Degree Requirements and Progression

Doctoral programs at APUS can be divided into several phases based on coursework, residencies, and dissertation. The general program structure includes 30 hours of core requirements, 8 hours of professional practice coursework, virtual residencies, and dissertation research. The program structure is designed to create a learning community that provides mutual support and accountability to keep you on track and promote student success. A recommended course progression is designed with options for electives.

The following program components and milestones create a degree path for completing the doctoral degree. Note that all doctoral courses and program milestones (portfolio defense, dissertation proposal defense, dissertation defense) must be completed successfully in order to continue progressing toward the degree. You have a period of seven years from your start date to complete all program requirements, including the dissertation.

Program Requirements

Students are encouraged to follow the recommended course path with options for three elective courses. In addition to coursework, you will complete virtual residences, an e-portfolio with oral defense of the portfolio, a dissertation proposal with an oral defense, and a dissertation with oral defense.

Residencies: Doctoral programs contain three residencies at crucial program points.

The first course, Professional Practice 1 and Doctoral Foundations, establishes expectations for the program, develops rapport with your peers, and introduces you to doctoral faculty. During this course, you learn in greater detail about program milestones, engage with program faculty, and participate in a seminar class.
The second residency depends on the specific degree program and may include presentations at professional conferences or international experiences.
The third residency focuses on practicum and dissertation requirements. At this stage, you are preparing for your dissertation proposal and planning your research.

Coursework: See your academic plan in your ecampus for your course progression

Following the suggested model, most doctoral coursework can be completed in accordance with the End of Program (EOP) timeline. Doctoral coursework includes several components: core coursework, major requirements, electives, professional practice, practicum, and dissertation credits. Most core coursework is interdisciplinary and focuses on fundamental skills for conducting research, such as research methods and statistics. Core coursework also includes foundational concepts for the field of study. Major coursework focuses on content knowledge in greater depth. Electives provide opportunities to specialize and explore different sub-areas to prepare for dissertation research or career advancement. Professional practice courses include topics such as research ethics, conference presentations, and preparing for the e-portfolio defense. The practicum course accompanies the practicum experience in which you implement an approved project that promotes your professional growth. Finally, dissertation credits include preparing the dissertation proposal and maintaining enrollment while completing the dissertation.

Practicum:

The practicum requirement provides you with the opportunity to propose and implement a workplace project that stretches your skillset to connect research and practice. You may choose to conduct the practicum in your current workplace under a different supervisor, you may make arrangements to spend time in a different sector of the workplace, or an organization that is completely separate from your work. The practicum project represents a new or aspirational area for you rather than an existing job duty. The project aims to apply knowledge from the doctoral program to address a workplace challenge, explore a new area of expertise, or focus on a problem of practice in the field. Practicum supervisors need to sign an agreement for the project, and the accompanying practicum course provides a venue to report on the progress and lessons learned. Projects are a collaborative agreement between the student, the Department Chair and the site supervisor.

Degree Timeline:

Year 1 - Coursework; Progress Check

Year 2 - Coursework and Residency 2

Year 3 - Residency 3, complete coursework, defend portfolio, complete practicum, defend dissertation proposal

Year 3+ - Complete and defend dissertation. The maximum time allowed for the doctoral degree is seven years.