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Best 18-Month Doctorate without Dissertation Programs

A PhD  helps you advance your career and secure senior leadership positions. However, if you’re a busy working professional struggling to manage your family, work, and personal commitments, full-time enrollment with dissertation requirements might not be an option. Most PhDs take 3-7 years to complete, with lots of time spent on dissertations.

But what if you could study a PhD without dissertation requirements or lengthy durations?

Sure, online PhD programs  offer more flexibility; however, you’ll still spend years studying.

Luckily, many schools offer 18-month doctorate without dissertation programs that you can complete in record time, often while studying online on your own schedule. Does that mean you can find the easiest PhD without dissertation requirements? Let’s find out.

Here are some of the top universities and no-dissertation PhD programs you can finish in just 18 months or a little more.

Table of Contents

Top 18-month Doctorate without Dissertation Programs

We’ve separated our list of doctorate degrees without dissertation into a few categories: education, nursing, physical therapy, and business management.

Walden University

PhD in Education (P-20 Education)

Walden University is known for offering research doctorates to African-American students and has many flexible options in various disciplines to extend education to everyone. This flexible PhD without dissertation requirements is a fabulous education program where you can design your study based on your interests.

• Courses:  Leading the future of education, governance & politics of education, and learning experiences in supportive environments.
• Credits:  86
• Delivery:  Online
• Tuition: $692 per quarter hour
• Financial aid:  Grants, education assistance, and loans.
• Acceptance rate:  100%
• Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Nebraska Methodist College

Online Doctorate in Education & Leadership in Healthcare

Nebraska Methodist College is one of the country’s most famous allied healthcare colleges and offers more than 40 healthcare and education programs online and on-campus. You don’t need to complete a dissertation or submit GRE scores to apply for this doctoral degree online; no dissertation. You can also balance your studies with other parts of your life by choosing between part-time or full-time options.

• Courses: Information technology in healthcare & education, legal & ethical issues in organizations, and healthcare policy.
• Duration: 24 months
• Cost per credit hour : $817
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and loans.
• Acceptance rate:  92%
• Location:  Omaha, Nebraska

Nova Southeastern University, College of Education & School of Criminal Justice

EdD – Educational Leadership

Nova Southeastern University is a nationally renowned private institution that embraces social mobility and diversity. The institution offers an EdD that doesn’t require a dissertation. Instead, you’ll need to complete a Strategic Research Project (SRP) amounting to 12 credits.

• Courses: Leadership, communication, & technology, legal & ethical issues in educational leadership, and leading an educational organization.
• Credits:  55
• Delivery:  On-campus
• Tuition : $1,505 per credit
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, employer assistance, and veteran benefits.
• Acceptance rate:  76%
• Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Maryville University

Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

Maryville University is renowned for innovative and comprehensive education, using advanced technology to deliver distance learning programs across a range of disciplines. If you are a working nursing professional, this doctoral degree without dissertation requirements will qualify you to reach the highest levels of nursing leadership.

• Courses:  Principles of epidemiology & biostatistics, ethics for advanced nursing practice, and professional role development.
• Credits:  33
• Duration:  20 months
• Delivery: Online
• Tuition : $813 per credit
• Financial aid: Scholarships, grants, and employer assistance.
• Acceptance rate: 95%
• Location:  St. Louis, Missouri

Monmouth University

Online DNP Program

Monmouth University has a low student-faculty ratio and believes in immersive learning experiences beyond the classroom. This DNP doctoral program without dissertation requirements helps students analyze evidence to improve clinical policies and practices.

• Courses: Translating evidence to clinical practice, organizational leadership in healthcare, and health care economics and financial management.
• Credits:  36
• Tuition :  $1,348 per credit hour
• Acceptance rate: 79%
• Location:  West Long Branch, New Jersey

Bay Path University

Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse

Bay Path University is a non-profit institution that offers a range of opportunities for lifelong learning, especially for women. This DNP program seeks to prepare nursing professionals with modern evidence-based knowledge to handle advanced nursing practitioner roles, especially in the family health sphere. You can complete this online doctorate (no dissertation) at your own pace.

• Courses:  Managing healthcare delivery systems, healthcare informatics, and biostatistics & epidemiology.
• Tuition : $995 per credit
• Financial aid: Federal loans and private loans.
• Acceptance rate: 78%
• Location:  Longmeadow, Massachusetts

Physical Therapy

The university of north carolina at chapel hill, school of medicine.

Transitional Doctorate in Physical Therapy

The University of North Carolina is ranked #5  for research among public universities and has two Nobel laureates. This non-thesis PhD helps licensed physical therapists gain advanced knowledge and skills in their area of practice. Additionally, physical therapists earn a median salary of $91,010, making this program one of the highest-paid PhDs . Balance familial and work responsibilities easily as you complete this doctorate degree online (no dissertation).

• Courses: Advanced patient management, advanced neuromuscular intervention, and advanced practice issues.
• Credits: 27
• Tuition :  $902 per credit
• Financial aid: Scholarships, loans, and employee benefits.
• Acceptance rate: 25%
• Location: North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Gannon University

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate

Gannon University is a private Christian institution with a low student-faculty ratio that offers various online programs. This is one of few occupational therapy doctorate degrees without dissertations that help physical therapy professionals translate knowledge from cross-disciplinary theories and research into practice, enabling them to grow beyond a therapist-clinician role.

• Courses:  Applied research in clinical practice, advanced leadership & ethics, and entrepreneurship for the IT professional.
• Credits:  34
• Duration:  2 years
• Tuition :  $770 per credit
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, grants, loans, and veteran benefits.
• Acceptance rate:  79%
• Location:  Erie, Pennsylvania

Business Management

Capella university.

Doctor of Business Administration in Strategy & Innovation

Capella University is a private institution that strives to extend education to all by offering programs that fit with busy routines. As a result, many of its programs are highly flexible, allowing you to finish at your own pace. The institution also makes it easy to manage study costs by only requiring payment for 12 weeks instead of per credit. This doctorate without dissertation offers two streams: the GuidedPath, where you have a pre-fixed curriculum structure, and FlexPath, where you can modify the structure and complete the program according to your pace and convenience.

• Courses:  Effective organizational leadership, strategic decision making, and teaching business in higher education.
• Credits:  45
• Tuition : $545 – $810
• Financial aid: Grants, scholarships, loans, and military benefits.
• Location:  Minneapolis, Minnesota

Liberty University

Online Doctor of Business Administration

Liberty University has been named one of the top 5  online universities and is known for its quality, accessibility, and affordability. This flexible DBA program allows you to specialize in one of a range of business areas, from international business to healthcare management. No dissertation is required for this doctorate degree online.

• Courses:  Strategic allocation of financial resources, marketing for competitive advantage, and quantitative research methods.
• Credits:  60
• Tuition:  $595 per credit
• Financial aid:  Scholarships, grants, loans, and military benefits.
• Acceptance rate: 50%
• Location: Lynchburg, Virginia

What Is a Dissertation and How Does it Work?

A dissertation, sometimes called a thesis, involves conducting research before writing a final report to summarize the research’s findings. It is a fundamental requirement of many graduate programs, especially doctorates, and allows students to develop advanced research, writing, and analytical skills. If a panel approves your dissertation, it will become a part of the field’s current body of knowledge.

The student may choose the topic independently or in consultation with an advisor. In some cases, students can collaborate with faculty members to conduct research. Once complete, the university evaluates the dissertation, and their assessment often decides whether the candidate achieves their PhD .

Why Do So Many Programs Require Dissertations?

A dissertation is usually the most involved and longest-running assignment you need to complete as part of a graduate program. Many schools include a dissertation in the program to develop and test students’ research abilities and set them up for careers in academia.

However, some universities offer graduate programs that don’t require a dissertation. Instead, these programs involve additional research-oriented courses for the students to make up their credits.

Ranking Methodology for 18-month Doctorate without Dissertation Programs

We put together the above list of universities and doctorate programs across various disciplines based on their requirements for a dissertation and the total duration of the program. Of course, we gave preference to 18-month programs, but we also included some slightly longer programs.

Most programs don’t require any dissertation at all, while some require fair research activity for satisfactory completion. We ranked the programs based on accessibility, delivery mode, courses, faculty, and school reputation.

Key Takeaways

While most doctorate programs include a mandatory dissertation, several universities now offer no-dissertation programs. These are ideal for working students who may not be able to attend full-time, on-campus programs involving extensive research that can take years to complete.

But you might wonder whether an 18-month doctorate without dissertation status is still valuable. The good news is that it is — a doctorate without a dissertation is nonetheless a respected advanced degree that can significantly boost your career and secure well-paid, senior positions in the field of your choice.

Looking for other ways to speed up your post-graduate education?

Explore the Best 1-Year PhD Online Programs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get a doctorate without doing a dissertation.

Yes. Many universities offer doctorate programs that don’t require a dissertation at all. Review the ones we’ve listed in this article for more information.

What Is a Doctorate Without a Dissertation Called?

There’s no particular term for doctorates without dissertations. Instead, they’re simply known as PhDs, EdDs, DNPs, or doctorate degrees. However, some institutions call them “no-dissertation programs” on their official websites.

Is a Dissertation Required for a PhD?

At many universities, a dissertation is an important and indispensable part of a PhD curriculum. However, some universities offer doctorate programs that don’t require a dissertation or thesis for completion. This can be a good option if you’re uninterested in research, don’t wish to work in academia, or are looking for an accelerated option.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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The Big List of No GRE Online PhD Degrees

The GRE test measures analytical reasoning, quantitative abilities, and verbal reasoning. For some, the standardized test acts as a barrier between them and graduate school. Many online Ph.D. programs require GRE scores for admission, but prospective students can also find schools offering options for an online Ph.D. with no GRE requirement.

Many fields, including business, education, psychology, and public health, make GRE scores optional or waive requirements for qualifying students. Other programs simply do not require the GRE test at all.

This article introduces the GRE exam, looks at the differences between the GMAT and GRE, and lists programs that often do not require the GRE.

Featured Online Programs

Top 10 no gre ph.d. programs, what is the gre, and who needs to take it.

The GRE general test measures graduate-level skills for students pursuing degrees in the liberal arts, business, and law, among other fields. Many master’s and doctoral programs call for GRE scores as part of their admissions process. Some even set minimum GRE score requirements for admission.

The test includes three sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. These sections test students’ ability to analyze data, draw inferences from passages, and solve problems. Students also demonstrate their critical thinking and analytical abilities on the written portion of the exam.

Test-takers complete six total sections over the course of three hours and 45 minutes. Each section takes 30-35 minutes, including a potential unscored or research section.

The GRE uses an adaptive design and is administered digitally. During the exam, test-takers can skip and return to questions or change their answers within the section. They can also use a calculator during the quantitative reasoning section. GRE scores range from 260-340, with an average score of around 300.

It costs $205 to take the GRE and scores remain valid for five years. In addition to the general test, the GRE also offers subject tests in biology, chemistry, literature, mathematics, physics, and psychology.

The GRE vs. GMAT

Most business schools accept either the GRE or the GMAT. As a result, prospective business graduate students must decide which test best fits their needs.

The GRE and GMAT overlap in several areas. Both tests take a little over three hours, and both test students on their verbal and quantitative skills. They also both include analytical writing sections. The GRE costs $205, while the GMAT costs $250. In both cases, test scores remain valid for five years.

However, the two exams do differ in format and content. The GMAT includes an integrated reasoning section, which leans heavily on graphic data analysis, while the GRE sets a higher bar for vocabulary. In general, the GRE has a reputation for asking tougher questions on the verbal section, while the GMAT asks harder quantitative questions.

The tests use different scoring methods, as well. GRE test-takers receive score on their verbal and quantitative reasoning sections ranging from 130-170, with a separate score in analytical writing. GMAT scores range from 200-800, with most test-takers receiving scores between 400 and 600.

Reasons to Choose a No GRE Ph.D.

Many doctoral programs do not look at GRE scores to evaluate potential students. In some fields, standardized tests do not closely predict performance in graduate school. Other fields rely more heavily on experience versus test performance.

A growing number of schools no longer rely heavily on standardized tests during the admissions process. For example, more than 50 colleges and universities have dropped their ACT or SAT requirement for 2021 admissions.

“A growing number of schools no longer rely heavily on standardized tests during the admissions process.”

Some students choose an online Ph.D. with no GRE requirement because they simply do not perform well on standardized tests. With less pressure to perform on the GRE, prospective students can spend more time on other parts of their application.

Taking the GRE requires a significant investment. Many test-takers spend weeks or months studying for the test, and skipping the GRE appeals to busy students and working professionals. Opting out of the GRE also saves students $205, plus the cost of prep materials, which can easily run over $1,000.

Finally, doctoral programs that do not require the GRE tend to emphasize academic and professional training over test scores.

Finding Test Optional Colleges

Before signing up for the test, prospective students should carefully consider whether they want to put in the time and energy to take the GRE. If you decide not to take the GRE, it’s time to start researching Ph.D. programs that do not require it.

How can you find Ph.D. programs with no GRE requirement? Prospective students should start their search early. Fortunately, many schools post their admission requirements online.

“…many programs that waive the GRE requirement require additional materials during the admissions process.”

However, many programs that waive the GRE requirement require additional materials during the admissions process. Some programs waive the GRE for students with a minimum GPA or a master’s degree in the field. In certain fields, like education, applicants with significant experience do not need to provide GRE scores. Other programs make the GRE optional for all students.

Prospective doctoral students should spend time researching programs before submitting an application Looking into GRE requirements during the research process can help students narrow their options.

Top Online No GRE Ph.D. Degrees

Many programs offer an online Ph.D. with no GRE requirement. This section covers the major fields that commonly offer a no-GRE Ph.D. option.

In business, doctoral students can pursue a doctor of business administration (DBA) or a Ph.D. Both degrees emphasize research and require a dissertation, but the DBA generally focuses on applied business while the Ph.D. focuses on theory.

Many doctoral programs in business do not require GRE scores. However, some may require GMAT scores or an MBA degree to enter the program.

Computer Science

Earning a Ph.D. in computer science prepares graduates for leading roles in the tech industry. During a doctoral program, students study current and emerging areas of research, conduct interdisciplinary research, and develop new technologies.

While some computer science doctoral programs require the GRE, a growing number no longer ask for it as part of the application package. Many programs do require a master’s degree in computer science or a closely related field for admission.

Counseling/Psychology

The fields of counseling and psychology often require a doctorate. In a doctoral program, graduate students strengthen their analytical stills and learn to help patients cope with their environments. The degree meets the requirements for a counseling or psychology license.

Many Ph.D. programs in counseling and psychology do not require GRE scores for admission. Instead, applicants may need a master’s degree, clinical experience, and letters of recommendation.

Criminal Justice

A Ph.D. in criminal justice prepares graduates for leadership roles in the field. Doctoral students learn about criminal justice theory, administration, and the criminal justice system in practice. Depending on their focus area, students may specialize in criminal behavior, leadership theory, or homeland security.

Many criminal justice programs that offer an online Ph.D. offer a no GRE admission option. Some programs may set minimum experience requirements or waive the GRE requirement for candidates with a master’s degree.

In education, doctoral students can pursue a Ph.D. or an Ed.D. The Ph.D. is a research-focused option that leads to careers in research and academia. The practice-focused Ed.D. prepares graduates for leadership positions in educational organizations.

Education Ed.D. and Ph.D. programs without GRE requirements may expect applicants to show several years of teaching experience and a master’s degree. In particular, Ed.D. programs appeal to experienced educators.

Environmental Studies

A doctorate in environmental studies blends research and practice in an interdisciplinary field. Doctoral students conduct research in a variety of areas, designing their coursework around their focus. The degree trains students for research, academic, and policy roles.

Environmental studies Ph.D. programs with no GRE requirement may require supplemental materials, such as work experience, a master’s degree, and letters of recommendation. Most programs also set prerequisite coursework in the sciences.

In the healthcare field, doctoral students can specialize in healthcare management, healthcare administration, and healthcare economics. By bridging healthcare and business, the degree appeals to students with a variety of backgrounds. After completing a doctorate, graduates work in healthcare administration or research, including academic positions.

Many Ph.D. programs in healthcare do not require the GRE. Applicants may need to show experience in healthcare or business and hold a master’s degree in a related field.

Public Health

A doctorate in public health emphasizes research and field experience from a multidisciplinary perspective. The degree prepares graduates for academic and research roles in the field. Many programs offer specializations in areas like epidemiology, global health, and health services.

Applicants pursuing a public health doctorate often do not need to submit GRE scores. However, a Ph.D. in public health with no GRE requirement may need several years of work experience in the field.

A Ph.D. in theology prepares graduates for teaching roles in seminaries, colleges, and universities. Doctoral programs emphasize theological teaching and research. Students typically concentrate their training in an area like practical theology, the New Testament, or systematic theology.

Many Ph.D. programs in theology do not require a GRE. Applicants may need to hold a master’s degree in theology and provide letters of recommendation.

Top No GRE Ph.D. Online Degrees

1. baker university.

Located in Baldwin City, Kansas, Baker University’s students often find high-paying positions in their field. The storied university boasts a close connection with the United Methodist Church, though religious courses are not required for online Ph.D. students.

BU offers several online Ph.D. no GRE programs through its School of Education. Students can choose from a doctor of education in educational leadership, leadership in higher education, or instructional design and performance. All three options take as little as 59 credit hours and three years to complete, depending on the student’s previous education and career goals.

While BU does not set GRE requirements, applicants must hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.5 GPA.

2. Ball State University

One of Indiana’s leading public schools, Ball State University boasts one of the lowest tuition rates in the region, particularly for students who qualify for in-state tuition. Despite the university’s low cost, Ball State maintains a low 16-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio that extends to its online programs.

Instead of offering an online Ph.D. with no GRE requirements, Ball State hosts three Ed.D. and one Ed.S. degrees in a hybrid format. The three Ed.D. options in adult and community education, educational administration and supervision, and special education all primarily use online courses. Each degree requires around 90 credits to complete, though the university only requires students to complete half of the credits at Ball State.

Ball State charges a per-credit tuition rate for its online doctoral degree with no GRE, though most students receive some form of financial aid.

3. Bradley University

A mid-sized school, Bradley University offers an array of programs at every level. The university provides a quality education to its nearly 6,000 students in the greater Illinois area.

Bradley offers some programs doctoral programs online that do not require GRE scores, including a doctor of education in higher education administration. This program takes as few as seven months to complete, and students can finish the entire program online. Courses include doctoral research requirements and internships. Learners also select a focus in higher education leadership or community college leadership, each of which leads to specific career outcomes as postsecondary educators, administrators, or leaders.

Graduate students must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants also submit a short essay, a professional resume, and two letters of recommendation.

4. Concordia University-Irvine

A Lutheran school located in the Southern California city of Irvine, Concordia University-Irvine extends beyond its prime location with its online programs. Those interested in an online doctoral degree without GRE requirements can consider the doctor of education in leadership .

The Ed.D. in leadership requires 46 credits and takes three years to complete. Learners select a specialization in educational administration, organizational change, or special education. The program takes place entirely online in both synchronous and asynchronous formats, though learners can complete the degree in a hybrid format. CUI requires some fieldwork experience, which includes travel to education sites.

While students do not submit GRE scores, CUI does require a transcript proving a master’s in education, a current resume, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of intent. CUI charges a per-credit tuition rate to all online learners.

5. Concordia University-Saint Paul

Based in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, Concordia University-Saint Paul provides an affordable Christian education both on campus and online. CSP graduates regularly enjoy successful careers with nonprofits, large businesses, or entrepreneurial startups.

None of CSP’s online graduate programs require GRE scores, so students interested in the online doctorate in education can focus on other application requirements. The online Ed.D. uses a combination of synchronous and asynchronous courses and utilizes a cohort system. Learners complete 17 courses with 64 credits, with courses delivered in an accelerated, seven-week format.

Online learners must commute to the St. Paul campus for doctoral residencies on two occasions. CSP also assigns students a leadership coach to mentor learners throughout the program. Graduates of the doctorate in education go on to various leadership positions with public and private schools, nonprofits, and government organizations.

6. Creighton University

Omaha-based Creighton University is a Catholic institution and one of the top private schools in the region. Creighton offers some of the best graduate-level online programs. The Ph.D. options set no GRE requirements.

Students choose from six online doctoral degree options . Credit requirements range from 54-143 depending on the degree, and all options require at least some on-campus study. For example, the business administration doctoral program is offered in a hybrid format while the interdisciplinary leadership education degree is online, with some on-campus residency requirements.

