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Explore a range of online doctoral programs, including Ph.D. degrees, that offer accelerated paths, reduced residency requirements, and flexible online learning options.

Find Your School in 5 Minutes or Less

Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks!

Many degree programs fall under the title of doctorate, including Doctor of Philosophy degrees or Ph.D.

These Ph.D. degree programs are available in a variety of subjects and are intended to help students understand their specialty in the abstract and as a school of thought and theory rather than strictly as a practice.

Institutions that offer the best programs typically have exceptional funding, prestigious reputations, top-of-the-line research facilities, and abundant academic resources.

When selecting one of the shortest online doctoral programs or easiest online Ph.D. programs, you can access more info by visiting the links provided in each school description to ensure that you find the best program for you!

The easiest isn't always the shortest nor the shortest the easiest.

1-year Online Doctoral Programs | 18 Month Doctorate Programs Without Dissertation | Shortest Doctoral Programs Online and On-campus | Easiest Ph.D. to Get Online | Easiest PhD to Get (Traditional) | Free PhD Programs Online

Doctorate Degree vs PhD

Ph.D. programs focus more on the theoretical and abstract aspects of their respective fields of study to understand it as a school of thought rather than just a practical application.

Usual doctorate programs tend to be more practical in their study and focus on the application of knowledge rather than understanding more abstract perspectives.

Ph.D. degrees are often offered in the same fields that have standard doctoral degrees available usually offered in fields such as engineering, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

Doctorate programs are made up of advanced coursework, research projects, or thesis work almost strictly for practical application. Such degrees will get you ready to teach at the university level or help you advance to the leading edge of your field researching, serving, and creating.

Ph.D. and Doctorate degrees can often achieve the same ends and should be considered more or less equal in weight.

1 Year Ph.D. Programs Online

Chatham university.

Chatham offers a 1-year online DNP program for working nurses seeking advanced leadership roles. The intensive curriculum covers care delivery models, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and informational systems. The program features synchronous online classes and immersive clinicals at sites nationwide. Students collaborate virtually with renowned faculty.

Within 12 months, students complete 36 credits and 1,000 clinical hours. Graduates can sit for Family Nurse Practitioner certification. Nurses with a BSN can enter the accelerated program. Applicants need an active RN license. This online DNP empowers nurses to rapidly earn doctoral credentials while working. It prepares graduates to advance as clinical, executive, research, and teaching leaders.

Breyer State Theology University

Breyer State Theology University offers a 1-year online PhD in Grief Counseling through its Department of Ethereal Studies. This accelerated program is tailored for working professionals seeking to advance their bereavement therapy career. The curriculum covers advanced grief counseling theories and interventions for diverse populations. Students gain expertise in areas like trauma-informed care, healing rituals, afterlife philosophies, and continuing bonds.

The online format combines asynchronous learning with live classes in an intimate cohort overseen by esteemed faculty. Students complete their dissertation in just one year. Graduates earn a PhD from BSU's pioneering metaphysical psychology department. This flexible doctoral program prepares students to progress their counseling practice or pursue academic research roles.

American International Theism University

American International Theism University (AITU) offers one-year online doctoral degrees for working professionals. Accelerated PhD tracks include Philosophy of Islamic Studies, Business Administration, Education, Finance, and Grief Counseling. Professional doctorates prepare leaders in Divinity, Sacred Music, Spiritual Psychotherapy, and more. The online programs blend video lectures, discussions, and immersive retreats. Curricula explore metaphysics, ethics, and wisdom traditions across faiths.

Within 12 months, students complete doctoral coursework, exams, and a dissertation overseen by distinguished faculty. Applicants should hold a relevant master's degree and background in theological studies or social sciences. These intensive online doctoral programs allow students to rapidly earn advanced credentials through flexible study with global peers. Graduates pursue roles driving innovation in spiritual care, research, and leadership.

Online Doctorate Programs That Might Interest You

15-18 month doctorate programs without dissertation, boston university.

Boston University offers a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree program that can be completed in 18 months. The program consists of 10 courses, which are about 33 to 37 credits. Students may concentrate on various areas and can then choose what else they would prefer to learn to complete their credit requirements.

This is a fully online degree program that accelerates each semester’s worth of class to take only seven weeks to complete with new courses starting every September, January, and May. The program is available to doctoral students who have completed an accredited occupational therapy program. There are foundation courses, which include evidence-based practice and health care management, but no dissertation is necessary whereas a doctoral project is still required.

Frontier Nursing University

The Maryville University of St. Louis offers a Doctor of Nursing (DNP) program that is available online. The DNP program requires students to complete a total of 33 credit hours, including 18 to 20 months for completion. Many students in the online DNP program are working as nurses in the field, and this affords them a flexible program that allows many students to achieve their academic goals while active in the healthcare industry.

This course is an online program that does not require a GMAT or GRE. It may have a waiting list, but unlike other programs, it does not require clinical hours. The Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership is an online program that offers personal coaching throughout the process. It is a cohort learning method with online education, and students might need a bit more time to complete it.

Maryville University

Maryville University offers online doctoral degrees tailored for working professionals. Programs available fully online include Doctorates in Higher Education Leadership, Educational Leadership, Nursing Practice, Health Administration, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy. The EdD programs prepare graduates for leadership and faculty roles in education. The DNP equips nurses for advanced clinical and executive practice.

Health Administration focuses on healthcare organizational development, quality, and finance. Licensed PTs and OTs can pursue clinical doctorates while working. Courses blend live online classes and self-paced learning. Programs leverage cutting-edge virtual labs and simulations. With a relevant master's degree, students can earn an accredited doctorate from Maryville University online to advance their careers.

24 Month Doctorate Programs

University of north carolina – chapel hill.

One option is to earn an online Ph.D. in Nursing, while another option is to earn their Medical Degree at the same time as their  Master of Business Administration , but the Transitional Doctoral Program in Physical therapy may be earned in 24 months fully online. This part-time program provides online learning courses to help licensed physical therapists enhance their skills and gain access to higher career options. Some credits can be earned through workplace applications.

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers over a dozen online doctoral degrees tailored for working professionals. GCU provides online EdD tracks in Organizational Leadership, Higher Education Leadership, and K-12 Leadership. Other doctorates cover psychology, nursing, business, and more. Programs blend asynchronous and live virtual classes focused on applying concepts. Specialized tracks allow customization.

Online students get personalized faculty support and access to robust digital resources. Within 2 years (or less), learners complete coursework, residencies, exams, and a dissertation to earn an accredited doctoral degree from GCU. With flexible and practical curricula, GCU enables busy professionals to obtain doctorates fully online and further their careers.

Liberty University

Liberty University offers a Doctor of Education degree program that can be completed fully online. The minimum time to earn the degree is about 30 months for completion of all 54 credits. The courses are each 8 weeks long and no dissertation is required. The Doctor of Education degree program provides a curriculum that focuses on developing innovative programs, as well as a capstone project.

University of West Georgia

The University of West Georgia offers several online doctoral degree options for working professionals seeking advanced training. UWG provides online doctorates in School Improvement, Nursing Education, Professional Counseling and Supervision, and Higher Education Administration. The EdD programs focus on data-driven leadership strategies and developing administrative expertise.

The DNP prepares nurses to improve care systems and patient outcomes. Coursework blends synchronous evening classes and self-paced learning for flexibility. Experiential projects allow application to careers. With a relevant master's degree, students can earn an accredited doctorate fully online from UWG to advance as leaders in their field.

Shortest Ph.D. Programs Online and On-campus

Obtaining a Ph.D. can be a long-term commitment and many doctoral programs can take over five years to complete. To help busy working professionals looking to jumpstart their careers and those looking to begin their careers at a high level, this list serves as a simple reference guide, compiling information on some of the shortest doctoral programs in the country.

These online degree programs operate in full-time, part-time, fully online, or hybrid formats.

• Baylor University - online EdD in Learning and Organizational Change, 54 credits, 36 months
• Maryville University - online Doctor of Nursing Practice (Online DNP), 20 months, no GRE or no GMAT requirement
• University of Dayton - online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership for Organizations, 36 months, 60 credits
• Capella University - online Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision, 0 max transfer credits, 60 credits, CACREP accredited
• Franklin University - online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), 58 credit hours, transfer up to 24 hours of previously earned credit, 36 months + 1 year for dissertation
• Walden University - online Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology, up to 53 credits, fast-track option, earn MPhil at the same time
• Frontier Nursing University - online Doctor of Nursing Practice, MSN with DNP, 675 clinical hours for MSN plus 360 additional for DNP
• Boston University - Online Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy, PP-OTD, 33-37 credits
• University of Florida - online MSN to DNP, 35 credits, five semesters
• Gwynedd Mercy University - Accelerated Executive Doctorate of Education ABD (All But Dissertation) Completion Program, online EdD , 27 credit hours, 18 months
• Duquesne University - Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), 35 credit hours
• The College of St. Scholastica - Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy, online tDPT, 16 credits
• Liberty Univesity - Doctor of Ministry, online DMin, 30 credit hours, 24 months
• University of Florida - Doctor of Nursing Practice, MSN to DNP, 35 credits, 5 semesters
• University of North Dakota - Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice, online DNP, 36 credit hours, 5 semesters
• Seton Hall University - Doctor of Nursing Practice, online DNP, 31+ credits for post-MSN students, 73-79 credits for post-BSN students
• Regis University - Doctor of Nursing Practice, online DNP , 28-33 credit hours, 8-week terms
• Georgia State University - Curriculum and Instruction EdD, Educational Leadership EdD, on-campus EdD, 54 credit hours
• Bowling Green State University   - Technology Management, web-based Ph.D., 66 credit hours
• Hampton University - Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Management, online Ph.D., 60 credit hours
• Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Safety Sciences, online Ph.D., 54 credit hours
• East Carolina University   - Doctor of Nursing Practice, hybrid online DNP

Easiest Ph.D. Programs Online & On-Campus

To be sure, at the Ph.D. level, no program could be considered "easy," but there are certain programs designed to be "easier" than others. Generally, education, humanities, and the social sciences are considered the easiest fields in which to pursue degrees.

With that in mind, our list of the easiest Ph.D. programs includes schools and programs that offer significantly reduced residency requirements, accelerated courses, credit transfers, and integrated dissertation colloquia.

The rankings below display schools with accreditation from at least one of the six regional accrediting agencies , and all offer at least one virtual Ph.D. degree. Accredited online Ph.D. programs are also organized according to the U.S. News and World Report and Forbes Magazine rankings.

Easiest Online Ph.D. Programs & Online Doctoral Programs

• WALDEN UNIVERSITY - 156 Online Doctoral Programs
• REGENT UNIVERSITY - 81 online doctorate degrees, 6 Ph.D. programs online
• HAMPTON UNIVERSITY - 5 online doctoral degree programs
• UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA - 8 online doctoral degree programs
• UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI - 4 online doctorate programs
• COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY - 3 online Ph.D. programs, 1 online doctoral program
• UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA - 12 online Ph.D. programs, 3 online doctoral programs
• NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY -  10 online doctorate programs, 8 online Ph.D. programs
• LIBERTY UNIVERSITY -  19 online Ph.D. programs, 16 online doctorate programs

Easiest Ph.D. to Get (Traditional)

The easiest doctorate degree can vary depending on your interests, skills, and strengths. However, here is a list of doctorate degrees that are mentioned as potentially less difficult to obtain:

• Business Administration: This program focuses on business development, design, methods, tools, and professional ethics. A Ph.D. in Business Administration can be a good choice for professionals looking to advance their careers in business.
• Counseling: A doctorate in counseling allows you to specialize in areas such as human behavior, social psychology, counseling supervision, or specific therapy approaches. This degree can lead to advanced career opportunities in healthcare and social services.
• Criminal Justice: This program equips you with research skills and the ability to analyze data in the field of criminal justice. It can open doors to various career paths, including emergency management, forensic departments, and information security sectors.
• Education: A doctorate in education focuses on enhancing educational research skills and preparing for leadership roles in educational institutions. It can lead to administrative positions in universities, professional departments, or elementary and secondary schools.
• Healthcare Administration: This program prepares you for leadership roles in the business aspect of the medical industry. It covers topics such as policies, ethics, group management, hospital administration, and advanced patient care.
• Human Services: A doctorate in human services prepares you for leadership positions within organizations that help underserved populations. It focuses on policies, legislation, rights, ethics, and protocols for serving within human services organizations.
• Management: This program provides practical skills applicable to various industry settings. It covers areas such as financial management, system management, conflict management, and human resources management.
• Public Administration: A doctorate in public administration develops managerial and strategic planning skills for administrative roles in different industries. It offers coursework in ethics of management, public policy, strategic planning, performance management, employee evaluation, and economics of administration.
• Public Health: This program equips you with advanced training and research skills for the healthcare industry. It focuses on leadership and management roles in public health, emphasizing innovative thinking and communication mastery.
• Public Policy: A doctorate in public policy focuses on theory, ethics, research, and practice in public service programs. It prepares you to analyze and propose policies to improve communities and societies.
• Psychology: A doctorate in psychology combines research skills with professional practice. It can lead to careers as addictions counselors, applied researchers, professional consultants, or clinical psychologists.
• Theology: A doctorate in theology explores divine and spiritual traditions through academics, research, and religious studies. It can lead to careers as professors, social service managers, private school teachers, or directors of religious education.

Please note that the difficulty of a doctorate degree can vary depending on individual circumstances, personal strengths, and the specific requirements of each program. It's important to thoroughly research and consider your own interests, skills, and career goals before deciding on a doctorate program.

Free Ph.D. Programs Online (Fully Funded)

According to Best-Universities.net .

