Acquire advanced knowledge and skills in a program designed for professional adults
This program is designed for working professionals who are emerging leaders in their field. The executive design allows students to complete the program in as little as three years by completing coursework and while working on their dissertation. The program is ideal for those who have completed a master’s degree at an accredited institution, with an option available for those who have reached all but dissertation (A.B.D.) status at another institution and wish to complete their doctorate at Alvernia.
Courses are delivered in a hybrid format with four 3-hour in-person meetings per term, approximately every other week, with the balance of coursework to be completed asynchronously online. Each student will be assigned a faculty advisor to chair their dissertation committee and must identify two other committee members from their network to guide them through the dissertation process.
A.B.D. Provides Pathway to Doctoral Degree
This is a pathway for the student who has not completed the dissertation requirements of another doctoral program. Our A.B.D. pathway option features a dissertation completion approach customized to the individual student. Through a portfolio assessment of the competencies acquired from prior coursework, students may transfer in the equivalent for up to 42 credit hours in this 60-credit hour doctoral program.
The A.B.D. pathway requires a minimum of 18 hours of coursework to be completed at Alvernia. Transfer courses will be considered individually for applicants who began doctoral coursework at another institution but are not A.B.D. The A.B.D. pathway is currently accomplished through a transfer exception process. Students will work with their admissions counselor for individual pathways.
| Estimated Program Length | 4 years |
| Credit Hours | 60 |
| Course Length | 7 weeks |
| Transfer Credits Accepted | Up to 42 |
| Cost per Credit | $1,080 |