Creighton’s online doctoral degrees use rolling admissions. Applicants must demonstrate professional experience in the desired field of study and submit a resume, two letters of recommendation, two essays, and previous college transcripts.

7. Endicott College

Located near Boston, on the water in Beverly, Massachusetts, Endicott College teaches over 5,000 students. Endicott focuses on preparing its graduates for specific careers and provides flexible learning options for busy students.

The college offers four doctoral programs online , including several no GRE Ph.D. programs. The degrees take as few as three years to complete, though many learners study part time and take longer to finish their programs. Endicott’s general doctoral admission requirements include a current resume, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts. Some programs may require additional admission materials. Each doctoral program uses synchronous online courses along with some onsite clinical experience in Beverly.

All of Endicott’s online doctoral degrees use cohort groups of 15-20 students to build teamwork skills and connect students with one another. Busy adult learners can take advantage of Endicott’s accelerated one-week courses during the summer.

8. George Washington University

Located in the nation’s capital, George Washington University attracts learners from across the world and transforms students into leaders. GW boasts an impressive list of alumni, and the school’s extensive alumni network helps new graduates find positions within their fields.

Learners choose from an array of online doctoral programs , including Ph.D. no GRE options. Most of GW’s online options are in nursing and health science, though the university does offer doctoral degrees in systems engineering, engineering management, and occupational therapy. Each program sets different graduation requirements; for example, the Ph.D. in systems engineering requires 54 credits split between class-based courses and dissertation research. The program uses synchronous online courses, with the dissertation research being self-paced.

Applicants should hold a bachelor’s and master’s degree related to their field of study. GW requires a current resume and a minimum 3.5 GPA on previous college transcripts.

9. Georgia College & State University

Founded in 1889 as a women’s educational center, Georgia College now serves as a public liberal arts college. Located in Milledgeville, Georgia College provides students with a college town atmosphere just a short drive from Atlanta.

Georgia College applicants looking for Ph.D. programs with no GRE requirement can enroll in the nursing DNP . This online post-master’s program that takes just five semesters to complete. The program requires 37 credits, and aside from a one-week immersion experience, is delivered entirely online. Learners enter the online DNP once per year in the fall and enjoy a cohort system. Students can anticipate synchronous online courses.

While applicants do not submit GRE scores, the nursing DNP program does require an active RN license, verification of a completed MSN program, and several years of work experience as a nurse. Applicants also submit three letters of recommendation, a resume, previous college transcripts, and a statement of professional goals.

10. Gonzaga University

Located in Spokane, Washington, Gonzaga University provides students with a private, Jesuit education. The university continues to add new programs, and in recent years Gonzaga has begun offering some degrees entirely online.

Gonzaga only offers one online program for students looking for Ph.D. programs with no GRE: advanced nursing . The program offers incredible flexibility, delivering all courses online and providing students with online support six days a week. The program takes most students two years to complete. Learners must complete two immersions onsite in Spokane and 1,000 hours of practicum experience. Graduates of the program find leadership positions in healthcare systems.

As a post-master’s program, the DNP requires applicants first earn an MSN in nursing and hold an active RN license. Applicants also submit a resume, letters of recommendation, and previous transcripts.

11. Lewis University

Lewis University, a private, Catholic school based just southwest of Chicago, ranks among the best-valued private schools in the region. The midsized school teaches over 6,400 students.

The university offers 17 different programs entirely online , though only one option leads to a doctoral degree: the nursing DNP. This 30-credit program comes entirely online. Students must, however, complete at least 1000 residency hours and two one-day immersions onsite in Romeoville, Illinois. Most learners complete the program in two years, and Lewis arranges various forms of tuition assistance, including assistantships, employer discounts, and Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders discounts.

While Lewis sets no GRE requirements for the program, applicants must first complete their MSN at an accredited school and hold a current RN license. Applicants also submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a 500-word personal essay.

12. Maryville University of Saint Louis

While based in Saint Louis, Maryville University is a prominent online school, with over half of its 10,200 students learning online. The university offers most of its programs entirely online, including several no GRE doctoral programs.

Students interested in completing a doctoral degree online can choose the doctor of education in higher education leadership. The program utilizes a cohort system, keeping students on track while connecting them with fellow learners. While the program requires a residency, Maryville allows students to finish their residency entirely online. Full-time students in the education leadership program graduate in as few as 32 months.

To help learners achieve their goals, Maryville pairs students with a personal mentor. Maryville also lets students complete their coursework and dissertation research at the same time, making this program faster to complete than others.

13. Mount Carmel College of Nursing

Founded in 1903, Mount Carmel College of Nursing offers a Catholic-rooted education to nursing students at all levels. With locations in Columbus and Lancaster, Ohio, and several options online, MCCN helps nurses across the nation achieve their career goals.

MCCN offers one online doctoral degree option : a DNP. Learners select a track in clinical practice or executive leadership. MCCN allows students to specialize even further through specializations in clinical practice, healthcare, or academic nursing. All courses in the program come online, and graduates qualify for the national EBP certification. Full-time students finish the program in just 18 months.

This program does not require GRE scores, though applicants should hold an active RN license in Ohio before applying. Application requires a resume, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and an interview. MCCN charges a flat per-credit tuition fee for all courses in the program.

14. Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health

A private healthcare college based in Omaha, Nebraska Methodist College educates just over 1,100 learners. NMC takes a holistic approach to nursing and healthcare, teaching students to become effective community leaders.

Doctoral students looking to avoid the GRE can choose between two of NMC’s online options : education and leadership in healthcare or public health policy. Both programs use online classes designed to give learners maximum flexibility. Full-time students finish either option in just 24 months. Along with not setting any GRE requirements, NMC does not require students to complete a dissertation for either program.

Both doctoral options require applicants to first earn a master’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, preferably in a healthcare field. Other application requirements include a resume, admissions essay, and potentially an interview.

15. Quinnipiac University

Quinnipiac University embraced online learning in 2001, helping students complete coursework without commuting to campus. The university has built on that experience and now offers a robust collection of online degrees.

Both online doctoral degrees offered by Quinnipiac — the DNP and occupational therapy doctorate — do not require any GRE scores. However, they only accept current licensed professionals in their fields who hold a master’s degree. Learners complete at least 30 credits to finish the doctoral programs. Specific requirements depend on previous credits earned. All courses are offered online, with students earning clinical experience onsite at a location of their choice. Some learners study near Quinnipiac’s campus in Hamden, Connecticut.

Applicants must complete at least 1,000 hours of fieldwork — some of which can come from applicants’ master’s degrees — and submit a current resume. Other requirements include a current license, transcripts, and a personal statement.

16. Regis College

Founded in 1927, Regis College offers a Catholic-based education to 3,000 students both online and at its Boston campus. The college offers online programs meant to prepare students for in-demand careers in fields like healthcare, education, and business.

Regis’ online DNP sets no GRE requirements and gives students four tracks of study to choose from: an MSN-to-DNP with a specialization, a second specialization route, a doctorate online, and an MSN-DNP bridge option. All four use online courses, though specializations require learners to earn clinical experience onsite at healthcare facilities. Some specialization options include pediatrics, nurse education, and psychiatric mental health.

DNP students usually graduate in 24-36 months, though Regis allows learners to take up to 44 months to complete the degree. Regis also accepts transfer credits from other regionally accredited institutions. Applicants must submit college transcripts, a resume, two professional essays, and two letters of recommendation.

17. Regis University

A Jesuit university located in Denver, Colorado, Regis University serves as one of the top private schools in the region. Regis combines Catholic values with education, emphasizing service-based learning, and the importance of helping the global community.

The university offers two online doctoral degrees with no GRE requirements: a DNP and a doctor of occupational therapy. The DNP takes 31-36 credits to complete, and Regis charges the same per-credit rate to part- and full-time learners. The school offers specializations in advanced leadership in healthcare and advanced practice registered nursing. Specific graduation requirements vary depending on the specialization. Regis works with Creighton University for the doctor of occupational therapy, and learners apply for the program through Creighton.

Applicants for both programs should first complete a master’s degree, gain ample professional experience, and hold a current license in their field. Other requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA and a background check.

18. The College of Saint Scholastica

With online options and locations across Minnesota, the College of Saint Scholastica provides students plenty of ways to earn a degree. In fact, graduate learners make up over one-third of the total student body.

Those looking to earn an online Ph.D. with no GRE requirements enroll in the transitional doctor of physical therapy. This innovative program offers options for foreign-trained physical therapists, and nearly 25% of CSS’ online doctoral students come from abroad. The doctor of physical therapy only requires 16 credits spread over just six courses, and students complete everything online. CSS charges a flat tuition rate for the entire program, so part-time learners do not pay more.

Applicants must first hold a master’s degree in physical therapy and earn professional experience. Next, applicants submit a personal essay and previous college transcripts.

19. Thomas Edison State University

Located in Trenton, New Jersey, Thomas Edison State University began as a school designed specifically for working adults. Today, the public school continues to offer quality programs to learners of all ages.

TESU offers a doctor of nursing practice and doctor of business administration, both of which come entirely online and set no GRE requirements. The programs use a cohort system, and learners receive one-on-one mentorship from TESU leadership. The 48-credit business administration degree comes with specialization in organizational leadership, human resource management, or general management. Students complete the program in as few as 32 months. The DNP takes just 18 months to complete full-time, and TESU accepts some transfer credits for the program.

Both doctoral degrees require learners to hold a master’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA in a related field. Other application requirements include personal essays, transcripts, professional experience, and an interview with TESU faculty.

20. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign educates thousands of students on campus and online. The school currently offers over 90 programs entirely online, and students from around the world complete courses.

U of I offers eight doctoral programs online , including a doctoral human resource development program. This 64-credit Ph.D. with no GRE requirements teaches the skills necessary to become leaders within their organizations. Designed for current HR professionals, the degree includes some onsite training and development. However, the vast majority of course materials are offered online.

Application requirements vary by program, but all eight online doctoral degrees require some professional experience, and most only accept applicants with a master’s degree in a related field.

21. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is the largest university in ND with over 13,500 students enrolled. UND boasts some of the lowest in-state tuition rates in the nation, and classes average just 24 students each.

Students choose from 12 different online doctoral programs , and those include Ph.D. with no GRE options. For example, the Ph.D. in Indigenous studies does not require GRE scores, though applicants should hold a master’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. The program requires 60 credits and takes three years to complete. Students can take every course in the program online.

Other online doctoral options at UND with no GRE requirements include nursing, occupational therapy, teaching and leadership, and petroleum engineering.

22. University of Southern California

One of the best public research universities in the West, the University of Southern California attracts top talent and prepares graduates to succeed in their careers. USC’s quality extends to learners across the country through its online programs.

Learners choose from an array of online graduate programs , such as the doctor of education in educational leadership. This doctoral program with no GRE requirements helps current educational professionals at the K-12 levels become leaders within their organization. Learners complete four components, including courses and a dissertation. USC requires a two-day immersion onsite in Los Angeles, though students complete the rest of the three-year program online.

Those interested in USC’s online doctoral degrees must submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal essays, and a resume. While USC sets no GRE requirements, some applicants may benefit from submitting test scores.

23. University of St. Francis

Based in Joliet, Illinois, the University of St. Francis recently celebrated 100 years of education excellence. The small school teaches under 4,000 students total, and it harbors fewer than 300 graduate students. However, USF still offers two online doctoral degree programs for professionals looking to continue their education.

Neither the online DNP nor doctor of education in educational leadership require GRE scores, though applicants must hold a master’s degree in their field. Both programs utilize online education with some onsite requirements. USF also stresses flexibility for both programs. The doctor in educational leadership, for example, comes with two concentrations: superintendent endorsement or leadership, learning, and stewardship.

Both online doctoral programs take roughly three years to complete, though specific program lengths vary. Applicants should hold a minimum 3.0 GPA on undergraduate and graduate transcripts and must interview with USF faculty.

24. Villanova University

Founded in 1842, Villanova University blends its Catholic tradition with modern educational techniques. The mid-sized school hosts nearly 11,000 students, and its location near Philadelphia helps students and graduates secure internships and jobs. Those that choose to earn a degree online benefit from Villanova’s extensive alumni network.

Villanova’s doctoral nursing program, a Ph.D. with no GRE requirements, comes entirely online. Villanova offers courses in the program synchronously, and new learners must commute to campus for two-three weeks during the summer. Aside from these requirements, Villanova’s Ph.D. in nursing offers incredible flexibility.

To avoid submitting GRE scores, applicants to Villanova must hold a master’s degree related to their field. Other admission requirements include a personal essay, interview with faculty, a valid RN license, and evidence of scholarly writing.

25. Wilkes University

A small school located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Wilkes University provides learners with low classroom sizes and plenty of personal attention. Students benefit from direct instruction, hands-on learning, and flexible learning options, including Wilkes’ online doctoral degrees .

Wilkes’ two online doctoral programs with no GRE requirements — a DNP and a doctor of education — both require applicants to first complete a master’s degree. The doctoral programs require learners to commute to campus for onsite residencies, though students complete most courses entirely online. Each degree uses a cohort system, meaning students must study synchronously with fellow students. Learners usually graduate in 2-3 years.

The two programs differ in cost, with Wilkes charging separate per-credit tuition rates for each degree. Both options require applicants to submit previous transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of licensure/professional certification.

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The 10 Best No-GRE Online PhD Programs

Phd program rankings.

• Fully Funded PhDs in Education
• Doctor of Nursing Education
• Ph.D.: No Application Fees
• No-GRE Online Ph.D. in Psychology
• No-GRE Online Ph.D. Programs
• Fast Online Doctoral (Ph.D. and Ed.D.)
• The Most Affordable Online DBA
• Doctorate in Public Policy/Administration
• Doctor of ABA
• Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Doctorate in Marketing
• ALL Ph.D. Degree Program Rankings

Career Guides

• Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
• Aerospace Engineering
• Behavioral Health (D.B.H.)
• Chemical Engineering (PhD CE)
• Chemistry (D.Chem.)
• Clinical Nutrition (D.C.N.)
• Speech-Language Pathology (CScD)
• Criminology (D.Crim.)
• Economics (DEc)
• Health Science (D.H.S./D.H.Sci)
• Library Science (D.L.S.)
• Molecular Biology (Phd Mol Biol)
• Occupational Safety and Health (D.O.S.H.)
• Physics (Ph.D. Physics)
• ALL PhD Career Guides

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• The Key to Free Grad School
• Ph.D. Guide for International and Domestic Students
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• Earning a PhD
• Write a Perfect Essay Like a PhD
• Master’s Degree As a Bridge To Ph.D.
• Self-Funding Your PhD
• Importance of Accreditation
• Online Ph.D. Support Groups
• Getting Accepted to an Online Ph.D.
• Common Fears of Ph.D. Students
• Habits of Successful People
• US Doctoral Degrees
• ALL VALUABLE RESOURCES

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A look at some of the very best No-GRE online PhD programs. Completing one’s PhD is an accomplishment to be proud of.

Only two percent of the U.S. population has completed a doctoral degree, making it a rare accomplishment. It takes courage, hard work, love of the subject and just plain “stick-to-itiveness” to see a terminal degree through to the end.

Some of those looking into beginning this adventure may not want to take the extra time to study for the GRE. These online doctoral degrees give potential PhD students the option of pursuing their final degree without the added stress of completing their GRE first.

Methodology:

Our profiled list of the best No-GRE  online PhD programs presents ten of the best degrees currently available. To be included in this list, each online doctorate was required to display:

• Strong institutional credibility
• Institutional ranking or recognition
• Appropriate accreditation
• Outstanding academic and practicum opportunities
• A clear vision and presentation of the degree’s core components and requirements
• No-GRE requirement for admission to the doctorate
• All information is cited directly from college websites and/or the unbiased, independent College Navigator
• Our sponsored schools are paid advertisements that are not affiliated with our site’s individual school rankings. They are clearly defined with the word “SPONSORED” as to not confuse our readers with what has been methodologically researched and ranked by our site editors and researchers as compared to the independently sponsored schools that pay for their placement on our site.

10 Best No-GRE Online PhD Programs

University of the cumberlands.

Program Standouts:

There are three no-GRE PhDs available online at the University of the Cumberlands. The first is the Doctorate of Leadership in Counselor Education and Supervision. In this degree program, GRE or MAT test requirements may be waived for those who have had extensive experience in a professional setting.

The second no-GRE online PhD at the University of the Cumberlands is the Doctor of Philosophy in Business. The PhD in Business Philosophy gives students the ability to teach or research in academia in the field of business.

The third online PhD at the University of the Cumberlands that doesn’t require a GRE score is the PhD in Information Technology. The PhD in Information Technology teaches graduate students theories and tactics which will assist them in navigating global technology management.

Campus Location:  Williamsburg, Kentucky

Accreditation:  Southern Association of Colleges and Schools – 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA

Acceptance Rate:  85%

Graduation Rate:  67%

Admission Requirements: 

• Completed Graduation Application
• Official Transcripts
• Completed Master’s Degree from an Accredited Institution
• G.P.A. of 3.0 – 3.5 (depending on the program) or above
• Letters of Recommendation
• Depending on the individual program, and interview, writing sample or other requirements may also be necessary.

No-GRE Ph.D.s:

• Doctorate of Leadership in Counselor Education and Supervision
• Doctor of Philosophy in Business
• Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NO-GRE ONLINE PH.D. PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS

University of idaho.

The University of Idaho offers a no-GRE Doctor of Philosophy in Education degree completely online. With several different concentrations such as Special Education or Curriculum and Instruction, this degree program prepares students as researchers, teachers, and scholars who are equipped to contribute to the growing field of knowledge in their particular discipline.

Graduate students will develop research agendas, engage in ethical as well as empirical questioning and prepare presentations and learn pedagogies toward this end.

Campus Location:  Moscow, Idaho

Accreditation:  Northwestern Commission of Colleges and Universities – 8060 165th Ave NE #100, Redmond, WA 98052

Acceptance Rate:  81%

Graduation Rate:  57%

Admission Requirements:

• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Writing Sample
• Master’s Degree

Specializations:

• Career and Technical Education
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
• Special Education
• Leadership and Counseling
• Exercise Science
• Healthy Active Lifestyles

Degree Outcomes:

Graduates of the online Ph.D. in Education program at the University of Idaho will have learned to engage in and contribute to academics, professional organizations and become proficient in research, teaching and learning within their field.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NO-GRE ONLINE PH.D. IN EDUCATION PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO

University of missouri.

The University of Missouri offers a 100% online Doctorate in Human Environmental Sciences with an emphasis in Architectural Studies. The degree program does not require a GRE for admission. The requirements to complete this program are a minimum of 72 hours.

A concentration may be chosen in order to narrow focus on the desired skill. However, the concentration will not be reflected on a transcript or diploma. The field of employment for Architectural Studies is expected to grow by 13%

Campus Location:  Columbia, MO

Accreditation:  Higher Learning Commission – 230 S LaSalle St #7-500, Chicago, IL 60604

Acceptance Rate:  77%

Graduation Rate:  71%

• Completed Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited Institution
• Online Application

Coursework Sample:

• Materials, Methods, and Products
• Readings in Environmental Design
• Energy-Efficient Building Design

According to the website of the University of Missouri, Graduates of the PhD in Education are prepared for:

• Leadership positions in design and consulting practices in industry, government, and education
• Academic and administrative positions in higher education and research

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NO-GRE ONLINE PH.D. IN ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI

Liberty university.

Liberty University offers 4 online PhDs which don’t require a GRE. These are doctorates in Education, Higher Education Administration, Criminal Justice, and Public Policy.

The PhD in Education at Liberty prepares graduates to influence and create educational policies. The degree has several specializations including Curriculum and Instruction, Organizational Leadership and Special Education.

The Doctorate in Higher Education Administration teaches students to focus on the principles of higher education. The program focuses on problem-solving, communication and information literacy.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice at Liberty has specializations in Homeland Security and Leadership.

The PhD in Public Policy has specializations in Economic Policy, Education Policy, Foreign Policy, National Security Policy and Social Policy.

Campus Location:  Lynchburg, Virginia

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools – 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA

Acceptance Rate:  99%

Graduation Rate:  29%

• Admission Application
• Application Fee
• Statement of Purpose
• Official College Transcripts
• Proof of English Proficiency

Non-GRE Online PhDs :

• Doctor of Philosophy in Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration
• Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice
• Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NO-GRE ONLINE PH.D. PROGRAMS AT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

University of arizona.

