Prepare to take the lead in our virtual classrooms. If you are ready to take this important next step, apply online now. Make sure to review admissions documents specified below that are required for all doctoral applicants.
Take Command of Your Future at Trident University
6 Degrees, 15 Concentrations
Explore Trident University’s online doctoral degree programs and choose the one that can challenge your mind and help you achieve your goals.
An Affordable Education
You can finance your doctoral education through a variety of avenues, from corporate and VA benefits to loans and scholarships*.
*Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Admissions Requirements anchor
Computer and Technical Requirements anchor
Application Checklist anchor
Two Letters of Recommendation from individuals with direct knowledge of your academic and/or professional performance and potential for graduate studies. It is recommended that applicants provide their references with the appropriate reference letter form:
Admissions Requirements
Subject to college or program-specific requirements, the following standard admissions requirements apply to all doctoral students:
- A conferred masters degree from an accredited college/university in related field
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 on the transcript of the most recently conferred masters degree (4.0 scale)
- Written and oral communication skills sufficient to conduct and deliver the results of meaningful research
- Sufficient analytical and critical thinking skills
- Information technology skills sufficient to effectively participate in our doctoral pedagogical model
- Proof of English proficiency (international students only)
- Transfer students: review our transfer policy
Students applying to the DBA or DHA program must also have:
- DBA – A minimum of five years of professional work experience in business or other professional fields
- DHA – A minimum of three years of supervisory experience OR a masters degree in any discipline and five years of supervisory experience in a health-related field
Students applying to the Ed.D. program must also have:
- A minimum of three years of documented leadership experience
- 28 doctoral level transfer credits (Ed.D. Degree Completion program only)
Computer and Technical Requirements
Trident University has adopted the following specific computer competencies for students. Ability to perform basic functions in a windows-type operating system, including but not limited to:
Trident also provides students a Distance Education Readiness Assessment to help students confirm the skills and competencies needed to succeed in a distance education setting, to identify areas of deficiencies, and to determine the level of support needed by the student to be successful in a distance education setting. Students are encouraged to avail themselves of the assessment found on the last page of the on-line application.
To benefit from the unique features that Trident provides, students will need to possess or have access to a computer with the following hardware/software configurations:
- File operations (creating, saving, copying, retrieving)
- Multitasking
- Using standard windows features: navigation tools, sizing and moving features, etc.
- Importing and exporting files
- Formatting
- Page setup and printing
- Basic word-processing activities
- Basic electronic spreadsheet activities
- Designing and developing graphic presentations
- Engaging in basic Internet activities, including subject searches
Trident also provides students a Distance Education Readiness Assessment to help students confirm the skills and competencies needed to succeed in a distance education setting, to identify areas of deficiencies, and to determine the level of support needed by the student to be successful in a distance education setting. Students are encouraged to avail themselves of the assessment found on the last page of the on-line application.
To benefit from the unique features that Trident provides, students will need to possess or have access to a computer with the following hardware/software configurations:
- A standard Web browser like Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE), Firefox, or Chrome
- Microsoft Office applications, including, as a minimum: PowerPoint, Word, and Excel
- Adobe PDF reader
- Internet connectivity
- Headphones with microphone (required in some programs)
Application Checklist
You will need to submit the following documents to complete the application process:
Official Transcripts Detailing all prior academic work, including transcript from the institution granting the qualifying bachelors or masters degree.
Official Evaluation of International Credits Students with international transcripts only.
Curriculum Vitae A current CV specifying your educational and professional background.
Scholarly Writing Sample Doctoral applicants are required to submit a scholarly writing sample evidencing their research and writing skills.
Support Letter from a current or past employer that documents your ability to conduct practitioner research (may also serve as one letter of recommendation).
Cover Letter in which you describe your motivation for pursuing a research based doctorate degree, your area of research interest and future goals. In addition, the letter should explain how your professional experiences and prior academic work have focused your thinking toward the planned doctoral program of study. It is recommended that applicants complete and submit the appropriate cover letter form:
Tuition and Fees
Tuition costs for the Ed.D. program:
| tuition type | per credit | per course | per year* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $761.25 | $3,045 | $12,180 |
| Retired Military / Veteran / And Their Immediate Family Members** | $685 | $2,740 | $10,960 |
| Military & Immediate Family Members / Department of Defense Federal Civilian Employees** | $656.25 | $2,625 | $10,500 |
| Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve U.S Military Service Members** | $656.25 | $2,625 | $10,500 |
*Assumes no transfer credits and that student enrolls in an average of 16 credits per year. Does not include cost of any applicable doctoral study continuation courses. **Tuition per credit represented with applicable military grant applied.
Tuition costs for the DBA & DHA programs:
| tuition type | per credit | per course | per year* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $787.50 | $3,150 | $12,600 |
| Retired Military / Veteran / And Their Immediate Family Members** | $708.75 | $2,835 | $11,340 |
| Military & Immediate Family Members / Department of Defense Federal Civilian Employees** | $656.25 | $2,625 | $10,500 |
| Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve U.S Military Service Members** | $656.25 | $2,625 | $10,500 |
*Assumes no transfer credits and that student enrolls in an average of 16 credits per year. Does not include cost of any applicable dissertation continuation courses. **Tuition per credit represented with applicable military grant applied.
Tuition cost for the Ph.D. program:
| tuition type | per credit | per course | per year* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $990 | $3,960 | $15,840 |
| Retired Military / Veteran / And Their Immediate Family Members** | $885 | $3,540 | $14,160 |
| Military & Immediate Family Members / Department of Defense Federal Civilian Employees** | $800 | $3,200 | $12,800 |
| Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve U.S Military Service Members** | $800 | $3,200 | $12,800 |
*Assumes no transfer credits and that student enrolls in an average of 16 credits per year. Does not include cost of dissertation continuation courses, the number of which vary based on dissertation completion date. **Tuition per credit represented with applicable military grant applied.
All per semester credit hour costs are for program level (600/700) courses. Students in the dissertation stage register for one course of four semester credit hours per session. In addition, there are dissertation continuation courses which are $800 per course at 0 credit hours.
University Fees:
- Books and Supplies: $0
- Bounced Check Fee: $30
- Course Materials: $0
- Diploma Copy: $30 (optional)
- Food, Housing, and Transportation: N/A
- Graduation Fee: $150
- Official Transcript: $10 (rush fee $35)
- Other Expedited Shipping Fees: varies based on region
- Payment Plan Set-up: $35-$55 (non-refundable)
- Student ID Card: $10 (optional)
- Technology Fee: $0
- Other fees may apply and are subject to change without advance notice.
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