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• Best Online Doctoral Programs

Best Online Doctoral Programs Of 2024

Updated: Apr 23, 2024, 1:42pm

The best online doctoral programs offer flexibility and convenience that can make it easier for you to pursue an advanced degree, often while working full time.

Earning a doctorate can help you advance to the highest roles in your field and increase your salary potential. It’s also a chance for you to gain an advanced understanding of impactful issues and develop the skills to generate new ideas, solve problems and create meaningful change.

Below, learn about the best online doctoral programs in a variety of fields, including social work, psychology, education and nursing.

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Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• Over 3,868 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
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• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online doctoral degree programs in the U.S. using metrics in the categories of student experience, credibility, student outcomes and affordability. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

We scored schools based on the following data points:

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• Portion of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition and fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

We chose the best schools to display in 10 categories of doctoral degrees.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Best Online Doctoral Program Options

Should you enroll in an online ph.d. program or doctorate, accreditation for online doctoral degrees, how to find the right online doctorate for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online ph.d. programs and doctorates.

• Best online Psy.D.: Rivier University
• Best online Doctor of Nursing Practice: University of Central Florida
• Best online Doctor of Business Administration: Walsh College
• Best online doctorate in physical therapy: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
• Best online doctorate in education: Johns Hopkins University
• Best online Ph.D. in organizational leadership: Indiana Wesleyan University
• Best online Ph.D. in counseling: Concordia University-Irvine
• Best online Doctor of Social Work: University of Southern California
• Best online Ph.D. in public administration: West Chester University of Pennsylvania
• Best online doctorate in educational leadership: Fairfield University

Best Online Psy.D.

Rivier university.

Program Tuition Rate

$1,275/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Located in Nashua, New Hampshire, Rivier University offers a hybrid Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) with a limited number of online classes. The American Psychology Association-accredited program focuses on school psychology and counseling and prepares you to work as a psychologist in various environments. You’ll learn clinical diagnosis, assessment, prevention and intervention skills.

Students must attend full time and can work no more than 20 hours per week. It takes a minimum of five years to graduate.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on a set schedule
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $100
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60-130 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Fundamentals of research, group counseling
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, includes a 2,000-hour internship and at least six practicum experiences

Best Doctor of Nursing Practice

University of central florida.

$372/credit (in-state)

At University of Central Florida (UCF), practicing nurses can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice. The advanced track program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and prepares nurses for clinical leadership roles in the field.

Coursework explores clinical management, communication skills and epidemiology principles. You’ll develop research and practice skills, learn to improve healthcare systems, develop health policy and analyze data to improve individual and population health.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $30
• Degree Credit Requirements: 42 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare systems and policy, nursing environment management
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, includes clinical hours (but all coursework is available online)

Best Doctor of Business Administration

Walsh college.

$1,038/credit

You can earn an online Doctor of Business Administration from Walsh College in Troy, Michigan. The part-time, online program includes asynchronous coursework and real-time Zoom classes, as well as optional opportunities to interact on campus. You can develop advanced business knowledge and skills to become a business leader or consultant.

In addition to coursework, you must pass a preliminary exam and complete a 15-credit dissertation process. The program requires students to graduate within seven years.

• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Foundations for business success, qualitative and exploratory research methods
• In-Person Requirements: No

Best Doctorate in Physical Therapy

Texas tech university health sciences center.

$265/credit (in-state)

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center designed its hybrid Doctor of Science in physical therapy to help practicing physical therapists advance their careers. The post-professional 36-credit program takes four to five years to complete part time.

The flexible format makes it possible for students to keep working while attending school. Learners attend weekend lectures and labs at the Lubbock, Texas, campus. During the week, they supplement their in-person instruction with online assignments.

• Application Fee: $75
• Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Medical screening for rehabilitation sciences, motor control in orthopedics
• Concentrations Available: Research track, teaching track
• In-Person Requirements: Yes

Best Online Doctorate in Education

Johns hopkins university.

$2,100/credit

Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland offers an online Ed.D. The part-time degree takes four years to complete and explores topics like the social determinants of education, entrepreneurship and technology.

