What Do I Do to Enroll in a PhD Program?

If you’ve decided to earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree, you’re on a path to the summit of academic achievement and you have the desire and dedication to get there. But as with any journey, getting a strong start is a key to success. In this case, that begins with enrollment.

What do you do to enroll in a PhD program? Where does the process begin? Here are five steps to help you get started.

1. Select the Right PhD Program
In this first step, you’ll accomplish one of the most important tasks: finding the doctoral study program that aligns with your professional goals.

As you research programs, look for accredited colleges and universities that offer programs in a variety of subjects. Then, within your preferred area of study, look for specializations that allow you to further customize your doctoral research. You may want to pursue a general PhD in Education online degree program, or a specialization in Educational Policy, Leadership, and Management or Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy.

When you’ve found a PhD degree program that interests you, go a little further in your research. Learn about the faculty. Browse dissertations from graduates. Talk to current doctoral candidates or graduates. If the program meets your requirements, it’s time to make sure the college or university is the right fit, too.

2. Choose an Accredited University 
First, you’ll want to look for accreditation, which is a sign of quality in education. Make sure the colleges and universities on your short list are accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or another independent accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. HLC accreditation means a college or university operates with integrity, offers programs that focus on student learning, employs academically qualified faculty members, and provides the support and resources students need to succeed.

Programs within accredited online colleges and universities also may have accreditation of their own. For example, a PhD in Management online degree program may be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). An online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision degree program may be accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

What else should you look for in an education partner? Flexibility is key for most adult learners committed to earning a terminal degree. A PhD program at an accredited online university is a top choice for working professionals who don’t want to pause their careers or personal lives while earning a degree. Flexibility also counts when it comes to start dates and completion times. Give yourself plenty of time to get enrolled and make sure you’ll have the time you need to complete your PhD degree.

3. Contact an Enrollment Specialist
Enrollment Specialists are an important first point of contact at accredited online colleges and universities. Working with you one-on-one, an Enrollment Specialist will help you review your options, explore potential tuition savings and financial aid, explain admission requirements and procedures, and much more. So, reach out early and often. The information they provide may be essential in helping you choose a PhD program and online university.

4. Apply for Admission
Once you have all the information you need, you’re ready to apply to your chosen university. Admission requirements vary, but items you may need to provide include academic history, a goal statement, transcripts, and other documents. Your Enrollment Specialist will help guide you through the application process and work with you to ensure your application is complete. When you’re finished, the Enrollment Specialist will review it and submit it to the admission team.

5. Launch Your Online Doctoral Journey
Once you’ve been accepted into your online PhD degree program, you’ll take your first steps as a PhD candidate. Those may include finalizing financial aid, connecting with classmates to start building your online support network, and registering for an orientation session.

And make sure you take time to celebrate your achievement. You’re enrolled in a PhD program and on your way to building high-level knowledge and skills you may choose to apply to your current role or to pursue other career opportunities.

Consider an Online PhD Degree Program

As you review universities and PhD programs, you may want to add Walden University to your list. This accredited institution has been serving the higher education needs of working professionals for more than 50 years.

As the No. 1 granter of doctoral research degrees in health sciences, psychology, business, and other non-science and engineering degrees in the United States, Walden helps support doctoral candidates throughout their PhD studies. Doctoral support tools and services include academic residencies, the Doctoral Peer Mentor Program, writing instruction, the Office of Research and Doctoral Services, and the interactive Doctoral Degree Coach®.

There’s also 24/7 technical support available at your fingertips, giving you the freedom to work when and where it’s most convenient. Walden designs its PhD programs for adult learners who want to earn a terminal degree while staying engaged in their professional and personal activities.

Another advantage of earning a Walden PhD is the university’s commitment to social change. Walden’s mission is to provide a diverse community of career professionals with the opportunity to transform themselves as scholar-practitioners ready to effect positive social change. Today, students from across the U.S. and more than 100 countries are pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, or certificate programs online at Walden.

With the flexibility online learning offers, you may be on your way to earning a PhD sooner than you think. Learn more about Walden’s online PhD degrees and find the doctoral program that meets your goals and aspirations.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering doctoral degree programs online. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.