Best Online PhD Programs

Those preparing to undertake prestigious and accredited online PhD programs are ready to achieve their highest academic degree.

If you’re a student starting the next stage in your academic life but are unsure which accredited online doctorate programs you should look into, you’ve come to the right place.

We’re going to discuss a few of the most popular doctoral program online options and help you learn more about online doctorate degrees while explaining the difference between these two programs.

Online PhD Programs

It’s believed that less than 2% of the world’s population holds a PhD degree. You can earn your PhD online and set yourself apart from the competition while furthering your knowledge and developing more skills in your field of study.

Have a look below to learn more about online PhD programs:

• Doctorate in Business Administration
• Doctorate in Communications
• Doctorate in Computer Science
• Doctorate in Counseling
• Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision
• Doctorate in Criminal Justice
• Doctorate in Cybersecurity
• Doctorate in Education
• Doctorate in English
• Doctorate in History
• Doctorate in Human Resource Management
• Doctorate in Industrial Organizational Psychology
• Doctorate in Instructional Design and Technology
• Doctorate in Marriage and Family Counseling
• Doctorate in Nursing
• Doctorate in Organizational Leadership
• Doctorate in Psychology
• Doctorate in Public Health
• Doctorate in Public Policy
• Doctorate in Social Work

The program that’s best for you will depend on your personal interests and professional goals.

Online PhD in Business Administration

An online PhD in Business Administration emphasizes applying research to develop tactics and strategies to solve organizational issues.

Students will learn to create and follow through on ethical and effective solutions during this degree. Additionally, students will refine their business knowledge while exploring emerging business technologies. You’ll gain real-world experience while studying a broad range of courses, including statistics, ethics in business, and business strategy and innovation.

With an online PhD in Business Administration, you could become a chief executive, regulatory affair manager, management analyst, cost estimator, and plenty more.

Online PhD in Communication

Those undertaking an online PhD program in communication should expect to study advanced coursework to grow their skills in research design, media research methods, media theory, communication, and media law and policy.

You will develop your expertise in journalism, public relations, digital and social media, and mass communication. With this expertise, you can branch into many different career opportunities. For example, those with an online PhD in communication have a competitive advantage in media production, academia, and public policy research.

In addition, you could become a teacher, director of public communications, or chief communications offers, among others.

Online PhD in Computer Science

Students who choose to undertake an online PhD in computer science will have the opportunity to complete a major research project. You will also get to propose your own research and undertake hands-on studies to advance and enhance the field of computer science.

Students will encounter a curriculum consisting of real-world tasks that will help them grow their expertise for a career in research-based innovation. You will explore artificial intelligence, software engineering, cybersecurity, and data mining.

After completing this degree, you could get a job as a computer programmer, software developer, computer systems analyst, database administrator, and computer network architect.

Online PhD in Counseling

When you study for an online PhD in counseling, you’ll learn many subjects that offer a higher understanding of the human condition to better help people, groups, and organizations. This degree focuses on teaching you the study and application of statistics, qualitative research, appraisal and psychometrics, and research methodologies.

You will further develop your advanced counseling skills by diving into subjects like psychological first aid, disaster trauma, mental healthcare, and addictive behaviors. With an online PhD in counseling, you will be a counselor and can choose an academic or clinical career.

Online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision

Mental health professionals undertaking an online PhD in counselor education and supervision will learn the skills needed to advocate, motivate, educate, and innovate within the counseling field.

You will engage in evaluations surrounding theoretical and practical aspects of counseling by using quantitative and qualitative research to learn how to become an educator and leader in the counseling field. Some subjects you could study include advanced group counseling and advanced counseling theories.

Upon completing this degree, you can apply your knowledge about counseling, education, and supervision to work more effectively with specific populations. With this degree, you can become a school guidance counselor director, mental health supervisor, and department administrator.

Online PhD in Criminal Justice

Professionals seeking advanced knowledge in national and cybersecurity should consider an online PhD in criminal justice. Those who enroll in this program will be required to study counterintelligence methodologies, counterterrorism strategies, and vulnerability analysis to better their understanding of criminal justice.

