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The Best Free PhD Programs. Fully funded PhD programs

Navigating the complexities of PhD programs, one term often dominates the discourse – “fully funded”.

It represents a golden opportunity wherein all tuition fees and living expenses are covered by the educational institution, allowing students to focus on their research and studies free from financial constraints.

In this blog post, we explore what fully funded really means, share the author’s personal journey of pursuing a PhD in Australia, delve into the policies of various countries offering free or nearly free PhD programs, and provide key tips for securing a fully funded PhD opportunity.

Whether you’re considering a domestic program or an international adventure, the insights and tips offered here could pave the way to an invaluable, financially stress-free academic journey.

What Does Fully Funded Mean?

In 2023, the concept of a “fully funded” PhD program signifies that the entirety of expenses related to the doctoral program is covered. This includes tuition fees, which are either waived or entirely paid for by the educational institution.

Beyond tuition, the program also encompasses a living stipend or allowance given to doctoral students. 

Fully funded PhD programs essentially function as a comprehensive scholarship, covering everything from tuition fees to books and other necessary supplies.

While the stipend amount can vary based on the institution, it is generally sufficient to cater to the basic living expenses of the students, covering rent, food, and transportation costs.

The main aim of providing this stipend to doctoral students is to facilitate a learning environment where they can focus entirely on their studies, research, and dissertation, without the distraction of financial pressures. 

Universities, including public ones, offer these fully funded doctoral programs with the intention to draw in the best students.

These students, in turn, are expected to contribute significantly to the advancement of research in their respective fields and derive a high-quality education from their doctorates.

It is important to note that eligibility for these scholarships or stipends requires proof of commitment to the doctoral degree. In my experience, this meant securing a top-class master’s degree. This reassured the university of my dedication to pursuing a PhD and furthering my education.

In recent years, there has been a rise in such fully funded programs online , offering a wider reach for prospective PhDs.

As we move further into 2023, students may increasingly opt for these online PhD programmes, making the pursuit of doctoral degrees more accessible than ever.

Countries with a free PhD / fully funded PhD

Sometimes doing a free PhD means going abroad and doing your PhD in another country.

Personally, I travelled to Australia to do my PhD for the adventure and lifestyle. I was able to get a fully funded placement and international student fee waiver for three years to finish my degree.

Here’s a summary of some of the best countries you could do you PhD in if you want to do it for free.

In the Czech Republic , public universities host a multitude of English-language PhD programs and these programs are free for all PhD students, irrespective of their nationality. However, additional costs may be incurred by international students which might include language courses, health insurance, or student services fees, depending on the university policies.

Sweden maintains a unique policy that not only eradicates PhD fees at public universities but also provides study grants to some PhD students, which serves as a financial aid for their living expenses during the tenure of their studies.

In Germany , public universities offer feeless PhD programs to all students. However, a nominal administration fee, approximately €300 per semester, is required. This fee usually covers student services and perks like public transportation and access to university facilities.

Austria ‘s policy benefits PhD students from within the EU and EEA who complete their doctorates within a stipulated time frame, offering free education at public research universities. International students, on the other hand, have to pay fees, which, nonetheless, are capped by the Austrian government to maintain affordability.

Norway , like its Nordic counterparts, offers free PhD education at public universities to all students, regardless of their origin. But a small semester fee, usually covering student services, is obligatory.

Denmark also practices a policy of free PhD education for EU, EEA, and Swiss students at public universities, but international students are required to pay fees, which are generally on the higher side compared to other European countries.

Finland doesn’t discriminate in terms of nationality and offers free PhD studies at public universities. However, international students are charged for their Masters programs.

Saudi Arabia stands out with its unique policy where all PhD students are awarded scholarships that automatically cover their education fees, as well as help them with living expenses.

In the Netherlands , PhD study isn’t universally free, but many institutions extend the offer of free PhD study to international postgraduates. Some universities consider the PhD students as university employees, offering them a waiver on fees and potentially a salary or benefits.

Switzerland , although not offering free PhD studies, keeps its fees low at around CHF 1500 per year at public universities. State-funded PhD positions are also available to EU, EEA, and Swiss students that come with no fees and a maintenance grant.

Top tips for finding a PhD for free.

Here are the top tips I would give you when Choosing a free PhD.

  • Apply to STEM programs: Many PhD (and Master’s) programs, especially in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) fields, are fully funded in the US. Most state schools and Ivy League schools have fully funded programs for these fields.
  • Prepare for stiff competition: Because these programs are fully funded, the competition is high. It’s not uncommon for hundreds or even thousands of students to apply to these programs each year, with only a small fraction being accepted.
  • Consider assistantships: Fully-funded programs usually provide a stipend in the form of Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) or Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) positions. These roles involve either teaching or conducting research under a professor’s supervision.
  • Be ready for some costs: Despite tuition being covered, you may still need to cover some school fees, student insurance, and other miscellaneous expenditures.
  • Don’t consider unfunded programs: Many graduate programs do not fund students, but experts advise against attending these schools. The availability of funding indicates the health of the department in terms of research money and growth.
  • Work on your application: The application process generally starts around September to December. Standardized tests such as GRE and TOEFL/IELTS are required, along with transcripts, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose.
  • Avoid programs that require you to pay: It’s a common sentiment among experts that if you’re paying to be a PhD student, there might be something wrong with the program.
  • Apply for fellowships: There are graduate fellowships available for international students that cover tuition and offer a monthly stipend.

Fully funded online PhD programs in the US

Here are some examples of PhD programs in the states that are free and fully funded:

  • Applicants to the Ph.D. in English program at UCLA are automatically considered for various funding options. A six-year funding package includes “a minimum of two years of full fellowship, four years of summer stipend support, and up to four years of teaching assistantships.” Beyond tuition, fees and health insurance are also covered.

Connecticut

  • At Yale University, the School of Nursing offers full funding to its Ph.D. students. They receive a monthly stipend for four years in addition to paid tuition and health care.

District of Columbia

  • Georgetown University offers scholarships and assistantships that cover full tuition and include a stipend and health insurance for the first five years to students in its PhD program in computer science.
  • Students enrolled in the economics Ph.D. program at Emory University typically receive full funding. The stipend provided to students is $36,376 per year for five years, starting in fall 2023, and the full tuition scholarship is worth $70,200 per year. Funding for admitted students also includes a $4,370 annual subsidy that covers 100% of a student’s cost of health insurance. First-year students have no stipend-related work requirements.
  • The University of Chicago provides funding for up to eight years of study for its anthropology PhD students. This includes a full-tuition scholarship, health insurance, and a living stipend of $33,000 for the 2022-2023 academic year. Students are also eligible to apply for external fellowships.
  • University of Notre Dame doctoral students are guaranteed five years of funding. Funding includes a full scholarship, including tuition and fees, plus a stipend and health insurance.
  • The Tippie College of Business at the University of Iowa provides full funding to “virtually all admitted students.” This includes tuition and fees, a minimum nine-month stipend of about $20,000 with annual adjustments, and 90% coverage of comprehensive health insurance. Additional funding is also provided for research presentations at major conferences, summer fellowships, and paid time off for independent research.
  • At the University of Maryland’s Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Ph.D. students without a master’s degree usually have five years of guaranteed funding. Those with a master’s degree usually are funded four years, with awards stemming from a mix of departmental fellowships and graduate teaching assistantships.

Massachusetts

  • The T.H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University offers a PhD in biological sciences in public health, providing expertise in disease prevention and treatment. This program includes tuition, a stipend, and health insurance for five years, assuming students maintain satisfactory academic progress. Current research involves diseases such as AIDS, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, malaria, and tuberculosis.
  • Students enrolled at the Sloan School of Management at MIT have the opportunity to study various fields, such as organization studies, accounting, and information technology. They receive a full-tuition scholarship, a monthly stipend of $4,267, medical insurance, new laptops at the start of their first and fourth years of study, and $4,500 over five years for conference travel expenses.
  • Doctoral students studying English at Boston University receive a stipend plus full tuition, fees, and basic health insurance. This funding is guaranteed for at least five years, with two of those years typically free from teaching requirements. Funding can sometimes be extended up to seven years, but it’s not guaranteed. Students may also apply for various prizes, fellowships, and short-term research and travel grants.
  • Doctoral students in engineering at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor are guaranteed full funding, a monthly living stipend, and health insurance. The exact amount can vary and funding comes from a range of sources, including graduate student instructor positions and fellowships.
  • Students admitted to the Ph.D. program to study psychology at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities are guaranteed full funding for five years as long as they maintain satisfactory performance and degree progress. This funding includes full-time tuition, a nine-month stipend, and subsidized health insurance.
  • PhD students in computer science or computer engineering at Washington University in St. Louis receive full tuition support, health insurance, a generous stipend for living expenses, and a new high-end Apple laptop computer. This support is guaranteed as long as students continue to make satisfactory progress towards their degree.
  • Full-time NYU Steinhardt Ph.D. students are eligible for a funding package that includes an annual stipend – $32,000 for the 2022-2023 academic year – tuition coverage for required coursework and student health insurance for five years.
  • All students admitted to the interdisciplinary management Ph.D. program at the Binghamton University—SUNY School of Management in New York receive a combination of a full-tuition scholarship and a teaching or research assistantship for each academic year, up to four years.
  • Cornell University offers full funding to all students admitted to its PhD program in chemical engineering. This funding can come from a teaching assistantship, research assistantship, or fellowship, and full stipends are granted for nine months, with the likelihood of additional aid in the summer.
  • Columbia University provides fully funded tuition and a $25,000 annual stipend for three years to students enrolled in its PhD program in clinical psychology. This stipend also carries into the student’s fourth year, during which they may be expected to serve as a graduate teaching or research assistant.

North Carolina

  • Doctoral students at Duke University studying materials science and engineering generally receive full tuition, a stipend, and fee support for the first five years. Students also receive up to six years of health insurance if they are on the university’s student medical insurance plan.

Pennsylvania

  • The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education provides full funding to Ph.D. students as part of a fellowship and research apprenticeship package. This funding includes a living stipend, health insurance and coverage of tuition and fees for up to four years if the student maintains full-time enrollment. Some students may also qualify for additional summer funding.
  • Students admitted to Bryn Mawr College’s Ph.D. program in social work receive full tuition waivers and “substantial stipends” toward living expenses.

Rhode Island

  • Brown University guarantees full financial support for five years to its PhD students in computer science. This includes tuition remission, a stipend, health services fees, and a subsidy for health insurance.
  • Funding is guaranteed for all admitted doctoral students enrolled in the special education Ph.D. program at Vanderbilt University. This includes full tuition, a “competitive” monthly stipend, and health insurance for up to four years.
  • Rice University offers full financial assistance to students admitted to the PhD program at the Jones Graduate School of Business. This includes a research or teaching assistantship, a tuition waiver, and a $40,000 annual stipend, contingent upon maintaining satisfactory academic progress and full-time student status.
  • All students admitted to the University of Virginia’s Ph.D. in Nursing program are eligible for four years of scholarship funding to cover tuition, insurance, and fees, as well as annual stipends. To receive certain aid, students must work 10 hours per week as a graduate teaching assistant.

Washington D.C.

  • American University offers doctoral students in its international relations program who do not have external funding a renewable four-year Dean’s Fellowship that is contingent on making satisfactory academic progress. The fellowship includes the cost of tuition, fees, and a stipend that must be earned via a part-time role as a teaching or research assistant.
  • The University of Wisconsin—Madison guarantees full funding for the duration of the time doctoral students are expected to be on campus. This funding may come from financial aid, fellowships, assistantships, and/or traineeships. In addition, doctoral students receive a benefits package that includes health insurance.

Wrapping up

This comprehensive article delves into everything you need to know about free PhD programs, also known as fully funded PhD programs, including the essential details, benefits, and potential challenges that students may encounter.

The term “free PhD” generally refers to a fully funded program that covers tuition fees and provides a stipend for living expenses, allowing students to complete their PhD studies without financial burden.

It is crucial to understand why you should never enter a PhD program without proper funding. Hence, pursuing a free or fully funded PhD should be a priority for all PhD students, regardless of nationality or field of study.

These programs may be offered both online and on-campus by various top universities around the world.

Fully funded PhD programs cater to both international and local students, including those pursuing a traditional PhD, online doctorate, or an accelerated executive doctorate of education.

For instance, fully funded online PhD programs in fields like business administration, education policy, and social work in clinical practice are available for students who hold master’s or bachelor’s degrees.

The duration of these programs may range from 1 year for fast-track or shortest doctoral programs to several years for other disciplines. Moreover, many programs focus on specialization in subjects like higher education policy, laboratory research, and much more.

One of the perks of these programs is that many institutions provide a stipend to cover living expenses during the course of study, ensuring that students can focus entirely on their research without worrying about financial constraints.

phd online courses for free

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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15 Best Online Doctoral Programs/PhD Programs – 2024

April 24, 2024

online doctoral programs phd

If you’re looking to attain a terminal degree but want to skip the commute to campus, an online doctoral program might be a great option for you. As our world becomes increasingly digital, many top universities have branched out into online learning, offering online PhD and doctoral programs that are just as rigorous as their in-person counterparts. Online graduate education can offer aspiring doctoral students flexibility, a high-quality education, and the option to continue working while pursuing a degree.

Many of the universities below in our round-up of the best online doctoral programs offer degrees in education—a common track for teachers looking to advance their careers. But universities across the country offer a wide range of degrees in everything from engineering management to library science. Read on for everything you need to know as you consider applying.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctoral Degree Online?