You can customize the degree by choosing electives that align with your professional interests and by selecting one or more “areas of interest,” such as urban leadership or digital age learning and educational technology. Applicants need a master’s degree with at least 36 graduate credits to qualify for the program.

• Application Fee: $80
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Approaches to urban education, partnerships and community organizing
• Concentrations Available: Creativity, advanced learning, and twice exceptionality; digital age learning and educational technology; entrepreneurial leadership in education; mind, brain, and teaching; urban leadership

Best Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership

Indiana wesleyan university.

$890/credit

Located in Marion, Indiana Wesleyan University offers an online Ph.D. in organizational leadership that can prepare you to become an effective leader in as few as four years. The program focuses on inclusion, multiculturalism and international perspectives and develops research, presentation and executive skills.

You must attend an in-person residency during the July session, but the rest of the program takes place online and offers flexibility for working professionals. The school’s tuition guarantee locks in your tuition rate when you start the program.

• Application Fee: Free
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced leadership theory, statistical research design
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, includes an in-person residency

Best Online Ph.D. in Counseling

Concordia university – irvine.

$795/credit

Concordia University – Irvine in Irvine, California, is a Christian institution that offers a “biblically informed” online Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from its Townsend Institute. Designed for licensed mental health professionals, the degree develops advanced skills and prepares you for leadership roles in counseling, teaching and advocacy.

The accelerated program takes three to four years to complete. It requires two in-person residencies and a total of 700 hours of internship and practicum field experiences. In addition to coursework, you must complete a culminating 12-credit dissertation that includes original counseling research and a successful oral defense.

• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced counseling and career theories, advanced multicultural issues in counselor education and supervision
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, requires two in-person residencies, a practicum and an internship

Best Online Doctor of Social Work

University of southern california.

$2,137/credit

University of Southern California ‘s online Doctor of Social Work from the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work emphasizes the importance of scholarship and practice in the field. Created for experienced social work professionals, the program can help you become a leader working toward social change and innovation.

The program offers a seven-semester accelerated track and a standard nine-semester option. In a capstone experience, learners research and create a prototype that addresses a current problem in social work.

• Application Fee: $90
• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Leading public discourse, financial management for social change

Best Online Ph.D. in Public Administration

West chester university of pennsylvania.

$645/credit (in-state)

West Chester University of Pennsylvania ’s online Doctor of Public Administration can prepare you for high-level roles in public affairs and administration. The program is offered by the College of Business and Public Management, accredited by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and the Department of Public Policy and Administration, accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration.

The curriculum explores strategic management, policy advocacy and decision-making in the public sector. The dissertation allows you to complete an applied research project. You can take electives and choose a concentration from multiple departments, including psychology, graduate social work and criminal justice.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 45 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Strategic public sector management and governance, research design for program and policy evaluation
• Concentrations Available: Options from multiple departments

Best Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Fairfield university.

$1,120/credit

At Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, you can earn an online, low-residency Doctor of Education in educational leadership. The program offers two tracks: teacher leader for certified working educators or higher education administration for higher education professionals.

Students enroll in the cohort-style program in the fall and graduate in three years by taking six credits per semester. Learners can build community during two one-week summer residencies. Applicants need a master’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• Application Fee: $65
• Degree Credit Requirements: 57
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Action research for educational change, framing and critical analysis of problems of practice
• Concentrations Available: Teacher leader, higher education administration
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, requires two one-week residencies

An online Ph.D. program or doctorate can offer many compelling features for students, but it might not be the right choice for everyone. Consider the questions below when deciding whether to pursue your doctorate online or in person.

• What type of schedule do you need? Online programs typically offer more flexibility that appeals to students who work full time or have personal responsibilities to fit around their school schedule. Online degrees allow learners to pursue higher education without putting their career on hold. This is especially true for programs that offer asynchronous coursework that students complete on their own time.
• What learning style works best for you? Do you work well independently and with a lot of freedom? If so, an online doctorate might be a good fit for you. If you think you’d prefer the camaraderie of an in-person cohort graduate program and structured opportunities to interact with instructors, an on-campus or hybrid program might suit you better.
• How does the program format affect your budget? Online programs can help you save on tuition, housing and transportation costs. For example, many public schools allow you to pay the same tuition, regardless of where you live. However, you might miss funding opportunities typically reserved for on-campus students, such as graduate teaching assistantships, research assistantships and fellowships.