Although courses offered for this program vary, you could study contemporary issues in cybersecurity, critical infrastructure vulnerability analysis and protection, threat analysis, and contemporary issues in cybersecurity.  Additionally, with this degree, you could become a criminology professor, a forensics investigator, a detective, an FBI agent, an IRS agent, a DEA agent, and a fraud investigator.

Online PhD in Cybersecurity

Those who study for an online PhD in cybersecurity can expect an applied approach to learning cybersecurity theory and research. Students will also receive hands-on experience while learning the latest concepts and exploring advanced topics in this field to prepare for anticipating cybersecurity risks.

While studying for this degree, you can expect to explore leading frameworks, governance, models, and compliance. This degree will better prepare you for a job as an information security analyst, information research scientist, information systems manager, and plenty more.

Online PhD in Education

This program allows you to further your skills in the education field by building your content and research knowledge. During this degree, you’ll have the opportunity to conduct research using theoretical knowledge about PK-12, post-secondary, and adult learning.

While studying, you’ll be able to contribute new and innovative information to advance your educational specialization. While studying for an online PhD in education, you could encounter subjects like educational technology, applied development science, education policy, and counselor education.

In addition, some of the careers you could venture into include becoming a college president, a chief learning officer, a provost, and a school superintendent.

Online PhD in English

The online PhD in English program is designed to ensure scholars are ready for academic careers in teaching and research in English and related fields.

Students will have a wide range of subjects to choose between as course requirements are broadly defined to factor in student interest. Additionally, this degree encourages and supports interdisciplinary work. Students can explore a range of theories like anthropology, cultural studies, philosophy, and psychology.

If you complete an online PhD in English, you can become an English professor and an English language arts curriculum specialist, among others.

Online PhD in History

An online PhD in history allows students the flexibility they need to pursue their interests while teaching them a solid foundation in methodology, historical theory, and research methods.

During your degree, you will acquire and demonstrate a mastery of quantitative research methods, media, foreign languages, oral history, and other methodologies. After completing an online PhD in history you will be ready for a career as a researcher, historian, teacher, analyst, and academic writer in fields requiring analytical and investigative skills and knowledge.

Online PhD in Human Resource Management

The online PhD in human resource management helps teach professionals their responsibilities and how their work impacts a company’s reputation, culture, and overall success. This research-based program is created to ensure students obtain expert-level knowledge in this field by offering them a greater understanding of human resource practices and theories.

After completing this degree, you will be able to add your insight to the growing body of knowledge in the human resource management field and be prepared to lead programs relating to human resources. Some of the careers you’ll be prepared for include becoming a compensation analyst, a business partner, a human resources manager, a director, and a business intelligence analyst.

Online PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology

An online PhD in industrial organizational psychology focuses on the study of how humans behave in the workplace. You will learn how to assess individual, group, and organizational dynamics while applying evidence-based principles.

Students will learn how to improve the performance and well-being of an organization and its employees to ensure success. Some courses you could study to develop your analytical and research skills include business strategy and internship, data science, statistics, IO domains, and business strategy.

With an online PhD in industrial organizational psychology, you can become a behavior analyst, an engineering psychologist, a policy officer, an executive coach, and a research psychologist.

Online PhD in Instructional Design and Technology

The online PhD in instructional design and technology is carefully designed to prepare students to navigate diverse contexts while leading their learning analysis. It also prepares students to understand technology integration into different learning environments.

This program will prepare you to lead learning analysis research while leading instructional technology in many fields. By the end, you’ll also have the skills you need to guide organizations toward achieving success through technology integration.

You can work within professional fields, including K-12 school districts, military training, higher education, medical education, and business support.

Online PhD in Marriage and Family Counseling

Professionals undertaking an online PhD in marriage and family counseling can expect to focus on a practitioner-scholar-oriented research program.

This degree is best for those who want to prepare for research, academia, pastoral care, or behavioral healthcare leadership roles. While studying, you will learn new MFT research and management techniques alongside data assessment strategies.

Upon completing this program, you will have a diverse understanding of marriage and family counseling and be able to work in teaching, clinical work, and research. Specific career paths for holders of this degree include behavioral therapists, practice managers, university administrators, and research associates.

Online PhD in Nursing

Those studying for an online PhD in nursing will focus more on scientific research studies. These studies will center around contributing to nursing education improvement and healthcare practices.

