Online Doctoral Degrees

There is a growing societal need for psychology professionals with advanced training beyond the master's degree. In response, the University offers the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program that emphasizes the integration and application of psychological theory and research. The program culminates in a dissertation.

Many who aspire to the PhD are intimidated by having to produce the dissertation. We understand the potential for anxiety since we went through it ourselves. Having gone through it, we developed a logical step-by-step process at NCU that assists you in completing your dissertation. First, we provide a detailed Dissertation Handbook that explains the NCU process. Next you will complete four dissertation courses that guide you in choosing a topic, documenting its importance to the field, planning the methology for your study, and conducting the research, writing the dissertation, and to the oral defense.

The dissertation is the capstone academic achievement of the PhD. The dissertation is, at its heart, a scholarly documentation of your research. To earn the PhD you must demonstrate the ability, motivation, and commitment; and NCU will provide the mentors and process to assist you to reach this high academic goal.

Requirements:

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree requires 81 graduate semester credits beyond the bachelor's degree, including 24 semester credits in dissertation preparation and dissertation courses. A maximum of 30 semester credits in related graduate courses may be accepted in transfer. A comprehensive assessment is required prior to approval of the dissertation proposal. To satisfy the dissertation requirement, the Learner researches and reports on a topic in such a way as to contribute original research findings to the discipline and the academic community’s body of knowledge.

Specializations:

The General Psychology programs train Learners to work in a variety of settings. These programs prepare Learners for research and field experience. All psychology graduate Learners must first obtain a firm grounding in several basic areas of psychology and research methodology. Within the General Psychology program, the Learner is expected to become competent in theory, research, and applications of psychology. The program was established to allow the Learner maximum flexibility in the direction of their studies.

The Industrial/Organizational Psychology program trains Learners to work in a variety of settings. This program prepares Learners for research and field experience. Within the industrial and organizational program, the Learner is expected to become competent in theory, research, and applications of psychology as they relate to human behavior in organizations. The program emphasizes the contributions of both industrial and organizational psychology to the understanding of people in their world of work. Training is received in conducting basic and applied research, and in the applications of theory and research to organizational and human resource management problems in organizations.

Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine is a newly developed and important area of research, teaching, and clinical practice. It is the study of the total matrix of factors influencing the psychological and physical health of people and takes a biopsychosocial approach in accounting for illness and behavioral health. This specialization develops the essential knowledge and skills for this important area.

The Gender Studies specialization is an in-depth focus on the social, cultural, and biological foundations of masculinity, femininity, and sexuality.

The doctoral marriage and family therapy specialization offers advanced clinical education and training, research coursework and opportunities, and supervision training and experience. Graduates of the doctoral program will be prepared to carry out advanced clinical work and supervision and/or education and research in the field of marriage and family therapy.