Online doctoral programs are often designed with full-time professionals in mind, prioritizing flexibility so that you can complete your degree at your own pace. Program lengths will vary, but most will take four to seven years. For students who need to take things slower, many programs offer options to spread degree requirements out over time. When applying, here are a few good questions to ask your admissions officer:

  • How long do most graduate students take to complete their degrees?
  • Are there flexible options for how many courses you’ll take per term?
  • Will you pay tuition per semester or per credit hour? If paying by credit hour, will you able to choose how many classes you take each semester?
  • Will you be required to write a dissertation? If so, how long do students usually take to write them?

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – Is an Online PhD Program a Good Fit for Me?

There’s no denying it: online doctoral programs are different than traditional ones. Many traditional PhD programs are designed for future academics, aka for graduate students who intend to apply for jobs as university professors after graduation. Traditional PhD programs are full-time, research-focused, in-person, and often offer graduate students funding in exchange for teaching or research assistant responsibilities. Online doctoral programs do also involve research, but most online graduate students are not full-time students. Rather, many students enrolled in online doctoral programs are working professionals who attend classes in the evenings or asynchronously. With that in mind, an online program can be a fantastic opportunity to further your current career.

An online doctorate program could be a great fit for you if:

  • You want to advance your career. A doctorate can lead to further opportunities for promotion and certain fields offer automatic pay increases for people with advanced degrees.
  • You love research and want to develop expertise in a topic that fascinates you.
  • You learn well in online settings, including asynchronous classes.
  • You plan to continue working while you study.

Online doctoral programs typically do not offer their students funding, though there may be scholarships and grants available to you.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – What to Consider When Choosing an Online Doctorate Program

Since a doctorate can take 4-7 years or more to complete, choosing the right school for you is a huge decision. Our list below dives into many details you’ll need to know like acceptance rate, retention rate, and cost of tuition. It’s important to consider big-picture factors such as:

  • Time to complete degree
  • Professors and mentors—you’ll want to make sure you can study with faculty who have expertise in your academic interests
  • Flexibility—does the program fit with your schedule? Do they require any in-person meetings?
  • Graduation rate—ask your admissions officer for the most recent figures

You’ll also want to consider whether you want to pursue a PhD or a doctorate degree. If you’re pursuing a PhD, you can expect to focus more significantly on academic research and you’ll need to complete a dissertation. A doctorate is an equivalent degree that is less focused on academic research and may not require a dissertation. Doctorates can often involve more career development or hands-on practicum experience.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – Are Online PhDs Respected?

Yes, online doctoral programs are just as rigorous and respected as their in-person counterparts. If you hope to earn a tenure-track faculty position at a university, it’s likely a traditional PhD program will be a better route. However, if you’re seeking a doctorate for career advancement and further learning, an online doctoral program can be a great fit. Many of the most prestigious universities offer online programs, and your diploma will likely not specify whether you completed an online or traditional degree.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – What Do I Need to Apply?

Application requirements will vary depending on the program you’re applying to. All programs will require your academic transcripts, many require letters of recommendation, and some require GRE scores. On top of that, some programs will require a personal statement or writing portfolio. Contrary to what you might think, Master’s degrees are not always required for admission to online doctoral programs.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs/PhD Programs

1) university of florida.

Located in Gainesville, the University of Florida offers 10 different online doctoral programs . Well known for its graduate programs in education, educators can pursue PhDs in educational leadership, special education, computer science education, among other options. UF also offers online programs in nursing, Latin and Roman studies, microbiology, and a few other fields. Established in 1853, UF is a flagship state university with a strong reputation.

  • Graduation Rate: 89%
  • Acceptance Rate: 31%
  • In State Tuition: $6,380
  • Out of State Tuition: $28,658
  • Application Requirements: Application portfolio (sample essays or projects), GRE scores, minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or graduate GPA of 3.5, letters of recommendation

2) George Washington University

George Washington University ’s Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering leads the way with the university’s most comprehensive online PhD offerings . Through them, students can pursue doctoral degrees in cybersecurity analytics, engineering in artificial intelligence, systems engineering, or engineering management. Educators can also pursue well-respected degrees in education leadership and human and organizational learning.

  • Graduation Rate: 85%
  • Acceptance Rate: 43%
  • Tuition: $31,770
  • Application Requirements: GRE scores, personal statement, letters of recommendation, academic records

3) Johns Hopkins University

  • A ten-year-old program , Johns Hopkins ’ online PhD in education allows students to specialize in digital age learning, entrepreneurial leadership, urban leadership, and other topics. Note their high graduation rate: Johns Hopkins is a competitive program , but admitted students are well-supported on their path to graduation.
  • Graduation Rate: 94%
  • Acceptance Rate: 11%
  • Tuition: $57,010
  • Application Requirements: Master’s degree, minimum GPA of 3.0

Best Online Doctoral Programs/PhD Programs (Continued)

4) texas tech university.

Texas Tech University offers a wide range of online and hybrid PhD programs that provide their students flexibility as they work toward completing their terminal degree. An affordable university in Lubbock, Texas Tech is a great place for future doctors of education, consumer science, technical communication, engineering management, and financial planning.

  • Graduation Rate: 63%
  • Acceptance Rate: 70%
  • In State Tuition: $6,788
  • Out of State Tuition: $14,968
  • Application Requirements: Academic transcripts, portfolio and personal statement varies by program

5) Iowa State University

Although Iowa State University ’s online doctorate programs require some in-person meetings, ISU may still be a good fit for online students. With more uncommon online doctoral programs in hospitality management and apparel, merchandising, and design, ISU offers flexible routes to completing your dissertation.

  • Graduation Rate: 75%
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • In State Tuition: $9,758
  • Out of State Tuition: $24,720
  • Application Requirements: Academic records, minimum 3.0 GPA

6) University of Alabama

Online University of Alabama students may miss out on a lively campus culture and football games, but they can still take advantage of UA’s top-notch academics. Well-known for its online education graduate programs, UA also offers programs in social work, communication and information sciences, and engineering.

  • Graduation Rate: 72%
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • In State Tuition: $11,940
  • Out of State Tuition: $32,300
  • Application Requirements: GRE scores, academic records

7) University of Missouri

One of the most robust in terms of online offerings, the University of Missouri ’s online PhD classes are taught by the same professors who teach Mizzou’s in-person classes. Mizzou offers programs in education and nursing. They also allow students to pursue doctorates in harder-to-find subjects like health sciences, agriculture, architecture, and library science.

  • Graduation Rate: 73%
  • Acceptance Rate: 82%
  • In State Tuition: $9,478
  • Out of State Tuition: $25,946
  • Application Requirements: Academic record, minimum GPA of 3.0, portfolio and personal statement varies by program

8) University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

One of the oldest public universities in the U.S., University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill is known as a leader in education. UNC Chapel Hill offers just three online PhDs: public health, nursing, and education. Although some online classes require in-person or proctored final exams, doctoral requirements can mostly be completed online.

  • Graduation Rate: 91%
  • Acceptance Rate: 25%
  • In State Tuition: $9,208
  • Out of State Tuition:  $36,891
  • Application Requirements: GRE scores, academic records, letters of recommendation, personal statement

9) Georgia Southern University

Located in Savannah, Georgia Southern University works hard to create an environment of support and collaboration, even online. One of the more robust programs out there, GSU offers respected online programs in public health, nursing, education, and engineering.

  • Graduation Rate: 54%
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • In State Tuition: $4,986
  • Out of State Tuition: $19,890
  • Application Requirements: Minimum GPA of 3.0

10) Indiana University

Indiana University allows students to study at their own pace through flexible online doctoral programs. One of the only schools to offer online programs in music therapy and philanthropy leadership, IU also allows students to pursue tracks in health sciences, education, and computing and technology. Most classes are asynchronous and students can take courses through any IU campus.

  • Graduation Rate: 41%
  • Acceptance Rate: 92%
  • In State Tuition: $9732
  • Out of State Tuition: $21,160
  • Application Requirements: GRE scores, academic record

11) Mississippi State University

A solid option for future doctors of philosophy, Mississippi State University is a research-focused and inclusive university. An especially strong option for those looking to study engineering or computer science, MSU offers 9 different majors within those fields.  MSU also offers tracks in plant science and education leadership.

  • Graduation Rate: 64%
  • In State Tuition: $9,398
  • Out of State Tuition: $25,444
  • Application Requirements: Academic record, letters of recommendation, personal statement

12) Appalachian State University

Although Appalachian State University is known for its beautiful setting in Boone, North Carolina, App State still has much to offer online students. This school offers only one part-time PhD program in education leadership , but its affordability compared to other programs makes this school stand out.

  • In State Tuition: $4,839
  • Out of State Tuition: $18,271
  • Application Requirements: Academic record, GRE scores or 3.0 minimum GPA, Master’s degree

13) Purdue University

An online doctoral program that maintains a high standard of excellence, Purdue is a great place for future doctors of technology, educational leadership and policy, and higher education. Purdue graduate students can expect to co-author papers with faculty and gain hands-on experience in research.

  • Graduation Rate: 38%
  • Acceptance Rate: 30%
  • Tuition: $420 per credit

14) Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University ’s online doctoral programs allow students to complete their degree in three to five years. Through their shortened term system, students take 8-week classes and then write their dissertation in their final three semesters. A leader in online doctoral programs, Concordia offers paths in strategic innovation, healthcare management, education leadership, and organizational leadership.

  • Tuition: $9,090
  • Application Requirements: Academic record, Master’s degree with minimum 3.0 GPA, letters of recommendation, portfolio and personal statement varies by program

15) Clemson University

A public school in South Carolina, Clemson aims to prepare online doctoral students for diverse career paths. Proudly offering programs that are difficult to find elsewhere, Clemson graduate students can study healthcare genetics and parks, recreation, and tourism management. Education professionals can complete degrees in education systems, learning science, and teaching, literacy, language, and culture.

  • Graduation Rate: 84%
  • Acceptance Rate: 49%
  • In State Tuition: $10,600
  • Out of State Tuition: $22,050
  • Application Requirements: Academic record, letters of recommendation, portfolio and personal statement vary by program

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – Additional Resources

Looking to learn more about graduate school admissions? We’ve got you covered.

Admissions Tips

  • What is a Good GRE Score?
  • Write a Grad School Statement of Purpose in 12 Simple Steps
  • How to Get into Grad School with a Low GPA
  • Do You Need a Master’s to get a PhD?

More about Online Learning

  • Best Online MSW Programs
  • Best Master’s in Public Health Online Programs
  • Hybrid and Online DBA Programs 
  • Graduate School Admissions

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Christina Wood

Christina Wood holds a BA in Literature & Writing from UC San Diego, an MFA in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in English at the University of Georgia, where she teaches creative writing and first-year composition courses. Christina has published fiction and nonfiction in numerous publications, including The Paris Review , McSweeney’s , Granta , Virginia Quarterly Review , The Sewanee Review , Mississippi Review , and Puerto del Sol , among others. Her story “The Astronaut” won the 2018 Shirley Jackson Award for short fiction and received a “Distinguished Stories” mention in the 2019 Best American Short Stories anthology.

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30 Best Online PhD Programs [2024 Ultimate Guide]

Explore Online PhD Programs from accredited colleges offering online PhD, DBA, EdD, PsyD, DNP – 100% online. Accelerated classes are available.

Online PhD Programs

With millions of Americans now pursuing and completing graduate degrees, employers have their pick of the most qualified and trained employees in their field.

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that in the last decade, about one million Americans earned a PhD. Many fields, like education and the humanities, value doctoral degrees. A person who holds a PhD is almost guaranteed to have higher level critical thinking and problem solving skills.

If you currently have a bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree and are considering pursuing a doctoral degree, consider accelerated PhD programs online if they are available in your field.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

List of 30 Online PhD Programs (and related doctoral programs)

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. Andrews University

Located in Berrin Springs, Michigan, Andrews University was established in 1874. It is affiliated with the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

The university offers PhD programs in Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, and various concentrations in Leadership. These programs have various credit requirements ranging between 61 and 94. The programs can be completed in 5-6 years on a full-time basis.

  • PhD Curriculum and Instruction
  • PhD Educational Leadership
  • PhD Higher Education Administration
  • PhD Leadership

Andrews is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

2. Catholic University of America

Established in 1887, the Catholic University of America is located in Washington, DC.

The PhD in Nursing program is offered by the university’s Conway School of Nursing and requires 79 credit hours. Students can transfer in 24 credit hours from graduate course-work if they have been successful in comprehensive exams.

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing

CUA is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education

3. Central Michigan University

Located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, Central Michigan University was established in 1892. It has more than 60 other locations worldwide.

The online PhD program in Educational Technology requires 54 credits and consists of 12 courses followed by a dissertation. The program is in an online cohort format with no face-to-face requirements.

  • Doctor of Educational Technology

CMU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

4. Clemson University

Consisting of 7 colleges, Clemson University was established in 1889 and located in Clemson, South Carolina.

The online PhD programs are offered in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (60 credit hours), Rhetoric, Communication & Information Design (on-campus to defend dissertation), and in Healthcare Genetics (70 credit hours).

Out-of-state applicants must check whether the program is available in their states.

  • Ph.D. in Healthcare Genetics (HCG)
  • Ph.D. in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRTM)
  • Ph.D. in Rhetorics, Communication, and Information Design

Clemson is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

5. Colorado State University

Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, Colorado State University was established in 1870.

The online PhD programs offered by the university are the 60-credit PhD in Higher Education Leadership (can be completed in 5 years) and the 72-credit PhD in Systems Engineering (varies based on previous coursework and intensity of study).

  • Higher Education Leadership Ph.D.
  • Systems Engineering Ph.D.

Colorado State is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

6. Concordia University Chicago

Founded in the Lutheran tradition, Concordia University Chicago was established in 1863 and is located in River Forest, Illinois.