When you choose to study this degree, there are a few courses you could be required to study. These could include advanced health policy, research team leadership, advanced statistical methods, and advanced health policy and advocacy.

After you have completed this degree, you could pursue a career in post-secondary education as a nursing instructor or take up a career in research in the public or private health sectors.

Online PhD in Organizational Leadership

If you want to take on transformative leadership roles in various sectors during your career, you need to consider doing an online PhD in organizational leadership.

This degree expects students to follow an intensive curriculum covering fundamental and advanced organizational leadership subjects. Some courses you would expect to study are analyzing organizational change and effectiveness, utilizing communication to facilitate change, and urban education challenges.

Once you complete this program, some jobs you could apply for include a business consultant, a human resources manager, a professor, and a personal manager.

Online PhD in Psychology

The online PhD in psychology heavily focuses on teaching students how to research properly and helping them develop critical thinking and analytical proficiency. Those who complete this degree will have the skills to work in academics, consultancy, and research.

Students will typically get to choose between an extensive range of concentrations, including clinical psychology, business psychology, and cognitive behavioral psychology. In terms of coursework, you’ll cover subjects like professional ethics, theory, and practice of psychology, advanced research theory, and advanced inferential statistics.

Online PhD in Public Health

Those who study for an online PhD in public health will develop academic skills and practical experience to meet the challenges of a modern healthcare system.

During your studies, you will master management, leadership, innovative thinking, and communication skills in the public health context. You can expect advanced training in foundational theories, concepts, and public health methods while learning about social and managerial sciences.

Additionally, the jobs you could undertake after completing this program include becoming a public health policy advisor, public health consultant, and global health professional.

Online PhD in Public Policy

An online PhD in public policy aims to give students a significantly deeper understanding of governance and public policy theories.

During this degree, you will learn how to conduct scholarly and analytical research studies in the public policy context. You will also be trained to create policies that improve the quality of life of individuals and communities.

You will likely have a course in econometrics, political economy, and microeconomics. Once you graduate, you can become a consultant, a professor, or a public policy practitioner.

Online PhD in Social Work

An online PhD in social work focuses on teaching learners social work’s administrative, clinical, and leadership aspects. Students will learn how to address complex community problems during this program.

While studying this PhD program, you’ll likely learn advanced organizational and program management. You might also learn about ethics, social work services, and how to produce evidence-based research and knowledge to pass on to other social workers. A few subjects you could study include advanced quantitative research methods, social science theory, and social welfare policy analysis.

With this degree many become community program administrators, field researchers, mental health clinicians, and college professors.

Common Doctorate College Degree Programs Online

Are there different types of online doctorate degrees? There are online doctorate degrees available in nearly every field. You could pursue a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and more.

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA): The Doctor of business administration degree is known as a terminal business focussed degree. Professionals who want to gain practical knowledge that can be used to assist them in the workplace should consider this degree. Additionally, a DBA focuses more on real-world elements instead of being predominantly research-driven.
• Doctor of Health Administration (DHA): The Doctor of health administration program has been created to bridge the gap in health administration education. Students who undertake this degree will enrich their humanistic, cultural, and professional backgrounds to keep up to date with an ever-evolving healthcare field. Those with this degree can better help organizations navigate change and deliver better patient care.
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): The Doctor of nursing practice is currently the highest level of education available to nurses. This degree prepares nurses to become better leaders to improve patient outcomes by using research in everyday contexts through specialized training. Students studying for a DNP will learn about quality improvement, systems leadership, and advanced clinical knowledge.
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): A PhD program is a research-based educational path that typically cumulates with a doctoral dissertation. A PhD can help you develop valuable skills and knowledge you can use to contribute to your field and pursue advanced career opportunities.
• Doctor of Public Administration (DPA): The Doctor of public administration is a practitioner-based degree designed for skilled professionals who want to advance their careers in non-governmental organizations, non-profits, and government. This degree’s coursework focuses on teaching students management, essential leadership practices, problem-solving skills, and communication needed in the modern professional environment.
• Doctor of Education (EdD): The Doctor of education can be a research-based or professional-based doctoral degree specifically focusing on education. This program will prepare students for clinical, research, administrative, or professional careers in educational, public, private, or civil organizations or institutions. Graduates of this degree will have the skills and knowledge needed to solve pressing educational issues.
• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD): A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree program prepares students to become licensed clinical psychologists, giving them the opportunity to provide counseling services directly to clients on a professional level. A PsyD education usually provides a clinically focused curriculum and is considered an applied degree.