The online No-GRE PhD offered at the University of Arizona is the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing. The degree can be obtained on a full-time or part-time basis. The focus of research may be either clinical, academic or scientific and all classes can be completed online.

The PhD in Nursing also offers a 79-credit BSN-PhD option as well as a 64-credit MS-PhD option. PhD/DNP and post-DNP PhD options are also available.

Campus Location:  Tucson, Arizona

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission – 230 S LaSalle St #7-500, Chicago, IL 60604

Acceptance Rate:  87%

Graduation Rate:  64%

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a GPA of 3.0 or above
• Master of Science in Nursing with a GPA of 3.5 or above
• Three recommendations
• Current nursing license
• Completion of Application
• Transcripts
• Applicant-Faculty mentoring match

Individualized Program of Study:

• Precision Science
• Data and Systems Science
• Health Determinants Science

Graduates from the online PhD in Nursing at the University of Arizona will have the skill set to:

• Advance the science of nursing and translate that science into practice;
• Innovate toward the end of improving health outcomes
• Lead research teams
• Work with policies and agendas within the health sciences

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NO-GRE ONLINE PH.D. IN NURSING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

University of wisconsin milwaukee.

The PhD in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is ranked in the top 15% of graduate nursing programs by U.S. News and World Report. The program is offered part-time or full-time and is structured so that courses are offered only one day a week.

The PhD in Nursing focuses on integrating science, research, and theory to educate scientists and leaders in the field of nursing. Focus areas, personal interests, and research/career preferences are chosen with the help of faculty mentors. GRE scores are not required for those who received over a 3.20 GPA on an undergraduate degree.

Campus Location:  Madison, Wisconsin

Acceptance Rate:  89%

Graduation Rate:  43%

• Application and Fee
• Three References
• Personal Statement
• Two Original Works
• GRE scores for those who received under a 3.20 GPA on their undergraduate degree
• Evidence of English Proficiency
• Multivariate Statistics
• Qualitative Methods in Health Research
• Analysis of Nursing Phenomena

According to their website, the online PhD in Nursing at the University of Wisconsin “prepares doctoral students for successful careers as academic or clinical scientists as educators and for other opportunities in the rapidly evolving nursing professions.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NO-GRE ONLINE PH.D. IN NURSING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN MILWAUKEE

Nova southeastern university.

Nova Southeastern University offers 4 no-GRE online PhDs. These are the Doctorates in Criminal Justice, Nursing, Computer Science and Conflict Analysis and Resolution. These online PhDs are offered through Nova Southeastern’s Distance Education Program.

Nova Southeastern’s distance education program offers evening and weekend classes, on-site professional faculty members, video conferencing and audiovisual tools and student government associations.

The PhD programs offered through their distance education program give Southeastern students the convenience to complete their terminal degree without leaving their home and work.

Campus Location:  Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Acceptance Rate:  76%

Graduation Rate:  72%

Admission Requirements vary slightly throughout the degree programs. General requirements are:

• Essay or Writing Sample
• Resume or CV
• Sample of Academic Writing

For the Doctorate in Criminal Justice one of 4 options are required for admissions:

• Completed master’s thesis exclusively of the applicant’s authorship and evaluated by a faculty member
• GRE score of 300 or better
• Sample of published work from a referred publication within the discipline
• Successful completion of J.D. or doctorate in a related field

No-GRE PhDs:

• PhD in Computer Science
• PhD in Conflict Analysis and Resolution
• PhD in Nursing
• PhD in Criminal Justice

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NO-GRE ONLINE PH.D. PROGRAMS AT NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

Duquesne university.

Duquesne University offers both an online PhD in Nursing and a PhD in Nursing Ethics. Neither of these degrees require a GRE score for admissions.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Ethics is an interdisciplinary degree offered by both the School of Nursing and McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts Center for Health Care Ethics. The program combines doctoral courses in both Nursing and in Healthcare Ethics. The program may be completed in four years with select residency requirements.

The PhD in Nursing began in 1994. The degree is research focused and has been offered online since 1997. According to the Duquesne website, the PhD program has graduated over 100 nurse scientists.

Campus Location:  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education  – 3624 Market St #2w, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Acceptance Rate:  84%

Graduation Rate: 81%

• Sample of Scholarly Work
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Master’s of Science in Nursing with a GPA of over 3.5
• See website for pre-requisite courses

No-GRE PhDs

• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Ethics
• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing at Duquesne University has had over 100 graduates who have gone on to careers in research, organizational leadership and nursing education in the U.S. and overseas.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NO-GRE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN NURSING AND THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN NURSING ETHICS AT DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY

Clarkson university.

Clarkson University offers two online PhD programs: Computer Science and Civil & Environmental Engineering. Both degree programs may waive the GRE requirement for some students.

The Doctor of Computer Science degree is an interdisciplinary program offered by both the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering and the Department of Computer Science.

Graduate students take courses in both departments and classes range from the theoretical to applied knowledge. An undergraduate with an appropriate background in computer science may apply for this PhD.

The Civil & Environmental Engineering PhD at Clarkson is ranked among the top in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Students study the environment and focus on aspects of engineering with interdisciplinary research through Institutions and Research Groups.

Campus Location:  Potsdam, New York

Acceptance Rate:  75%

Graduation Rate: 78%

• Doctor of Philosophy in Civil & Environmental Engineering
• Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE NO-GRE PH.D. IN CIVIL & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING AND PH.D. IN COMPUTER SCIENCE AT CLARKSON UNIVERSITY

Oregon state university.

Oregon State University offers two online PhDs which do not require GRE scores for admission. These PhD programs require two weekend visits a semester for the first two years.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Adult and Higher Education focuses on Community College Leadership or Leadership in Higher Education. To be admitted into the PhD program, applicants must have a research-oriented career goal. They must also demonstrate their ability to contribute to a specific faculty member’s research activities.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling prepares students to work as practitioners in an advanced role, clinical supervisors and counselor educators in clinical and academic settings.

According to the OSU website, the program specifically emphasizes student contribution to the counseling profession through research. It also focuses on understanding and addressing the societal changes of today’s communities.

Campus Location:  Corvallis, Oregon

Accreditation: Northwestern Commission of Colleges and Universities – 8060 165th Ave NE #100, Redmond, WA 98052

Graduation Rate:  65%

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Current Resume
• Doctorate in Adult and Higher Education
• Doctorate in Counseling

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NO-GRE, ONLINE PH.D. IN ADULT AND HIGHER EDUCATION AND PH.D IN COUNSELING AT OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

Why do some programs allow students to enter without the GRE? Does this make them inferior to other programs?

The GRE test is simply a way to measure one’s capability of successfully completing a PhD. By measuring verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills, schools can determine at what level of learning an applicant has. However, there can be other measures as well.  According to Wikipedia , the GRE has actually been questioned by some as to its capability of accurately determining a candidate’s likelihood to finish a doctoral degree. The analytical section of the GRE is most closely linked to the success of doctoral students.

Programs that don’t require GRE scores, therefore, will not necessarily be inferior. As is clear from the requirements listed in these programs, schools that don’t require GRE scores will often have higher standards in other areas such as: a higher GPA, more experience within the field of study, or another doctoral degree. These criteria also show the level of a person’s capability and education.

Will there be other differences between GRE and no-GRE doctoral programs?

There won’t be any difference between a GRE or no-GRE program, however, there may be differences between online and on-campus programs. Certain qualifications and aptitudes for technology and distance learning may be required. As many no-GRE programs are online programs as well, one can look out for this distinction.

How can I prepare adequately for a no-GRE doctoral program?

Because no-GRE doctoral programs usually require other qualifications to show one’s aptitude for completing a doctorate, keeping one’s grade point average up is a must. Contacting a school to ask how to best prepare for their program, well in advance, is always a good idea. Another important part of preparation is to have one’s paperwork in order in plenty of time.

FINAL THOUGHTS

No-GRE PhDs are not common, but the examples on this list are some of the best available. If one has taken the GRE but still wants to apply to a no-GRE program, the GRE score is always a bonus to the application. If one hasn’t taken the GRE and is still interested in pursuing a terminal degree, this list is the place to start looking for great programs!

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• BEST ACCREDITED ONLINE PH.D. PROGRAMS
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• FASTEST ONLINE DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAMS

EdDPrograms.org

Online Ed.D. Programs Without a Dissertation

Last updated on January 23rd, 2024 at 09:57 am

Online Ed.D. programs—and in-person doctorates—always contain a rigorous, research-based project. In the past, this has been a traditional dissertation, just like a Ph.D. program. But in recent years, more and more schools are choosing to focus on a Dissertation in Practice (DiP) or Capstone Project . Discover how these two "No Dissertation" models differ from the older framework. Or skip ahead to the online listings and on-campus listings to explore your options!

No matter what Ed.D. you choose, you are always going to have to complete a research-based doctoral project. Schools that advertise “No Dissertation” Ed.D. programs typically require a Dissertation in Practice (DiP) or capstone project . These are the doctorates that we’ve included in our online listings . Examples include:

• University of Missouri-St. Louis’s Online Ed.D. in Educational Practice . UMSL employs an 8-credit Dissertation in Practice (DiP) model, which is completed through group work.
• University of Southern California’s Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership . This program involves a Dissertation in Practice (DiP) that focuses on issues impeding K-12 students’ access to learning opportunities.
• University of Southern Mississippi’s Online Ed.D. in Educational Administration . This degree includes a 12-credit capstone research project, which runs the length of the program. Students are expected to focus on a problem of practice in their workplace.
• Nebraska Methodist College’s Online Ed.D. in Education and Leadership in Healthcare . This “No Dissertation” degree contains an 8-credit capstone split into four courses over a six-term program.
• National University’s Online Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation , which requires a culminating project, worth 9 quarter credits. This is a written work based on research students do in their workplace.

Note: Avoid like the plague any Ed.D. program that has no DiP or capstone requirement! They almost certainly will a) not be accredited; and b) not be recognized by employers.

What is a Traditional Ed.D. Dissertation?

A traditional Ed.D. dissertation is a five-chapter paper, roughly the length of a short book. It shows that you can conduct original research into the field of education. The dissertation process starts as soon as you begin your online Ed.D. or on-campus doctorate and it can be broken down into six steps:

• Choose a Research Topic: Near the beginning of the Ed.D. program, you’ll be expected to identify a topic that will require substantial research. This topic should revolve around a unique issue in education (e.g. Helping Intellectually Gifted Middle School Students, Bridging the Gap Between Training and Educating in Adult Learning, etc.).
• Craft a Proposal: You’ll use the knowledge you’ve gained from didactic coursework and Ed.D. research classes to write the opening chapters of your dissertation, including an introduction that defines your chosen problem, a literature review, and a proposed methodology for finding the answer.
• Defend the Proposal: Before proceeding, you will need to present your dissertation proposal to a committee. The committee will want to see that your research is significant and relevant works are included in the literature review. In online Ed.D. programs, this defense can usually be done virtually.
• Research the Topic: After making any necessary tweaks to the proposal, and getting it approved, you can begin researching your topic.
• Write the Remainder of the Dissertation: Once you have completed your research, you’ll write up the final chapters—one chapter will detail your findings; the other should contain an analysis of what your findings mean and how they might apply to professional situations.
• Defend Your Dissertation: At the end of the Ed.D. degree, you must present your dissertation to the committee (usually in an oral presentation). After you have incorporated any notes from the committee, you can finalize your draft and graduate.

Note: Several universities publish full Ed.D. dissertations online, among them George Fox and the University of San Francisco .

Practice-Focused Alternatives: The “No Dissertation” Model of the DiP or Capstone Project

Unlike Ph.D. programs, Ed.D. programs are focused on professional practice—on-campus and online Ed.D. graduates are expected to apply their research in order to solve or improve real-world problems. To that end, many universities in our online listings and on-campus listings have been moving away from a traditional dissertation to more innovative models.

What does an Ed.D. Without a Dissertation Entail?

In general, all alternatives to a traditional Ed.D. dissertation involve a Problem of Practice (PoP) in the workplace. When you tackle a Dissertation in Practice (DiP) or capstone project , you’ll be using your research to create practical & workable solutions (e.g. recommending better practices or creating different approaches to current practice).

As we mentioned, you’ll sometimes see these kinds of education doctorates labeled as “No Dissertation” degrees. But keep in mind that the final project will be just as challenging as a traditional dissertation! Be prepared for a lot of on-the-ground research and writing.

Dissertation in Practice (DiP)

In the 2000s, the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) wanted to make the Ed.D. more relevant for school practitioners and education leaders. So it devised a new Framework for Ed.D. Program Design , with a) a new definition of the Ed.D.; b) a list of guiding principles for program development; and c) a set of building blocks for the degree.

One of these building blocks is the Dissertation in Practice (DiP) . During a DiP, you’ll be expected to:

• Tackle a complex Problem of Practice (PoP) facing an organization or stakeholder group in education.
• Create an innovative, research-based project that can help guide other educators and be used in the field.
• Integrate concepts of practice, leadership, and equity into your project.

DiPs are geared toward working professionals who want to make substantive changes in education. Experienced practitioners act as DiP advisors; collaboration is encouraged; and applied research & theory is the name of the game. Examples of this practical approach include ASU’s focus on “action research” within the workplace; Pitt’s use of “improvement science” to address equity and justice; and Harvard’s concern with “strategy in action.”

Capstone Project

While you’re examining universities, you may also come across Ed.D. programs that contain a culminating project , scholarly delivery , applied inquiry project , or a capstone project . The choice of language is determined by graduate faculty and the university. But all of them hold the equivalent weight of a traditional dissertation or DiP.

To get a sense of how an on-campus or online Ed.D. capstone project is structured, we recommend you examine the Ed.D. program page carefully.

• Some schools like to put an emphasis on group work.
• Others are interested in seeing innovative final projects/deliverables.
• Many follow the DiP model.

An education doctorate with a capstone project is probably the closest you’re going to get to a “No Dissertation Ed.D.” You’ll often be in involved in more collaboration and hands-on deliverables. But you’re always going to have to produce rigorous, research-focused results.

Note: CPED posts examples of award-winning Ed.D. Dissertations in Practice in its Resource Center and UW Tacoma maintains a database of Dissertations in Practice/Capstone Projects .

How an Ed.D. Capstone Project Works

Let’s say you’ve decided on pursuing an accredited, on-campus or online Ed.D. without a dissertation. How can you be sure that the final research project is going to be as tough as the traditional model? Here is a general summary of the steps involved in completing a strong Ed.D. capstone project:

• Choose a Capstone Topic: The beginning of your Ed.D. will typically be front-loaded with foundational coursework, as well as classes on how to conduct research. It’s here that you’ll start to explore what a good capstone topic might be and learn about relevant research tools.
• Meet with an Advisor: You’ll work with an advisor to firm up the real-world problem you want to address and determine how to approach it. Part of this process will involve figuring out what an appropriate deliverable would be (e.g. change management plan, new curriculum, portfolio of educational materials, etc.).
• Draft a Proposal: About halfway through the program, you may be expected to draft a report that contains a problem statement, an outline of your process for finding solutions, and a description of deliverables.
• Defend the Proposal: Before any actual research takes place, the committee needs to sign off on your proposal.
• Research the Topic: Even without a standard Ed.D. dissertation, there’s no getting around conducting research. The key difference is how that research is gathered and applied. You may end up combining traditional research with action research and/or evaluation research (e.g. collecting and analyzing real-time data from your workplace).
• Defend Your Findings: You have one more defense—this time of your research findings and accompanying recommendations. This is separate from the project deliverable.
• Produce a Deliverable: The deliverable/final project is something that an organization can actually use to improve educational access or outcomes.

Ed.D. Traditional Dissertation vs. DiP/Capstone Project

As long as they contain a DiP or capstone, accredited on-campus & online Ed.D. programs without a dissertation carry the same weight as doctoral programs with traditional dissertations. There’s absolutely no difference in quality. The CPED consortium includes numerous prominent universities , and U.S. News & World Report highly ranks several schools with Ed.D. capstone components. So you have a choice.

Traditional Ed.D. Dissertation

You may wish to consider Ed.D. programs with a traditional dissertation if you want to dig deep into original research. This research may not be immediately applicable to your workplace, but it will help advance educators’ understanding of an issue. It contributes new knowledge to the field. Some dissertation writers like to investigate cultural topics (e.g. Latinx learning experiences); others are interested in the effect of education in particular settings (e.g. U.S. prison system).

Ed.D. Capstone Project or DiP: The “No Dissertation” Model

If you would like to tackle a specific problem in your workplace, then we recommend you consider in-person or online Ed.D. programs with a DiP or capstone project. These doctorates are focused on applied theory & research—you will be expected to test & implement changes over the course of your degree (e.g. new education methods, curriculum changes, leadership interventions, etc.). Ed.D. programs without a dissertation may also contain more group work and interpersonal opportunities.

Note: If you don’t have the capacity for a large research project at this time, you could consider pursuing an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree . This leaves the door open for you to complete an Ed.D. completion program or All But Dissertation (ABD) program later down the track.

All Online No-Dissertation EdD Programs

48 Schools Found

Arizona State University

Teacher's College

Tempe, Arizona

EdD in Leadership and Innovation

• Curriculum Info
• How To Apply

EdD in Leadership and Innovation - Higher Education Change Leadership

Edd in leadership and innovation - pk-12 change leadership, edd in leadership and innovation - systems, professional and reimagined change leadership, online edd in leadership and innovation.

Offered Online

Online EdD in Leadership and Innovation - Higher Education Change Leadership

Online edd in leadership and innovation - pk-12 change leadership, online edd in leadership and innovation - systems, professional and reimagined change leadership, university of arizona.

Department of Educational Policy Studies and Practice

Tucson, Arizona

EdD in Educational Leadership

National university.

Sanford College of Education

La Jolla, California

Online Ed.D. in Organizational Innovation

University of southern california.

Rossier School of Education

Los Angeles, California

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Doctor of education in educational leadership - educational psychology, doctor of education in educational leadership - higher education administration, doctor of education in educational leadership - teacher education in multicultural societies, global executive doctor of education, online doctor of education in educational leadership - k-12 leadership in urban school settings, online doctor of education in educational leadership - leading instructional change, connecticut, sacred heart university.

Isabelle Farrington College Of Education

Fairfield, Connecticut

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

Wilmington university.

College of Education

New Castle, Delaware

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - District Leadership

Doctor of education in educational leadership - school leadership, doctor of education in educational leadership - teacher leadership, doctor of education in organizational, learning, leadership and innovation, doctor of education in organizational, learning, leadership and innovation - strategic leadership, doctor of education in organizational, learning, leadership and innovation - talent development, doctor of education in organizational, learning, leadership and innovation - workplace learning, edd in higher education leadership and innovation, online doctor of education in organizational, learning, leadership and innovation, online edd in higher education leadership and innovation, district of columbia, american university.

School of Education

Washington, District of Columbia

Online EdD in Education Policy and Leadership

Nova southeastern university.

Fischler College of Education

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

EdD in Curriculum and Instruction

Edd in higher education leadership, edd in higher services administration, edd in instructional technology and distance education, edd in organizational leadership, edd in reading education, edd in special education, online edd in curriculum and instruction, online edd in educational leadership, online edd in higher education leadership, online edd in higher services administration, online edd in instructional technology and distance education, online edd in organizational leadership, online edd in reading education, online edd in special education, university of florida.

Gainesville, Florida

Online Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction - Teachers, Schools, and Society

University of miami.

Coral Gables, Florida

Doctor of Education in Applied Learning Sciences

Georgia southern university.

Statesboro, Georgia

Doctor of Education in Curriculum Studies - Cultural Curriculum Studies

Doctor of education in curriculum studies - learning, development, and curriculum, doctor of education in curriculum studies - multicultural and social justice education, doctor of education in educational leadership - p-12 administration, governors state university.

University Park, Illinois

Online Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership - Higher Education Administration

Online doctor of education in interdisciplinary leadership - not for profit/social entrepreneurship leadership, online doctor of education in interdisciplinary leadership - superintendent p-12, national louis university.

National College of Education/School of Business and Management

Chicago, Illinois

Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership

Online doctorate of education in higher education leadership, allen college.

School of Health Sciences

Waterloo, Iowa

Doctor of Education in Health Professions Education

University of saint mary.