• Brown University - Fully-funded Ph.D. program in computer science
• University of Houston-Downtown - Full scholarship program for online doctorate
• Devry University - Comprehensive scholarship program for online degrees
• University of Maryland-Baltimore County - Full scholarship program for online undergraduate and graduate degrees
• Wilson Community College - Full scholarship program for community college students
• University of Leeds - Up to 30 fully-funded online Ph.D. programs
• University of the Witwatersrand - Comprehensive scholarship program for online bachelor's or master's degrees
• The University of Texas at Dallas - Full scholarship program for online bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees
• University of Strathclyde - Full scholarship program for online undergraduate or master's degrees
• Emory University - Fully-funded online Ph.D. program in economics
• New York University - Fully-funded Ph.D. program in childhood education
• University of Pennsylvania - Fully-funded online Ph.D. program in educational leadership and policy

If you're not looking for an accelerated program , the list below displays some of the best traditional Ph.D. programs in the country, according to Study.com.

Best Ph.D. Programs in the U.S.

Guide to online doctorate degrees.

Fewer positions requiring this advanced level qualification and reduced competition for such job opportunities among job seekers are some of the reasons behind the few doctoral graduates.

With technological advancements in almost all areas of life, acquiring education, a significantly advanced level of education has become more accessible.

Graduate students now do not have to attend physical classes to pursue their dreams of developing and advancing their skills.

You can pursue your doctorate in the comfort of your home or even your office. There was a 20% growth in students granted doctorate degrees between the 2009/2010 and 2019/2020 academic years, according to NCES. This growth has been attributed in part to online Ph.D. programs and the streamlining of modern universities.

Online Ph.D. programs are a relatively newer idea and online schooling in general has greatly increased access, flexibility, and convenience.

Students typically complete these degrees soon after completing a Master’s degree in the same area. As such, and with bachelor's degrees being necessary stepping stones, students can expect their journey from primary school to a Ph.D. to take about nine years, barring any accelerated tracks and failed classes.

Cost of an Online Doctoral Degree Program

When choosing any doctoral degree program, it is crucial to evaluate the costs and salary after attending. Even though online Ph.D. courses may usually be cheaper than on-campus learning, secondary schooling is rarely cheap and not every field will allow you to make back the cost in a reasonable amount of time.

Tuition, materials, technology, transportation, housing, and groceries should all be factors brought into account when deciding whether or where to attend, and in what field you can find the most success and fulfillment.

Below are the annual tuition rates of different institutions as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

• Private-For profit institutions- $18,200
• Private-Not for-profit institutions- $37,600
• Public institutions- $9,400

Choosing an Online Doctoral Degree Program

Since doctoral programs require considerable investments of money and time, it is important to consider every factor before deciding on a school or program. Take some time to consider the marketability, cost, and difficulty of each program and your own interest in the subject. To reach your career and educational goals, do your best research.

How Long Does it Take to Get a PhD

The length of a Ph.D. program can vary, but it typically takes 3 to 6 years to complete.

• A Ph.D. program typically takes 5 to 6 years in the United States.
• A Ph.D. program typically takes 3 to 4 years in the UK and many other European countries.

The actual length of a Ph.D. program can be influenced by many factors, including the nature of the research, the student's progress, the advisor's availability, and funding considerations.

• Some students may finish in less time, while others may take longer.
• Part-time Ph.D. programs are also available, which can take longer to complete.

Here is a table summarizing the length of Ph.D. programs in different countries:

Top 50 doctorate-granting institutions ranked by the total number of doctorate recipients, by sex: 2020

Tied institutions are listed alphabetically.

National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Survey of Earned Doctorates.

Doctorate recipients from U.S. colleges and universities: 1958–2020

(Number and percent) * = value < |0.05%|.

State or location of doctorate institution ranked by the total number of doctorate recipients, by sex: 2020

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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.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

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.

10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Key Takeaways

• A doctorate degree, the highest educational level in many fields, is designed for students who desire to achieve the most advanced knowledge in specific subjects.
• Most doctorate degree programs take up to seven years to complete, but accelerated versions of doctoral online programs can shorten the study period to two to three years.
• Accelerated online doctoral programs are shorter but demand more focus and effort because it requires the same output as a regular PhD program.

Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs

University of missouri, bowling green state university, university of north dakota, east carolina university, hampton university, liberty university, nova southeastern university, southern new hampshire university, indiana university of pennsylvania, trident university international.

• Liberty University 99%
• Southern New Hampshire University 96%
• East Carolina University 92%
• Indiana University of Pennsylvania 92%
• University of North Dakota 83%
• Bowling Green State University 79%
• University of Missouri 79%
• Nova Southeastern University 76%
• Hampton University 74%
• Southern New Hampshire University 22 to 1
• Indiana University of Pennsylvania 21 to 1
• East Carolina University 18 to 1
• University of Missouri 18 to 1
• Liberty University 18 to 1
• Bowling Green State University 17 to 1
• Nova Southeastern University 17 to 1
• University of North Dakota 17 to 1
• Hampton University 13 to 1
• Nova Southeastern University $36,300
• Hampton University $29,162
• Liberty University $22,511
• Southern New Hampshire University $15,380
• Bowling Green State University $11,272
• University of Missouri $10,452
• University of North Dakota $9,237
• Indiana University of Pennsylvania $7,716
• East Carolina University $4,452
• Nova Southeastern University $22,062
• Southern New Hampshire University $18,900
• Hampton University $13,099
• University of North Dakota $11,963
• University of Missouri $10,447
• Indiana University of Pennsylvania $9,288
• Bowling Green State University $8,418
• Liberty University $7,893
• East Carolina University $4,749

Are you a working professional with a desire to raise your education to a doctorate or PhD level? Do you have the determination and capability to squeeze your studies into your busy schedule? Do you want to finish your doctorate degree in less than five years? Are you interested in the added convenience and flexibility of online doctoral program?

If you answer yes to those questions, you should look for respected schools that offer accelerated PhD or doctoral programs.

A PhD or doctorate will broaden your professional horizons. It reduces professional competition, and places you in the upper 2.1 percent of the population of US professionals.

In short, a PhD or doctorate degree makes you elite as you enjoy the benefit of achieving career goals that are not available to the majority of working professionals in your chosen field.

Find out more with a look at our Guide to Online Degrees . Otherwise, read on.

What are PhD accelerated online programs?

Accelerated PhD or doctorate degree programs are graduate study programs that are shorter yet made more comprehensive and intense than traditional doctorate degree programs.

They require students to accomplish the same amount of work in a shorter time frame, but they intend to provide them with the same amount of knowledge at a lesser cost. They enable students to waive two to three years of schooling to be ready for the job market more quickly.

Accelerated doctoral programs online are designed for students who want to take a shorter route toward a PhD or doctorate degree.

Regular doctorate degree programs require six to eight years to complete. The shortest doctoral program online has a study period of two or three years!

Reasons to Choose Accelerated PhD Online Programs

Choosing accelerated online doctoral degree programs require a careful evaluation of your commitment and determination to accomplish. Because accelerated doctorate degree programs are demanding and rigorous, you need to examine yourself if you have that will and capability to exert more focus and effort to comply with its requirements.

While it is a given that you may have personal reasons for taking the fast track toward a graduate degree, there are common reasons why most people prefer accelerated doctorate degree programs. One of them may be applicable to you.

• An accelerated online program at the PhD level is suited to students who want to join the workforce as quickly and as early as possible.
• Working adults who aspire to professional growth or want to switch careers as soon as possible will find accelerated online PhD programs an attractive option.
• Professionals who have started a PhD program but were unable to finish it may choose to take an online PhD or doctorate degree program to attain an educational goal.
• Taking accelerated PhD programs online provides the same learning outcome as taking classes via traditional PhD programs.
• Taking accelerated PhD programs can provide early return on investment.

10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs in the US

• #2 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2024
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• #1 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
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• #16 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
• #18 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #9 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Tuition + fees

Student body

Median SAT/ACT

Career Outlook for degree at University of Missouri

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing , offered thru the University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing, is a flexible, highly individualized accelerated online doctorate degree program designed to groom clinical educators, scholars, and researchers for leadership positions in industrial, academic, or healthcare environments.

Credit Hours: 56

Program Duration: 3 Years or less

Format: Online, On Campus

What we love about University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing:

We favor the University of Missouri’s policy of classifying health-related research as a non-discipline specific endeavor. And because its PhD in Nursing doesn’t require a prior nursing degree, it allows students from other disciplines like health education, occupational therapy, and social work to qualify for enrollment in the university’s academic doctorate degree in nursing.

The University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing is ideal for students who:

Desire to become part of a community advocating to improve the health of the Missouri community through practice, teaching, and discovery.

The University of Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing might not be ideal for students who:

Are interested in pursuing fields other than nursing and healthcare.

University of Missouri’s Online Degrees

• Required Credits : 120
• Completion Time : None Reported
• Format : Online
• Required Credits : 126
• Required Credits : 60
• Required Credits : 30
• Required Credits : 64
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• #1 Top 10 Best Online PhD of Information Technology Programs (Doctorates)
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• #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
• #7 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of English Programs

Career Outlook for degree at Bowling Green State University

The accelerated PhD in Technology Management offered at Bowling Green State University is a unique accelerated online doctorate degree program. It is not designed for students who seek mentoring positions in the academe.

Rather, it is intended to prepare students for leadership positions in technology-based organizations. The program offers specializations in construction management, digital communications, manufacturing systems, quality systems, and human resources development and training.

Credit Hours: 66

Program Duration: 2.5 to 3 Years

Format: Online

What we love about Bowling Green State University:

We appreciate BGSU’s commitment to foster research and use public education to produce outstanding and successful technological professionals.

Bowling Green State University is ideal for students who:

Have a vision and desire to consistently move forward to promote public welfare.

Bowling Green State University may not be ideal for students who:

Are content to be led and dependent on leaders to solve problems for them.

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• #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Montana
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• #7 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

Career Outlook for degree at University of North Dakota

The PhD in Biomedical Engineering of the University of North Dakota’s College of Engineering & Mines is an accelerated online doctorate degree program dedicated to providing you with research skills and specialized technical expertise for the development of advanced medical devices that play huge roles in saving and improving lives on an extensive scale.

Credit Hours: 90

Program Duration: 3+ Years

What we love about the University of North Dakota:

We love UND’s passion for educational excellence, affordable education, and outstanding career outcomes, especially in the fields of science and engineering.

The University of North Dakota is ideal for students who:

Aspire to become a leader of the future in engineering, medicine, science, and aviation.

The University of North Dakota might not be the best fit for students who:

Are not passionate about research to discover new knowledge and develop new devices for the benefit of mankind.

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Career Outlook for degree at East Carolina University

East Carolina University offers the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing to equip nurses with advanced research knowledge, skills, and methodologies to help strengthen the science of nursing. It is an accelerated online doctorate degree program that aims to serve as a key for graduates to explore possibilities for new knowledge, techniques and theories applicable in the nursing profession.

Credit Hours: 54

Program Duration: 3 - 4 Years

What we love about East Carolina University:

We commend ECU’s passion to promote nursing and medical education. It is the number one producer of allied health professionals in the state of North Carolina.

East Carolina University is ideal for students who:

Have a passion to earn knowledge, learn skills, and have a drive to succeed in a diverse, multicultural society.

East Carolina University might not be the best fit for students who:

Do not have a positive outlook towards change, innovation, and continuous improvement.

East Carolina University’s Online Degrees

Degree concentrations.

• Interpersonal/Organizational
• Management And General Business
• Human Resource Management
• Required Credits : 125-133
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Career Outlook for degree at Hampton University

Hampton University’s PhD in Educational Management is an accelerated online doctorate degree program designed to mold you into a leader in a dynamic educational environment. It also enhances your educational leadership abilities and strengthens your confidence to create and implement educational strategies to make things happen in the educational landscape.

Credit Hours: 60

Program Duration: 2 years

What we love about Hampton University:

We love Hampton University’s openness to diversity and multiculturalism despite being a historically black institution.

Hampton University is ideal for students who:

Are comfortable being in a multicultural and holistic educational environment.

Hampton University might not be the best fit for students who:

Don’t have an open mind about multiculturalism and diversity.

Hampton University’s Online Degrees

• 1 Year Accelerated
• 2 Year Accelerated
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Career Outlook for degree at Liberty University

Liberty University’s accelerated PhD in Public Policy is one of its most popular online degree programs. It is designed to equip learners with the competency they need to create fair, specific, legal, and goal-oriented public policy.

Program Duration: 3 years or less

What we love about Liberty University:

There are many things that make us admire Liberty University as an institution of learning. The most prominent, however, is its commitment to provide affordable, flexible, and quality online education.

Liberty University is ideal for students who:

Believe in a Christian-centered education, with online courses that are designed in conformity with Christian teachings.

Liberty University might not be the best fit for students who:

Do not conform to teaching from a biblical point of view.