The type of doctorate degree you pursue depends on your personal goals and skillset.

PhD Careers & Salaries

Are you wondering, “how much money can I make with an online doctorate degree?” Online doctoral programs are an investment of time, effort, and money, but there is usually a significant payoff.

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), workers with doctorate degrees earn on average $335 more per week than those with master’s degrees. These are some of the top-paying positions often held after completing doctorate degree programs online, according to the BLS.

The median salaries are the average wages workers in these fields earn, meaning approximately half earn more than these figures listed and half earn less. As you can see, all of these careers have six-figure median salaries.

How to Choose an Online Doctorate Program and School

There are a few considerations you must remember when choosing an online doctorate program. Below we have listed these key considerations:

• The doctorate concentration: You need to determine if the online doctorate degree programs you’re interested in have the concentration you want to study. It doesn’t help to choose a program that doesn’t include the area you want to focus on, as you could lose interest or burn out if it’s too difficult.
• Program length: Some online accredited doctoral programs are longer than others, with some only needing 60 credits while others require 90 credits. Before choosing one, you must carefully examine your schedule and how much time you’re willing to dedicate to a doctorate.
• Admission requirements: Once you’ve found an online doctorate program that you want to study, you need to check that you meet the admission requirements. Different schools have different requirements, so it’s important to check this before you make up your mind.
• Cost: One of the most vital considerations when choosing an online doctorate program is the cost and financial investment. Make sure you calculate the entire program’s cost before you begin studying toward it. You don’t want to have disruptions or worse lose out on the chance of graduating because of outstanding financial costs.

Should you want to learn more about what you must consider before choosing an online doctorate program, it might help to speak with a career or university advisor.

Admissions Requirements for Doctorate Students

When wondering “What is the application process like for an online doctoral program & degree?”, it’s helpful to remember that class sizes for online doctoral degrees are typically small, and entrance into these programs can be competitive.

In addition to an application, several other documents may be required for review by the school, including:

• Statement of Purpose
• Resume
• Letters of Recommendation
• Official Transcripts

The next steps will be to look into financial aid and work with an academic advisor if you have any existing credits you hope to transfer.

Online Doctoral Programs Accreditation

When looking at doctoral degree programs you need to preferably narrow down your list to include those from regionally accredited institutions. Schools that have regional accreditation are best when it comes to doctoral programs because they meet strict educational standards.

If you want to check if a doctoral program at a specific school will have regional accreditation, you can visit the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website to check the school’s status. Online doctoral degrees from schools with regional accreditation usually hold more value as most employers prefer hiring individuals that completed their degrees at regionally accredited institutions.

Financial Aid and Scholarships for Doctoral Students

Is financial aid available for an online doctorate degree? Yes, many students attending an online doctorate degree program are able to receive financial aid.

Online doctoral students may fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and seek private grants and scholarships, but typically the bulk of the financial aid at this level comes from fellowships. A fellowship is a merit-based grant awarded to a doctoral student to support his or her further research into a specific subject.

The grant may come from the government, the university you are attending, an organization, or a private company and may cover tuition as well as living expenses.

What is a Doctorate College Degree?

A doctorate degree is the highest level of education in most fields. You can earn a doctorate in nearly any area. The most common types of doctorates are the MD and the PhD, but other areas that require state licensing, such as engineering or teaching, sometimes require a doctorate for top positions.

Are you wondering what an online doctorate degree is? An online doctorate degree is the same as a traditional doctorate degree but with some or all of the coursework completed online. Most doctorate-level students are adults who have already put extensive time into building careers within their industries.

For those who want to continue working while pursuing their doctorate-level degrees, programs for online degrees may be the right fit. Much as with masters programs online, there are several advantages to pursuing a doctorate degree online, including flexibility and lower expenses.

For motivated self-starters that need flexibility in their school schedules, this type of degree program could be the ticket to completing a doctorate-level degree in a timeframe that works with their busy lives.

Should I Get a PhD Degree?