The 100% online PhD in Leadership: Gerontology program has a course length of 8 weeks. Students must complete 58 credit hours. The application deadline is rolling and is in a synchronous format with 3 or 4-year tracts being available.

  • PhD in Leadership: Gerontology

Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

7. George Fox University

Located in Newburg, Oregon, George Fox University is a Christian institution that was originally founded in 1891 as a school for Quakers.

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program is delivered in the online format with an annual residency of one week on campus. There is a 56-credit-hour requirement to complete the course, and it takes 3 years to complete.

  • Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

George Fox is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

8. George Washington University

Established in 1821, George Washington University is located in Washington, DC.

The online PhD in Nursing program consists of 57 credit hours with some on-campus requirements and is delivered in a synchronous format.

The online PhD in Systems Engineering program consists of 54 credit hours and must be completed within 5 years.

  • Online Ph.D. in Nursing
  • Online Ph.D. in Systems Engineering

George Washington is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

9. Hampton University

Located in Hampton, Virginia, Hampton University is a historically black university established in 1888.

The university offers PhD programs in Business Administration (61 credit hours), Counselor Education & Supervision (61 credit hours), Educational Management (66 credits), and Nursing (54-60 credit hours).

A DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) program (33 credit hours) is also available.

  • PhD in Business Administration
  • PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
  • PhD in Educational Management

Hampton U is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

10. Indiana University

Established in 1820, Indiana University is located in Bloomington, Indiana.

The PhD in Nursing Science program (90 credit hours) is delivered 80-99% online in a hybrid, distance-accessible format, with synchronous video-conferencing to provide classroom interaction and two on-campus intensives to interact with peers and faculty.

  • Ph.D. in Nursing Science

Indiana U is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

11. Iowa State University

As the largest university in the state of Iowa, Iowa State University is located in Ames, Iowa and was established in 1856.

The PhD program in Apparel Merchandising and Design is delivered in a hybrid format. It features 1-2 on-campus summer coursework sessions and has a 72-credit-hour requirement to complete the degree.

  • Apparel, Merchandising, and Design – Doctor of Philosophy

Iowa State University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

12. Keiser University

Located in West Palm Beach, Florida, Keiser University was established in 1977.

The university offers a flexibly designed Doctor of Business Administration program that is delivered 100% online. Students can benefit from being able to pursue their careers, along with enhancing their educational qualifications. The program is offered at multiple locations in Florida.

  • Business Administration, DBA

Keiser is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

13. Liberty University

Established in 1971, Liberty University is an Evangelical Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia.

The university offers a range of PhD programs in Bible Exposition, Communication, Counselor Education and Supervision, Criminal Justice, Education, Higher Education Administration, History, Nursing-Nursing Education, Psychology, Public Policy, Strategic Media Online.

Most are 100% online, delivered in an 8-week course format.

  • Ph.D. in Bible Exposition
  • Ph.D. in Communication
  • Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
  • Ph.D. in Criminal Justice
  • Ph.D. in Education
  • Ph.D. in Higher Education Admin
  • Ph.D. in History
  • Ph.D. in Nursing – Nursing Education
  • Ph.D. in Psychology
  • Ph.D. in Public Policy
  • Ph.D. in Strategic Media Online

Liberty is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

14. Medical University of South Carolina

Located in Charleston, South Carolina, the Medical University of South Carolina was established in 1824.

The university’s College of Nursing offers both full-time and part-time PhD in Nursing programs. Both have 52 semester hours of coursework and 9 semester-hours for dissertation requirement and a 3-4-year plan of study. Only 10-12 students are accepted per year.

  • PhD Nursing Science

MUSC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

15. Mississippi State University

Chartered in 1878, Mississippi State University is located adjacent to Starkville, Mississippi.

The university offers PhD programs in Aerospace/Civil Engineering, Community College Leadership, Computational Engineering, Electrical, and Computer Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.

Students must complete at least 50 hours of coursework beyond the master’s degree, of which at least 20 are allotted to dissertation research.

  • Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering
  • Ph.D. in Civil Engineering
  • Ph.D. in Community College Leadership
  • Ph.D. in Computational Engineering
  • Ph.D. in Electrical & Computer Engineering
  • Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering
  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Mississippi State University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

16. Nova Southeastern University

With its main campus located in Davie, Florida, Nova Southeastern University was established in 1964.

The university offers online PhD programs in Conflict Analysis and Resolution (76 credit hours), Criminal Justice (60 credit hours), Nursing (60 credit hours), and Occupational Therapy (61 credit hours).

The university has 18 schools and colleges that offer 150 different programs, and students can select the appropriate one.

  • Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis & Resolution
  • Ph.D. in Nursing
  • Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy

Nova Southeastern is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

17. Texas Tech University

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is located in Lubbock, Texas.

The university offers several online PhD programs across its different schools and colleges, in Curriculum and Instruction (63 credit hours) in three different tracks, Educational Leadership Policy (60 credit hours), Family and Consumer Science Education (72 credit hours), Special Education (90 credit hours), Systems Engineering and Management (72 credit hours), and Technical Communication and Rhetoric (60 credit hours).

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction (Track in Curriculum Studies and Teacher Education)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction (Track in Language, Diversity & Literacy Studies)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction (Track in STEM)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership Policy
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Family and Consumer Science Education
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education

Texas Tech is accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

18. University at Buffalo – SUNY

The State University of New York at Buffalo has campuses in Amherst and Buffalo and was founded in 1846. It had several notable alumni on its rolls.

The university offers an online PhD in Information Science (72 credits) with the requirement of a one-week residency per year. Students can complete the course in 4-5 years.

  • Curriculum, Instruction and the Science of Learning, PhD
  • Information Science, PhD

UB – SUNY is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education,

19. University of Alabama

Established in 1820, the University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

The Bama By Distance online learning program offers a PhD in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics. The 72-credit-hour programs are designed for aerospace engineers with 5+ years’ experience in the field.

It is delivered primarily online with a campus visit requirement once each semester to meet faculty adviser.

  • PhD in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics

UA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

20. University of Arkansas

Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the University of Arkansas was established in 1871.

It has been judged to have one of the Best Online Programs in Grad Education by U.S. News & World Report . Online doctoral programs offered are Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Doctor of Education in Human Resource & Workforce Education, Doctor of Education Adult & Lifelong Learning, and Doctor of Nursing Practice.

  • Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
  • Online Doctor of Education in Human Resource and Workforce Development Education
  • Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

UArk is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

21. University of Florida

Founded in 1893, it is located in Gainesville, Florida.

Online PhD programs offered are in Latin & Roman Studies (60 credit hours, with 30 hours of doctoral work on-campus) and Classical Civilization (60 credit-hours with 30 hours of doctoral work on-campus). Written examinations and public defense of the dissertation are required.

  • Classical Civilization (Ph.D.)
  • Latin and Roman Studies (Ph.D.)

UFL is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

22. University of Louisiana at Monroe

Located in Monroe, Louisiana, the University of Louisiana at Monroe was established in 1931.

The university offers an online PhD program in Marriage and Family Therapy with a concentration in Systemic Studies. It consists of 60 semester-units, two years of full-time course-work, and dissertation.

  • PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy with a concentration in Systemic Studies

ULM is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

23. University of Missouri

Located in Columbia, Missouri, the University of Missouri was founded in 1893.

Online PhD programs include a PhD in Agricultural Education & Leadership (72 credit hours, blended delivery mode) and aPhD in Human Environmental Sciences (emphasis architectural studies, 30 credit hours, delivery 100% online).

  • Doctor of philosophy in agricultural education and leadership (PhD)
  • Doctor of philosophy in human environmental sciences with an emphasis in architectural studies (PhD)

Mizzou is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

24. University of Nebraska – Lincoln

The state’s oldest university, it is located in Lincoln, Nebraska and was founded in 1869.

The online blended/hybrid Doctor of Education degree in Educational Studies (specialization: Higher Education & Educational Leadership) has a 90-credit-hour and a short residency requirement.

  • PhD in Educational Studies (90 cr) with a specialization in Educational Leadership and Higher Education

UN – Lincoln is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

25. University of North Dakota

Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Online PhD programs are offered in Aerospace Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and Nursing, all requiring 90 credit-hours. Indigenous Health requires 30 credit hours.

  • Aerospace Sciences (Ph.D.)
  • Biomedical Engineering (Ph.D.)
  • Chemical Engineering (Ph.D.)
  • Electrical Engineering (Ph.D.)
  • Energy Engineering (Ph.D.)
  • Environmental Engineering (Ph.D.)
  • Indigenous Health (Ph.D.)
  • Nursing (Ph.D.)
  • Petroleum Engineering (Ph.D.)

UND is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

26. University of South Dakota

Located in Vermilion, South Dakota, the university was founded in 1862.

The online PhD in Health Sciences program is designed for working professionals. It has a 72-credit-hour requirement and is delivered in an online format with limited expectations for face-to-face contact. The residency includes orientation, dissertation boot-camp, and dissertation defense.

  • Online Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences

USD is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

27. University of Southern California

The oldest research university in California, established in 1880, the university is located in Los Angeles, California.

Online doctoral programs include a Doctorate of Social Work, Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, and Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership.

  • Doctorate of Social Work Online
  • Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership online
  • Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership online

The University of Southern California  is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

28. University of Texas at Tyler

Established in 1971, the University of Texas at Tyler is located in Tyler, Texas on a park-like campus on Harvey Lake.

The university offers online PhD programs in Clinical Psychology (99 credit hours), Nursing (60 credit hours), and Human Resource Development (hybrid, 60 credit hours). Scholarships and financial support are available based on eligibility.

  • PhD in Clinical Psychology
  • PhD in Nursing

UTT is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

29. University of the Cumberlands

Established in 1888, this Baptist Christian university is located in Williamsburg, Kentucky.

The online programs include a PhD in Business (66 credit hours), Counselor Education and Supervision (66 credit hours), and Leadership Studies (66 credit hours). Some courses may have online meeting times.

  • online PhD in Business
  • online PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision
  • online PhD in Leadership Studies

UCumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

30. Virginia Commonwealth University

Located in Richmond, Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University was established in 1838.

The 100% online PhD in Nursing can be taken either on a full or part-time basis. There is a 61 minimum credit hour requirement, and the program is delivered 100% online.

VCU  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Types of Online PhD Programs

There are as many PhD Programs as there are fields of knowledge. Here are the most popular. Click on one you’re interested in to jump to that section of the page.

Business Administration

Criminal justice, curriculum & instruction, educational leadership, healthcare management, higher education, homeland security, human resources, information technology, management information systems, nurse practitioner (rn required), nursing education (rn required), organizational leadership, project management, public administration, public health, public policy, special education, supply chain and logistics.

A growing number of universities now offer a wide-range of doctoral programs online.

accountant working in the office

A PhD in Accounting focuses on developing skills to complete specialized and original research that can directly contribute or, ultimately, affect the accounting industry.

This degree focuses on giving students advanced knowledge in applied research and accounting theory to make them capable of working in specialized research organizations and higher academic institutions.

A PhD in Accounting is the highest degree in this field, and it usually takes four to seven years to complete. Most online programs for accounting have 60 to 120 credit hours or 20 to 40 classes. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the positions in specialized consulting and government agencies will grow by 4% in over the next 10 years.

business consultants working together on a laptop

Programs for a PhD in Business Administration are designed to prepare students for academic and business careers by developing their knowledge in management, consulting, economics, public administration, and several business-related career paths.

This doctoral degree aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of different business practices, both in theory and application. Having this set of skills can unlock various opportunities in academic institutions, government agencies, and private businesses.

The majority of people who take up this degree usually have years of experience in business and are interested in acquiring advanced knowledge. Younger students can take advantage of this and get a head start in building their network and connection while still studying.

counselor talking to a young couple

People face different challenges that can affect their mental health, which makes the PhD in Counseling one of the most popular doctoral degrees today. Earning this degree can help qualify students to practice clinical counseling and conduct research that can directly affect mental health care services.

It may take up to 10 years to earn a doctoral degree in counseling, but it will depend on the course load, and whether a student is taking up the degree part-time or full-time.

Upon completion, opportunities in both the public and private sectors will be available, and it is expected to steadily grow at 8-25%, depending on the field of specialization, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

female detective working on documents for a case

A PhD in Criminal Justice aims to expose students to rigorous training in criminological research methods, theory, and application.

This program focuses on providing students with a better understanding of research methods and data-driven metrics that they can use to evaluate and develop criminal justice policies.

Programs for PhD in Criminal Justice typically include classes in juvenile justice, social psychology, law enforcement, criminal behavior risk factors, homeland security, and technical leadership. This set of acquired knowledge can help open up different opportunities both in public service and specialized private consultation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that positions for this field will increase by 8% in private service and 5% in protective service.

education curriculum planners having a meeting

A PhD in Curriculum and Instruction is a program that focuses on teaching the dynamics within the educational system.

Students can choose from four concentrations in this field, including Early Childhood Education, Science Education, Mathematics Education, and Social Studies. The concentrations are designed to give students the skills needed to make significant research and contribution to the enhancement of knowledge in their specialized field.

This degree aims to shape students to become highly efficient in discovering, integrating, applying, communicating, and disseminating knowledge. Earning a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction can help students become critically reflective and dedicated to providing practical and theoretical training. This set of skills can open up different opportunities for academic and leadership positions that are available in educational institutions.

education teacher teaching in a university

Earning a PhD in Education is the highest academic achievement that students can get in the field of education.

These programs are designed to provide students with the expertise, skills, and credentials needed to conduct and publish high-level research that can affect college education, classrooms, institutions, and communities.

