Doctoral Degrees

Prepare for leadership roles in your field through APU’s doctoral programs in education, nursing, psychology, physical therapy, and theology. Through rigorous study and research, and personal interaction with expert faculty, you will graduate ready to lead the next generation of scholars, nurses, physical therapists, church leaders, and more.

  • BSN to DNP

    The Bachelor of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP) Pathway program allows RNs with a BSN to enter directly into APU’s DNP program without first earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.

      Available Online

  • Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

    This practitioner-scholar program combines science and practice, preparing individuals to practice as psychologists. The PsyD program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and meets California licensure requirements.

  • DMin

    English and Hispanic programs in Azusa; Korean program in Orange County. The Doctor of Ministry Program renews and transforms ministry leaders, churches, and communities, equipping them to spread the message of Jesus Christ.

  • Doctor of Nursing Practice

    The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is designed to prepare nurses at the highest level of practice for the current, complex health care environment. An evidence-based clinical approach emphasizes the prevention, assessment, and treatment of complex health issues in the adult and elderly population.

      Online

  • Doctorado en Ministerio (DMin)

    El programa de Doctorado en Ministerio (DMin) de la Universidad Azusa Pacific lo prepara para un ministerio práctico y efectivo para transformar el mundo con Cristo. El DMin es el grado profesional más alto en la práctica ministerial.

  • Educational Leadership, EdD

    Equips and deepens educational practitioners’ capacity to lead, inspire, and work to ensure equity in K-12 educational settings. As scholar-practitioners, graduates are eligible to enter higher education as faculty members who teach and conduct research on K-12 education.

  • Higher Education Leadership, EdD

    Qualifies graduates for leadership roles in colleges and universities, especially in student development, academic support, and institutional administration. This is a three-year, 51-unit, cohort-based program offered on the Azusa campus for one week each June and nine weekends a year (Fridays and Saturdays).

      Online: Low Residency at Azusa (main campus)

  • Higher Education, PhD

    The PhD in Higher Education develops scholars who are able to conduct original research and interpret and communicate the results of that research through their writing, teaching, and leadership. This is a 62-unit, cohort-based program offered on the Azusa campus for two weeks each July and January for four years.

      Online: Low Residency at Azusa (main campus)

  • Korean DMin

    Available in Orange County. Blending Korean culture with the principles of God’s Word, the Korean Doctor of Ministry program focuses on spiritual formation and the development of leadership skills for pastors and senior church leaders in the Korean community.

  • Nursing, PhD

    The PhD in Nursing is a research-based program designed to prepare graduates for a life of scholarship and teaching. Graduates become nurse scholars, educators, and researchers prepared to pursue systematic research inquiry to improve the health of society and train the future generation of nurse clinicians and academicians.

    This program offers the following areas of study: Health of the Family and the Community, International Health, and Nursing Historical Research.

      Available Online

  • Physical Therapy, DPT

    Emphasizes the scientific basis of human structure and movement, the spiritual basis of human worth, and the integration of these elements into a comprehensive approach to evaluation and treatment. Graduates gain a solid generalist perspective of patient care in a variety of professional treatment settings.

  • Rehabilitation and Movement Science, PhD

    The PhD in Rehabilitation and Movement Science program prepares leaders to improve health and rehabilitation outcomes through research and education. This hybrid PhD program is completed primarily online, with two, one-week sessions on campus per year.

      Online: Low Residency at Azusa (main campus)