How do I know if an online doctorate degree is right for me? Committing to an online doctorate program is a major decision for any student.

The doctorate-level study is rigorous and requires a great deal of commitment and dedication, and online doctoral programs are no exception. To be successful in this type of program as a student, you must be tremendously self-motivated, organized, and independent.

Earning a doctorate degree is a major academic accomplishment that only a small percentage of college students achieve. Those that succeed in doing so typically go far in their careers.

Do You Need a Masters to Get a PhD?

In the US, most PhD programs do not require a master’s. You can apply right after completing your undergraduate bachelor degree.

Here are a few advantages to skipping your master’s and going right for the PhD:

• It will likely take less time
• There are more funding opportunities (grants and fellowships) for PhD programs than there are for master’s programs
• Most programs award master’s degrees along the way when that level of coursework is completed on the path to earning the doctorate

It’s a good idea to check with your graduate school for program requirements and eligibility.

What Can You Do With a PhD?

Completing a PhD degree opens more doors to professionals wanting to pursue a wider range of professions. What you can do with a PhD depends on your field and what you want to focus on.

There are a few areas you could obtain work in with a PhD, and they include becoming a researcher or consultant for the government or in an industry setting or a PhD graduate lecturer at a college or university. You could also choose to become a consultant or researcher for a non-profit organization or use your skills to become a start-up entrepreneur.

How Much Does a PhD Cost?

How much does it cost to earn an online doctorate degree? How much your online doctorate degree costs depends on the school, location (in- or out-of-state), type of school (public or private), and type of program. Although tuition varies, you can expect to pay between $600 to $950 per credit hour when pursuing your PhD.

Most schools charge the same tuition rate to online and on-campus students, but occasionally, online programs are cheaper due to fewer overall expenses like travel and food. Earning an online degree typically costs the same, if not less, than it costs to earn the same degree on campus.

Can You Get a PhD from Online Colleges?

Yes, you can get a PhD online. Many professionals are turning toward furthering themselves academically by obtaining a PhD. This degree usually means earning a better salary, more career opportunities, and greater recognition.

Unlike traditional in-person PhD studies, doctoral degree online programs are attractive because they help people better balance their professional and daily lives. There are numerous online PhD programs available nowadays, with more than 205 accredited institutions in the US offering over 1,000 online doctorate programs. If you meet the requirements, you can do a PhD online that interests you.

Learn more about can you get a PhD online.

Are Online PhD Programs Respected?

You may be wondering, “Are online doctorate degrees credible?” An online doctorate degree earned from an accredited university can be just as credible, legit, and highly respected as a degree earned on campus.

What makes a degree creditable, be it online or traditional, is accreditation. To become regionally accredited, schools must meet very strict standards established by a board or agency. To find out if a school or program you are considering is accredited, you can search for it in the US Department of Education’s database.

How Long is a PhD Program at Online Colleges?

How long does it take to earn an online doctorate degree? A PhD generally takes 3 to 5 years to complete depending on the number of credit hours required and how long it takes the student to complete their dissertation.

If no dissertation is required, a doctoral program can generally be completed in 3 years with full-time study. How quickly you are able to finish will depend on your area of study, school, or program, and whether you attend full-time or part-time. If you are able to study full-time and already hold a master’s in the field, you may be able to finish sooner.

If you had to leave your PhD program for an extended period of time and are now ready to return, online degree completion programs are available, too.

Can You Transfer Masters Credits to PhD Online Programs?

If you’re wondering, “Can I transfer credits I already have to use toward an online doctoral degree?”, the answer depends on the college where you received the credits. Ultimately, the credits that are accepted and how they apply to your degree will be up to your school’s discretion.

Most accredited schools will accept credits from other accredited schools. Every college sets its own policies for transferring credits, and some have very specific rules and limitations. There are some universities that do not allow credit transfers at the graduate level. If they do allow transfer credits, there are typically several requirements that must be met.

If you have credits you wish to transfer, it is very important that you review the school’s policy and work closely with an academic advisor to ensure you get the most out of your completed work.

Is a JD a Doctorate?

A juris doctorate (JD) is a graduate-entry professional law degree. Yet, despite this, it is technically recognized as a professional doctorate.

It is not a PhD but a research doctorate, as the JD prepares an individual to undertake a career in the legal field.