There are online programs that allow students to earn their doctoral degrees in education, but on-campus learning often offers better networking opportunities that can broaden their connection. Pursuing a PhD in Education requires students to have a master’s degree. This path usually takes at least three years to complete, depending on the course load and transfer credits.

training and development manager having a meeting with colleagues

Excellent education lies in the people who develop the system and the leaders that implement it. A PhD in Educational Leadership can help put scholars in a position that can directly contribute to it.

This degree focuses on providing students with the skills to solve problems and create a positive change in different learning settings and educational institutions.

Instead of practicing hands-on teaching, PhD in Educational Leadership focuses on developing the education system.

It is designed to help students conduct and publish research that can positively affect all learning environments, including pre-K-12, higher education, and even in the corporate sector. This doctoral degree can help make scholars viable candidates for high-paying positions in the academic sector, such as chief academic officer, training and development manager, and chief learning officer.

financial manager talking to a couple

A PhD in Finance is a program for students who want to develop a deeper understanding of behavioral finance, economics, statistics, econometrics, and corporate finance.

Taking up this degree can help equip students with better mathematics skills, analytical thinking, and a deeper foundation in all facets of finance and economics.

Although a bachelor’s or master’s degree will suffice in some positions, getting a PhD in this field can help solidify a student’s position for higher-paying jobs. Armed with a set of highly specialized skills in corporate finance, asset pricing, and portfolio management, students who earn their PhD in Finance have the opportunity to increase their skills in this field.

Healthcare Manager talking to doctors

PhD in Healthcare Management focuses on a wide range of research that can directly affect healthcare services, management, and administration.

Students may tackle subjects regarding the impact of insurance status and policies on medical expenditure, sources of discrepancies in cardiovascular care, and diffusion and adoption of innovations in healthcare.

Doctoral students in the field of healthcare management may have the opportunity to work closely with degree holders and notable professionals in the healthcare sector. There is also usually great exposure to other students with hands-on experience in business, math, social science, and clinically trained professionals. This privilege can help make them more efficient as academic researchers and open up different long-term positions in the education and healthcare sectors.

male professor teaching in a university

A PhD in Higher Education is a program that aims to develop scholars who are capable of conducting original research and have the necessary skills to interpret and communicate it through writing, teaching, and practice.

The research includes theoretical and empirical inputs that can affect post-secondary education policies and practices.

Students who are taking up a PhD in Higher Education need to complete a program that usually includes 60-100 credit hours.

The classes that they tackled in this doctoral degree typically include economics, politics, policies, governance, organization, student affairs, and social foundations of higher education. Students can often complete this degree within four to five years, depending on their course load, and attendance to off-campus classes.

Homeland Security officer standing on his post

A PhD in Homeland Security focuses on classes that provide better understanding and expertise in different research methods, strategic and critical thinking, data analysis, and policies on domestic and international security issues.

Aside from government agencies, these skills are also viable for high-paying jobs in private corporations that deal with security and emergency management.

Professionals who are working in the security service, criminal justice, and emergency preparedness sectors can pursue better career paths by earning their doctoral degree in Homeland Security. This degree can help open up different opportunities in government agencies, and the majority of degree holders find comfortable positions within the Department of Homeland Security.

Human Resources Manager talking to company's employees

PhD in Human Resources is a research-based degree that is designed to allow students to conduct and publish their original work, which can directly affect human resources.

It is a degree that helps students learn advanced skills that they need in the theoretical and empirical application on leadership, management, and administration.

Students who decide to pursue their careers in human resources will usually take four to five years before they can earn a doctoral degree. Throughout their studies, scholars may have the chance to work closely with the faculty while conducting their research, together with professionals in different fields. The coursework usually involves hands-on activities in advanced human resources, helping students solidify their chosen career path.

web developer working on his laptop

A PhD in Information Technology often attracts students who are keen on acquiring advanced knowledge in corporate, economic, business, and organizational implications of information technology. This degree is the highest academic achievement in the field.

It can help provide students with the opportunity to take academic positions in the future. Earning their PhD in IT allows them to pursue teaching jobs at the university-level in information technology subjects, including economics, psychology, management science, organizational behavior, and computer science.

A PhD in Information Technology is a multidisciplinary program that offers concentrations in information science and technology, information systems, software engineering, information security, and digital forensics. This acquired knowledge and skillset can help students become viable candidates in almost every private and public sector.

manager meeting her team

A PhD in management is a research-based specialization that includes advanced learning in accounting, decision theory and analysis, IT and operations management, entrepreneurship, finance, economics, leadership, and marketing.

This degree is one of the two terminal degrees that students often take if they want to pursue an academic career at business schools.

Due to the broad spectrum of study and advanced foundation in fields that are in high demand, both in the private and public sectors, PhD in Management became one of the most popular doctoral degrees. Being exposed to different research on advanced management can help students’ skills and knowledge remain current in their chosen fields.

network administrators checking the data room

Earning a PhD in Management Information Systems is often vital for students who want to pursue a career in economic and organizational management and technical aspects of information systems.

It focuses on research that can help students develop a deeper understanding of the economic and social contexts, together with the impacts of information technology.

This doctoral degree is in the list of STEM Designated Degree Program, which is a list of degrees that are in high demand and receives the utmost attention from academic institutions and the government. Taking up a doctoral degree in Management Information Systems has endless potential and secured positions, with an estimated 1.2 million job openings.

nurse checking patient's vital signs during operation

A doctoral degree is one of the two terminal degrees for nurse practitioners. It is a research-based degree that covers nursing methodologies and faculty development, including theoretical and empirical applications in nursing science.

This degree usually involves minimal clinical work, and students typically work closely with faculty to conduct their research.

A PhD in Nurse Practitioner requires a master’s degree and usually requires about 60 to 80 credit hours. It typically takes four to six years to complete and can be affected by the student’s course load. Upon completion of this doctoral degree, students often take positions as nursing researchers, nursing faculty, and health policy development officers.

healthcare professionals in a meeting

PhD in Nursing Education is a degree that aims to create scholars who are responsible for improving and innovating education for nurses.

It is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of educational development, strategies, and research to continuously innovate nursing science and leadership to be efficient in practicing the discipline of nursing.

It also covers other curricular and research resources from various disciplines that can have an impact on nursing science. This vast acquired knowledge in different fields can help students tackle positions in nursing faculties in both the education and healthcare sectors. It usually takes at least three years for students to earn their PhD in Nursing Education.

team of professionals in a meeting

The effectiveness of any organization lies in the leadership that manages it. Students who want to gain a better understanding of the theoretical and empirical applications of leadership should consider taking a PhD in Organizational Leadership.

This degree is often taken by professionals who are already familiar with their industry but lack leadership skills to lead a team and execute strategic plans on different projects.

Earning a PhD in Organizational Leadership can help amplify students’ current skill set and allow them to make an impact on their organization. This degree is designed to teach them how they can effectively build and manage teams for corporate and nonprofit organizations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that job positions for leadership roles will grow by 7% for the next 10 years.

Project Manager collaborating with her team for a project

A PhD in Project Management is a program that focuses on creating scholars who deeply understand different subjects related to organizational efficiency and business management.

This degree is designed to provide students with skills that can help them manage teams, plan, coordinate, and create budgets for different projects.

Students who are taking up a PhD in Project Management typically select their concentration from program and portfolio management, project-based strategic leadership, risk and quality management, and life-cycle and performance management. Acquired knowledge in these concentrations can help students become viable candidates for different high paying positions, both in corporate organizations and government agencies.

psychologist talking to a patient in her office

PhD in Psychology is a program that focuses on the study and research of the entire mental health spectrum. It covers a wide range of research and practice areas, which includes counseling, therapy, social work, and even education.

It is the ultimate pursuit of academic excellence in the field of Psychology and can help students pursue careers that allow them to practice the profession or provide specialized consulting services.

Earning a PhD in Psychology usually takes four to eight years, and it depends on whether the students take the course part-time or full-time. The programs often have at least three full academic years and one year of internship for APA accreditation.

administrative assistant working on her computer

A PhD in Public Administration is the highest applied-research degree that students can take in the field. Scholars in this field are typically required to complete a dissertation, which can contribute, improve, or innovate the practice of public administration, both theoretically and empirically.

The goal of the program is to expose scholars to significant research in their careers, whether in academic, government or other work settings.

This degree can help students acquire advanced knowledge in the legal, political, and ethical practices in public administration. It can also help students develop a deeper understanding of the administrative functions of government agencies, together with the expertise in strategic planning, program implementation, advanced management techniques, and result-based leadership.

medical professor teaching in a university

A PhD in Public Health is a program that aims to provide scholars with advanced critical thinking and assessment skills. These skills can help them learn how to assess needs, analyze barriers, and create a positive impact on the practice of public health.

Pursuing this degree can help scholars acquire a better understanding of population-based theoretical research that can lead to the prevention of diseases and disabilities.

Students earning their doctoral degrees in public health can work on the skills they need to be efficient in biostatistics, epidemiology, or public health research.

Most of these fields require students to lead and use professional communication to inform and educate the public regarding critical issues in health. Faculty member, professor, and post-doctoral fellow are other high-demand positions that students can pursue as a degree holder in public health.

policy analysts working together in a laptop

A PhD in Public Policy is a degree that focuses on developing leaders equipped with a deeper understanding of research, ethics, public policy theory, and global practice.

In essence, it is a career path that students often take if they want to develop sustainable solutions that can have a positive impact on the quality of life.

Taking up a doctoral degree in Public Policy can help students tackle leadership concepts and theories, analysis of evidence-based research, and develop methods that streamline the processes of public and nonprofit policies. These skills can help them become viable candidates for positions such as senior public executives, policy analysts, or offer specialized consulting services.

school principal checking student's attendance for a field trip

The PhD in Special Education is the highest level of research-based degree in the field. This degree is designed to help students develop new pedagogical approaches and concepts that can improve the quality of education for differently-abled children.

Earning a doctoral degree in special education can also expose students to various educational courses that can help them become efficient in providing quality education to tomorrow’s teachers.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the positions available for doctoral degree holders in special education will grow by as much as 6% over the next 10 years. These positions include education directors, curriculum developers, school principals, childcare administrators, and superintendents.

Logistics manager checking inventory in a warehouse

PhD in Logistics is a program designed to expose students to extensive study in theories, logistics, strategies, and application of supply chain management. It can help students learn all aspects of managing and operating the supply chain, which affects the production and distribution of a product.

The courses that students typically tackle in this degree include the concepts of demand and relationship management, forecasting, inventory, purchasing, and assembly.

This degree can help students develop a deeper understanding of the logistical systems, supply chain technology, research methods, and transportation economics. Being knowledgeable in the development, manufacturing, and logistics of products can help open up different high paying positions in product-based corporations. It is potentially one of the highest paying doctoral degrees and usually provides much room for growth and development.

What Are the Highest Paying Doctoral Degrees?

Highest Paying Doctoral Degrees

Earning a doctoral degree can help scholars build a deeper foundation in their chosen field and open up better career paths. Although getting a PhD almost guarantees a better position, some doctoral degrees are more rewarding.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following careers and average salaries represent the top 10% of wage earners in their respective fields:

Factors that may raise or lower your salary, besides your level of education, include your experience, the industry in which you work, and your location.

Salary Increase

One of the most rewarding benefits of earning a graduate degree is the potential to increase your salary. The U.S. Census Bureau found that over the course of a person’s lifetime, someone with a doctoral degree earns $3.4 million on average.

Compare that with someone with a bachelor’s degree, who earns $2.1 million on average over the course of their lifetime. Earning an accelerated PhD could mean earning more than $1 million more.

Not all doctorates will bring in the same salary increase. LinkedIn indicates that people with PhD’s who work in the fields of Science and Engineering usually see the best pay overall. For example, the top 10% of medical scientists make, on average, close to $160,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bottom 10% make just over $40,000 per year.

The primary difference between the top 10% and the bottom 10% is education level and experience. PhD holders in the sciences typically make much more money than those who only hold their bachelor’s or master’s degree.

What Are the Most Popular Doctorate Degrees?

Most Popular Doctorate Degrees

The highest paying doctoral degrees are not always the most rewarding path. Taking up a popular degree, for example, can expose students to more people, and some of them may have years of experience in their chosen field.

Having this academic setting may help students to improve their existing network and might unlock several high-paying positions that seek the specialization that they have.

Which PhD program you choose should depend on your interests and overall job satisfaction, not the potential salary level alone.

Intellectual Curiosity

Many people pursue their PhD because of their intellectual curiosity and desire to learn. For fields that don’t report a significant pay increase over a master’s or bachelor’s degree (like the humanities), PhD holders often spend the years it takes earning their degree for personal fulfillment and ambition. Sometimes that payoff is enough.

If you’re interested in pursuing your PhD for these reasons, there are many accelerated PhD programs available online to help your dream of being called “Doctor” one day come true. Some people even earn a PhD in a field unrelated to their primary career because of their love for learning and their desire to pursue other topics and subjects.

Careers that Require a PhD

Careers that Require a PhD

There are a handful of careers that require a PhD before you’ll even be considered for the job. This is because the training required to perform well at these jobs is only available through doctoral level programs. Most people obtain their PhD because they have their eye on these specific jobs. The following careers are usually only attainable to people who hold PhD’s:

  • Psychologist
  • Higher Education Administration (President, Dean, etc.)
  • Prestigious Appointments on Corporate and Federal Boards

Many careers and fields, however, still highly value someone who holds a PhD even if it’s not required to perform the job. These are common career fields that look to doctorate holders to lead and innovate:

  • Healthcare (Nursing and Public Health/Policy)
  • Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Neuroscience)
  • Engineering

The reality is that most people who hold a doctorate often automatically receive more respect and reverence than those who don’t. It’s a prestigious degree that only about one percent of the population holds. Many of the most respected intellectuals and leaders of corporations and organizations have a doctoral degree because of this reason.

