Doctor of Philosophy
Flexible doctorate for working professionals
Total costs
$ 25.000
ECTS/US credits
180/90
Study duration
3-7 years
Degree
PHD
Start date
Anytime
Doctor of Business Administration
Flexible DBA program designed for your career success
THE HIGHEST ACADEMIC DEGREE
More than a title.
A licence to lead academic discourse.
The Doctor of Philosophy is the highest postgraduate degree a university can award. It carries with it the right to teach independently and autonomously at university level – and the recognition of having contributed something new to the world's body of knowledge.
At GHU, you complete your PhD in your own native language, enrolled at the Global Humanistic University, guided by experienced advisors and professors from around the world. The degree you receive is yours – internationally recognized, academically rigorous, and built around your research.
Your kitchen table in Malmö.
All learning materials are available 24/7 on the GHU Online Campus.
The departure lounge in Singapore.
Ambition doesn't keep office hours. Neither do we.
Study from wherever life takes you.
Your home office in New York.
Your campus is wherever you are.
No relocation, no commute, no compromise.
Your boardroom in Zurich.
In addition to your materials, you benefit from a comprehensive network of fellow students and your personal 1:1 advisor – an expert chosen specifically for your research field.
Highly Accredited
GHU programs are all accredited according to the highest standards
100% online
Study wherever and whenever you like with our part-time programs.
Flexible Programs
Study on your own schedule with e-learning and online exams.
Free information material
Our information material provides you with the most important information for your distance-learning course - free of charge and without obligation:
- Details about the distance-learning program
- Study program & modules
- Procedure of the online exams
Free information material
Our information material provides you with the most important information for your distance-learning course - free of charge and without obligation:
- Details about the distance-learning program
- Study program & modules
- Procedure of the online exams
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Two phases. One clear path to your PhD.
The PhD is structured in two phases. First, you build your research foundation. Then, you execute and defend. Every step is guided by your personal advisor – chosen specifically for your field of research.
Phase 1 – Research Foundation
| Module | ECTS |
|---|---|
| Research proposal | 5 |
| Academic writing / Method skills | 15 |
| Review of professional capability (reflection) | 10 |
| Planning an advanced practitioner research program (exposé) | 30 |
| Phase 1 Total | 60 |
Phase 2 – Research Execution
| Module | ECTS |
|---|---|
| Project report (thesis / dissertation) | 85 |
| Research paper | 30 |
| Oral presentation and viva voce (defensio) | 5 |
| Phase 2 Total | 120 |
Total: 180 ECTS / 90 US credits · Modules in Phase 1 can be completed in any order
YOUR INVESTMENT
The world's highest academic degree.
At a fraction of the traditional cost.
$25,000
Transparent. Fixed. No hidden fees.
$100,000+
Plus relocation, lost income, and years of your life.
The world needs your research. Start today.
Apply easily from the comfort of your home with our user-friendly online application. Our team will get in touch with you shortly!
*A processing fee of $50 is required upon application submission.
Frequently asked questions
about your Doctor of Business Administration distance-learning program
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at Global Humanistic University has a study period of three to a maximum of seven years. The program is divided into two phases and concludes with 180 ECTS (equivalent to 90 US credits), giving you the flexibility to complete your doctorate at a pace that fits your professional and personal life.
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest postgraduate degree a university can award. It carries with it the right to teach independently and autonomously at university level – and the recognition of having contributed something genuinely new to the global body of knowledge.
The GHU PhD is designed for ambitious professionals and academics who want to go beyond applying knowledge – and start creating it. If you want to develop new frameworks, lead academic discourse, and become a globally recognized thought leader in your field, the PhD is your path.
Applications are submitted 100% online. You will need to upload the following documents in digital form:
- Extended curriculum vitae
- Copy of passport
- Copies of all academic degrees and transcripts (Bachelor, Master, or equivalent), including institution, date, subject, and credit points
- Passport photograph (JPG or PDF format)
Once submitted, GHU's Academic Registry Office reviews your documents and notifies you of the admission decision within four weeks.
Once your application is reviewed and approved, the following steps take place:
- You receive notification of admission from the GHU office
- The finance department issues the first payment invoice of USD 9,000
- You receive official access to the GHU Online Campus
- GHU matches you with a suitable advisor based on your intended research area
- You and your advisor hold a virtual interview to confirm the advisory relationship
- The advisory agreement is signed and your enrollment is finalized
Admission is granted based on three factors in the following order: date of binding registration, fulfillment of admission criteria, and appointment of a suitable advisor. Since only a limited number of doctoral students can be enrolled per intake, early application is recommended.
The PhD program at GHU covers a broad range of academic and professional disciplines. Possible research topics include:
Finance · Logistics · Tourism · Real Estate Management · Banking and Insurance · Public Administration and Management · Energy · Sports · Management Consulting · Environment · Communication · Corporate Social Responsibility · Business and Taxes · Sustainable Management · Marketing · Health · Company Restructuring · Leadership · Law
If your area of expertise is not listed, speak to an advisor – we will find the right match for your research ambitions.
Yes. The PhD degree awarded by Global Humanistic University is internationally recognized. Upon graduation, you are entitled to use the academic title "PhD" or "Dr." All programs are based on the guidelines of UNESCO and the OECD Quality Commission for Cross-border Higher Education.
The GHU PhD program is accredited by:
- AAC – Accreditation Agency of Curacao
- ACBSP – Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (USA)
ACBSP accreditation is a globally recognized standard trusted by employers and academic institutions worldwide.
Still have questions? We're here for you.
Our student advisory team is happy to help. Book a free, no-obligation consultation now!
Read what our students have to say
"Global Humanistic University believed in me by offering a great opportunity to deepen my knowledge and widen my perspective in professional terms. I think continuous improvement is not for everyone, but if you are willing to pursue an online degree in an international institution, I would definitely recommend the Global Humanistic University."
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"From my perspective, investing in a personal growth, is one of the best business decisions one can ever make. I am very appreciative of the 1:1 contact with my supervisor, who always makes an effort to be just an email away and is not only an expert in many fields of study, but is genially invested in any of my life or career related endeavours."![]()
"The quality of 1:1 supervision is exceptional; working with an excellent faculty has provided me with strategic academic guidance that is directly applicable to my professional field. As a professional navigating a demanding career, the flexibility offered by GHU has been the key to my success."
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More to know about your studies at GHU
Part-time study
Find out more about studying part time – juggling your studies, career and private life.
Accreditations
Learn more about the various accreditations of the Global Humanistic University.
FAQs
Still something unclear? No problem, please have a look at our questions and answers.
Personal guidance
Carina Kaiser
Student advisory service