Liberty University’s Online Degrees

• Automotive Dealership Management
• Communication
• Data Analytics
• Digital Marketing And Advertising
• Entrepreneurship
• Financial Planning
• Green And Sustainable Management
• Healthcare Management
• International Business
• Marketing Analytics
• Marketing: Sales Management And Professional Selling
• Project Management
• Public Administration
• Real Estate
• Strategic Marketing Management
• Conference And Event Management
• Sports Administration
• Sports Communication And Public Relations
• Sports Outreach
• Sports Venue Management
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Accounting Information Systems
• Data Networking
• Information Assurance
• Application And Database Development
• Data Networking And Security
• Gaming Design
• Web And Mobile Programming
• Required Credits : 121
• Business Administration And Management
• Corrections And Human Services
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Criminal Psychology
• Homeland Security
• Juvenile Justice
• Strategic Intelligence
• National Security
• Politics And Policy
• Public Policy
• Middle Grades English
• Middle Grades Mathematics
• Middle Grades Science
• Middle Grades Social Science
• Special Education
• Social Science
• Creative Writing
• International Security
• Professional
• Apologetics
• Biblical And Theological Studies
• Christian Counseling
• Christian Ministries
• Global Studies
• Required Credits : 127
• Addictions And Recovery
• Online Crisis
• Development Psychology
• Life Coaching
• Military Resilience
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Career Outlook for degree at Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University’s PhD in Criminal Justice teaches you the three essential elements of crime-busting: Identifying patterns of criminal behavior, developing solutions to control crime, and addressing internal problems in the criminal justice system.

It is a flexible program that prepares you for upper-level careers in law enforcement, crime prevention, and public service. This doctoral degree offers three areas of concentration: Behavioral science, juvenile justice, and organizational leadership.

Program Duration: 2.5 Years

Format: Online, On Campus, Hybrid

What we love about Nova Southeastern University:

We love NSU’s commitment to providing students with technology-rich education by way of traditional, online, and blended learning.

Nova Southeastern University is ideal for students who:

Have the desire to lead and introduce change in diverse communities without compromising fairness, social responsibility, and cultural values.

Nova Southeastern University might not be the best fit for students who:

Lack concern and a desire to make their community a safer, better, and happier place.

Nova Southeastern University’s Online Degrees

• Required Credits : 39
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Career Outlook for degree at Southern New Hampshire University

The PhD in International Business at Southern New Hampshire University is designed to increase your theoretical knowledge and sharpen your analytical skills in global business operations.

This accelerated online doctorate degree program exposes you to international trade seminars, provides you with interactive experiential learning, and molds you into an expert in international business theories.

Credit Hours: 46

Program Duration: 4 years

Format: On campus, Hybrid

What we love about Southern New Hampshire University:

SNHU offers three elements that make its students grateful to be a part of the university. These are a supportive community, affordability, and an accessible faculty.

Southern New Hampshire University is ideal for students who:

Have an open mind about diversity and are willing to take part in diverse campus or classroom activities.

Southern New Hampshire University may not be ideal for students who:

Do not feel comfortable in a diverse learning environment.

Southern New Hampshire University’s Online Degrees

• Forensic Accounting And Fraud Examination
• Human Resources Management
• Management Information Systems
• Nonprofit Management
• Organizational Leadership
• Sports Management
• Healthcare Administration
• Industrial Organizational Psychology
• Digital Marketing
• Social Media Marketing
• Logistics And Transportation
• Data Validation And Decision Making
• Networking And Security
• Data Analysis
• Information Security
• Software Engineering
• Business Management For It
• Cybersecurity
• Project Management For It
• Software Development
• Corrections
• Criminology
• Homeland Security And Counterterrorism
• Human Services And Advocacy
• Police Administration And Operations
• Substance Abuse
• Professional Writing
• Business Communication
• Public Relations
• Non-Fiction
• Screenwriting
• American History
• European History
• Middle Eastern Studies
• Military History
• Child And Family Services
• Gerontology
• Community Health
• Health Information Management
• Patient Safety And Quality
• Applied Psychology
• Child And Adolescent Development
• Mental Health
• Social Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• #13 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #8 Best College Majors that Offer Accelerated Degree Programs

Career Outlook for degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania

The PhD in Safety Sciences of Indiana University of Pennsylvania is designed to provide you with the capability to develop and hone your research skills while you are working. If you desire to transform your career from business to academia or from an industrial staff to professor, this accelerated online doctorate degree from IUP is your key to attain it.

Program Duration: 3 Years

Format: Online (Synchronous), Hybrid

What we love about Indiana University of Pennsylvania:

We love IUP’s commitment to support its students and ensure that they will flourish academically.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania is ideal for students who:

Desire academic growth through a supportive faculty, experiential learning opportunities, and excellent online and classroom curricula.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania may not be ideal for students who:

Have the tendency to get spoiled by the university’s assurance of personalized guidance and support. It can result in complacency and loss of student drive to work harder.

Trident University International offers its PhD in Business Administration as an accelerated online doctoral degree program. It intends to provide you with rich academic knowledge and experience through extensive research of your area of interest, and transform you into a world-class business educator.

What we love about Trident University International:

We love Trident University’s commitment to providing quality education while keeping its tuition low. It manifests the university’s desire to support its students’ aspirations for educational and professional success.

Trident University International is ideal for students who:

Need a flexible, fully online curriculum to help them earn their targeted degree without compromising their existing work and family commitments.

Trident University International might not be the best fit for students who:

Don’t have the commitment, self-discipline, and reliability to study in a self-paced online institution.

Factors For Choosing Accelerated Doctorate Programs

If you already made up your mind about pursuing an accelerated online doctorate degree, the first big step you need to make is to choose a graduate school to enroll in. There are numerous schools that offer PhD and doctorate degree programs online. But as a prospective PhD student, it is important to know that the college is a quality place in which to earn a degree.

The following factors should be included in your decision-making process.

Accreditation

Accreditation is one of the top factors you should look for when looking for a college or university to enroll in. It means that the school’s system, programs, faculty, and facilities undergo a regular periodic review for compliance to the quality standards of the accrediting body approved by the Council for Higher Education and the Department of Education.

Accreditation signifies the quality of education the school is offering. The credits you earn from a regionally or nationally accredited institution are respected all over the country.

The one thing you should remember when choosing a college or university offering online doctoral programs is that you’re aiming for the highest educational achievement available in any university. Get the best knowledge through expert, experienced, and respected instructors in their field.

You can check their credentials in the university website. Additionally, you may also seek instructors who foster networking opportunities.

Student Support

A school offering online accelerated programs should look after its students’ welfare, and provide them with sufficient support. It can be in the form of offering research tools, tutoring and mentoring services, library access, and networking opportunities.

Flexibility

Most students especially in online accelerated PhD programs, are already working and raising a family. For this reason, flexibility is a vital factor to will look for — to attain balance in their study, work, and family life.

Academic Doctorate (PhD) or Professional Doctorate?

While this is more about choosing a specialization than picking a university to enroll in, you need it as a part of your decision before proceeding for enrollment.

The type of doctoral degree program you choose is closely related to the career path you plan to take after graduation. The PhD and professional doctorate degree programs allow you to earn the highest level of academic achievement but they differ in many aspects.

If you plan to work as a researcher or teacher, a PhD or academic doctorate would be an ideal degree. Some examples of a PhD include:

• PhD in Arts
• PhD in Literature
• PhD in Chemistry
• PhD in Physics
• PhD in Music
• PhD in Nursing Science
• PhD in Education
• PhD in Computer Science
• PhD in Criminal Justice
• PhD in Business Administration

If you plan to become a specialist in your chosen field and use it as your profession, you may opt for the professional doctorate degree. Here are some examples:

• Doctor of Medicine (MD)
• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
• Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
• Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy)
• Doctor of Engineering (EngD)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
• Doctor of Education (EdD)
• Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ)
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

When determining the fastest doctorate degree programs that are worth investing in, consider your interests if it fits with the coursework you will study. Your interest in a subject can fuel your drive to learn.

If you want to take your master’s degree to the next level and qualify for higher positions, getting a PhD is the way to go.

If you are interested in doing a dissertation, choose the PhD program, but if you are comfortable with a capstone project or academic residency, you should do well in a professional doctorate degree program.

What to Expect in an Online PhD Degree Program

Admission requirements.

The admission requirements for accelerated online doctorate programs may vary from one school to another, but these are the general requirements:

• A completed application form
• Payment of application fee
• Official transcript from previous colleges and universities attended
• GMAT or GRE scores
• Recommendation letters
• English proficiency test

Curriculum and Courses

The curriculum and courses of different PhD or doctorate degree programs vary from school to school and from one field of study to the next. However, they are similar in certain ways.

A typical online PhD or doctorate degree, regardless of the school, consists of four phases of coursework:

• Research and preparatory classes
• Major courses
• Electives, and
• Dissertation

What can you do with an accelerated PhD degree?

The natural next step you will take after completion of your PhD degree is to find an academic or research job. However, you are not limited to only working in academia.

Take your career advancement opportunities to the next level with an accelerated doctorate degree program. For information and tips on getting that degree as quickly as possible, check out our in-depth guide to Fast Online Program Rankings .

With the skill sets and knowledge gained, many PhD’s have the career opportunities in numerous job sectors including:

• Research and development
• Market research and analysis
• Medical Communication
• Competitive Intelligence
• Business Development
• Product Management
• Management Consultancy
• Healthcare Information Technology
• Quantitative Analysis

Key Point: It is possible to find a career outside of academia once you have earned a PhD.

Or check out our complete College Rankings Guide .

Get tips for choosing and applying to advanced degree programs both in person and online with a look at our Grad Life Guide .

See our Resources Guide for much more on studying, starting your job search, and more.

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• Doctor Education Leadership Innovation

Online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership and Innovation

Admissions requirements.

• Ways to Save on Tuition
• Career Outcomes

Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation Overview

It’s time to take your education career even further. Become a change agent ready to make a difference in your workplace. Earn an EdD degree online in leadership and innovation.

• Prepare for leadership roles within all areas of education, including postsecondary, government, corporate, and nonprofit institutions.
• Take doctoral courses 100% online and complete a research project you can apply to your workplace, community, or area of expertise.
• Get the credit you deserve. Save up to $12,600 (or 33%) on tuition and graduate in 2 years by transferring up to 30 credits from your master’s.
• Find resources and support every step of the way, including a Faculty Advisor and Consultant, access to a comprehensive online library, writing support, and more.
• Gain leadership, diversity and inclusion, and research skills to create innovative and transformative learning environments.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

The HLC ( HLCommission.org ) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

A master’s degree in a related field is required to enroll in a postgraduate program. You will need to provide an official transcript that shows completion of your master’s degree from an accredited institution, though an unofficial copy may be provided during the application process. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.

What Courses Will I Take?

The 100% online courses for the EdD degree build your skills in leadership and innovation, with diversity, equity, and inclusion principles integrated throughout. Topics include diversity, equity, and inclusion; transformative learning; ethics and accountability; and more. Your studies culminate in an applied research project, which you can complete at your workplace or in your community.

Sample Courses

• Trends, Patterns, and Ethical Issues That Impact Education
• Research in Responsive Curriculum Design and Development Learning and Professional Practice
• Transformative Learning Environments
• Creativity, Innovation, and Intrapreneurship in Education

Program Requirements

Upcoming start dates.

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

Develop with Faculty Expertise and Support

Our faculty are pioneers and leaders in online higher education and are dedicated to supporting you on your educational journey. You will be assigned a faculty member who will guide you. A Faculty Advisor will review your master’s degree and discuss your career goals to ensure alignment of your EdD cognate electives.

During your final four applied research courses, a Faculty Consultant will be there to assist you in choosing a research project that focuses on a practical application in your field of expertise. The Consultant will help you with completing the Institutional Review Board process, choosing a methodology, collecting and analyzing data, and defending your research project.

Ways to Save on Time and Tuition

Purdue Global works with students to find ways to reduce costs and make education more accessible. Contact us to learn about opportunities to save on your educational costs.

Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions.

Learn about federal financial aid programs available for many of our degree programs.

Learn about federal and state grants and loan programs that may be available.

Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions .

Graduate tuition savings for military include a 17–30% reduction per credit for current servicemembers and, 14% per credit for veterans for graduate programs.

Earn credit for your military training . We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.

View the total cost of attendance for your program.

Calculate Your Time and Cost

Estimate how much your prior learning credits can reduce your tuition and time to graduation.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for administrators in postsecondary education is expected to grow through 2032. Opportunities for training and development specialists and instructional coordinators are also expected to grow during this timeframe. The online doctorate in education at Purdue Global equips you with the skills and knowledge to lead education-related organizations in a fast-changing landscape.

Average Salary

In Your State

General labor market and salary data are provided by Lightcast and may not represent the outcomes experienced by Purdue Global graduates in these programs. Purdue Global graduates in these programs may earn salaries substantially different or less than the amounts listed above. Salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education, and opportunities for employment that are outside of Purdue Global's control.

Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

Join an Extensive Alumni Network

Upon graduation, you’ll become part of the Purdue Alumni Association, a vast and prestigious network of professionals. You’ll be able to make connections and access alumni benefits.

Download the Program Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about the Online Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.

Prepare yourself for success with a doctoral degree in education.

Get to Know Our Faculty

Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.

Faculty members who have advanced degrees

Faculty members who hold a doctorate

Faculty publications in 2022–2023

Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2022–2023

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school- or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2023. 2022–2023 academic year.

Your Path to Success Begins Here

Connect with an Advisor to explore program requirements, curriculum, credit for prior learning process, and financial aid options.

* Estimated Graduation Date and Average Completion: Estimated graduation date is based on the assumption that you will enroll in time to begin classes on the next upcoming start date, will remain enrolled for each consecutive term, and will maintain satisfactory academic standing in each term to progress toward completion of your program. Completion time is based on a full-time schedule. Programs will take longer for part-time students to complete.

Credit for Prior Learning: Estimate based on maximum cognate open elective credits available in degree plan. The EdD program is a new offering and thus historic data on credit for prior learning are not available. Exact transfer amount may vary. All credits must be validated on official transcript(s) to be eligible for transfer. Purdue Global does not guarantee transferability of credit. See the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.

Employment and Career Advancement: Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement or career advancement. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience and opportunities for employment.