Some universities even offer a doctorate degree online no dissertation requirement for students who prefer not to spend the extra time required to complete a dissertation.

Even if your field doesn’t require a doctorate, it may be beneficial to your advancement in your field, a potential salary increase, and your own personal ambitions of holding one of the most prestigious degrees available.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Doctorate Degree?

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Doctorate Degree

There are two major types of doctoral degrees that students can earn; research-based and professional application. Both degrees require them to have a master’s degree, and if they already have one, it usually takes four to six years on average to earn their PhD.

On the other hand, students who are pursuing doctoral degrees part-time may take up to 10 years.

The time they need to complete a doctoral degree will depend on the program design and the area of specialization that they are taking. PhD programs usually require students to take 60 to 120 credit hours or about 20 to 40 classes.

However, some programs are streamlined and accelerated to help them earn their doctoral degree faster. If you have a tight schedule, then part time PhD programs are another option instead of accelerated programs.

Those who are pursuing a doctoral degree full-time can look for programs that have creative credit transfers, which can help them get their PhD within three years. These programs typically offer minimal on-campus obligations, giving scholars better flexibility in earning their degrees.

How to Accelerate Your Online PhD

PhD student studying on her laptop

Whether you’re searching for 1 year online doctoral programs or for a way to finish in 2 years, you may be able to accelerate the path to your doctorate.

Since you’ll already be expected to have completed a good amount of previous college training, there aren’t as many ways to accelerate a PhD as there are an associate, bachelor, or master’s degree. There are many accelerated PhD programs, however, that can help you move straight through a bachelor’s degree to a PhD.

In other words, you can apply to begin a bachelor’s degree with a program with the commitment and intention of following all the way through to a PhD as the final earned degree. These programs are designed so that you can earn your bachelor’s degree along the way and complete your PhD in as little as six years (including all the work you had to do towards the bachelor’s degree).

Most PhD programs take much longer than this, so this can be a great way to accelerate your degree. Alternatively, some programs award a terminal master’s degree as part of the PhD program.

If you don’t finish all the requirements for your PhD, you may still walk away with a master’s degree in your field, all of your work not having gone to waste.

Some accelerated PhD options online include accelerated courses as well. These courses can help you complete more credit hours in less amount of time and are great when you have some extra time to spare in your schedule.

They might not be as prevalent as accelerated courses at the undergraduate level, but many graduate programs online offer them as well. They are worth looking into if you’re itching to complete your degree quickly.

Advantages of Accelerated PhD Programs

Advantages of Accelerated PhD Programs

Many traditional PhD programs can take a long time to complete. In fact, many programs allow students upwards of 10 years or more to complete all requirements of their degree, knowing that some students get stalled in the research and writing process.

Sometimes, having too much time to complete a degree can be detrimental to your progress and completion of that degree, especially when it comes to such an advanced degree like a PhD. Enrolling in an accelerated PhD program can encourage you to stay on track with your studies and finish within a reasonable time.

Just because you’ll be completing your doctorate online and in an accelerated format doesn’t mean the rigor or intensity of the program will be less. In fact, because you’ll probably be doing it in less time, it may be more. Most programs require a dissertation or large research project as a capstone to fulfilling the degree requirements.

Many PhD programs also require lengthy and difficult tests before they will allow students to advance to candidacy. Online degrees are not much different in regards to these expectations.

The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that the attrition rate for PhD programs is only 50%, which means that only one out of two people who begin a PhD program actually finish their degree.

It’s a sobering statistic, but it attests to the fact that a PhD is not a degree you can earn overnight. Even in an accelerated format, a doctorate takes time, effort, and dedication.

Since many people go back for their PhD’s after having already started a career in their field, choosing an accelerated PhD format might allow you to remain in your career while completing your degree. This is another benefit to completing a degree online rather than having to commute somewhere each week to complete coursework.

Finally and perhaps an overlooked advantage of these programs is that you’ll have the opportunity to network with people from across the nation. If getting a PhD means a potential climb up the ladder in your field, the rewards of moving for a job are probably worth it to you.

What better way to learn about job openings and potentials than in your online classes? Most jobs are advertised through word of mouth, so working with people from different regions and locations from where you are might open your eyes to an opportunity you never knew was there.

Getting a PhD is a serious commitment and not something you should decide on a whim to do. It can be tiring and stressful, but so very rewarding. If you complete your PhD, you’ll be one of only a small percentage of Americans who have one, and the job opportunities for you to do what you really love will most likely increase.

Accelerated PhD’s are convenient and can help you actualize your goals of earning the highest degree you can earn in your field.

Accreditation for an Online PhD Program

logos of six regional boards

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation or CHEA reviews regional accrediting bodies to ensure that students receive the highest standard of education that meets local demands. In turn, these accrediting bodies evaluate academic institutions or online programs within the institution.

This process aims to regulate and ensure that the quality of education is current, practical, and is following the curriculum requirements in PhD programs.

Regional accreditation evaluates the learning process in different online programs, ensuring that students are spending money on education that employers will recognize. Look for accreditation from one of these regional boards:

  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Regional accreditation of a program act as a guarantee of the value of the diploma that students receive upon completion of their course.

Financial Aid for PhD Students

screenshot of the FAFSA pdf

On average, a PhD program costs $18,000, and taking up a five-year plan will cost at least $90,000. This amount is on top of the living expenses that students need to tank when pursuing their doctoral degrees.

However, there are different financial aids that they can pursue to fund their studies and earn their postgraduate degrees without going into debt.

Here are the types of financial aids that may be available for PhD students:

  • Scholarships are the most common merit-based financial aid that students can receive. These programs can help in covering the cost of tuition and other fees that are related to earning their doctoral degrees.
  • Grants are similar to scholarships, but it is for students with the need for financial assistance. Students who want to apply for grants will have to go through different evaluations to be eligible for it.
  • Fellowships are programs that can provide financial aid to students who are pursuing doctoral degrees. These aids often cover the full tuition, together with a yearly stipend that students can use to cover other expenses related to earning their degrees.

You can find out what you qualify for at the federal level by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .

Questions Related to Earning a PhD Online

Here are our answers to a few more questions you might have.

Can I Get My PhD Online?

Yes, it is possible to get a PhD from online programs. These programs receive regular innovations up to the point that it became the most attractive method of earning a PhD.

Today, there are 205 accredited academic institutions in the United States offering thousands of online programs that help students get their doctoral degrees.

Are Online PhD Programs Credible?

Yes, earning a PhD from online programs is a recognized achievement by employers. However, the credibility of this degree depends on the accreditation of the institution where students received it.

Regional accreditation is the process of evaluating academic institutions to ensure that students will complete a program that follows the strict guidelines and curriculum requirements of CHEA.

How Much Do Online PhD Programs Cost?

The cost of taking up online PhD programs will vary on the specialization that students want to take. On average, earning a PhD from online programs costs $4,000 to $20,000, and this amount includes the expenses for registration, books, and online coaching.

Taking a five-year plan, which is the average for most PhD courses, typically costs $20,000 to $100,000.

What Are the Best Online PhD Programs?

The best online PhD programs are those that lead you to a balance of a career you enjoy and the salary you’re comfortable with. This balance will depend on your interests.

Online learning offers a wide range of benefits, including flexibility in scheduling and defining the learning pace that is comfortable for students. However, not all online programs are made equal.

Scholars can find the PhD courses best suited for them by checking the rates, courses that they will take, the size of the classes, and regional accreditation from organizations that CHEA recognizes in evaluating PhD programs.

Is PhD Worth It?

graduating PhD student

Yes, a PhD is worth it for many students. A PhD is the highest academic achievement that any student can get, and may give a significant boost in the career path that they choose. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some careers “with an advanced degree, particularly a Ph.D., are expected to have the best opportunities.”

Acquiring advanced knowledge and highly-specialized skills in their field can help students become viable candidates in different high-paying positions. The unemployment rate for doctoral degree holders is only 1.1%, as opposed to 2% for master’s degree holders.

Universities are continuously innovating their PhD programs, making it easier for students to earn their diplomas without compromising the quality of education. With these programs, students can apply to an online PhD program and start pursuing a better career path with minimal on-campus obligations.

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Online Education is booming! Top quality degree programs across the spectrum of fields and disciplines, from undergraduate through doctoral levels, can now be earned entirely (or almost entirely) online. But what do you do when you have advanced training, perhaps even a PhD, but you need additional specialized training and don’t want to spend a lot?

This article is for you. In it we take a look at some of the most popular online degrees in terms, not of the programs primarily, but in terms of doctoral and advanced level courses.

What makes these courses special is that they’re free or very low-cost and offered by top universities! If you’re in the market for PhD level courses at low or no cost from top institutions, you’re in luck.

With the advent of Space Force and Space-X, aerospace engineering has been at foundation of some of the most exciting developments in technology and space exploration. The field is not large, nor is it growing at a particularly fast rate. However, the work pays very well and is fascinating and important.

This course provides introductory instruction on aerodynamics.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Introduction to Aerodynamics

Time: 15 Weeks

Cost: Free/Verified Certificate $100.00

Outcomes : Airflow about a body, specifically, an airplane. However, the principles will applicable to a variety of objects

Applied Mathematics

Applied Mathematicians are in high demand. Unlike pure mathematicians who study formal mathematical concepts and structures, Applied Mathematicians combine various areas of mathematics as they impact practical difficulties. Combining knowledge of business, physics, finance, industry and the like, Applied Mathematicians develop mathematical models to meet the concrete needs of their clients.

Advanced courses in Applied Mathematics are offered by several top universities, at very low costs. Take a look at the following courses to see if they would bolster your current resume or provide additional training that fits the particular needs of current or upcoming project.

Tecnológ i co de Monterrey

Tecnológico de Monterrey

Professional Certificate in Essential quantitative business skills

Time: Three months, self-paced

Cost: $348.30

  • Developed Capacity for Quantitative Analysis
  • Data Analysis and Forecasting of Variable in Business Environment
  • Analysis of Company Performance as Indicated in Financial Statements
  • Increased Knowledge of Data Science and Its Application in Business Setting

University of San Diego

University of San Diego

Program in Data Science

Time: 10 Months

Cost: $1,260.00

  • Loading and Cleaning of Real-World Data
  • Reliable Statistical Inferences from Noisy Data
  • Machine Learning for Modeling of Data
  • Visualization of Complex Data
  • Use of Apache Spark

Statistics and Data Science

Time: 1 Year, 2 Months

Cost: $1,350.00

  • Foundations of Data Science, Statistics, and Machine Learning
  • Analysis of Big Data
  • Develop Machine Learning Algorithms

Time: 1 Year, 3 Months

Cost: $2,964.00

  • Foundations of Modern Finance
  • Basics of Corporate Finance, Capital Budgeting, Structure, Yield Curve, Corporate Risk Management
  • Financial Decision Making, Efficient Markets, Valuation Theory
  • Financial Reports
  • Applied Computational Techniques.

Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering is a fast-growing field (BLS predicts 5% growth over next decade) with outstanding salary potential. The current median salary in the US is $92,620.  A bachelor’s degree is needed to work in the field, and sometimes graduate studies are also needed. While a PhD may not be necessary, PhD-level training may in the cards for you. This is true especially where specialized knowledge is required.

According to the BLS, Bioengineers engage in an interdisciplinary task. They integrate and apply engineering principles with science in order to create “equipment, devices, computer systems, and software.”

Purdue University

Purdue University

Reliability and Decision Making in Engineering Design

Time: 9 Months

Cost: $4,500

  • Engineering view of reliability analysis and design
  • Formulating multi-objective design decisions in the presence of uncertainty
  • Application of model-driven and data-driven decision making
  • Identifying and reducing biases in decision making

Business Administration

Business is a key factor in virtually every area of human society. For business enterprises to achieve stability and success (even in the case of non-profits), good administration is a must. Administrators wear many hats.

They establish goals, oversee organizational components, manage activities and personnel, deal with contracts, analyze finances. Leaders employs business administrative skills as CEOs, general and operations managers, political officials, and educational settings.

Often an MBA will be enough to move up the ladder and take on top management and administrative responsibilities. If it is the case that Doctorate is not needed, some doctoral-level training is, or is at least highly valuable. Here is a doctoral-level course that specialized knowledge beyond the MBA.

Technológico de Monterrey

Technológico de Monterrey

Time: 3 Months

  • Developed capacity for quantitative analysis in problem-solving
  • Statistics for data analysis and forecasting
  • Interpretation of financial statements
  • Application of data science

Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineers need to have mastery of a wide range of knowledge as well as real-life experience in safely and efficiently applying their knowledge.

Chemical engineering uses biology, chemistry, physics, and math in their tasks of development and monitoring products in a large number of industrial and consumer products, including pharmaceuticals, fuel, food and many other items. Earning potential is excellent, even though the field itself is only growing at an average.

In addition to internships, advanced training and instruction can be very beneficial when seeking to advance or take on projects outside your resume or formal education.

Wageningen University & Research

Wageningen University & Research

Chemistry and Technology for Sustainability

Time: Months

Cost: $671.40

  • Challenges of moving from fossil-fuel based economy to biobased economy
  • Identifying and creation of new products from raw materials
  • Refining biomass
  • Functional analysis of resource refining
  • Conversion of biobased feedstock into desired products
  • Evaluation of tech, ethics, social and economic consequences in the production of biobased products

Computer Science

Computer Science continues to be a booming field with no slow down, seemingly, in sight. Over the next decade the field will pick up 8,300 new jobs: a 23% rate of increase. The money is good in computer science with practitioners on average earning over $130 thousand per year.