Education Department

Leavenworth, Kansas

Doctor of Education in Leadership - Innovation in Curriculum and Instruction

Doctor of education in leadership - innovative leadership in higher education, johns hopkins university.

Baltimore, Maryland

Online EdD in Instructional Design in Online Teaching and Learning

Massachusetts, bay path university.

Longmeadow, Massachusetts

EdD in Higher Education Leadership & Organizational Studies

Boston college.

Lynch School of Education

Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

Executive Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education

Executive doctor of education (ed.d.) in higher education - catholic education, boston university.

Wheelock College of Education & Human Development

Boston, Massachusetts

EdD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies: Leadership in Early Childhood Education-Grade 12

Northeastern university.

College of Professional Studies

Doctor of Education

Online doctor of education - curriculum, teaching, learning and leadership, online doctor of education - higher education administration, online doctor of education - organizational leadership studies, regis college.

School of Arts and Sciences

Weston, Massachusetts

Andrews University

Department of Leadership

Berrien Springs, Michigan

Online Doctor of Leadership (D.Lead)

Cornerstone university.

Adult & Graduate Studies

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Development

Capella university.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

EdD in Adult Education

Edd in performance improvement leadership, edd in reading and literacy, edd, curriculum and instruction, the college of saint scholastica.

Duluth, Minnesota

Doctor of Educational Leadership

Walden university.

Riley College of Education & Leadership

Online Doctor of Education - Community College Leadership

Online doctor of education - curriculum instruction and assessment, online doctor of education - early childhood education, online doctor of education - educational administration and leadership (for administrators), online doctor of education - educational administration and leadership (non-licensure), online doctor of education - educational technology, online doctor of education - higher education (self-designed), online doctor of education - higher education and adult learning, online doctor of education - higher education leadership and management, online doctor of education - p-20 education (self-designed), online doctor of education - reading, literacy, and assessment, online doctor of education - special education, mississippi, university of southern mississippi.

Department of Educational Research and Administration

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Online EdD in Educational Administration - P-12

Online edd in higher education administration, a. t. still university of health sciences.

College of Graduate Health Studies

Kirksville, Missouri

Doctor of Education in Health Professions

Nebraska methodist college of nursing & allied health.

Healthcare Management Department

Omaha, Nebraska

EdD in Education & Leadership in Healthcare

University of nebraska-lincoln.

Department of Educational Administration

Lincoln, Nebraska

Doctor of Education in Educational Studies - Innovative Learning Technologies

Doctor of education in educational studies - teaching, curriculum and learning, fordham university.

Department of Educational Leadership

Bronx, New York

Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership, Administration and Policy

Online doctorate of education in educational leadership, administration and policy, franklin university.

Columbus, Ohio

Online Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership - Higher Education Leadership

Online doctor of education in organizational leadership - organizational leadership focus, online doctor of education in organizational leadership - pk-12 educational leadership, kent state university at kent.

School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration

Ed.D. in Interprofessional Leadership - Athletic Training

Ed.d. in interprofessional leadership - cultural foundations, ed.d. in interprofessional leadership - curriculum & instruction, ed.d. in interprofessional leadership - educational technology, ed.d. in interprofessional leadership - special education, university of dayton.

School of Education and Health Sciences

Dayton, Ohio

Doctor of Education in Leadership for Organizations

South carolina, university of south carolina-columbia.

Columbia, South Carolina

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Practice and Innovation - Education Systems Improvement

Online doctor of education in educational practice and innovation - stem education, online ed.d. in educational practice and innovation with a concentration in curriculum studies, online ed.d. in educational practice and innovation with a concentration in learning design and technologies, east tennessee state university.

Johnson City, Tennessee

Doctorate of Education in Global Sport Leadership

Lipscomb university.

Nashville, Tennessee

Doctorate in Education - Learning Organizations and Strategic Change

Online doctor of education in learning organizations and strategic change, vanderbilt university.

Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations

EdD in Higher Education Leadership and Policy

Edd in k-12 educational leadership and policy, online edd in leadership and learning organizations, tarleton state university.

Department of Educational Leadership & Technology

Stephenville, Texas

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership - EC-12 Education Leadership

Ed.d. in educational leadership - higher education leadership, ed.d. in educational leadership - superintendent or principal certification, texas a & m university-college station.

Department of Educational Administration and Human Resource Development

College Station, Texas

Doctor of Education in Educational Administration

Online doctor of education in curriculum and instruction, texas tech university.

Lubbock, Texas

Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Online doctor of education in higher education administration - community college administration, online doctor of education in higher education administration - higher education college/university administration, west texas a & m university.

College of Education and Social Science

Canyon, Texas

Online Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership

Online doctorate of education in leadership in higher education, college of william and mary.

Department of Educational Policy, Planning and Leadership

Williamsburg, Virginia

EdD in Educational Policy, Planning and Leadership - International School Leadership

Edd in educational policy, planning and leadership - gifted education, edd in educational policy, planning and leadership - higher education administration, edd in educational policy, planning and leadership - k-12 administration, liberty university.

Lynchburg, Virginia

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership

Online doctor of education in curriculum & instruction, online doctor of education in curriculum & instruction - elementary education, online doctor of education in curriculum & instruction - middle grades education, online doctor of education in curriculum & instruction - secondary education, online doctor of education in curriculum & instruction - special education, online doctor of education in school administration and supervision, university of virginia.

Curry School of Education

Charlottesville, Virginia

EdD in Administration and Supervision

Edd in higher education, virginia commonwealth university.

Richmond, Virginia

Doctor of Education in Leadership

Doctor of education in leadership - general leadership, doctor of education in leadership - higher education leadership, online doctor of education in leadership, online doctor of education in leadership - general leadership, online doctor of education in leadership - higher education leadership, gonzaga university.

Spokane, Washington

Doctor of Educational Leadership - Educational Leadership Among Indigenous Peoples

Doctor of educational leadership - leadership in catholic schools, doctor of educational leadership - pre-k-12 school leadership, university of wyoming.

Laramie, Wyoming

Online Ed.D. in Education - Higher Education Administration

Online edd in learning, design and technology, all on-campus no-dissertation edd programs.

25 Schools Found

California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, California

Doctorate in Education - Community College Leadership

Doctorate in education - pk-12, la sierra university.

Department of Administration and Leadership

Riverside, California

Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership

Doctor of education in curriculum and instruction, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - educational psychology, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - higher education, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - leadership and administration, doctor of education in curriculum and instruction - neuroscience and education, doctor of education in educational psychology, doctor of education in educational psychology - mental health, doctor of education in school psychology, doctor of education in school psychology - bcba, university of colorado denver/anschutz medical campus.

School of Education and Human Development

Denver, Colorado

Doctorate in Education - Leadership for Educational Equity

Doctorate in education - leadership for educational equity - early childhood education and early childhood special education, doctorate in education - leadership for educational equity - executive leadership, doctorate in education - leadership for educational equity - higher education, doctorate in education - leadership for educational equity - latin learners and community, doctorate in education - leadership for educational equity - mathematics education, doctorate in education - leadership for educational equity - professional learning and technology, doctorate in education - leadership for educational equity - science education, doctorate in education - leadership for educational equity - urban and diverse communities, university of connecticut.

Storrs, Connecticut

Delaware State University

Department of Education

Dover, Delaware

EdD in Educational Leadership in Higher Education

Edd in educational leadership in k-12, university of delaware.

Newark, Delaware

Barry University

Miami, Florida

Doctor of Education in Organizational Learning and Leadership - Higher Education Administration

Edd in organizational learning and leadership - educational leadership, edd in organizational learning and leadership - human resource development, florida state university.

Tallahassee, Florida

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration

Doctor of education in learning design & performance technology, lynn university.

Boca Raton, Florida

Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership

University of north florida.

Department of Leadership, School Counseling and Sport Management

Jacksonville, Florida

Augusta University

Augusta, Georgia

Doctor of Education in Educational Innovation - Curriculum and Instruction

Doctor of education in educational innovation - education leadership, doctor of education in educational innovation - elementary education, doctor of education in educational innovation - middle grades, doctor of education in educational innovation - p12 art education, doctor of education in educational innovation - p12 health & physical education, doctor of education in educational innovation - p12 music education, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - biology, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - chemistry, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - earth science, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - economics, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - english, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - french, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - german, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - history, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - mathematics, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - physics, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - political science, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - science education, doctor of education in educational innovation - secondary education - spanish, doctor of education in educational innovation - special education, university of hawaii at manoa.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Education Doctorate in Professional Education Practice

Depaul university, edd in curriculum studies, illinois state university.

Normal, Illinois

EdD in Education Administration and Foundations: P-12 Administration

University of illinois at chicago, doctor of education in urban education leadership, drake university.

Des Moines, Iowa

Doctor of Education with Principal Licensure

Edd in administration with superintendent licensure, university of iowa.

Iowa City, Iowa

Doctor of Education in Education Policy and Leadership Studies - Higher Education

Doctor of education in education policy and leadership studies - pk-12 administration, morehead state university.

Morehead, Kentucky

Doctor of Education in Adult and Higher Education Leadership

Doctor of education in educational technology leadership, doctor of education in p-12 administrative leadership, northern kentucky university.

Department of Counseling, Social Work and Leadership

Highland Heights, Kentucky

Spalding University

Louisville, Kentucky

University of Louisville

Edd in educational leadership and organizational development, university of maryland-college park.

College Park, Maryland

Doctor of Education in School System Leadership

Michigan state university.

Department of Education Administration

East Lansing, Michigan

EdD in Educational Leadership - K12 Administration

University of mississippi.

University, Mississippi

EdD in K-12 Educational Leadership

Edd in math education, maryville university.

Saint Louis, Missouri

Saint Louis University-Main Campus

Doctor of education in educational leadership - catholic, university of missouri-st louis, edd in educational practice, new hampshire, southern new hampshire university.

Manchester, New Hampshire

Rutgers University

Graduate School of Education

Camden, New Jersey

EdD in Design of Learning Environments

Edd in education, culture, and society, edd in teacher leadership, cuny hunter college.

New York, New York

Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership

New york university.

Department of Music and Performing Arts Professions

EdD in Educational Theatre in Colleges and Communities

Edd in higher education administration, the sage colleges.

Esteves School of Education

Troy, New York

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, New York

Doctorate in Education - Educational Administration

North carolina, east carolina university.

Greenville, North Carolina

EdD in Educational Leadership - Higher Education

Gardner-webb university.

Boiling Springs, North Carolina

Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership

Western carolina university.

Human Services Department

Cullowhee, North Carolina

Wingate University

Wingate, North Carolina

Doctor of Education in Higher Education Executive Leadership

Miami university-oxford.

Oxford, Ohio

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Doctor in education studies - educational administration, pennsylvania, kutztown university of pennsylvania.

Department of Secondary Education

Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Education Doctorate in Transformational Teaching and Learning

University of pittsburgh-pittsburgh campus.

Department of Administrative and Policy Studies

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

EdD in Health and Physical Activity

Edd in higher education management, edd in out of school learning, edd in social and comparative analysis in education, edd in special education - applied behavioral analysis, edd in special education - blindness/vision impairments/orientation and mobility, edd in special education - early intervention, edd in special education - emotional and behavioral disorders, edd in special education - learning disabilities, edd in special education - severe disabilities, edd in stem, clemson university.

Clemson, South Carolina

Doctorate in Education in Education Systems Improvement Science

Texas christian university.

Fort Worth, Texas

Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership

Brigham young university-provo.

McKay School of Education

Provo, Utah

University of Utah

Department of Educational Leadership and Policy

Salt Lake City, Utah

EdD in K12 Leadership and Policy - Administrative Licensure

K12 edd program, university of vermont.

College of Education and Social Services

Burlington, Vermont

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Seattle university.

Seattle, Washington

Doctorate in Educational and Organizational Learning and Leadership

University of washington-tacoma campus.

Tacoma, Washington

Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership

Doctoral program in educational leadership - adult education, doctoral program in educational leadership - higher education, doctoral program in educational leadership - nursing education and healthcare leadership, doctoral program in educational leadership - p-12 educators/superintendent credential, doctoral program in educational leadership - public service, washington state university.

Pullman, Washington

EdD in Educational Leadership - Administration

Edd in educational leadership - higher education leadership, edd in educational leadership - teacher leadership.

Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs

Are you interested in an affordable online PhD doctorate degree, but hope to avoid the GRE? We rank the most affordable programs with no GRE.

Key Takeaways

• Many graduate schools are changing their admissions process and eliminating the GRE requirement, especially encouraging if you are seeking a doctoral degree.
• Contrary to common knowledge, online doctoral degree programs are very credible, something that is closely tied to the school’s accreditation status.
• It is possible to find an affordable online PhD doctoral degree program that doesn’t require a GRE for admission.

Positions with the most leadership authority and the highest income are usually reserved for the most demanding careers. This is true for businesses, government agencies, and non-government organizations. These positions are often occupied by doctoral degree holders.

Earning a doctorate degree through an online PhD program is no mean feat. One must be financially, mentally, and physically ready to complete an online PhD. Thankfully, more and more online PhD doctorate degree programs no longer require a GRE as an admission requirement.

And even better, there a numerous top-ranked doctorate degree programs that not only do not require a GRE, but are also very affordable.

Featured Programs

The online phd: a research-oriented doctorate degree.

The doctorate degree is the highest degree you can earn in most fields of study in the US. People who have earned this degree demonstrate a mastery of a specific area of study.

Students who complete an online doctoral degree must have researched a topic or subject thoroughly, conducted research and analysis, and provided a better solution and interpretation of the field.

Research doctorate programs are popularly known as Doctor of Philosophy (PhDs). Common doctorate degrees include:

• Doctor of Arts (DA)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Education (EdD)
• Doctor of Theology (ThD)
• Doctor of Public Health (DPH)

“Philosophy” here refers to the pursuit of knowledge and the concept of research, and not the actual subject of philosophy. A major component of this type of doctorate is the dissertation process.

Doctoral Student Dissertations

In most cases, the central component of your online PhD program will be the completion of your dissertation. After being accepted as an online PhD candidate, most doctorate students will develop an original research question.

This research question forms the basis of the dissertation—an ongoing project designed to address this research question through applied research. A doctoral student will work closely with an advisor or mentor, although much of the dissertation will be rooted in independent research. This is especially true for students pursuing an online PhD.

Upon completion of the written portion of the dissertation you will be expected to defend their findings. This “oral defense” will typically be conducted by a commission of professors and experts in your field. PhD candidates in some online degree programs may be able to conduct this defense via teleconferencing.

Bottom Line: The main component of affordable online doctorate degrees is the dissertation. It will be a central part of your online doctoral degree program.

Reasons to Earn a PhD Through an Affordable Online Doctorate Degree Program

These are the two major reasons doctoral students pursue a PhD in their field of choice:

Better Earning Potential and More Career Options

A doctorate opens more career opportunities in terms of higher salaries and better job positions. According to the US Census Bureau, the annual salary (average) of those with professional doctorates in the US is $152,703. This includes the annual salary of people holding professional degrees like lawyers (JD) and medical doctors (MD).

Build Expertise and Contribute

Enrolling in an online doctoral degree program provides you with the training and time to become an expert in a specific subject matter. Think of earning your doctorate degree as a way to build a deeper specialization that can jumpstart your plan to make original contributions.

Why the GRE May NOT be Necessary in Graduate School

Today, many schools no longer require GRE test scores. Why are graduate schools dropping GRE test scores from their admission standards? What’s the reason behind this change in online PhD programs?

Limited connection between GRE Test Score and Success

The GRE score is not a feasible success predictor because any student can just retake the test several times to get a better score. The qualifying GRE score for admission also changed in most schools to show the changing expectations of graduate students.

When assessing whether students of online doctorate programs qualify or not, other factors like letters of recommendation, undergraduate grades, and research experience are considered.

Inapplicable to field of study

The field of study in many doctoral programs plays a role in why GRE test scores are no longer necessary. The average score by major and school widely differ based on the student’s interests.

The better news is, some of today’s best schools with the most affordable online doctorate degrees are rolling out the no-GRE policy!

How can I make an online PhD degree program as affordable as possible?

A growing number of highly reputable universities have hybrid or fully online doctorate degrees. These programs are perfect for busy graduate students trying to manage their time and balancing coursework, career, and family demands. This makes an affordable online PhD programs especially attractive.

Luckily, there are several ways to ensure that online doctorate degrees are as affordable as possible.

In-state Tuition

Many affordable PhD online doctoral programs may charge a higher tuition rate for non-state residents, but there are affordable online doctoral programs that charge a flat tuition rate regardless of graduate student state residency.

Other Expenses

Earning an online PhD as opposed to a traditional on-campus doctorate degree makes it possible to save money on expenses like housing, transportation, and certain campus fees.

Continue Working

Online PhD doctoral programs also make it possible to continue working in your field, which means you can complete your degree program while still earning a living. This can ultimately reduce your dependence on student loan debt.

Financial Aid

If affordability is a particular concern, and it is making you reluctant to pursue a PhD online doctoral degree program, you may be able to take advantage of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans.

For more information on financial aid, visit the Federal Student Aid website. It is especially important that you choose an online program that is accredited in order to qualify for financial aid.

Assistantships

Many schools offering an online PhD also have assistantship opportunities for their graduate students. Assistantships may give teaching opportunities in exchange for tuition waivers and a stipend. Each school is different, so you will need to check into the online doctorate degree program you are interested in.

Bottom Line: Affordable online PhD degree programs are possible when you factor in things like in-state tuition, financial aid, grants, and assistantships.

The Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs

University of wisconsin–madison.

• #17 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #25 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
• #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #1 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2024
• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
• #15 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Wisconsin 2024
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
• #2 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
• #5 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin
• #20 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024

Tuition + fees

Student body

Median SAT/ACT

Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Madison

University of Wisconsin–Madison’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Earth Sciences
• Mathematics
• Anthropology
• Computer Science

Most Influential Alumni

• Frank Lloyd Wright
• Carl Rogers
• Edward Witten
• John Bardeen
• Charles Lindbergh
• Abraham Maslow
• Joshua Lederberg
• Warren Weaver
• C. Wright Mills
• Jayaprakash Narayan

The University of Wisconsin-Madison has always been a channel for the extraordinary. As a major research institution and public-grant university, its faculty, staff, and students engage in a world-class education while dealing with real-world problems. The Wisconsin Idea serves as its guiding principle, creating a better future for everybody.

The University of Wisconsin E-Campus offers nearly 60 graduate degrees in a wide range of academic fields, such as the Education Specialist in Educational Administration- Superintendent District Administrator Online . All these programs meet the same high standards that made UW a world-class leader in higher education.

• Required Credits: 30
• Completion Time: 18 months
• Format: Online

What we love about the University of Wisconsin-Madison

Depending on your degree path, tuition ranges from $600 to $700 per credit hour. What’s great about UW-Madison Online is the flat tuition rate for all students, regardless of whether or not they are Wisconsin residents.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is great for students who:

Seek to socialize with fellow learners. The university is home to a multitude of clubs and organizations.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison might not be a great fit for students who:

Can get distracted easily, as there are so many activities and opportunities in school. Concentrating is always a challenge.

University of Southern California

• #2 Best Private Colleges in California 2024
• #4 Best Colleges in California 2024
• #4 Best Research Universities in California 2024
• #4 Best Grad Schools California 2024
• #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #5 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #19 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #19 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #22 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #1 Top 7 Best Online Social Work PhDs (DSW Programs) 2024
• #1 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #1 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs
• #1 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
• #1 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)
• #1 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #1 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #1 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #1 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #1 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
• #1 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #1 Best Online Master's in Project Management
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
• #1 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #1 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity
• #1 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
• #1 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Finance
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2024
• #2 Best Online MBA Programs in California
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #2 Best Online Master's in Public Administration Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
• #2 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
• #3 Best Online Master's in Management
• #3 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
• #4 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
• #5 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #5 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates)
• #5 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
• #6 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #12 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern California

University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Social Work
• Engineering
• Criminal Justice
• Communications
• Political Science
• Frank Gehry
• Neil Armstrong
• Jack L. Warner
• John Mearsheimer
• Boris Podolsky
• Michael D. Griffin
• Maulana Karenga
• O. J. Simpson
• Robert Ballard

The University of Southern California is home to the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, as well as 22 academic schools and units. This leading private research university is located in Los Angeles, California, and is a global center for arts, technology, and international business.

The Online Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership prepares students to facilitate conditions that make efficient, competitive, and adaptable organizations across industries, including private firms, colleges and universities, nonprofits, and government organizations.

