online phd no gre no dissertation

Best Online Doctorate Degree No Dissertation Programs

Earning a doctorate is a major accomplishment. But did you know that you can earn a doctorate without defending a dissertation? Many popular doctoral programs do not require a dissertation, including in fields such as business, healthcare, and education.

What is a dissertation? A dissertation is an in-depth, original research project that can be well over 100 pages long. Research for a dissertation can add years to your doctoral program.

Instead of a dissertation, some programs use an applied research or capstone project. These programs often emphasize practical knowledge and skills intended to prepare you for a career in your chosen field. If you want to attend a doctoral program without a dissertation, check out these programs.

Featured Online Doctorate Degrees

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

What Doctorate Degrees Do Not Have Dissertation Requirements?

Earn your doctorate without a dissertation by choosing one of these programs. Many also offer a doctorate degree online with no dissertation requirement. Make sure to research the specific program requirements before applying.

1. Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Business is the most popular graduate degree, according to the National Center for Education Statistics . And a doctor of business administration is one of the most popular doctoral programs without a dissertation.

During a DBA, you’ll explore applied management and business skills. Instead of a dissertation, a DBA culminates in an applied research project. Graduate students may evaluate a business problem, propose solutions, or analyze the effectiveness of different approaches.

2. Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

A doctor of education degree strengthens leadership and problem-solving skills for educators. While a Ph.D. in education trains researchers and academics, an Ed.D. prepares practitioners for careers in the classroom, school administration, and education policy.

You can earn an education doctorate degree online with no dissertation requirement. During an Ed.D. program, you’ll complete an applied research project. This may include a case study of educational approaches, an in-depth policy analysis, or a data-focused analysis of student outcomes.

3. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

A doctor of nursing practice program trains nurses for advanced practice roles, including as a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist. In contrast, a Ph.D. in nursing emphasizes research, often for academic or research careers.

During a DNP, nursing students strengthen clinical and leadership skills. They often complete a project rather than a dissertation. Topics may include quality improvement, compliance, or nursing leadership.

4. Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

Earning a doctor of psychology degree prepares you for licensure and careers as a psychologist. With its focus on clinical training, a Psy.D. emphasizes practice over the research-focused Ph.D. in psychology.

While psychology Ph.D. programs typically require a dissertation, in a Psy.D. program you’ll often gain clinical experience during a practicum and internship, which you’ll apply in a research project. These projects evaluate service delivery, therapeutic approaches, and clinical practice.

5. Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)

A doctor of healthcare administration program prepares graduates for executive roles in healthcare facilities. At the doctoral level, you can also earn a Ph.D. in healthcare administration. These programs are more likely to require a dissertation than DHA programs.

DHA students often complete an applied research project rather than a dissertation. These projects focus on healthcare decision-making and problem-solving. For example, doctoral students may evaluate policy implementation, quality control, or patient outcome data.

6. Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Physical therapists need a doctor of physical therapy degree. A DPT, which typically takes around three years, instructs students in therapeutic care and advanced human movement.

Rather than a dissertation, DPT programs culminate in a research project. This capstone project examines the applications of physical therapy in different clinical settings, including projects focused on particular injuries or patient groups.

7. Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

A doctor of social work degree emphasizes social work practice. In contrast, a Ph.D. in social work leads to academic and research roles. During a DSW, you’ll explore advanced clinical practice, social work administration, and social work education.

DSW students often complete a capstone research project instead of defending a dissertation. Through applied data analysis, the capstone project evaluates a social welfare problem and develops a solution.

8. Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership

A doctorate in organizational leadership prepares graduates for leadership positions in diverse sectors, including education, the public sector, and business. You’ll explore applied leadership research and learn how to resolve organizational problems.

While some organizational leadership Ph.D. programs include a dissertation, others incorporate a doctoral project that examines the application of leadership theories in practice. The project may analyze data on a specific organizational problem, recommend strategies to address issues, and evaluate the effectiveness of different approaches.

9. Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

A doctor of public administration emphasizes leadership and management skills for advanced roles in government or the nonprofit sector. You’ll explore public policy, public administration ethics, and administration.

Graduates from DPA programs often complete a doctoral study that explores a real-world problem instead of a dissertation. This doctoral project strengthens skills applicable to the profession, including policy analysis, project implementation, and public planning.

10. Doctor of Public Health (DPH)

With a doctor of public health degree , you’ll advance your public health policy and leadership skills without a dissertation requirement. These programs emphasize applied skills for public health roles.

Unlike a Ph.D. in public health, doctor of public health programs often do not require a research-based dissertation. Instead, you may complete a doctoral project or an applied research project.

How Much Do Online Doctorate Degrees Cost?

The cost of an online doctorate depends on the school, program length, and degree. On average, you can expect to spend around $41,000 per year for a Ph.D. program, according to BestColleges research . However, professional doctorates can cost around $58,650 per year.

Choosing an online format can help you save money. When researching doctoral programs without dissertation requirements, you can compare the most affordable options without needing to relocate. Attending an in-state public university can also mean lower tuition rates compared to an out-of-state or private school.

Finally, doctoral students at accredited universities qualify for several forms of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and fellowships.

Frequently Asked Questions About Doctorate Degree Without Dissertation Requirements

How long does a dissertation take.

Researching and writing a dissertation can take several years. Dissertations often run 100-300 pages , and you must make an original contribution to the field. As a result, doctoral students spend a significant amount of time researching, drafting, and revising their dissertations.

At the end of their program, they defend the dissertation in front of a faculty committee to earn their doctorate.

Can you get a Ph.D. without a dissertation?

Yes, you can get a Ph.D. without a dissertation. Some doctoral programs incorporate a capstone project rather than a dissertation. For example, DBA, Ed.D., and DNP programs often end with an applied project that evaluates a problem in the field.

These projects still require research and writing, but they’re typically less time-consuming than a dissertation.

What is a doctorate without a dissertation called?

A doctoral student who has not completed their dissertation is often called all but dissertation, or ABD. You can also earn a doctorate without completing a dissertation, depending on the program.

Many professional doctorates do not require a dissertation. In fields such as business, psychology, and education, you can choose between a practice-focused doctorate with no dissertation or a Ph.D. with a dissertation.

When can you call yourself a doctoral candidate?

You can call yourself a doctoral candidate after passing your comprehensive exams and advancing to candidacy. In most programs, doctoral candidates move from coursework and exams to the dissertation phase. During this phase, doctoral candidates research and write their dissertations. After defending their dissertation, they earn a doctorate.

What is a dissertation vs. thesis?

A dissertation and a thesis are both culminating research projects. In the U.S., undergraduate and master’s students may complete a thesis, while doctoral students complete a dissertation. However, in the U.K., undergraduates and master’s students write a dissertation, while doctoral students write a thesis.

Dissertations are typically longer and more comprehensive than a thesis. Dissertations also require original research.

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View the most relevant schools for your interests and compare them by tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to finding your college home.

Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

Key Takeaways

• An Online PhD is the highest possible degree professionals can obtain with all the benefits and convenience of online education.
• The GRE is a standardized graduate program aptitude test that evaluates abstract thought in subjects including mathematics, writing, and reading comprehension.
• Several Online PhD programs have waived the GRE since its results have shown a minimal relationship to student performance and success and have only created disadvantages for marginalized groups.

Graduate programs are worthwhile in terms of degrees earned. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those with PhD degrees earned a median weekly salary that was 20% greater than those with only a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, master’s degree holders made much more money—over 18% more than those who finished their higher education after earning a bachelor’s degree.

Today, earning a PhD is simpler than in the past because you can do so partially or totally online. You can also choose from a vast selection of top-notch online PhD degrees.

Furthermore, several of these online PhDs have waived the GRE—a test that measures reasoning skills and literacy, critical thinking, and math knowledge.

