Master’s to Doctorate Pathway
Earn Your Doctorate Faster. Lead Sooner.
You’ve already invested in earning your master’s degree. Now it’s time to take the next step.
Thomas Edison State University’s Master’s to Doctorate Pathway provides qualified graduate students with an accelerated pathway into one of our doctoral programs, allowing them to begin doctoral coursework while completing their master’s degree. Designed specifically for working professionals, this innovative program helps you reduce both the time and cost required to earn your doctorate while continuing to advance your career.
Whether your goal is executive leadership, organizational transformation, higher education administration, healthcare leadership, or business innovation, TESU’s flexible online doctoral programs help prepare you for your next level of professional success.
Why Choose the Master’s to Doctorate Pathway?
- Begin doctoral study before completing your master’s degree.
- Accelerate your time to earning a doctoral degree.
- Save both time and tuition.
- Continue learning without interrupting your educational momentum.
- Study 100% online with flexible scheduling designed for working professionals.
- Learn alongside experienced professionals and executive leaders from across the country.
- Receive guidance from mentors who understand the needs of adult learners.
How It Works
Students may enter the Master's-to-Doctorate pathway through two entry points:
- Simultaneously with their master's degree application.
- Eligible master’s students may apply for conditional admission into a participating TESU doctoral program while completing their master’s degree.
Once admitted, students will complete designated doctoral-level courses that satisfy requirements for both their master’s and doctoral degrees, allowing them to enter the doctoral program with advanced standing after completing their master’s degree. Acceptance into the Master's-to-Doctorate Pathway does not constitute admission to the corresponding doctoral degree program.
Your academic advisor will help determine the pathway that best aligns with your academic and professional goals.
1. Simultaneous Master's to Doctorate Application
Students may apply to be considered for the Master's-to-Doctorate Pathway at the time they apply for admission to an eligible master's degree program (see track below). Acceptance into the Master's-to-Doctorate Pathway does not constitute admission to the corresponding doctoral degree program.
2. Eligible Master’s Degree Pathways
Students enrolled in the following TESU master’s degree programs may be eligible to participate in the Master’s to Doctorate Pathway.
Students may be considered for conditional admission into the Master’s to Doctorate Pathway if they:
- Are actively enrolled in an eligible TESU master’s degree program.
- Have completed a minimum number of 15 graduate credits toward their master’s degree.
- Maintain a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Meet all admission requirements for their selected doctoral program.
Students accepted into the program will work closely with an academic advisor to develop an individualized plan of study.
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M.A. in Liberal Studies – Learner Designed Area of Study
Ideal preparation for professionals pursuing interdisciplinary leadership, organizational change, public service, education, or executive leadership careers.
Pathway to:
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Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Designed for current and aspiring executives seeking to expand their leadership expertise through advanced doctoral study.
Pathways to:
- M.S. in Management – General Management
- M.S. in Management – Healthcare Management
- M.S. in Management – Human Resources Management
- M.S. in Management – Project Management
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much time can I save?
Eligible students can accelerate completion of their doctoral degree by completing approved doctoral coursework while finishing their master’s program.
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Can I apply if I am not yet a TESU master’s student?
Yes, you can apply to the Master’s to Doctorate Pathway if you have an earned undergraduate degree from an accredited institution and interested in enrolling in one of the participating TESU master’s degree programs.
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Which doctoral programs participate?
Current pathways include:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Leadership, Culture and Change
Additional pathways may be added in the future.
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Is this program completely online?
Yes. Both participating master’s and doctoral programs are designed to provide the flexibility working professionals need.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Your master’s degree doesn’t have to be the finish line.
Discover how the TESU Master’s to Doctorate Pathway can help you reach your professional goals sooner.
Schedule an appointment with a Graduate Admissions Counselor to learn whether this accelerated pathway is right for you.
Related Programs
Doctor of Business Administration
Gain business expertise with a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at TESU. Become an executive leader, educator or consultant with our 100% online DBA.
Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, Culture and Change
Advance your expertise in educational leadership with our flexible, online Doctor of Education program. Start your journey to a doctorate and make an impact in education. Enroll now!