phd online universities

30 Best Online PhD Programs [2024 Ultimate Guide]

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

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

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

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

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

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

1. Andrews University

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

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

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

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

2. Catholic University of America

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

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

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

CUA is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education

3. Central Michigan University

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

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

• Doctor of Educational Technology

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

4. Clemson University

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

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

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

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

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

5. Colorado State University

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

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

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

Colorado State is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

6. Concordia University Chicago

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

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

• PhD in Leadership: Gerontology

Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

7. George Fox University

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

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

• Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

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

8. George Washington University

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

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

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

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

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

9. Hampton University

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

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

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

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

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

10. Indiana University

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

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

• Ph.D. in Nursing Science

Indiana U is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

11. Iowa State University

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

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

• Apparel, Merchandising, and Design – Doctor of Philosophy

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

12. Keiser University

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

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

• Business Administration, DBA

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

13. Liberty University

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

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

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

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

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

14. Medical University of South Carolina

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

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

• PhD Nursing Science

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

15. Mississippi State University

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

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

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

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

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

16. Nova Southeastern University

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

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

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

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

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

17. Texas Tech University

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

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

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

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

18. University at Buffalo – SUNY

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

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

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

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

19. University of Alabama

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

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

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

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics

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

20. University of Arkansas

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

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

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

UArk is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

21. University of Florida

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

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

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

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

22. University of Louisiana at Monroe

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

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

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

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

23. University of Missouri

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

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

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

Mizzou is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

24. University of Nebraska – Lincoln

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

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

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

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

25. University of North Dakota

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

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

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

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

26. University of South Dakota

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

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

• Online Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences

USD is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

27. University of Southern California

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

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

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

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

28. University of Texas at Tyler

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

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

• PhD in Clinical Psychology
• PhD in Nursing

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

29. University of the Cumberlands

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

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

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

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

30. Virginia Commonwealth University

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

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

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

Types of Online PhD Programs

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

Business Administration

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Are the Highest Paying Doctoral Degrees?

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

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

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

Salary Increase

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

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

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

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

What Are the Most Popular Doctorate Degrees?

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

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

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

Intellectual Curiosity

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

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

Careers that Require a PhD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Doctorate Degree?

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

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

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

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

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

How to Accelerate Your Online PhD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Advantages of Accelerated PhD Programs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Accreditation for an Online PhD Program

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

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

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

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

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

Financial Aid for PhD Students

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

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

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

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

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

Questions Related to Earning a PhD Online

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

Can I Get My PhD Online?

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

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

Are Online PhD Programs Credible?

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

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

How Much Do Online PhD Programs Cost?

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

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

What Are the Best Online PhD Programs?

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

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

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

Is PhD Worth It?

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

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

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

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

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Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.

A Ph.D., or doctor of philosophy, is the highest level of academic degree that you can attain. Consisting primarily of research, a Ph.D. prepares you for a career in academia or research in the field you study.

Students who choose to pursue a Ph.D. online will find it can be completed in less time. Online students also get the added benefit of being able to complete their work from the comfort of home. The overall cost may also be less compared to an in-person program.

We’ve compiled a list of the best accredited online Ph.D. programs to help you start your search.

Top Schools for Online Accredited Ph.D. Programs

Capitol technology university.

• Campus + Online
• In-State $25,830
• Out-of-state $25,830
• In-State $11,340
• Out-of-state $11,340
• Retention Rate 75%
• Acceptance Rate 47%
• Students Enrolled 796
• Institution Type Private

Clemson University

• In-State $14,118
• Out-of-state $37,110
• In-State $10,600
• Out-of-state $22,050
• Retention Rate 94%
• Acceptance Rate 49%
• Students Enrolled 27,341
• Institution Type Public

Keiser University

• In-State $20,800
• Out-of-state $20,800
• In-State $29,632
• Out-of-state $29,632
• Retention Rate 72%
• Acceptance Rate 96%
• Students Enrolled 19,861

Mississippi State University

• In-State $9,110
• Out-of-state $24,790
• Retention Rate 81%
• Acceptance Rate 76%
• Students Enrolled 23,086

Nova Southeastern University

• In-State $33,510
• Out-of-state $33,510
• In-State $21,153
• Out-of-state $21,153
• Retention Rate 78%
• Acceptance Rate 93%
• Students Enrolled 20,898

Old Dominion University

• In-State $7,029
• Out-of-state $26,664
• In-State $10,207
• Out-of-state $29,851
• Students Enrolled 23,494

Saybrook University

• In-State $20,856
• Out-of-state $20,856
• Retention Rate 0%
• Acceptance Rate 0%
• Students Enrolled 915

Texas Tech University

• In-State $8,935
• Out-of-state $21,204
• In-State $6,956
• Out-of-state $15,136
• Retention Rate 85%
• Acceptance Rate 68%
• Students Enrolled 40,542

Are Online Ph.D. Programs Worth It?

An online Ph.D. program is an ideal choice if you want to balance your career and family responsibilities along with your education.

While there are some preconceived notions that online programs aren’t legitimate, as long as the program you choose is accredited, the degree is the same as one earned in person.

While the annual tuition cost to earn a Ph.D. online averages $12,596 for a public institution and $28,017 for a private university, doctoral graduates enjoy a lower unemployment rate and higher weekly salary than those with less education, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Did You Know…

• lowest unemployment rates at 1.6%.
• In 2019, research found that 39.8% of graduate students were enrolled in online learning.
• The number of doctorates awarded between 2020 and 2021 dropped by 5.4%.
• Not all Ph.D.-holders end up working in academia.

Does Accreditation Matter for Online Ph.D. Programs?

A college is accredited after being recognized by an independent institution that verifies the school’s courses and programs meet set quality standards.

The school you choose must be accredited in order for your Ph.D. to be recognized by employers , earn professional licensures, and qualify you for federal financial aid.

Legitimate accreditors are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

How Much Does an Online Ph.D. Cost?

In general, you can expect to pay around $13,000-$30,000 per year in tuition and fees for your online Ph.D.

Several factors affect how much your Ph.D. program will cost, including:

• Whether the program is fully funded
• Whether your school is public or private
• Whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student
• How long your program lasts (most Ph.D. programs take 5-7 years to complete)
• How much financial aid you get

While many in-person and online doctoral programs in the U.S. are fully funded, these tend to be highly competitive.

One way to save money on your online Ph.D. is to attend a program that offers in-state tuition to residents. Make sure you submit the FAFSA each year so you can secure federal financial aid .

You may also need to budget for occasional travel to and from campus and research sites, especially as you work on your dissertation.

What’s the Difference Between a Ph.D. and a Doctorate?

While a Ph.D. and a doctoral degree, or doctorate, both signify the same level of education completed, their uses are different.

Doctorate is the broader term — a Ph.D. is a type of doctorate. Specifically, a Ph.D. is an academic degree that prepares you for a career in research or teaching in your field of study (such as science, English, or economics).

Besides a Ph.D., other types of doctorates include a doctor of medicine (MD), a doctor of education (Ed.D.), and a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.). These degrees are typically used in either an academic or professional setting.

Online Ph.D. Programs That Don’t Require a Dissertation

A dissertation is a final written project culminating in a student’s original research at the end of their Ph.D. program. A dissertation is typically presented and defended by its author. It’s typically required for degrees with an academic or research focus.

Not all Ph.D. programs require a dissertation. For example, some Ph.D. programs in humanities, education, business administration, and criminal justice require simple or no dissertations for a quicker completion time .

What Jobs Can You Get After Earning an Online Ph.D.?

Once you finish your online doctoral program, you can explore a variety of career paths both within and outside academia.

Many Ph.D. graduates, especially those who studied the humanities, go on to become professors. Other popular roles include administrator, scientist, and psychologist.

Graduates of online Ph.D. programs earn a relatively high average base salary of $108,000 a year, according to Payscale .

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Ph.D. Programs

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online. Page last reviewed November 20, 2023.

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

Best Accredited Online Master’s Programs 2024

Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2024

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

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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

Explore our featured online programs to find the right match for you today.

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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• Best Online Ph.D. In Higher Education Programs

Best Online Ph.D. In Higher Education Programs Of 2024

Updated: Nov 29, 2023, 1:34pm

Learning happens at every age. From preschool to higher education, behind every learner is an educational policymaker, researcher and leader who advocates and manages programs for academic quality and student success.

An online Ph.D. in higher education can prepare you to become one of those educational changemakers, whether you aim to instruct college students, spearhead academic research or improve the quality and operations of a school or district as a principal or superintendent. As the highest degree level in this field, a doctorate opens doors, allowing you to choose the path you see most fit for helping schools and students.

In this ranking, we explore four of the best online Ph.D.s in higher education, noting key features of each program for you to consider.

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 scored four accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online Ph.D. in higher education degree programs in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes and student experience.

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. Data is accurate as of June 2023.

We scored schools based on the following categories:

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

We listed all four schools in the U.S. that met our ranking criteria.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Best Online Ph.D. in Higher Education Degree Options

Should you enroll in an online ph.d. in higher education program, accreditation for an online ph.d. in higher education, how to find the right online ph.d. in higher education for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online ph.d. in higher education programs, concordia university-chicago, andrews university, liberty university, regent university.

Graduate Tuition

$753/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Located in River Forest, Illinois, Concordia University-Chicago (CUC) is a Lutheran-focused liberal arts university founded in 1864. Its Ph.D. in leadership includes a higher education specialization with fully online eight-week courses covering higher education law, leadership, societal issues and fiscal responsibility.

The program requires five research courses, including qualitative and mixed methods research. Students also complete a comprehensive written exam and three dissertation components.

CUC charges an $18 technology fee per credit, included in its tuition rate, for this program.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 67 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Institutional advancement, developing the organization’s human capital
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: No

$1,471/credit

Andrews University , based in Berrien Springs, Michigan, offers its Ph.D. in higher education administration online, with most students completing the 61-credit program in about five years. Online learning covering topics like higher education law, program evaluation and leadership dynamics is available through a blend of asynchronous and synchronous coursework with convenient evening hours for working professionals.

Although most courses are online, students must complete a global education study tour in person to get hands-on experience in cross-cultural education.

• Application Fee: $60
• Degree Credit Requirements: 61 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: College student development theory, administration of academic services
• In-Person Requirements: Yes

$595 to $650/credit

The Ph.D. in higher education administration from Liberty University (LU), a Christian university based in Lynchburg, Virginia, features three concentrations, each requiring 60 credits. Including the four-part, 15-credit dissertation, students can finish the program in as little as three years.

Part-time learners in this program pay $55 more per credit than full-time students. However, current and past military members can reduce their costs by taking advantage of LU’s discounted tuition rate of $300 per credit.

• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Economic impact in higher education, historical perspectives of higher education
• Concentrations Available: Assessment and evaluation, educational leadership, student affairs

$800/credit

Based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Regent University offers a 100% online Ph.D. in higher education leadership and management. Incorporating Regent’s Christian values, the program includes such courses as Christian worldview for educators and the role and mission of the Christian college and university.

Although students have seven years to complete this program, it typically takes five years. Regent charges online students a $700 fee per semester for university services, so learners can decrease their overall costs by finishing within the five-year window.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• Application Fee: N/A
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Data-driven decision making, role and mission of the Christian college and university

Pursuing a Ph.D. online can help working professionals strike a balance between their careers in higher education and their studies. Online Ph.D. in higher education programs typically offer flexible formats with few or no in-person requirements, allowing learners to complete coursework and dissertation tasks where and when it’s most convenient.

Cost also plays a role in choosing the right program and format. An online doctoral program could benefit learners who would otherwise need to commute long distances to and from their school, potentially saving transportation costs. Some schools charge in-state tuition rates to online learners who reside out of state to reduce their cost commitment.

Still, doctoral coursework can be rigorous. Students should consider whether they feel confident in their ability to complete intensive projects and studies without face-to-face guidance and support from instructors and peers.

Many colleges and universities seek institutional accreditation to distinguish themselves as leaders in academic quality, faculty credibility and positive student outcomes. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education recognize several institutional accrediting agencies, including the Higher Learning Commission and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Schools typically approve transfer credits only from other institutionally accredited colleges . Plus, employers and credentialing bodies may not recognize degrees from unaccredited schools.

Programmatic accreditation is reserved for specific programs and departments. A Ph.D. in higher education usually comes through a school’s education department, which may be endorsed by a programmatic accrediting agency. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation commonly accredits departments with higher education doctoral programs.

If you’ve settled on pursuing a distance education, here’s how to narrow down your options.

Consider Your Future Goals

An online Ph.D. in higher education varies among schools, so it’s important to consider your future goals to point you toward the right program.

First, determine whether a Ph.D. or an Ed.D. is the best option for you. Although similar in content, a Ph.D. in higher education typically incorporates more research-based studies and is ideal for students interested in creating educational policy or teaching at a higher education level. Meanwhile, an Ed.D. in higher education focuses more on applicable skills, such as academic leadership and program administration.

Then, think about the program’s specifics. For example, some programs have more rigid dissertation requirements and time commitments than others. Also, you might be able to complete one program entirely online, while another may require an in-person class each week.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Tuition for the higher education doctoral programs on our list averages $905 per credit. With the average program requiring 64 credits, the average total cost of an online Ph.D. in higher education reaches nearly $58,000, which is no small sum.

However, tuition rates can vary widely based on a school’s public or private status, a student’s enrollment status, school prestige and other factors. Some Ph.D. programs are “fully funded,” meaning most students receive a tuition reimbursement plus a stipend for living expenses. Learners may also participate in fellowships, through which they receive funding in exchange for their research contributions.

Consider filling out the FAFSA® to determine your eligibility for federal student loans and other aid. You might also research financial aid options at your school, like scholarships and assistantships, to help you finance your degree.

Is a Ph.D. in higher education worth it?

If you’re interested in becoming a professor, an education administrator, an academic researcher or an educational policymaker, a Ph.D. is likely worth the investment. Throughout the program, you’ll build the leadership skills necessary to help educational organizations and students succeed.

How long is a Ph.D. in higher education?

A Ph.D. in higher education can take between two and five years to complete, depending on whether you enroll part time or full time. While most coursework is usually completable in two to three years, the dissertation often takes one to three years to finish.

Is a Ph.D. worth more than a bachelor's degree?

Yes, a doctoral degree is usually worth more than a bachelor’s degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , those with doctoral degrees earn a median of $2,083 per week, while bachelor’s degree holders earn $1,432 weekly.

