Degree Completion Program

PHD

DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM

Earn a PhD in Human Development or Orgranizational Development and Change

TRANSFER UP TO 40 DOCTORAL CREDITS TO COMPLETE YOUR PHD DEGREE. FINISH WHAT YOU STARTED. We understand life can get in the way of achieving personal goals. We’re ready to help.

For 45 years, Fielding Graduate University has been helping adult students achieve their graduate degree goals. In fact, many successful Fielding alumni started their graduate education somewhere else but chose to finish at Fielding.

The PhD in Human Development emphasizes adult development in personal, organizational, and cultural settings in preparation for careers in teaching, administration, consulting, and leadership. You will gain an understanding in ways to optimize interpersonal relationships and empower yourself and others to become change agents for social and ecological justice.

In the PhD in Organizational Development and Change program you will develop the knowledge to help organizations and communities thrive in today’s complex world.

Emphasizing a multidisciplinary integration of human and organizational systems, this degree creates new approaches to inclusive leadership and sustainability. Our graduates are uniquely qualified to become leaders in their chosen profession. They are consultants, educators, entrepreneurs, coaches, and leaders in human resources, health care, and nonprofits.

Each program is 84 credits and the Degree Completion Program offers the potential to transfer up to 40 credits of doctoral work you’ve completed in the last 8 years. If all 40 credits are approved, the remaining credits including dissertation will take about 2 years.

Contact us to discuss your interests and previous education, and how they can match up to your chosen Fielding doctoral program.

Fielding Graduate University is a long-standing WASC accredited institution.

Fielding.edu/DegreeCompletion

DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM FAQ‘S What is the PhD Degree Completion Program?

The PhD Degree Completion Program is designed for people who have completed significant doctoral work and are ready to complete their doctoral studies at Fielding Graduate University. Accepted students will complete either the Human Development (HD) PhD or the Organizational Development and Change (ODC) PhD at Fielding.

Degree Completion students work with the Program faculty to customize a unique learning plan, supported by up to 40 transfer credits. The HD PhD and ODC PhD programs are flexible, and designed to support all students throughout their doctoral studies.

How long will the PhD Degree Completion Program take?

The program is designed to be completed within two years, depending upon the number of eligible transferred credits and other factors.

What kind of support will I receive as a PhD Degree Completion student?

You will receive support throughout the program. Even before you apply, you are encouraged to contact Admissions@fielding.edu to discuss the HD and ODC programs. From there, you will be referred to the Program for preliminary discussions on eligibility and ways to we can help you customize your program.

As a student, you will select your Faculty Mentor, members of your dissertation committee, the other faculty and student colleagues with whom you will work.

Support and guidance are available throughout your studies – as well as after graduation when you become a Fielding alum.

How long is the approval process for PhD Degree Completion Program’s transfer credit?

Every effort is made to complete the doctoral transfer credit review and approval process in a timely manner, so that it is completed prior to the due date for submission of all enrollment documents. Applicants who anticipate applying for doctoral completion transfer credit should complete their applications at least several weeks prior to the application deadline.

What are the orientation and residency requirements for PhD Degree Completion students?

All new students in the HD PhD and the ODC PhD programs are required to participate in a two-week virtual (online) pre-orientation before the start of their program and a five-day residency, the New Student Orientation (NSO), at the start of their studies. The NSO is the only in-person residency that is required, although there are many optional opportunities for in-person learning.

What steps do I take if I think that I am eligible for the PhD Degree Completion Program?

Contact Admissions@fielding.edu for a referral to the HD PhD or ODC PhD Program to assess eligibility for the Doctoral Completion Program.