Professional doctorate: what you need to know

By: The Capella University Editorial Team

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Reaching the top of your profession often calls for advanced expertise that you can apply directly to complex, real-world challenges.

That's what a professional doctoral degree is designed for. Unlike the research-focused PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), a professional doctorate focuses on practical application. It helps experienced professionals lead change, drive innovation and solve problems in their fields.

For working adults balancing career and life commitments, flexible online formats make it possible to earn a doctorate without putting your goals on hold. Modalities such as Capella University's FlexPath learning format allow you to learn at your own pace and turn your experience into measurable impact.

Find out what a professional doctorate is and its benefits, how it differs from a PhD and the different types of professional doctorates.

What is a doctoral degree?

A doctoral degree is the highest level of academic degree you can achieve. Graduating from a doctoral program demonstrates your expertise in your field.

You can pursue two kinds of doctoral programs: research doctorates and professional doctorates. Research or academic doctorates, like a PhD, aim to add new research and theories to the field of study.

A professional doctoral degree or applied doctorate aims to solve complex, current problems in the industry. It develops leaders who can translate knowledge into practice and elevate their profession.

Examples of professional doctoral programs and their application include business administration (DBA), education (EdD) and public health (DrPH).

What is a professional doctorate?

A professional doctorate blends research with applied problem-solving in real-world settings. It prepares students to become thought leaders and change-makers in their professions.

Mid-career professionals with substantial work experience or those with a master's degree typically opt for an applied doctorate. It trains them for leadership roles as they learn how to implement policies, manage teams and influence organizations.

During a professional doctorate program, your research and final capstone project are directly tied to your professional environment and chosen career path.

For example, if you're pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), your research project could be designing a new patient-care model.

Many aspiring doctoral candidates confuse the goals and value of an applied doctorate with those of a PhD. But they're not the same.

What is the difference between a PhD and a doctorate?

A PhD is one of several types of doctoral degrees. While all PhDs are doctorates, not all doctorates are PhDs. The primary difference lies in the type of research conducted during the independent research phase of the program.

PhD students complete an original research project that extends theory and uses new knowledge to solve a specific real-world problem. They present their findings in a dissertation, which they must successfully defend to earn their degree.

A PhD is for people who want to conduct scientific research or become specialized consultants.

Students working on a professional doctorate apply existing knowledge to a real-world problem in their industry or community. They demonstrate this by completing an applied research project or a capstone project.

A professional doctorate is better suited for individuals who want to pursue leadership.

For example, a Doctor of Philosophy in Education (PhD) and a Doctor of Education (EdD) are both doctoral degrees. PhD students will focus on research and extend their knowledge. In contrast, EdD students will use current knowledge to improve education systems.

Graduates from both types of programs may also teach at the college or university level.

You can learn more about the key differences between these programs through our PhD vs. doctorate guide or by exploring the doctoral journey.

Why would I want to earn a professional doctorate?

A professional doctorate can provide many benefits for your profession, including:

• Enhanced professional credibility: Graduates are recognized as experts in their fields. This recognition may improve your professional reputation among peers, clients, employers and industry stakeholders.

For example, in health professions, a DNP reassures patients and colleagues of your advanced clinical expertise.

• Access to potential new opportunities: An applied doctorate demonstrates that you possess advanced knowledge and problem-solving skills in your field of study. You may also expand your professional network by connecting with leaders and others who share your passion. Together, these benefits may position you for potential professional growth.
• Tangible results: One of the biggest strengths of a professional doctorate is that the projects you undertake often have immediate, tangible effects on people, organizations, policies or practices.
• Personal growth: Many who pursue a professional doctorate are motivated by personal goals. Whether they want to fulfill a lifelong aspiration, become a recognized leader in their field or teach at the college level, doctoral students are passionate about their purpose and their professions.

A professional doctorate may significantly improve your professional skills and teach you how to turn your passion for your field into real impact. Now, let's look at the kinds of doctoral degrees you can enroll in.

Types of professional doctorates

Professional doctorates span many fields and include multiple specialization options. These are five common options.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA):

A DBA program focuses on learning and applying advanced business theory to drive strategic decision-making and become a leader.

Doctor of Health Administration (DHA):

A DHA program gives you the skills to transform healthcare delivery systems and improve patient care.

Doctor of Information Technology (DIT):

A DIT program gives you the advanced skills to design impactful IT solutions, lead transformation initiatives and create high-performing information systems.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP):

The DNP program teaches you how to better advocate for patients as a leader in nursing and drive changes to health policy.

Doctor of Education (EdD):

The EdD program emphasizes applied research to help you build high-level leadership skills as a P-12 or higher education practitioner.

Capella University offers online professional doctorate programs in multiple learning formats, so you can reach your educational goals while also balancing work and life.

An online doctoral degree experience at Capella

A professional doctorate is the highest level of academic achievement for those who want to apply knowledge to real challenges. At Capella University, you can earn select doctoral degrees through FlexPath, a self-paced online learning format that gives you the flexibility to learn on your schedule and manage costs with one tuition fee per 12-week billing session.

All degree programs feature scholar-practitioner faculty who bring real-world experience into every course. You'll also have support from academic coaches and career advisors who help you stay on track and plan your next steps.

With the right guidance, flexibility and practical learning, you can advance your expertise and make a meaningful impact in your field.

Explore doctoral programs at Capella and see how you can take the next step toward your goals.

FAQs

How many years does it take to earn a doctorate?

The number of years to get a professional doctoral degree varies depending on the program. Instead of putting your career on hold for years, you can enroll in online graduate school programs by Capella University to get your doctorate while managing work and life.

Is a PhD the same as a doctorate?

A PhD is one type of doctoral degree – specifically, a research-focused doctorate. Other doctoral degrees, known as professional doctorates, focus on applying existing knowledge to practical problems.

Is a doctorate difficult to get?

Doctoral study is a rigorous process that challenges students to think critically and apply advanced knowledge in their fields. Flexible online options can make it more manageable for working professionals to achieve their academic goals.