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

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Managing Editor
B.A.
Carrie Sealey-Morris has covered bootcamps, careers, and higher education for College Consensus since 2017. Carrie is a graduate of the University of New Mexico where she earned a B.A. in American Studies. 
Founder/Senior Editor
B.A., M.Div.
Jeremy Alder has spent over a decade researching and writing about higher education to provided students with the information they need to achieve their goals. He has significant personal experience with career transitions, working as a freelance writer and editor, non-profit director, community organizer, preacher, teacher, retail manager, and carpenter prior to founding College Consensus. Homeschooled from the second grade, Jeremy is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin (B.A., Philosophy) and Duke University Divinity School (M.Div.). He currently lives in North Carolina with his wife, five kids, and a Labradoodle named Hank.
Best Online DoctoralSchools

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.

How it works…
85
  • U.S. News
  • Washington Monthly
  • Forbes
  • Wall Street Journal
  • Wallet Hub
Publisher Consensus
A school’s average rating score from the most respected college rankings publishers.
75
  • Unigo
  • My Plan
  • Niche
  • Grad Reports
  • U.S. News Reviews
Student Consensus
A school’s average student review score from around the web.
80
  • Unigo
  • U.S. News
  • My Plan
  • Washington Monthly
  • Niche
  • Forbes
  • Grad Reports
  • Wall Street Journal
  • U.S. News Reviews
  • Wallet Hub
College Consensus
The combined average of a school’s Publisher Consensus and Student Consensus scores.

Summary of Top 10 Best Accredited Online Doctoral Programs

RankSchoolSchool TypeAccreditationNumber of Online Doctoral ProgramsConsensus Score
1.Duke University4-year, Private not-for-profitSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges289.8
2.Vanderbilt University4-year, Private not-for-profitSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges489.5
3.University of Pennsylvania4-year, Private not-for-profitMiddle States Commission on Higher Education289.1
4.University of Florida4-year, PublicSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges987.7
5.University of Southern California4-year, Private not-for-profitWASC Senior College and University Commission686.8
6.University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill4-year, PublicSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges385
7.University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign4-year, PublicHigher Learning Commission583.5
8.Johns Hopkins University4-year, Private not-for-profitMiddle States Commission on Higher Education283.5
9.University of Virginia4-year, PublicSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges183.2
10.University of Wisconsin-Madison4-year, PublicHigher Learning Commission281.9
Sources: National Center for Education Statistics (January 2024), official school websites

Recommended Online Doctoral Programs

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

89.8
College Consensus
83.3
Student Consensus
96.3
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 2

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

Learn more: Duke Online Doctoral Programs

School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$3,495
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$3,495
89.5
College Consensus
85
Student Consensus
93.9
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

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

School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$2,215
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$2,215
89.1
College Consensus
81.4
Student Consensus
96.9
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 2

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

Learn more: UPenn Online Learning

School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,962
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,962
87.7
College Consensus
83.7
Student Consensus
91.7
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

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

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$449
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,139
86.8
College Consensus
84.4
Student Consensus
89.1
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

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

School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$2,137
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$2,137

Ready to start your journey?

85
College Consensus
86.3
Student Consensus
83.6
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

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

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$586
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,602
83.5
College Consensus
81.6
Student Consensus
85.4
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

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

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$528
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$624
83.5
College Consensus
77.7
Student Consensus
89.2
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 2

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

Learn more: JHU Online

School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$2,016
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$2,016
83.2
College Consensus
83.1
Student Consensus
83.4
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 1

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

Learn more: Online Education @UVA

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$827
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,394
81.9
College Consensus
84.5
Student Consensus
79.4
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 2

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

Learn more: UW Professional Degrees & Certificates

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$670
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,503

Featured Schools

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

79.5
College Consensus
84.5
Student Consensus
74.5
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 4

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

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$482
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,114
78.8
College Consensus
83.1
Student Consensus
74.4
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 2

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

Learn more: WFU Office of Online Education

School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,610
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,610
78.6
College Consensus
84.2
Student Consensus
73
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

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

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$287
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$816
77.4
College Consensus
83.1
Student Consensus
71.7
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 3

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

Learn more: Purdue University Online Doctorate Degrees

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$348
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$948
75.9
College Consensus
82.5
Student Consensus
69.3
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 1

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Design

Learn more: NC State Online Doctor of Design

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$505
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,572
75
College Consensus
81
Student Consensus
69
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 2

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

Learn more: NYU Online & Hybrid Degrees

School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$2,074
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$2,074
73.4
College Consensus
82.1
Student Consensus
64.6
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

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

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$418
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,131
73.2
College Consensus
75.4
Student Consensus
71
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 9

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

School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,885
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,885
72.4
College Consensus
78.3
Student Consensus
66.4
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 3

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

Learn more: BU Online Programs

School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,908
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,908
72.2
College Consensus
83.1
Student Consensus
61.3
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 4

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

Learn more: Ohio State Online

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$756
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$2,418
71.3
College Consensus
76.4
Student Consensus
66.2
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 1

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Public Health in Leadership

Learn more: UIC Online

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$736
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,104
71.3
College Consensus
83.8
Student Consensus
58.8
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

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

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$743
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,488
70
College Consensus
82.3
Student Consensus
57.7
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 1

Notable programs: Online PhD in Education for Social Justice

Learn more: USD Online PhD

School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,578
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,578
69.8
College Consensus
81.8
Student Consensus
57.9
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 5

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

Learn more: Arizona Online

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$882
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,794
68.6
College Consensus
81.8
Student Consensus
55.5
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 5

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

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$435
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$880

Ready to start your journey?