What’s the Difference Between Doctorate vs. PhD Programs Online?

Although doctorate and PhD programs are similar, there are a few key differences that we’ve discussed below.

• Online PhD Program: Unlike a doctorate program, an online PhD is a highly theoretical academic qualification primarily focused on creating new knowledge through scientific research.
• Online Doctorate Program: Professional doctorate programs differ from online PhD programs in that they focus mainly on putting theory into practice in various professional settings instead of using theoretics to further scientific study.

Additionally, the term doctorate is used interchangeably with PhD because a PhD falls under the same academic umbrella as a doctorate and is equal in level.

What’s the Difference Between an Online Degree vs. Traditional Degree?

The primary difference between online learning and traditional, in-the-classroom learning is the format, or how the material is delivered to the student. Your personal preferences and learning style will determine which learning format is best for you.

These are some of the differences you may want to consider.

Online Degree:

• Allow you the flexibility to study anywhere
• Often allow you to work at your own pace
• Make it possible to enroll without having to move
• May cost less than traditional programs
• Eliminates long commutes or parking hassles

Online doctorate courses do require self-motivation and discipline. You will have to stay on top of things and keep yourself organized so you don’t fall behind!

Traditional Degree:

• Provide a structured schedule
• Allow you to interact face-to-face with professors and classmates
• Have more safeguards to help keep you on track, such as reminders for assignments and exams

As you can see, there are pros and cons to both traditional and online learning. You will have to figure out which format works best for you, fits within your lifestyle, and will help you achieve your goals.

Is an Online PhD Worth It?

Yes, an online PhD is worth it for many professionals. There are many reasons why a PhD is worth it. For example, those with PhD qualifications statistically earn more than those with lower-level degrees. In addition, those with PhDs have lower unemployment rates because their skills are in demand.

In fact, according to data released by the BLS, those with doctoral degrees earn more than all other educational levels while having the lowest unemployment rate at only 2.5% annually. PhD degrees are also worth it because you will obtain a world-class mind, a professional skill set that few possess, and a global network at your fingertips.

Colleges Offering Online PhD & 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.

A.T. Still University offers 10 online doctorate programs in the healthcare field. Potential fields of study offered include audiology, health administration, health education, medical science, and occupational therapy. New courses start on 2 different dates in the fall and spring. A.T. Still’s graduate health studies degree programs have been ranked in the top 5 for most graduates working in primary care fields by US News & World Report.

ATSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Andrews University offers PhD programs online in higher education administration, business administration, curriculum and instruction, and educational leadership. Courses are typically 8 or 16 weeks long and may be offered in synchronous, asynchronous, or self-paced formats.

Andrews University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Azusa Pacific University offers PhD programs in higher education and in rehabilitation and movement science and an online EdD program in higher education leadership.

Most courses are taught primarily online but with some yearly residency requirements. Courses are typically taught in an asynchronous format and may include discussion forums, multimedia presentations, video conferencing, email, and group projects.

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Capitol Technology University offers 36 doctoral programs online. Fields of study offered include intelligence and global security, real estate management, unmanned systems applications, and emergency and protective services. Many programs require either a dissertation or a publication project. Courses usually start twice per semester in the fall, spring, and summer.

Capitol Technology University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Clemson University offers PhD programs online. Areas of study offered include healthcare genetics, literacy and language, tourism management, and rhetorics and communication.

Classes in the tourism management program are typically offered fully online, while the others have short-term on-campus requirements. Most classes have live lecture sessions that can be viewed remotely. There are many start dates offered throughout the year.

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

Colorado State University offers online PhD programs in higher education leadership, systems engineering, and organizational learning, purpose, and change. The university aims to make earning an online PhD more affordable by charging the same tuition, regardless of residency. Programs are either fully online or in a hybrid or blended format. Some programs follow a cohort model.

Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Concordia University–Irvine offers an online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and an EdD in Leadership. Admission to the counselor education program requires a counselor’s license.

Courses are typically offered fully online, but both programs require some in-person residencies or educational trips. U.S. News & World Report named Concordia University–Irvine a top-tier regional university in the West. The school provides students with a faith-based education.