The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) approve accrediting agencies that give schools institutional accreditation in the U.S.

Institutional accreditation means that a university has met minimum quality requirements related to its academics, financial management, faculty and staff, and student resources and services. To qualify for federal financial aid, you must attend an accredited college.

Programmatic accreditation is a separate process that gives special recognition to individual degrees, programs or departments within a university. Depending on your field, you might need a programmatically accredited degree to get a job or qualify for professional licenses or certifications.

You can search for a prospective school’s accreditation status on CHEA’s website .

Consider Your Future Goals

An online doctorate has the potential to help you achieve your career aspirations. However, not every program in your field will necessarily align with your goals. Before you choose an online doctorate program, think about your post-graduation plans.

For example, some online doctorate programs require professional experience through an internship or a practicum. This type of hands-on learning can help you develop your expertise and professional network. But these experiences usually take place in person and can be hard to fit into your schedule if you’re working full time.

You should also consider if you need a specific license or certification to get the job you want. If so, research the credential’s requirements to learn if your degree needs to meet certain criteria. For example, you may need to complete an accredited program or complete supervised clinical hours.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Tuition rates for online doctoral programs in our guide vary significantly, from $265 to $2,137 per credit. Most programs required 42 to 60 credits, with some exceptions. In total, the degrees ranked on our list cost between $9,540 and $113,400.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics , grad students at private, nonprofit schools paid an average tuition of $20,408 in 2022–23, while public school tuition cost $11,554 per year. Doctorate programs typically take at least three years to complete, putting total costs between $34,662 and $61,224.

Find funding for your online Ph.D. by filling out the FAFSA®, which can connect you with scholarships, grants and student loans. Many schools also provide funding to graduate students through scholarships, grants and fellowships.

Can you do a Ph.D. fully online?

Yes, many schools offer fully online Ph.D. programs. However, depending on the program and the field of study, you may need to complete on-campus residencies or field experiences like internships or practicums that take place in person.

What is the fastest Ph.D. to get online?

Program length for online Ph.D. programs varies depending on your field of study. You might be able to find some accelerated online Ph.D. programs that you can finish in less than two years. However, the best online doctoral programs on our list take at least three years to complete.

Are online doctoral degrees respected?

An online doctoral degree from an accredited university can provide the same rigorous education and training as a comparable on-campus program. If you’re concerned about whether or not your degree will be respected, consider doing some research about the way that your field or profession tends to view online doctoral degrees.

What is the best online school for a Ph.D.?

The best online school for a Ph.D. depends on your field of study, personal interests and career goals. Make sure that any prospective online school is institutionally accredited. Depending on the degree you want to pursue, it might also be important to find a program with separate programmatic accreditation.

Liz Simmons has been writing for various online publications about career development, higher education and college affordability for nearly a decade. Her articles demystify the college application process and help prospective students figure out how to choose a major or career path.

Best Online Doctoral Programs for 2024 Top Consensus Ranked Schools for Online PhD Programs

Ready to start your journey.

Get a personalized list of degree programs that fit your needs.

Updated: February 27, 2024

Online doctoral programs have gained popularity in recent years due to their flexibility, accessibility, and diverse offerings. These programs provide a convenient option for working professionals or individuals with other commitments, allowing them to pursue advanced degrees without the constraints of traditional on-campus attendance. The increasing acceptance of online education, advancements in technology, and the availability of virtual research opportunities contribute to the growing popularity of online doctoral programs. As universities expand their online offerings across various fields, more individuals are choosing these programs to advance their education and careers while balancing personal and professional responsibilities.

With more accredited online Ph.D. and other doctorate-level programs available than ever before, it’s important to be able to distinguish between the good, the bad, and the degree mills. That’s where the College Consensus rankings of the Best Online Doctoral Programs for 2024 can help. We’ve highlighted the most highly rated and positively reviewed online colleges and universities offering accredited online doctorates. These are the “best of the best” schools from around the country currently offering an online professional doctorate or online Ph.D. program in at least one subject. Many of the schools listed in our ranking offer several accredited online doctoral programs to choose from. If you’re interested in a master’s level program, see our rankings of the Best Online Grad Schools for Master’s Programs .