67.6
College Consensus
75.9
Student Consensus
59.4
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 3

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

Learn more: Towson Online Programs

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$482
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$998
67.5
College Consensus
81.2
Student Consensus
53.7
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

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

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$370
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,194
67
College Consensus
77.7
Student Consensus
56.2
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 2

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

Learn more: Messiah graduate degrees

School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$735
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$735
66.7
College Consensus
79.2
Student Consensus
54.3
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 5

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

Learn more: Missouri Online

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$435
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,192
66.3
College Consensus
80.6
Student Consensus
52.1
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 1

Notable programs: Online PhD in Systems Engineering

Learn more: WPI Online Systems Engineering PhD

School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,610
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,610
66.2
College Consensus
77.9
Student Consensus
54.6
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 1

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

Learn more: Butler Doctor of Pharmacy Online

School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$810
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$810
65.3
College Consensus
81.8
Student Consensus
48.8
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 2

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

Learn more: Tulane online graduate degrees

School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$3,393
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$3,393
63.9
College Consensus
81
Student Consensus
46.8
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 1

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

Learn more: Pitt Online degree programs

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,003
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,728
63.6
College Consensus
75.5
Student Consensus
51.8
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 1

Notable programs: Online EdD in Education Policy & Leadership

Learn more: American University Online EdD

School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,971
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,971
63.1
College Consensus
75.4
Student Consensus
50.7
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 3

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

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$471
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$963
62.6
College Consensus
81.3
Student Consensus
43.9
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 3

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

Learn more: Fordham Online Learning Programs

School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$963
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$963
62
College Consensus
70.8
Student Consensus
53.2
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 6

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

Learn more: Jefferson Online Programs

School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,251
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,251
61.7
College Consensus
84.8
Student Consensus
38.7
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 4

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

Learn more: Penn State World Campus doctoral programs

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,019
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,733
61.7
College Consensus
82.2
Student Consensus
41.3
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 2

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

Learn more: OU Online Graduate Programs

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$335
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$993
61.4
College Consensus
80.4
Student Consensus
42.4
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 7

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

Learn more: Vols Online – doctoral degrees

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$639
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,650
61.3
College Consensus
66.8
Student Consensus
55.8
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 1

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Learn more: Fresno State Online EdD

School type
Public
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$396
61.1
College Consensus
73.8
Student Consensus
48.4
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 5

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

School type
Private not-for-profit (no religious affiliation)
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,342
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,342
60.3
College Consensus
79.9
Student Consensus
40.7
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 1

Notable programs: Online EdD in Educational Leadership for Social Justice

Learn more: LMU Online EdD

School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,462
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,462
60.2
College Consensus
78.2
Student Consensus
42.2
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 2

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

Learn more: Michigan Tech Global Campus

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,312
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,312
59.2
College Consensus
79.5
Student Consensus
38.8
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 3

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

Learn more: FAU Online

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$372
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,027

Ready to start your journey?

59
College Consensus
81.2
Student Consensus
36.7
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 4

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

Learn more: SLU online doctoral programs

School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,250
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,250
58.8
College Consensus
70.9
Student Consensus
46.8
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 2

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

Learn more: Albany Online Graduate Programs

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$471
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$963
58.4
College Consensus
77.5
Student Consensus
39.3
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Online doctoral programs: 1

Notable programs: Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

Learn more: UNH Online

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$785
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,370
56.8
College Consensus
71.9
Student Consensus
41.7
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 7

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

Learn more: Duquesne University Online

School type
Private not-for-profit (religious affiliation)
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,421
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$1,421
55.9
College Consensus
80.6
Student Consensus
31.2
Publisher Consensus
Last Accessed: February, 2024

Total online doctoral programs: 2

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

Learn more: SHSU Online

School type
Public
In-state per credit hour (graduate)
$320
Out-of-state per credit hour (graduate)
$728

Featured Schools

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

Pros and Cons of Earning a Doctorate Online

Pros

Flexibility
Geographical Accesibility
Cost Savings
Diverse Learning Environment
Technology Integration

Cons

Limited Networking Opportunities
Potential for Isolation
Varied Program Quality
Technical Challenges
Perceived Credibility

Pros of Online Doctoral Degrees:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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%

SourceNCES

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
  • Psychology

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!

DegreeEstimated Total CostLength of Study
Doctor of Philosophy Ph.D. $106,860Up to 8 Years
Psy.D. Psychology$204,0004-5 Years
Ph.D. Engineering$43,2005-7 Years
Ph.D. Law$146,5003-5 Years
Doctorate of Education Ed.D$112,3507-8 Years
Doctorate in Business Administration DBA$140,4003 Years**
(Sources: Education Data Initiative; **U.S. News and World Report)

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.

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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.

doctoral degrees image 1

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.

doctoral degrees image 2

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.

Variables

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.

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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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Ready to start your journey?