Earning a doctoral degree online is a significant commitment that requires dedication, time, and a structured approach. At Walden University, we are committed to providing a supportive and flexible environment to help you achieve your doctoral goals. You’ll complete the required coursework for your online doctoral program, participate in residencies or labs (as required by your specific program), receive training to develop doctoral-level research and writing skills, and complete your dissertation or capstone through Walden’s unique, guided process.

Prospective doctoral students should choose an accredited institution to help ensure the quality, credibility, and recognition of their degree. Walden University, a leader in online doctoral education, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Walden ranks No. 1 in granting research doctoral degrees in health sciences, psychology, business, and other non-science and engineering fields[S. 

Because only a very small percentage of the U.S. population holds a doctoral degree[JH22.1], which is the highest educational attainment possible, you’ll be in an elite group of academic achievers. In addition to gaining valuable skills and the respect that comes with this elite academic credential, earning your doctorate can also help position you to pursue new professional roles and opportunities. 

Professional doctorates and PhD degrees are considered terminal degrees, meaning graduates 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.

If you’ve made the decision to earn your doctoral degree, you may be wondering how you’ll keep up with your online education while balancing work and family commitments. For more than 50 years, Walden University has been helping working professionals earn their degrees without pausing their lives. Our online doctoral programs are designed to provide a straightforward path to completion, with support resources at your fingertips every step of the way. These resources include accessible faculty, writing assistance, 24/7 technical support, and online library and research support.

Academic residencies are virtual and/or in-person learning experiences that complement your coursework by enhancing your skill development, scholarship, and professional practice. Required for most online doctoral programs at Walden, these experiences also give you the opportunity to collaborate and network with other students, staff, and faculty members.

Doctoral residencies are held virtually throughout the year. For some Walden doctoral degree programs, they may be offered in major cities around the United States for in-person attendance. 

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

• Work 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 support services for doctoral students.
• Don’t multitask; handle one task at a time.

To help you reach the finish line, Walden’s online doctoral programs have dissertation and capstone support built right in:

• Capstone: Instead of completing your capstone project all at once at the end of your online doctoral program, you’ll build it step by step through your coursework. Begin exploring potential topics, conducting research, and developing your doctoral skills early on—so you’re making steady progress throughout your program.
• Dissertation: Walden’s Doctoral Degree Coach® supports your dissertation journey by breaking your research into clear, manageable steps. Track your progress from coursework to completion with helpful tools like easy-to-follow checklists, guided timelines, and milestone tracking—so you always know what’s coming next.