Methodology: Ranking the Best Online Doctoral Programs

College Consensus rankings are unique. We combine the results of the most respected college ranking systems with the averaged ratings of thousands of real student reviews from around the web to create a college meta-ranking unlike any other. This approach offers a comprehensive and holistic perspective missing from other college rankings. Visit our about page for information on which rankings and review sites are in this year’s consensus rankings.

The Best Online Doctoral Degree category is limited to schools offering at least one fully online program . Information about the number and types of online doctoral degree programs offered was taken directly from the school’s website.

• Washington Monthly
• Wall Street Journal
• Grad Reports
• U.S. News Reviews

Summary of Top 10 Best Accredited Online Doctoral Programs

Recommended Online Doctoral Programs

Visit sites to learn more about enrollment, tuition, and aid

Duke University Durham, NC

Total online doctoral programs: 2

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Ministry, Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

Learn more: Duke Online Doctoral Programs

Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN

Total online doctoral programs: 4

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Online Ph.D. in Nursing Science, Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Online Doctor of Ministry

Learn more: Vanderbilt Online Learning

University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA

Notable programs:  Online Doctorate in Clinical Social Work, Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

Learn more: UPenn Online Learning

University of Florida Gainesville, FL

Total online doctoral programs: 9

Notable programs: Online PhD in Classical Civilization, Online EdD in Educational Leadership, Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Learn more: UF Online Doctorate Degrees

University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA

Total online doctoral programs: 6

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Online Doctor of Regulatory Science (Pharmacy), Online Doctor of Physical Therapy, Online Doctor of Social Work

Learn more: USC Online Doctoral Programs

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC

Total online doctoral programs: 3

Notable programs: Online Executive Doctoral Program in Health Leadership (DrPH), Online BSN to DNP in Health Leadership, Online MSN to DNP

Learn more: UNC Online

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, IL

Total online doctoral programs: 5

Notable programs: Online Doctorate in Global Studies in Education (Ed.D.), Online Doctorate in Human Resources Management, Online Doctorate in Learning Design & Leadership

Learn more: Illinois Online

Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), Online Doctor of Eucation (Ed.D.)

Learn more: JHU Online

University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, VA

Total online doctoral programs: 1

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Education in Curriculum & Instruction (Ed.D.)

Learn more: Online Education @UVA

University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI

Notable programs: Online DNP in Population Health Nursing, Online DNP in Systems Leadership & Innovation

Learn more: UW Professional Degrees & Certificates

Recommended Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Florida State University Tallahassee, FL

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Online PhD in Nursing Education, Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy (EdD)

Learn more: Distance @ FSU

Wake Forest University Winston-Salem, NC

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Nursing Practice, Online Doctor of Ministry

Learn more: WFU Office of Online Education

Texas A & M University-College Station College Station, TX

Total online doctoral programs: 7

Notable programs: Online PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Online Doctorate of Engineering, Online PhD in Plant Breeding

Learn more: Texas A&M Distance Education

Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, IN

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Technology, Online PhD in Higher Education

Learn more: Purdue University Online Doctorate Degrees

North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Design

Learn more: NC State Online Doctor of Design

New York University New York, NY

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Occupational Therapy for Practicing Therapists, Online EdD in Leadership & Innovation

Learn more: NYU Online & Hybrid Degrees

Indiana University-Bloomington Bloomington, IN

Total online doctoral programs: 12

Notable programs: Online PhD in Music Therapy, Online EdD in Art Education, Online PhD in Nursing Science

Learn more: IU Online Doctoral Degree Programs

George Washington University Washington, DC

Notable programs: Online PhD in Systems Engineering, Online Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), Online Doctor of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence & Maching Learning

Learn more: GWU Online Engineering Doctorates

Boston University Boston, MA

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Ministry, Online Doctor of Music Education, Online Doctorate of Occupational Therapy

Learn more: BU Online Programs

Ohio State University-Main Campus Columbus, OH

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Nursing Practice, Online Doctor of Nursing Education