Learn more with a look at our University Rankings Guide . You can also view a complete List of Online Programs .

Otherwise, read on for a list of 50 top-tier schools as well as the PhD degree programs at each school that do not require a GRE.

Featured Programs

Why earn an online phd.

A PhD is a terminal degree, which means it is the highest degree you can obtain in the United States. A PhD is often an academic degree that emphasizes research, with the primary objective of developing sophisticated research abilities. The ability to generate new knowledge to impart to others in your field is crucial to obtaining a PhD.

As more organizations realize the value of having employees with highly specialized skills and knowledge in some industries, interest in PhDs has increased over the past ten years.

It’s crucial to think about how getting an online PhD can boost your career if you’re thinking about returning to school for it. The majority of PhD holders will experience numerous important advantages, some of which are visible while others are not:

Online PhD Degree Holders Can Contribute Their Knowledge to Growing Industries

Most people who have earned a PhD in any field have mastered essential research, writing, and analysis skills to an elite level. PhD degree holders have learned how to identify, analyze, articulate, and solve complex problems.

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

Earning an Online PhD Can Result in a Big Economic Payoff

Earning a PhD through an online program will improve your chances of landing a high-paying job with your current employer. Today, many top leadership positions require a PhD.

Earning an Online PhD Can Help to Build a Better Network of Professionals

A wide range of professions and sectors will be represented among the students and instructors in your class. Almost all are there to further their professional development or help others do the same. This group of like-minded individuals can help you to develop a highly useful professional network.

Earning an Online PhD Can Help to Qualify Graduates for Executive Level Positions

PhD holders are regarded as professionals who hold some of their field’s highest distinctions. After graduating, you will be qualified to work as an upper-level administrator or executive in your industry and potentially earn a very high salary.

Online PhD Degree Holders Demonstrate High-Level Skills

Most PhD degree holders have attained eminence-level proficiency in crucial research, writing, and analysis skills. You will also have mastered the skills of problem identification, problem analysis, problem articulation, and problem-solving to complete one of these demanding four to six-year programs.

These skills are extremely valuable in any field, and employers will highly value them.

Key Point: Earning an online PhD is worth it because the degree can help to boost your career prospects, and command high-level positions (and corresponding high-level salaries) in top companies.

What is the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)?

The Graduate Record Examination, or GRE, is primarily used in the US and Canada to judge applicants’ suitability for a graduate degree program. The test gauges a person’s capacity for abstract thought in analytical writing, mathematics, and language.

The GRE is divided into three main sections that test verbal and quantitative reasoning and analytical writing abilities.

The Analytical Writing Section of the GRE

The analytical writing section consists of two timed writing tasks, the first is to “analyze an issue” where the writer is asked to present an opinion on an issue and give instructions on how to respond. The second is to “analyze an argument” which requires the writer to evaluate an argument according to specific instructions.

The Verbal Reasoning Section of the GRE

The verbal reasoning component tests an applicant’s ability to create inferences, identify essential and pertinent details, and comprehend words and sentences, among other things. Its design aims to gauge the test-proficiency taker’s in reading, analyzing, and evaluating textual information.

This section also tests the ability to understand and analyze connections between various sentence components and how well they can process the information they learn from written material.

The Quantitative Reasoning Section of the GRE

The quantitative reasoning section uses geometry, data analysis, and algebra principles to assess the test taker’s skills in problem-solving.

Do all schools require the GRE for admission into an online PhD degree program?

While many schools still require the GRE as part of their admissions requirements into an online PhD degree program, many do not.

Some schools may also offer a GRE exemption waiver if the prospective applicant meets other requirements.

These requirements typically include:

• High GPA scores during undergraduate and graduate studies (usually above 3.5)
• Years of professional work experience in the field of study or military experience

Bottom Line: Not all schools require the GRE. Some schools will also offer a GRE exemption waiver for students who qualify.

What should a prospective online PhD applicant know about the GRE?

