Doctorate’s Program — Admission & Majors

The University of Western California (UWC) offers accredited Doctorate Programs across a wide range of disciplines and areas of study.

Below, you will find:

• The admission requirements for this program.

• The tuition fee structure.

• The list of majors offered under our Doctorate/PhD Program.

If your desired major is not listed, you may submit a special request by clicking here .

A Doctorate is the highest level of academic degree awarded by universities and typically takes three to eight years (or more) to complete.

• Entry Requirements:

  • Some doctoral programs require applicants to hold a Master’s Degree prior to enrollment.

  • Others may allow students to begin directly after completing an undergraduate degree.

• Types of Doctoral Degrees:

  • The most common type is the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).

  • Other professional doctorates exist depending on the field of study.

• Career Pathways:

  • Earning a doctorate qualifies graduates to teach at the university level or to work in roles requiring advanced expertise and training.

  • Professions such as psychologists and medical doctors require a doctoral degree for licensure and practice.

Students seeking admission to the Doctorate Program at the University of Western California (UWC) must fulfill any one of the following minimum requirements:

1. Master’s Degree or an equivalent qualification.

2. Recognition of Prior Learning & Experience:

   • Previous work experience, coursework, elective classes, and earned credits may be evaluated and transferred as course credits by our Evaluation Committee.

   • Professional training or military service may also be considered for conversion into academic credits.

This flexible admission pathway ensures that students from diverse educational and professional backgrounds can access doctoral-level education at UWC.

The Doctorate Program at the University of Western California (UWC) is designed with flexibility to accommodate diverse student needs.

• Duration: The program may take 2 to 4 years to complete, depending on the schedule and pace chosen by the student.

This structure enables students to balance their doctoral research and coursework with their professional and personal commitments

In addition to the majors listed below, the University of Western California (UWC) also offers other disciplines.

If your desired major is not listed, you may submit a special request by clicking here.

Available Majors:

• Business & Management

• Education & Human Development

• Criminal Justice

• Science

• Psychology

• Engineering

• Performing Arts

• Law and Legal Studies

• Nursing

• Occupational Safety & Fire Science

• Applied Arts

• Health Sciences

View all majors

Here are some of the most popular Doctoral Degrees available online:

1. Psychology (Ph.D.; PsyD)

   • Ph.D. in Psychology: Often considered a research and teaching-focused degree.

   • Doctor of Psychology (PsyD): Typically practice-oriented, emphasizing counseling and applied work.

   • Sub-specialties: Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Educational Psychology, Organizational Psychology.

2. Education (Ph.D.; Ed.D.)

   • Ph.D. in Education: Prepares graduates for academic teaching or administrative careers in higher education.

   • Doctor of Education (Ed.D.): Focused on preparing school administrators, principals, and educators for leadership roles in primary and secondary education.

3. Engineering (Ph.D.; DCS; D.Eng.)

   • Ph.D. programs available in Computer Science, Electrical, Civil, and Mechanical Engineering.

   • Variants: Doctor of Computer Science (DCS) or Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng.).

   • Prepares graduates for advanced research and innovation roles.

4. Public Health (Ph.D.; DPH)

   • Equips graduates for administrative and research careers in public and community health.

   • Focus areas: Epidemiology, Public Health Policy, and Social Health Fields.

   • The Doctor of Public Health (DPH) often emphasizes policy development and implementation.

5. Business (Ph.D.; DBA)

   • Ph.D. in Business: Research-focused, leading to careers in teaching and academic research.

   • Doctor of Business Administration (DBA): Applied degree designed for executive leadership, consulting, and advanced business practice.

Below is the detailed tuition and fee structure for the Doctorate Degree Program at the University of Western California (UWC):

Notes:

• No Hidden Charges: All amounts are listed clearly; no extra or hidden costs.

• International Students: Must comply with visa, legalization, and insurance requirements.

• Legalization Fees: Embassy, Secretary of State, and U.S. Department of State authentication may vary depending on country.