Our partner university offers a diverse array of doctoral programs through its Institute of Graduate Studies and Research. These programs are designed to cultivate advanced research skills, critical thinking, and subject-matter expertise, preparing scholars for leadership roles in academia, industry, and public service.
Available PhD Programs
The university offers the following PhD programs:
Architecture
Business Management
Communication and Media Management
Computer Engineering
Construction Management
Educational Sciences (Administration)
Marketing
Politics and International Studies
Psychology
Tourism and Hospitality Management
Electrical-Electronics Engineering
Management Information Systems
Law
Each program is structured to offer rigorous academic training and research opportunities in its respective field.
Admission Requirements
Applicants interested in pursuing a PhD must meet the following criteria:
Educational Background: A Master’s degree or its equivalent in a relevant field.
Academic Performance: A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 out of 4.00.
Language Proficiency: Proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) if the previous education was not conducted in English.
Application Materials: Completed application form, academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
8000 words Research Proposal
Program Structure
The PhD programs typically consist of:
Coursework: Seven courses totaling 21 credits.
Seminar: A non-credit seminar to develop research skills.
Qualifying Examination: An assessment to evaluate the student’s readiness for dissertation research.
Dissertation: Original research culminating in a doctoral thesis.
The minimum duration for completing a PhD program is generally two years, depending on the student’s progress and research scope.
Programme Overview
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Westcliff University is an internationally recognised terminal degree designed for working professionals and senior executives who aspire to refine their leadership skills, enhance strategic thinking, and master advanced business knowledge through a combination of practical application and rigorous research.
Top Global Rankings:
Ranked 31st in DBA programs worldwide by Top Business Degrees
Ranked 6th by Great Value Colleges
Ranked 5th by College Consensus
Listed in the Top 22 DBA programs in the USA by PhDStudies.com
Featured in Top 50 Online PhD Programs by MyDegreeGuide
Flexible Study Options:
Delivered in online or synchronous hybrid mode
Designed for full-time professionals — study without interrupting your career
Entrepreneurship Focus:
Practical, research-based learning grounded in real-world case studies
Opportunities to work on live business projects and strategic consulting
Programme Structure
Total Duration: 3 Years
Total Credits: 60 (30 coursework + 30 dissertation)
1. Coursework (30 Credits)
Focused on developing strategic insights in key areas such as:
Global Business Strategy
Leadership and Organisational Change
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Corporate Governance & Social Responsibility
Advanced Research Methods
2. Dissertation (30 Credits)
Supervised by experienced Westcliff University professors, this phase includes:
Development and defence of an original doctoral dissertation
Applied research with emphasis on contemporary business challenges
Interactive discussions and peer-reviewed collaboration
Mentorship from academic experts and industry consultants
Accreditation
Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) from Westcliff University, USA
Regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Professionally accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
Recognised by CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation)
Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet the following entry criteria:
A Master’s degree (or Level 7 Diploma) in a relevant field
Level 8 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership from OTHM/Qualifi
English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, waived if prior qualification was in English)
Completed admission application and personal statement
Valid government-issued photo ID
Consent and disclosure forms as per university policy
Career Opportunities
The DBA prepares graduates for executive and academic leadership roles, including:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Management Consultant
Market Research Analyst
Business Professor
Corporate Strategist
Economist
Graduates are positioned to excel in multinational companies, government institutions, consultancy firms, think tanks, and academia.
Mode of Study
Online: 100% virtual, accessible worldwide
Synchronous Hybrid: A flexible combination of live online sessions and optional in-person engagement
Qualification Level: Doctorate | Credit Hours: 60 | Duration: 3–4.5 Years
Mode of Study: Project-based learning with embedded practicum experiences
Delivery: Blended/Online/On-campus
Programme Introduction
The Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership, Curriculum, and Instruction is designed for scholar-practitioners aiming to become transformative leaders within the educational sector. This rigorous, research-informed programme integrates advanced educational principles with leadership theory to shape decision-makers who champion equity, innovation, and excellence in teaching, learning, and curriculum development.