The field is highly technical with most entry-level position requiring a master’s degree. The BLS, providing a general description of the kind of work experts in the field do states that computer scientists are mainly occupied with designing innovative approaches to computing technology and coming up with new uses for existing technology.

Quantum Technology: Computing

Cost: $5,583.32

  • Mathematically describe basic quantum phenomena
  • Engineering challenges of quantum computation
  • Quantum computing and sensing technologies

arm Education

arm Education

Professional Certificate in Teaching with Physical Computing

Time: 11 Months

Cost: 176.40

  • Application and supporting educational theoretical principles of Project-Based Learning
  • Effective assessment of Project-Based Learning
  • Role of Project-Based Learning in supporting the development of soft skills

UC San Diego

UC San Diego

Data Science

  • Loading and cleaning of real-world data
  • Reliable inferences from noisy data
  • Machine learning models for data

Quantum Technology: Detectors and Networking

Cost: $5,025

  • Design and incorporate detectors in systems
  • Quantum networking and sensing technologies
  • Formulation and application of basic quantum algorithms

University System of Maryland

University System of Maryland

Professional Certificate in Agile Project Management

Time: 5 Months

Cost: $1,120.50

  • Learn Scrum mechanics and other Agile frameworks
  • Gain deep understanding of Agile principles
  • Be able to adopt lean/agile controls
  • Increase speed of work management

Economics is a driving force in the world, integrated into almost every aspect of human interaction. Its scope and effects are rapidly changing because of the trends towards a globalized economy. If becoming an economist was always predicated upon advanced and specialized knowledge and application, this will become ever more so the case in coming decades.

Demand for highly skilled economists for advanced training will only increase. This high demand and advanced threshold of educational standards (normally a master’s degree is required for entry-level position) creates the need for continuous education.

Sometimes the master’s degree that got you the job will not suffice for career advancement or new types of economic problems. Here are some cheap doctoral-level online courses that fill such gaps.

Time: 6 Months

  • Economics and Policies for Circular Bio-Economy
  • Systems-based approach to different actors, feedback cycles and various pressures in a rapidly evolving value structure
  • Bioeconomy at national and international levels
  • Cost-benefit analysis of bioeconomic technologies and policies

Knowledge and its effective delivery are necessary for any society to flourish. Human communities have always recognized this, and have developed both knowledge and its effective bestowal to others. Educators are key players at every level of human society, and skilled practitioners of the art and science teaching form the pivot of transition from one generation to the next.

Different levels of education require various academic qualifications, all the way to the doctoral level. Demand is growing for skilled teachers, and education is a highly meaningful and satisfying career. Here is an inexpensive online doctoral-level course that may just be what top-level educators are looking for to meet the new challenges education is facing.

University of Michigan

University of Michigan

Leading Educational Innovation and Improvement

Cost: $940.50

  • Envisioning new possibilities for students and teachers in classroom settings
  • Application of improvement science
  • Imaging large-scale educational reform
  • Forming teams for education management and improvement
  • Application of evidence-based methods of educational innovation

Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering is not a booming field (5%, or average, expansion of the field over the next decade). Yet, it is a perennial occupation because of the universal need for better use and expansion of electrical and electronic technologies and their components.

Electrical engineers typically create electrical equipment. With so many fields that use electronic equipment, specialization is almost as broad human activity as such. The highest-level engineers often hold a master’s or doctorate.

For engineers looking for highly specialized doctoral-level training, the following online course, from a top university, may provide excellent educational and career opportunities.

Materials for Electronic, Optical, and Magnetics Devices

  • Knowledge of materials and equipment needed for modern displays technologies
  • Training for future research and innovation
  • Knowledge of photovoltaic technology
  • Fundamental operating principles of optical fibers and optoelectronic devices
  • Understanding of the magnetic behavior of certain materials and principles underneath magnetism.

History functions as a cultural glue, uniting our past with our present moment in anticipation of the next stages of human, social, economic, cultural, religious, among many others, development. History is a kind of memory of the past. Yet, that memory is always interpreted and applied in the present moment, according pressing questions, presuppositions, and needs. Moreover, historical memory is different for different groups of people and sets of interests.

Historians cultivate and preserve these heritages, helping us to both remember who we as well as suggest ways of reimaging our futures. There are dozens of topical areas of research and teaching in the field. Historians are commonly teachers and researches. Typical entry-level requirements include a master’s degree.

However, in order to work in a post-secondary educational setting a PhD often needed. Sometimes new ideas and discoveries in history or historiographical methodology requires new approaches. These PhD level courses are just the ticket to take new trains of thought.

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The University of Edinburgh

Predictive Analytics using Python

Time: 8 Months

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Integrated Digital Media

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Cost: $996.00

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The world-wide impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the development of vaccines has brought the topic of Immunology to the fore of the world’s attention. Immunology is a field of biology. Immunologists study the immune system in all organisms in their healthy states as well as diseased states in order to understand the nature of immunity and how to address disease through various treatments more effectively.

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Making a Cell Therapy: Principles and Practice of Manufacturing

Time: 7 Weeks

Cost: Free/ Verified Certificate $149.00

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Model-based systems engineering.

Time : 4-5 weeks

Cost : $3,889

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This is important because this field has a very broad and deep impact upon ordinary daily life as we currently know it. It deals primary with the interactions between substances. This means that its field of interest and experimentation is in the realm of the macroscopic.

Arguably, the majority of discoveries of new chemical compounds and reactions have been made by physical chemists. Chemists most often work in industrial or academic laboratory environments. Here is a top online course that deals with the interaction between chemistry and materials with special properties.

Solid State Devices

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Cost : Free/$2,250.00 with certificate

Graduate-level introduction to understand, analyze, design semiconductor devices

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There are almost 100 doctoral and/or graduate levels courses from top universityies that are currently available which cover almost every aspect of physics in general as well as highly specialized topics that might be required for specific research.

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Political scientists today continue that effort with the benefit of millennia of experience of human social development and interaction as well as with the benefit of highly sophisticated analytical tools and methods. Pay in this field is very impressive ($128,020 per year) and growth in the field is faster than average.

The University of Queensland

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Critical Development Perspectives

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20 Free PhD Programs Online

free phd programs online

Are you aware that there are free PhD programs online? Even though it cost a lot to earn an online PhD degree, there are still few online universities that offer tuition-free programs and fully funded scholarships for PhD programs.

Earning a PhD is no joke. To achieve this academic level, you will have to be ready to devote enough time, dedication, and money. However, there are easy doctoral programs that requires less time and no dissertation.

We realized that a lot of students wish to obtain a PhD but are discouraged because of the cost of pursuing a PhD program. This is why we decided to share with you some of the free PhD program online.

Let’s briefly discuss about the meaning of PhD, and how you earn a PhD for free.

Table of Contents

What is a PhD?

PhD is the abbreviation for Doctor of Philosophy. A Doctor of Philosophy is the most common degree at the highest academic level, earned after completing the required credit hours and dissertation. It is also the most common research doctorate.

A PhD program can be completed within three to eight years. After obtaining a PhD degree, you will have the opportunity to earn higher or get high paying jobs.

How to Earn a PhD degree Online for Free

  • Enroll in Tuition-free Online PhD Programs

Online universities hardly offer tuition-free PhD programs but there are still few universities that have tuition-free online PhD programs. Although, most tuition-free online PhD programs are not accredited. IICSE University is one of the few universities that offer free online PhD programs, but the PhD programs are not accredited.

  • Apply for Scholarships

Some online universities offer scholarships to online students. In most cases, the scholarships can only cover a part of the tuition. You may be lucky to get a fully funded scholarships for online PhD programs but it is very rare and have strict eligibility requirements.

  • Get help from your Employer

Some companies fund their workers education, if it will benefit them and their companies. All you have to do is convince your employer that obtaining a new degree will benefit the company.

  • Apply for FAFSA

Students can apply for federal grants, work-study, and loans with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal Student Aid is the largest provider of financial aid for Colleges in the US. Even though, FAFSA is common with traditional programs, there are still online universities that accepts FAFSA.

Below are some of the free PhD programs online categorized in: tuition-free online PhD programs and online PhD programs funded with scholarships

Tuition-free Online PhD Programs

Below is a list of tuition-free online PhD programs:

  • PhD in Business Administration
  • PhD in International Relations
  • PhD in English Language and Literature
  • PhD in Sociology
  • PhD in Accounting and Finance
  • PhD in Applied Statistics
  • PhD in Nursing
  • PhD in Economics
  • PhD in Higher Education
  • PhD in Healthcare Administration .

1. PhD in Business Administration

Institution: IICSE University Accreditation Status: Not Accredited

The PhD in Business Administration consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

To quality for this online PhD program, candidates must have obtained a MBA or master’s degree in a business field.

2. PhD in International Relations

The PhD in International Relations consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

To quality for this online PhD program, candidates must have obtained a master’s degree.

3. PhD in English Language and Literature

The PhD in English Language and Literature consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

4. PhD in Sociology

The PhD in Sociology consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

5. PhD in Accounting and Finance

Institution: IICSE University Accreditation Status: Not Accredited

The PhD in Accounting and Finance consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

6. PhD in Applied Statistics

The PhD in Applied Statistics consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

7. PhD in Nursing

The PhD in Nursing consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

8. PhD in Economics

The PhD in Economics consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

9. PhD in Higher Education

The PhD in Higher Education consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

10. PhD in Healthcare Administration

The PhD in Healthcare Administration consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.

Online PhD Programs Funded by Scholarships

Here is a list of online PhD programs that can be funded with scholarships:

  • PhD in History
  • PhD in Public Policy
  • PhD in Criminal Justice
  • PhD in Psychology
  • PhD in Education
  • PhD in Bible Exposition
  • PhD in Psychology (General Psychology)
  • PhD in Psychology (Developmental Psychology)
  • PhD in Business Management (Accounting)
  • PhD in Business Management (General Business Management) .

11. PhD in History

Institution: Liberty University Accreditation Status: Accredited

Liberty University’s PhD in History is a 72 credit hours program, that can completed within 4 years.

The PhD in History prepares students to pursue a variety of career opportunities in: education, research, politics, archeology, or management of national landmarks and museums.

This program can be funded by Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia (SBCV) Scholarship. The SBCV is awarded annually and it covers tuition only. It is awarded to SBCV church members.

12. PhD in Public Policy

Liberty University’s PhD in Public Policy is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.

With this program, you can gain the skills and knowledge you need to research and transform two world of public policy.

13. PhD in Criminal Justice

Liberty University’s PhD in Criminal Justice is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.

The PhD in Criminal Justice is designed for law enforcement professional. It prepares students for senior leadership roles in criminal justice organizations at all levels of government.

14. PhD in Psychology

Liberty University’s PhD in Psychology is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.

The PhD in Psychology is designed to prepare students to evaluate research and to understand the truth about human behavior for a biblical worldview.

15. PhD in Education

Liberty University’s PhD in Education is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.

The PhD in Education can prepare you for careers in various schools and administrative settings within the field of education.

16. PhD in Bible Exposition

Liberty University’s PhD in Bible Exposition is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.

The purpose of biblical exposition is to help you comprehend the Bible and equip you for a lifetime of study and application of God’s Word.

17. PhD in Psychology (General Psychology)

Institution: Capella University Accreditation Status: Accredited

The PhD in Psychology with a concentration in General Psychology consists of 89 total credits, including dissertation.

With this program, you can gain a deep understanding of the many facets of psychology and expand your opportunities for making a difference in people’s lives.

This program can be funded with 20k Capella Progress Rewards. Capella Progress Rewards are scholarships for new students and are not need-based. Students are awarded with $20,000 to cover part of the tuition.

18. PhD in Psychology (Development Psychology)

The PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Developmental Psychology consists of 101 total credits, including dissertation.

The program is designed to give a deep understanding of how people grow and change.

This PhD in Psychology program can also be funded with the 20k Capella Progress Reward.

19. PhD in Business Management (Accounting)

The PhD in Business Management with a specialization in Accounting consists of 75 total credits, including dissertation.

With this program, students will gain a deeper understanding of interrelated issues, processes, and functions with business organizations.

The PhD in Business Management, Accounting can be funded with the 20k Capella Progress Reward.

20. PhD in Business Management (General Business Management)

The PhD in Business Management with a specialization in General Business Management consists of 75 total credits, including dissertation.

With this program, you will master critical concepts through specialized courses and intensive in-person learning experiences in areas such as strategic management, marketing, accounting, and finance.

The PhD in Business Management, General Business Management can also be funded with the 20k Capella Progress Reward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i earn a phd degree for free.

It is rare but it is possible to earn a PhD degree for free. There are several scholarships awarded to PhD students.

Why should I earn a PhD?

Most people pursue PhD programs to increase salary, get new job opportunities, and increase knowledge and experience.

Which Country offer free PhD programs?

PhD may be free in any country but there are several European countries that offer free education to both domestic and international students. Countries like Germany, Sweden or Norway charges little or no amount for PhD programs. But, most of the PhD programs are offered on campus.

How long does it take to earn a PhD degree?

A PhD program can be completed within 3 years to 8 years. However, there may be PhD programs that can be completed within 1 or 2 years.

What are the requirements for PhD programs?

Requirements for PhD programs usually includes: master's degree along with a bachelor's degree, GMAT or GRE Scores, Work experience, Proof of language proficiency, and letters of recommendation.

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Earning a PhD is no joke, it requires a lot of time and money.

With free online PhD programs, you will no longer have to worry about the cost of pursuing a PhD program online. We have now come to end of this article, it was a lot of effort!! if you have any question, do well to ask in the Comment Section.