Postsecondary Education Administrator Job Growth and Openings: Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Postsecondary Education Administrators, www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm . National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

Training and Development Specialists and Instructional Coordinators Job Openings: Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Training and Development Specialists, www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/training-and-development-specialists.htm ; Instructional Coordinators, www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm . National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

• Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
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Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.

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.

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 $12,394 for a public institution and $26,621 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…

• According to the BLS , workers with a doctoral degree earned a median of $651 more per week than workers with a bachelor’s degree in 2022.
• Doctorate-holders boast some of the lowest unemployment rates at 1%.
• 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.

Top Schools for Online Accredited Ph.D. Programs

Capitol technology university.

• Campus + Online
• In-State $25,830
• Out-of-state $25,830
• Retention Rate 75%
• Acceptance Rate 47%
• Students Enrolled 796
• Institution Type Private
• Percent Online Enrollment 98%
• Accreditation Yes

Clemson University

• In-State $14,118
• Out-of-state $37,110
• Retention Rate 94%
• Acceptance Rate 49%
• Students Enrolled 27,341
• Institution Type Public
• Percent Online Enrollment 49%

Keiser University

• In-State $20,800
• Out-of-state $20,800
• Retention Rate 72%
• Acceptance Rate 96%
• Students Enrolled 19,861
• Percent Online Enrollment 50%

Mississippi State University

• In-State $9,110
• Out-of-state $24,790
• Retention Rate 81%
• Acceptance Rate 76%
• Students Enrolled 23,086
• Percent Online Enrollment 43%

Nova Southeastern University

• In-State $33,510
• Out-of-state $33,510
• Retention Rate 78%
• Acceptance Rate 93%
• Students Enrolled 20,898
• Percent Online Enrollment 52%

Old Dominion University

• In-State $7,029
• Out-of-state $26,664
• Students Enrolled 23,494
• Percent Online Enrollment 76%

Saybrook University

• In-State $0
• Out-of-state $0
• Retention Rate 0%
• Acceptance Rate 0%
• Students Enrolled 915
• Percent Online Enrollment 100%

Texas Tech University

• In-State $8,935
• Out-of-state $21,204
• Retention Rate 85%
• Acceptance Rate 68%
• Students Enrolled 40,542
• Percent Online Enrollment 68%

How We Rank Schools

Accredited Schools Online uses a custom ranking system to evaluate schools on their quality, affordability, and reputation.

We rank schools using factors like graduation rate, admission rate, tuition costs, financial aid, and program offerings. All our ranked schools hold institutional accreditation .

For this page, we created a directory of online accredited Ph.D. programs that meet our criteria. The list is organized alphabetically rather than ranked.

Learn more about how we create school rankings on our methodology page .

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 $105,000 a year, according to Payscale .

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Ph.D. Programs

What is the quickest ph.d. to get.

The quickest Ph.D. to earn are those that award professional degrees and don’t require extensive research projects or dissertations at completion. These Ph.D. programs can include accounting, business, education, and media.

To finish your degree faster, you can also look for accelerated programs that quicken the pace of a program and shorten the time it takes to complete.

Are online doctoral programs legit?

If the online doctoral program is accredited, it is legitimate. Accreditation ensures that the program meets the rigorous educational standards of other comparative doctoral programs.

With accreditation, employers and other institutions of higher learning will recognize your degree. As more universities turn toward online programs to serve a more diverse student population, there are a growing number of legitimate, accredited online Ph.D. programs.

How long are online Ph.D. programs?

Online Ph.D. programs, like any other doctoral program, can vary in length but typically take 5-7 years to complete. A doctoral degree balances coursework with research. Usually, students must meet a certain number of course requirements before they can start original research.

While coursework may take only a year or two, writing a dissertation that meets the program requirements varies from candidate to candidate.

Can I earn my Ph.D. entirely online?

Yes, many accredited colleges and universities offer 100% online Ph.D. programs. That said, some programs may require on-campus experiences, such as library research and a dissertation defense.

What do employers think of online doctoral programs?

It takes a high level of discipline and persistence to obtain a graduate degree, no matter the context. Most employers will recognize and value the hard work it takes to get a Ph.D., whether you completed your doctorate online or in person.

Make sure you research potential programs. If you’re attending an accredited, well-regarded school, employers will value your online Ph.D. just as much as a traditional one.

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

Shape your future with an online degree.

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

Earn an Online Doctorate in Education from NYU

Innovative change in your organization starts here. expand your leadership skills and create new solutions to persistent challenges with your edd in leadership and innovation..

NYU Steinhardt’s EdD in Leadership and Innovation is more than an educational leadership degree program. It’s a cohort of professionals, faculty, and distinguished cross-sectoral leaders interested in education and learning. Collectively, they understand that by working together, they can effect sustainable and scalable change through education leadership jobs in their organizations.

This Doctorate in Education serves a diverse range of experienced professionals. Rooted in a rigorous academic experience and shared passion, the advanced degree is designed for cross-sector leaders who are motivated to create change in education and learning.

Students accepted into the program bring with them real-world challenges. They are encouraged to question and explore, to take risks and succeed, to push and innovate.

This is a unique educational leadership degree that addresses the needs of working professionals with a rigorous online doctorate in education program that can be completed in as few as 24 months.

We [leaders] need to know how to speak to each other in a common language. Our EdD in Leadership and Innovation creates the space where we can find a common language as we work across sectors to solve problems. Dr. Noel S. Anderson Founding Faculty

Solving problems means challenging preconceptions.

Transformative change can result when you allow your point of view to be questioned. So, one of the best ways to develop knowledge, skills, new approaches, and solutions is to work with others — people across all sectors who will challenge you with differing perspectives.

We bring together students and instructors from inside and outside the scope of traditional education to push you to think differently and to ask tough questions.

When you intentionally gather people from different personal and professional backgrounds to collaborate, something powerful occurs: change happens. It’s how to build new processes, solutions, policies, and powerful new tools — and how to create visionary leaders.

We believe leaders are learners, and that education is essential to great leadership.

The NYU EdD is a rigorous online doctorate degree program that combines the discipline of a top-tier university with an innovative approach to education and leadership. We offer accessibility through enhanced technology and the personal connection of face-to-face instruction.

We examine the most important issues leaders in education and learning face today and discover solutions that make change possible for tomorrow. We apply an academic lens to myriad sectors so students graduate from the doctoral program in education with the core competencies for impactful director and executive-level career options.

The research, analysis, writing, and critical thinking involved in students’ strategic design and implementation of a change management project are assets that students will bring to current and future employers.

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 Doctoral Programs

Online Doctoral Programs Discover what online doctoral programs Liberty has to offer!

Become a Leader in Your Field with an Online Doctoral Degree from Liberty University

If you’re considering an online doctoral degree, then your career goals probably include a role in leadership, research, or education. Doctoral, postgraduate, and specialist programs are all excellent ways for you to advance in your career and become a subject matter expert, a professor, or a professional researcher. With 75+ doctoral, postgraduate, and specialist degrees to choose from, Liberty can help make your aspirations a reality.

We offer each of our online PhD programs, professional doctorates, and postgraduate degrees in an online format, and most can be completed 100% online. This allows you to stay active in your career, with your family, and in your community while reaching the pinnacle of academic achievement. We also primarily offer courses in an 8-week format with 8 different start dates each year and no set login times, so you have the opportunity to complete your classes at your own pace and on your schedule.

Additionally, some programs may require on-campus intensives, so you can explore our campus while connecting in-person with your classmates and professors. Some degree programs also have required practicums or internships that allow you to gain hands-on experience in your own community.

At Liberty, our mission is to  Train Champions for Christ . We want to help prepare you to influence the world as a leader, educator, and expert. As you partner with us to reach your career goals, we’ll seek to provide you with the knowledge, tools, and resources you need to meet those goals.

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

Available Doctoral Degrees Online

Aeronautics.

• Aviation (PhD)

Arts and Sciences

• History (PhD)

Behavioral Sciences

• Marriage and Family Counseling
• Pastoral Care and Counseling
• Traumatology
• Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD)
• Behavioral Health Leadership
• Developmental Psychology
• General Psychology
• Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Entrepreneurship
• Executive Coaching
• Supply Chain and Logistics
• Healthcare Management
• Human Resources
• Information Systems
• International Business
• Nonprofit Leadership and Management
• Project Management
• Real Estate Development
• Strategic Management
• Strategic Media and Digital Content
• Supply Chain Management and Logistics
• Tourism Management
• Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)

Communication and the Arts

• Communication (PhD)
• Strategic Media (PhD)
• Applied Apologetics (PhD)
• Bible Exposition (PhD)
• Church Revitalization
• Digital Discipleship
• Faith-Based Consulting
• Ministry Leadership
• Next Generation Ministry
• Spiritual Formation
• Strategic Christian Ministry
• Biblical Studies
• Discipleship
• Evangelism and Church Planting
• Expository Preaching and Teaching
• Pastoral Counseling
• Theology and Apologetics
• Urban Ministry
• Christian Apologetics
• Church History
• Global Studies
• Practical Theology (PhD)
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Leadership
• Instructional Design and Technology
• Special Education
• Administration and Supervision – Educational Leadership
• Curriculum and Instruction – Educational Psychology
• Curriculum and Instruction – Elementary Education
• Curriculum and Instruction – General
• Curriculum and Instruction – Instructional Design and Technology
• Curriculum and Instruction – Middle Grades Education
• Curriculum and Instruction – Online Teaching and Learning
• Curriculum and Instruction – Secondary Education
• Curriculum and Instruction – Special Education
• Higher Education Administration – Assessment and Evaluation
• Higher Education Administration – Educational Leadership
• Higher Education Administration – Organizational Leadership
• Higher Education Administration – Student Affairs
• Educational Law
• Organizational Leadership
• Higher Education Administration
• Educational Research (PhD)
• Assessment and Evaluation
• Student Affairs
• Homeland Security
• Doctor of Law and Policy (DLP)
• Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
• Public Administration (PhD)
• Chinese Affairs
• Economic Policy
• Education Policy
• Foreign Policy
• National Security Policy
• Social Policy

Health Sciences

• Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) – General
• Exercise and Sport Science
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Christian Worship (PhD)
• Doctor of Music Education (DME)
• Ethnomusicology
• Music Education (PhD)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (Post-BSN)
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Post-BSN)
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Post-MSN)
• Nursing – Nursing Education (PhD)

Benefits of Liberty’s Online Doctoral Programs

Here are just some of the benefits of choosing Liberty for your online degree:

• Affordability  | Your success is our success, which is why we’re 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.
• Credibility  | Liberty University is regionally accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ) and holds some of the highest programmatic accreditation for the  School of Nursing  (CCNE),  School of Business  (ACBSP),  School of Music  (NASM),  Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools  (ATS), and  School of Behavioral Sciences  (CACREP).
• Flexibility  | Liberty’s online courses are mainly offered in a flexible, 8-week course format with 8 different start dates throughout the year.
• Expert Instructors  | Our faculty have years of experience in their fields, and they are committed to helping you thrive spiritually, academically, and professionally. With their guidance, you’ll receive real-world knowledge and experience in your virtual classroom.
• Student Support  | Academic advisors and a technical support team are here to assist you from day one. We’ll be available to you from the admission process through graduation.

Not sure what to choose?

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

Value of Degree

Earning a terminal degree is both an invaluable experience and a rewarding investment. Throughout your program, you can learn advanced techniques and knowledge within your field to help you excel professionally while leading others. Additionally, hands-on experience is available in most of our programs, and you’ll have the opportunity to complete independent research, making you a subject matter expert. Take a look below to find out why you should pursue your doctorate.

Return on Investment

What are the rewards? With a doctoral degree, you could receive a median  salary that’s higher  than your professional counterparts with only a master’s degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics – learn more . What may initially feel like a sacrifice is actually a wise investment that could increase your potential for earning an advanced position, a leadership role, and/or a higher salary. PhD degrees online and other doctoral degrees are an investment of both time and money — but obtaining one can help enrich your life. While you spend time studying, researching, and writing throughout your degree, you can find great personal and professional satisfaction along the way.

Employment Opportunities

If the purpose of pursuing your doctoral degree is to gain new employment, you’re on the right track. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates an increase in entry-level positions  that require applicants to have a doctoral degree – learn more .** Plus, your doctoral degree can help make you a more qualified candidate than someone with a master’s. If you haven’t started yet, don’t worry. Liberty University offers 75+ online doctoral degrees in a variety of areas and career fields. Our doctoral programs are designed to help give you a professional edge — whatever your calling may be.

Convenience

Chances are you’re a working professional with a home, a family, and an active social life. What if you could pursue your degree while still working full time? Or take classes without moving your family across the country or the globe? By earning your doctorate online, you’ll have the opportunity to reap all the benefits of higher education, advanced training, and scholarly research without pausing your life. You can  complete classes on your own time and at your own pace  while maintaining your professional and social relationships.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, at  Earnings and unemployment rates by educational attainment, 2020  (viewed online Sept. 10, 2021). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

**Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, at  Employment, wages, and projected change in employment by typical entry-level education  (viewed online Sept. 10, 2021). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

Why Choose One of Liberty University’s Online PhD Programs, Professional Doctorates Online, or Postgraduate Degrees?

You believe in leadership excellence. So do we. That’s why at Liberty University, we can help you become an essential contributor to your field and the kind of leader who inspires others. By pursuing one of Liberty’s online doctoral programs, you can prepare to impact your profession as an innovative thinker, industry leader, and respected expert.