As a self-proclaimed lifelong learner and former educator, Amy Boyington is passionate about researching and advocating for learners of all ages. For over a decade, Amy has specialized in writing parenting and higher education content that simplifies the process of comparing schools, programs and tuition rates for prospective students and their families. Her work has been featured on several online publications, including Online MBA, Reader’s Digest and BestColleges.

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

15 Best Online Doctoral Programs/PhD Programs – 2024

April 24, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – Are Online PhDs Respected?

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

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

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

The Best Online Doctoral Programs/PhD Programs

1) university of florida.

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

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

2) George Washington University

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

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

3) Johns Hopkins University

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

Best Online Doctoral Programs/PhD Programs (Continued)

4) texas tech university.

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

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

5) Iowa State University

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

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

6) University of Alabama

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

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

7) University of Missouri

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

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

8) University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

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

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

9) Georgia Southern University

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

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

10) Indiana University

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

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

11) Mississippi State University

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

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

12) Appalachian State University

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

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

13) Purdue University

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

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

14) Concordia University Chicago

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

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

15) Clemson University

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

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

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – Additional Resources

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

Admissions Tips

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

More about Online Learning

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

Christina Wood

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

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Online PhD & Doctorate Programs

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Are you a lifelong learner? Are you driven to excel in your chosen field? Earning an online PhD or doctorate degree is a pursuit for intellectually curious minds that want to go farther in their careers, and become thought leaders in highly specialized industries. Whatever the reason, earning an online doctorate or PhD degree from National University is an investment in your future.

Building on our 50-year history of outstanding academics, dedicated faculty, and a global network of 240,000 alumni and growing, National University makes PhD or doctorate degrees attainable and achievable for adult learners, busy parents, and hard-working professionals who need a competitive edge.

Featured PhD & Doctorate Programs

1. doctor of clinical psychology (psyd).

National University’s Doctor of Clinical Psychology program PsyD provides the highest level of training in the field of clinical psychology, equipping you with the necessary tools to serve communities in vital roles such as clinician, program administrator, evaluator, consultant, educator, and scholar. This program prepares you to make an impact in the lives of those in need.

2. Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation

The Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation program prepares adaptable professionals who are able to innovate, generate creative solutions, and facilitate positive change and organizational transformation in their professional capacity. Learners are provided expanded viewpoints relative to problem identification and applied resolution strategies in education/organizational ecosystems that can be volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous.

Find the Doctorate Program that’s Right for You

Phd vs. doctorate, what’s the difference.

The difference between a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) and a doctorate degree is found in the scope of the program. A PhD is a specifically defined program, whereas a doctorate applies to any professional or academic degree.

Why Get a PhD Degree?

With an online PhD or doctorate degree, you are statistically more likely to find better pay opportunities, and more likely to secure employment overall. Additionally, people with PhD or doctorate degrees are more likely to become specialists or thought leaders in their chosen fields.

Is a Doctorate Worth It?

Earning your doctoral degree from NU will give you the tools and knowledge you need to make a meaningful difference in your field. The depth of understanding you’ll gain in a doctorate program will help prepare you for a leadership role in your career, and the skills you’ll learn will help you lead more effectively.

University Accreditation

Accreditation ensures universities have been properly evaluated and validated by education authorities. National University is proud to be regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

NU’s PsyD program is currently unaccredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) for new students but maintains its WSCUC accreditation. Given the program’s long history of accreditation under JFKU, full accreditation may be awarded in 2023. The program is working diligently to establish full accreditation under the JFK-SOP at NU in 2023. However, National University cannot guarantee that APA accreditation will be granted. There is a possibility that the program may not be accredited before you finish, and if you transfer to another institution before National University obtains this accreditation, your credits may not be transferable.

Why Choose National University

Through our holistic, whole-human approach to education, we offer the academic, emotional, career, financial, and family support needed to reach your educational and professional goals.

“It is a growing experience, and you will learn so much about yourself and what you are capable of. There are groups, resources, and tools to make sure you are successful.”

Explore Resources for Getting A Doctorate Degree

• What Is a Doctorate or Doctoral Degree?
• Grad School Requirements: Options for Busy Adults
• The Pros and Cons of Online vs. In-Person Learning
• California Educational Leadership: The Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation
• Online College Degrees & Programs

Doctorate FAQs

Certain programs are available online, depending on the area of expertise. As PhD and doctorate degrees are more specialized than other degrees, there are often internships or in-person components. At National University, PhD and doctorate programs are mostly completed online.

According to the US Census Bureau, less than 3% of the United States population holds a doctoral degree. Whether you want to expand your knowledge in the field of business, education, psychology, or marriage and family therapy, earning your online PhD or doctorate can help set you apart from the competition.

Program length will vary depending on which PhD or doctorate you select. Find the program that’s right for you here .

National University is a private, nonprofit institution that is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). Accreditation ensures our university meets the highest standards of quality in education. Visit our accreditations page to learn more.

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PhD in Psychology Further Your Understanding of Psychology

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Understand the Human Experience from a Biblical Worldview with an Online PhD in Psychology

Do you want to deepen your knowledge in psychology and use your research to contribute to the field of understanding human behavior? Liberty University’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology can provide rigorous research training that can better prepare you for a career in academia and research. An online PhD in Psychology is ideal for students who want to bring new knowledge of human behavior to the field and find new ways to help people heal, grow, and thrive.

Liberty’s PhD in Psychology is designed to prepare you to evaluate research and to understand the truth about human behavior from a biblical worldview. Our mission is to  Train Champions for Christ , and we fulfill this mission by training professionals to use science and biblical values to understand the full breadth of the human experience. Our unique, biblically-based approach to this field can help prepare you to make a positive impact on those you work with.

With Liberty’s PhD in Psychology, you can take part in optional face-to-face on-campus intensives that will allow you to meet faculty and other students while you develop your professional and research skills.

What Will You Study in Our PhD in Psychology Degree?

Liberty’s online PhD in Psychology is designed to build on your previous study and experience in human psychology and develop you into a researcher and psychologist who demonstrates ethical and academic excellence while integrating biblical values into your practice.

Through this program, you will:

• Learn how an appreciation of biblical values enhances psychiatric practice by putting human value at the forefront of technique and theory.
• Develop a grounded critical approach to psychiatric research and theory while integrating a biblical worldview into approaches to current issues in psychology.
• Master psychiatric research and writing techniques that can establish your work in the study of human behavior.
• Complete dissertation research through your program with mentorship from your professors so that you have the option to present research at conferences.

Through this program, you will be encouraged to become a thought leader on a variety of topics related to the human experience. Our goal is to help you venture into the world of psychiatric research and practice and offer insights based on biblical foundations of truth that can help people heal and thrive.

Featured Courses

• PSYC 510 — Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology I
• PSYC 710 — Psychological Research and Biblical Worldview
• PSYC 716 — Theories and Research in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• PSYC 775 — Teaching of Psychology

Degree Information

• This program falls under the  School of Behavioral Sciences .
• View the  Graduate Behavioral Sciences Course Guides   (login required).
• View the  PhD in Psychology Dissertation Handbook
• The online PhD in Psychology is a non-clinical, non-licensure program.

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Degree?

To help you meet your educational goals in a way that fits your life, our online PhD in Psychology provides scheduling flexibility and keeps affordability in mind. Our PhD in Psychology’s online format allows you to take your classes from home without traveling to campus. However, this program still provides a community of psychology professionals and the ability to take optional intensive courses to allow you to connect in person.

Throughout this program, Liberty incorporates a biblical worldview into your instruction. This perspective in your research and practical training in psychology can help you develop professional and academic excellence without compromising an ethical appreciation for human life. Additionally, our caring faculty are devoted to helping you grow personally and academically.

With our online PhD in Psychology, you can learn effective clinical techniques, essential behavioral theory, and develop your research and writing expertise. You can be equipped with a thorough understanding of human thought and behavior while developing your own research to further the field.

Earning a PhD in Psychology online with Liberty means that you will be trained to engage with research and psychiatric practice critically and biblically. If you are interested in becoming a thoughtful, articulate, and research-focused professional, then this is the program for you.

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

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

Potential Career Opportunities for PhD in Psychology Graduates

• Corporate psychologist
• Program or department head
• Project manager

Degree Options for Our PhD in Psychology Program

Focus your studies in psychology with a specialization.

Behavioral Health Leadership

Through the  PhD in Psychology – Behavioral Health Leadership , you can hone your research and leadership skills as you prepare to pursue administrative and management positions in mental and behavioral health organizations.

View the Degree Completion Plan .

Developmental Psychology

Through the online  PhD in Psychology – Developmental Psychology , you can learn about research theory related to human development, including cognitive development, social development, and language development.

General Psychology

The online PhD in Psychology – General Psychology provides an in-depth study of advanced psychiatric research and practice while giving you room to customize your course content.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology  track, you will study human behavior in organizations and the workplace. You will focus on deriving principles of individual, group, and organizational behavior and applying that knowledge to developing solutions for challenges in the workplace.

Social Psychology

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Social Psychology  track, you can learn about research and theory related to social processes and relationships, attitudes, and other constructs related to social psychology.

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Theology  track, you can learn how to study the Bible and integrate that study of the Bible with research in psychology to further your understanding of psychological concepts.

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

Tuition & Aid

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

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

All Tuition & Fees

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Admission Information for Our PhD in Psychology Degree

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Contact information  for 2 recommenders is required (approved recommenders are the student’s former college professors or supervisors).
• Statement of Purpose  is required (1,000-1,500 words, double spaced).
• Departmental approval is required.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

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

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

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

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

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

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Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there opportunities to interact in-person with peers.

You can meet faculty and fellow students in person through optional on-campus intensives.

Can I have an impact through this degree?

Through your dissertation, you can contribute to the understanding of human experience and behavior.

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The 90 Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs

Phd program rankings.

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Career Guides

• Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
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• Chemical Engineering (PhD CE)
• Chemistry (D.Chem.)
• Clinical Nutrition (D.C.N.)
• Speech-Language Pathology (CScD)
• Criminology (D.Crim.)
• Economics (DEc)
• Health Science (D.H.S./D.H.Sci)
• Library Science (D.L.S.)
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• Occupational Safety and Health (D.O.S.H.)
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Frequently Asked Questions

• Why earn a Doctorate Degree?
• What are the Ph.D. Admission Requirements?
• How Much Does a Ph.D. Cost?
• How many years will it take for me to achieve my doctorate degree online?
• Do online doctorate degree programs require campus visits?
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• ALL Ph.D. Highlights

Online Ph.D. programs provide degrees often earned by those who wish to enter the realm of research, leadership, or education in their chosen field.

As this distinguished degree is very impressive, you can expect to exhibit hard work and dedication beyond your imagination. Earning a Ph.D. is not for the faint of heart!

However, besides accomplishing their own personal goals, Ph.D. holders are dedicated to the betterment of our society, primarily through research and by teaching others. As you embark on this journey, rest assured your efforts will be applauded and your lasting work will be much appreciated by your peers and for generations to come.

90 of the Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs

Best online phd programs in education/educational leadership.

Embarking on an online Ph.D. or EdD in Education or Educational Leadership entails not only a love of learning but also passing on that love of learning to the next generation. An EdD in Education is designed for working professionals who not only want to teach but may want to work as a dean or principal of a school or as a college president.

A Ph.D. in Education is a theory and research-driven educational pursuit. Those with a Ph.D. in Education will often become college professors or research scholars.

Both the Ph.D. and EdD in Education are terminal degrees in the field of education. All three of the universities listed here have multiple fields of study within their online education doctoral programs. They also each have an extremely high retention rate, which means high student satisfaction, as well as a stellar reputation for online excellence.

Johns Hopkins University

The online EdD program at Johns Hopkins University is one of the best global education programs in the world. Offered by a top university, the degree is still accessible for those who are already engaged in the education world in leadership roles and as teachers.

The coursework at Johns Hopkins focuses on up-to-date research in the following specializations:

• Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education
• Urban Leadership
• Mind, Brain, and Teaching
• Instructional Design in Online Teaching and Learning
• Technology Integration in K-16 Education

University of Southern California

Ranked #11 in Best Schools of Education by U.S. News and World Report, USC offers some of the best online education degree programs. The USC Rossier School of Education boasts top education faculty and a very high satisfaction rate.

The online doctorates in education offered at the University of Southern California are:

• Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
• Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership
• Global Executive Doctor of Education

University of Florida

The online educational doctorate at the University of Florida is not only one of the top online doctorates but is also one of the cheapest online doctorates in education among the three included in this list.

The College of Education at the University of Florida is ranked 2nd in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report rankings of America’s Best Online Graduate Education Programs. It has occupied the top of this list for 6 years running making it a solid choice for educational pursuits.

The online doctoral programs along with their specializations offered at the University of Florida are:

• Teachers, Schools, and Society
• Educational Technology
• Leadership in Educational Administration EdD
• EdD in Special Education
• EdD in Higher Education Administration

Best Online PhD Programs in Psychology

Those pursuing a doctorate in the field of psychology have the option of completing either a Ph.D. or a PsyD. A Ph.D. in psychology is more heavily weighted toward research and scientific inquiry. A PsyD is a better choice for those who are interested in clinical practice.

A doctorate program in psychology may have an emphasis such as addiction or family counseling. Some schools may prioritize a focus making it a better fit for a specific interest. Below are the three top schools offering online doctorates in psychology.

Oregon State University

Oregon State University offers a Ph.D. in Counseling which gives students the ability to work as supervisors, educators, and practitioners in counseling settings. Research is an essential component of the program at OSU along with adequately addressing evolving societal needs.

The Ph.D. is available to complete entirely online with the exception of two face-to-face meetings a quarter. Focus areas of the counseling degree program from Oregon State University include:

• Advanced Practice
• Counselor Supervision
• Counselor Education

National University

The Ph.D. in Psychology offered at National University is one of the cheapest online doctoral degrees in psychology. The program prepares students to advance in their profession and emphasizes learning from experience and real-life situations.

The online Ph.D. programs at National University boast a “uniquely flexible approach.” The weekly course starts to fit graduate students’ already busy schedules. Doctoral degrees in psychology offered at National are:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
• Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Doctorate of Marriage and Family Therapy

Best Online PhD Programs in Nursing

There are two basic options for those pursuing a terminal degree in nursing. The Ph.D. in Nursing is a research-based degree that prepares graduates to work in nursing faculty positions, as nursing researchers or developing and exploring research methodologies.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice or DNP prepares graduates to work in health care policy, administration, or other nursing leadership opportunities. Those who hold a DNP may also find a job within academia.