Concordia University – Irvine is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Creighton University offers 4 online doctoral programs. These include a Doctor of Pharmacy, an EdD in Interdisciplinary Leadership, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy. The Doctor of Pharmacy program is offered either online or in a hybrid format, while the others are typically taught entirely online. Depending on the program, courses may start in the fall, spring, or summer.

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

Duquesne University offers 5 doctorate programs online. These include a PhD in Nursing, a PhD in Nursing Ethics, a Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, and a Doctor of Pharmacy. Courses are typically taught fully online, but programs may require short residencies on campus. Programs begin in the summer.

Duquesne University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Eastern University offers online programs for a PhD in Organizational Leadership, a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy, and a Doctor of Ministry. The programs are mostly online but may require short-campus residencies. Most courses are asynchronous, and the degrees can typically be completed in 4 years. Courses may follow either a 7-week accelerated calendar or a regular semester format.

Eastern University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Endicott College offers PhD programs in higher education, curriculum and teacher education, nursing, and applied behavior analysis. Programs are offered either fully online or in a hybrid format. Most classes have synchronous components and follow a regular semester schedule.

Endicott College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Faulkner University offers online PhD programs in Biblical studies, humanities, and health sciences. The programs require the completion of a dissertation. The health sciences program can potentially be completed in just 18 months, while the others usually take about 3 to 5 years to complete. Courses typically follow either a traditional semester schedule or a 5 week accelerated format.

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

Florida State University offers an online program for a PhD in Nursing. Courses are typically taught fully online, but the program may require 5 day summer intensives on campus that commonly include intensive coursework and presentations. The degree can potentially be finished in just 3 years. U.S. News & World Report ranked Florida State University in the top 20 public colleges in the country.

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

George Washington University offers online doctorate programs, including 2 PhDs, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, a Doctor of Engineering, and a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy.

The PhD in Nursing program typically consists of weekly online synchronous classes and a few weekend intensives on campus. The program starts in the fall. The PhD in Systems Engineering program usually consists of Saturday synchronous classes and can potentially be completed in just 3 years.

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

Grand Canyon University offers several online doctoral programs including PhDs, EdDs, and DBAs. The PhD in Psychology program currently offers 10 concentrations, such as Cognition and Instruction, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and Performance Psychology. Courses are usually taught online, but some programs have short residency requirements. Most programs can be completed in 3 to 4 years.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Hampton University offers online PhD programs in business administration, nursing, counselor education and supervision, and educational management. Classes are typically taught over either 8 or 16 week terms and have several start dates each year. Most programs are taught fully online, but some may have on-campus residency requirements.

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

Indiana State University offers online PhD programs in 4 areas of study. These include a PhD in Educational Administration with concentrations in Higher Education Leadership and School Leadership and a PhD in Technology Management.

The university also offers Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Athletic Training programs. Classes are typically taught online, but some have residency requirements. Terms are usually either 8 or 16 weeks long.

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Johns Hopkins University offers online PhD programs in mechanical engineering and education as well as an EdD in Education, a Doctor of Public Health, and a DNP. The DNP program offers several concentrations. Classes are typically taught in 8 or 16 week terms and are either fully online or offered in a hybrid format. Programs usually start in the fall and can typically be completed in 4 to 5 years.

Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Liberty University offers PhD programs that can typically be completed fully online. These research-based degrees allow the study of topics such as history, public policy, psychology, education, criminal justice, and Bible exposition. Most courses are 8 weeks long, and there are several start dates throughout the year. Niche named Liberty University among the best online colleges in the country.

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

Loma Linda University offers several doctoral programs online, including a PhD in Nursing program with 2 options, a BSN-to-PhD track and an MSN-to-PhD track. Holding a current RN license is required for admission.

Other online programs include a Doctor of Public Health, a Doctor of Social Work, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice with several concentrations. Courses are typically taught entirely online and usually follow an asynchronous format, but in-person meetings are sometimes required. The degrees can typically be completed in 5 to 6 years.

Loma Linda University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Mississippi State University offers 14 online PhD programs with concentrations like Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Horticulture. Classes are usually taught fully online or in a hybrid format. Most programs follow a regular 16 week semester schedule, and there are start dates in the fall, spring, and summer.