If you’ve already earned an accredited master’s degree and want to flourish at the top of your career field, then one of Liberty University’s online doctoral programs or postgraduate degrees may be right for you. You’ll find that an online PhD, EdD, DNP, DBA, or other advanced degree may not only increase your salary potential — it could also help boost your job performance. Whether you’re in academia or the private sector, Liberty offers numerous accredited online doctoral programs that can help you become a leader in your field.

As a university committed to both excellence and integrity, Liberty University is one of the premier colleges offering online degrees. We understand that life doesn’t stop when you go back to school, so our online doctoral programs vary in format, depending on your degree. Most of our doctoral and postgraduate degrees are 100% online, and only a few require on-campus visits.

Most of the on-campus requirements are completed through one or more intensives — week-long classes held on our beautiful Lynchburg, Va., campus — that supplement your online classes. Intensives are rich opportunities for you to network, connect with your professors and classmates, and enjoy all the benefits of being a Liberty University student on campus. Intensives are typically offered multiple times per year for your convenience.

Compare Liberty to the Competition

Liberty University’s award-winning, flexible, low-cost programs offer you great value for your time and money. Find out how Liberty compares to the competition today!

Information about Liberty’s Doctoral Degree Programs

Liberty University offers a diverse array of doctoral degree programs designed to help advance your expertise and career in various fields. These programs are crafted to help equip students with profound knowledge and practical skills through rigorous coursework, comprehensive research, and real-world application.

• The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years.* While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
• Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ).
• Our online PhD programs and other doctorates are primarily offered in 8-week courses with 8 different start dates each year and no set login times.
• Most of our doctoral programs are 100% online. Some programs also have required residential intensives, which provide opportunities for you to visit our beautiful campus, study in our state-of-the-art facilities, and build your professional network.

*Please note: Beginning Spring 2022, tuition rates for Liberty’s PMHNP programs will increase. Current students who have already matriculated may be eligible for grandfathered rates. For questions, please contact Academic Advising.

What Will You Study in Our Online Doctoral Programs?

By pursuing one of Liberty’s online PhD programs or doctoral degrees, you can learn how to solve problems and recognize potential growth opportunities in your field. Every postgraduate and doctoral program — from counseling and education to nursing and divinity — can help strengthen your skills in research, data analysis, writing, and the application of theory to real-world scenarios.

At Liberty, we strive to be one of the most affordable online colleges in the world, and our reputation for upholding rigorous academic standards is widely recognized. You’ll work hard for your doctorate degree — and be glad that you did.

What can an Online Doctoral Degree Program do for Your Career?

A doctoral degree is a terminal degree — the highest level of education for a particular area of study. Completing a PhD program or one of our other doctoral degrees can give you a level of discipline and specialized knowledge that can not only help equip you for a leadership position in fields like education, counseling, business, and ministry, but can also help make you an attractive hire to many employers.

In highly competitive fields, certain positions go exclusively to applicants with doctoral degrees. As more and more employers seek candidates with terminal degrees to fill top positions, the demand for quality, flexible education is growing. You no longer have to choose between becoming one of those candidates and maintaining your current work-life balance — you can start one of our doctoral programs without leaving home. Liberty’s online doctoral programs allow you to further your career without putting your life on hold.

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

Can i get a doctoral degree online.

Yes! At Liberty University, we offer 75+ postgraduate degrees, professional doctorates, and PhD programs online. Most of these programs are available 100% online with no set login times. That means you can stay invested in your family, job, and community while working toward your degree. As long as your assignments are completed by their respective due dates, you can complete your coursework on your schedule — whenever it’s most convenient for you.

Liberty has been a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, so we know what it takes to create online degrees that blend flexibility, accessibility, and high-quality academics. Throughout your online doctoral program, you’ll have easy access to textbooks, syllabi, videos, and more as you complete your assignments. Our professors are also available to answer any questions you may have, and they are excited to partner with you as you take this next step in your academic journey.

While the majority of our doctorates are offered 100% online, some programs — such as our post-BSN DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner — also have required  on-campus intensives . That means most of your courses will be completed online, and you’ll travel to our campus in Lynchburg, Va., for the remaining few courses.

Additionally, our PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision is an intensive-based program, which means many of the courses are on-campus intensives. Residential intensives give you the exciting opportunity to visit our campus and connect in-person with other professionals in your program.

At Liberty, we’re committed to providing degrees that meet your unique learning style. Whether you’re seeking a 100% online program or want to take some in-person courses, we have what you need!

Can I pursue a doctorate without a master’s?

Most of our doctoral degrees online require a master’s degree for admission to help ensure that you are ready for doctoral-level coursework. However, both our post-BSN DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner and our post-BSN DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner allow you to apply with only a bachelor’s degree! These 2 programs cover the foundational and advanced topics needed to help you seamlessly transition from an undergraduate program to a doctoral degree.

Are online doctoral programs credible?

If you’re like many students, you’re probably wondering whether an online doctoral degree program offers the same rigor and credibility as a residential degree. As long as you select a university and/or program that is accredited, you can be confident that your online doctorate will hold weight as a respected, advanced educational credential.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ) to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Our faculty members are well-respected leaders in their fields who use their expertise to help further your proficiency in research, examination, and application of your knowledge. Whether you pursue an online PhD, EdD, DBA, DMin, or any of our other doctoral programs, you can gain valuable knowledge as you develop into a leader of distinction.

Additionally, many of our schools have achieved programmatic accreditation, including the following:

• Liberty University’s PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs ( CACREP ).
• Liberty University’s School of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs ( ACBSP ).
• Liberty University’s John W. Rawlings School of Divinity is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of  ATS , the Association of Theological Schools.
• All of our School of Education initial and advanced licensure programs are accredited by the  Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation ( CAEP ) .
• Liberty University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music ( NASM ).
• The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and the postgraduate APRN certificate program at Liberty University School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

How many years is a doctoral degree?

One question you likely have as you research doctoral programs is “How long does it take to get a doctoral degree?” That depends on the exact program you choose. Our shortest doctoral program is the Doctor of Ministry (DMin), which only has 30 credit hours, and our longest doctorate is the DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner at 78 credit hours. Additionally, our postgraduate programs (the EdS and ThM) are 30 credit hours long.

In general, our online doctoral programs can be completed in 2-3 years while our postgraduate degrees can take as little as 1 year. You can also potentially transfer in up to 50% of your postgraduate or doctoral credits — so you can finish your degree even faster! Our carefully planned, suggested course sequences can help you maximize your time and keep your total tuition costs down while ensuring that you get the most out of your classes.

What types of doctoral degrees are available?

We offer 3 main types of degrees at the doctoral level. Each is designed to help you gain the knowledge and skills that are most applicable to your career goals. Below you’ll find a list of these degrees and what they can offer you!

Postgraduate degrees  – Our Education Specialist (EdS) and Master of Theology (ThM) degrees are postgraduate programs, which means they are a step above a master’s and a step below a doctorate. These programs require a completed master’s degree for admission and are a great option if you’re not ready to pursue a full doctoral program.

In some cases, you may find that a postgraduate program provides the training and skills you need to pursue your career goals without requiring you to complete a full doctorate. Our postgraduate degrees can also set you on the fast track to acquiring new expertise while equipping you to pursue a doctoral degree later on down the road.

Professional doctorates  – We offer a wide variety of professional doctorates in many different subject areas — including business, government, divinity, nursing, and music. A professional doctorate is designed for working professionals who want to solve real-world problems in their field and gain new knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to their industry.

Professional doctoral programs still provide training in advanced research methods, but the focus is on how this research can be used to address practical challenges in a variety of settings. Some of the degrees that fall under this category include the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL), Doctor of Law and Policy (DLP), Doctor of Public Administration (DPA), Doctor of Ministry (DMin), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Worship Studies (DWS).

Research/academic doctorates  – If you’re interested in a career as a researcher or university professor, an academic doctorate may be the best path forward for you. PhDs typically fall under this category. These research-focused, theory-based degrees are ideal for those seeking roles in the world of academia. By completing an academic doctorate, you’ll have the chance to contribute to high-level scholarship, address gaps in the current literature, and add to the existing body of research in your field. Liberty offers PhDs in a wide range of subjects, including education, criminal justice, heath sciences, Bible exposition, communication, history, psychology, and more!

What if I’m not ready to pursue a full doctoral degree?

Maybe you want to take doctoral-level courses but don’t yet have time to complete a full degree. If so, we have just what you need! We offer a variety of Executive Certificates that are only 21 credit hours long. Each certificate can stand on its own as a professional development credential while also helping you build credit toward a doctoral degree. You can roll your certificate credits into the corresponding doctorate, allowing you to start a full doctoral degree whenever you’re ready.

If you’re a military student, our Executive Certificates are an especially great option for you. When you pursue an Executive Certificate, you can receive our discounted  $300/credit hour  military rate both during the certificate and later during a doctoral degree.*

Check out a list of our  available Executive Certificates  to find the best program for you!

*In order to retain the $300/credit hour rate, the doctoral degree must be started within 2 years of completing the Executive Certificate.

Do online diplomas say “online”?

No — our diplomas do not indicate whether a degree was completed online or on campus. When you complete an online doctoral program, your diploma will simply state that you earned your degree from Liberty University. This helps emphasize the fact that our online programs hold the same credibility and value as our residential programs. By earning an online degree, you’ll have the flexibility to complete your coursework on your schedule while experiencing the same rigor as you would in a traditional, on-campus doctorate.

Additionally, when you graduate from a doctoral program online at Liberty, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in our  Commencement  ceremony and degree presentation ceremonies. That way, you can visit our campus and walk with the rest of your class as you receive your diploma!

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EdDPrograms.org

2-Year Ed.D. Programs

Discover the fastest online and hybrid Ed.D. programs in the country! We've assembled detailed listings of universities that offer accelerated Ed.D. pathways , from executive doctorates to ABD (All But Dissertation) options. Browse through the offerings to find an accredited Ed.D. that's right for your budget and timeframe.

Updated on March 22, 2024

What are the Fastest Ed.D. Programs?

The fastest online Ed.D. programs range from 18 months to just under 3 years. You won’t find anything quicker! We’ve provided a detailed description of all of them in our listings . Accelerated Ed.D. programs tend to fall into 3 broad categories:

• Full-Time Doctorates in Educational Leadership: These types of Ed.D. programs are similar to traditional doctorates in leadership, but with a fiercer schedule. Universities may try to pack 54-60 credits into a 2-3 year time span. It’s achievable, but it will be challenging.
• Executive Doctorates: Executive Ed.D. programs are aimed at mid-level and senior-level professionals who want a 2-year plan. These doctorates often have a fair number of campus components (e.g. monthly weekend sessions); some will also include an international experience. You can learn more about these in our Executive Ed.D. Programs Guide .
• All But Dissertation (ABD) Completion Doctorates: ABD options are tailored to folks who already have previous course credits, work experience, and career achievements on their résumé. Typically, the university will conduct a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) to determine how many credits will be left on your degree. So you may only have to complete a dissertation to graduate.

If you’re willing to stretch to 3-4 years, you’ll find more variation, such as concentrations in areas other than educational leadership. Check out the database of Online Ed.D. programs for a full list of options.

How 2-Year Ed.D. Programs Work

Accelerated Ed.D. programs are often built for working professionals with a certain level of expertise—educators who want to take a leap up to the next level. That’s why you’ll see 2-year programs designed for aspiring college presidents (e.g. Executive Ed.D. programs), educators who want to become principals or superintendents (e.g. Ed.D. programs in Educational Leadership), and students who just want to finish their dissertation (e.g. ABD).

• Admissions: Because they’re targeted at different crowds, each 2-year Ed.D. program will have a different threshold for admissions; we’ve included a link to requirements so you can assess your chances. Some schools, such as NYU, will expect you to talk about your capstone or dissertation goals. A number of schools will still wish to see GRE or GMAT scores.
• Curriculum: For the most part, the curriculum is going to be similar to a regular Ed.D., albeit in a condensed timeframe. But you may notice more high-level elements (e.g. roundtable discussions) and one-on-one attention (e.g. mentorship).
• Course Credits: 2-year Ed.D. programs in Educational Leadership usually make room for electives or focus areas; some will even help you toward certification in your state. Executive Ed.D. programs will be more rigid in structure. ABD Options are straightforward—you’ll be expected to focus on your dissertation.
• Dissertation vs. Capstone: Check the descriptions and the curriculum link under each profile to learn what’s expected. Many universities still favor a traditional dissertation, which is usually prepared for in the first year and written in the second. But others have gone the way of research-based capstone projects. Lipscomb even allows you to work in small teams.

Are 2-Year Ed.D. Programs Offered Online?

Yes! The majority of fast-track Ed.D. programs in our listings are online, with either zero or minimal on-campus requirements (e.g. 2 weekend residencies). In some instances, universities will leave the decision up to you—Monmouth allows you to choose how often you wish to visit campus. To give you the full range of options, we’ve also included details on hybrid programs and Executive Ed.D. programs with monthly attendance requirements.

The fastest online Ed.D. programs aren’t always the best—you should consider the School or College of Education’s reputation, accreditation, and quality markers when you’re making your decision. We also recommend that you speak with recent online Ed.D. alumni. They will tell you the good and the bad about the program and offer advice on making the most of distance learning.

Finally, if you’re considering any program with campus components, examine the tuition and fees section carefully. Some universities are happy to cover the cost of accommodation in tuition or program fees (e.g. Penn). However, they’re unlikely to compensate you for travel expenses to and from the campus.

Is a 2-Year Ed.D. Program Right for You?

Accelerated Ed.D. programs are—by their very nature—full-time and intense. You’ll be expected to take on a significant workload in two years. If you have a family and a job, it’s going to be quite a ride. Remember, too, that many programs have campus intensives or international trips built into the curriculum. You’ll need to allow for time away from home.