When deciding between a DNP and Ph.D. in Nursing, pursuing a DNP is better for those interested in the practice of nursing whereas a Ph.D. is more suited for those who are research and methodology-oriented. These three schools are some of the very best schools to offer an online doctor of nursing practice degree.

University of Pittsburgh

The School of Nursing at the University of Pittsburgh is ranked ninth in the country by U.S. News & World Report, making it one of the top online schools at which to obtain a doctorate in nursing. The focus of the school is to provide the highest levels of nursing research and education in order to assist students in making a positive change in the nursing world.

The online Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Pittsburgh offers multiple concentrations which are listed below.

• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Health Systems Executive Leadership
• Nurse Anesthesia
• Nurse-Midwife (On-site)
• Nurse Practitioner

Duke University

The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at Duke University achieved the #4 ranking in 2021 DNP programs by U.S. News & World Report. Duke University offers entry for post-BSN as well as post-master’s degree students. The online format offers flexibility which allows nurses to pursue a terminal degree while still working.

The degree program focuses on giving students the skills to improve care systems, quality of care, and assess evidence and previous research. Degrees and specialties offered by Duke University School of Nursing are:

• Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Anesthesia (Hybrid)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice – Executive Leadership Specialty and Certificate
• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University offers both a Post Master’s and Post Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Both degrees are offered online which is ideal for nurses who are already employed.

The Post-Master’s DNP gives nurses the ability to stay competitive within their field while the Post-Baccalaureate DNP prepares students to become nurse practitioners. Both degree programs are offered through the top-class, flexible online classes at Gonzaga University.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice – Post Master’s
• Doctor of Nursing Practice – Post Baccalaureate

See also: How To Write a Perfect Essay Like a PhD

Best online phd programs in history.

Obtaining a Ph.D. in history is for those who are fascinated with culture, music, sociology, religion, politics, and a broad scope of virtually everything related to humanity. Fascinated by life, those who study history are courageous people who are interested in passing on to future generations the whys and wherefores of human existence in order to give them insight into current situations.

Along with granting insight, exploring past cultures, and expanding one’s worldview, the study of history at a doctoral level prepares one to become an expert in a historical focus area. Obtaining a terminal degree in history can equip a graduate to work at a college or university, museum, government agency, or in research, publishing, and editing.

Unfortunately, there are few online doctorates in history offered in the U.S. Liberty University Online offers one of the only online Ph.D. programs in history available. Included here is also the University of Birmingham, recommended by Texas Tech University for those wishing to complete an online history Ph.D. The third listing offers an online Ph.D. related to history.

Liberty University

Though the online Ph.D. in History is one of the only degrees of its kind, it is offered by Liberty University Online, whose online programs, according to their website, are ranked in the top 1%. Liberty University is accredited and approaches the study of history from a Christian perspective.

Courses are in an 8-week format with start dates beginning every 8 weeks. Another unique aspect of Liberty’s program is its low tuition rate which has remained the same rate for 4 years. This combination of qualities makes Liberty University’s online Ph.D. in History affordable as well as high quality. Subjects studied include:

• Historiography
• Historical Professions

University of Birmingham

Located in Birmingham, England, the University of Birmingham offers online Ph.D. degrees in history. The university is the home to the Center for Byzantine, Ottoman, and Modern Greek Studies, which makes it the only research center in England to bring all of those subjects together.

Ranked among the top five departments of Classics in the UK by Times Higher Education, the University of Birmingham boasts 81% of submitted research outputs rated as either “internationally excellent” or “world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigor.” Online PhDs offered by the University of Birmingham are:

• PhD in Classics and Ancient History
• PhD in Byzantine, Ottoman and Modern Greek Studies

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

A history-related online Ph.D. program is the Ph.D. specialization offered by the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. The specialization is in Social Foundations of Education. The program assists students in acquiring an understanding of the social situations that affect communities and especially urban schools.

It is designed for those who wish to study schools and sociology in a historical setting, applying it to current situations in order to improve urban schools and communities. The Ph.D. specialization is offered by the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee’s Education School.

Best Online Doctoral Programs in Business

The online doctoral degree in business is widely available at many institutions. Various paths may be taken for those who have a mind and passion for business. First, is the more applied doctorate, the Doctor of Business Administration or DBA. Also available is a Ph.D. in business administration which is a more theoretical approach to business.

Those who pursue the more theoretical approach, or Ph.D. in business, will likely be teaching business or applying their theories and research to improve business strategy.

The applied doctorate or DBA lends itself more to becoming the leader of a business. Both doctorates are terminal and offer a wide range of skills and opportunities to their holders.

These three schools offer online doctorates in business and are chosen based on their quality as well as their affordability.

California Baptist University

California Baptist University offers one of the best online Doctor of Business degrees. The graduates of the program at CBU have learned to create a strong foundation of business practice based on theory, research, and application.

The program allows students to graduate in as little as three years at which time they will have also completed their dissertation. 8-week modules offer flexible start times. A unique aspect of the Doctor of Business Administration degree program at California Baptist University includes learning high ethical standards in a global business setting.

Creighton University

The Doctor of Business Administration at Creighton University offered through Creighton’s Heider College of Business, is a research degree that focuses on enhancing critical thought and analysis. A DBA from Creighton will give the skills to advance professionally, improve the skill to consult, and grant opportunities to practice or teach at a university or college.

Research at this degree program is holistic, centered around society and organizations as a whole and making a positive change within business. The Doctor of Business Administration at Creighton is a hybrid program that can be completed mostly online.

University of Maryland Global Campus

One of the top online Doctor of Business Administration degrees available, the degree program at the University of Maryland is designed for professionals who wish to enhance their abilities, level of knowledge, and research acumen. According to their website, the program emphasizes “management theory and strategic thinking, organizational leadership and change, research and innovation, and sustainability in the global business environment.”

Along with applied research and real-world analysis, classes in the Doctor of Business Administration degree program at the University of Maryland include:

• Evidence-based Research Methods
• Data Analytics in Practice
• Research as a Tool for Management Decision Making

Best Online Doctoral Programs in Accounting

The Doctor of Accounting degree can be pursued through two doctoral avenues: the Ph.D. in Business or the Doctor of Business Administration. Both of these options must be pursued at a school that offers a concentration in accounting in order to give accounting expertise.

The DBA approach to pursuing a terminal degree in accounting prepares graduates to practice accounting as CPAs, manage or direct CPA firms, or work as financial managers or auditors.

The Ph.D. in Business with a concentration in accounting is geared more toward teaching business and accounting within academia, although the holder of a Ph.D. in Business may also enjoy working in research or managing an organization.

The Doctor of Business Administration in Accounting at Liberty University is offered completely online and is one of the best DBAs available online. With a three-year average to complete, an 8-week course schedule, and a high reputation of being rated in the top 1% of online degree programs, Liberty’s DBA program offers flexibility for high-quality professionals.

The DBA program at Liberty focuses on theoretical principles put into practice. It also uniquely emphasizes ethical standards and unites integrity with efficiency within the best possible practice.

One of the top online PhDs in Accounting is offered by National University. Because the degree is a Ph.D. rather than a DBA, the focus is on research-based accounting, which applies a broad understanding of accounting to the “relationships among business activities, economic outcomes, business performance,” and even forensic analysis.

National’s online Ph.D. in Accounting program specializes in working with professors at NU to examine accounting data, analyze business transactions and statements, and relate them to the operating functions of business organizations. Graduates may feel confident in positions as accounting and auditing leaders and in academia.

George Fox University

The Doctor of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting at George Fox University is a hybrid DBA program that is completed almost entirely online. An on-campus residency is required twice each year in the beautiful state of Oregon. This format allows students to pursue their full-time employment while advancing to the top of their field.

The online DBA accounting program at George Fox requires students to complete a business core, a research core that includes a dissertation, and an education core. The education core includes either a teaching practicum or a consulting practicum. The program offers highly convenient start dates every Monday.

Best Online Doctoral Programs in Computer Science

There are two basic paths for those pursuing the highest degree in the field of computer science: the Doctor of Computer Science and the Ph.D. in Computer Science. Although both are terminal degrees in computer science, the degrees are not equivalent. The Ph.D. is a research degree that usually requires a dissertation process of around 3 years.

Because of the time required to complete the dissertation, a Ph.D. in computer science usually takes at least 4 years to complete. The Doctor of Computer Science or DCS can often be completed in as little as 3 years with only one year spent on a dissertation. These three schools offer some of the best online doctorates in computer science.

Colorado Technical University

The online degree offered at Colorado Technical University is the Doctor of Computer Science – Big Data Analytics. The focus of the program is on developing expertise and experience in structuring and interpreting data. Tools such as XML, Hadoop, and techniques such as Al and data visualization are used to teach students how to analyze large amounts of data.

The degree program can be completed in as little as 3 years with the dissertation built into the program. With multiple start dates and a convenient online curriculum, the program also offers several scholarships making it affordable as well.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science at National University is offered 100% online. The degree program “takes an applied approach to computer science theory and research.” Unique to National’s Ph.D. program is the focus on independent research rather than just writing papers based on the research of others.

The curriculum is designed to further students’ expertise through studying software engineering, data mining, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Scholarships offered for National’s online Ph.D. in Computer Science include three $20,000 scholarships and one full-time scholarship.

Columbia University

The Computer Science Doctorate degree (DES) at Columbia University’s School of Engineering is offered partially online. Available to those who have completed their master’s degree in computer science at Columbia, the degree program offers a great opportunity for those who discover their interest in the subject of computer science early.

By completing their master’s degree at Columbia, the online doctoral degree from a top university becomes available to those who would like to acquire a position and also acquire the highest possible degree in computer science. Students are able to choose a focus around which to take classes. These include robotics, artificial intelligence, computational biology, and computer graphics among others.

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Best online doctoral programs in public administration.

Those who hold a doctorate in public policy or public administration have the privilege to influence the policies of public, private, and nonprofit organizations as well as law and policy in government.

Every city requires experts in public administration in order to effectively operate. These online degree programs in public administration are available for those who have work and family responsibilities and are also pursuing higher education.

West Chester University

West Chester University has designed one of the top Doctor of Public Administration programs. The DPA allows professionals to develop skills of leadership in order to direct organizations in all sectors.

The degree is comprised of 45 credits and helps students develop competency in the areas of management, financial decision-making, policy advocacy, and performance management.

Another one of the best online doctor of public administration degrees, the DPA at California Baptist University is flexible in its start dates as well as unique in its approach. The program is oriented toward working adults who want to become leaders in public and non-profit organizations.

The online DPA can be completed in as little as three years including the dissertation. Unique focus areas of the program include criminal justice, planning, governance, policy, health management, and social service.

Liberty University’s online DPA program is streamlined to allow an average of 2.5 years to complete a degree from a highly respected online institution. The doctorate is applied in that it focuses on solving real problems, developing skills in governance, and training for leadership roles.

The degree program, administered from a Christian perspective, assists students to “develop a thorough knowledge of the legal, ethical and political environments of public administration.” Liberty University also provides an online Ph.D. in Public Policy which can be created in less than 3 years. Both degree programs are affordable online doctorates in public policy and administration.

Best Online Doctoral Programs in Economics

Like online doctorates in history, online doctorates in economics aren’t widely available yet. There are quite a few international universities that offer online doctorates in economics but here are three universities from the U.S., all of which are accredited.

Two of the schools are accredited by agencies not recognized by the United States Department of Education. However, they are recognized by the UK and many students who have graduated from these schools have developed the tools necessary to have successful careers in the field of economics.

Liberty University ranked in the top 1% of online universities, does offer one of the only online doctorates in economics. Liberty’s online Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy – Economic Policy is designed to assist students in looking to create a better future for our country. With a possible completion time of 3 years, the Ph.D. is offered 100% online and is fully accredited by the SACSCC.

Liberty’s Ph.D. in Public Policy – Economics prepares graduates to work in careers as researchers, policy analysts, social scientists, government leaders, professors, directors of education policies, and many other exciting careers that will fuel the success of our future economy.

Atlantic International University

Atlantic International University, located in Honolulu, Hawaii, offers an online Ph.D. in Economics. The degree program brings together the practical aspects of business with economic analysis. It is intended for students who are interested in pursuing careers in research and teaching in business administration or similar economic fields.

Unique to the program at AIU is the ability to specialize in the following areas:

• Economics of Growth and Development
• Public Economics
• Mathematics for Economists
• Econometrics International Trade Theory
• Microeconomic Research
• Macroeconomic Research
• Labor Economics
• Economic Theory
• Industrial Organization
• International Economics

Akamai University

Akamai University offers two options for completing a Ph.D. in Economics. One is the Doctor of Philosophy (by Coursework) in Community and Economic Development. The other is the Doctor of Philosophy (by Dissertation) in Community and Economic Development.

• This PhD at Akamai addresses the many challenges confronting the human community. The program prepares students to address the principles, development and recovery of these economic communities.
• Can be completed in as little as 2 years
• The Ph.D. in Economics by Dissertation at Akamai is for students who have completed years of research, training and coursework and are interested in specific research as a capstone to their career.
• The objective of the program is for students to complete a quality dissertation under the guidance of Akamai professors.

Best Online Doctoral Programs in Public Health

A Doctor of Public Health or DrPH is a terminal degree in the field of public health. Similar to a Ph.D., the DrPH is designed for those who are entering careers that involve teaching, research, or professional practice. The degree is often focused on interdisciplinary studies whereas the Ph.D., by contrast, is research-based and focuses on the mastery of a single topic within a public health field.

Though not many online doctorates are available in the field of public health, these three of the best DrPH degrees are offered by top universities.

University of South Florida

Ranked #104 in National Universities by U.S. News and World Report, the University of South Florida also has one of the most affordable online doctors of public health degrees available anywhere.

The degree program at USF is focused on advancing public health education and prepares graduates to practice in health departments, international agencies, and non-profit or community-based organizations among other places of work.

The unique emphasis of the degree program is “developing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-informed public health practice.” The University of South Florida’s online Doctor of Public Health is available online with 3 on-campus DrPH Institutes.

Available concentrations in this degree program are:

• Advanced Practice Leadership in Public Health
• Public Health and Clinical Laboratory Science and Practice

One of only a few online doctorates available at Johns Hopkins University, the Doctor of Public Health offered through the Bloomberg School of Public Health is one of the best DrPH degrees in the country. Ranked #10 in international universities by U.S. News and World Report, Johns Hopkins guarantees some of the best overall academic training by top faculty.

The DrPH at Johns Hopkins integrates knowledge and analytical skills to produce leaders, program managers, and communication professionals as well as focused knowledge within a specific field of public health.