• Required Credits: 43
• Completion Time: 3 years

What we love about the University of Southern California

The University of California’s cost of tuition is on the higher end of the college tuition prices. However, many tuition assistance programs can help students attend this prestigious school at a more affordable price. In fact, USC’s Financial Aid office spends more than $773 million in financial aid programs every year.

The University of California is great for students who:

Love and enjoy a fun atmosphere with a lot of spirit, especially during the football season. This is also great for those who want to learn and like a huge campus where everything is always going on.

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

Cannot handle a heavy workload. The school’s workload is heavy, and some students can’t seem to balance academic time and fun time.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

• #16 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
• #1 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2024
• #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #3 Best Colleges in Illinois 2024
• #3 Best Research Universities in Illinois 2024
• #3 Best Grad Schools Illinois 2024
• #24 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois
• #2 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Computer Science
• #2 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
• #2 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
• #3 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
• #4 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
• #4 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
• #21 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Paul Halmos
• Eugenio Calabi
• Richard Hamming
• James Tobin
• Steven Best
• Roger Ebert
• Jerome Lettvin
• Irving Azoff
• Temple Grandin
• Hamilton O. Smith
• Brendan Eich

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is the pioneer in innovative research that covers global problems and expands the human experience. The school’s transformative learning experiences, out and in the classroom, are designed to produce students who plan to make a significant, societal impact.

The Online Doctor of Education of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign consists of online video synchronous sessions that meet once a week. These sessions are designed for students to interact with the course instructors and peers synchronously for an enriched learning experience.

• Required Credits: 64
• Completion Time: 2 years

What we love about the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The tuition rates at the University of Illinois set during the student’s freshman year are guaranteed for four years at all their universities, in Urbana-Champaign, Springfield, and Chicago. More than half of the University of Illinois System students pay less than the full cost of tuition because of federal and state grant programs, as well as need and merit-based aid provided by the university.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is best for students who:

Are both hard-working, social, and good time managers.

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign may not be ideal for students who:

Do not care about their grades. The school parties a lot but the academics are extremely challenging. If you’re not going to fight until graduation, this school is not for you.

University of Arizona

• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in Arizona 2024
• #1 Best Grad Schools in Arizona 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Arizona 2024
• #23 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
• #1 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
• #1 Best Online Master's in Agriculture and Agribusiness Degree Programs
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #1 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Arizona 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Philosophy Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Arizona
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Arizona 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Web Design Degree Programs 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Ranked for Students in 2024
• #2 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #2 Best Online MBA in Business Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #2 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Biology
• #2 Best Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Arizona
• #2 Best Online MBAs in Finance
• #3 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
• #3 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity
• #4 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
• #4 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting
• #4 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
• #4 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #4 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #4 Best Online Master's in Special Education
• #4 Best Online Master's in Economics
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
• #6 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
• #7 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
• #7 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
• #8 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #8 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
• #10 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #11 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
• #12 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
• #13 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates)
• #16 Best Online Master's in Management
• #20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Arizona

University of Arizona’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Geraldo Rivera
• Clifford Stoll
• Garry Shandling
• Brian Schmidt
• Henry Eyring
• Michael McClure
• Barbara Kingsolver
• George H. Smith
• Allen Buchanan
• Frank Press

The University of Arizona is a top-global university constantly recognized for its impressive academic programs and exceptional value. Whether it’s finding out ways to feed the planet or leading space missions with NASA, the University of Arizona prepares its students for the rapidly changing world via hands-on approaches to learning.

The online Doctorate of Education - Educational Leadership at the University of Arizona will enhance a student’s ability to improve outcomes in an organization. They will be taught how to tackle challenging educational problems through simulations, case studies, group activities, and individual projects.

• Required Credits : 36
• Completion Time : 3 years
• Format : Online

What we love about the University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers a lot of financial aid and support. Typically, undergraduate students receive different amounts in grants or scholarships. Students living in Arizona are offered a 64.3% discount for tuition and fees. First-year students also receive financial aid totaling $12,569. Students from low-income families also receive $16,855 (average) during their first year.

The University of Arizona is great for students who:

Like Greek life, love warm weather, and a friendly environment. The school is also perfect for those interested in astronomy, health sciences, or business administration—some of the top programs of the school.

The University of Arizona might not be a good fit for students who:

Are not fans of big schools. It is a very big school, and if you are scared to get out there and make friends, you might just end up hiding in your room.

George Washington University

• #2 Best Colleges in DC 2024
• #6 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in DC
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in DC 2024
• #3 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #3 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
• #6 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #6 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
• #7 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
• #10 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

Career Outlook for degree at George Washington University

George Washington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• J. Edgar Hoover
• L. Ron Hubbard
• Glenn Greenwald
• Bob Woodward
• Allen Dulles
• George Armitage Miller
• Juan Guaidó
• Roger Stone
• James E. Webb
• Lester Frank Ward
• Brian Williams

George Washington University , a private, federally chartered research school in Washington, D.C, was chartered in 1821. As the biggest institution of higher education in the capital, GWU offers a multitude of degree programs in 71 disciplines. A variety of student life programs, 450 student organizations, and a strong Greek culture are strong features of GWU.

The Online Ph.D. in Systems Engineering at George Washington University teaches learners to demonstrate mastery of broad-based knowledge in systems engineering, as well as in specific areas of knowledge relevant to their research interests, including methodologies and theories.

• Required Credits: 54

What we love about George Washington University

Being a leading research institution, George Washington University promotes the advancement of knowledge across different fields throughout its libraries, research centers, and schools. The school also offers a dynamic community where students can exchange ideas and diversity is highly valued.

George Washington University is great for students who:

Work hard and play hard, students with political ambitions, and those who enjoy an urban environment but think New York is a bit too much.

George Washington University might not be the best fit for students who:

Prefer to enjoy dorm life without a roommate. Especially among freshmen, getting a single room is next to impossible.

University of Missouri

• #2 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2024
• #2 Best Colleges in Missouri 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Missouri 2024
• #1 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs
• #1 Best Online Master's in Biology
• #1 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online Master's in Agriculture and Agribusiness Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
• #2 Best Online Master's in Special Education
• #2 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2024
• #3 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
• #3 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's in Economics
• #3 Best Online Degree Completion Programs for Returning Students
• #4 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #5 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting
• #5 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #5 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #6 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
• #6 Best RN to BSN Online
• #6 Best Online Master’s in Finance
• #9 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
• #10 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
• #10 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
• #12 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
• #12 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
• #14 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #16 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
• #16 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #16 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
• #17 Best Online Master's in Management
• #18 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #1 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Missouri

University of Missouri’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Tennessee Williams
• Barbara McClintock
• Harlow Shapley
• David McClelland
• Richard Matheson
• Eugenie Scott
• Suisheng Zhao
• Robert W. McChesney
• Charles Stark Draper
• William Manchester
• Margaret Weis

The University of Missouri , a Columbia-based public land-grant research school, is the largest in the state. It is the flagship institution of University of Missouri System. Popularly called Mizzou, the school has more than 600 clubs and organizations, nearly 280 majors (70 can be completed online).

The online doctor of education (EdD) lets students continue their careers while also earning skills that they can use immediately. The program is designed for practicing educational leaders who are ready to improve their leadership skills and career opportunities.

• Completion Time: 2-3 years

What we love about the University of Missouri

The University of Missouri is a decently expensive college, but they do an amazing job with financial aid. It makes sure that students have the financial support they need.

The University of Missouri is great for students who:

Can balance well and want the full college experience. There are so many things to do at Mizzou—the constant activity and friendships, parties, and more; all these while focusing on your academics.

The University of Missouri might not be a good fit for students who:

Lack good study and organizational skills. The school offers a lot of frills and thrills, and sometimes, it’s hard to study and focus.

Oregon State University

• #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024
• #3 Best Colleges in Oregon 2024
• #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #1 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Computer Science
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Oregon
• #1 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Oregon 2024
• #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Nevada
• #8 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
• #9 The Most Affordable Online Clinical Nutrition Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
• #17 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

Career Outlook for degree at Oregon State University

Oregon State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Linus Pauling
• Douglas Engelbart
• Michael Waterman
• Katharine Jefferts Schori
• Derald Wing Sue
• Gary Payton
• George Andrews
• Paul Hugh Emmett
• Jerald Ericksen
• Philip Emeagwali
• William J. Ripple
• George I. Mavrodes

Located at Corvallis, Oregon, Oregon State University is a public land-grant research university that offers more than 200 undergraduate degree programs plus a variety of graduate and doctoral degrees. Also called OSU, Oregon State is the largest public research university in the state and specializes in studies of marine science, sustainable food systems, forestry, and more.

OSU’s Online Ph.D. in Counselling program prepares students to work as clinical supervisors, advanced practitioners, and counselor educators in both academic and clinical settings. This program also emphasizes student contribution to the counseling profession through research while addressing and understanding the societal changes in today’s communities.

• Required Credits: 150
• Completion Time: 4-6 years
• Format: Hybrid

Why We Love Oregon State University

OSU is bent on removing financial barriers so students can get access to education. Grants, scholarships, student work experiences, and loans are offered at OSU to help students achieve their ultimate goal of receiving a college education.

Oregon State University is great for students who:

Are not big city people or those who wish to be in a calmer town. The town may seem small, but it offers so many interesting things.

Oregon State University might not be the best fit for students who:

Are out-of-state enrollees. However, there are summer classes when students can get in-state tuition rates.

Concordia University Chicago

• #24 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University Chicago’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Religious Studies
• Carl Schalk

Concordia University Chicago is a private university located in River Forest, Illinois. The school was once a college exclusively for parochial teacher education. Today, it now offers more than 100 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, with more than 5,000 students.

Concordia University Chicago offers an online PhD program in Leadership . The program focuses on enlightened perspectives and knowledge about innovative leadership practices, decision-making, knowledge management, conflict and change management, and unique approaches to leadership.

• Required Credits: 67

What we love about Concordia University Chicago

At CUC, students will experience a faith that uplifts, learning that enriches and leaders that will take them to places. All the distinctive academic programs are created to meet the needs of the world in which we serve, live, and work.

Concordia University Chicago is best for students who:

Love a quiet campus where everybody is friendly. If you are a shy type of student, this school will work well for you.

Concordia University Chicago might not be a great option for students who:

Cannot have control of their time. There is so much to do, and managing one’s time proved to be a challenge.

University of South Dakota

• #1 Best Public Colleges in South Dakota 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in South Dakota 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in South Dakota
• #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in South Dakota 2024
• #1 Best Online Colleges in South Dakota 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in South Dakota 2024
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Wyoming 2024
• #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Wyoming
• #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Montana
• #10 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of South Dakota

University of South Dakota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Ernest Lawrence
• David Rumelhart
• Herbert J. Davenport
• Anna Johnson Pell Wheeler
• Pat O'Brien
• Robert Legvold
• John H. Lawrence
• Elizabeth Cook-Lynn
• Maria Yellow Horse Brave Heart

The University of South Dakota in Vermillion is a public research institution, and the state’s flagship university. It is home to the only medical and law school in the state, as well as the National Music Museum. USD also has seven colleges offering 205 undergraduate and 75 graduate programs.

The online Adult and Higher Education Ph.D. develop education leaders to become efficient school administrators by cultivating change for the future. This CAEP-accredited program is designed for school district superintendents, elementary and secondary principals, special education directors, curriculum directors, and higher education administrators.

• Required Credits: 90-95

What we love about the University of South Dakota

The school is very affordable and has lots of great professors.

The University of South Dakota is great for students who:

Want a wonderful education in a big yet still small college. The school is big enough for many opportunities but not so large as to not be able to feel part of the community.

The University of South Dakota may not be a good fit for students who:

Are looking for student events, house parties, and the like.

Duquesne University

• #9 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
• #9 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2024
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
• #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Pennsylvania
• #4 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
• #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2024
• #6 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
• #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #12 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
• #13 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
• #15 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #17 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #20 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students

Career Outlook for degree at Duquesne University

Duquesne University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Michael Hayden
• Derrick Bell
• Richard E. Nisbett
• Thomas L. Thompson
• George Yancy
• Daniel A. Helminiak
• Thomas Hopko
• Samuel John Hazo
• Jerome Loving
• George Delahunty
• John Clayton

Duquesne University is a private Catholic research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is composed of nine schools that offer degree programs at the baccalaureate, professional, master’s, and doctoral levels in 189 academic programs. The school is the only online Spiritan institution of higher education globally, and hosts international students from more than 80 different countries.

Duquesne University offers an online Philosophy PhD program that specializes in continental philosophy and the history of philosophy. The aim is to provide advanced philosophical training to students with demonstrated outstanding scholarly competence so that they can pursue high-quality independent research.

• Required Credits: 56

What we love about Duquesne University

Duquesne University is a very beautiful and small campus. Students can walk the entire length of the school in just 20 minutes. Class sizes are relatively small, and professors are always willing to help struggling students.

Duquesne University is great for students who:

PhD assistantships are available to doctoral students and include $18,000 per year stipends and full tuition waivers.The tuition waivers cover all tuition expenses associated with required coursework and dissertation credits.

Duquesne University might not be a good fit for students who:

Are not into the dorm life or campus residentcy that abides by strict rules.

University of Idaho

• #1 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Idaho 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Idaho 2024
• #1 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Idaho 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #10 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
• #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #16 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #16 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
• #17 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #19 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #20 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
• #20 Best Online Master's in Special Education
• #22 Best Online Master’s in Education
• #25 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Idaho

University of Idaho’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Sarah Palin
• Harry Huskey
• Douglas Wilson
• Jeffrey L. Whitten
• Leonard J. Arrington
• Guy McPherson
• E. E. Smith
• C. Scott Green
• D. Mark Hegsted
• Arden L. Bement Jr.

The University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho, is a public land-grant research university, and the lead university in the Idaho Space Grant Consortium. Sprawled on a 1,585-acre of land in the rolling hills of the Palouse region, the school offers 142 degree programs, from accountancy to wildlife resources, including bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and specialist degrees.

The online Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Idaho prepares students as faculty, researchers, or discipline-based scholars who contribute to the knowledge base of their chosen field. This program is primarily designed for students who wish to have research/teaching careers in higher education.

• Required Credits: 78
• Completion Time: 24-36 months

What we love about the University of Idaho

Despite the school’s large size, the University of Idaho still manages to create a personalized learning experience for all undergrads. The school also provides numerous network opportunities for its students.

The University of Idaho is great for students who:

are looking for ways to save some money, and for those who prefer a small-town atmosphere, since it is in a small town.

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

Are not into constant parties and Greek life, as the Greek community is active in the school, and parties are somehow normal in this school.

Gonzaga University

• #5 Best Colleges in Washington 2024
• #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Washington 2024
• #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Washington
• #7 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)

Career Outlook for degree at Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University is a private Jesuit school in Spokane. The school offers bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctorate degree programs through its college and six schools. It has 92 fields and 26 graduate programs.

The online Doctor of Educational Leadership at Gonzaga University provides advanced preparation for educational leaders in different school settings across the world. This is designed for those who are currently working in a Pre-K-12 setting.

What we love about Gonzaga University

The school’s mission is to help every student reach their full potential, and that can only be achieved by giving them opportunities through financial aid and scholarships to make Gonzaga’s education more accessible.

Gonzaga University is great for students who:

Truly care about their education and are willing to sacrifice a little fun to pursue their career aspirations and life goals.

Gonzaga University might not be a great fit for students who:

are not up for a challenge. Professors will expect a lot from the students, so it’s expected students work extra hard.

Clarkson University

Career outlook for degree at clarkson university.

Clarkson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Kevin Granata
• Thomas Zacharia
• Sanjeev Kulkarni
• Bernard F. Schutz
• Rajkumar Chellaraj
• Brenda Romero
• Jarmo Kekäläinen
• Gregory C. Farrington
• Randy Sexton
• Annie Selden
• M. Emmet Walsh

Clarkson University is a private school in Potsdam, New York, roughly a 90-minute drive from Ottawa. The school has 50 academic programs, and graduates also have options including those in the schools of business and engineering.

The online PhD in Computer Science curriculum is designed to improve the basic knowledge of learners and to give them guidance and experience in research. This can be achieved by taking advanced courses, joining seminars, and reporting on a research project.

• Required Credits: 36

What we love about Clarkson University

Although the price is overwhelming at first, the college does its best to help with financial aid to help minimize the costs of going there.

Clarkson University is great for students who:

Want to avoid the big city and are ready to step up their game and be challenged to do their best.

Clarkson University might not be a good option for students who:

Are always procrastinating. The academic challenges in this school are overwhelming, and the last thing you want to happen is to study or do your homework until the last minute.

Liberty University

• #2 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #3 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #7 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2024
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• #9 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #19 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
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• #1 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
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• #1 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024
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• #1 Best Online Associate in Economics
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• #1 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
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• #1 Best Online Associate in Education
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• #1 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Nursing (BSN) Programs
• #2 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs
• #2 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
• #2 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
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• #2 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
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• #2 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies
• #3 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of English
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Virginia
• #3 Best Online Degrees for a Career in Teaching Ranked 2024
• #3 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2024
• #3 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
• #3 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's in Theology
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia
• #3 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates)
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
• #4 Best Online Associate in Accounting
• #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia
• #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Illinois
• #4 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #4 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #4 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
• #4 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #4 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
• #4 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
• #4 Best Online Associate in Psychology
• #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #5 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates)
• #5 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
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• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
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• #7 The Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Bachelor's Degrees
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• #8 Best Online Associate in History Degrees
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• #15 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
• #16 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
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• #17 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
• #18 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
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• #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #18 Best Online Master’s in Finance
• #20 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting
• #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
• #23 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
• #25 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
• #25 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
• #6 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #6 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
• #6 Best College Majors that Offer Accelerated Degree Programs

Career Outlook for degree at Liberty University

Liberty University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Ravi Zacharias
• Susan Wise Bauer
• Michael R. Licona
• Robert H. Smith
• Michael Tait
• Jerry Falwell Jr.

Liberty University is in Lynchburg, Virginia. This private Baptist university is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia. It consists of 17 colleges, including a school of law, a school of osteopathic medicine, and a seminary. Most of the school’s enrollment is in online courses.

Liberty University offers the online Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Apologetics . This program provides students the opportunity to research a topic related to the defense of the Christian faith. Students will produce a written dissertation and contribute to the base of knowledge in the fields of religion and apologetics.

• Required Credits: 51

What we love about Liberty University

The university offers high-quality, Christ-centered education, with incredibly kind and supportive faculty.

Liberty University is great for students who:

Want to grow in Christ and get a great education while doing it.

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

Cannot balance studying and relaxing. If you study too much without relaxing, it can be very stressful.

Ball State University

• #4 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Indiana
• #2 Best Online Colleges in Indiana 2024
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Indiana 2024
• #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Indiana 2024
• #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Indiana
• #3 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
• #5 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
• #6 Best Online Degree Completion Programs for Returning Students
• #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Information Technology

Career Outlook for degree at Ball State University

Ball State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• David Letterman
• Shirley Brice Heath
• Swanee Hunt
• William Benoit
• Juleen Zierath
• Eugene Habecker
• Melvin N. Johnson
• Philip F. Deaver

Ball State University , located in Muncie, Indiana, is a public research university with two satellite facilities in Fishers and Indianapolis. Students can choose from about 180 undergraduate majors and more than 100 master’s and doctorate programs.

The EdD in Adult and Community Education prepares you for a broader span of careers, you will learn critical skills and conduct research in program planning, teaching and learning, leadership, community organizing, and continuing education using a social justice framework.

• Required Credits: 91

What we love about Ball State University

Ball State University has the lowest total increase in 20 years. The university is the leader in the Mid-American Conference for the lowest tuition rate among all other universities.

Ball State University is great for students who:

Are very sociable. The school has Greek fraternities and sororities, but you don’t have to be in them just to have a good time.

Ball State University might not be the best fit for students who:

Hate taking the bus. If you don’t have your car by your dorm, you will have to take the bus regularly, and the waiting time is long.

Quinnipiac University

• #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Connecticut
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024
• #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #17 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
• #25 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity

Career Outlook for degree at Quinnipiac University

Quinnipiac University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Vikki Ziegler
• Turk Wendell
• Freddy Hall
• Triston Henry

Quinnipiac University is located in Hamden, Connecticut. This private university offers 58 undergraduate majors, 20 graduate programs, and a Juris Doctor program. It also offers several media outlets, including a professionally run commercial radio station, WATX.