Historically, GRE scores may have been overvalued by colleges and universities. These higher education institutions believed that a high score on the GRE was the best way to determine an applicant’s ability to perform well in a PhD program.

However, an increasing number of universities no longer require the GRE as a criterion for application. According to a recent study , a high GRE score has shown a minimal association with the performance in graduate school. And further, that the test itself has resulted in poor scores for marginalized groups.

Here are some reasons that the GRE requirement is slowly fading away:

High GRE scores don’t automatically mean better class performance

Scores themselves won’t determine a student’s classroom performance. Students can ace entrance exams and still perform poorly. A student’s classroom performance is influenced by various factors, including creativity, interpersonal abilities, and internal drive.

The GRE, however, doesn’t evaluate any of those. It only concentrates on an applicant’s test-taking abilities. Passing the test does not ensure success in the classroom or career.

GRE results decrease over time

Some believe that a school may be able to predict a student’s grades for the first year of the program based on the results of this test. Students’ grades, however, do not indicate whether they will succeed academically after that first year.

The GRE is unreliable in predicting results

A GRE test score will not predict a student’s ability to complete a program. Some high-achieving students might not have the perseverance to finish their education. On the other side, some students with poor scores might have been the ones who persisted the most.

The GRE could be “biased”

It has been noted that the GRE is the best predictor of wealth and ethnicity. The GRE is perceived as a barrier because of the test’s inherent cultural biases, therefore, employing it in the decision-making process frequently hinders attempts for diversity and inclusion.

Key Point: A high test score on the GRE is not only not a predictor of performance in an online PhD degree program, but it may even exclude students who would have had great success in their degree program.

Should you apply for an online PhD degree program that doesn’t require GRE test scores?

Before deciding to enroll in an online PhD program that doesn’t require the GRE, take the following into account:

It is possible to enroll in a PhD program that doesn’t require a GRE. However, not passing the GRE will automatically exclude you from many elite institutions.

Note that while some programs may not require you to submit your GRE score, if you take the test and do well, submitting your score may boost your chances of being accepted into an online PhD degree program.

Think about why you have decided to apply for a program that does not require you to submit your GRE score:

• Because you’ve already chosen a course of study that exempts you from this test? Great!
• Mostly as a result of your busy schedule? Consider carefully whether you have the time to enroll in a PhD program.
• Because you got a low score? An ETS poll found that roughly 25% of test takers perform better on subsequent attempts.

How We Chose the 50 Best Schools for Earning an Online PhD with No GRE

The following colleges and universities are included in this ranking because they fit the following criteria:

• The college or university has received regional accreditation and perhaps the school has also received programmatic accreditation in the specific discipline
• The degree program is offered online or in a hybrid format that includes online courses with periodic short on-campus immersions.
• No GRE is required to be admitted to the degree program, or
• A GRE waiver can be secured if a prospective student meets certain other requirements, typically a high GPA from a master’s degree program or professional experience within the field

The Best Online PhD Degree Programs That Do Not Require a GRE

University of pennsylvania.

• #12 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #12 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
• #12 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #18 Best Universities in the World 2025
• #1 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025
• #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025
• #1 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #1 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #2 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #5 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #7 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #10 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
• #12 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees 2025
• #12 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
• #12 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #12 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #1 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #2 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #3 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
• #3 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
• #7 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates)
• #6 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #9 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #10 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
• #10 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Tuition + fees

Student body

Median SAT/ACT

Career Outlook for degree at University of Pennsylvania

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

• Social Work
• Communications
• Engineering
• Anthropology

Most Influential Alumni

• Noam Chomsky
• Hilary Putnam
• Martin Seligman
• James McKeen Cattell
• John Backus
• Lawrence Lessig
• Eric S. Raymond
• Paul R. Ehrlich
• J. Presper Eckert

The University of Pennsylvania is a private college that enrolls students online and on-campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The college aids students in achieving their educational objectives by offering both academic and technical programs. With great graduate and professional programs, Penn continues to set the standard for professional education in the United States.