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And with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School Hybrid Campus , accessing our state-of-the-art curriculum and being part of our community has never been easier! 

Become a public health leader from any device, anywhere in the world. Our hybrid campus promises to offer an exciting, engaging experience that will fully prepare you for the public health challenges we are facing now and in the future.

While your lessons will be online, you will learn as if you are on campus: taking classes, attending a noon-time seminar, joining a study group to prepare for a final exam, meeting with your advisor, reaching out to a teaching assistant for extra help, participating in a research project or practice activity, connecting with alumni, accessing our career services, and—perhaps most importantly—getting to know our faculty and your fellow students who will become lifelong colleagues and friends.

Our classroom instruction draws on well-established teaching practices and Bloomberg School technology that maximizes faculty and student engagement while providing the flexibility to meet the demands we are all facing in these unprecedented times.

Together we can make a difference in creating a healthier future—from anywhere in the world!

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Study online at the #1 school of public health and become one of the health leaders of tomorrow.

Accepting applications until december 1.

Designed for mid-career public health workers who intend to pursue leadership positions.

Requires an MPH or similar degree as well as a minimum of three years of professional, full-time public health experience in the applicant's area of interest.

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Our MAS Office programs focus on emergent industry sectors that have a resounding need for highly skilled professionals.

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A fully online, part-time degree offered by the No. 1 school of public health in the country.

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This program focuses on economic evaluation and outcomes research methods for healthcare, and can be completed online on a full-time or part-time basis.

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All MPH students have the option to transition from online to in-person (when available) courses. They may also transition between part-time and full-time student status.

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This program offers the knowledge and skills in the evolving field of human health and environmental risk assessment, and can be completed online on a part-time basis.

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25 Free PhD Programs Online for 2023

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Free online Ph.D. programs are becoming a reality because of the internet, as it provides comprehensive and effective resources through eBooks, video lectures, and so on. These free PhD programs online have changed the face of higher education and have markedly increased the opportunities to pursue advanced degrees.

Getting your Ph.D. online is an exciting process, but it can also be very intimidating. But believe us when we tell you that it’s not as hard as you may think, and applying to a paid Ph.D. program doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a higher quality education than a free option.

This is why, in this article, we share with you 25 amazing free Ph.D. programs online; so, you can apply and advance your professional knowledge and qualification.

Table of Contents

The U.S. and Canada are homes to some of the world’s most prestigious universities , and earning a Ph.D. from one of them can be a dream come true for many students. Unfortunately, tuition can be prohibitively expensive for many people who want to pursue higher education. That’s why we’ve compiled this list.

You can get a Ph.D. in every subject from anthropology to computer science . The only thing you’ll have to pay for is your textbooks, accommodation, and feeding, which will typically cost some money.

If you’re thinking about enrolling in one of these free Ph.D. programs online, here’s what you need to know:

  • All of these programs are accredited.
  • Each program has different requirements and prerequisites; so make sure you read through each school’s website thoroughly before making your selection.
  • These are all professional Ph.D. programs in specialized disciplines.

Benefits of Getting a Ph.D.

If you’ve been doubting whether or not you need a Ph.D. degree, here are some why you may need to consider getting one:

1. It Prepares You for a Rewarding Career

A Ph.D. degree prepares you for a fulfilling career and here’s why: these programs tend to become research-intensive and it gives you the much-needed option to specialize in a particular area in your discipline, rather than be a generalist.

Ph.D. degree holders are generally preferred over bachelor degree holders in jobs that are highly specialized.

2. More Opportunities for Advancement

The more specialized your expertise, the better you’ll be able to advance within your field. A Ph.D. can help you stand out from other candidates by proving that you have a highly developed understanding of your topic area and body of knowledge—that means more opportunities for advancement and leadership roles within organizations that value that kind of expertise.

3. Higher Salary

One of the biggest reasons people choose to get a Ph.D. is so they can earn more money.

Ph.D. holders earn, on average, $50,000 more per year than people with a master’s degree and around $80,000 more per year than people who only have an undergraduate degree. However, this statistic is highly subjective to several factors, including the industry, job position and specification, and employer.

The List of 25 Free Ph.D. Programs Online

Are you looking for a way to further your education and earn a Ph.D. without breaking the bank?

Find out the options you have for free Ph.D. programs online that are available in 2023:

  • The Ph.D. in Anthropology at the University of Chicago
  • The Ph.D. in Biological Sciences in Public Health at Harvard
  • The Ph.D. in Business at MIT
  • The Ph.D. in Business at Rice University
  • The Ph.D. in Business at the University of Iowa
  • The Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at Cornell University
  • The Ph.D. in Civil & Environmental Engineering at Northwestern University
  • The Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Columbia University
  • The Ph.D. in Computer Science at Brown University
  • The Ph.D. in Computer Science at Georgetown University
  • The Ph.D. in Computer Science at Washington University-St. Louis
  • The Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • The Ph.D. in Economics at Emory University
  • The Ph.D. in Education at New York University
  • The Ph.D. in Education at Stanford University
  • The Ph.D. in Engineering at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
  • The Ph.D. in English at Boston University
  • The Ph.D. in English at the University of California, Los Angeles
  • The Ph.D. in English at the University of Notre Dame
  • The Ph.D. in International Relations at American University
  • The Ph.D. in Linguistics at McGill University
  • The Ph.D. in Management at Birmingham University-SUNY
  • The Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering at Duke University
  • The Ph.D. in Mathematics at Princeton University
  • The Ph.D. in Nursing at Duke University.

25 Free Ph.D. Programs Online

A Ph.D. can open up a world of opportunities and provide numerous benefits, including increased expertise in your field, higher earning potential, and the ability to make a greater impact.

These 25 fully funded online Ph.D. programs for 2023 offer the opportunity to advance your education and career goals without the burden of financial stress provide you remain in good academic standing throughout your study (as stipulated):

1. The Ph.D. in Anthropology at the University of Chicago

An advanced degree in anthropology aims to teach students about the interaction of man and his societal values and culture.

This program will give you a peek into the theories of socio-linguistics as well as courses dedicated to teaching you ethnography and archaeology, with an emphasis on carrying out strong academic research work.

In addition, this program is offered by one of the most reputable universities in the U.S., and it is one of the biggest opportunities for anyone looking to make greater career strides in Culture Theory.

View Program

2. The Ph.D. in Biological Sciences in Public Health at Harvard

This unique program combines the study of biology with a focus on public health. Students will learn about the biological basis of diseases and how to prevent and control them on a population level. The program is highly interdisciplinary, with coursework and research opportunities in a variety of related fields.

3. The Ph.D. in Business at MIT

This is another top-ranked Ph.D. program that prepares students for leadership roles in academia and industry. The program emphasizes the development of analytical skills and the ability to solve complex business problems, and students have the opportunity to work with faculty on cutting-edge research projects.

4. The Ph.D. in Business at Rice University

This prestigious program attracts top students from around the world. The program has a strong focus on research, and students have the opportunity to work with leading scholars in their field.

5. The Ph.D. in Business at the University of Iowa

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in the business industry, like managerial and leadership positions. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of business-related fields, including finance, marketing, and operations management.

6. The Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at Cornell University

This is a highly competitive program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of chemical engineering-related fields, including bioengineering, materials science, and energy systems.

7. The Ph.D. in Civil & Environmental Engineering at Northwestern University

This is a top-ranked program that prepares students for leadership roles in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of related fields, including environmental science, geotechnical engineering, and transportation engineering.

8. The Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Columbia University

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in research and practice. The program has a strong emphasis on evidence-based approaches and includes coursework in a variety of related fields, including abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology, and developmental psychology.

9. The Ph.D. in Computer Science at Brown University

This is a prestigious program that attracts top students from around the world. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of computer science-related fields, including artificial intelligence, computer networks, and software engineering.

10. The Ph.D. in Computer Science at Georgetown University

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of related fields, including data science, cybersecurity, and human-computer interaction.

11. The Ph.D. in Computer Science at Washington University-St. Louis

This is a top-ranked program that prepares students for leadership roles in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of computer science-related fields, including computer graphics, machine learning, and computer systems.

12. The Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

13. the ph.d. in economics at emory university.

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of related fields, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. The program also has a strong emphasis on applied research, with students often working on real-world economic problems and policy issues.

14. The Ph.D. in Education at New York University

This is a prestigious program that attracts top students from around the world. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of education-related fields, including curriculum and instruction, educational psychology, and educational policy. The program also has a strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world applications, with students often working on projects and internships in local schools and educational organizations.

15. The Ph.D. in Education at Stanford University

This is a top-ranked Ph.D. program that prepares students for leadership roles in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of education-related fields, including teacher education, learning sciences, and educational leadership.

16. The Ph.D. in Engineering at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

This is a highly competitive program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of engineering-related fields, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and chemical engineering.

17. The Ph.D. in English at Boston University

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of English-related fields, including literature, creative writing, and linguistics.

The program also has a strong emphasis on critical thinking and analysis, with students often working on projects that require in-depth interpretation and analysis of texts.

18. The Ph.D. in English at the University of California, Los Angeles

This is a prestigious program that attracts top students from around the world. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of English-related fields, including literature, creative writing, and linguistics.

19. The Ph.D. in English at the University of Notre Dame

20. the ph.d. in international relations at american university.

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in diplomatic and foreign affairs. Lost most doctoral programs, it has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of international relations-related fields, including international security, international development, and international political economy.

21. The Ph.D. in Linguistics at McGill University

This is a prestigious program that attracts top students from around the world. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of linguistics-related fields, including syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics.

22. The Ph.D. in Management at Birmingham University-SUNY

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of management-related fields, including organizational behavior, strategic management, and international business.

23. The Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering at Duke University

This is a highly competitive program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of materials science-related fields, including nanomaterials, biomaterials, and materials for energy and the environment.

24. The Ph.D. in Mathematics at Princeton University

This is a prestigious program that attracts top students from around the world. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of mathematics-related fields, including algebra, geometry, and topology.

25. The Ph.D. in Nursing at Duke University

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of nursing-related fields, including nursing education, nursing leadership, and nursing informatics.

FAQs and Answers

Some commonly-asked questions about free Ph.D. programs done online include the following:

Are these programs fully online or do they require any in-person attendance?

Most of these programs are fully online, but some may require occasional in-person attendance for events such as orientations or research conferences. We advise that you do more research on them to learn their requirement to know how you can fit in your schedule to align with your studies.

Do these programs require any prerequisites or prior education?

Most of these programs have specific prerequisites and requirements for admission, such as a bachelor’s degree in a related field or a certain GPA.

Are these programs accredited?

All of these programs and universities are well-known and are accredited by reputable institutions and organizations.

How long do these programs typically take to complete?

The length of these programs varies.

More Articles for You

  • Cheapest Universities in Italy for International Students
  • 10 Cheapest Universities in Canada for International Students
  • Top 10 Cheapest Colleges in the US
  • 30 Cheapest Out-of-State Tuition Universities
  • 10 Low-Tuition Universities in Canada for International Students .

Wrapping It Up

In conclusion, obtaining a Ph.D. degree can be a rewarding and challenging experience that can open up many career doors for you. Online Ph.D. programs provide an even more flexible and convenient option for students to pursue their degrees while balancing other commitments.

The 25 free Ph.D. programs listed in this article offer a diverse range of subjects and are all highly respected in their respective fields. While there may be some requirements and limitations for these programs, they provide a valuable opportunity for dedicated students to advance their education and careers.

Related posts:

  • Best 20 Free Education Countries for International Students
  • 20 US Universities that offer Full Scholarship to International Students

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PhD in Aviation Online Flight Path to Success

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Take Your Aviation Career to New Heights with Liberty’s PhD in Aviation Online

Are you an experienced pilot or aviation professional? Perhaps you’ve started a career in the aviation industry, and you’re looking for an advanced degree program that can help set you apart from your peers. If so, Liberty University’s 100% online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Aviation may be a great fit for you!

This doctoral aeronautical science degree is designed to help shape you into an aviation leader who is committed to investigating and solving aviation issues through research, educational leadership, and Christian ethical standards. This degree covers a wide range of current and historical issues affecting the aeronautic industry. Additionally, you can add to the existing knowledge base in this field through your dissertation.

Offered in mostly 8-week courses with no required flight or intensive courses, this program allows you to remain committed to your job, family, and community as you pursue your degree. Don’t put your full potential on hold any longer. Partner with us, gain valuable skills, and take your career in aviation to new heights!

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Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

  • What Sets Us Apart?
  • Private Nonprofit University
  • 600+ Online Degrees
  • No Standardized Testing for Admission
  • Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
  • Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s PhD in Aviation Degree?

As a pioneer in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to develop a rigorous, respected online degree program that challenges you to grow while respecting your personal commitments. This doctoral aeronautics degree offers access to an abundance of expert professors, a vast collection of research resources, and ample networking opportunities with like-minded peers.

In addition, Liberty University holds regional institutional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ) – meaning our degree programs have met rigorous academic requirements. Earning your PhD in Aviation from a university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from your peers.

Our PhD in Aviation online can also help prepare you to pursue exciting new career options. You could go on to become an aviation researcher, regulations consultant, airport manager, FAA safety inspector, or even a professor! No matter what your career goals in aviation are, this degree program can help provide the skills and tools needed for a variety of aviation-related careers.

What Will You Study in Our Doctoral Degree in Aviation?

In this online PhD in Aviation, you will study various handpicked topics to help you become the aviation professional you aspire to be. Our doctoral aviation science program consists of core aviation courses, advanced focus classes, electives, research courses, and a dissertation sequence.

