One university's approach to defining and supporting professional doctorates

Abstract

The changing market for doctorally prepared workers led one institution to examine its overall approach to defining and supporting professional doctorates. After a review of existing scholarship and internal practices, a white paper was created to capture the various ways that these degrees can be distinguished from the academic doctorate (PhD) at this university. This article summarizes its key conclusions in areas such as relationship to the masters, program goals and foci, research training, the doctoral capstone, and faculty selection. Ways that these recommendations have begun to effect policies and practices at this particular institution are also highlighted, especially program development and evaluation.

Keywords:

• doctoral programs
• professional doctorates
• university policy
• graduate education