Advanced writing approaches, research methodology and design, applied statistics, colloquium courses, and qualitative and quantitative research and analysis courses are frequently included in this core.
Major Area of Concentration
After completing the research core, you will normally take courses in your major area of study.
As an example,
You will most likely study courses in organizational behavior, organizational systems, strategic thinking and decision making, ethics, and change management if you pursue a DBA (Doctor of Business Administration).
You will most likely study courses in healthcare policy and legislation, healthcare economics and finance, quality improvement and process improvement, and health information governance if you pursue a DHA (Doctor of Healthcare Administration).
Suppose you are pursuing a Ph.D. in Human Services. In that case, you will most likely take courses in advanced research methodologies for public service, social influences on behavior, ethics in decision making, and advanced communication for human services leaders.
Electives
Most Ph.D. programs will also ask you to take electives within your discipline. This helps to build a well-rounded worldview for using your degree in real-world settings.
For example, if you’re pursuing a DPS (Doctor of Professional Studies) focusing on Instructional Design Leadership, you may take a course from the DHA track if you want to work in public health.
Requirements for a Dissertation
After you’ve finished your foundation work, a major area of focus, and electives, you’ll start working on your dissertation. This can take several forms, depending on whether the degree is a Ph.D. or an applied doctorate.
The dissertation for Ph.D. students is normally a five-chapter dissertation. This is usually divided into three stages. In step 1, you will submit a prospectus to the dissertation committee for approval. In phase 2, you will complete the first chapters of your dissertation and begin data collection. Finally, in phase 3, you’ll finish writing your dissertation and provide an oral defense to the program directors.
The dissertation may alter for students pursuing an applied doctorate. You will be required to create a solution to a real-world problem in these programs.
Examine Dissertation Structures
Because your dissertation will be a significant barrier to overcome, you must understand what you’re getting yourself into from the start. When looking at prospective colleges, conduct some research on dissertation structures to help you narrow down your list. Ensuring that the institution would go above and above to assist you with your dissertation can make all the difference when it comes down to crunch time.
We’ve purposefully established a dissertation structure at Franklin to assist you in completing your dissertation step by step, beginning with your enrollment in the program. We’ve also included faculty mentoring and coaching, as well as peer-to-peer support, so you’re never on your own to “figure it out.”
For example, as part of the DHA program, you will gain crucial research abilities and the writing skills required to complete a dissertation as a capstone project. In addition, your dissertation will demonstrate your ability to find a topic of interest in the workplace, offer a solution to a problem, and test your theories in the actual world.
How Long Will It Take You to Get a Doctorate?
The solution is determined by the path you take.
The degree takes between 60 and 120 semester credit hours (or approximately 20-40 college classes). Most Ph. D.s require the full 120 hours, although most applied doctorates are closer to the lower end of the spectrum. The DBA and DHA at Franklin, for example, both need only 58 hours.
A Ph.D. might take up to eight years to finish on average. A doctoral degree normally takes four to six years to finish, depending on the program design, the academic area you’re studying, and the school offering the program.
Pro Tip: Some forward-thinking universities, such as Franklin University, have shortened their Ph.D. degree programs and provided creative transfer possibilities. Students can receive their Ph.D. in as little as three years, thanks to the program’s design, including an embedded dissertation and a community of support.
Why Should You Pursue a Doctorate?
A Ph.D. program is a significant commitment with a significant return on investment.
If you want to teach at a higher education institution, a bachelor’s degree is required. If you wish to be a leader in your industry, the degree might provide significant credibility. And, if you’re vying for that top-floor corner office, a degree might be a significant differentiation.
So, which is better for you—research or application? Take a look at these five facts regarding Applied Doctorates.