Quinnipiac University offers the online post-master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice Care of Population . This 100% online program exposes experienced nurses to the the gaps in care that impact population on the local, national, and global fronts.

What we love about Quinnipiac University

Quinnipiac University is an expensive school, but it awards non-need-based scholarships or grants awarded to first-year students. The school, however, meets 61% of its students’ financial aid needs.

Quinnipiac University is great for students who:

Want to be challenged, have fun, and have social college experiences.

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

Cannot afford this expensive but amazing school, although there are lots of academic scholarships and financial aid available.

Nova Southeastern University

• #1 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
• #1 Top 3 Best Online MBA in Real Estate Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity
• #3 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates)
• #3 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
• #3 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #3 Best Online Master's in Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs
• #3 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
• #4 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #4 Best Online Master’s in Human Services
• #5 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs
• #5 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)
• #5 Best Online Master's in Biology
• #6 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
• #6 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
• #6 Best Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Ranked for Students in 2024
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• #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #7 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Computer Science
• #7 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #7 Best Online Master’s in Health Science
• #7 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
• #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Florida
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• #9 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
• #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
• #9 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates)
• #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #11 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #14 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
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• #15 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
• #16 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity
• #17 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology
• #18 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
• #18 Best Online MBAs in Finance
• #20 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
• #20 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #21 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
• #22 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
• #22 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #24 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
• #7 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• John E. Douglas
• Megan Squire
• Tyler Cymet
• Charles Morin
• Andia Chaves Fonnegra
• Laurie J. Patterson

Nova Southeastern University consists of 14 colleges, centers, and schools that offer more than 150 programs of study. Located in Davie, Florida, this private nonprofit research university also offers professional degrees in the social sciences, business, law, osteopathic medicine, allied health, allopathic medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, physical therapy, education, and nursing.

Nova Southeatern Unviersity’s Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice offers an online Doctor of Education program . This is designed with the student’s needs in mind, so they can further advance their careers while completing their education.

• Required Credits: 55

What we love about Nova Southeastern University

The campus is very beautiful and the people are very nice. NSU is the perfect choice to go to college also because of its small class sizes.

Nova Southeastern University is ideal for students who:

Need extra attention, thanks to its small class sizes.

Nova Southeastern University might not be a good choice for students who:

Cannot commit to working hard and knowing how to balance. Academics and fun can be hard to balance.

Bradley University

• #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2024
• #12 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #17 Best Online Master’s in Counseling

Career Outlook for degree at Bradley University

Bradley University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Philip José Farmer
• Aldon Morris
• Morris Kleiner
• Anthony Parker
• Danny Granger
• Laura Kelly
• Paul Powell
• Daniel J. Crowley
• Jerry Hadley
• Stan Albeck

Bradley University is located in Peoria, Illinois, and enrolls students who are pursuing degrees in more than 100 undergraduate programs. Graduate students also have options, with around 40 programs available. Outside of the classroom, 30% of the students at Bradley join in Greek life, while others enjoy clubs, volunteer groups, and other campus organizations.

The Online Doctorate in Education at Bradley University offers a focus on higher education administration. This is designed for students who are interested in community college leadership or higher education.

• Required Credits: 60-61
• Completion Time: 28 months

What we love about Bradley University

Although there is no tuition reduction for Illinois students, about 99.8% of freshmen students get to enjoy some form of financial aid, averaging about $20,000.

Bradley University is great for students who:

Are looking for a warm and inviting classroom atmosphere. The professors are always ready and willing to sit with their students.

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

Are not into Greek life. The university talks about and promotes Greek life heavily.

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Guide to Online PhD Degree Programs + No GRE Options

Earning your doctorate or Ph.D. is a strong career move – you will open doors to many exciting positions with excellent pay with your doctorate. Now, you can earn your doctorate online, and in many cases, with no GRE or dissertation requirements.

Some schools on this page are ‘Featured Partner Schools’ and indicated as such by *. You are easily able to request enrollment information from any you see fit. Any and all corrections or additions to this page are welcome.

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General psychology.

The highest level of degree that you can earn in psychology is the Ph.D. Earning your Ph.D. is mandatory for those professionals wanting to open their own practice, or to conduct research in a university. Notable Ph.D.’s in psychology online include:

• Ph.D. in Psychology : This doctoral program at * Northcentral University is designed to the growing interest in the field of psychology, and also the need for more opportunities in the educational realm of psychology. You will be able to fine tune and hone your critical thinking abilities in this program, and to greatly expand your base of knowledge. There is a strong focus in this online degree program on applied experiential learning.
• Ph.D. in General Psychology with an Emphasis on Industrial and Organizational Psychology : This program from Grand Canyon University teaches students to have a better understanding of how workers behave in different situations. You will engage in the study of methods and principles, work behavior, relationships in employee management and more. The purpose of the degree is to improve individual, group and company performance through coaching, consulting and effective change management.
• Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy : The purpose of this program from * Northcentral University is to give you a lot of personalization and flexibility in getting your PhD in a highly specialized field. You can complete all of your coursework online, and finish your clinical training and research in your community. This doctoral degree will prepare you to enter the very quickly growing field of marriage and family therapy.
• Ph.D. in Health Psychology : The purpose of this Ph.D. from * Northcentral University is to give you a deep understanding of all of the factors that influence psychology around issues of health and illness. Required classes in this doctoral program include Health Psychology, Research Methods, Psychosocial Factors in Health, Statistics, Behavioral Nutrition, Tests and Measurements, and Eating Disorders and Obesity.
• Ph.D. in General Psychology with Emphasis in Technology : This program from * Grand Canyon University integrates technology and psychology, as well as instruction and learning to better inform research. This is a 21st century version of a traditional curriculum and instruction degree. It allows you to incorporate learning, technology and psychology. The end result is to optimize success in teaching and working environments. This is a good choice for those who want to propel their careers forward in social media, government, business and technology.
• Ph.D. in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction : * Grand Canyon University ’s doctoral program will allow you to explore and evaluate cognitive information and processes that will help you to develop excellent instructional methods for postsecondary education in the 21st century. This curriculum is designed to prepare applied instruction experts to be ready to train economically and culturally diverse communities in the area of adult education.
• Ph.D. in Mental Health Policy and Practice : In this doctoral degree from * Northcentral University , you will have the chance to develop an edge in building both your organizational skills and your practice, to market your services in behavioral health. This very focused specialization includes many highly advanced concepts in training in modern behavioral health. You will take classes in Mental Health Services Policy, Research Methods, Mental Health Administration, Comparative Analysis, Evidence-Based Treatments, and Quantitative Research Design.

Do you want to work independently as a mental health counselor? Earning your Ph.D. in counseling or a related field might be a good fit for you. Professionals with a Ph.D. in counseling are in demand and earn good pay. Consider these online options:

• PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy-Child and Adolescent Therapy : * Northcentral University offers this degree for those interested in being practitioner to families with children. They would receive the most modern teachings that research and study have shown in this profession. This program will equip them with the tools to best address the dynamics going on in troubled families.
• Doctor of Education in Counseling Psychology : Argosy University makes this online degree available to students that have already been working in counseling environments, but want to advance their ability to take leadership roles in the field of counseling psychology. In addition to leadership roles, successful graduates of this program often times return in a teaching capacity at an institute of higher learning.
• Doctorate of Marriage and Family Therapy : * Northcentral University offers this doctorate in marriage and family therapy, which differs somewhat from the Ph.D. available from Northcentral. This is more of a marriage and family therapy practice degree, while the Ph.D. is more a research and academic degree. This is the only doctorate in marriage and family therapy that does not require a residency requirement.
• Doctor of Education in Pastoral Community Counseling : This degree offered at Argosy University provides the teachings to students interested in becoming strong leaders in their religious communities. The coursework address both the educational side of counseling, but also works on developing strengths in leadership that can be put to action in the community to provide stronger growth and more responsible treatment of the people involved.
• Doctor of Education in Counselor Education and Supervision : Argosy University provides the opportunity for currently licensed counselors to advance their education to the doctorate level. This would advance their abilities by helping to teach them the skills to become a leader, either in supervising licensed counselors or by teaching counseling in an educational setting.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling : * Liberty University offers this program to those interested in public practice, private practice, or to teach counseling courses at the college level. On beginning one’s studies, they must choose which path they are interested in specializing, either pastoral care and counseling or professional counseling.
• PhD in Counseling :  Oregon State University prepares its students to re-enter the workforce as advanced counselors that can put the skills learned to practice. That can be assuming leadership roles in their current positions or to become educators in the workplace or in the educational setting. Coursework addresses assessments, group counseling, consultation, advanced theory and practice.
• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision : * Liberty University offers this unique doctoral program that is designed to mentor a diverse body of Ph.D. students, who feel a calling to provide counselor education and supervision and affect the field of counseling in leadership positions in higher education and clinical settings. This is a 66 credit hour program that will provide you with many opportunities to be a change leader in the field of counseling.
• Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling: Pastoral Care and Counseling : This unique program from * Liberty University will arm you with the professional counseling skills to serve effectively in any ministry setting. You will learn how to evaluate all types of individual, group and family populations so that you can provide Christian based counseling to assist people in dealing with their problems.
• Doctor of Christian Counseling : The Christian Leadership University makes part of its broad Christian-based offerings for those who seek formal degrees to add to their skill in offering wisdom and advice to members of their congregations. Focus is on applying things to real world situations as they are learned through coursework. Helps to learn how to channel faith and religion-based ideals to the struggles and hardships that their members deal with.
• PhD in Counselor Education and Practice : At Georgia State University , each student is required to select their specialization, and has many choices to pick from. College counseling, marriage counseling, therapy, and rehabilitation in a counseling setting, are a few. This curriculum takes an artistic view of counseling, and considers philosophically how the current practice of counseling works in fulfilling its duties to the clients.
• PhD in Counseling Psychology : The Georgia State University intends this program to sharpen the skills of practicing counselors in order to become university professors or to lead departments of counseling in larger organizations. These skills can be used in working with clients of all ages, all walks of life, all income levels, by assessing the internal components making each person do what they do. Considering positives of each person, rather than focusing on negatives or undesirable behaviors is what separates a counseling psychology practitioner.

Experienced educational professionals with years of classroom experience often choose to earn their Ph.D. in education. With this terminal education degree, you will be able to work in upper level administration in many educational institutions – from elementary schools to four year colleges and universities. Consider these online degree choices:

• Doctor of Education – * Liberty University – Programs available in Community Care & Counseling,  Curriculum & Instruction and more. It offers specialized courses develop the skills necessary to become a teacher, superintendent, principal, college instructor, or any other academic position requiring strong leadership skills and decision-making abilities. Highly rated by US News & World Report.
• Doctorate of Education : The doctoral program in education from * Concordia University Portland will help you to become a transformational leader with plenty of career opportunities. All of the doctoral classes are very practical and heavily focused on research. You will develop valuable decision making and leadership skills in this five year online program.
• Doctorate of Educational Administration : This degree from * Concordia University Portland will ready you to become a transformational, educational leader that will be an expert guiding hand for a public or private school. This is a three year online program that is limited to a cohort size of just 15 students to ensure quality.
• Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership : The degree program at * Grand Canyon University gives the students several options for the environment within academia that they aspire to improve their skills in organizational leadership. Organizational development, behavioral health, K-12 leadership, and special education are all offered. One area that this curriculum differs from most others is that their dissertation begins from the very start of the program. Instead of saving the dissertation to the end of all coursework, the Grand Canyon University designs their studies so that the student is able to be thinking of their subject through all of the core and concentration courses, and can be developing and questioning the theories as they relate to that topic.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership : Using the skills of the current educators that enter the degree program and developing them into the educational leaders of the future is the main drive behind the program offered at Keiser University Graduate School. This online format degree requires 60 semester credit hours, and aims to equip their graduates with the tools to encourage their interests in bringing about real changes to the educational system.
• Doctor of Education : Northcentral University provides an entirely online doctoral degree in education. They offer 13 specializations that will make it possible for most students to find the one that matches their personal aspirations in the field of education. Communication skills is a prime factor that there is substantial focus applied to. The culmination of the program rests on successful completion and defense of a dissertation, which incorporates the research study techniques developed through the degree program and the student’s area of interest.
• Doctor of Education in Leadership : The Catholic tradition plays a role in the design of the degree offered at Creighton University The online degree uses those fundamental beliefs to form the basis for the development of the leadership skills of the students. Their coursework is taught by faculty from all fields in the school, providing an cross-discipline perspective that is unique to this program. The degree requires 60 semester hours of coursework and requires two on-campus visits, one at the start and one at the end.
• Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership : This program at * University of New England focuses on what they call “transformative leadership.” These skills are designed to work together to improve each educator’s ability to apply the classroom concepts to bringing about real change in their own educational environments. This program takes three years to complete, and is completely online.
• Doctor of Education : NOVA Southeastern University and their Fischler School of Education offers a wide variety of specializations for their doctoral degree in education. They combine seminars of the core subject matter with the focus on their concentration which is developed through coursework as well as the research, writing, and defending of their dissertation. The online nature of the program increases the international diversity of the program, providing significant advantage to the students of the program. These viewpoints shared during class time will improve each student’s global perspective.
• Doctor of Education : * Liberty University provides an online degree program that requires 60 credit hours and includes some on-campus time related to your final dissertation. Two concentration choices are available, and each student must choose one of them: Educational Leadership or Curriculum and Instruction. Skills that are taught aim to combine a Christian perspective on forming the leaders for the education system of tomorrow.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies : Preparing the future leaders of higher education is the goal of University of Nebraska . Their program touches on the many demands placed on educational leaders, especially considering social and monetary factors, in leadership dynamics. This program requires a minimum of 90 credit hours, including the time needed to complete a dissertation.

If you already have earned your MBA and think you want to specialize your business knowledge even further in a specific topic or topics, you may want to earn your doctorate in business administration. This degree will provide you with the highest level of expertise in various business topics. The following degrees are good options:

• (D.B.A) Doctor of Business Administration (Information Systems) – Liberty University – This advanced program provides advanced training in professional management, human resources, marketing and other business areas. Program includes online instruction along with three 0ne-week intensives.
• (D.B.A.) in Healthcare Management – Liberty University – This top tier program will equip you to excel in the top tiers of the healthcare field.
• DBA : This fully online doctorate in business administration from * Northcentral University provides you with the highest level of training for senior leadership positions. This program has a strong emphasis on research application as a way to solve organizational problems, and also creating and executing the most effective strategies that also are highly ethical. There are many specialties you can choose, including Financial Management, Health Care Administration, Human Resources Management, Advanced Accounting, Marketing, Organizational Leadership, Project Management and Public Administration.
• DBA with Emphasis on Management : * Grand Canyon University ’s DBA with a focus on management is a completely immersive educational experience that will teach you strategic management theory as well as transformative business practices. You will gain in depth expertise in the many competitive needs of our global economy. It is a perfect choice for those who want to drive change in their organization or to advance your career in a business academic setting.
• DBA : * Liberty University offers a DBA that offers you advanced training in HR, marketing and professional management. This degree has business courses that are based upon Christian principles that supply the knowledge, value and skills that you need to advance your career to the highest levels in the corporate world. It is a good choice for business professionals who want to increase the value of their MBA and to learn even more advanced business management and leadership skills. Choose specialities in accounting, HR, information systems, international business, healthcare and marketing.
• D. in Business Administration : This doctoral degree, also offered by * Northcentral University , allows you to gain the skills that meet all of the most demanding needs of the modern business world through proven methods, which include complete reflection on your personal professional experiences, and also using a review of classic and modern theory and research in business. You also can choose many specialties in this Ph.D. program, including Marketing, International Business, Management of Engineering and Technology, Criminal Justice and Computer and Information Security.
• DBA : This online DBA from Argosy University is designed to boost your capabilities as an experienced business professional, and to enable you to meet the needs of modern businesses and academic organizations. This part time, online program has a curriculum that is focused intently on practical business concepts and active research, not just a theoretical approach to business problems. You can choose to focus your DBA studies on accounting or marketing.
• DBA with Emphasis on Data Analytics : This program offered by Grand Canyon University is designed to meet the many modern demands of our global economy. It is the perfect fit for those who want to boost their leadership skills and also to spark innovation throughout the business world. This data analytics program will empower you to both manage and analyze enterprise data, which also is known as big data. This will help you to successfully address complicated business decisions in your company.
• DBA : This part time doctoral business program from George Fox University is designed for the business professional who wants to boost their career as a consultant, executive or business professional. You will gain great expertise in many disciplines of business, and there will be a strong focus on faith and ethics in your course instruction. You will complete classes in business, research and education, with the latter including a teaching practicum. You also will have the option of choosing a management or marketing concentration.
• DBA : This online degree program from William Howard Taft University is a directed independent study program that stresses coursework in management and business leadership. You can finish this degree online. Professionals with positions of mid and senior level management tend to find this doctoral degree desirable, as it focuses on both the theoretical and practical aspects of business operation.
• DBA with Emphasis in Marketing : This DBA from * Grand Canyon University is designed to teach students to apply strategies that are driven by data so as to create major competitive advantage in many business disciplines. It is designed for aspiring leaders and executives, and will empower students with practical and theoretical expertise to deliver exemplary leadership in the next generation, while teaching and cultivating their own innovation and research.
• Doctor of Technology and Innovation Management : * Northcentral University offers this advanced degree in business and management. You will learn how to become a leader of positive change, as well as a champion of new, advanced technologies in both public and private organizations. Graduates of this Ph.D. program are empowered to make major technology, business and management changes in their place of work.

The field of nursing is experiencing some of the highest demand in the US economy today. You can become a highly paid, advanced nursing practice professional with your DNP degree. Or, you can teach at a university to educate the new generation of nurses:

• DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) – * Liberty University – This program is ready to help you take advantage of the strong demand for nursing services and education with this doctoral degree. Nurses in this program will learn how to translate research into advanced nursing practice to improve care quality and the safety of patients. They also will develop the ability to lead teams of nurses to drive innovation to boost the quality of health care, policies and systems.
• DNP with Emphasis in Educational Leadership : * Grand Canyon University has this unusual DNP degree that will prepare you to become a nurse leader. You will be able to design and implement evidence based strategies for nursing practice that will improve the education delivery system in healthcare. Also, you will enhance patient outcomes and nursing educational programs. This program is made for nursing professionals who want to increase their knowledge and build skills to lead and strengthen nursing education programs.
• DNP : The online DNP program at Nova Southeastern University will prepare you to excel in speciality practice or executive leadership. This program is designed for the professional with an MSN as a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, nurse anesthetist or nurse manager. You will be prepared to lead in practical, clinically focused scholarship and evidence-based practice research. Most professionals can graduate from this online program in three years of full time study.
• DNP : The online DNP program at Gonzaga University is designed for the nursing professional who has experience and expertise in advanced nursing specialty practice. This program requires you to complete 30 credit hours, and you can do most of your classwork online. You will need to visit the campus once in Spokane, WA for an orientation session, and there are two other optional on campus immersions.
• DNP : The professional nursing preparation at the University of Massachusetts Amherst will provide you with the most advanced coursework in leadership, research and clinical knowledge. In this accredited program, you may focus your studies on either becoming a family nurse practitioner or a public health nurse leader. Required courses include Theoretical Components of Nursing Science, Healthcare Quality, Research Methodology in Nursing, Leadership of Public Health Systems and Health Disparities and Social Justice.
• DNP : Chatham University offers a high quality DNP program that will ready you to practice as a nursing leader to promote the use of evidence-based practice in health care delivery systems. You will have an advanced skill set and competencies to function in many clinical and executive leadership roles. This online program consists of 27 credit hours that you can take in up to five semesters. You also will need to complete 500 clinical hours.
• DNP : At * Wilkes University , the goal of this DNP program is to produce the most competent, knowledgeable and proficient advanced practice nurses possible. The major elements of this online degree program are applied research and clinical practice. These two key elements are infused in all of the courses in the program. After you graduate, you can become a primary care nurse practitioner, a mental health nurse practitioner, a clinical nurse specialist or a nurse executive.
• DNP : * Grand Canyon University offers a DNP program that is designed to produce advanced practice registered nurses, nurse informaticists and nurse leaders. This program does not require you to leave your organization or practice to attend residencies. Instead, you will engage in peer discussion and scholarly research so that you can synthesize your learning into your practice experience.
• DNP : You can earn your Executive Leadership DNP from the USF of San Francisco and do so entirely online. this program is designed to serve current nursing executives who have significant supervisory oversight of health services and functions. Most professionals will need four years to complete this online degree.