Learn more: Ohio State Online

University of Illinois Chicago Chicago, IL

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Public Health in Leadership

Learn more: UIC Online

Clemson University Clemson, SC

Total online doctoral programs: 8

Notable programs: Online PhD in Healthcare Genetics, Online PhD in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Online PhD in Special Education

Learn more: Clemson Online

University of San Diego San Diego, CA

Notable programs: Online PhD in Education for Social Justice

Learn more: USD Online PhD

University of Arizona Tucson, AZ

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Nursing Practice, Online Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership, Online DNP in Nurse-Midwifery

Learn more: Arizona Online

University of South Florida Tampa, FL

Notable programs: Online Doctore of Business Administration, Online PhD in Career & Workforce Education, Online Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

Learn more: USF Online Graduate Degrees

Towson University Towson, MD

Notable programs: Online PhD in Instructional Technology, Online PhD in Occupational Science, Online Occupational Therapy OTD

Learn more: Towson Online Programs

University of Central Florida Orlando, FL

Online doctoral programs: 5

Notable programs: Online Doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction, Online Doctor of Nursing Practice, Online PhD in Nursing

Learn more: UCF Online Doctorates

Messiah University Mechanicsburg, PA

Notable programs: Online DNP Family Nurse Practitioner, Online DNP Nursing Leadership

Learn more: Messiah graduate degrees

University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, MO

Notable programs: Online PhD in Agricultural Studies, Online PhD in Architectural Studies, Online Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Learn more: Missouri Online

Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, MA

Notable programs: Online PhD in Systems Engineering

Learn more: WPI Online Systems Engineering PhD

Butler University Indianapolis, IN

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

Learn more: Butler Doctor of Pharmacy Online

Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, LA

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Social Work (DSW), Online Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

Learn more: Tulane online graduate degrees

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

Learn more: Pitt Online degree programs

American University Washington, DC

Notable programs: Online EdD in Education Policy & Leadership

Learn more: American University Online EdD

University at Buffalo Buffalo, NY

Notable programs: Online PhD in Informational Science, Online EdD in Learning & Teaching in Social Contexts, Online Doctorate in Educational Administration

Learn more: SUNY Online Programs

Fordham University Bronx, NY

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Ministry, Online EdD in Educational Leadership, Online PhD in Religion & Practice

Learn more: Fordham Online Learning Programs

Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, PA

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Health Science, Online Doctor of Midwifery,  Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

Learn more: Jefferson Online Programs

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Education, Online Doctor of Engineering, Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

Learn more: Penn State World Campus doctoral programs

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Norman, OK

Notable programs: Online PhD in Nursing, Online Doctor of Education in Educational Administration

Learn more: OU Online Graduate Programs

The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, TN

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Social Work, Online PhD in Industrial Engineering, Online PhD in Nursing

Learn more: Vols Online – doctoral degrees

California State University-Fresno Fresno, CA

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Learn more: Fresno State Online EdD

Drexel University Philadelphia, PA

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Couples & Family Therapy, Online Doctor of Health Science, Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

Learn more: Drexel accredited online doctorate programs

Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles, CA

Notable programs: Online EdD in Educational Leadership for Social Justice

Learn more: LMU Online EdD

Michigan Technological University Houghton, MI

Notable programs: Online PhD in Civil Engineering, Online PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Learn more: Michigan Tech Global Campus

Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL

Notable programs: Online PhD in Computer Science, Online PhD in Computer Engineering, Online PhD in Electrical Engineering

Learn more: FAU Online

Saint Louis University Saint Louis, MO

Notable programs: Online PhD in Aviation, Online Doctor of Nursing Practice, Online PhD in Nursing

Learn more: SLU online doctoral programs

SUNY at Albany Albany, NY

Notable programs: Online PhD in Curriculum & Instruction, Online PhD in Literacy

Learn more: Albany Online Graduate Programs

University of New Hampshire-Main Campus Durham, NH

Online doctoral programs: 1

Learn more: UNH Online

Duquesne University Pittsburgh, PA

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), Online Doctor of Nurse Anasthesia Practice (DNAP), Online PhD in Nursing Ethics

Learn more: Duquesne University Online

Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX

Notable programs: Online EdD in Instructional Systems Design, Online EdD in Higher Education Leadership

Learn more: SHSU Online

Pros and Cons of Earning a Doctorate Online

Pros of online doctoral degrees:.

