Introducing the First Doctoral Program Between Italy and the United States of its Kind
With an extensive global network encompassing over 60 academic partners across 20+ countries, Unicollege continues to expand its international collaborations, fostering opportunities across the entire spectrum of higher education. From undergraduate and graduate studies to the Unicollege Graduate School, students benefit from academic and professional mobility initiatives spanning four continents, including Erasmus+, Exchange, and Double Degree programs.
In a pioneering development within the SSML and Italian higher education network, Unicollege has now established a Doctoral Program in partnership with Westcliff University, reinforcing its commitment to academic excellence and global engagement.
Westcliff University holds accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), an esteemed accrediting body that also accredits globally renowned institutions such as University of California Berkeley, University of California San Diego, and Stanford University. This strategic partnership further solidifies Unicollege’s position as a leading international academic institution, distinguished by its dynamic, interconnected, and forward-thinking approach to higher education.
This academic and inter-institutional agreement between Unicollege and Westcliff University aims to offer a high-impact doctoral experience, uniquely designed to integrate the best aspects of both educational systems.
Key Benefits: – A globally accredited doctoral program aligned with international academic standards. – Enhanced professional, academic, and research opportunities at an international level. – An accessible, career-oriented program that combines academic rigor with practical application.
This innovative collaboration represents a milestone in international academic cooperation, providing students with unparalleled educational, biographical, and professional growth opportunities.
Join the first-ever doctoral program of its kind between Italy and the United States, and take your academic journey to the next level with Unicollege and Westcliff University.
- A Highly Competitive Duration: The program offers a personalized study plan that takes into account the candidate’s academic and professional background, including the potential recognition of credits from prior degrees or professional experiences. This unique feature of the program’s admission process allows candidates to complete the doctorate within a minimum of approximately one and a half years and a maximum of five years.
- The actual duration of the program, which typically extends over three years, is determined during the admission process based on an individual assessment of the candidate’s professional and academic background.
- The program consists of 48 total credits, with a maximum of 50% (24 credits) eligible for recognition from previous academic and/or professional achievements.
- A Flexible, Self-Paced Approach: Candidates have the opportunity to accelerate, pause, or resume their studies.
- After completing the first semester, students who maintain a minimum GPA of 3.3 can request an accelerated study track, allowing them to take additional courses and complete the EdD in a shorter timeframe, aligning with their professional and personal schedule.
- If necessary, students can return to the standard track, temporarily suspend their studies (via a Leave of Absence – LOA), or permanently withdraw while retaining their earned credits for future evaluation.
- This self-paced model gives candidates full control over their academic journey, ensuring flexibility and autonomy.
- A Well-Structured Academic Load: Designed for working professionals, the program balances academic rigor with the demands of professional life.
- Fully online, the program follows Italian time zones while maintaining live interactions with Westcliff University faculty.
- The standard academic year includes six courses, each lasting approximately two months, to prevent excessive exam overload.
- Each course requires only one weekly online session of 1–1.5 hours (usually, 17:00–20:00, post-work hours), complemented by independent reading, writing, and research activities.
- Progressive, continuous assessment: Instead of relying solely on final exams, students receive ongoing evaluations, including papers, presentations, and group projects, which help students recover any academic deficiencies in real time.
A Simplified Admission Process:
The doctoral program offers six admission windows per year (one every two months). Candidates must apply 35-55 days before the start of their desired intake.
Steps to Apply:
- Submit an email to phd@unicollege.euincluding: full name, profession, most recent academic attainments, awarding institution, and grade.
- Within 10 business days, Unicollege will schedule an orientation session(likely virtual).
- If approved, candidates will receive further instructions and must complete enrollment within 5 business days.
Required Documents:
- Official transcripts of all post-graduate academic records(only holders of a master’s degree or higher may apply).
- Certified copies of all university diplomas obtained.
- English language proficiency certificate(recognized certifications or, if unavailable, an internal Unicollege evaluation).
Document Translation
Requirements: All official documents in Italian must be translated into English via a certified translation. If candidates do not have certified translations, Unicollege can provide them within 10 business days.
- According to College Board – Trends in Graduate Education 2023, the average tuition for a three-year doctoral program in the United States is: $117,000 at a public university
- $207,000 at a private university
For more information or to begin the application process, email: phd@unicollege.eu
Giosuè Prezioso
Advanced Education Leadership – Harvard University / PhD C – University of Reading / MSc – University of Glasgow
Dean of Academic Affairs and Postgraduate & Doctoral Studies Dean of Innovation & International Development
“Imagine earning a prestigious U.S. doctorate from home in just 1 to 5 years, with scholarships covering up to 75%—this is our EdD. An accessible opportunity you deserve.”
Julie Ciancio
PhD, MBA
Director of the Program for Westcliff University Vice President and Dean of Global Engagement
“Apply to the Westcliff University Doctorate in Education program, offered online and at a time that is convenient for students who live in Europe, which can be completed in under two years. Join a dedicated group of educators who are taking the next step to learn more. Scholarships are available for those who apply now”