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Earn a doctorate degree in Manufacturing, meet the industry demand for technological expertise

Manufacturing has entered an era of dramatic transformation. Companies with a long track record of profitability can find themselves challenged to retain their momentum in a competitive global economy. New entrants to the field can rise to the top quickly — and plummet just as suddenly. In this new, quickly-evolving environment, success or failure depends largely on the ability to harness advanced technology. Implementing technological solutions enables businesses of any size to increase the speed and reliability of production, and to better customize products for a wide array of needs.

Capitol Technology University's online PhD program in manufacturing will prepared you, the manufacturing professional, to meet the challenges and maximize the opportunities presented by these revolutionary changes. Your expertise will be in high demand among companies seeking to introduce new technologies while mitigating the risk that can accompany such transformations. You'll be able to deliver solutions that can lower costs, streamline processes, and ensure the highest quality as your organization competes in the global marketplace. Through this uniquely designed doctoral program, you can undertake research that is specific to your professional needs and complete your degree while maintaining your career. 

While completing the program, students will already be helping to advance the manufacturing industry through the creation of new knowledge and ideas. Through this research-based, online doctorate, students engage quickly in research and publishing without the limitations inherent in traditional coursework models. Graduates will be prepared for a variety of leadership roles in manufacturing, or for teaching roles in higher education. 

As a doctoral student in manufacturing at Capitol Tech, you'll enter the program with a research idea and at least a committee chair. After enrollment, you'll work with your chair and research committee to further develop your research proposal. You'll then work independently to produce a meaningful body of original research of publishable quality. In the process, you'll also gain valuable insight into the legal, political, ethical, and social dimensions of your field of study.

This is a research based doctorate PhD degree where you will be assigned an academic supervisor almost immediately to guide you through your program and is based on mostly independent study through the entire program. It typically takes a minimum of two years but typically three years to complete if a student works closely with their assigned academic advisor. Under the guidance of your academic supervisor, you will conduct unique research in your chosen field before submitting a Thesis.

As your PhD progresses, you move through a series of progression points and review stages by your academic supervisor. This ensures that you are engaged in a process of research that will lead to the production of a high-quality Thesis and/or publications and that you are on track to complete this in the time available. Following submission of your PhD Thesis or accepted three academic journal articles, you have an oral presentation assessed by an external expert in your field.

Why Capitol

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Learn around your busy schedule

Program is 100% online, with no on-campus classes or residencies required, allowing you the flexibility needed to balance your studies and career. 

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Proven academic excellence

Study at a university that specializes in industry-focused education in technology fields, with a faculty that includes many industrial and academic experts. 

The skills you need to succeed

Expert guidance in doctoral research

Capitol's doctoral programs are supervised by faculty with extensive experience in chairing doctoral dissertations and mentoring students as they launch their academic careers. You'll receive the guidance you need to successfully complete your doctoral research project and build credentials in the field. 

Degree Details


This program may be completed with a minimum of 60 credit hours, but may require additional credit hours, depending on the time required to complete the dissertation/publication research. Students who are not prepared to defend after completion of the 60 credits will be required to enroll in RSC-899, a one-credit, eight-week continuation course. Students are required to be continuously enrolled/registered in the RSC-899 course until they successfully complete their dissertation defense/exegesis.

The student will produce, present, and defend a doctoral dissertation after receiving the required approvals from the student’s Committee and the PhD Review Boards.

Prior Achieved Credits May Be Accepted


Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates are subject to change.

The following rates are in effect for the 2024-2025 academic year, beginning in Fall 2024 and continuing through Summer 2025:

  • The application fee is $100
  • The per-credit charge for doctorate courses is $950. This is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
  • Retired military receive a $50 per credit hour tuition discount
  • Active duty military receive a $100 per credit hour tuition discount for doctorate level coursework.
  • Information technology fee $40 per credit hour.
  • High School and Community College full-time faculty and full-time staff receive a 20% discount on tuition for doctoral programs.

Find additional information for 2024-2025 doctorate tuition and fees.

Next Steps

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