• Flexibility: One of the key advantages of pursuing a doctoral degree online is the flexibility it offers. Online programs allow students to manage their coursework around other commitments, making it more accessible for working professionals.
• Geographical Accessibility: Online programs eliminate geographical constraints, enabling students to enroll in prestigious universities without relocating. This accessibility expands the pool of potential programs and faculty members.
• Cost Savings: Online doctoral programs often reduce costs associated with commuting, housing, and campus fees. Additionally, students can continue working while pursuing their degree, potentially offsetting tuition expenses.
• Diverse Learning Environment: Online doctoral programs attract a diverse cohort of students from various backgrounds and locations. This diversity enriches discussions, bringing different perspectives to academic discourse.
• Technology Integration: Online programs leverage advanced technology, providing access to a variety of digital resources, virtual libraries, and collaborative platforms. This enhances the learning experience and allows students to engage with cutting-edge tools.

Cons of Online Doctoral Degrees:

• Limited Networking Opportunities: Online programs may offer fewer networking opportunities compared to traditional on-campus experiences. Building professional relationships and collaborations can be challenging in a virtual environment.
• Potential for Isolation: Doctoral studies can already be isolating, and online programs may exacerbate this by limiting face-to-face interactions with peers and faculty. The lack of a physical campus environment may lead to feelings of isolation.
• Varied Program Quality: The quality of online doctoral programs can vary. Prospective students must thoroughly research programs to ensure they meet academic standards and offer the necessary resources for research and dissertation work.
• Technical Challenges: Online learning relies heavily on technology, and technical issues such as poor internet connectivity or platform malfunctions can disrupt the learning experience. This may hinder participation in live discussions or access to materials.
• Perceived Credibility: While online education is becoming more widely accepted, some employers and academics may still harbor reservations about the credibility of online doctoral degrees. It’s crucial to choose a reputable institution to mitigate this concern.

Are Online PhD Programs Respected?

When professionals think of pursuing their doctorate degrees, what comes to their mind is “are online PhDs respected?”All online programs are respected as long as they are from institutions that are accredited by relevant bodies, and online degree programs are no exemption. Of course, not all online programs offering doctoral degrees are the same. Look for online doctoral degrees offered from reputable institutions. Ask yourself- are the online programs at this institution the same as the campus counterparts? Is the same faculty teaching within the online programs?

Most people who want to pursue a doctorate degree are busy professionals who are not able to accommodate a traditional course of study. Maybe they are a Nurse Practitioner and they would like to step up to a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Online doctoral degrees can help them achieve this. The best online PhD programs are offered in regionally accredited institutions. An independent body such as WSCUC reviews the degree programs offered in the institution and judges them on different factors before giving accreditation.

Accredited best online PhD programs are available in many U.S. universities, both public and private. Online PhDs are just as challenging as traditional PhDs. Students that choose to pursue a doctorate degree online are self-motivated and enjoy the freedom of choosing how long they want to take to finish their doctorate. This aspect of online education helps students prove to their employers or prospective employers that they are disciplined and self-driven. Actually, 79% of organizations see the value of online degrees and say that they had hired an applicant with an online degree in the last year according to research by Society for Human Resources Management.

The Most Popular Types of Doctoral Degrees

NCES data  shows that healthcare (or health sciences) professionals earn nearly 44% of all doctoral degrees (desperate need for doctor of nursing practice). The second-highest rate of doctoral degrees is graduate programs in Law at just under 19%. Data from NCES also indicates that only about 5%-7% of professionals in the remaining disciplines of educational leadership, engineering, and biological sciences hold doctoral degrees. See below for descriptions of some of the most common doctoral degrees, including the Ed.D., Ph.D., and MD.