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

National University offers a fully online PhD program in technology management with specializations like IT Project Management and Data Science. Classes are typically 4 weeks in length, and usually, 20 courses must be completed to earn a degree.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Nova Southeastern University offers an online PhD in Criminal Justice program with concentrations in Behavioral Science, Juvenile Justice, and Organizational Leadership. The university also offers an EdD in Education with several concentrations and an EdD in Human Services Administration.

Classes may be taught fully online or in a hybrid format. The programs typically start in August and require 60 credits for completion. A dissertation is usually required for the criminal justice program but a strategic research project may be completed in place of a dissertation for the education and human services programs.

Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Purdue University offers online programs for a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and a PhD in Higher Education as well as DNP and Doctor of Technology programs.

Courses are typically synchronous with online meetings 2 nights per week. Programs may be available in a hybrid format, with on-campus meetings once per semester. Each program typically requires the completion of 90 credit hours.

Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Regent University offers several online PhD and EdD programs, as well as a Doctorate in Strategic Communications.

Areas of study offered include communication, counseling, education, government, and renewal theology. Courses are typically taught online, but some programs may have residency components. Courses may be taught using an 8-week accelerated calendar, and there are start dates in the fall, spring, and summer.

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

Texas Tech University offers online PhD and EdD programs. Areas of study offered include curriculum and instruction, educational leadership policy, educational leadership, and higher education administration. Courses are typically taught either fully online or in a hybrid or blended format. Most programs require 90 credit hours for completion. Newsweek ranked Texas Tech University as the top online school in the nation.

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

The University of Alabama offers PhD, EdD, and DNP programs both entirely online and in a hybrid format. Areas of study offered include aerospace engineering and mechanics, communication and information sciences, and mechanical engineering. Hybrid courses may be taught fully online but require on-campus proctoring and in-person meetings. Courses start in the fall, spring, and summer.

The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Arizona’s Global Campus offers online PhD programs in organizational development and leadership, human services, and education. They also offer an online PsyD program. Courses are usually offered 1 at a time in a 6 to 9-week accelerated format. A capstone seminar and a doctoral dissertation are typically required.

The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of Florida offers online programs for a PhD in Classical Civilization and a PhD in Latin and Roman Studies as well as EdD programs in education. The programs typically have some residency requirements. The completion of 60 hours beyond a master’s degree is typically required, and most programs require a dissertation. The university often provides research fellowships and study abroad opportunities.

The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Missouri offers online programs for a PhD in Architectural Studies and a PhD in Information Science and Learning Technologies. They also offer an EdD in Educational Leadership and a Doctor of Occupational Therapy that can be earned online. Most courses are typically taught in an asynchronous format and primarily follow a regular semester schedule.

The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of North Dakota offers 15 online PhD programs in areas such as aerospace sciences, biomedical engineering, indigenous health, and earth system science and policy. Programs may be offered in a self-paced format or follow a traditional semester schedule. EdSmart ranked the University of North Dakota as the 9th best online university in the country.

UND is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of South Carolina offers online PhD programs in scientific fields of study such as civil engineering, computer science, and mechanical engineering. A Doctor of Nursing Practice program with several concentrations is also offered. Courses typically follow a semester schedule in the fall, spring, and summer, and the completion of a dissertation is usually required.

The University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of the Cumberlands offers online PhD programs in business, leadership, counselor education and supervision, and information technology. Specializations are sometimes available. Courses are offered in either an 8 week or a 16 week term calendar, and there are several start offered dates per year.

The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Walden University offers a variety of online PhD programs in areas such as management, nursing, education, criminal justice, and clinical psychology. Most programs are course-based and are typically not self-paced. There are several start dates offered throughout the year, and most programs are offered in an asynchronous learning format.

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Wilkes University offers online PhD in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and EdD in Education programs. Coursework is fully online, but a short residency is usually required for all programs. The nursing program courses typically follow a 12 week calendar and have 2 new start dates offered per year.

Wilkes University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Getting Your Doctorate Degree Online

Obtaining an accredited doctorate degree online is possibly one of the best educational decisions you could make concerning your academic future.

You will learn professionally relevant career skills and broaden your knowledge in your chosen field and gain the experience you need to make a difference in the world.

With a doctorate behind your name, you’ll likely also have access to more career opportunities at the highest levels, whether you want to work independently or within the non-profit, public, civil, or governmental sectors.