Having said that, if you’re an experienced professional with clear goals (e.g. superintendent certification, job promotion, executive-level position, etc.), a 2-year Ed.D. program may be right up your street. They are some highly respectable names in our listings , including Penn, NYU Steinhardt, and UGA. You don’t need to sacrifice quality for time.

All 2-Year Ed.D. Programs

We scoured our database to find the nation’s fastest on-campus and online Ed.D. programs. Here are 19 schools that offer Ed.D. programs you can complete in as little as two years:

Alverno College

Bay path university, brenau university, colorado state university pueblo, edgewood college, gwynedd mercy university, lipscomb university, louisiana state university shreveport, milligan university, monmouth university.

• Nebraska Methodist University

New York University

Purdue global, rockhurst university, spalding university, union institute & university, university of georgia, university of louisiana monroe, university of pennsylvania.

Read on to learn more about each school’s two-year Ed.D. programs.

• Online Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) – Doctoral Completion (ABD Program)

Fastest Ed.D. Length : 2 Years Credits : 27 Delivery : Online with 2 Weekend Residencies

Alverno 2-Year Ed.D. Overview

The School of Education’s fastest online Ed.D. is the 27-credit All But Dissertation (ABD) option . This allows students who have previous coursework & experience to transfer existing credits, complete a dissertation, and earn the Ed.D. with a concentration in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. The syllabus includes 6 dissertation courses and 4 concentration courses, with online coursework and 2 weekend residencies in Milwaukee.

The majority of students in the accelerated ABD option finish in 6 semesters/2 years, but the total time will depend on how many previous credits you’ll be able to transfer in. If you don’t qualify for the doctoral completion pathway, you’re welcome to explore the other online Ed.D. programs at Alverno. Just keep in mind that these will be 54-57 credits and may take 3-4 years to complete.

For More Information:

• Online Ed.D. Curriculum
• Online Ed.D. Admissions
• Online Ed.D. Tuition
• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership: All But Dissertation (ABD) Option

Fastest Ed.D. Length : 2 Years Credits : 30 Delivery : 100% Online

Bay Path 2-Year Ed.D. Overview

For its Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership , Bay Path has a standard, 3-year program and an accelerated 30-credit All But Dissertation (ABD) Option . The ABD pathway is aimed at students who have completed all requirements for a doctoral degree, with the exception of a dissertation at an accredited institution of higher learning. It’s available in Higher Education Leadership or Transformative School Leadership (K-12 settings).

The ABD pathway is 6 semesters/2 years, with an optional Immersive Weekend experience. Before tackling an action-focused Dissertation in Practice (DiP), you’ll take a number of research-based leadership courses (e.g. Leading Transformation and Change). During the DiP, you’ll also be able to participate in small online study/work groups called Leader-Scholar Communities.

• Online Ed.D. Higher Education Curriculum
• Online Ed.D. Transformative School Curriculum
• Online Ed.D. All But Dissertation (ABD) Doctoral Completion Pathway

Fastest Ed.D. Length : 2 Years Credits : 27 Delivery : Online with 2 Residencies

Brenau 2-Year Ed.D. Overview

Brenau offers a 27-credit ABD option for 4 concentration areas within its Online Ed.D. You can choose from: Elementary Education, Middle Grades Education, Higher Education: Leadership, or Higher Education: Teaching and Learning.

It’s a 2-year program with 2 campus residencies, advanced coursework in your area of interest, and dissertation support from day one. The Leadership in Higher Education concentration will include a practicum.

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

Fastest Ed.D. Length : 2 Years Credits : 58 Delivery : 100% Online

CSU Pueblo’s 2-Year Ed.D. Overview

On a full-time schedule, CSU Pueblo’s highly affordable Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership for PreK-20 leaders can be polished off in 2 years. However, you do have the option to take more time if needed. CSU Pueblo recommends you think long & hard about your dissertation topic and talk to the program advisor before committing to a 2-year plan of study.

This is a 100% online doctorate with asynchronous coursework (no live sessions) and 8-week accelerated classes. The 58-credit curriculum includes a Doctoral Practicum in Educational Leadership (120 contact hours), spaced out over 4 semesters, and a traditional 5-chapter dissertation. The practicum is a nice touch, since it allows you to learn from mentors and current educational leaders in the field.

• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Completion Program (ABD)

Fastest Ed.D. Length : 1.5 Years Credits : 30 Delivery : 100% Online

Edgewood’s 2-Year Ed.D. Overview

Edgewood’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Completion Program is an All-But-Dissertation (ABD) doctorate. You must have 24 post master’s degree credits with a 3.0 GPA from a regionally accredited institution in order to apply. And these doctoral-level credits must have been earned within the past 20 years.

Successful Ed.D. applicants will be able to tackle 30 credits at Edgewood, including a starting class in Ed Leadership Foundations & Ethics, 18 credits of research courses, and a dissertation. Most students finish this ABD program in 18 months. But you can take longer if needed.

• Online ABD Ed.D. Curriculum
• Online ABD Ed.D. Admissions
• Online ABD Ed.D. Tuition
• Online Accelerated All But Dissertation (ABD) Ed.D (Multiple Concentrations)
• Online Accelerated Executive Ed.D. in Education: Leadership and Teaching & Learning

Fastest Ed.D. Length : 1.5 Years (ABD): Less Than 3 Years (Executive) Credits : 27-54 Delivery : Online with Weekend Residencies

GMercyU 2-Year Ed.D. Overview

GMercyU’s fastest online Ed.D. is the All But Dissertation (ABD) option , offered by the School of Graduate and Professional Studies . This 18-month accelerated Ed.D. is tailored to students who already have a portfolio of previous coursework, scholarship, and career evidence for the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Once you’ve been accepted, you’ll be required to take 27 credits at GMercyU, but you’ll be able to choose from a number of concentration areas, with options for certification. Coursework is online, with one mandatory weekend residency.

If you don’t have any previous coursework, take a look at GMercy U’s Online Accelerated Executive Ed.D. in Education . This is a full-bore, 54-credit online doctorate that takes less than 3 years to complete. It includes online coursework, a field experience, two on-campus residencies, and one international study experience (international residency travel costs are included in tuition). Plus administrators and principals with at least 3 years of experience have the option to earn a Superintendent Letter of Eligibility in Pennsylvania.

• Online Executive Ed.D. Curriculum
• Online Executive Ed.D. Admissions
• Ed.D. in Learning Organizations and Strategic Change

Fastest Ed.D. Length : 2 Years (On-Campus); 3 Years (Online) Credits : 54 Delivery : On-Campus or Online with Intensives

Lipscomb 2-Year Ed.D. Overview

Lipscomb’s accelerated Ed.D. in Learning Organizations and Strategic Change is the brainchild of the College of Education . It’s a Christian-based Ed.D. that’s offered in two formats: a cohort-based, on-campus program in Nashville that takes 2 years to complete and an online version that takes 3 years to finish. The online program includes two on-campus intensives, a remote intensive via Zoom, and a 10-day international experience in the first summer.

Are you currently working in K-12 or higher education? Lipscomb offers a generous 25% in-service scholarship to all full-time educators. We also wanted to note that the university uses a capstone model. Instead of a dissertation, Ed.D. students collaborate in small teams (2-3 students) on a practical research-based project.

• Ed.D. Curriculum
• Ed.D. Admissions
• Ed.D. Tuition
• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (Multiple Concentrations)

Fastest Ed.D. Length : 2.25 Years Credits : 63 Delivery : 100% Online

LSUS’s 2-Year Ed.D. Overview

LSUS’s Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is not only short—it’s one of the most affordable doctorates in the country. Concentrations are offered in Leadership Studies, Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management, and Health Communication & Leadership. You don’t have to visit the campus for this 100% online program, but you should plan for weekly Zoom meetings. LSUS also encourages students to take advantage of opportunities for research and conference presentations.

Our 2.25 year estimate is based on a full-time plan of study. This schedule would involve taking 2 courses per 7-week session for 8 sessions/4 semesters. There are multiple start dates throughout the year, so when you finish is up to you. A part-time plan of a study, with 1 course per session, would take 3.5 years.

• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

Fastest Ed.D. Length : 2 Years Credits : 57 Delivery : Hybrid

Milligan 2-Year Ed.D. Overview

Milligan’s full-time, cohort-based Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is offered by the School of Social Sciences & Education . It’s an accelerated doctorate that’s designed to foster system leaders and help K-12 teachers earn their certification as school administrators (e.g. principals or assistant principals). Coursework is a blend of online learning, hybrid classes, and face-to-face experiences in Tennessee, including Saturday residencies.

If you put the pedal to the metal, you can finish the entire program in 24 months. 45 credits are devoted to leadership classes, including 9 credits that are cross-listed with courses from Milligan’s MBA; the remaining 12 credits are reserved for your dissertation. You’ll also be assigned a mentor who will guide you through practicum experiences, portfolio building, and research seminars.

• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership: P-12
• Ed.D. in Educational Leadership: Higher Education

Fastest Ed.D. Length : 2 Years Credits : 54 Delivery : Online, Hybrid or Face-to-Face

Monmouth 2-Year Ed.D. Overview

The School of Education has consolidated its cohort-based Ed.D. in Educational Leadership into 2 hard-core years. This accelerated Ed.D. is available in a flexible format—you can choose how often you wish to come to campus and how much you want to study online. On-campus coursework in West Long Branch, New Jersey typically takes place on alternate Saturdays and selected Thursday nights.

Over the course of the 54-credit syllabus, you’ll tackle 5 learning strands, including a Transformative Leadership Project that will form the basis of your dissertation. Ed.D. students at Monmouth have the freedom to select elective courses in higher education or P-12. But you can also mix and match electives to suit your career goals.

Nebraska Methodist College

• Online Ed.D. in Education & Leadership in Healthcare

Fastest Ed.D. Length : 2 Years Credits : 42 Delivery : Online with 2 Campus Intensives

NMC’s 2-Year Ed.D. Overview

Aiming to work in academic and healthcare settings? NMC’s speedy Online Ed.D. in Education & Leadership in Healthcare may fit the bill. On a full-time schedule, this specialist doctorate only takes 24 months to complete. You’ll start in the fall or spring and take 2-4 courses per term for 6 terms. A part-time, 3-year plan of a study is also available.

NMC keeps things efficient for busy professionals. The two intensive learning sessions on the Omaha campus are scheduled for the beginning of the program (orientation) and the summer between years 1 and 2. Work on the doctoral scholarly project occurs throughout the program, starting in the second term. And classes are designed to be offered in 5-week increments—some are 5 weeks, some are 10 weeks, and some are 15 weeks.

• Online Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation

Fastest Ed.D. Length : 2 Years Credits : 42 Delivery : Online with Week-Long Residency

NYU 2-Year Ed.D. Overview

NYU Steinhardt has packed a lot into its fast Online Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation . Over the course of 2 years, you’ll be expected to tackle 17 courses and take part in a week-long immersive residency. This residency is a blend of seminar-style sessions, discussions, exercises, a Master Speaker Series, and project presentations.

Like many universities, NYU has replaced the traditional Ed.D. dissertation with a capstone model. NYU Steinhardt calls this the Problem of Practice (POP) and it expects applicants to have a POP in mind when they apply for the program. Be sure to check out the Problem of Practice (POP) Guide in the Admissions section before you start crafting your application essay.

Fastest Ed.D. Length : 2 Years Credits : 90 Quarter Hours Delivery : 100% Online

Purdue Global’s 2-Year Ed.D. Overview

Purdue Global states that master’s degree candidates can finish its Online Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation in 2 years, although the average for Ed.D. students is 2.5 years. The curriculum is based on quarter hours, not semester hours. So 60 hours of core coursework & dissertation study and 30 hours of electives won’t take as long as you think. For example, each core course is 5 credits.

This is a 100% online doctorate, with multiple start dates throughout the year. Sessions are 10 weeks long; full-time students take 2 courses per session. It’s a degree that can be applied to a wide variety of educational & workplace settings. Have look at the Graduate Catalog to learn more about the structure of the curriculum.

• Online Ed.D. in Education and Leadership (Multiple Concentrations)

Fastest Ed.D. Length : 2 Years Credits : 45 Delivery : 100% Online

Rockhurst’s 2-Year Ed.D. Overview

You can use Rockhurst’s accelerated Online Ed.D. in Education and Leadership to specialize in everything from K-12 Leadership or Higher Education to Health Care Education or Organizational Leadership. All of the concentrations are structured on the same principles: a 6-semester plan of study, a 100% online format, and a capstone project in lieu of a dissertation. There are 2 start dates per year.

Rockhurst has recently become a CPED member, so it has packed its cohort-based program with engaging elements. In addition to the capstone project, you’ll complete a mandatory College Teaching Practicum or Practicum in Organizational Leadership. If you have time, you may also want to add a DEI, STEAM, or Medical Spanish graduate certificate at no extra cost.

• Hybrid Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership

Fastest Ed.D. Length : 2 Years Credits : 60 Delivery : Hybrid

Spalding’s 2-Year Ed.D. Overview

Aspiring public & private sector leaders in Kentucky—here’s a hidden gem from a Catholic university. Spalding’s accelerated Online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership is made up of 10 courses of 6 credits each. You only have to take one course per term in order to finish your doctorate in 2 years. And the program starts in the fall, spring, or summer.

The Graduate Catalog contains more details on the program delivery. All courses are delivered online over 8 weeks with a 2.5-day (22 hour) face-to-face residency. You’ll explore every aspect of organizational leadership before focusing on a capstone project in the last two terms. This capstone can address a problem of practice in your own work or in a partnering organization.