• Health professions and related (mostly nursing practice program) –44%
• Legal professions and studies — 19%
• Education (mostly higher education administration) — 7%
• Engineering and engineering technologies — 6%
• Biological and biomedical sciences — 4%

Source :  NCES

You may not be able to get your MD 100% online, but you can get an online Doctor of Public Health or a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Online doctorates or an online PhD are available in many basic majors including:

• Engineering
• Health Sciences (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
• Computer Science
• Social Work
• Educational Leadership

Building on your experience as a working professional, and using cutting-edge technology, you can complete an online doctorate in a year or two in some cases, often without ever having to go to campus. Not from fly-by-night diploma mills, but from trusted institutions with vast reach and job market advantages. 

Many online programs at the doctoral degree level are available for prospective students post a bachelor’s degree. A doctoral degree, and more specifically an online doctoral program can give prospective students the flexibility they need to advance in their career. Make sure the doctoral program you are looking at will achieve that goal!

How Long Do Accredited Online PhD Programs Take?

Enrolling in a doctorate program after a bachelor’s degree is a big commitment and a huge step towards advancing one’s career and achieving excellence in any field. The length of time it takes to complete an online doctorate program depends on the type of program and how many credits it requires to complete. Most traditional PhD programs take between four to seven years but online students are allowed up to ten years to complete.

Online programs allow students to pursue their doctorate at their own pace. There are accelerated doctoral degree programs online that take as short as one year to complete. The length also depends on whether you have a master’s degree or you are pursuing a direct entry PhD. A master’s degree may allow online students to transfer some credits to their doctorate. On the other hand, direct entry programs may require students to take extra credits. The shortest doctoral degree programs online are found in public service, law, government, engineering, educational leadership, and arts programs.

The quickest PhD ever is a PhD in philosophy. As long as one already has some publications, one can become a doctor of philosophy in less than a year. One can also pursue 1-year Ph.D degree programs online in other fields of study as long as they are ready to spend enough time studying and researching.

Reasons to Get an Online Ph.D.

Whether you earn a Ph.D. or doctorate ultimately depends on your academic interests and how you want to shape your career or contribute to a body of knowledge.

Career Advancement and Earnings Potential Considered terminal or professional degrees, PhDs, and professional doctorates will help advance your career and demonstrate your dedication and expertise in your chosen field. Whether your interests are in theory, research, creating (or contributing) to a knowledge base, or expanding your expertise in an applied profession, earning a Ph.D. and/or doctorate is the logical step.

Professional Expertise Among the top Ph.D. disciplines are science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Education, Law, and Business also rank highly in the most sought-after programs.

If you’re particularly passionate about a topic or field and want to do a deep dive into the subject and conduct research to enhance the field, earning an online Ph.D. or doctorate is the logical next step.

Networking Ph.D. programs will allow you to interact with other professionals with similar interests as yours. You’ll be able to share knowledge, and it will give you a base to explore research grants, other funding opportunities, and employment options.

Earnings In 2023 the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that people holding a Ph.D. degree experienced lower unemployment and significantly higher salaries than people who had less education. BLS cites those with doctoral or professional degrees can earn a median salary of $103,820.

ZipRecruiter, an online employment service, states the average hourly rate for a doctorate is around $68 an hour, although some are in the $191 range. Salaries and compensation will vary depending on location, skills, and years of experience but average $141,097.

Cost Although Ph.D.s can be costly, online programs can save you significant money by reducing travel expenses. Frequently, colleges and universities charge out-of-state students in-state tuition which will save you money.

Convenience The convenience of an online academic program can’t be overstated. Unless you’ve won the PowerBall, online programs save you time and money and allow you to continue to work to support yourself or a family.

Accredited online Ph.D.s and doctorates greatly expand your geographic reach, making it possible for you to enter a program in another state that best suits your objectives.

Coursework can frequently be presented over the Internet, allowing you to study at a time and place that works best for you. Access to online libraries saves time traveling to a university campus or public library.

Interactions with classmates, subject matter experts, and professors can be conducted using online video apps such as Zoom, Vimeo, or Google Meet. Depending on your program, you may be required to attend on-campus intensives, which are usually held over weekends or at designated times.

How Much Do Online PhD Programs Cost?

