remote business phd programs

• Harvard Business School →
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PhD Programs

• Accounting & Management
• Business Economics
• Health Policy (Management)
• Organizational Behavior
• Technology & Operations Management

Students in our PhD programs are encouraged from day one to think of this experience as their first job in business academia—a training ground for a challenging and rewarding career generating rigorous, relevant research that influences practice.

Our doctoral students work with faculty and access resources throughout HBS and Harvard University. The PhD program curriculum requires coursework at HBS and other Harvard discipline departments, and with HBS and Harvard faculty on advisory committees. Faculty throughout Harvard guide the programs through their participation on advisory committees.

How do I know which program is right for me?

There are many paths, but we are one HBS. Our PhD students draw on diverse personal and professional backgrounds to pursue an ever-expanding range of research topics. Explore more here about each program’s requirements & curriculum, read student profiles for each discipline as well as student research , and placement information.

The PhD in Business Administration grounds students in the disciplinary theories and research methods that form the foundation of an academic career. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program has four areas of study: Accounting and Management , Marketing , Strategy , and Technology and Operations Management . All areas of study involve roughly two years of coursework culminating in a field exam. The remaining years of the program are spent conducting independent research, working on co-authored publications, and writing the dissertation. Students join these programs from a wide range of backgrounds, from consulting to engineering. Many applicants possess liberal arts degrees, as there is not a requirement to possess a business degree before joining the program

The PhD in Business Economics provides students the opportunity to study in both Harvard’s world-class Economics Department and Harvard Business School. Throughout the program, coursework includes exploration of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, probability and statistics, and econometrics. While some students join the Business Economics program directly from undergraduate or masters programs, others have worked in economic consulting firms or as research assistants at universities or intergovernmental organizations.

The PhD program in Health Policy (Management) is rooted in data-driven research on the managerial, operational, and strategic issues facing a wide range of organizations. Coursework includes the study of microeconomic theory, management, research methods, and statistics. The backgrounds of students in this program are quite varied, with some coming from public health or the healthcare industry, while others arrive at the program with a background in disciplinary research

The PhD program in Organizational Behavior offers two tracks: either a micro or macro approach. In the micro track, students focus on the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and the effects that groups have on individuals. Students in the macro track use sociological methods to examine organizations, groups, and markets as a whole, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program includes core disciplinary training in sociology or psychology, as well as additional coursework in organizational behavior.

Accounting & Management  

Business economics  , health policy (management)  , marketing  , organizational behavior  , strategy  , technology & operations management  .

Best Online DBA and Ph.D. in Business Programs

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Management jobs pay some of the highest salaries of any career path. And a graduate degree in business can help you qualify for these coveted leadership roles.

While an MBA can get your foot in the door, a doctorate in business is the highest degree you can earn in business school . With a Ph.D. or DBA degree, you’ll gain specialized knowledge and skills while preparing for your career in business.

Popular Online Programs

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

Top Online Business Ph.D. and DBA Programs

Baker college.

• Campus + Online
• In-State $9,960
• Out-of-state $9,960
• In-State $12,510
• Out-of-state $12,510
• Retention Rate 61%
• Acceptance Rate 54%
• Students Enrolled 6,028
• Institution Type Private

California Baptist University

• In-State $33,930
• Out-of-state $33,930
• In-State $13,410
• Out-of-state $13,410
• Retention Rate 76%
• Acceptance Rate 80%
• Students Enrolled 11,317

City University of Seattle

• In-State $13,658
• Out-of-state $13,658
• In-State $11,812
• Out-of-state $11,812
• Retention Rate N/A
• Acceptance Rate N/A
• Students Enrolled 2,052

Concordia University-Chicago

• In-State $32,660
• Out-of-state $32,660
• In-State $9,090
• Out-of-state $9,090
• Retention Rate 71%
• Acceptance Rate 79%
• Students Enrolled 6,491

Felician University

• In-State $32,550
• Out-of-state $32,550
• In-State $19,080
• Out-of-state $19,080
• Retention Rate 79%
• Acceptance Rate 94%
• Students Enrolled 2,556

Franklin University

• In-State $9,552
• Out-of-state $9,552
• In-State $16,080
• Out-of-state $16,080
• Retention Rate 9%
• Students Enrolled 5,926

Gardner-Webb University

• In-State $31,220
• Out-of-state $31,220
• In-State $9,000
• Out-of-state $9,000
• Retention Rate 68%
• Acceptance Rate 78%
• Students Enrolled 3,536

Johnson & Wales University-Online

• In-State $13,365
• Out-of-state $13,365
• In-State $14,148
• Out-of-state $14,148
• Retention Rate 50%
• Acceptance Rate 36%
• Students Enrolled 2,152

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

• In-State $19,808
• Out-of-state $19,808
• In-State $27,162
• Out-of-state $27,162
• Retention Rate 60%
• Acceptance Rate 97%
• Students Enrolled 20,330

Liberty University

• In-State $14,791
• Out-of-state $14,791
• In-State $7,935
• Out-of-state $7,935
• Retention Rate 81%
• Acceptance Rate 50%
• Students Enrolled 93,349

Lincoln Memorial University

• In-State $23,040
• Out-of-state $23,040
• In-State $20,705
• Out-of-state $20,705
• Acceptance Rate 69%
• Students Enrolled 4,885

Saint Leo University

• In-State $23,990
• Out-of-state $23,990
• In-State $14,568
• Out-of-state $14,568
• Retention Rate 64%
• Acceptance Rate 73%
• Students Enrolled 9,832

St. Thomas University

• In-State $31,800
• Out-of-state $31,800
• In-State $14,400
• Out-of-state $14,400
• Retention Rate 49%
• Acceptance Rate 60%
• Students Enrolled 5,601