• Hybrid Ed.D. Curriculum
• Hybrid Ed.D. Admissions
• Hybrid Ed.D. Tuition
• Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (PreK-12)
• Online Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership

Fastest Ed.D. Length : Less than 3 Years Credits : 66 Delivery : 100% Online

Union’s 2-Year Ed.D. Overview

The speed of Union’s Online Ed.D. will depend on how many master’s-level credits you can transfer into the program. Full-time students who transfer in 12 credits can complete the Ed.D. in 24 months/2 years. But you may be able to transfer more or less depending on your circumstances. See the section on Transfer Credit Criteria for details.

This 100% online doctorate bases its plan of study on traditional 16-week terms—you can start in the spring, summer, or fall. On a full-time schedule, you might take 3 courses per term for 6 terms and then work on your dissertation in the Term 7. We wanted to note that the curriculum includes an internship in Terms 5 & 6. A virtual residency is also held at the start of each term.

• Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Management

Fastest Ed.D. Length : 2 Years Credits : 52 Delivery : On-Campus (Intensive Weekends; 2 Week-Long Study Trips)

UGA 2-Year Ed.D. Overview

If you’re interested in an accelerated Ed.D. with a global perspective, the Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Management at UGA’s Institute of Higher Education (IHE) is well-worth a look! It’s a fast-track, 2-year program with intensive weekend meetings in Atlanta and two week-long summer experiences in Washington, D.C. and the Netherlands.

There are no electives in this cohort-based doctorate. Instead, the curriculum focuses on core concepts such as organization & governance, college access & success, and policy at the state and federal level. All of this work culminates in a dissertation. The tuition and program fee includes all meals, lodging, books and some international travel, but it does not include travel expenses to and from the program site.

• Executive Ed.D. Curriculum
• Executive Ed.D. Admissions
• Executive Ed.D. Tuition
• Online Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction

Fastest Ed.D. Length : 2 Years Credits : 60 Delivery : 100% Online with Optional Campus Visits

ULM’s 2-Year Ed.D. Overview

Explore ideas around school improvement and instruction with ULM’s convenient Online Ed.D. in Curriculum & Instruction . With a little elbow grease, you can choose from one of 5 start dates and finish this 60-credit doctorate in 2 years. ULM’s program is 100% online, but students are welcome to visit the campus to meet professors in person.

All in all, the program contains 8 core courses, 7 concentration courses, and 15 hours for the capstone. Coursework is split into 8-week sessions and there are 5 sessions per year. So we’re estimating you might end up taking ~2 courses per session (10 courses per year).

Fastest Ed.D. Length : 2 Years Credits : 20 Course Units Delivery : On-Campus (Monthly Course Sessions and 2-Week International Experience)

Penn 2-Year Ed.D. Overview

Aspiring Deans and Presidents take note—the Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education Management at Penn’s Graduate School of Education is designed for seasoned, senior-level professionals. Applicants are expected to have 10+ years of experience. It’s a cohort-based Ed.D. with monthly course sessions and an intriguing global experience that takes place at the beginning of the second year.

The curriculum is a mix of research credits, high flying coursework (e.g. higher education finance, public policy, student and campus services, etc.), faculty roundtables, and dissertation work. Program fees are inclusive of all books, meals, on-campus hotel accommodations, and the majority of costs associated with the international trip. But you will need to budget for extra travel expenses to the program from your home.

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Online Ed.D. in Education and Leadership: Health Care Education

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Leverage your professional health care experience to address the educator shortage and prepare a new generation of health care practitioners in your field.

• 100% online
• 2 years to complete
• 1 capstone project - no dissertation required
• Master’s degree in any field OR completion of 33 graduate credits
• 2 letters of recommendation (professional) 
• Personal statement
• Research statement
• Transcripts from all universities attended   (Evaluations for international transcripts are required. WES and others are accepted.)

Fall 2024 start is closed

Summer 2025 start date: May 27, 2025

• 45 credit hours
• $800 per credit hour
• 6 semesters/2 years
• 2 start dates per year
• DEI or Medical Spanish certificate options available

Online Ed.D. in Education and Leadership: Higher Education

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Transition your career and become an educator at the university level with skills in curriculum design, higher education systems, and modern technologies.

• DEI Certificate option available

Online Ed.D. in Education and Leadership: K-12 Leadership

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Develop your leadership, advocacy and decision-making skills to bring a modern approach to your community’s primary and secondary educational systems.

• Transcripts from all universities attended (Evaluations for international transcripts are required. WES and others are accepted.)
• DEI or STEAM certificate options available

Online Ed.D. in Education and Leadership: Organizational Leadership

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Build a career as a strategic and ethical leader with an influential voice in your industry and inspire others to create meaningful change in your organization.

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Why Rockhurst University Online? 

At Rockhurst University, we focus on learning, leadership, and service in the Jesuit tradition while welcoming students of all faiths. The Jesuit tradition in higher education is more than 450 years old, and Rockhurst University has been part of this heritage since 1910. Our online Ed.D. programs prepare you as an innovative educator to shape the next generation of learners. 

Our Ed.D. in Education and Leadership programs are unique in offering students the flexibility of completing a capstone project rather than a dissertation. Students are able to showcase their expertise in their field or area of interest through applied research. 

Rockhurst University School of Education is a member of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate, which is the knowledge forum on the EdD. It has a membership of over 100 schools of education in the United States, Canada, and New Zealand working collaboratively to improve professional preparation in education at the highest level.

Completing one of Rockhurst’s online Ed.D. programs in Higher Education , Health Care Education , K-12 Leadership or Organizational Leadership will equip you with competitive skills, knowledge and the expertise required to lead or teach at the highest levels in your field.

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5 Versatile Careers in Health Care Education

5 High-Impact Careers in Organizational Leadership

7 High-Level Careers in Higher Education

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Question: Are there any online EdD programs that can be completed in 2 years?

Answer: Yes, there are 2-year EdD programs, but they tend to be in the minority, as most EdD programs take at least three years to complete. Due to the rigor and depth of the doctoral coursework and capstone (i.e. dissertation or applied project) typically required of EdD students, even accelerated track EdD programs tend to take a little over two years of full-time study from start to finish (more for students who pursue their EdD part-time). EdD programs that take approximately 24 months to complete tend to fall into the following categories: 1) accelerated, intensive EdD programs with embedded dissertations, 2) All But Dissertation (ABD) EdD completion programs that are designed for students who have completed all of their coursework through a different EdD program, and 3) EdS to EdD programs that waive some or all of the first year’s classes due to students’ past EdS coursework.

For students who wish to earn their EdD as quickly as possible, it is important to keep in mind that the vast majority of EdD programs take at least three years of full-time study to complete. This is due to the fact that it can be difficult to fit all of the requisite research and advanced practitioner coursework into only two years of study. As mentioned above, EdD programs that take two or fewer years to complete generally fall into one of the following categories:

• Accelerated EdD programs with embedded dissertations
• ABD EdD completion programs
• EdS to EdD programs

Each of these program types is explained in-depth below. Students should note that there are a limited number of online EdD programs that do not require a master’s degree for admission; for these programs, it often takes four to five years (or more) to earn an EdD degree. Most doctoral programs, regardless of the field of study, require at least five years of post-baccalaureate training (either through the doctoral program itself, or through a combination of past master’s-level coursework and doctoral coursework).

Accelerated, Intensive EdD Programs with Embedded Dissertations

Accelerated EdD programs with embedded dissertations can take between 24 and 32 months to complete. These programs tend to be intensive and are either offered fully in-person or online with in-person residencies. EdD programs with embedded dissertations incorporate every step of the dissertation completion process into the curriculum itself, so that even when students are completing content coursework and class assignments, they are also completing elements of their dissertation. Students of EdD programs with embedded dissertations finish their dissertation at approximately the same time that they finish their content coursework for their doctoral degree. This differs significantly from traditional EdD programs, where students complete the majority of their EdD coursework before starting their dissertation, generally during the first two years of their program, and then devote the majority of their third year in the program to work on their dissertation.

Prospective students of these programs should note that, while it may be advertised that a program can take as few as 24 months to complete, this time frame generally assumes a full-time course of study, which may not be feasible for all students (especially those who continue to work while pursuing their degree). As a result, talking with an admissions advisor is always the best way to understand what a realistic timeline-to-completion might look like for a particular student.

Examples of accelerated EdD programs with embedded dissertations include but are not limited to:

• Bradley University’s online EdD in Higher Education Administration is an accelerated program that students can complete in as few as 28 months (seven semesters). This program features five Action Research courses wherein students complete key elements of their dissertation. These Action Research courses are integrated throughout the curriculum, which also includes courses in contemporary learning, educational governance, learning technologies, curricular assessment, financial affairs, and educational policy. Due to the accelerated nature of the program, students are required to take courses year-round, during all three terms of the academic year.
• Maryville University’s online EdD in Higher Education Leadership, while not technically a two-year EdD program, is nevertheless an accelerated program that can be completed in as few as 32 months, and which features an embedded dissertation. Students take courses that are dedicated to each key component of the dissertation, from the proposal to the research and writing process and preparation for their final dissertation defense. In addition, students take courses in reflective leadership, the college student experience, organizational leadership in higher education, data analytics for education leadership, strategic change management, and fostering an academic community. Students also attend two research residencies during their time in the program.
• New York University’s EdD in Leadership and Innovation features mostly online courses with two immersive residency experiences, and can be completed in as few as 24 months of full-time study. Students’ culminating research experience is a Capstone, which is equivalent to an action-research dissertation. Students complete a proposal with faculty support at the end of their first year in the program, and then devote much of their second year to structured coursework that guides them through designing their research study, writing up their research process, and recording, analyzing, and defending their final results. In addition to the dedicated Capstone-related courses interspersed throughout the curriculum, students take courses in organizational leadership theory, partnership development, change management, and data analysis and data ethics.
• University of Pennsylvania’s Executive EdD in Higher Education Management can be completed in as little as two years, with students fulfilling all coursework and dissertation milestones within an intensive, structured environment with high-touch faculty support. Designed for students who are already senior leaders in higher education, this residential program requires students to travel monthly to Philadelphia to take courses on the UPenn campus. Students are also required to attend an immersive international experience in their second year. For the dissertation, students typically select and hone their research question by the end of their first year, and receive support from a faculty committee as they work on their dissertation throughout the subsequent academic year.
• University of Southern California’s Global Executive Doctor of Education is designed for working professionals who want to gain the leadership skills and research-based insight to spearhead, evaluate, and improve education programs and systems at the local, national, and global levels. This hybrid program, which students can complete in about 25 months, features a combination of online classes and nine on-campus, intensive residencies that range from 1-2 weeks in length. Students take classes in creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship; the governance of educational organizations; research for education leadership; education performance and education systems assessment; education policy alternatives; and locating and solving education and performance problems. Students also take research courses that prepare them for their culminating experience, the Dissertation of Practice, wherein they investigate an educational challenge in-field. The Dissertation of Practice is integrated into the curriculum for the program to ensure that students complete their degree in a timely fashion, with robust structure and faculty support.

For more information about EdD programs with embedded dissertations, including sample classes, please refer to our FAQ: What is an embedded dissertation in EdD programs ?

Note : Most EdD programs are designed for working professionals with experience in educational and/or student leadership; therefore, “Executive” programs in educational leadership at the doctoral level are not as common as they are in other subjects, such as master’s level Business Administration programs. Moreover, Executive EdD programs may have similar coursework to other, more traditional EdD programs, especially those in organizational leadership. Finally, programs that are labeled as Executive EdD programs may still be designed to be completed in three years or longer, depending on a program’s curriculum and format.

ABD (All But Dissertation) EdD Completion Programs

ABD EdD completion programs are specifically geared towards students who have completed most or all of their EdD content coursework through another program, but who struggled to complete their dissertation to the point that they have delayed conferral of their degree. ABD programs can often take fewer than two years to complete, but this is due to the fact that students transfer much of their previous EdD course credits to the ABD program, and the coursework students do take within the ABD program is primarily dissertation-focused (with perhaps only a few prerequisite and/or content courses that students take to further hone their area of study).

Both campus-based and online ABD EdD completion programs exist, with online ABD EdD programs being the most convenient option for students who wish to continue working while finishing their doctoral degree. Several examples of All But Dissertation EdD programs are included below:

• Gwynedd Mercy University’s online ABD Doctoral Degree Completion program is designed to take no more than 18 months to complete. Students of this program take dedicated Dissertation Advisement courses, during which they meet with a faculty advisor who helps them through each stage of the dissertation process. Students also take a course on educational research and educational leadership ethics and policies, and three classes in one of the following concentrations: Leadership in PreK-12 Schools and School Districts, Leadership in Higher Education, Leadership in Special Education, and Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. While the program can be completed primarily online, students are required to attend one weekend residency in-person.
• Manhattanville College’s EdD in Educational Leadership, Dissertation Completion Pathway is available in both on-campus and online formats, and can be completed in two or fewer academic years, depending on how many course credits students can transfer from their previous EdD program. Students of the on-campus program join existing cohorts for select classes in areas such as research study design, qualitative and quantitative research methods, writing and literature review support, and intensive dissertation writing. Students of the online program take a set curriculum of courses that include a literature review seminar, a research refresher course, a dedicated dissertation seminar, a proposal writing and strong academic writing seminar, and 9-11 credits of dissertation work under the supervision of their dissertation chair. The online program features once-weekly synchronous classes.
• Bay Path University’s online EdD ABD Completion program with a Specialization in Higher Education Leadership and Organizational Studies features dedicated Dissertation Seminars, a Dissertation Advisement course, and several ABD Dissertation in Practice Community Seminars, all of which give students multilayered support and feedback on their dissertation. This program can be completed in five academic terms, or a little less than two years of study. Students also take courses in action research, visionary leadership, organizational change and development, organizational capacity building, transformational leadership in higher education, and entrepreneurial thinking and practices in higher education. There is also an optional Immersive Weekend experience that students can attend in-person to meet with faculty and peers.
• Alverno College’s online EdD ABD Completion program can be completed in two years of study, and includes several Dissertation Advisory courses that students take in conjunction with courses in responsive leadership and research within educational contexts. Students also take three courses from Alverno College’s EdD’s Teaching and Learning in Higher Education concentration specifically, which includes classes in diversity and inclusion, instructional efficacy, instructional design, and higher education curriculum development and evaluation.

