Candidates must submit a consolidated Portfolio of Evidence along with the completed VAE Questionnaire provided by Global Western University.

Portfolio Must Include:

• Executive summaries of career milestones

• Samples of professional work (reports, strategies, patents, case studies, etc.)

• Professional certifications, awards, and licenses

• Impact documentation (growth metrics, social outcomes, policy influence)

• Public recognition (media features, talks, published articles)

• Testimonials and letters of recommendation

• Community engagement, mentorship, or volunteer leadership

Global Western University offers Professional Doctorate pathways across a wide range of professional and applied disciplines, including:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

• Doctor of Education (EdD)

• Doctor of Healthcare Leadership (DHL)

• Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

• Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

• Doctor of Information Technology (DIT)

• Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)

• Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ)

• Doctor of Engineering Management (DEM)

• Doctor of Human Resource Development (DHRD)

• Doctor of Organizational Psychology (DOP)

• Doctor of Public Health Leadership (DrPH-L)

• Doctor of Global Security & Intelligence (DGSI)

Applicants must meet one of the following academic or professional criteria:

Academic Route

• A recognized Master’s degree in any discipline, or

• A recognized Postgraduate Diploma (Level 7 equivalent) with substantial professional experience.

Professional / Executive Route

• A minimum of 7–10 years of progressive professional experience in a relevant field, including leadership, management, specialist, or practitioner-level responsibilities.

• Demonstrated contributions to the field through projects, research, innovation, policy work, or organizational impact.

VAE (Validation of Prior Experience) Route

• Submission of a comprehensive Portfolio of Evidence demonstrating advanced professional competencies equivalent to doctoral-level expectations.

• Completion of the VAE Questionnaire issued by Global Western University.

English Language Proficiency

• Waived for applicants whose previous academic studies were conducted in English.

• Others may submit IELTS/TOEFL results or complete the Global Western University in-house English test.

Technical Requirements

• Basic digital literacy.

• Reliable internet connection and access to a personal laptop or tablet.

The Professional Doctorate is a powerful credential designed for experienced professionals who want to translate their expertise into recognized academic and industry impact. It matters because it:

1. Validates Real-World Experience

The PD formally recognizes advanced professional achievements, leadership contributions, and industry expertise—allowing practitioners to earn a doctoral-level qualification without repeating knowledge they already possess.

2. Enhances Career Credibility & Authority

A PD elevates your professional standing, strengthening your credibility in senior leadership roles, consultancy, policy development, and specialized sectors where doctoral-level expertise is valued.

3. Bridges Practice With Advanced Scholarship

Unlike traditional PhDs, the PD focuses on applied knowledge, enabling candidates to solve real-world problems, influence organizational strategy, and drive innovation within their field.

4. Supports Career Advancement & Global Mobility

The PD opens doors to higher-level positions, international opportunities, and roles traditionally requiring terminal qualifications, including academia, executive leadership, and expert consultancy.

5. Encourages Lifelong Learning & Professional Growth

Through the VAE pathway and doctoral-level reflection, candidates strengthen their analytical, strategic, and research-informed decision-making skills.