?

Procrastination can get the best of many of us when it comes to competing a dissertation or capstone project. So, how do you position yourself for success? Consider these best practices:

  • Consider working with a mentor if you’re not already doing so.

  • Set deadlines for yourself.

  • Create an accountability chart.

  • Split up larger tasks into smaller ones.

  • Partner with another student and encourage each other’s work.

  • Never hesitate to use the resources supplied by your university. Most good ones have student support services for doctoral students.

  • Don’t multitask, just handle one task at a time.

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DISCLOSURES

*Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Integrated Postsecondary Education Database (IPEDS). Retrieved July 2018; includes 2017 preliminary data and all classifications of instructional programs (CIP) codes. A doctoral research degree is a PhD or other doctoral degree that requires advanced work beyond the master’s level, including the preparation and defense of a dissertation based on original research or the planning and execution of an original project demonstrating substantial artistic or scholarly achievement.