DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAMS
Programs That Fit Your Life and Support Your Career
Online and Hybrid Options
Career-Focused Specializations
Flexible for Working Professionals
Launch Your Legacy Doctoral Scholarship
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Career-Focused Education for the Way You Live and Learn
Accredited by:
National University’s doctoral programs are designed for ambitious professionals seeking career advancement and academic prestige. Pairing flexible learning formats with tailored support, our expert-led doctoral programs empower you to earn a high-quality terminal degree on your own schedule.
- Fit education around your work schedule
- Gain practical knowledge you can apply on the job
- Learn from faculty with professional experience
- Tap into career counseling, wellness resources, and free tutoring
How NU Supports Doctoral Students
Flexible Learning
Begin your program when you’re ready with online course options, monthly class starts, and year-round enrollment.
Career Advancement
Get career guidance and resources to help you pursue leadership opportunities.
Professional Networking
Build connections with industry professionals, mentors, and the NU alumni community.
Dissertation Completion Pathway
DCP recognizes prior academic coursework while providing the guidance to complete your dissertation.
Veteran-Founded
Earn a respected degree from a WSCUC-accredited institution dedicated to student success since 1971.
Launch Your Legacy With 35% off Tuition
Investing in a doctoral degree can open new possibilities for your career. National University’s Launch Your Legacy Scholarship helps make it possible with 35% off your tuition.
Launch Your Legacy Scholarship
35% off tuition for eligible doctoral students
Designed for students with demonstrated financial need
Preference given to students with strong academic history
Can be combined with other financial aid and external scholarships
Terms and Conditions Apply
Hear From NU Students and Alums
Affordable and Flexible
The doctoral program has opened an entire network of progressive, forward-thinking education leaders across the country that I would not otherwise have been fortunate enough to connect with.
Sam H.
Class of 2022
Personalized Support
My professor’s support, the writing center, and peer engagement in discussion boards were critical. I’d recommend building relationships with faculty early, as they genuinely want to see you succeed.
Jeremy B.
Class of 2025
Military Friendly
As a Navy Veteran, it means the world to have a school show the military and its Veterans so much respect and love for our time and service.
Kareece B.
Class of 2024
Why National University?
Whole Human Education™ is National University’s approach to your lasting success, covering three essential areas: Learning, Support, and Value. It delivers flexible education, personalized services, and career-focused outcomes, so you can reach your goals without putting life on hold.
From free tutoring and mentoring to wellness resources and financial guidance, this is Whole Human Education, and you’ll only find it at National University.
Built on Three Pillars for Student Success
Learning
Education designed for busy learners with flexible online and hybrid programs and courses as short as four weeks.
Support
Academic guidance, wellness resources, scholarship opportunities, and experienced faculty who care.
Value
Career-connected learning that builds real skills for a return on your education that extends beyond graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I earn a doctorate or PhD entirely online?
Yes, NU offers 20+ fully online doctoral and PhD programs. Our online programs offer comprehensive learning environments and dissertation support specifically designed for busy distance learners.
Is there a difference between a PhD and a doctorate?
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a research-intensive degree focused on generating original contributions (e.g., research) to knowledge. Students pursuing a PhD typically conduct in-depth studies, culminating in a dissertation intended for academic or theoretical advancement.
By contrast, professional doctorates, such as the EdD (Doctor of Education), DBA (Doctor of Business Administration), or PsyD (Doctor of Psychology), are designed to apply advanced knowledge to real-world challenges in specific professional settings. These programs emphasize practical solutions, leadership, and application of research in fields like education, business, or healthcare.
How long does it take to get a doctorate degree?
Typically, NU’s online doctoral programs take between three and five years to complete. Of course, this depends on program specifics, dissertation timelines, and individual student pacing (i.e., full or part-time students).
Can I transfer previous graduate-level credits?
Yes. NU allows you to transfer eligible graduate coursework and evaluate real-world professional credentials to reduce your total course load. A dedicated advisor will review your transcripts, so you know exactly how much time and money you’ll save.
Can I balance graduate-level coursework with a demanding work schedule?
Our graduate programs are designed for busy, working professionals. Through 100%-online course formats plus 4-, 8-, and 12-week classes and year-round enrollment for many programs, you can study when and where your schedule allows.
What specialized support is available for doctoral candidates?
At NU, you’ll get comprehensive dissertation guidance from day one, including dedicated faculty chair mentorship, writing center specialists, and research support for your methodology and defense. Plus, you’ll have access to 24/7 library databases, unlimited tutoring, and personalized academic advising throughout your program.
Achieve your professional goals with a doctorate tailored for your career.