University of Maryland Global Campus

• In-State $7,200
• Out-of-state $11,976
• In-State $8,640
• Out-of-state $11,862
• Retention Rate 55%
• Students Enrolled 58,526
• Institution Type Public

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

• In-State $4,422
• Out-of-state $19,581
• In-State $5,219
• Out-of-state $18,937
• Acceptance Rate 88%
• Students Enrolled 19,764

University of West Alabama

• In-State $9,100
• Out-of-state $18,200
• In-State $6,678
• Out-of-state $13,356
• Retention Rate 63%
• Acceptance Rate 93%
• Students Enrolled 5,734

University of the Cumberlands

• In-State $9,875
• Out-of-state $9,875
• In-State $4,282
• Out-of-state $4,282
• Retention Rate 66%
• Acceptance Rate 81%
• Students Enrolled 19,110

University of the Incarnate Word

• In-State $31,020
• Out-of-state $31,020
• In-State $18,000
• Out-of-state $18,000
• Retention Rate 75%
• Students Enrolled 7,917

University of the Southwest

• In-State $16,000
• Out-of-state $16,000
• In-State $22,500
• Out-of-state $22,500
• Retention Rate 74%
• Students Enrolled 904

Wilmington University

• In-State $11,430
• Out-of-state $11,430
• In-State $8,784
• Out-of-state $8,784
• Students Enrolled 14,769

Why Get an Online Ph.D. in Business or DBA Degree?

• You’ll have tons of business careers to choose from, from accounting to advertising.
• An online Ph.D. in business can raise your salary potential and help you stand out from other job candidates.
• You’ll be more prepared to advance into executive roles.
• You can attend a top business program without having to relocate.
• Some online business doctorate programs offer discounted tuition to distance learners.
• You can attend classes and complete coursework on your own schedule.

Did You Know…

Why Accreditation Matters for Online Business Doctorate Programs

Accreditation matters when you’re choosing an online doctoral program in business.

Accredited universities meet high standards for academic excellence. To earn accreditation, schools must undergo a rigorous review of their student learning outcomes, instructor qualifications, and teaching materials.

A school’s accreditation status can affect your financial aid, educational quality, and career prospects. Many employers and professional certifications require candidates to have a degree from an accredited institution.

When researching online business doctorate programs, check for accreditation .

In addition to institutional accreditation, reputable business schools should hold programmatic accreditation. Here are the major accrediting agencies for graduate business programs :

• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Doctoral Program in Business?

How much does an online ph.d. in business cost.

Most online Ph.D. in business programs take 4-6 years to complete, costing you anywhere from $50,000-$170,000 in total tuition and fees.

Online DBA programs take roughly 3-6 years, depending on your school and whether you’re full time or part time. This means that a DBA can cost anywhere from $37,000-$170,000.

The main factors that affect how much you’ll spend on your online business Ph.D. or DBA degree are:

• The length of your program
• Whether you enroll in a private or public school
• How much financial aid you qualify for
• Whether your program is fully funded (many doctoral programs are!)
• Whether you opt for a DBA or Ph.D.

Make sure to submit the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for federal grants and loans. Colleges and universities also use the FAFSA to award institutional aid.

In addition, check whether your employer offers tuition reimbursement.

Remember that when earning your DBA or Ph.D. in business online, you may need to budget for things like technology fees and a laptop.

Online Ph.D. in Business Specializations to Choose From

• Business Administration
• Entrepreneurship
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Management Information Systems

How Much Money Can You Earn With an Online Business Doctorate?

With a doctorate in business, you can qualify for high-paying management and executive roles. Many of these positions report median salaries in the six figures.

As the following table shows, the earning potential with a business doctorate varies depending on the field and title. Some of these positions do not require a business doctorate, but having one may make you a more attractive candidate. Experience and location can also affect salaries.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Busines Doctorate Programs

What can you do with an online ph.d. in business.

An online Ph.D. in business can lead to opportunities in academia and research. For example, you could become a business professor.

While an online business Ph.D. emphasizes theoretical and research skills, a doctor of business administration, or DBA, focuses on applied business for those seeking leadership roles in business.

How many years does it take to get an online Ph.D. in business?

Earning your Ph.D. in business online typically takes 4-6 years, depending on the program and your enrollment status. For example, part-time students generally require more time.

In comparison, most DBA programs take 3-5 years.

Are business Ph.D.’s in demand?

A doctorate in business prepares you primarily to become a business professor. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , college professors are in demand, with a projected 8% growth rate from 2023-2033.

What’s more, business professors tend to earn high salaries .

Is a DBA better than a Ph.D. in business?

A DBA and a Ph.D. in business are both doctorates, but because the two degrees serve different purposes, neither is necessarily better than the other.

As a practice-focused degree, a DBA can help you get leadership roles in business. A Ph.D., in contrast, emphasizes research and typically leads to academic jobs, such as business professor.

Before applying to DBA or Ph.D. programs in business, consider your career goals to find the right fit for you.

Is a DBA worth it?

A DBA can pay off. As a practitioner’s degree in business, a DBA emphasizes applied skills and can help you advance into executive roles or gain the knowledge and skills to launch your own business.

DBAs also showcase your expertise for roles in consulting, administration, and academia.

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Online Ph.D. programs provide students with flexible schedules and affordable tuition. Check out the top-ranked programs in this comprehensive guide.

Getting the Most Out of Business School

Online Business Certificate Program Guide

Shape your future with an online degree.

Connect with a community of peers, and find a program that will allow you to continue your education in a fast and flexible way.

• 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.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

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
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• 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.