How to earn a PhD or an Applied Doctorate

When it comes to doctorates, there are two main categories: the PhD and the applied doctorate, also known as the professional doctorate. The focus of PhD degree programs is on conducting original research that contributes to the existing body of knowledge, while the focus of applied doctorate degree programs is on the practical application of advanced knowledge in a professional context.

Because the PhD and applied doctorate are equivalent in level, when a learner successfully completes their doctoral degree program, they have the right to use the title “Doctor,” regardless of which type of doctorate they hold.

This article discusses the general requirements for PhD and applied doctorate programs as well as some challenges that might arise on the path to earning a doctorate.

PhD Requirements

Generally speaking, PhD degree program requirements can be broken down into four stages: coursework, PhD qualifying exam, research and dissertation.

Stage 1: Coursework

For the first two or three years of a PhD degree program, a learner will study and work to develop advanced skills and knowledge related to their chosen discipline. The courses taken during this time count toward satisfying their degree program’s credit requirements.

Stage 2: PhD Qualifying Exam

Once all courses have been completed (and assuming the learner has met the program’s PhD GPA requirements), the learner moves on to the second stage: the PhD qualifying exam (also known as “orals,” “quals,” “prelims,” or comprehensive exam). This exam tests the learner’s knowledge and understanding of their discipline and is used to determine whether the learner is ready to move on to the dissertation phase of the program. Exactly when the PhD qualifying exam is administered and what format it is in (oral, written or both) may vary not only by institution but also by department.

Stage 3: Research

The research stage comprises several steps. Typically, the learner moves through this stage with some assistance from an academic advisor/mentor. While formal processes may vary by academic institution or department, the general process is as follows:

First, the learner must decide on the research question they want to write their PhD dissertation on. To do this, the learner chooses a general topic of interest and conducts preliminary research, diving into the academic literature to identify areas that have not been studied or studied sufficiently (i.e., “research gaps”). The learner then narrows down these options until they settle on the research question they wish to study. (Here, using a framework to critically appraise research questions may be helpful. One example is FINER, which stands for Feasible, Interesting, Novel, Ethical and Relevant.¹)

Next, the learner creates a research proposal based on their original research question. The research proposal typically contains the research question, a review of the existing literature that is used to justify the proposed research question, why the question is important, what the research methodology will be, anticipated timeline, etc.

After finalizing the research proposal, the learner presents it to the PhD dissertation committee for review and approval. Once approved, the learner can begin the process of collecting, analyzing and interpreting the data.

Stage 4: Dissertation

Upon completing their research, the learner can move on to the final stage: the PhD dissertation. A PhD dissertation is not merely a paper describing the learner’s research findings—it contributes to the existing body of knowledge in the learner’s field of study by addressing a gap in the academic literature. Traditionally, a PhD candidate submits a written dissertation and then gives an oral presentation to a dissertation committee; this oral presentation is known as a “dissertation defense,” and the dissertation committee is typically made up of faculty who have guided the learner through the dissertation process. If the candidate successfully defends their research, they earn their doctorate.

Applied Doctorate Requirements

Although the general requirements for an applied doctorate program can be similar to those of a PhD degree program, there are nevertheless some differences. For example, upon completing all required courses, learners in applied doctorate programs take a comprehensive exam, not a PhD qualifying exam (these exams are similar in purpose, however—namely, passing the exam demonstrates that the learner possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to advance to the next stage—the doctoral project stage). Also, instead of a dissertation, it is common for applied doctorate candidates to complete a doctoral project—the difference being that the doctoral project does not have to address a gap in the literature but instead applies existing knowledge to a real-world problem.

Doctoral Project Requirements at CalSouthern

Doctoral degree programs are designed to be rigorous. Applied doctorate/PhD coursework is meant to be challenging. Doctoral project/dissertation development, submission and defense is meant to be thought-provoking and thorough. This is why doctoral candidates are expected to have a strong academic foundation in their chosen field—which is why many applied doctorate/PhD admission requirements only accept those who already hold a master’s degree in their desired field of study.

The doctoral degree programs at California Southern University are designed so that working adults can continue to work full time while pursuing their degree. Our doctoral degree programs are designed with an integrated framework for dissertation development that helps learners stay on track. This framework comprises credit-bearing courses required for graduation that align with the various phases of the dissertation development process. The added structure this framework provides can help make completing a dissertation feel more within reach.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Doctor of Psychology: Applied Psychology (PsyD-AP)

Doctor of Psychology: Clinical Specialization (PsyD-CS)

* A series of Practicum courses (3 credits total) and/or Internship can be taken in place of a 3-credit Core course

Working Toward a Doctorate

How hard is it to earn a PhD or an applied doctorate? Hard enough that an informal category called “ABD”—“all but dissertation”—exists to describe the status of doctoral candidates who have completed all parts of their degree program except for the dissertation. And hard enough that only 8.424 million adults aged 25 years and older—or 3.7%—hold a doctorate or professional degree.² Earning a doctorate means joining a relatively small group of highly educated achievers.

However, rather than thinking of doctorate degree programs as hard, it may be more helpful to think of them as constructively demanding. They are designed to challenge learners who already have strong foundational knowledge and who want become experts in their field.

Apart from the academic rigor, however, doctoral degree programs can still present time and financial challenges. But online doctorate degree programs such as those offered at CalSouthern can help put your academic goals within reach.

By giving learners the flexibility to follow their own learning schedules, online degree programs make it easier for working adults to pursue their academic goals while continuing to work full time and manage family obligations. Additionally, CalSouthern’s Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree programs offer affordable tuition. We also offer learners the ability to transfer-in up to 30 credits toward their doctoral degree program, which can help to reduce overall program length as well as costs.³

Interested in pursuing a doctoral degree online? Request more info today.

¹ Jordan R. Covvey, Chyna McClendon & Michael R. Gionfriddo, Back to the Basics: Guidance for Formulating Good Research Questions, SCIENCEDIRECT (Jan. 2024).
² Education Data Initiative, Education Attainment Statistics, “Graduate Degree Attainment,” (visited Sep. 29, 2025).
³ Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible for transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all jurisdictions. REQ2171208  10/2025