Applied Doctorate vs. PhD

In many fields of study, learners who are interested in pursuing a doctoral degree have two main options to choose from: the applied doctorate and the PhD. Though these degrees are equivalent in terms of achievement, they are not equivalent in terms of focus. And so, depending on your educational goals and interests, it might make more sense to pursue an applied doctorate vs. PhD, or vice versa. This article explores the similarities and differences between these two different types of doctoral degrees.

What Is a Doctorate?

“Doctorate” is an umbrella term that describes the highest academic degree that can be awarded by a university in a field of study (except in the Fine Arts, where a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is the highest degree that can be earned). Both PhDs and applied doctorates (also known as professional doctorates, applied doctoral degrees and professional doctoral degrees) fall under this umbrella. Within a field of study, it is often possible to choose between pursuing either a PhD or an applied doctorate (e.g., PhD in Psychology vs. Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)). Whether to pursue an applied doctorate vs. a PhD will depend on whether a learner wants to focus on original research or on the practical application of knowledge, a decision that may be influenced not only by academic interests but by desired career path.

What Is an Applied Doctorate/Doctoral Degree?

An applied doctorate, also referred to as a professional doctorate, is a terminal degree whose focus is on the practical application of knowledge. Learners in applied doctoral degree programs focus on subject mastery, but they also focus on how to use existing research to solve complex problems or to develop new/improved practices in their professional field.

How to Earn an Applied Doctorate

Learners in applied doctorate degree programs typically must complete a certain number of required courses; meet certain GPA requirements (which may vary by institution or program); pass a comprehensive exam; and develop, write, submit and defend a doctoral dissertation or doctoral project.

What Is a PhD?

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is a terminal degree whose focus is not on the practical application of existing knowledge but rather on conducting original research that adds to the existing body of knowledge in their field of study.

How to Earn a PhD

How to earn a PhD involves many of the same steps as pursuing an applied doctorate. PhD learners typically must complete a certain number of required courses; meet certain GPA requirements (which may vary by institution or program); pass a PhD qualifying exam; and develop, write, submit and defend a doctoral dissertation.

What Is a Doctoral Dissertation or Doctoral Project?

Doctoral candidates demonstrate their independent research skills through the development and defense of a dissertation or doctoral project.

The doctoral dissertation development process is a multi-step one. To begin, a doctoral candidate chooses a topic in their field and identifies a gap in the literature, i.e., an area where there is missing, outdated or contradictory research or knowledge. The candidate performs preliminary research into the topic to get a better idea of the research question they are trying to answer and then develops a methodology for tackling the research question. They then develop and submit a research proposal that typically must be reviewed and approved by the candidate’s mentor, the dissertation committee and a panel of university reviewers.

Once approved, the candidate can begin work on the actual dissertation—researching, writing drafts, editing, etc. After submitting the final written dissertation, the final step is to orally defend the dissertation in front of a dissertation panel.

Learners in applied doctorate degree programs may not be required to identify a research gap for their doctoral project or dissertation. Instead, they may use existing research to solve a real-world problem or perform an analysis relevant to their field of study. But, typically, the overall development process is nevertheless similar—identify a topic; review the literature; develop a methodology; submit a proposal for approval; collect, analyze and interpret the data; and present and defend the project.

The doctoral degree programs at CalSouthern require learners to complete a series of nine credit-bearing courses that correspond to different phases of the doctoral dissertation development process—from prospectus development through dissertation submission and defense. Designing the dissertation process in this way provides a structured framework that can help learners to stay on track.

Recap: Applied Doctorate vs. PhD

Are an applied doctorate, a PhD and a doctorate the same thing?
No. “Doctorate” is a broad term that can be used to describe an applied doctorate or PhD.

What is the difference between a PhD and an applied doctorate?
The main difference is that a PhD degree is considered a research degree, while an applied doctorate is a practical-application degree. Because of this, learners who wish to conduct original research and work full-time in academia tend to pursue PhDs, whereas learners who wish to put their knowledge to work in the professional world outside of academia tend to pursue applied doctorates.

What are the similarities between a PhD and an applied doctorate?
Both are equivalent, terminal degrees. Anyone who graduates from a doctoral degree program may use the title “Doctor,” regardless of which type of doctorate they earned. Additionally, both PhD and applied doctorate degree programs usually require submission and defense of a dissertation or doctoral project to graduate.

How long does it take to earn a PhD or applied doctorate?
How long it takes to earn a doctorate will vary by individual, institution and program. In 2024, the median number of years taken to complete a research doctoral degree program in the United States from the time of program entry was 5.7 years.¹ CalSouthern’s online doctoral degree programs may be completed in as few as four to five years.²

Should You Pursue a PhD or an Applied Doctorate?

Doctoral degree programs are rigorous and involve a significant time commitment—but they do not have to be out of reach. CalSouthern’s online doctoral degree programs are designed to allow working professionals to pursue a degree while working full time by offering learners the flexibility to complete their coursework when it is most convenient for them.

We offer the following online doctoral degree programs:

• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD): PsyD in Applied Psychology (PsyD-AP) & PsyD in Psychology: Clinical Specialization (PsyD-CS)
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree programs may be completed in four to five years of full-time study.

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¹ National Science Foundation (NSF), “Median years to research doctorate, by trend broad field of doctorate: Selected years, 1974–2024, Table 1-12,” https://ncses.nsf.gov/surveys/earned-doctorates/2024#data (visited Oct. 3, 2025).
² Many factors can impact your time to completion such as course loads, course extensions or repetitions, transfer or proficiency credits, and approved leaves of absence. The program length provided does not include these adjustments. Program completion time also depends on an individual learner’s time needed to complete all required doctoral project requirements, which varies by learner.

CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all jurisdictions. REQ2171209 10/2025