Students are sure to receive world-class education provided by their accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Online PhD Degree Programs That Do Not Require a GRE

• PhD in Computer and Information Science
• Doctorate in Clinical Social Work

Johns Hopkins University

• #14 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
• #14 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #1 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024
• #1 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
• #6 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
• #14 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees 2025
• #14 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
• #14 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #14 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #22 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master's in Economics 2025
• #1 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs 2025
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
• #1 Best Online MBA in Economics Degree Programs Ranked in 2024
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025
• #1 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2025 Ranked for Students
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2025
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies 2025
• #1 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
• #1 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #3 Best Online Master's in Management 2025
• #3 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #3 Best Online Master’s in Finance
• #4 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2025
• #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
• #6 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #1 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #11 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Political Science
• G. Stanley Hall
• John Archibald Wheeler
• Thorstein Veblen
• John Mauchly
• Thomas Hunt Morgan
• Gertrude Stein
• Rachel Carson
• Joseph Jastrow
• Robert Fogel
• Richard E. Bellman
• John R. Commons

One of the top universities offering online doctorates in the world accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) is John Hopkins University . The doctoral degree programs at the Bloomberg School are often more time-intensive and are intended for individuals with specific career objectives in public health research, teaching, or leadership.

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering
• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Doctor of Education
• Doctor of Public Health

University of Minnesota

• #21 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Minnesota 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Minnesota 2024
• #1 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2024
• #1 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #1 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Minnesota 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Minnesota
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Minnesota 2024
• #1 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Minnesota
• #4 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #4 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
• #5 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
• #7 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #14 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota

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

• Mathematics
• Arthur Compton
• Deke Slayton
• Ernest Lawrence
• Norman Borlaug
• Thomas Friedman
• Melvin Calvin
• John L. Holland
• Christiaan Barnard
• Edward B. Lewis
• Roy Wilkins
• Alexander Wendt
• Lars Peter Hansen

The University of Minnesota provides master’s and doctorates in more than 130 research-based graduate programs in various fields, including humanities, sciences, agriculture, and engineering. Students will be prepared for a long and fruitful career as a researcher, innovators, and thought leaders by UM’s professors, who are recognized as world-class specialists in their fields and recipients of several awards.

The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

• Post-Master’s DNP

Duke University

• #13 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
• #13 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #16 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #16 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
• #16 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #1 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2024
• #1 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2025
• #1 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2025
• #1 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2024
• #4 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees 2025
• #15 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #15 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
• #16 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
• #16 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #1 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2024
• #1 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina
• #1 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
• #3 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #4 Best Online Master's in Management 2025
• #5 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2025
• #2 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #9 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #14 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #16 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Duke University

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

• Religious Studies
• Jerome Bruner
• Fred Brooks
• Charlie Rose
• John W. Campbell
• Paul Farmer
• Russell Kirk
• David G. Bromley
• Michael Tomasello
• Peter J. Denning
• Charles Tart

Duke is one of the top private research universities in the world, ranking highly in the “2023 Best Graduate Schools” of the US News and World Report and second overall for nursing schools. There is no other institution like Duke for academic excellence, inspirational character, and caring community. Duke University has received accreditation from the SACSCOC-Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges.

• Doctor of Ministry

University of Texas at Austin

• #18 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #18 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #1 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2024
• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025
• #1 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
• #4 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #10 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees 2025
• #17 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #17 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #19 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #24 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #25 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
• #2 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
• #2 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
• #3 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #3 Best Online Master’s in Engineering 2025
• #4 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #5 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #6 Best Online Master's in Management 2025
• #11 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #18 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Texas at Austin

University of Texas at Austin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Earth Sciences
• Computer Science
• Walter Cronkite
• Bill Moyers
• Edsger W. Dijkstra
• Robert Rauschenberg
• Bruce Sterling
• C. Wright Mills
• Neil deGrasse Tyson
• Steven Best
• J. M. Coetzee
• Robert Taylor
• Abhay Ashtekar

The UT at Austin is a prestigious public school known for offering comprehensive online and on-campus degrees from bachelor to doctoral level with SACSCOC accreditation, working to change the world through innovative teaching and learning strategies. The institution offers a location to explore various prospects for tomorrow’s artists, scientists, athletes, doctors, and other professionals against the backdrop of Austin, Texas, a city known for its creative and entrepreneurial energy.