Along with a specialized course of study for each student according to his or her interests, these concentrations are available for students in the DrPH at Johns Hopkins:

• Environmental Health
• Health Equity and Social Justice
• Health Policy and Management
• Implementation Science

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

One of the top online doctors of public health degrees is offered by the high-ranking University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The online DrPH program offered through the Gillings School of Global Public Health gives students health leadership skills that produce graduates who are effective public health leaders of the future.

The degree program is available to professionals who have had five years of experience, after their master’s degree, in mid or senior-level leadership positions. The Executive Doctor of Health Leadership degree program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill boasts a high satisfaction rate among graduates of the program and has proved itself as one of the best DrPH degrees available online.

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Best online doctoral programs in criminal justice.

Pursuing a doctorate in criminal justice again offers the option between the academic, research-oriented Ph.D. and the more practical and professional DCJ or Doctor of Criminal Justice degree. Criminal justice specializations offer graduate students opportunities, in either doctorate, to pursue their interest of choice.

These online options allow those working within the field of criminal justice to pursue their dreams of reaching the highest possible level of education while staying within their workplace.

Colorado Technical University provides an online Doctor of Management degree in Criminal Justice. According to the CTU website, “students work to develop…managerial skills through mentoring, action research, and practical projects.” This focus allows DCJ graduates to positively contribute to criminal justice leadership.

Graduates of the program at Colorado Technical University can pursue work as Sheriffs, Police or Private Detectives, and Intelligence Analysts among many other job opportunities. Focus areas in this program include:

• Research and Writing
• Leadership and Change Management
• Specific Concentration Discipline

California University of Pennsylvania

One of the top online doctoral programs for criminal justice is found at California University of Pennsylvania. The doctorate can be completed in 2 years of part-time work, making it one of the fastest online doctorates as well.

The Doctor of Criminal Justice at CUP is designed to offer these career benefits for criminal justice professionals:

• Strengthening analysis skills and policy evaluation
• Understanding concerns including the use of force by police and wrongful convictions
• Developing the leadership necessary to consult or be promoted

An online doctorate with no GRE requirement, the Doctor of Criminal Justice program at National University has convenient start dates and no residency requirements. National offers a one-to-one model of learning that ensures interaction with professors even from a distance.

Students learn to encounter and solve real-world problems while still developing their managerial and organizational skills. Specialties in the program are:

• Homeland Security
• White Collar Crime
• Policing/Law Enforcement

Best Online Doctoral Programs in Philosophy

Online doctorate degrees in philosophy are not widely available as of yet. Two academic institutions are included here that offer an online doctorate in philosophy. The third from the top university of Loyola offers a doctorate in bioethics, a subject closely related to philosophy.

Graduates of a Ph.D. in Philosophy show a special ability in abstract thinking skills and logic along with a love of finding the truth. Teaching philosophy or “the love of wisdom” in academic institutions is usually the vocation of choice for these highly gifted people.

Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts

An institution that is oriented toward creative thought and the arts, the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts provides an online Ph.D. in Visual Arts, Visual Culture, and Aesthetic Consciousness. The course program consists of three academic programs:

• Topological Studies,
• and Independent Studies.

Each of the programs explores the historical relationship between ideas and art. Seminars center on the critique of Continental Philosophy.

Topological Studies cover the relation between art and ideas in their geographical origins. The last program, independent studies, consists of studying a specific subject such as Western philosophy under the instruction of an expert in that field. The program consists of 3 years of coursework followed by the completion of a dissertation.

California Institute of Integral Studies

The online Ph.D. in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness at the California Institute of Integral Studies focuses on teaching students to understand global human conditions and needs and to be public intellectuals capable of problem-solving in an ever-changing world.

The online Ph.D. consists of 36 credits of coursework, 2 comprehensive exams, and a dissertation. Students are encouraged to participate in an annual retreat and other programs around the San Francisco Bay Area.

Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago, offering a Doctor of Bioethics, is one of the largest Jesuit institutions in the country. The Doctorate in Bioethics is one of the first of its kind available online. The degree program is designed for professionals who are seeking advanced training in bioethics to meet the growing demand at health institutions.

The degree is offered as a hybrid doctorate which combines online courses with 2-3 days of on-campus activity. Tracks of specialization within the Doctor of Bioethics at Loyola University Chicago include:

• Clinical Bioethics
• Organizational Ethics and Leadership
• Catholic Bioethics
• Research Ethics
• Public Health Ethics

Best Online Doctoral Programs in Theology

A doctorate in theology can be pursued through a ThD or a Ph.D. in Theology. The Ph.D. in theology and ThD are considered equivalent degrees. Both require a dissertation, are research-based, and have degrees in theology. The ThD, however, is focused on Christian theology and is often offered by a Seminary or Christian college, or university.

The Ph.D. in Theology is usually offered by a liberal arts institution. The following three doctorates are some of the best online doctorates in theology available, based among other things, on their high rate of retention which is correlated with a high rate of student satisfaction.

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary provides a Ph.D. program in Theology that allows pastors, chaplains, church leaders, authors, and scholars to specialize and become an expert in an area of theology. The program emphasizes biblical and non-biblical languages, research, and critical thinking.

Southwestern’s flexible access program allows students to complete their Ph.D. in Theology from anywhere in the world through live web interaction. Certain aspects of the program such as orientation, comprehensive examinations, and the dissertation defense must be performed on campus. Ph.D. Majors include:

• Biblical Studies
• Theological Studies
• Ethics and Philosophical Studies
• Pastoral Studies

Regent University

The Doctor of Philosophy in Renewal Theology offered by Regent University is conveniently located online with a two-week residency at Virginia Beach every semester. According to their website students “enhance…research and insight with this doctoral program, which will prepare [them] to contribute to the wider conversation of the theological academy from a Renewal perspective and equip emerging church leaders across the globe.”

Concentrations in the Ph.D. in Renewal Theology at Regent University are:

• Christian Theology
• Church History
• Practical Theology

Colorado Theological Seminary

The Doctor of Theology or ThD program in Christian Counseling at Colorado Theological Seminary is one of the top ThD programs in the country. The program is designed to give graduates a foundation in Biblical knowledge and relate that knowledge to counseling.

The degree program is designed for pastors and counselors to assist parishioners and other individuals. The degree program requires 40 credit hours to complete and is also one of the least expensive online ThD programs available.

Best Online Doctoral Pro grams in Communications

A Ph.D. in Communication may well be one of the most versatile and useful terminal degrees. To develop the ability to effectively communicate, whether in the most basic ways, with writing and speech, or in more advanced ways through the ever-changing modes of communication that come along with technological development, is one of the most foundational aspects of human interaction.

Researching communication processes advances knowledge in the field of communication and is vital to the success of any organization. These three of the best online PhDs in communication will assist professionals in reaching the top of their communication potential.

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University offers a hybrid Ph.D. in Technical Communication & Rhetoric. The program is designed around mastering rhetoric, technical communication writing, and composition. Students engage with topics involving history, theory, research, genres, and the practice of technical communication. Graduates will have gained the ability to conduct independent research.

Areas emphasized by the Ph.D. in Technical Communication & Rhetoric at Texas Tech University include:

• Rhetoric, Composition and Technology
• Technical Communication
• Rhetorics of Science and Healthcare
• Technology, Culture, and Rhetoric
• Visual Rhetoric, New Media, and User-Centered Design

The Ph.D. in Communication Studies at Liberty University is offered 100% online. The program has been designed to keep up with the new and continuously changing modes of communication that our technological society introduces. Theories and methods, as well as strategies of communication, are kept up-to-date in Liberty’s program.

The Ph.D. is also focused on research and theory giving graduates a deeper understanding and knowledge of communications. Graduates go on to become researchers, college professors, or entrepreneurs and can be successful in a myriad of fields and business opportunities.

Designed to assist students in becoming better communicators and scholars in communication, the Ph.D. in Communication program at Regent College is one of the most affordable doctorates available from a private university. The program is based on interdisciplinary training in teaching, scholarly writing, and research.

Communication studies are explored on these foundations through a Christian worldview. Graduates are prepared to become successful teachers, writers, speakers, and leaders of thought across various business settings. The Ph.D. in Communication at Regent is offered completely online with the exception of a one-week summer residency.

Best Online Doctoral Programs in Management

Most often used in the business world, the doctorate of management is for those who would like to learn how to:

• research business and management methods,
• analyze the experiences that are a natural part of management roles,
• compare and contrast various aspects of managing
• as well as become capable of leading an organization or groups within an organization toward success and harmony of effort.

A doctorate in management can be pursued through a D.M. or doctor of management degree, a Ph.D. with a focus in management, or very commonly a DBA, also with a specialized focus in management. The three doctorates listed below are some of the best online doctorates in management available.

The Doctor of Business Administration with a focus on management offered by George Fox University is a hybrid program requiring two in-person sessions in Newberg, Oregon each year. The program is geared toward business professionals who may want to transition from their current work into becoming professors or management consultants.

Besides academic or professional advancement, the degree program offers students the opportunity to be enriched by a deeper knowledge of leadership. The online DBA in Management at George Fox is taught by the college’s faculty members and staff who make George Fox a university that is nationally ranked in the top 300.

University of Missouri – St. Louis

The University of Missouri – St. Louis, ranked #97 nationally by U.S. News and World Report offers one of the best online Doctor of Business Administration degree programs. The DBA allows research concentration in any area of business including management. A cohort program, the DBA does require monthly visits to campus but all coursework is available online.

According to their website, the University of Missouri – St. Louis is in the top 2% of business schools worldwide. The school also boasts a high success rate with over 73% of students continuing education or finding a job within 6 months of graduation.

Regent University’s online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership is a research degree that prepares graduates to enter the top tier of management opportunities. According to their website, Regent’s Ph.D. assists students to “analyze the impact of prevailing world social, cultural, religious and political conditions and trends on leadership theory and practice.”

Taught from a Christian worldview the Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership at Regent University also offers the following concentrations:

• Ecclesial Leadership
• Entrepreneurial Leadership
• Human Resource Development
• Individualized Studies
• Organizational Leadership

Best Online Doctoral Programs in Political Science

A doctoral degree in political science instructs recipients in subjects involving political and social situations that affect individual countries and how they relate throughout the world.

Skills in analytical thinking, data interpretation, and problem-solving create professionals in political science who are ready to tackle and provide solutions for political issues. A political scientist may work for the government, public relations, post-secondary schools, or as an analyst or researcher.

Currently, pursuing an online doctorate in the subject of political science can only occur through international institutions or regional universities which may still require regional accreditation. However, these options offer credible doctorates in the field of political science.

World Executive Education Institute

The online Doctor of International Political Economy, offered at the World Executive Education Institute, gives individuals the chance to learn more about the inner workings of the global workplace.

The degree teaches critical thinking skills as well as an understanding of various cultures. It also focuses on granting research skills and communication ability. The online Doctor of International Political Economy prepares graduates for positions in either public, nonprofit or private sectors that are working in international affairs.

The World Executive Education Institute is accredited by The European Centre of Independent Certification in E-Learning.

Euclid University

Euclid University is an intergovernmental institution that, according to its website, “functions under an intergovernmental mandate to deliver programs of higher education that conform to international standards and that are fully documented.”

Euclid’s online Ph.D. in Diplomacy and International Affairs is a practical doctoral program that specializes in a truly global and intergovernmental vision. The program is not centralized around one country but reflects a global approach to diplomacy and international affairs.

It is one of the least expensive doctorates in political science, being subsidized by scholarship opportunities, and also requires no residency.

Selinus University of Science and Literature

The third political science doctorate on this list is an international degree offered through Selinus University of Science and Literature in Bologna, Italy. Accredited by the World Council for Regular and Distance Education, Selinus University follows an international schedule of learning that is not semester-based but rather assists students to develop independent research culminating in a final thesis that must be completed in 24 months.

Concentration availabilities include:

• Middle East
• The Far East
• East-West International Relations
• Political Theory
• Political Science
• Social Welfare
• Environmental Policies
• Political Sociology
• Cross-Cultural Social Perspectives
• Industrialized Countries Economy
• Global Political Economy
• Third World and Developing Nations
• World Politics and Globalization
• Philosophy of Ethics and Law

Best Online Doctoral Programs in Public Policy

Similar to a doctoral degree in public policy is the doctoral program in public administration. A public administration degree focuses more on managing personnel, agendas, and schedules. Studying topics like financial management would fit more within a public administration degree.

A degree in public policy, on the other hand, concentrates more on analyzing and interpreting data, as well as implementing policies and budgets. Because there is a great deal of overlap between the degree programs, the following online doctorates will involve the study of both public policy and public administration.

Valdosta State University

The online Doctor of Public Administration degree from Valdosta State University is a practice-based degree that offers a variety of focus areas including those within public policy.

Designed for professionals who want to advance in government, non-government or non-profit careers, the DPA from Valdosta concentrates on skills such as leadership, communication, management, and problem-solving.

One of the top online Doctor of Public Administration degrees, the DPA from West Chester University was created to meet the needs of professionals wishing to advance in the practice of public policy and administration.

Course focus areas center around developing competency in the areas of strategic management, public sector economic and financial decision-making, and policy advocacy and leadership. Concentration courses in the program are selected from the departments of:

• Public Policy & Administration,
• Criminal Justice,
• Geography and Planning,
• and Graduate Social Work

National University’s online Doctor of Public Administration degree program prepares professionals for positions as managers of compliance, regulatory affairs, social and community service, logistics, and transportation, as well as preparing them to be chief executives in public organizations.

The unique focuses of the program include:

• public policy analysis,
• critical thinking and applied quantitative reasoning,
• and qualitative analysis.

Best Online Doctoral Programs in Sociology

Sociology is basically the study of human interaction. Human interaction involves social relationships within small groups and larger groups in cities, countries, and even international affairs.

The study of social interaction can include the subjects of history, economics, social work, anthropology, psychology, and many other specific areas in which people interact. Those interested in pursuing the study of sociology on the highest levels have many options to pursue depending on their area of interest.

Online doctorates in sociology are not as easily available as they likely will be in the future, but these three doctorates from universities ranked in the top 100 by U.S. News and World Report give great options for launching a successful career as a doctor of sociology.

University of Kentucky

The online Doctorate of Social Work from the University of Kentucky is designed for practitioners in social work to become experts in their field. It is a demanding, high-quality program that combines a study of complex contemporary social situations with advanced experience in specialized populations.