If your professional goal is to teach at the university level, snag a high-level executive position, or conduct ground-breaking research, a Ph.D. or doctorate is your foot in the door. Inevitably, the final decision to pursue a PhD or doctorate will probably boil down to if you can afford it. Advanced degrees aren’t necessarily cheap and may cause you to go into debt, but depending on the discipline, they can be affordable and worth the expense.

School Choice – Several factors, such as your school choice and field of study, can influence your costs for a Ph.D. Naturally, there are differences in tuition at a public college or university and private institutions. Prestige also plays a part. Ivy League schools may charge a premium for their doctorate programs.

Ph.D./Doctorates

Tuition costs for doctorates and Ph.D.s can vary, depending on the type of degree, program length, whether you’re working full-time or part-time on your degree and the school’s location per academic year.

The average length of a Ph.D. program is five to eight years, with an estimated of $106,860.

A doctorate from an eight-year public university program can range from $93,670 to $129,395.

Doctorate of Education Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. in Education – The differences between an Ed.D. and a Ph.D. can influence your cost due to the amount of time spent earning the degree. An Ed.D. may take 3-5 years, and a Ph.D. will take longer.

Doctorate of Psychology Psy.D. vs. Ph.D. – Again, like the doctorate in Education, there’s a difference in length of study, with the Psy.D. taking up to 4-5 years and the Ph.D. requiring 5-7 years.

Financial Assistance

Colleges and universities frequently fund Ph.D. and doctoral candidates. Funding may come in the form of waived tuition and fees as well as providing a stipend. While difficult for online Ph.D. programs, internships, assistantships, and fellowships may also be available.

If you’re working, your employer may be willing to provide some assistance, especially if the degree relates directly to your employment. For example, if you work in a healthcare setting and are pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice, it benefits your employer to support you in earning an advanced degree.

Federal student loans are also available for doctoral students, and you can borrow up to $20,500 each year in Direct Unsubsidized Loans. These loans are fixed and usually at a lower interest rate than commercial loans or credit cards. Repayment options are typically flexible. You’ll want to discuss your options with the Financial Aid Office.

Do I Have to Write a Dissertation for an Online PhD?

As much as getting a doctoral degree has many benefits, the work that goes into achieving it requires much dedication. There are many roadblocks on the road to achieving your PhD, including family responsibilities, work, time, and money. Many professionals looking to further their educations are always asking, “What is the easiest doctorate degree?” Well, there are no dissertation PhD programs. Accelerated PhD programs do not require a dissertation to graduate and take one year to complete. One-year doctorate programs are available in select universities across the country but are more intensive and require students to study full time. Some of the programs that do not require a dissertation include Doctor of Management (DM), Juris doctorates, law degree (JD), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), and Doctor of Education (EdD).

The most common doctorate degree online no dissertation is the Doctorate in Leadership . This is a doctorate that applies in many disciplines including Organizational Leadership, Leadership and Management, and Higher Education Leadership. A traditional doctoral program uses dissertations to assess the student’s knowledge in the field. Universities that offer accelerated doctoral degree programs understand that it is not the only way to assess the student’s knowledge in the field and they use other parameters such as doctoral capstone projects (along with online courses). Online students that already have published books and journals can also begin their degree without a dissertation.

Are There Any Online PhD Programs Without GRE or GMAT Requirements?

The online no GRE PhD programs are gaining popularity in many universities. These universities instead use the student’s professional experience, academic merits, and their motivation among other factors to admit them to their graduate programs. The GRE can be a big hurdle for online students who want to pursue their PhD programs but do not have the time and money to invest in studying for the standardized exams. There are a number of online degree PhD programs that do not require GRE online and others that the GRE can be waived under special circumstances.

Do I Need a Master’s Degree to Enroll in an Online Doctoral Degree Program?

There are a number of PhD programs without requiring a master’s degree in many universities in the U.S. Some accept students with undergraduate degrees into their degree programs and award them the master’s degree during the course after a certain amount of coursework has been completed. Others have specific stipulations for students applying for their doctoral programs without a master’s degree. For example, many universities will allow registered nurses to pursue their doctoral degrees if they pass an interview. There are universities that will confer a master’s degree once a student is admitted to the doctoral program. Universities offering PhD without a master’s admit exceptional students with outstanding grades and sometimes at least two years of professional experience.

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