Programme Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates will be able to:
Integrate educational leadership theories with andragogical and pedagogical practices to enhance teaching and curriculum design.
Employ inclusive instructional strategies and materials suitable for diverse learning contexts, age groups, and modalities.
Critically analyse and apply leadership research to develop effective responses to current educational leadership challenges.
Demonstrate advanced communication and collaborative skills for institutional leadership and stakeholder engagement.
Evaluate and address ethical, emotional, cognitive, cultural, and social challenges in contemporary educational settings.
Select and implement appropriate technologies for leadership, administration, instructional design, and change management.
Conduct comprehensive academic research by synthesising scholarly literature for problem-solving and innovation.
Apply both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to explore and resolve complex institutional and instructional issues.
Programme Structure
The programme comprises 60 credit hours over three years, divided into core courses, research modules, concentration electives, and dissertation work.
Year 1: Core & Research (18 Credit Hours)
EDU 710: Effective Teaching and Learning Strategies – 3 credits
EDU 711: Educational Leadership in Theory and Practice – 3 credits
EDU 712: Curriculum Theory and Design – 3 credits
EDU 714: Online Blended Learning and Teaching Methodologies – 3 credits
RES 801: Quantitative Research in Education – 3 credits
RES 802: Qualitative Research in Education – 3 credits
Year 2: Core, Concentration & Research (20 Credit Hours)
EDU 715: Classroom Technology Integration – 3 credits
EDU 716: Managing Human and Fiscal Resources as an Educational Leader – 3 credits
Concentration Course I – 3 credits
Concentration Course II – 3 credits
RES 803: Identifying and Planning a Research Project* – 4 credits
RES 804: Educational Research Literature Review* – 4 credits
Year 3: Concentration & Dissertation (22 Credit Hours)
Concentration Course III – 3 credits
Concentration Course IV – 3 credits
EDU 900: Dissertation Course I – 4 credits
EDU 901: Dissertation Course II / Preliminary Defence – 4 credits
EDU 902: Dissertation Course III – 4 credits
EDU 903: Dissertation Course IV / Final Defence – 4 credits
*Note: All dissertation courses involve both supervised academic writing and practicum components aligned with authentic research environments.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria for admission:
A graduate-level degree (Master’s or equivalent) from a regionally or nationally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
For international credentials, an evaluation from a recognised credentialing body (e.g., NACES member) must be submitted to determine U.S. equivalency.
Programme Concentration Options
Students choose a specialised track aligned with their professional interests:
Leadership
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Each concentration includes four elective modules (12 credits) tailored to deepen expertise and practical knowledge in the chosen area.
Doctoral Dissertation and Oral Defence
A central requirement of the EdD is the completion of a doctoral dissertation—a scholarly, original research project that contributes to the advancement of educational practice or theory. The dissertation includes:
Research purpose and/or problem
Hypothesis and research questions
Methodology (qualitative/quantitative/
mixed) Data collection and analysis
Practical implications and future research directions
An oral defence is held upon completion of the dissertation, assessed by a committee to determine final approval.
Graduation Requirements
To be eligible for the award of the EdD, students must:
Complete 60 credit hours
Pass all required coursework, research, and dissertation components
Successfully publish or present research (e.g., WIJAR, SyBER)
Complete the programme within a maximum of 4.5 years
Credit Breakdown:
Core: 18 credits (15 lecture, 3 practicum)
Research: 14 credits (12 lecture, 2 practicum)
Concentration: 12 credits (10 lecture, 2 practicum)
Dissertation: 16 credits (14 lecture, 2 practicum)
Transfer Credit: Limited transfer credits from EDU 803-level or equivalent doctoral courses may be accepted, subject to Westcliff University’s Transfer Credit Policy.
Award and Recognition
Upon fulfilling all academic and administrative requirements, graduates will be conferred the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership, Curriculum, and Instruction by Westcliff University, California, signifying doctoral-level competence in educational leadership, curriculum innovation, and research-informed instructional practice.