For more information on EdD programs for ABD students, please read our detailed FAQ: Are there Online EdD Programs with an All But Dissertation (ABD) Option ?

Educational Specialist (EdS) Degree to EdD Programs

EdS to EdD programs often take less time to complete compared to traditional EdD programs due to the fact that students who gain admission into these programs have advanced coursework from their EdS degree that they can transfer to their EdD. While there are EdD programs that specifically require an EdS for admission, it is possible that students who have earned an EdS may be able to transfer credits earned in their EdS program to an EdD program, even if the EdD program does not have a dedicated EdS to EdD track. EdS graduates should confirm with their programs of interest to see if any of the credits they earned are eligible to transfer towards an EdD degree, thereby shortening the time it will take to earn their EdD degree.

As with accelerated EdD programs and ABD EdD completion programs, there are both on-campus and online EdS to EdD programs. For students who are interested in maximizing program flexibility so that they can continue to work while they earn their degree, online EdS to EdD programs can be the most suitable option.

Examples of EdS to EdD programs include but are not limited to:

• Northwest Nazarene University’s EdS to EdD in Educational Leadership program enables students with a qualifying EdS degree to transfer most or all of their EdS course credits to their doctoral degree. This program, which can be completed online in as few as 26 months, focuses on preparing students for leadership in K-12 education settings, with courses in advanced qualitative and quantitative research, data analysis, change management, and policy influence and development. Students are also required to attend a two-week residency during which they complete and present their dissertation proposal, and also attend classes in professional and ethical leadership.
• William Carey University’s online EdS to EdD in P-12 Educational Leadership program allows students with a qualifying EdS degree to transfer all of their course credits from that degree to their doctoral program, thereby waiving 30 of the 63 credit hours required for the EdD program (however, students of the EdS to EdD track must complete three prerequisite classes in APA writing, data analysis for program improvement, and inquiry and assessment research). As a result, students with an eligible EdS degree can complete their EdD in as few as six academic terms, or two years of study. This EdS to EdD program features a 15-credit Advanced Leadership Core that trains students in instructional design and evaluation, education data analysis, fostering a positive and inclusive learning culture, school and community advocacy, and conflict mediation.

For more information about EdS to EdD programs, please refer to our FAQ: Are there any online EdS to EdD degree programs ?

Online EdD Programs

Students who are interested in earning their doctorate in education as quickly as possible should note that, while it may be possible to earn an EdD in two years or less, doing so is often a major time commitment, and one that may be disruptive to their existing work and personal life. Though time to completion is an important consideration for educators who are eager to step into a greater leadership role, maintaining a balance between work, life, and school is also crucial in order to gain the most from one’s education.

Moreover, most EdD programs are designed such that students can apply what they are learning directly to their current jobs; therefore, taking more time to complete their degree may allow students to better apply what they are learning to improving educational outcomes in their current place of employment. For all of these reasons, it can be more advantageous to pursue one’s EdD more gradually, and to opt for a program that maximizes time saved on a day-to-day basis by scheduling classes with working professionals in mind, and employing online learning technologies so that students do not need to relocate or commute in order to access quality course content and interact with faculty.

As mentioned previously, many two-year EdD programs, including EdD programs with embedded dissertations, ABD EdD completion programs, and EdS to EdD programs, have online or distance learning options. For students who want to opt for the most efficient route to earning their EdD, these programs can be a strong option. To learn more about online EdD programs, including EdD specialization options , important admissions considerations , the learning technologies these programs typically employ, and sample curricula and courses, please feel free to browse our Directory of online EdD programs , and visit our Resources page for a wealth of featured articles, guides, and FAQs.

Online EdD Program FAQs

• Are there any fully online EdD programs?
• FAQ: Are there any online EdD programs in kinesiology?
• FAQ: Are there any online EdD programs in TESOL and English Language Learning?
• Are there any online EdD programs that do not require a dissertation?
• Are there any online EdD programs that do not require a master’s degree for admission?
• Are there any online EdD programs that do not require the GRE for admission?
• Are there any online EdS to EdD degree programs?
• Are there any schools that offer faith-based EdD programs online?
• Are there online EdD programs with an ABD option?
• How long does it take to complete an online EdD program?
• What is an embedded dissertation in EdD programs?

More From Forbes

Clemson to offer m.s. in computer science via coursera; no application required.

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Clemson University will offer an online M.S. in Computer Science for a total of $20,280 intuition.

Clemson University will partner with Coursera Coursera to offer a fully online Master of Science in Computer Science degree. The announcement was made in a blog release by Marni Baker Stein, chief content cfficer at Coursera , the online learning platform and a pioneer of Massive Open Online Courses (also known as MOOCs),

The program, which will have an artificial intelligence focus, is designed to be both affordable and uniquely accessible.

Instead of having to complete a formal application, students who hold a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college and earn a B average in two introductory Clemson courses through Coursera will be automatically accepted. They will have 20% of the degree already completed.

Tuition for the complete program is set at $20,280 — 35% less than the comparable hybrid program.

“This Master of Science in Computer Science program is timely, industry-relevant and thoughtfully designed to be approachable to learners from many backgrounds, for example those looking for opportunities for mid-career advancement,” said Brian Dean, professor and C. Tycho Howle Director of the Clemson School of Computing, in the release.

“The modern and cutting-edge curriculum ensures that learners can succeed, whether they hold a formal computer science background or whether their computing background comes from prior real-world experience,” Dean added. “We are excited to be able to partner with Coursera to offer this program at Clemson University.”

Enrollment for the new program is scheduled to begin on May 1, 2024, with the first courses beginning in August 2024.

Clemson anticipates that most students will be able to complete the program in 20 to 36 months, preparing them for careers such as software development, information security analysis, and computer research. Students will be able to watch lecture videos at any time while engaging with peers and tenure-track Clemson faculty in live course sessions and office hours.

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The 10-course MSCS program will feature:

• An AI-first curriculum. Five of the 10 courses will be focused on AI.
• An emphasis on ethics. To promote ethical use of AI, students will be taught to examine the implications of each AI system before exploring it further.
• A combination of theory with real-world skills. Students will first learn core software engineering principles before tackling more advanced topics, including deep learning, data science, and data mining.
• A hands-on approach to learning. Students will be expected to complete complex projects in real-world computing environments, enabling them to build a substantial portfolio demonstrating they know how to apply their knowledge.

“We’re honored to partner with Clemson on this affordable, accessible, and incredibly relevant degree,” said Coursera’s Stein. “Together, we’ll educate future technical leaders, who will thoughtfully use AI to solve society’s most pressing challenges and create a positive impact.”

Clemson’s use of a performance-based admission process is an innovation that bears watching. While the use of standardized admissions tests continues to be hotly debated in higher education circles, actual course performance could prove a fairer and easier alternative for making admission decisions, particularly for certain graduate programs.

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Part-Time MPA Programs: Pros and Cons

Examine the differences between full-time, part-time and online mpa programs..

Pursuing a graduate degree usually means a big payoff for your future but it can feel counterintuitive to take off a whole year or two from your career. That’s where part-time degree programs come in. Earning your degree as a part-time student means you can continue to work while you gain relevant skills to move your public sector career forward. But there’s more to it than just avoiding a break in your resume.

The number of students enrolling in part-time degree programs grew 13.5% between the fall of 2019 and fall of 2020. While a number of students likely were pushed to pursue online part-time programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on on-campus learning, many others are simply embracing the opportunity presented by part-time graduate degree programs. Keep reading to take a closer look at the pros and cons of earning your Master of Public Administration part-time.

The Advantages of a Part-Time MPA

Work while you learn.

One of the struggles that looms largest for professionals considering returning to school for a graduate degree is the feeling that taking a break will be giving up the ground they’ve gained in their career. If you’re interested in an MPA and you’re already working in the public sector, you know that resources are often tight at not-for-profit organizations and highly regulated in governmental agencies. Those types of organizations often can’t hold positions while their employees take time off. Further, you may really love what you do and not want to leave in the middle of certain projects or give up spending time with coworkers and getting satisfaction from your work.

Fortunately, many universities now offer part-time programs online that are designed for working professionals. These programs allow for the coupled goals of keeping a job and gaining an education that will fuel career advancement. Although splitting your time may initially feel like you’re making a compromise, working while pursuing a degree actually has a lot of benefits.

Maintain a Paycheck

Of course, the number one benefit of working while in school is that you can maintain an income. Whether you cut back on working hours or rearrange your schedule or don’t have to change anything about your work, is up to you and your employer. In any case, having a consistent paycheck while you earn your degree will certainly provide you with peace-of-mind and might help minimize the amount of scholarship funds or loans you have to seek out while you earn your degree.

Seek Tuition Assistance

Along with using your income to cover tuition costs, another benefit to keeping a job while you’re in school is the opportunity to receive tuition assistance. Tuition assistance programs are a type of benefit offered at some companies in which an employer reimburses employees for the costs associated with continuing education. 2 In 2019, one research firm found that 56 percent of employers offered undergraduate or graduate school tuition assistance to their employees, 3 so it’s definitely worth asking your human resources or benefits department if that’s something available to you. If you’re pursuing an MPA degree to increase your skills and improve outcomes at your organization, you have an even better argument for your employer to aid you in your academic pursuit. While it’s unlikely that your employer will cover your entire tuition, any little bit helps. You can also consider negotiating an agreement to receive a raise once you’ve completed your MPA program.

Gain Immediately Applicable, Relevant Skills

The nature of MPA programs is to provide courses that will make you a more competent public sector professional. MPA curricula are often made up of more practical skills courses than theoretical ones. This means that as you progress through your program and learn things like public personnel administration, budgeting and financial management, nonprofit law and other skills, you’ll be able to turn around and bring those into work with you. Pursuing a part-time MPA and maintaining your career could lead to an improvement in your work and could even help you earn a raise or a new title before you graduate. If you’re looking to change careers or organizations, working while you’re in school will give you a solid opportunity to practice your new skills and add experiences to your resume.

Contribute to a Positive Cohort Experience

One selfless reason to consider a part-time MPA degree is that professionals who are actively working tend to have a positive impact on their peers. Class discussions are livelier, more in-depth, and offer better insights when a diverse group of students are involved. The experiences you bring from your job could help better illustrate a lesson or you could even potentially get assistance from your instructors and peers about any challenges you’re facing at work that relate to the coursework. Keeping your job while pursuing a graduate degree can really give you and your peers a more well-rounded perspective on the field. Further, a cohort of current and future public administration professionals is a perfect opportunity to network with like-minded individuals.

Embrace the Opportunities of Flexibility

Contributing to the number of students choosing to pursue part-time MPA programs rather than full-time degrees is the availability of online NASPAA-accredited programs. Online degrees offer additional flexibility to part-time students because it means you can take classes from anywhere. While there are still due dates and occasional mandatory class meetings or testing times, in some online programs, you can even complete assignments and learning modules at whatever time works best for you. That means you don’t have to worry about days when you end up working late or missing important work meetings.

The Challenges of a Part-Time Graduate Degree

Spend more time completing your degree.

Naturally, the biggest potential downside to a part-time MPA program is that it will take you longer to complete the course and graduate. Generally, students need 36 credits to graduate with an MPA. Depending on the number of courses that are available each semester, you might be able to complete an MPA in about one year full-time, but many programs will take longer.

Juggle More Responsibilities

While part-time and online MPA programs do offer a lot of flexibility, you’ll need to be organized enough to handle your various responsibilities. Some people love that they’re able to go to work, take care of their kids and go to school at the same time. But others feel that adding one more thing to their to-do list could put them overboard. A part-time degree program definitely isn’t for everyone, but if you’re interested in it, make sure you have some plans in place for how you’ll manage your time.

Miss Some On-Campus Experiences

Another oft-cited concern from students completing part-time programs is that they’ll miss out on the experiences of full-time students like graduate conferences, on-campus events or office hours. While it’s true that you might miss some of the spontaneity of a university campus, you also won’t have to deal with commuting, parking, packing food, or other additional campus challenges and expenses. Plus, when it comes to online programs, they’re often a lot more collaborative than you may think. Many universities offer robust online learning management systems that include chat features and the ability for professors to hold virtual office hours on video conferencing platforms.

Earn your MPA Online in as Few as Twenty-Four Months

When you break down the pros and cons, it’s clear that a part-time MPA program offers quite a few advantages. The Kent State University online Master in Public Administration offers an accredited, comprehensive public administration curriculum online and part-time for working professionals looking to advance their careers. If you think the program is right for you, apply today.

Sources 1. Retrieved on January 11, 2022, from insidehighered.com/news/2021/10/18/graduate-enrollment-grew-2020-despite-pandemic 2. Retrieved on January 11, 2022, from inc.com/encyclopedia/tuition-assistance-programs.html 3. Retrieved on January 11, 2022, from statista.com/statistics/554081/percent-of-us-employers-offering-education-benefits/