Courses in the doctorate are taught online at the pace of each student. The flexibility of the courses allows students to advance through the program at their own pace. An exception to these asynchronous classes is one residency week each summer.

Concentrations available include:

• Administrative Leadership
• Clinical Social Work
• Military Behavioral Health

The University of Southern California offers an online Doctorate of Social Work through the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. The online DSW offers professionals practical experience in solving social challenges that impact marginalized or disadvantaged populations.

Students in the program become practitioners/scholars. The doctorate is designed to promote the discipline of a scholar with the methodological tools of a successful practitioner.

University of Pennsylvania

One of the top-rated national universities, the University of Pennsylvania provides an online Doctorate in Social Work for working professionals. The format of the doctorate boasts “a highly interactive, relational, accessible and convenient format.”

Students complete the coursework simultaneously with the dissertation usually earning the degree in around 3 years without interrupting their careers. The Doctorate in Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania grants specific knowledge in an area related to social work practice chosen by the student.

Online Support Groups For Ph.D. Students

Best online doctoral programs in nutrition.

Dietitians or experts in nutrition have studied which nutrients humans need to thrive and how to regulate a diet successfully. Doctors of nutrition can help those with medical conditions, allergies, or other special dietary needs to successfully accommodate their diets to produce positive results.

Dietitians are healthcare professionals who are trained and licensed in the field of nutrition. A doctorate of nutrition can be pursued through a Ph.D. (research-based) or a DCN (doctor of clinical nutrition). These online options allow working professionals to conveniently achieve a terminal degree in nutrition.

Rutgers University

Designed for registered dietitian nutritionists, the online Doctor of Clinical Nutrition, according to the Rutgers University website, was the first Advanced Practice Clinical Doctorate in the United States.

The program is focused on advancing the pursuit of clinical practice in nutrition by providing expert skills to its doctoral students. Other focus areas include critical thinking and scientific aptitude.

University of North Florida

The University of North Florida offers one of the best online Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition degree programs. According to their website, graduates of the program “gain expertise and skills in chronic disease prevention, clinical treatment, cultural competency, critical thinking, public policy, and outcomes research.”

Learning how to treat chronic disease as well as implementing dietary prevention and intervention will assist graduates to be experts in the field of nutrition.

Saybrook University

Saybrook University, a school founded to integrate human learning experiences, offers a fully online Ph.D. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition. The program looks to assist students and graduates in further scientific research in the field of nutrition.

The degree program begins with an evidence-based foundation and builds upon this basis with knowledge of biochemistry in order to allow professionals to accurately assess nutritional needs.

Unique to the doctoral program at Saybrook University is the holistic approach of evaluating physiological, social, environmental, and psychological science while pursuing dietetic inquiry.

Best Online PhD Programs in Organizational Leadership

Online Ph.D. programs in Organizational Leadership are designed for people wanting to move into top-level management positions. The top online Ph.D. programs commonly focus on business management, but holders of the Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership also work in a variety of fields.

In addition to business management, Organizational leadership skills include:

• collaboration, among many others.

The University of Southern California offers a top online EdD program in Organizational Change and Leadership. This online doctorate is designed to be completed in three or four years.

For those with a master’s degree, this online doctorate requires 43 credits. Graduate students without a master’s degree must complete 60 credits to graduate. This top online doctorate focuses on the process of:

• workplace learning,
• developmental strategies for workplace learning,
• and organization system creation.

Umass Global

UMass Global’s top online doctorate in Organizational Leadership (EdD) is one of the shortest online doctorates in the field. This online doctorate can be completed in only three years, including a dissertation.

To speed up the process of earning this degree and make it a more interactive process, local cohorts provide face-to-face contact with peers and university faculty to assist dissertation preparation and research from the outset of the program.

Graduates from this degree program earn an interdisciplinary degree open to a great number of careers. Graduates work in:

• business, education,
• government,
• for-profits and non-profits institutions.

Northwest Nazarene University

Northwest Nazarene University is the shortest online doctoral program among the top online doctorates (Ph.D./EdD) in Organizational Leadership. This fully online doctorate can be completed in just over two years. What makes this online doctorate stand out is that both a Ph.D. and an EdD track are available, depending upon the student’s needs and goals.

This program’s special focus on education organizational leadership is another feature of Northwest Nazarene’s online doctorate that set it apart from other programs. The program follows a cohort schedule and is one of the cheapest online Ph.D.

The Ins and Outs of Self-Funding Your PhD

Best online phd programs in humanities.

If you are interested in virtually everything, a degree in Humanities might be just the educational path you should take. Like its cognates human and humane , the Humanities study several features of human society and culture. These include:

• religious and cultural customs,
• technology, and its uses,
• cross-cultural relations,
• literature, and many other aspects of human life.

A doctorate in Humanities from one of these top online Ph.D. programs in Humanities will provide you with the most advanced level of knowledge and research in the many fields of the Humanities.

Graduates with a degree in Humanities are prepared for a surprisingly wide range of careers, from business to law, research and teaching to social work and political action, and many, many other fields.

Graduates with a doctorate in Humanities often go on to work in government, education, social work, and law. They also go on to pursue degrees in different fields based on the strong foundation that they have gained in their Humanities studies.

Salve Regina University

The online Ph.D. in Humanities Salve Regina University offers is one of the shortest online doctoral programs in Humanities. This online Ph.D. program requires only forty-two credits, and coursework is designed to be completed in two years.

Over the two years of coursework, students engage in four, seven-day residencies along with the rest of their academic cohort. The human-technology relationship forms the central focus of this degree program.

Students chose a particular topic of interest early in the degree program, which they continue to explore in the light of the university curriculum and vision.

Faulkner University

Faulkner University’s online Ph.D. in Humanities is fully online, unlike others that require short residencies. This online Ph.D. program is specifically designed for working professionals, looking to complement their previous education and improve their employee experience.

Low tuition makes this top Ph.D. program also one of the cheapest online Ph.D.s in the field of Humanities. Up to six post-master’s course credits can be transferred into the degree program. The entire online Ph.D. in Humanities is designed to be completed in three to five years.

University of Memphis Global

This online Doctor of Liberal Studies is offered by the University of Memphis College of Professional & Liberal Studies. This degree is designed for graduate students and professionals looking to explore topics of focus in an interdisciplinary manner.

Students, with the help of their academic advisors, design their own “Coordinated Study grid,” which indicates what courses will be included in their doctoral program (33 credits). Beyond this, students complete twenty credits in core requirements. The degree is completed through a doctoral dissertation or a capstone project.

Best Online PhD Programs in English

Pursuing a doctorate in English can lead down many paths. Three important fields of English doctoral studies are English Language Education (EdD); English Literature (Ph.D.); English Communication and Rhetoric (Ph.D.). Naturally, not all top online Ph.D. programs will map directly onto these three categories, and within each program, there will be a great deal of overlap across common areas.

The top online PhDs in English we have selected provide a full range of career path possibilities, open to employment in:

• cultural studies,
• history, consultation,
• communications,
• public relations,
• technical writing, and many others.

Indiana University

Indiana University’s top online doctorate (EdD) in English specializes in Literacy, Culture, and Language Education. As an online education doctorate, it is designed for literacy and language practitioners to deal with twenty-first-century issues that touch upon literature education, criticism, literary genres and cultures, and the global impact of the English language and literature in its reception.

This top online doctorate is one of the shortest doctoral programs online in English. Following a cohort schedule, the degree program requires sixty credit hours and a dissertation. However, up to eighteen credits, outside of the master’s degree, can be transferred.

Graduates from Indiana University’s online EdD in English go on to work as:

• English teachers,
• ESL/EFL teachers,
• Literacy directors,
• Language educators,
• Reading educators,
• Technical writers,
• and editors.

Old Dominion University

The top online Ph.D. in English that Old Dominion University offers features a complex interface between modern research and statistical technologies with the classical study of language, literature, and communication. Classes are delivered, with a strong interdisciplinary methodology, in a synchronous format.

The program is designed to allow students to construct their own specialized courses of study and apply technology to research. Graduates with a Ph.D. through Old Dominion’s online doctorate in English degree program typically have gone on to work as:

• Post-Secondary English and Literature instructors,
• and Public Relations.

The online Ph.D. from Texas Tech University’s English Department in Technical Communication & Rhetoric is a diverse program designed to prepare graduates for positions in academia in five general areas.

Emphasizing both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, this cohort-based program focuses upon the:

• Rhetoric, Composition, and Technology;
• Technical Communication;
• Rhetorics of Science and Healthcare;
• Technology, Culture, and Rhetoric;
• Visual Rhetoric, New Media, and User-Centered Design.

These areas of study address the art of persuasive communication across virtually every area of human life and activity. Unlike other top online Ph.D. programs in English, Texas Tech’s online Ph.D. is one of the online Ph.D. programs with no GRE requirement.

Best Online PhD Programs in Special Education

Teachers in the field of Special Education work with those who have mental, emotional, physical, or learning disabilities. A Ph.D. in Special Education prepares educators for careers as teachers, administrators, curriculum, and program design, among many other areas related to special education.

Earning a doctorate in special education will provide special education practitioners with greater knowledge and skill in the field of special education that will improve their performance and enrich their experience as well as open up higher-level positions of influence and responsibility.

Special Education practitioners work in extremely diverse contexts, in a great number of economic, cultural, and geographical settings. Because of the massive diversity of this field and the broad spectrum of special needs, Ph.D. programs will offer specialized courses of study that will best prepare their students for the specific requirements of the careers they will be entering.

Drexel University

Drexel University offers a fully online doctorate (EdD), in Educational Leadership and Management with a concentration in Special Education Leadership. The program, designed to be completed in three to five years, equips education leaders to manage the social, legal, technological, and educational challenges and complexities facing modern educators and educational institutions.

Accepted applicants join a cohort. The structure of the coursework is tailored to part-time students. All degree requirements are completed online, and there are zero on-site obligations.

Liberty University’s top online doctorate in Special Education combines the convenience and flexibility of online learning with the opportunity to engage in needed hands-on practice. Graduates from Liberty’s online doctorate receive a credential accredited by the NCATE through CAEP.

As a terminal degree from one of the top online doctoral programs, Liberty’s online doctorate in Special Education will prepare special education practitioners to advance in their current positions or to move into positions of management.

This degree does not require a dissertation as an EdD, and its fifty-four credits along with a capstone project takes an average of three years to complete.

Hampton U Online

Hampton U Online is the only top online Ph.D. program on this list that actually offers a Ph.D.! This sixty-six credit-hour program in Educational Management offers a specialization in Special Education.

Hampton U is unique because is one of the shortest doctoral programs online in Special Education. Its accelerated format allows the degree to be completed in just 2.5 years! Hampton University online Ph.D. program in Special Education is also one of the cheapest online Ph.D. programs in Special Education.

Best Online PhD Programs in Information Science

Information Science deals with the ins and outs of information or data. This means that information scientists work in classifying, organizing, storing, retrieving, exchanging, protecting, and transferring information. Information Science is indispensable in modern society.

Governments, businesses, schools, military and intelligence organizations, and many other organizations and institutions make constant use of information technology.

The Ph.D. in Information Science is designed to provide current practitioners who want to move into higher positions, such as management, or who want to move into teaching and research, the additional knowledge and skills needed to make a change.

University at Buffalo: Department of Information Science

The University at Buffalo offers a top online Ph.D. program in Information Science. This degree program is quite intense, requiring 72 credits and averaging four to five years to finish. This online Ph.D. program gives special focus to equipping its students with the knowledge and skills needed to move into research positions.

Most often graduates from the University at Buffalo go on to take jobs as:

• Professors of Information Science,
• researchers at for-profit and non-profit institutions,
• and senior managers of large public and university libraries.

University of North Texas

The University of North Texas offers a Ph.D. in Information Science that emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach. This top online Ph.D. program offers both fully online and blended formats of course delivery. This provides students with a great deal of flexibility.

UNT’s Ph.D. in Information Science boasts excellent research facilities, including on-site and online library resources. This top online Ph.D. seeks to prepare Information Scientists who have a clear vision of the centrality of information and information technology ready to advance Information Science research and manage major information repositories.

San José State University

San José State University’s Ph.D. in Information Science allows its students to set out on the right path at the very beginning of their doctoral studies. This is because their field of research and their research topic is given a focus from the outset of the program.

This program is also designed to allow students to earn their doctorate in Information Science from a top online Ph.D. program on a part-time basis without disrupting their lives. Up to eight years can be taken to complete the program.

The program follows a cohort model and monthly online meetings are required. Faculty mentor students throughout the duration of the program.

Best Online PhD Programs in Counseling

Counselors play very important roles in personal and social well-being. As a subdiscipline of psychology, counseling addresses concerns stemming from emotional reactions, social, school, and work pressures, as well as physical health relations to mental health.

Because this field is extremely broad and its clients amazingly diverse, counselors need not only general training in Counseling Psychology but also very specialized training. Ph.D. programs in Counseling provide the highest level of counseling education with a specific focus on a particular area of counseling.

Oregon State University Ecampus

Oregon State University’s top online Ph.D. in Counseling is designed to create advanced practitioners, clinical supervisors, and educators. Graduates will be ready to work in either clinical or academic settings or both. OSU Ecampus’s degree program is accredited by the CACREP.

Applicants must possess a master’s degree in the field. Classes follow a cohort schedule and are offered online. The program requires two onsite visits per quarter. Graduates from this program have come from across the United States. This online Ph.D. in Counseling requires three to five years to complete.

Liberty University Online Programs

Liberty University’s top online Ph.D. program in Counseling is CACREP accredited and requires on average four years to finish. Liberty’s top online Ph.D. program specializes in Counselor Education and Supervision. It is designed to create counseling educators able to equip their students in bringing counseling psychology theory to bear upon real-life clinical practice.

This degree, one of the shortest doctoral programs online, manifests Liberty University’s Evangelical Christian identity. Throughout degree coursework, there is an attempt to integrate biblical principles with the best current counseling theory and practice.

Graduates from Liberty University’s outstanding online Ph.D. in Counseling go on to work both as counselors and counseling educators, working in educational, clinical, and research capacities.

Regent University’s online Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies requires a very short online doctorate that requires only 51 credits. Four features form the core of Regent’s top online Ph.D. in Counseling. These are:

• solid research and methodology,
• accurate statistics,
• psychometrics,
• and Christian leadership skills and principles.

Regent provides its students with a very broad array of concentration options with competitive tuition rates. Graduates from Regent have gone on to careers in academics, research, Mental Health Leadership, Guidance direction, and nonprofit administration.