In the core section of your aviation PhD, you will begin by completing orientations to doctoral study and advanced aviation research. From there, you can choose between studying advanced aviation investigation or current practices and future trends in aviation. In the advanced focus section, you will study global aviation law, human factors and aviation automation, and the economic environment of aviation. You will also explore contemporary issues in aviation policy. The elective section of our program allows you to take 2 classes from our available doctoral aviation courses, so you can tailor your education to your interests.

Additionally, you’ll complete a section focused on research – where you’ll study advanced aviation statistics, quantitative methods of research, and qualitative research. You will also dive into a literature review for advanced research, study research concepts and methodology, and choose between courses in advanced quantitative or qualitative research.

From there, you will transition into your dissertation sequence. Your dissertation will allow you to research, write, and present your findings. You will then defend your dissertation and have the opportunity for it to be archived and published upon a successful defense. The dissertation gives you the chance to develop scholarly findings and contribute to the base of knowledge in your field. This dissertation process stands apart from applied doctorate degrees, as its principal aim is to foster your proficiency in theory rather than the practical aspects of the field.

Potential Career Opportunities

  • Aircraft manufacturer manager
  • Aircraft manufacturer safety program manager
  • Airline safety program manager
  • Airport manager
  • Aviation researcher
  • Aviation trainer
  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety inspector
  • Military senior leader

Featured Courses

  • AVIA 710 – Global Aviation Law
  • AVIA 735 – Human Factors and Aviation Automation
  • AVIA 745 – The Economic Environment of Aviation
  • AVIA 755 – Contemporary Issues in Aviation Policy

Degree Information

  • This program falls under the School of Aeronautics .
  • View the Graduate Aeronautics Course Guides (login required) .
  • This dissertation process stands apart from applied doctorate degrees, as its principal aim is to foster your proficiency in theory rather than the practical aspects of the field.

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

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Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

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Admission Information for Liberty’s PhD in Aviation

Admission requirements.

  • A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
  • Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
  • Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

  • Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
  • Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
  • Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
  • Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

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Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

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This degree offers you access to vast research resources, expert professors, and like-minded peers.

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Online Cryptography Course

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Instructor:   Dan Boneh, Stanford University

Online cryptography course preview: This page contains all the lectures in the free cryptography course. To officially take the course, including homeworks, projects, and final exam, please visit the course page at Coursera .

Textbook: The following is a free textbook for the course. The book goes into more depth, including security proofs, and many exercises.

  • A Graduate Course in Applied Cryptography by D. Boneh and V. Shoup   (free)

Course syllabus, videos, and slides

  •   Course overview (10 min.)
  •   What is cryptography (15 min.)
  •   History of cryptography (18 min.)
  •   Discrete probability (crash course) (18 min.)
  •   Discrete probability (crash course, continued) (13 min.)
  •   Information theoretic security and the one-time pad (18 min.)
  •   Stream ciphers and pseudorandom generators (19 min.)
  •   Attacks on stream ciphers and the one-time pad (23 min.)
  •   Real-world stream ciphers (19 min.)
  •   PRG security definition (24 min.)
  •   Semantic security (15 min.)
  •   Stream ciphers are semantically secure (10 min.)
  •   What are block ciphers (16 min.)
  •   The Data Encryption Standard (DES) (21 min.)
  •   Exhaustive search attacks (19 min.)
  •   More attacks on block ciphers (16 min.)
  •   The AES block cipher (13 min.)
  •   Block ciphers from PRGs (11 min.)
  •   Review: PRPs and PRFs (11 min.)
  •   Modes of operation: one-time key (7 min.)
  •   Security for many-time key (CPA security) (22 min.)
  •   Modes of operation: many-time key (CBC) (16 min.)
  •   Modes of operation: many-time key (CTR) (9 min.)
  •   Message authentication codes (15 min.)
  •   MACs based on PRFs (9 min.)
  •   CBC-MAC and NMAC (19 min.)
  •   MAC padding (8 min.)
  •   PMAC and Carter-Wegman MAC (15 min.)
  •   Introduction (10 min.)
  •   Generic birthday attack (14 min.)
  •   The Merkle-Damgard paradigm (11 min.)
  •   Constructing compression functions (8 min.)
  •   HMAC (7 min.)
  •   Timing attacks on MAC verification (8 min.)
  •   Active attacks on CPA-secure encryption (12 min.)
  •   Definitions (5 min.)
  •   Chosen ciphertext attacks (12 min.)
  •   Constructions from ciphers and MACs (20 min.)
  •   Case study: TLS 1.2 (17 min.)
  •   CBC padding attacks (14 min.)
  •   Attacking non-atomic decryption (9 min.)
  •   Key derivation (13 min.)
  •   Deterministic encryption (14 min.)
  •   Deterministic encryption: SIV and wide PRP (20 min.)
  •   Tweakable encryption (14 min.)
  •   Format preserving encryption (12 min.)
  •   Trusted 3rd parties (11 min.)
  •   Merkle puzzles (11 min.)
  •   The Diffie-Hellman protocol (19 min.)
  •   Public-key encryption (10 min.)
  •   Notation (14 min.)
  •   Fermat and Euler (18 min.)
  •   Modular e'th roots (17 min.)
  •   Arithmetic algorithms (12 min.)
  •   Intractable problems (18 min.)
  •   Definitions and security (15 min.)
  •   Constructions (10 min.)
  •   The RSA trapdoor permutation (17 min.)
  •   PKCS1 (21 min.)
  •   Is RSA a one-way function? (16 min.)
  •   RSA in practice (13 min.)
  •   The ElGamal public-key system (19 min.)
  •   ElGamal security (13 min.)
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6 Free Online Excel Courses With Certificates

Kayla Missman

Published: May 6, 2024, 11:06am

6 Free Online Excel Courses With Certificates

Key Takeaways

  • Excel skills benefit most people, but the program is particularly helpful for project managers, analysts, finance professionals, accountants and sales managers.
  • Beginner Excel courses cover basics and best practices, while advanced classes can help you launch a career in data analysis or business intelligence.
  • You can learn Excel for free online, but you may have to pay to get a shareable certificate.
  • Microsoft offers an Excel Associate certificate for intermediate users. You can practice for free online, but the exam costs $100.

If you want to boost your technical skills but don’t know where to start, consider earning an Excel certification. Since its launch in 1985, Excel’s powerful spreadsheet software has helped millions of users harness data to make informed decisions.

Many people use Excel casually to plan trips, create budgets or track their goals. However, with more than 400 functions, Excel boasts advanced capabilities that most users overlook. Excel helps companies and individuals sort and manage data, visualize and present trends, create forecasts, complete reports and automate repetitive tasks.

Learning Excel can help you land your first job, take on more work responsibilities or exercise different skills. Excel classes also serve as a jumping-off point for in-demand data analyst careers. This article explores several free online Excel courses with certificates to demonstrate your expertise.

Why Should You Take an Excel Course?

Excel makes it easy to view and sort data, look for trends and present information. Most professionals can benefit from learning Excel, but the software is especially helpful for business owners, analysts, bookkeepers, managers, sales representatives, journalists, finance professionals and administrative assistants.

Degree Finder

Build your résumé.

An Excel course can bolster your résumé if you’re switching careers or entering the job market for the first time. It may also make you more valuable in your current role, allowing you to take on more complicated work or ask for a raise or promotion.

Launch a New Career

Mastering Excel can help you launch a career in analytics, data science or business intelligence, which involves collecting and analyzing data to make strategic decisions. With more data available than ever, companies rely on analytics to optimize customer engagement, advertising or supply chain management. If you enjoy this type of work, an Excel certificate lays a strong foundation for continuing your analytics education.

Hone Your Skills

Good Excel courses don’t teach you just to copy and paste formulas. Your course should help you gain analytical skills that serve you beyond the software, like logical reasoning and critical thinking. Many classes also feature hands-on projects and opportunities for discussion or feedback.

How Much Does an Excel Certificate Cost?

While you can learn Excel skills online for free, learning platforms typically charge for certificates. In some cases, you can complete entire courses without paying, but you have to upgrade to receive a shareable certificate for your résumé or LinkedIn profile.

Online resources, like freeCodeCamp , provide hours of Excel education without charge. However, while valuable, these courses do not result in certificates.

Earning a professional certificate through Microsoft, which we discuss later, costs $100. The most expensive certificate on our list costs $249.

Some platforms, like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning, offer a free trial to try out courses before you commit. You can typically keep the certificate if you complete the material before the trial ends. Otherwise, your total cost depends on the platform’s monthly subscription fee. Coursera charges $59 per month; LinkedIn charges $40.

Consider These Free Online Excel Courses With Certificates

All of the below courses are available for free, though some require payment for a certificate.

Simplilearn: Introduction to MS Excel

Prerequisites: None Program Length: 7 hours Certificate Overview: SimpliLearn ’s brief Excel course offers a condensed overview of the software’s features, including functions, data validation, pivot tables, analysis and Excel dashboards. Students can access the free, self-paced course for 90 days after enrolling. The class results in a certificate of completion.

Davidson College With edX: Excel For Beginners

Prerequisites: None Program Length: 4 weeks at 3-5 hours/week Certificate Overview: In collaboration with Davidson College, edX hosts an introductory Excel course that suits total beginners. Students can complete the course for free or purchase an optional upgrade of $249 to receive the certificate. The self-paced class explores foundational skills such as data manipulation, formulas and keyboard shortcuts. Skills apply to Google Sheets as well.

Microsoft: Work Smarter With Microsoft Excel

Prerequisites: Basic understanding of Windows-based computers Program Length: 20 hours Certificate Overview: Microsoft created this course as part of the Microsoft 365 Fundamentals Specialization, hosted on Coursera. It covers introductory skills, functions, data visualization and advanced features, with discussion prompts and quizzes to keep students engaged with the material. In the final module, learners apply their new skills in a peer-reviewed project. Coursera offers a seven-day free trial.

LinkedIn Learning: Master Microsoft Excel

Prerequisites: None Program Length: 13 hours Certificate Overview: LinkedIn Learning allows you to earn a professional certificate via courses led by industry experts. This certificate covers essential topics like formatting, macros and VBA, power query, and productivity tools. The last section, which takes five hours to complete, covers advanced skills. Some sections include projects and quizzes to test your knowledge.

IBM: Excel Basics for Data Analysis

Prerequisites: None Program Length: 11 hours Certificate Overview: This brief course from IBM focuses on introductory Excel skills. Students learn to perform basic tasks, clean up data, and analyze and display important information. Learners synthesize their new skills in a peer-reviewed final assignment. While Coursera offers a weeklong free trial, completing this course contributes to multiple specialization certificate programs. Students who enjoy the material and format may subscribe to the platform to continue learning.

Johns Hopkins University: Business Analytics With Excel – Elementary to Advanced

Prerequisites: Some knowledge of Microsoft Excel Program Length: 23 hours Certificate Overview: Once you’ve mastered the basics, you may want to move on to more advanced topics. This intermediate course, created by Johns Hopkins University , explores how to make profitable, efficient decisions by applying analytical frameworks. Topics include what-if analysis, linear programming, integer programming and modeling techniques. Data analysis skills come in handy for marketers, managers and business owners.

Low-Cost Excel Courses

Udemy, one of the most prominent learning platforms, hosts many free online Excel courses. While Udemy only includes certificates with its paid courses, you can often purchase classes on sale. We’ve included two options below.

Udemy: Excel From Beginner to Advanced

Prerequisites: None Program Length: 21 hours Cost: $129.99 Certificate Overview: This course boasts the highest enrollment of any Excel course on Udemy , with more than 1.4 million learners. Taught by a Microsoft Certified Trainer, this class combines four courses that take you from beginner to advanced Excel user. The cost includes video lectures, downloadable exercise files, quizzes and an interactive discussion board. Udemy offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Udemy: Advanced Excel Formulas and Functions

Prerequisites: Prior experience with Excel formulas recommended Program Length: 10 hours Cost: $189.99 Certificate Overview: This Udemy course can help you prepare for a career in business intelligence, analytics or data science. Each section includes homework assignments to cement your skills. The class begins with an overview of Excel formulas, shortcuts, conditional statements and logical operators, then dives into advanced functions.

Microsoft Excel Associate Certification

If you want to earn a certificate straight from the source, consider pursuing the intermediate Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate distinction. The 50-question exam costs $100 and covers Excel skills you can learn for free online, including worksheets and workbooks, manipulating and visualizing data, managing tables, and using formulas and functions.

Microsoft recommends spending 150 hours learning Excel before taking the test.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Free Online Excel Courses With Certificates

How can i get excel-certified online for free.

In most cases, you have to pay for an Excel course before earning a certificate. However, you may be able to earn a free certificate by accessing an unpaid trial of a learning platform like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning.

How do I learn Excel for free?

You can learn Excel independently through YouTube tutorials, Udemy courses, or by signing up for free trials of Coursera or LinkedIn Learning. Free options typically don’t include a certificate, but they can still teach valuable skills.

Which Excel certificate is the best?

With dozens of Excel courses and associated certificates online, the best option depends on what skills you want to learn. After mastering the software, you can earn the comprehensive Microsoft Office Specialist certificate in Excel. This reputable option looks great on a résumé.

Are Excel certificates worth it?

If you want to break into data analysis, business intelligence or data science, an Excel certificate is a great way to start. However, anyone who uses Excel in their job can benefit from earning a certificate.

How much does it cost to get Excel-certified?

Earning an Excel Associate certificate from Microsoft costs $100. However, you can complete your training for the certificate for free.

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Kayla Missman specializes in making complicated topics more approachable. She has eight years of experience in journalism, editing and marketing, allowing her to dive into interesting topics and industries. She primarily researches and writes about higher education, insurance and healthcare, helping readers make empowered, informed decisions.

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