The public health field is growing rapidly in demand as people as living longer. If you want to take advantage by working at the highest levels of public health, consider earning your doctoral degree in public health. Here are some good options:

• Ph.D. in Public Health : The Doctor in Public Health from the University of North Carolina concentrates on health leadership. It will prepare mid-career public health professionals for a top position in an organization whose goal is to improve the public health of populations around the world. This is a three year, cohort-based curriculum that will prepare you to take leadership responsibilities in many communities, organizations and institutions.
• Ph.D. in Public Health : At Emory University , you can obtain your doctoral degree in public health in the following areas: Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Environmental Health Sciences, Nutrition and Health Sciences, and Health Services Research and Policy. These highly regarded programs allow you to earn your doctorate degree online and to do so in about four years.
• Ph.D. in Public Health : At Drexel University , you can earn your doctorate in Community Health and Prevention. It will prepare you for roles of leadership in education, research and practice. You also can earn your doctorate in biostatistics and health policy and social justice. All of these degrees are earned online and may be completed in five years of study.
• Ph.D. in Public Health : You can earn your doctorate online in public health at Loma Linda University . This fully accredited program allows you to earn your Ph.D. in the following areas: Epidemiology, Health Education, Health Policy and Leadership, Nutrition and Preventive Care. You can take all of the classes you need to complete your degree online, and you may do so in about four years of full time study.

Why Earn a Ph.D.?

A Ph.D. is the highest possible degree that you can earn in the US. A Ph.D. is generally an academic and research-heavy degree where your major goal is to hone highly advanced research skills. Another important aspect of having a Ph.D. is to create entirely new knowledge to share with others in your industry.

Interest in Ph.D.s has risen in the last decade, as more employers recognize the value of having workers with highly specialized skills and knowledge in certain fields.

If you are thinking about going to back to school for your Ph.D., it is important to consider how this advanced degree will benefit your career. Most people who obtain their Ph.D. will enjoy many significant benefits, some of which are obvious, while others are not:

#1 You Can Have Major Impact on Your Industry

A Ph.D. program will prepare you to have a major effect on your industry and field. People with Ph.D.s often take an already existing concept or problem in their field, do more research and then come up with new solutions. This can definitely have a positive impact on society and our economy.

Some experts say that one of the biggest differences between a master’s degree and a Ph.D. is this: A master’s degree shows that you have mastered a certain field, such as business administration or finance.

On the other hand, people who have earned a Ph.D. have shown that they have added demonstrably to a field. Fewer than 2% of the US population has a Ph.D. because adding new knowledge to a field is tough work.

A person with a Ph.D. is essentially a creator of new information in the field or industry.

#2 Qualify for the Highest Positions

Someone with a doctoral degree is very well established in a certain field. Once you graduate, you will be available to earn very highly paid positions as an upper level administrator or executive in your field.

People with Ph.D.s are recognized as professionals who have achieved some of the highest honors in their profession. Employers know that you have been taught how to think carefully through tough problems and to solve them.

#3 Demonstrate High Level Skills

Most people who have earned a Ph.D. in any field have mastered to an elite level very important skills in research, writing and analysis. To get through one of these challenging four to six year programs, you will have to have learned how to identify, analyze, articulate and solve very challenging problems.

Whatever your field, these skills are very valuable, and many top employers will hold them in great esteem.

#4 Increase Your Network of Professionals

The people who are in your class and are teaching you will represent many sectors and fields. Virtually all of them are there to provide themselves with professional improvement, or to teach others to improve themselves. This group of like-minded professionals will turn into a very valuable professional network that you could rely on to provide you with support, and even to help you land new opportunities.

#5 Economic Payoff Can Be Big

For many fields, getting your Ph.D. will enhance your ability to earn a high salary , either with your current employer or a future one. The majority of top level executive positions today require you to have a doctoral degree.

After you have spent a great deal of time and money on your doctoral degree, it only makes sense that you ideally enjoy a financial benefit. Keep in mind that some professionals in some fields will benefit more financially than others, however. Nevertheless, as a creator of knowledge in your field, there is a reasonable chance that you should enjoy substantial financial benefits over your career with a Ph.D.

The above reasons are some of the most common benefits of earning your Ph.D. Getting your postgraduate degree in your field will be a great opportunity to enjoy a financially rewarding and personally satisfying career where you may substantially add to the base of knowledge in your specialty.

• Hankel, Isaiah, Ph.D. (n.d.). 7 Advantages Ph.D.s Have Over Other Job Candidates. Retrieved from https://cheekyscientist.com/job-candidates/
• Northeastern University . (n.d.). 5 Ways a Professional Doctorate Could Benefit Your Career. Retrieved from http://www.cps.neu.edu/prospective-students/tips-for-success/value-of-a-professional-doctorate-degree.php

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Do You Need to Take the GRE for a Ph.D. Program?

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• Many graduate schools no longer require GRE scores for Ph.D. programs.
• A good GRE score may make you more competitive at a test-optional school.
• Ph.D. programs that don't require GRE scores often prioritize other admission requirements.

Typical Ph.D. admission requirements include recommendation letters , a statement of purpose , and a resume .

You may also need Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Standardized tests such as the GRE predict your graduate school readiness and help master's and doctoral programs evaluate applicants.

Standardized tests can feel stressful, though, especially if you last took one many years ago. Fortunately, some programs now waive the GRE for Ph.D. admissions. Top reasons for waiving this requirement include the exam's high price and its content not aligning with some majors.

Keep reading to learn more about popular doctoral and Ph.D. programs that don't require GRE scores and when you should consider taking the GRE.

Featured Online Doctorate Programs

10 popular doctorates and ph.d. programs that don't require gre scores.

You can find GRE-optional Ph.D. and doctoral programs in many academic fields. These programs may instead require other application materials, such as an academic writing sample and curriculum vitae .

Ph.D. programs without GRE requirements may still recommend submitting scores. Good scores can help you stay competitive if your application falls short in other areas. Make sure to check all application requirements closely before applying to any doctoral programs.

1. Doctorate in Business Administration

A Ph.D. in business or a doctor of business administration (DBA) can offer specializations in areas like leadership, strategic management, and tourism management. Some online programs let you graduate in just three years.

Some doctoral business programs require or recommend the GMAT — a business-oriented admissions exam — instead of the general GRE. GMAT questions better assess your ability to do well in a graduate business program.

Featured Doctorate in Business Programs

Popular dba programs without gre.

• Bellevue University
• Florida International University
• Marshall University
• National University
• University of Maryland Global Campus

2. Doctorate in Computer Science

A Ph.D. in computer science prepares you for careers in academia, computer science research, and leadership. You'll take courses in subjects like artificial intelligence , computer networking, and social computing.

Ph.D. in computer science programs with no GRE requirements tend to look for applicants with strong resumes, impressive portfolios, and compelling recommendation letters. You can also impress admissions officers with a persuasive statement of purpose.

Featured Doctorate in Computer Science Programs

Popular computer science ph.d. programs without gre.

• Arizona State University
• Clemson University
• University of California, Santa Barbara
• University of Connecticut
• University of Minnesota

3. Doctorate in Criminal Justice

Consider doctorate in criminal justice programs if you want to work as a correctional supervisor or criminology professor. First-year classes may include seminars in police administration and police socialization.

Although you can find many criminal justice Ph.D. programs with no GRE requirements, it's a good idea to submit scores if you need departmental funding and other institutional financial aid .

Featured Doctorate in Criminal Justice Programs

Popular criminal justice ph.d. programs without gre.

• Tarleton State University
• University of Louisville
• University of Maryland
• University of New Haven

4. Doctorate in Data Science

A Ph.D. can take your data science career to the next level with classes in machine learning, big data, and probability and statistics. Research classes prepare you for the lengthy dissertation process . Other graduation requirements include teaching undergraduates.

Admissions officers prefer applicants with a bachelor's or master's in mathematics, computer science , or engineering .

Featured Doctorate in Data Science Programs

Popular data science ph.d. programs without gre.

• Boston University
• Carnegie Mellon University
• New York University
• University of California, San Diego
• Yale University

5. Doctorate in Education

Consider a Ph.D. in education or a doctor of education (Ed.D.) degree if you want to teach the next generation of teachers and school administrators. Top programs let you select an emphasis, such as learning and mind sciences or school organization and educational policy.

Applying to an education Ph.D. without GRE scores means your recommendation letters, teaching experience, statement of purpose, and academic record will likely carry the heaviest weight.

Featured Doctorate in Education Programs

Popular education ph.d. programs without gre.

• Drexel University
• Stanford University
• University of California, Davis
• University of California, Irvine
• University of Colorado Boulder

6. Doctorate in Healthcare Administration

Hospitals and other healthcare settings require well-trained professionals to oversee operations. A doctorate in healthcare administration prepares you for this role with coursework in population health and leadership strategies.

Admissions officers look for applicants with strong undergraduate grades and shining recommendation letters. Other requirements may include an interview with department faculty.

Featured Doctorate in Healthcare Administration Programs

Popular health administration ph.d. programs without gre.

• The Ohio State University
• University of California, Los Angeles
• William Carey University

7. Doctorate in Nursing

Like many Ph.D. programs that don't require the GRE, doctorate in nursing programs feature several concentrations for you to choose from. Your program — a Ph.D. in nursing or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) — may offer concentrations in health promotions, health outcomes, or nursing education. Your program may take less time to complete if you already hold an MSN .

Nursing programs not requiring the GRE for Ph.D. admissions may use an undergraduate GPA cutoff and interview. Other application materials may include a statement of purpose and a resume.

Featured Doctorate in Nursing Programs

Popular nursing ph.d. programs without gre.

• University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
• University of Northern Colorado
• Wilkes University

8. Doctorate in Pharmacy

All licensed pharmacists must hold a doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. Core classes in Pharm.D. programs include the principles of drug development, bioanalytical methods, and molecular spectroscopy. You'll also complete a research project and dissertation.

Admissions officers will review your undergraduate transcripts, resume, recommendation letters, and essays.

Featured Pharm.D. Programs

Popular pharmd programs without gre.

• Nova Southeastern University
• University of Illinois Chicago
• University of Michigan

9. Doctorate in Psychology

Top doctorate in psychology programs — whether you're getting a Ph.D. in psychology or a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) — let you choose a specialization, such as cognition, developmental science, or clinical psychology.

All degree-seekers take introductory coursework in statistics for psychology. You'll earn your Ph.D. or Psy.D. after you successfully defend your dissertation.

Featured Doctorate in Psychology Programs

Popular psychology ph.d. programs without gre.

• University of Nevada, Las Vegas

10. Doctorate in Social Work

The best doctorate in social work programs — either a Ph.D. in social work or a doctor of social work (DSW) — take about four years and require classes in areas like professional social work issues, correlation and regression, and qualitative data analysis. You may also need to complete a teaching practicum if you wish to become a social work professor.

DSW and social work Ph.D. programs with no GRE typically require a master's degree, professional experience, and coursework in statistics.

Featured Doctorate in Social Work Programs

Popular social work ph.d. programs without gre.

• Columbia University
• University of Denver
• University of Washington

How Do Ph.D. Programs Use GRE Scores?

Graduate schools use GRE scores for a variety of reasons, including as a way to judge your academic readiness.

Some schools use the GRE to make admission decisions, some use it for merit-based financial aid, and some require it but don't weigh it heavily, said Ben Paris , a tutor and test prep expert with over 25 years of experience. Paris also served as curriculum director at Kaplan Test Prep.

A high GRE score suggests you're well prepared for the rigor of a graduate program.

But not all Ph.D. programs use GRE scores the same way.

According to Paris, Programs may consider different parts of the GRE and not others. For example, English grad programs care less about your Quantitative score, and engineering grad programs focus less on Verbal.

Before you apply to any grad schools, consider reaching out and asking how the program uses GRE scores to evaluate applicants.

Asking your target programs about how they use the GRE gives you helpful information and demonstrates interest, which helps your application, said Paris.

Should You Submit GRE Scores to Test-Optional Programs?

Whether you should submit GRE scores to test-optional grad schools depends on many factors, including how high you're likely to score and how competitive your programs are.

Find out if your program has competitive admissions, recommended Paris. For competitive programs, the GRE can be an advantage if you've got good scores that are higher than those of typical admitted students.

A high GRE score can also help negate a less-than-impressive undergraduate GPA.

Students with lower GPAs especially benefit from submitting stellar GRE scores, as those scores can compensate for low grades, said Paris.

Finally, your academic field can affect whether you should submit GRE scores. An excellent Quantitative score can set you apart if you're applying to STEM programs, whereas high Verbal and Analytical Writing scores can boost an application to a humanities or liberal arts Ph.D. program.

Many grad schools publish the average GRE scores of admitted applicants on their websites. Knowing what other students scored can help you determine whether to submit your own GRE scores.

Look up scores of admitted students, advised Paris. That will give you a sense if your scores are competitive or if you should invest in more preparation for a higher score.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ph.D. Programs That Don't Require GRE Scores

What is a good gre score for a ph.d. program.

A good GRE score will depend on the expectations of the Ph.D. programs you're applying to. Some program websites may explicitly state what they consider to be a good GRE score . They may also report the average GRE scores for the latest incoming class.

You'll want to meet or exceed any GRE score a Ph.D. program uses for admission purposes. A score within this range can make your application more competitive.

When should you take the GRE for a Ph.D. program?

You should take the GRE well before your application deadlines, ideally at least 1-3 months in advance. ETS lets you take the exam once every three weeks, giving you many opportunities to improve your score if needed.

Can you get into a Ph.D. program with low GRE scores?

You can get into a Ph.D. program with low GRE scores if you submit strong transcripts, essays, and recommendation letters.

That said, you'll need every advantage when applying to competitive Ph.D. programs. Use GRE practice tests to identify your areas of weakness and create a long-term study plan.

What is the minimum GRE score required for a Ph.D.?

There is no universal GRE score cutoff for a Ph.D. Although some doctoral programs may require a minimum GRE score for admission, many do not (or don't require GRE scores at all).

Some programs may require a combined minimum Verbal and Quantitative score, while others may require only a minimum Verbal or Quantitative score. In general, you can expect more competitive Ph.D. programs to maintain a higher GRE score cutoff.

Explore More College Resources

Best online graduate schools & master’s programs [no gre required].

A Complete Guide to GRE Registration and Fees (With Pictures)

How to prepare for the gre: test day checklist.

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Best 18-Month Doctorate without Dissertation [2024 Guide]

An 18-month doctorate without dissertation is a strategic option for those looking to advance their education quickly and efficiently.

This guide explores a variety of professional doctorates, covering diverse fields from business administration to social work. You can gain insights into the subjects each degree covers as well as the potential career paths they can lead to.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Whether you’re looking to climb the career ladder or pivot to a new field, read on to discover a range of accelerated doctorate programs that don’t have a dissertation component.

List of Colleges Offering No Dissertation Doctorates

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.

Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

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

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

Quinnipiac University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

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

Valparaiso University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau , there’s a growing trend in higher education, with more people earning advanced degrees. Online doctorate programs that don’t require a traditional dissertation can often be completed in less time, some in as little as 18 months.

The following degree options showcase the wide range of fields that offer accelerated doctoral programs. Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:

• Doctorate in Accounting
• Doctorate in Business Administration
• Doctorate in Computers & Information Technology
• Doctorate in Criminal Justice
• Doctorate in Education
• Doctorate in Engineering
• Doctorate in Entrepreneurship
• Doctorate in Finance
• Doctorate in Healthcare Administration
• Doctorate in Information Technology
• Doctorate in Liberal Arts
• Doctorate in Marketing
• Doctorate in Ministry
• Doctorate in Nursing
• Doctorate in Occupational Therapy
• Doctorate in Physical Therapy
• Doctorate in Public Administration
• Doctorate in Public Health
• Doctorate in Psychology
• Doctorate in Social Work

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

DBA in Accounting

An online DBA in Accounting helps you develop advanced accounting expertise and qualifications. This doctorate emphasizes applying accounting principles and strategies directly to professional settings, equipping you with skills to lead in dynamic business environments.

Key subjects studied include advanced financial reporting, strategic taxation, and auditing practices. With a focus on real-world financial challenges and strategic decision-making, this program can help prepare you for high-level finance roles, such as chief financial officer or financial strategist.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

An accelerated Doctor of Business Administration program with no dissertation offers a swift path to advanced business leadership expertise.

Key subjects studied include global business strategies, organizational leadership, and business analytics. This program is beneficial for those aspiring to senior management roles or consultancy, as it focuses on broad-based business acumen applicable across various industries.

A DBA can help you develop practical skills for effective leadership and strategic planning in the ever-evolving global business landscape.

Computer Science

An 18-month non-dissertation doctorate in computer science program is a rapid route to advanced technological expertise.

This program is aimed at professionals who are eyeing leadership roles in tech industries. It emphasizes cutting-edge computing technologies and problem-solving in real-world contexts. Key subjects studied include advanced algorithms, data analytics and big data, and cybersecurity.

You can learn to apply advanced computer science principles in areas like software development, data security, and AI.

Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ)

An accelerated Doctor of Criminal Justice program offers a fast-track to expertise in criminal justice leadership. With a focus on contemporary issues in the criminal justice system, the program covers key subjects like advanced criminology, law enforcement leadership, and criminal justice policy and administration.

You can become better equipped to make informed decisions and lead effectively in various criminal justice settings. Many graduates pursue high-level positions in law enforcement, policymaking, or justice administration.

Doctor of Education (EdD)

A non dissertation EdD program is designed for rapid advancement in educational leadership and innovation. This program emphasizes applying educational theories and practices to address contemporary challenges in education.

Key subjects studied include curriculum design and assessment, educational leadership and policy, and instructional technology. An EdD is common for aspiring educational leaders, administrators, and policymakers.

You can become adept at implementing effective educational strategies, driving organizational change in educational settings, and contributing to policy development.

Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng)

A non-dissertation Doctor of Engineering program offers a rapid path to advanced engineering leadership. This program is designed for professionals who want to pursue executive or high-level managerial roles in engineering.

A DEng program helps prepare you to effectively lead engineering projects and innovations, integrating theoretical knowledge with hands-on application in a variety of engineering fields. Key subjects studied include advanced engineering management, sustainable engineering practices, and emerging technological innovations.

DBA in Entrepreneurship

An online DBA in Entrepreneurship program without a dissertation is a streamlined path to mastering entrepreneurial leadership. This specialized DBA is tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs or business leaders, helping you hone skills in creating, developing, and managing successful entrepreneurial ventures.

Core subjects studied include innovation and venture development, strategic entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial finance. With an entrepreneurship DBA, you can grow your knowledge of how to launch and grow businesses, apply innovative strategies, and lead entrepreneurial initiatives.

DBA in Finance

A DBA in Finance emphasizes strategic financial management and decision-making in business. Key subjects studied include advanced corporate finance, investment strategies and analysis, and financial risk management.

A finance DBA is geared toward professionals who want to pursue roles such as CFOs or financial consultants. As a graduate, you may be ready to take charge in finance departments, handle complex investment portfolios, and tackle the intricacies of financial markets.

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)

A Doctor of Healthcare Administration focuses on managing healthcare systems effectively and ethically. This doctorate program is designed for professionals who are seeking leadership and executive roles in healthcare organizations.

A DHA combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills for real-world healthcare management. Key subjects studied include healthcare policy and regulation, organizational leadership in healthcare, and health services management. You can become better equipped to improve healthcare delivery, lead healthcare organizations, and influence policy.

Doctor of Information Technology (DIT)

A doctorate in information technology is beneficial for professionals who are eyeing senior and leadership roles in the IT sector. DIT programs emphasize the strategic application of IT in business and organizational contexts.

Key subjects studied include advanced data analytics, cybersecurity management, and IT strategic planning. You can become better equipped to tackle complex IT challenges, lead technology-driven initiatives, and drive IT strategies that align with organizational goals.

Doctor of Liberal Arts (DLA)

A Doctor of Liberal Arts offers an advanced education through diverse interdisciplinary studies. A DLA is aimed at professionals in education, policymaking, and cultural sectors.

While this program involves a broad perspective on arts and humanities, key subjects include cultural studies, ethical and political theory, and interdisciplinary research methods. Graduates can could apply their comprehensive liberal arts knowledge in a variety of fields, promoting understanding and innovation in both academic and real-world settings.