Using A Master’s Degree As a Bridge Toward Your Ph.D.

Best online doctoral programs in social work.

Social Work involves helping others to identify problems in their daily lives, helping these same persons and communities address and solve these problems as well as formulate effective ways to cope with such difficulties.

Options for doctoral studies in social work vary greatly, depending on one’s career goals. Some will focus on social work education (EdD). Others will be more oriented to research in the field of social work (Ph.D.). Finally, many others will be drawn toward clinical practice (DSW). The three top online doctorates in Social Work focus on clinical practice.

USC’s top-ranked online doctorate of Social Work is designed to train experienced Social Work practitioners to apply sound principles to concrete situations in developing real-life solutions to social challenges. This top online doctorate is an accelerated program and can be completed in just two years.

Offered through the prestigious Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, USC’s online DSW creates the ideal social work scholar-practitioner, ready to achieve wide-ranging solutions among the most vulnerable and marginalized sectors of society.

The University of Pennsylvania claims to have been the institution of higher to offer a doctorate in Clinical Social Work. Their top online Doctorate in Clinical Social Work continues the outstanding social work practice tradition of Penn while continuing to innovate in terms of both degree content and mode of instruction delivery. Both knowledge and practice are emphasized in this top online doctorate.

Students are trained in gathering, assessing, and applying empirically grounded evidence to real-time clinical contexts. Coursework and the doctoral dissertation are pursued simultaneously so that a long delay between the completion of coursework and the completion of the dissertation can be avoided. Penn’s online DSW is fast, too, designed to be finished in just three years.

University of St. Thomas

The University of St. Thomas’s online DSW stands out as a program designed to produce university-level clinical social work educators. Graduates from this degree program gain the knowledge and skills to both teach and practice clinical social work.

This top online doctoral program follows a cohort schedule. Four key focuses characterize the University of St. Thomas online DSW. These are:

• transformative teachings,
• identity as a scholar-practitioner,
• publication of research,
• the pursuit of social justice through service and leadership.

The degree program takes three years to complete, using synchronous and asynchronous instruction. Each year one on-campus residency is required.

Best Online PhD Programs in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Industrial-Organizational psychologists, through an applied science methodology, assist organizations to improve or correct problems in the workplace as well as to increase worker productivity. In Industrial-Organizational Psychology, scientist-practitioners apply the insights of psychology practice and principles.

Career opportunities are flourishing in this field, and rapid job growth is expected for the next several years. Earning an online doctorate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology will open pathways moving to positions such as:

• human resources manager,
• training and development manager,
• and, industrial-organizational manager.

If you are looking for an outstanding online Ph.D. program in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Liberty University’s online Ph.D. in Psychology-Industrial/Organizational Psychology is a great choice.

Eight-week courses make it easier to fit required classes into your schedule. Different starting times throughout the year make combining life and study more manageable. Liberty’s top online Ph.D. program requires sixty credit hours to complete. Up to fifteen credits can be transferred, and the entire program takes, on average, three years to finish.

Touro University

Touro University’s top online Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Human and Organizational Psychology provides science practitioners to further perfect their knowledge and skills in the field. Graduates will be able to formulate organizational strategies, using the latest theory, technology, and practice advances.

Touro’s online doctorate is one of the cheapest online programs. Touro’s is an online doctorate with GRE requirements, making admission more accessible.

Best Online PhD Programs in Educational Psychology

Educational Psychologists research and then apply knowledge of the process of learning in order to better understand how people acquire and preserve new data.

The field is extremely diverse. Educational psychology, in addition to the question of how new information is gained, also looks at learning abilities, as well as, the roles that culture, social context, modes of instruction, emotions, and cognitive processes affect learning.

This field is an applied science. Demand for these highly-trained experts is on the rise. Earning an online Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with the needed specializations can prepare one for top positions in:

• Educational Technology,
• Instructional Design,
• Special Education,
• Curriculum Development,
• Organizational Learning,
• Gifted Learners.

University of Georgia Online Learning

The University of Georgia’s online EdS is unique among online doctorates in offering a specialization in Gifted and Creative Education. This top online doctorate is offered through the prestigious Mary Frances Early College of Education, which boasts an international reputation for excellence in psychology education.

This online doctorate is very affordable, and it can be finished fast, requiring only thirty-one credits. Graduates from the University of Georgia’s top online doctorate in Educational Psychology typically go on to work as:

• college/university professors,
• school system coordinators,
• state department coordinators of education,
• and educational consultants.

Michigan State University

Michigan State University’s top online Ph.D. in Educational Psychology adds an additional focus on Educational Technology. This innovative program combines the best in educational psychology theory and practices with the needed knowledge of the best technologies that aid successful learning in rapidly changing educational contexts.

This program has some onsite requirements, which makes it technically a hybrid program. This might make the program less accessible to some. However, some outstanding scholarship and fellowship opportunities are available to top-qualifying students. Transfer of credits is considered on a case-by-case basis.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s top online doctorate in Educational Psychology and Technology is designed with the working professional in mind. Taking only three years to complete as a part-time student, this top online doctorate is one of the shortest doctoral programs online.

No GRE is required for admission. Graduates from this outstanding online doctorate will possess advanced knowledge of the impact of technology on learning, the place of technology in education, as well as, strategies for continuously integrating educational models with new technologies.

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Best online phd programs in international relations.

With a Ph.D. in International Relations, you will have the needed expertise to move into top positions in the field. Interdisciplinary focus characterizes International Relations. Experts evaluate and advise about international policies and programs in very diverse fields such as politics, law, and economics.

This means that a practitioner or scholar of international relations will possess both a broad knowledge base and highly specialized knowledge of a particular area of international relations.

Liberty University offers a doctorate in international relations that focuses on economics. Liberty’s top online DBA in International Business will provide the knowledge and credentials needed to meet the demands of the global financial market.

Requiring sixty credits, this degree program is fully online and is designed to be completed in three years. As with all of Liberty’s degree programs, a strong evangelical Christian outlook is to be found throughout the curriculum.

Salve Regina’s online Ph.D. in International Relations prides itself on its innovative thinking and approach. Focus is given to each of the world’s regions, and then the special focus turns to the particular interest of the student-researcher’s choice.

This top online Ph.D. can be completed in four years, including the dissertation. The program is fully online with a rolling admission schedule that provides for flexibility and minimal disruption of social and career responsibilities.

Euclid University offers one of the top online Ph.D. in Diplomacy and International Affairs. What sets Euclid apart is that it is an international governmental organization that carries a university mandate. Special areas of concentration in this online Ph.D. are:

• Regional diplomatic affairs,
• Small state/island issues,
• Interethnic relations,
• International treaty law, development, NGOs,
• and nation-specific studies.

The program is completely online and alumni have gone on to work as ambassadors, ministers, counselors, and other positions.

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Best doctoral programs in anthropology.

Anthropologists study the patterns of human social behavior, cultural development, language, religion, mythology, and many other areas. As a field of scientific research, anthropology employs an interdisciplinary approach to its subjects of inquiry. Particular areas of anthropology often emphasize different skills and approaches more than others, such as

• Archaeology

Earning a Ph.D. in Anthropology will prepare a person for research, both in libraries and in the field, as well as, teaching and publishing. Unfortunately, there do not seem to be any online options for pursuing a Ph.D. In lieu of an online Ph.D., three outstanding traditional doctorates are presented.

With its international reputation, Columbia University offers a Ph.D. or D.Phil in anthropology through its Department of Anthropology at Barnard College. Columbia offers outstanding research resources as well as fellowships and scholarships.

Graduates from Columbia’s doctorate in anthropology specialize in one of the following areas:

• socio-cultural anthropology,
• archaeology,
• or biological anthropology.

Harvard University

Harvard University’s reputation needs no introduction. The Department of Anthropology offers a world-class Ph.D. that by provides an all-inclusive education in method and theory. Ph.D. students at Harvard specialize in:

• Archaeology,
• Social Anthropology,
• or Medical Anthropology.

Duke University’s Ph.D. in anthropology is uncommon in that it does not require a prior master’s degree or undergraduate degree in anthropology. Duke places a great emphasis on a Student’s Portfolio and interdisciplinary engagement with members of other faculties and disciplines.

Finally, in addition to its great academic curriculum and faculty, Duke helps make sure graduates successfully transition into their careers, which shows through the program’s very high post-graduation rate of employment.

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• The Fastest Online Doctoral (Ph.D. and Ed.D.) Degree Programs
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5 Ways Online Graduate Students Can Connect and Build Community

• Campus Life  

There is nothing remote about pursuing an online graduate degree thanks to SHU’s virtual academic and social resources.

Online learning has become an effective way for busy professionals to complete their coursework and work toward their graduate degrees. The flexibility and convenience of an online degree program can make all the difference in balancing your educational aspirations with your personal and professional responsibilities.

Yet, for all the benefits, students in online programs sometimes feel disconnected from their learning community. At SHU, a network of services and resources helps students stay engaged in their academic and social communities and build connections with their peers, professors and advisers.

“Whether they are in an online, in-person, full-time or part-time program, we make sure we serve every graduate student,” said Erica Sharp , SHU’s assistant director of graduate student life . “We also work with students in the program to create a sense of community for the group.”

If you are pursuing an online graduate degree at SHU, here are five ways you can become more engaged, stay connected and benefit from academic resources that will help you to succeed.

1. Use On-Campus Resources, Virtually

The Center for Career & Professional Development , the Center for Teaching & Learning and SHU’s Ryan Matura Library all offer virtual resources. Among other services, students can meet with a career coach, attend skill-building workshops, connect with an academic adviser and access databases and other resources while off campus.

“We continuously conduct virtual graduate student orientations to go over the services and resources that are available to all graduate students,” Sharp said.

The Center for Career & Professional Development offers multiple remote resources, such as career guides, resume/CV tips and networking opportunities, including Pioneers Connect, a global network that links SHU alumni with current students. Meanwhile, the Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL) offers services and resources that help graduate students build the skills they need, such as its Online Writing Lab (OWL)  and 1:1 tutoring , which is available 24/7. The CTL also recently launched a workshop series, in collaboration with SHU’s College of Health Professions , that helps graduate students navigate potential challenges, such as working in project groups, managing personal life and coursework and presenting their work.

“The graduate population at SHU is very diverse,” said Lisa Henderson , assistant director of tutoring & writing support at CTL. “Some are working. Some are raising families. We work to coordinate support services that are accessible to them, as well as work with their schedules and interests.”

2. Build Social Connections

Engaging in a class remotely can create a sense of disconnect. But even if it’s unlikely you’ll visit campus, online graduate students at SHU have opportunities to connect with classmates, participate in social events and connect with professors. Programs such as virtual trivia and bingo events bring the community together outside of the classroom, so to speak, and students are encouraged to build community with their peers.

Lilibeth Tapia, who is pursuing a master’s degree in higher education & student affairs , works to create community with her online classmates by organizing small virtual meetups and bringing them together though chat apps. This helps with social connections and provides opportunities to discuss questions about coursework, as well as share the challenges of juggling a professional and personal life with the pursuit of a graduate degree.

“It’s been helpful for us all to check in, touch base with each other and learn about our lives and why we are in the program,” Tapia said. “Having already had an undergraduate experience during which I lived on campus, I know it is important to build community and foster engagement. SHU’s Graduate & International Student Life does a great job of providing information on events and access to professional development, as well as information on wellness and other programs, to its online students.”

3. Get Involved

The SHU Graduate Student Advisory Committee comprises graduate students, including those in online programs, who foster support and interaction among fellow students, faculty, the University and the community. The committee sponsors events, get-togethers, speakers and trips. It provides opportunities to network and connect with peers and colleagues from the various graduate programs at SHU.

Tapia also urged those who can visit campus, even if only occasionally, to participate in on-campus events for graduate students, attend performances or athletic contests or meet up with classmates, which will make virtual connections richer. Elizabeth Luoma , CTL executive director, also encouraged graduate students in asynchronous programs to explore synchronous opportunities that allow them to meet with their professors and fellow students in real time. “Whenever possible, take advantage of those in-person or synchronous opportunities,” she said.

4. Seek Support

Juggling work with a demanding academic schedule can be stressful. All full-time SHU graduate students, whether pursuing on-campus or online degree programs, can use Uwill , an online therapy resource that is provided by licensed mental health professionals. Expert counselors connect through one-on-one free sessions via video, phone, chat or message-based support.

The counselors in the program have direct clinical experience and use a solutions-oriented approach to address the specific issues students are facing.

Programs such as the CTL tutoring services also help to create connections. “Your experience at a college or university is all about connections and the individual relationships that you form,” Luoma said. “If an online graduate student reaches out and has a one-on-one session with a tutor, they have just built a connection. Building that connection to another person who is affiliated with SHU creates a network—a a network of support.”

5. Connect with Faculty

Tapia said even though she is remotely learning, her professors are always accessible to her through videoconferencing, phone calls and email. She values the way SHU faculty members accommodate students’ schedules, as well as their diligence about connecting with their students. “You can always hop on a Zoom call or email them, and they are great at answering any questions,” she said.

Want to learn more about SHU’s online graduate programs?

Visit SHU’s  online graduate admissions webpage  to learn about our more than 20 online graduate programs.

Have any questions? Email [email protected] to learn how to apply to a SHU graduate program today!

Want to hear more from SHU? Subscribe to our newsletters to get the latest updates delivered right to your inbox.

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Program Overview

Additional program details, tuition and financial aid, start your antioch journey, phd in environmental studies, find solutions to crucial environmental challenges.

Our doctoral program is founded on the conviction that theory and practice go hand-in-hand and that our most essential research questions arise from integrating professional experiences and scholarship. Approach your research with a multidisciplinary perspective, integrating science, policy, humanities, education, and service to pursue sustainable solutions to pressing local, national, and international environmental challenges. Our innovative low residency model allows you to pursue your PhD without putting your life on hold.

This degree is offered by AU New England in a low residency format.

The doctoral program in Environmental Studies is a 66-credit program that can be completed in 4-5 years. It utilizes a cohort-based low residency model to provide a rich learning experience accessible to working professionals.  

In this program, you’ll engage in coursework and seminars with a diverse and supportive group of students and faculty whose experience and wide-ranging interests will augment your own. Specialize in the research area for which you have a passion and apply the theories and methods best suited to your research interests. Study with faculty who bridge disciplinary and methodological boundaries, who model the integration of scholarship and practice, who emphasize the role of service, and who are recognized locally, nationally, and internationally.

