Doctoral Degree

A doctoral degree allows an individual to teach at the university level and work in specific professions, and is the highest postgraduate degree offered at the graduate level.  UNC Charlotte offers both research and professional doctoral degrees, including the Ph.D., the D.N.P, the Ed.D., and the D.B.A.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree or its U.S. equivalent, from a college or university accredited by an accepted accrediting body.  See the Graduate Catalog Glossary for a list of accrediting bodies.  Some programs admit baccalaureate (bachelor’s degreed) students directly to the doctoral program, while others require applicants to have earned a master’s degree.
  • GPA 3.0 in the bachelor’s degree program.  3.5 in the master’s degree program.  (Both on a 4.0 scale.)
  • Prerequisites, where applicable, as indicated by specific doctoral program criteria.  Prospective doctoral students should consult with the Graduate Program Director to identify any prerequisites prior to application.
  • A Statement of Purpose (essay) submitted online as part of the application submission process. The Statement should describe your experience, objectives for undertaking graduate study and research interests, if known. (Note: Some graduate programs request specific items to be included in the Statement. Review the program web page for details.)
  • Most programs require at least three Recommendation Forms from persons familiar with your academic and/or professional qualifications. These recommendations are submitted directly from your recommender via the online application system.
  • Unofficial transcripts of all academic work attempted beyond high (secondary) school can be used for admission review. An official (officially certified) final transcript must be submitted if an applicant is offered admission.  International transcripts provided in a language other than English should be uploaded, but a translated version should be uploaded as well.
  • Some programs may require a standardized admission test (i.e. GRE, MAT, GMAT) for which you will need to take and request your official scores be sent to us.  Check the website of the program to determine which test is required for admissions consideration.
  • For non-native English language holders:  official and satisfactory English language proficiency scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are required.  A minimum score of 83 on the Internet-based TOEFL or a minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS is required.
  • A nonrefundable, non transferable application fee of $75 USD (U.S. citizen and permanent resident applicants) or $85 USD (international applicants) for each application submitted.

Additional Information

  • Acceptance to a doctoral program must be recommended by the department or college offering the program.  The Graduate School makes the final, official offer of admission. Meeting minimum requirements for admission does not guarantee acceptance to a program.
  • Applicants with records of high quality who do not fulfill these admissions requirements should discuss with the Graduate Program Director other factors that may have a bearing on admission. Some programs have higher standards or additional admission requirements.