The University of Phoenix has taken another strong step towards providing online programming to match the need of working adults. The university recently received approval from the Higher Learning Commission to begin offering doctor of philosophy degrees in two distinct fields.

The University of Phoenix School of Advanced Studies earned approval for both a Ph.D. program in industrial/organizational psychology and in higher education administration. The emphasis of the industrial/organizational strand is on psychological principles as the can be applied to a work context while the higher education strand administration strand is related to leadership in postsecondary education fields.

The approval is critical for the expansion of Phoenix programming. Said University President, William Pepicello, "With the addition of two new Ph.D. programs, we have significantly expanded our ability to serve a new constituency of students and provide them with an array of educational and professional opportunities."

The University of Phoenix is part of Apollo Group Inc.