Environmental Studies integrates a wide range of concepts and ideas and embraces multiple methodological approaches to understanding and solving critical and emerging environmental challenges. The current areas of research interest and expertise among ES PhD students and faculty overlap significantly and intentionally and indicate the richness of content, dialog, scholarship, and practice in our program. The following illustrates the research areas of our students and faculty:

• Conservation Psychology
• Ecology and Conservation Biology
• Environmental Decision-Making, Policy, and Governance
• Environmental Humanities
• Environmental and Social Justice
• Environmental, Sustainability, and Science Education
• Food and the Environment
• Resilience, Climate and Environmental Change

Jason Rhoades

PhD Program Director, Core Faculty

Environmental Studies & Sustainability

Speak to the Program Director

Cohort-Based Learning Community 

Our learning community encourages free and open inquiry, a sustained and challenging discourse, the consideration of diverse and multiple perspectives, issues of mutual interest, an awareness of the learning process, and room for self-reflection. Each entering class travels through the four phases of the program together as a cohort group, developing a deep interest in each others’ work, establishing lifelong bonds of friendship and collegiality, and developing measures of support and critique that are invaluable learning tools. 

Hybrid Delivery Model

The program uses a hybrid delivery model. Students undertake their coursework through a combination of 1 on-campus residency per semester for the first three phases, along with synchronous and asynchronous online engagement. This hybrid approach allows students to participate in the program without having to uproot themselves and put their careers on hold.

Strong Faculty Mentorship and Advising

Mentoring and advising are crucial aspects of our learning community. The faculty cultivates strong mentoring relationships. During the first year of the program, students are encouraged to work closely with all of the faculty. Through coursework, they learn about each faculty member’s research interests and teaching approaches. Throughout all four phases of the program, students and faculty work very closely together in small classes, becoming intimately familiar with their common interests and ideas.

Upon entering the program, students are placed with an academic advisor who helps guide them through the initial phases of the program. During the second year, students typically chose a faculty member to serve as their dissertation chair. The chair is deeply interested in the student’s work, providing support and encouragement, helping the student develop substantive expertise, as well as exploring issues of voice and expression. Through various consultations, the student and chair become a learning team, thinking through scholarly choices and directions.

Take  your  next step – talk to our admissions team.

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Student Backgrounds, Goals, and Outcomes

Students who pursue AUNE’s PhD in Environmental Studies are united by the desire to research and move forward crucial environmental issues. They have diverse academic, professional, and personal experiences that add value to the comprehensive curriculum. Our students’ and graduates’ backgrounds include:

• Academic and Research Positions. Field biologists and conservation biologists who enter this program typically have extensive practical experience and have worked for state, federal, nonprofit, and non-governmental organizations in the US and abroad. They frequently seek positions in academic settings or research institutions after earning their PhD.
• Advanced Environmental Scholarship and Research. Environmentalists with significant work experience pursue this program to grow both academically and professionally. They are reflective practitioners interested in furthering their scholarship and research.
• Career Advancement. Educators, college faculty without a doctorate, independent scholars, education and policy consultants, journalists, naturalists, conservation biologists, environmental educators, and recent graduates of master’s level ecology and environmental studies programs earn their PhD in Environmental Studies from AUNE to advance their chosen careers.
• New Approaches. Independent scholars, outdoor or adventure educators, therapists, social workers, writers, and artists interested in the psycho-spiritual aspects of environmental studies pursue this program to develop new approaches to learning, teaching, healing, and organizational change.

Current Students

Take a look at our current students and the work they are doing

ES PhD Student Dissertations

Explore examples of student dissertations

Upcoming Events

Environmental studies info session | aune, a talk on environmental justice by mia montoya hammersley, an environmental justice conversation with jacqui patterson, environmental justice: agency and environmental joy with gerald torres, degree requirements.

Students have a maximum limit of ten years from the date of entry to complete all degree requirements, including the dissertation, and 66 semester-hour credits beyond a Master’s. The program is organized into four phases: Foundation Courses, Research Strategies and Learning Domains, Candidacy, and Dissertation. Each phase is described below. Students must complete the Qualifying Exam and successfully defend their Dissertation Proposal before admission to the Dissertation Phase. A listing of specific courses and course descriptions can be found in the Academic Catalogue .

Phase 1 – Foundation Courses (18 credits)

The initial phase of AUNE’s doctoral program in environmental studies instills the foundations of interdisciplinary environmental studies and scholarship through intensive, integrative, theoretically oriented courses. Topics include research design, ecological thought, applied ecological analysis, global environmental change, political economy and sustainability, and environmental history.

On Campus Residencies

• Summer Semester: 6-day intensive in June
• Fall Semester: 1 weekend in October
• Spring Semester: 1 weekend in March

Phase 2 – Research Strategies and Learning Domains (24 credits)

The program’s second phase includes a series of seminars about scientific research where students focus on methodologies, literature, and theoretical frameworks to guide their research interests. They discuss their work with leading scholars and writers and learn how others frame and execute their research. Students also design and complete four individual “learning domain” courses, each with an individual mentor, that allow them to focus and deepen their knowledge and research skills in their specific area of future dissertation research.

• Summer Semester: 6-day intensive
• Fall Semester: 1 weekend
• Spring Semester: 1 weekend

Phase 3 – Candidacy (9 credits)

During the candidacy phase (or the dissertation phase), students complete a service learning project related to their academic goals. In this phase, students also write and submit their qualifying exam in the form of an integrated essay about their area of research interests. Finally, students prepare and defend their dissertation proposals. The timing and sequence of the candidacy phase will vary for each student, depending on her or his own pace.

On Campus Residency

Phase 4 – Dissertation (12 credits)

During the fourth and final phase of the program, students participate in seminars designed to support all aspects of the dissertation process. They design and conduct original research and analyses that have direct social, environmental, political, and educational impacts. Finally, they write and defend their doctoral dissertation. This phase of the program can be completed entirely online with no required residencies on campus.

Residency Dates

Faculty spotlights.

Elizabeth McCann, PhD

Core faculty.

Dawn Murray, PhD

Gopal Krishnamurthy, PhD

Julia D. Gibson, PhD

Centers, & institutes, & student groups.

The Department’s many centers, institutes, and student groups offer students diverse and compelling opportunities to further their scholarship and practice while contributing to tangible positive change.

Antioch Spatial Analysis Lab (ASAL)

Center for climate preparedness & community resilience, institute for international conservation (iic), conservation psychology institute, the herbarium, keene community garden connections, monadnock ecological research & education project, wild treasures: sustainably, naturally, student alliance.

How to Apply

Antioch University New England processes applications for most programs on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible. All application materials should be received in Admissions by the dates listed below. If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Admissions Department.

• Essay questions, admissions and program-specific
• Resume/curriculum vitae (CV)
• Non-refundable $50 application fee
• email transcripts to [email protected] , or
• mail to Office of Admissions Antioch University New England 40 Avon Street Keene NH 03431-3516
• Three letters of recommendation are required from people who are in a position to evaluate your professional or academic work. The person making the recommendation may not be related to you.
• There are additional requirements for International applicants
• Interview with a faculty member of the department to which you seek entry if selected. This can be in person, by phone, or via Skype.
• Master’s and Certificate Programs do not require the GRE or any other standardized test for admissions. We consider all of your application materials and evaluate your academic potential in a variety of ways.

Official transcripts should be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to the Office of Admissions Antioch University New England 40 Avon Street Keene, New Hampshire 03431-3516. All application materials submitted become part of an applicant’s file and cannot be returned.

As a graduate school providing doctoral-level education, Antioch University New England assesses each applicant’s academic experience and promise, personal and interpersonal competence, and professional experience and promise. Our aim is to attract a talented, committed student body marked by professional, ethnic, and cultural diversity. All doctoral students must maintain a full-time course load. Waiving required courses will be approved only in exceptional situations. Transfer coursework from another accredited doctoral program will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree either in an environmentally-related field or in a field that has prepared the applicant to undertake the research required in the PhD program.
• In extraordinary circumstances, when the applicant can demonstrate significant life or professional experience, any of the aforementioned requirements may be waived by the Doctoral Admissions Committee.
• The Department of Environmental Studies does not require the GRE or any other standardized test for admissions. We consider all of your application materials and invite you to demonstrate your academic potential in a variety of ways.

The Doctoral Program in Environmental Studies requires an application portfolio, which must be received by the application deadline. The application portfolio includes seven documents:

• Application, which provides the most recent information about your education, professional experience, references, and other personal data.
• Transcripts from each college or university attended, indicating courses taken and degrees earned. Both undergraduate and graduate school transcripts must arrive at the Office of Admissions in a sealed envelope or sent via secure transcripts email service.
• Three letters of reference. These references should be from persons who are or have been in a position to evaluate your work. Your recommenders can submit their letter electronically using the online application or send a signed, sealed copy directly to Admissions.
• Personal statement
• Academic Plan. Prepare a narrative outline of your academic interests, including the principal areas of study, the seminal literature you may read, and some research ideas that flow from these interests. Briefly describe your initial ideas regarding the doctoral dissertation. We understand that these are initial ideas that will be revised throughout your program.
• Writing Sample. This should be one piece of professional or academic work that you think is representative of your finest efforts. It might be a published essay or a chapter of a book, a curriculum, a grant proposal, a business plan, a strategic plan, a newsletter, or other types of documents. The submitted document should not exceed fifteen pages in length. If your document is longer, please excerpt the most relevant section.

Doctoral education is an investment in your future. Let us help you understand the costs and explore the resources available to help make your college education even more affordable. The majority of AUNE students finance their education through some form of financial aid. You may not be sure which federal, state, public, and private aid packages – such as loans, scholarships, and grants – are right for you. Our staff is here to help you so you can focus on what’s most important: beginning your academic program at AUNE.

Tuition & Fees Financial Aid

Take your next step – talk to our admissions team to find the right program for you.

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Online MS in Pharmacometrics and Personalized Pharmacotherapy

Office of Student Success and Engagement 270 Pharmacy Building Buffalo, NY 14214 716-645-2825 [email protected]

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This new and unique online graduate program focuses on the methodology and application of mathematical models for disease and pharmacological measurement while utilizing extensive training in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and systems pharmacology.

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Admissions and application steps.

Review our Frequently Asked Questions

Email us at  [email protected] .

PhD Requirements

The first year.

The time to degree (normative time) of the Computational Biology PhD is five years. The first year of the program emphasizes gaining competency in computational biology, the biological sciences, and the computational sciences (broadly construed). Since student backgrounds will vary widely, each student will work with faculty and student advisory committees to develop a program of study tailored to their background and interests. Specifically, all first-year students must:

• Perform three rotations with Core faculty (one rotation with a non-Core faculty is acceptable with advance approval)
• Complete course work requirements (see below)
• Complete a course in the Responsible Conduct of Research
• Attend the computational biology seminar series
• Complete experimental training (see below)

Laboratory Rotations

Entering students are required to complete three laboratory rotations during their first year in the program to seek out a Dissertation Advisor under whose supervision dissertation research will be conducted. Students should rotate with at least one computational Core faculty member and one experimental Core faculty member.

Click here to view the rotation policy.

Course Work & Additional Requirements

Students must complete the following coursework in the first three (up to four) semesters. Courses must be taken for a grade and a grade of B or higher is required for a course to count towards degree progress:

• Fall and Spring semester of  CMPBIO 293, Doctoral Seminar in Computational Biology
• A Responsible Conduct of Research course, most likely through the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology.
• STAT 201A & STAT 201B: Intro to Probability and Statistics at an Advanced Level. Note: Students who are offered admission and are not prepared to complete STAT 201A and 201B will be required to complete STAT 134 or PH 142 first.
• CS61A: The Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs.  Note: students with the equivalent background can replace this requirement with a more advanced CS course of their choosing.
• 3 elective courses relevant to the field of Computational Biology, one of which must be at the graduate level (see below for details).
• Attend the computational biology invited speaker seminar series. A schedule is circulated to all students by email and is available on the Center website. Starting with the 2023 entering class, CCB PhD students must enroll in CMPBIO 275:  Computational Biology Seminar , which provides credit for this seminar series.
• 1) completion of a laboratory course at Berkeley with a minimum grade of B,
• 2) completion of a rotation in an experimental lab (w/ an experimental project), with a positive evaluation from the PI,
• a biological sciences undergraduate major with at least two upper division laboratory-based courses,
• a semester or equivalent of supervised undergraduate experimental laboratory-based research at a university,
• or previous paid or volunteer/internship work in an industry-based experimental laboratory.

Students are expected to develop a course plan for their program requirements and to consult with the Head Graduate Advisor before the Spring semester of their first year for formal approval (signature required). The course plan will take into account the student’s undergraduate training areas and goals for PhD research areas.

Satisfactory completion of first year requirements will be evaluated at the end of the spring semester of the first year. If requirements are satisfied, students will formally choose a Dissertation advisor from among the core faculty with whom they rotated and begin dissertation research.

Waivers:  Students may request waivers for the specific courses STAT 201A, STAT 201B, and CS61A. In all cases of waivers, the student must take alternative courses in related areas so as to have six additional courses, as described above. For waiving out of STAT 201A/B, students can demonstrate they have completed the equivalent by passing a proctored assessment exam on Campus. For waiving out CS61A, the Head Graduate Advisor will evaluate student’s previous coursework based on the previous course’s syllabus and other course materials to determine equivalency.

Electives:  Of the three electives, students are required to choose one course in each of the two following cluster areas:

• Cluster A (Biological Science): These courses are defined as those for which the learning goals are primarily related to biology. This includes courses covering topics in molecular biology, genetics, evolution, environmental science, experimental methods, and human health. This category may also cover courses whose focus is on learning how to use bioinformatic tools to understand experimental data.
• Cluster B (Computational Sciences): These courses are defined as those for which the learning goals involve computing, inference, or mathematical modeling, broadly defined. This includes courses on algorithms, computing languages or structures, mathematical or probabilistic concepts, and statistics. This category would include courses whose focus is on biological applications of such topics.

In the below link we give some relevant such courses, but students can take courses beyond this list; for courses not on this list, the Head Graduate Advisor will determine to which cluster a course can be credited. For classes that have significant overlap between these two clusters, the department which offers the course may influence the decision of the HGA as to whether the course should be assigned to cluster A or B.

See below for some suggested courses in these categories:

Suggested Coursework Options  (link is external)

Second Year & Beyond

At the beginning of the fall of the second year, students begin full-time dissertation research in earnest under the supervision of their Dissertation advisor. It is anticipated that it will take students three (up to four) semesters to complete the 6 course requirement. Students are required to continue to participate annually in the computational biology seminar series.