DBA in Marketing

A DBA in Marketing blends advanced marketing strategies with practical applications. This program focuses on applying contemporary marketing theories to real-world business scenarios.

Key subjects studied include consumer behavior analysis, digital marketing strategies, and brand management. This program can help you develop the skills to lead innovative marketing campaigns and strategies. A marketing DBA is especially beneficial for professionals working toward senior marketing roles.

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

A Doctor of Ministry focuses on practical ministry skills and leadership strategy. Since it’s designed for ministry professionals, it emphasizes real-world application of theological concepts and leadership in faith-based contexts.

Key subjects covered in a DMin program include pastoral care and counseling, theological reflection and application, and ministry leadership dynamics. A DMin could help prepare you to lead congregations, manage ministry programs, and engage effectively with communities.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

A DNP program is designed for nurses seeking advanced nursing roles and leadership roles in healthcare settings. This program focuses on applying advanced nursing skills to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.

Key subjects studied include advanced clinical practice, healthcare policy and advocacy, and nursing leadership and management. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , 45% job growth is projected for nurse practitioners over the next ten years, making it one of the fastest growing occupations.

Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD)

An online Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is tailored for occupational therapists aiming for higher-level clinical or administrative roles. This type of program emphasizes enhancing therapeutic practices and leading in healthcare settings.

Core subjects include advanced clinical practice, occupational therapy leadership, and evidence-based practice in occupational therapy. Graduates may apply their skills in diverse healthcare environments, implementing innovative therapy techniques, managing therapy programs, and contributing to the development of OT practices.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

A Doctor of Physical Therapy is the minimum educational requirement for aspiring licensed physical therapists. This program focuses on applying advanced therapeutic techniques and leading in diverse healthcare environments.

Key subjects studied include advanced clinical biomechanics, physical therapy in special populations, and health care policy and administration in PT. A DPT can help equip you to improve patient rehabilitation, bring new approaches to physical therapy, and effectively manage physical therapy departments or practices.

Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

A doctorate in public administration is designed for professionals who aspire to lead in government or non-profit organizations. This program centers on applying advanced concepts to public administration challenges.

Key subjects studied include public policy analysis, organizational leadership in government, and public financial management. A DPA program can help prepare you to shape policies, lead public organizations, and manage resources effectively, making a meaningful impact in public service.

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

A Doctor of Public Health is designed for professionals who want to pursue senior or leadership roles in the public health sector. This program emphasizes the practical application of public health theories in addressing global and community health challenges.

Key subjects studied include epidemiology and biostatistics, health policy and management, and community health promotion. DrPH graduates may be equipped to lead in public health organizations, design effective health programs, and influence health policy.

Psychology (PsyD or PhD)

Doctoral psychology programs help prepare you for careers in clinical psychology, counseling, or research.

A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) focuses on practical psychological skills. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology tends to emphasize research and theory in the field. Key subjects include clinical practice and assessment, counseling techniques, and behavioral therapy.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA) , psychology professionals work in various settings, like schools, healthcare facilities, and private practice.

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

A Doctor of Social Work is geared toward social work professionals who want to pursue leadership roles in agencies or nonprofits. This program can help you hone skills in both clinical practice and social work administration.

Key subjects studied include advanced clinical practice, social policy analysis, and leadership in social work. Advanced social work roles include clinical directors, policy advisors, and heads of social service organizations.

Advantages and Challenges of No Dissertation Doctorates

Exploring the shortest doctoral programs without dissertation is beneficial if you’re looking to fast-track your career with practical skills. It’s helpful, though, to first weigh the pros and cons to see if it’s the right fit for you.

At the end of the day, the easiest doctorate degrees or easiest PhD without dissertation programs are beneficial if they help you work toward your personal, professional goals.

When choosing an online 18 month doctorate program, here are some key factors to consider:

• Accreditation . It’s beneficial to make sure the school is accredited. This stamp of approval means it meets certain quality standards, which is crucial for your degree’s value.
• Program flexibility . You can look for programs that fit your schedule, especially if you’re balancing work or personal commitments.
• Faculty expertise . You can research the faculty’s background. You might prefer experienced instructors who are experts in their fields.
• Curriculum relevance . You can check whether the coursework aligns with your career goals and interests.
• Technology and resources . Some schools offer robust online resources and tech support—essential for a smooth online learning experience.
• Cost and financial aid . You can evaluate the total cost as well as what financial aid or scholarships are available.
• Alumni network and career services . A strong network and career support can be invaluable for post-graduation opportunities.

The right program for you is the one that not only meets your preferred criteria but also fits your personal and professional aspirations.

Admissions Requirements

Each program has its unique admissions requirements, but here are some common criteria for doctoral programs:

• Advanced degree . Many doctoral programs require a master’s in a related field.
• Professional experience . Relevant work experience showcases your practical knowledge in the field.
• Letters of recommendation . These can come from academic or professional references who can vouch for your qualifications.
• Personal statement . You can explain your motivations and goals for pursuing a doctorate.
• Standardized test scores (if required) . Some grad programs ask for GRE or GMAT scores.

Tailoring your application to each school’s criteria will strengthen your chances of success.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial aid options can help make paying for a doctorate more manageable. You can start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . It will determine your eligibility for grants, loans, and other federal aid. You can also check out what financial aid opportunities your state offers.

If you’re working, you could see if your employer has tuition assistance programs. Many employers are willing to invest in their employees’ education. In addition, you can keep an eye out for scholarships offered by universities, private organizations, or community groups. They can help cover the cost of higher education.

Find quick answers to the most frequently asked questions below.

Can You Get a Doctorate Degree Without a Dissertation?

Yes, you can get a doctorate degree without a dissertation, and it’s becoming a popular choice for many. These programs focus on practical knowledge and skills rather than traditional research.

Instead of a dissertation, you might work on a capstone project, an applied research project, or a professional portfolio that’s more aligned with your career goals. This approach is especially appealing if you’re a working professional looking to advance your career without the time-intensive commitment of a traditional dissertation.

How Is a Doctorate Without Dissertation Different from a Traditional PhD?

Here are some of the differences between a doctorate without a dissertation and a traditional PhD.

Both the fastest PhD programs online and accelerated doctorate programs without dissertations have their merits. You can choose the path that best fits your career aspirations.

Program Cost

The cost of an 18-month doctorate program can vary. But according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) , the average cost of graduate tuition and required fees for an academic year is $12,596 at public institutions and $29,931 at private nonprofit institutions.

Keep in mind, these are averages. The actual cost could be different based on the specific program and school. When considering a program, it’s helpful to look at the detailed tuition fees and factor in other expenses like books, program fees, and living costs. This helps you plan financially for your educational journey.

Are 18-Month, Non-Dissertation Doctorates Credible and Accredited?

There are 18-month, non-dissertation doctorates that are both credible and accredited. Accreditation is key here, especially regional accreditation, which is regarded as the gold standard in higher education.

When a program is regionally accredited, it means it has met rigorous standards set by a recognized accrediting agency. This stamp of approval ensures the quality and credibility of your degree, making sure it’s recognized by employers and other educational institutions.

So, when you’re scouting for programs, it’s always strategic to check their accreditation status. You can find more information and a list of accredited institutions on the US Department of Education’s website.

Can You Get a Doctorate Without a Masters Degree?

Yes, you can get a doctorate without a masters degree. Some PhD programs welcome candidates straight from their bachelor’s program, especially if you have a strong academic record and relevant research or work experience.

These programs typically integrate the coursework of a master’s degree into the PhD curriculum, so you’re not missing out on any vital knowledge. Every program has its unique admissions criteria, so it’s important to check the specific requirements of the schools you’re eyeing. That way, you can find a path that fits with your educational background and career goals.

What Kind of Career Opportunities Can I Pursue with an Accelerated Doctoral Degree?

The jobs available to you with a doctoral degree depend on a number of factors, including your degree specialization, work experience, and geographic location.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are a few roles that typically require doctoral degrees.

Your career opportunities will likely depend on your field of interest, skill sets, and experience.

Getting Your Degree Online

Diving into an 18-month doctorate program without a dissertation component can be a game-changer for your career.

It’s a fast track to advancing your expertise with a practical focus that fits into your busy life. The key is to choose an accredited doctoral program that aligns with your goals. So, why wait? You can start exploring your options today!

The sooner you find the accredited school and program that’s right for you, the sooner you can take that next step in your educational and professional journey.

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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.

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.

Doctorate Programs That Might Interest You

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

Online phd programs for you, take the next step toward your future with online learning., you might also like.

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College of Professional Studies

Northeastern University’s online Doctor of Education program provides experienced adult learners, working professionals, and scholar-practitioners from diverse backgrounds and perspectives with the practical knowledge and experience they need to transform the learning landscape. Students gain innovative approaches to create authentic change in their communities. The program was selected as the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate's Program of the Year for 2022-2023.

The Doctor of Education program is designed to be completed in three to four years of study—following a fast-paced quarter system in lieu of a traditional semester format. Students choose from five concentrations to create a curriculum that matches personal and professional interests. The program's dissertation in practice process will begin at the onset of your coursework as you identify your problem of practice and develop an action plan—incorporating cycles of data collection and analysis, collaboration, change work, and reflection—culminating in the dissemination of your action research findings. Our students come from diverse disciplines and professions, seeking more than just a degree. You'll gain a practical education that translates to your everyday working environment.

While all EdD courses can be completed online (except for hybrid courses in Seattle and Charlotte), annual in-person two-day residencies are held on campus. Residencies focus on networking and tools for career success and allow you to connect with faculty and fellow scholars to share knowledge and experience. You'll attend residencies* in your first and second years of the program at one of our campuses in Boston, Charlotte, or Seattle.

The Northeastern Doctor of Education degree is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and was selected as Program of the Year by the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate Program for 2022-2023.

*Please note: International students enrolling in the online EdD program will be provided with an option to complete the residency through online participation in interactive sessions with fellow scholars offered during the residency period.

More Details

Unique features.

• You will choose one of five concentrations—higher education administration, innovative teaching and learning, transformative school leadership, workplace learning, and integrative studies—to focus your studies and further customize your curriculum.
• You'll begin dissertation in practice work at the onset of your program. You'll select a compelling educational/organizational challenge and will be assigned a faculty advisor to support your research throughout the program.
• All coursework is online—providing flexibility for working professionals. Your residencies will be fulfilled in person*, at one of our campuses in Boston, Charlotte, or Seattle.
• You'll learn alongside faculty practitioners—engaging with respected leaders who contribute to the field as authors, journal editors, school board members, bloggers, and podcasters.

*In-person participation in the residency is also available for international students.

Concentrations

• Higher Education Administration: The higher education administration concentration provides an opportunity for experienced higher education professionals to expand their previous understanding of practices within all sectors of postsecondary education—and also advance their professional practice by developing and deepening their understanding of the roles of colleges and universities in our society. Sectors examined include community colleges, four-year colleges, for-profit institutions, and research universities.
• Innovative Teaching and Learning: The innovative teaching and learning concentration focuses on transforming education through innovation, justice, and policy, by providing engaging opportunities for current and aspiring teaching and learning specialists working in various education spaces. The concentration focuses on teaching and learning both inside and outside the bounds of P-20 schools and focuses on developing and leading innovative curricula as well as professional development.
• Transformative School Leadership: The transformative school leadership concentration provides innovative opportunities for experienced education professionals who are current and aspiring leaders of early childhood centers, public or private schools, or school districts. The concentration prepares students to lead and transform educational spaces and be equipped to shape the needs of education in K-12, higher education, organizational contexts, and beyond.
• Workplace Learning: The workplace learning concentration helps professionals gain a deeper understanding of, recognize, and influence real-life social inequalities faced by marginalized populations in the workplace. Courses allow students to advance their professional practice by developing and deepening their knowledge of workplace learning, organizational dynamics, learning strategy, and ethics.
• Integrative Studies: The integrative studies concentration provides an opportunity for students to design a program of study that fits their own professional goals and includes the required foundation and research courses, concentration courses from any EdD concentration, and electives from the Doctor of Education or Doctor of Law and Policy programs.

Program Objectives

Northeastern's Doctor of Education program is designed for experienced professionals interested in deepening their understanding of education, organizational development, and leadership. Throughout the program, students examine various approaches to critical, practice-based issues, learn research methods, and conduct a doctoral research study that investigates a compelling educational or organizational challenge.

2022-2023 Doctor of Education Program of the Year

The Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate selected Northeastern's EdD program as the 2022-2023 Program of the Year, noting the “redesigned Dissertation in Practice Curriculum and the adoption of action research as its guiding methodology …” The committee praised “the program’s efforts to move beyond the typical five-chapter dissertation and engage scholarly practitioners in the acquisition of skills to realize meaningful change in their local contexts, emphasizing social justice.”

Testimonials

– sara ewell, phd, assistant dean, graduate school of education, – frawn morgan, current student, doctor of education, – aaron b., program graduate, looking for something different.

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

• Online application
• Academic transcripts: Official undergraduate and graduate degree documentation
• Describe the problem of practice
• Explain why you want to investigate it
• Provide a strong rationale for the significance of the problem
• Minimum work experience: Three years in a related field
• Professional resumé: Must summarize work and education history, include an outline of your educational/academic skills with examples such as research and teaching experience, affiliations, publications, certifications, presentations, and other professional skills.
• Faculty recommendation: Must be from a faculty member in your previous graduate program who can attest to your readiness for doctoral work. If you are no longer acquainted with a faculty member, please choose a professional who can speak of your academic capabilities to engage in doctoral-level research and writing. Recommendations should be presented as a letter attached to the general recommendation form.
• Two professional recommendations: Must be from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities, a supervisor, mentor, or colleague. It is preferred that one letter of recommendation come from your current employer and/or supervisor. Recommendations should be presented as a letter attached to the general recommendation form.
• Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language.

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:

Domestic Application Guidelines

International Application Guidelines *

*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

View curriculum

The core of the mission of the program is to allow educators to remain in the places they work, focus on a problem of practice, and through experiential learning and site-specific research opportunities in the program, make an immediate impact in their professional environments. The program explicitly integrates research and practice for professionals so they develop the requisite skills for conceiving, designing, conducting, and producing original site-based research in order to effect ethical change related to real-life problems of practice.

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Joseph McNabb, PhD

Cherese Childers-McKee, PhD

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 13 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 3,000 employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Below is a look at where our Education & Learning alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

Where They Work

• Boston Public Schools
• Chicago Public Schools
• NYC Department of Education
• Lockheed Martin
• Veterans Affairs
• Johns Hopkins
• Columbia University

What They Do

• Media Consultant
• College President
• Chief Information Officer
• Instructional Designer
• Diversity Officer
• Founder-CEO
• VP of Student Services
• Community Services Director

What They're Skilled At

• Experiential Learning
• Team Building
• International Education
• Change Agency
• Entrepreneurship
• Urban Education
• Strategic Management
• Student Engagement

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on  Linkedin .

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Admissions FAQ

Do i need to find a faculty advisor before i apply to the slat phd program.

No. Applicants to the SLAT PhD program do not need to find or confirm a SLAT faculty advisor before they apply to the program. SLAT students complete their coursework and get to know different faculty throughout their first two years in the program, and only after that do they start looking for a faculty advisor for their comprehensive exams and dissertation work.

What kind of research can I pursue in SLAT?

SLAT students work with faculty across all SLAT colleges, and build research projects that extend across traditional discipline boundaries. To see a list of SLAT alumni, their completed dissertation titles, and the faculty members who chaired their committee, please see our  SLAT Student Dissertations page .

What kind of funding does SLAT provide to admitted students?

SLAT does not directly fund its students. The majority of SLAT students are funded Graduate Assistantships in Teaching (GATships), which provide payment of tuition, health insurance, and a stipend during the academic year (August - May). GATships are negotiated with the language programs on campus, and involve teaching a second or foreign language. The GATships are extremely limited and competitive. GATships are offered based on the teaching needs of the partner language departments and the teaching experience of the applicants.

How do I apply for a GATship or a fellowship/scholarship?

The application for SLAT contains questions related to funding needs. Please answer the questions in the application to help the SLAT Admissions Committee make funding offers.

After applicants are reviewed and chosen for admission by the SLAT Admissions Committee, the SLAT Chair will work with different language programs on campus to hire new admits as GATs. Although SLAT does its best to admit students with funding, please be aware that GATships in all languages may not be available each year, and it is possible that an applicant may be admitted without a GATship. The admissions committee also will recommend outstanding applicants for fellowships and scholarships.

If you have questions related to SLAT funding, please email  [email protected] .

May I submit recommendation letters, or must they come directly from the letter writer?

All letters of recommendation need to come directly from the recommenders. Letters of recommendation should be written in English and should address the candidate’s academic background, relevant experience, and potential for success in a rigorous Ph.D. program. After you enter your recommender’s name and email address in the online application, the recommender will receive an email from the Graduate College requesting that the letter be uploaded directly to your application. 

Should you or your recommender have any difficulties with this process, please email  [email protected] .

Is there a minimum GRE score?

SLAT does not list a minimum score, although entrance to SLAT is competitive and GRE scores are used in a variety of ways to determine applicant proficiency and potential program fit.

If I have completed a master's degree, must I retake the GRE?

All applicants must submit current GRE scores (taken less than five years ago). If your scores are out of date, you will need to retake the exam.

Must I retake the iBT, TOEFL or other English-language proficiency exam?

International students from non-English speaking countries must demonstrate English language proficiency to be admitted to the University of Arizona Graduate College. Language proficiency exams must have been taken within the past two years to be valid. International applicants who have completed a master’s degree at an institution in an English-speaking country do not need to retake the exam. Learn more information about English proficiency requirements .

What is the institution code to submit my GRE and TOEFL scores? What is SLAT's department code?

For both exams, the Institution code for the University of Arizona is 4832. SLAT does not have a department code. Please leave the department code blank to avoid incorrectly routed scores.

Where do I mail my transcripts?

Please do not mail transcripts with your application. Transcripts should be scanned and uploaded electronically into the SLAT online application.

If you are not able to upload your transcripts into the SLAT online application, please contact the SLAT office at [email protected] to find out if/where your paper transcripts can be sent.

Is the SLAT PhD program online or remote?

No, the SLAT Ph.D. program is not a remote or online program. Our students complete coursework during the first two years of the program, and the majority of their required courses are offered in-person only. Additionally, funding support usually requires being in-person at the University of Arizona as well.

When will I find out if I have been admitted or not?

The SLAT Admissions Committee does not review submitted applications until after the application deadline passes on December 15. The Admissions Committee aims to have the first round of decisions sent out by mid-February each year, although this is not a guaranteed timeline and is dependent on budget updates from the University. Please note that some applicants are placed on a waitlist, and the SLAT Office strives to let all waitlisted applicants know as soon as possible if their position on the list changes.

The University of Arizona is a signatory to the Council of Graduate Schools Resolution that no student can be required to accept an offer of financial support prior to April 15 of each year. This means that any applicants who are offered admission and funding support in the first round of decisions have until April 15 to let us know their decision, although we encourage letting the program know as soon as possible so that we can update our waitlists accordingly. For applicants who are on waitlists, please be aware that admissions and funding offers may come after the April 15 deadline, once the program receives decisions from first-round applicants.

Where can I get questions answered about the application and admissions process?

You can email [email protected] with any questions about the SLAT application process and SLAT admissions process.

Admission Criteria

The admission criteria established by the Executive Council of the SLAT Program include a review of the following:

• Academic record
• Solid focus on research questions related to L2 acquisition and/or teaching
• Quality of master’s level research
• Appropriateness and quality of preparation
• Quality of performance in prior coursework
• Honors and awards indicating exceptional ability
• Statement of purpose: clear articulation of goals related to earning a degree/certification in SLAT, including research orientation
• Match of SLAT resources to applicant interests
• Second Language (L2) or Foreign Language (FL) teaching, travel, study abroad, and other relevant experiences
• Writing sample: ability to organize and synthesize information; likelihood of success with dissertation requirement
• Recommendations, particularly with respect to academic potential
• Current GRE Aptitude scores and (for international applicants) current TOEFL or IELTS scores
• L2 competence
• Contribution to SLAT diversity and balance
• Other potential for contributions to the program/profession

If you have any questions about the SLAT program, the online application, or admissions procedures, please contact the SLAT office at +1-520-621-7391 or by email at  [email protected] .