Study with us

Studeer bij ons

BU has 6 distinct faculties and more than 36 specialized schools and academic units across our campuses in Curaçao, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Paris, and other global locations

Download Course Guides
Study Options
Faculties & Schools
All Study Areas
View all Courses
Delivery Modes
Transition Pathways
Degree Builder Tool
Accelerated Programs
Alternative Pathways
Work-Integrated Programs
Recognition of Prior Learning
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
Fees and Funding
Seat Availability
International Students
Academic Calendars

Life at BU

Leven bij BU

At BU, life goes beyond the classroom, it’s vibrant, diverse, and filled with opportunities to explore your passions across cultures and campuses.

View all Faculties
Why Bloomington?
Student Support
Aliumni Network
OurResearch

Collaborate

Mahi Tahi

Partner through global alliances, academic networks, or local initiatives to shape education, research, and community impact.

Collaborate with us
Institutional partners
Education Advisors
Advisor portal login

About BU

Over ons

BU is where global education meets real-world opportunity. With campuses in Curaçao, Paris, and worldwide, we prepare learners to lead in a fast-changing world.

Contant Us
Our University
Our Faculties & Schools Contact Us
Doctoral Excellence

Professional Doctorates

Advance your career with practice-focused doctoral research

Our Professional Doctorate programs are designed for senior professionals who want to make a significant impact in their field through applied research and advanced practice.

Explore Programs PhD vs Professional Doctorate

Applied Research

Solve real-world problems through rigorous, practice-based research

Global Network

Connect with professionals and experts worldwide

Flexible Study

Balance your doctorate with professional commitments

Expert Supervision

Guidance from industry leaders and academic experts

6+
Doctoral Programs
92%
Completion Rate
25+
Countries
120+
Expert Supervisors
Expert Guidance

What is a Professional Doctorate?

A Doctoral Pathway Built Around Practice, Not Pure Research

Professional doctoral programs (e.g., EdD, DBA, DClinPsych, DrPH, DProf) are designed for mid-career and senior professionals. Unlike traditional research doctorates, a professional doctorate integrates coursework, applied research, and professional practice to develop leaders who can drive change in their organizations and industries.

Coursework + Applied Research
Structured modules combined with practice-based research projects
Project or Portfolio-Based Thesis
Demonstrate impact through applied projects, not just traditional dissertation
Part-Time, Flexible, Cohort-Based
Study while working, with peer support and structured progression
Direct Workplace Integration
Research grounded in your organization's real challenges and opportunities
Designed for Experienced Professionals
5+ years of professional experience recommended for maximum impact
What is a Professional Doctorate
EQF 8 Highest Academic Level
Our Programs

Professional Doctorate Programs

Choose from our range of practice-focused doctoral programs designed for senior professionals across various disciplines.

DBA

Doctor of Business Administration

For senior executives and business leaders seeking to advance strategic thinking and organizational impact through applied research.

3-5 Years
Online / Blended
EdD

Doctor of Education

For education leaders and practitioners committed to transforming educational practice through evidence-based research.

3-5 Years
Online / Blended
DProf

Doctor of Professional Studies

A flexible doctorate for professionals across disciplines who want to research and develop their professional practice.

3-6 Years
Flexible
DHealth

Doctor of Health Sciences

For healthcare professionals seeking to lead innovation in clinical practice, health policy, and healthcare management.

3-5 Years
Online / WILP
DPsych

Doctor of Psychology

For psychology practitioners advancing clinical expertise, organizational psychology, or counseling leadership.

4-6 Years
Blended
DEngr

Doctor of Engineering

For engineering leaders driving innovation in technology, infrastructure, and sustainable development solutions.

3-5 Years
Online / WILP
DMin

Doctor of Ministry

For religious and spiritual leaders advancing pastoral practice, congregational leadership, and theological reflection.

3-4 Years
Blended
DSW

Doctor of Social Work

For social work professionals leading change in policy, community development, and advanced clinical practice.

3-5 Years
Online / Blended
View All 20+ Professional Doctorate Programs

Explore programs in Business, Education, Healthcare, Engineering, Psychology, and more

Understanding the Difference

PhD vs Professional Doctorate

Choose the doctoral path that aligns with your career goals. Both are equivalent Level 8 qualifications on the European Qualifications Framework.

Both are EQF Level 8 Doctoral Qualifications
Traditional Research Path

PhD / Research Doctorate

Theory-Focused Research

  • Primary Purpose
    Generate new theoretical knowledge
  • Thesis
    Original research (80,000–100,000 words)
  • Audience
    Aspiring academics, researchers, scholars
  • Delivery
    Supervision-driven
  • Outcome
    Academic career pathways, university lecturing, research roles
Practice-Focused Pathway

Professional Doctorate

Applied Research & Leadership

  • Primary Purpose
    Solve real-world problems through applied research
  • Thesis
    Portfolio or project-based (40,000–60,000 words)
  • Audience
    Senior professionals, leaders, policymakers
  • Delivery
    Coursework + cohort-based learning
  • Outcome
    C-suite roles, senior leadership, expert practitioner positions
Flexible Learning

Study on Your Terms

Choose the learning format that best fits your professional and personal commitments.

100% Online

Complete your doctorate entirely online with asynchronous coursework and virtual residencies.

  • Study from anywhere globally
  • Asynchronous learning modules
  • Virtual networking events

Blended Learning

Combine online study with periodic on-campus residencies for immersive learning experiences.

  • 2-3 residencies per year
  • Face-to-face cohort sessions
  • Campus facilities access

Weekend Executive

Designed for busy executives with weekend classes that don't interfere with your work week.

  • Saturday & Sunday sessions
  • Monthly intensive weekends
  • Executive peer network

Work-Integrated (WILP)

Research directly within your workplace, applying doctoral learning to real organizational challenges.

  • Employer-sponsored options
  • Workplace-based research
  • Industry mentor support

Part-Time Flexible

Balance work and study with flexible scheduling designed for working professionals.

  • Evening & weekend classes
  • 4-6 year completion timeline
  • Cohort-based learning

Block Teaching

Intensive week-long blocks scheduled quarterly for immersive learning experiences.

  • 4-5 day intensive blocks
  • Quarterly schedule (4x per year)
  • Deep-dive learning modules

Center of Excellence

Join specialized research centers with dedicated resources, expert faculty, and industry connections.

  • Specialized research facilities
  • Expert faculty mentorship
  • Industry partnership access

Customized Pathway

Work with advisors to create a personalized schedule that fits your unique circumstances.

  • Tailored to your needs
  • Mix of delivery modes
  • International options available
Support & Supervision

Expert Guidance Every Step of the Way

Our professional doctorate programs provide comprehensive support through expert supervision, cohort-based learning, and dedicated student services. You'll never feel alone on your doctoral journey.

Dual Supervision Model

Academic supervisor paired with an industry expert for balanced guidance

Global Cohort Network

Learn alongside peers from diverse industries and countries

Research Skills Workshops

Regular workshops on methodology, writing, and professional development

Professional Doctorate Support
95% Student Satisfaction
120+
Expert Supervisors
92%
Completion Rate
50+
Research Workshops/Year
24/7
Online Resources Access

Ready to Begin Your Doctoral Journey?

Take the next step in your professional development. Connect with our admissions team to explore your options.

Speak to an Advisor Explore PhD Programs

Connect with us to Explore programs and personalized guidance.

Our admissions team is here to help you find the right program and start your journey with confidence.