Qualifying Examination

Students are expected to take and pass an oral Qualifying Examination (QE) by the end of the spring semester (June 15th) of their second year of graduate study. Students must present a written dissertation proposal to the QE committee no fewer than four weeks prior to the oral QE. The write-up should follow the format of an NIH-style grant proposal (i.e., it should include an abstract, background and significance, specific aims to be addressed (~3), and a research plan for addressing the aims) and must thoroughly discuss plans for research to be conducted in the dissertation lab.

Click here for more details on the guidelines and format for the QE.

Advancement to Candidacy

After successfully completing the QE, students will Advance to Candidacy. At this time, students select the members of their dissertation committee and submit this committee for approval to the Graduate Division. Students should endeavor to include a member whose research represents a complementary yet distinct area from that of the dissertation advisor (ie, biological vs computational, experimental vs theoretical) and that will be integrated in the student’s dissertation research.

Click here to view the rules for the composition of the committee and the form for declaring your committee.

Meetings with the Dissertation Committee

After Advancing to Candidacy, students are expected to meet with their Dissertation Committee at least once each year.

Teaching Requirements

Computational Biology PhD students are required to teach at least two semesters (starting with Fall 2019 class), but may teach more. The requirement can be modified if the student has funding that does not allow teaching. Starting with the Fall 2019 class: At least one of those courses should require that you teach a section. Berkeley Connect or CMPBIO 293 can count towards one of the required semesters.

The Dissertation

Dissertation projects will represent scholarly, independent and novel research that contributes new knowledge to Computational Biology by integrating knowledge and methodologies from both the biological and computational sciences. Students must submit their dissertation by the May Graduate Division filing deadline (see Graduate Division for date) of their fifth–and final–year.

Special Requirements

Students will be required to present their research either orally or via a poster at the annual retreat beginning in their second year.

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Ohio University undergraduate online enrollment increases nearly 14 percent

Ohio University’s portfolio of fully online programs saw substantial enrollment growth from fall 2023 to fall 2024, driven by the launch of new programs and double-digit increases in the number of incoming students in several undergraduate and graduate online programs. Ohio University’s total enrollment for fall 2024 grew by more than 4 percent. 

Online undergraduate student enrollment increased by nearly 14 percent. The University’s No. 1 ranked RN to BSN program , which was one of the first of its kind in the state, has enrolled 7.5 percent more new students in fall 2024, with two starts remaining in the semester. New student enrollment in Ohio’s non-nursing online undergraduate programs grew more than 53 percent. Several programs saw enrollment increases, including OHIO’s top-ranked online undergraduate psychology degree , as well as fully online programs in the areas of business, project management, and interior architecture. 

“Over the last two years we have revised and expanded our portfolio of undergraduate online programs and invested in expanded support services for online students University-wide,” said Kari Lehman, vice provost for OHIO Online. “We have a strong set of programs that align with areas that are experiencing job growth in the marketplace, and I appreciate the work of faculty and staff to ensure our programs and our services meet the needs of employers and students.” 

OHIO Online also saw significant growth in select graduate programs. Online graduate nursing enrollment was up approximately 21 percent overall thanks to growth in the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program , the introduction of a new DNP in nurse anesthesia, and growth in the number of incoming students to the Master of Science in Nursing. New student enrollments for the online Master of Business Administration and the Professional MBA grew 14 percent. The University also saw record enrollment this fall in its online Master of Social Work program with a total of 225 students enrolled.  

Overall OHIO Online serves students in more than 60 certificate, associate, undergraduate and graduate programs. For more information, visit ohio.edu/online.

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Astrakhan State Medical Academy

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Founded in 1918, the Astrakhan State Medical Academy is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the large city of Astrakhan (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), Astrakhan Oblast. Officially recognized by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Astrakhan State Medical Academy (ASMU) is a small-sized (uniRank enrollment range: 3,000-3,999 students) coeducational Russian higher education institution. Astrakhan State Medical Academy (ASMU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study table below for further details. This 105-year-old Russian higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades. ASMU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services.

University Snapshot

Selectivity

University Identity

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Fields of study / degree levels, introduction.

What is the difference between comprehensive/generalist and specialized universities in terms of the range of fields of study they offer, degree levels available and academic and carreer paths pros and cons? Read our guide article about generalist and specialized universities to learn more.

Fields of Study and Degree Levels Matrix

The following Astrakhan State Medical Academy's Fields of Study/Degree Levels Matrix is divided into 6 main fields of study and 4 levels of degrees, from the lowest undergraduate degree to the highest postgraduate degree. This matrix aims to help quickly identify Astrakhan State Medical Academy's academic range and degree level offering.

This University offers courses in at least one of the following subjects:

• Applied Arts
• Museum Studies
• Performing Arts
• Religion and Theology
• Visual Arts
• Other Arts & Humanities Studies
• Accounting / Finance
• Anthropology / Archaeology
• Business / Commerce / Management
• Communication and Media Studies
• Development Studies
• Library and Information Science
• Physical Education / Sport Science
• Political and International Studies
• Social Policy / Public Administration
• Social Work
• Sociology / Psychology
• Tourism / Hospitality
• Other Business & Social Science Studies
• Aboriginal / Indigenous People Studies
• African Studies
• American & Caribbean Studies
• Ancient and Modern Languages
• Asian Studies
• English Studies
• European Studies
• French Studies
• Germanic Studies
• Indian / South Asian Studies
• Italian Studies
• Middle Eastern Studies
• Portuguese Studies
• Russian / Eastern European Studies
• Spanish Studies
• Other Language & Cultural Studies
• Anaesthesia
• Biomedical Science
• Dermatology
• Medicine / Surgery
• Natural / Alternative Medicine
• Obstetrics / Gynaecology
• Optometry / Ophthalmology
• Orthopaedics
• Otorhinolaryngology
• Radiography
• Speech / Rehabilitation / Physiotherapy
• Other Medical & Health Studies
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Agricultural Engineering
• Architectural Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Computer and IT Engineering
• Electronic and Electrical Engineering
• General Engineering
• Geological Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Mechanical / Manufacturing Engineering
• Mining and Metallurgical Engineering
• Other Engineering Studies
• Agriculture / Forestry / Botany
• Aquaculture / Marine Science
• Architecture
• Biology / Biochemistry / Microbiology
• Computer / Information Technology
• Energy / Environmental Studies
• Food Science
• Mathematics / Statistics
• Neuroscience
• Pharmacy / Pharmacology
• Textiles and Fibre Science
• Zoology / Veterinary Science
• Other Science & Technology Studies

Notice : please contact or visit the university website for detailed information on Astrakhan State Medical Academy's areas of study and degree levels currently offered; the above matrix may not be complete or up-to-date.

Programs and Courses

Courses and programs.

Click here to explore a list of Astrakhan State Medical Academy courses and programs or, if not available yet, search for them with our Search Engine powered by Google. We are constantly adding university courses and programs worldwide with the cooperation of university representatives.

You can also explore our new A-Z Guide to 8,100 University Programs, Courses and Degrees to learn more about study outlines and typical duration, tuition ranges, career prospects, salary expectations of each course/program/degree.

Tuition Fees

Yearly tuition fees refers to the amount of money that a student is charged by a University for one academic year of full-time study. Read our guide article about tuition fees and financial aid options to learn more.

Yearly Tuition Fees Range Matrix

Tip: search for Astrakhan State Medical Academy's tuition fees with the uniRank Search Engine

Notice : please contact the university's Admission Office for detailed information on Astrakhan State Medical Academy's yearly tuition fees which apply to your specific situation and study interest; tuition fees may vary by program, citizenship/residency, study mode (i.e. face to face or online, part time or full time), as well as other factors. The above matrix is indicative only and may not be up-to-date.

Applying for admission is the first step towards achieving students' academic and career goals and accessing the many opportunities and resources that a university has to offer. Read our " Introduction to University Admissions " article to learn more.

Admission Information

uniRank publishes below some basic Astrakhan State Medical Academy's admission information.

Gender Admission

This institution admits Men and Women (coed).

Admission Selection

Has Astrakhan State Medical Academy a selective admission policy? Yes, based on entrance examinations and students' past academic records and grades.

Admission Rate

Astrakhan State Medical Academy's acceptance rate range is not reported.

International Students Admission

International students are welcome to apply for admission at this institution.

Admission Office

Tip: search for Astrakhan State Medical Academy's admission policy with the uniRank Search Engine

Notice : admission policy and acceptance rate may vary by areas of study, degree level, student nationality or residence and other criteria. Please contact Astrakhan State Medical Academy's Admission Office for detailed information on their admission selection policy and acceptance rate; the above information may not be complete or up-to-date.

Size and Profile

University size and profile can be important factors to consider when choosing a university. Here are some potential reasons why University size and profile can affect students when choosing a university .

uniRank publishes below some major size and profile indicators for Astrakhan State Medical Academy.

Student Enrollment

Astrakhan State Medical Academy has an enrollment range of 3,000-3,999 students making it a small-sized institution.

Academic Staff

This institution has a range of 400-499 academic employees (Faculty).

Control Type

Astrakhan State Medical Academy is a public higher education institution.

Entity Type

Astrakhan State Medical Academy is a non-profit higher education institution.

Campus Setting

Not reported

Academic Calendar

Religious affiliation.

Astrakhan State Medical Academy does not have any religious affiliation.

Facilities and Services

What are the most common University facilities and services? Read our two guide articles about University Facilities and University Services to learn more.

University Facilities

uniRank provides below an overview of Astrakhan State Medical Academy's main facilities:

University Library

University housing, sport facilities/activities, university services.

uniRank provides below an overview of Astrakhan State Medical Academy's main services:

Financial Aid

Study abroad, distance learning, academic counseling, career services.

Notice : please contact or visit the university website for detailed information on Astrakhan State Medical Academy's facilities and services; the information above is indicative only and may not be complete or up-to-date.

Recognition and Accreditation

There are different types of legal recognition and quality assessment of higher education institutions around the world, depending on the country and its legal and higher education system... read our article about university accreditation and recognition to learn more.

Institutional Recognition or Accreditation

Astrakhan State Medical Academy is legally recognized and/or institutionally accredited by: Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation

Specialized or Programmatic Accreditations

Not available; please use the Feedback/Error report form at the end of this page to submit a list of Astrakhan State Medical Academy's official programmatic or specialized accreditations. If you are an official representative of this university you can also claim and update this entire university profile free of charge (UPDATE ALL).

Tip: search for Astrakhan State Medical Academy's accreditations with the uniRank Search Engine

Important : the above section is intended to include only those reputable organizations (e.g. Ministries or Departments of Higher Education) that have the legal authority to officially charter, license, register or, more generally, recognize Astrakhan State Medical Academy as a whole (institutional legal recognition), accredit the institution as a whole (institutional accreditation) or accredit its specific programs/courses (programmatic accreditation).

Memberships and Affiliations

University memberships and affiliations to external organizations can be important for several reasons... read our article about university affiliations and memberships to learn more.

Affiliations and Memberships

Not available; please use the Feedback/Error report form at the end of this page to submit a list of Astrakhan State Medical Academy's official affiliations and memberships to higher education-related organizations. If you are an official representative of this university you can also claim and update this entire university profile free of charge (UPDATE ALL).

Academic Structure

Academic divisions can provide valuable insights into the range of fields of study and disciplines a University focuses on and the institution's level of specialization. Comprehensive or Generalist Universities typically offer a wide range of academic programs and have many academic divisions and subdivisions across different disciplines, while Specialized Universities tend to focus on a narrower range of programs within a specific field or industry and have fewer academic divisions and a simplified organizational structure. Read our guide article " Understanding Academic Divisions in Universities - Colleges, Faculties, Schools " to learn more about academic divisions and typical university organizational structures.

Not available; please use the Feedback/Error report form to submit a list of Astrakhan State Medical Academy's official first-level academic divisions. If you are an official representative you can also claim and update this entire university profile free of charge (UPDATE ALL).

Social Media

Social media can be a powerful tool for Universities to communicate with current students, alumni, faculty, staff and the wider community. But how can social media be important for prospective students? Read our article about the importance of Social Media for universities and prospective students to learn more.

uniRank publishes brief reviews, rankings and metrics of some Astrakhan State Medical Academy's social media channels as a starting point for comparison and an additional selection tool for potential applicants.

X (Twitter)

Free online courses, open education global.

This higher education institution is not a member of the Open Education Global (OEGlobal) organization that is developing, implementing and supporting free open education and free online courses. View a list of Open Education Global members by country .

Wikipedia Article

Astrakhan State Medical Academy's Wikipedia article

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Related Resources

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• A-Z Guide to 8,100 University Courses, Degrees and Programs
• Where is higher education free?
• What are University Rankings?
• 2023 Guide and Review of World University Rankings

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Feedback, Errors and Update

We appreciate your feedback and error reports. Astrakhan State Medical Academy's official representatives can claim this institution and request to update this entire university profile free of charge by clicking on UPDATE ALL

Site last updated: Wednesday, 28 August 2024

Disclaimer : please visit Astrakhan State Medical Academy 's official website to review that the information provided above is up-to-date. The uniRank World University Ranking ™ is not an academic ranking and should not be adopted as the main criteria for selecting a higher education organization where to apply for enrollment.

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Astrakhan State Medical Academy Rankings

Quick Review

Acceptance rate & admissions.

We've calculated the 20% acceptance rate for Astrakhan State Medical Academy based on the ratio of admissions to applications and other circumstantial enrollment data. Treat this information as a rough guide and not as a definitive measure of your chances of admission. Different programs may have significantly varying admissions rates.

The tuition table for Astrakhan State Medical Academy gives an overview of costs but prices are approximate and subject to change and don't include accommodation, textbooks, or living expenses. The costs of programs might differ significantly for local and international students. The only source of truth for current numbers is the university's official website.

Programs and Degrees

The table below displays academic fields with programs and courses that lead to Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate degrees offered by Astrakhan State Medical Academy.

Note that the table provides a general overview and might not cover all the specific majors available at the university. Always visit the university's website for the most up-to-date information on the programs offered.

Notable alumni

Aleksandr Bashkin

Alexander Davydovich Bashkin is a Russian politician serving as a senator from Astrakhan Oblast since 27 September 2016.

Leonid Ogul

Leonid Ogul is a Russian political figure and a deputy of the 6th, 7th, and 8th State Dumas. In 2008, Ogul was granted a Candidate of Sciences in Medicine degree.

Location and contacts

Astrakhan State Medical Academy in social media