• Executive EdD in Higher Education Leadership

University of Southern California

• #17 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
• #17 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
• #3 Best Private Colleges in California 2025
• #5 Best Grad Schools California 2025
• #5 Best Colleges in California 2024
• #5 Best Research Universities in California 2025
• #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 Philosophy Degrees 2025
• #16 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #16 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees 2025
• #17 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees 2025
• #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
• #20 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #22 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #1 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #1 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
• #1 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity 2025
• #1 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
• #1 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
• #1 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs 2025
• #1 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice 2025
• #1 Top 7 Best Online Social Work PhDs (DSW Programs) 2024
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #1 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #1 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)
• #1 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
• #1 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #1 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #1 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Finance
• #2 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
• #2 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs 2025
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025
• #2 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2025 Ranked for Students
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies 2025
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #2 Best Online Master's in Public Administration Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online MBA Programs in California
• #2 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Engineering 2025
• #3 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
• #4 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #4 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #5 Best Online Master's in Management 2025
• #5 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
• #5 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates)
• #6 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2025
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
• #17 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:

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

A private school boasting a dynamic and culturally diverse campus, The University of Southern California ., located in a world-class city that is equally dynamic and culturally diverse and has the capabilities to compete with the Ivy Leagues. Among the other 150 majors here, journalism, business, engineering, and architecture programs are particularly notable. One of the best perks of USC is its extensive and enthusiastic alum network and world-class graduate degree programs online.

The University of Southern California has received accreditation from the WASC - Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

• PhD in Computer Science
• Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
• Global Executive Doctor of Education
• Doctor of Regulatory Science
• Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Doctorate of Social Work
• Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership

Pennsylvania State University

• #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Pennsylvania 2024
• #3 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
• #3 15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
• #4 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies 2025
• #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs
• #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Pennsylvania
• #7 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
• #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
• #11 Best Online MBAs in Sustainability
• #12 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
• #20 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024

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

• Steven Levy
• Graham Harman
• Douglas Comer
• Benjamin Bloom
• Harry J. Anslinger
• Iris Marion Young
• T. Colin Campbell
• John Mashey
• Thomas R. Dye

The only land-grant university in the State of Pennsylvania, Penn State was established with the goals of providing top-notch instruction, professional research, and worldwide service. With pride and an eye on the future, Penn State, a pioneer in higher education, fulfills its purpose of teaching, research, and service.

Accredited by the MSCHE-Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), Penn State offers the following doctorate that doesn’t require GRE scores:

• Doctor of Engineering in Engineering
• Doctor of Nursing Practice - Leadership
• Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nurse Practitioner

University of Arizona

• #1 Best Research Universities in Arizona 2025
• #1 Best Colleges in Arizona 2024
• #1 Best Grad Schools in Arizona 2024
• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in Arizona 2024
• #6 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #23 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2025
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Biology 2025
• #1 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
• #1 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
• #1 Best Online Master's in Agriculture and Agribusiness Degree Programs
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2025
• #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 Master's Programs in Arizona 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Arizona 2025
• #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 2025
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Web Design Degree Programs 2025
• #2 Best Online Master's in Economics 2025
• #2 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #2 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
• #2 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity 2025
• #2 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
• #2 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting 2025
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2025
• #2 Best Online MBA in Business Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
• #2 Best Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Ranked for Students in 2024
• #2 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs 2025
• #2 Best Online MBAs in Finance
• #2 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #2 Best Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Arizona
• #2 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates) 2025
• #3 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
• #3 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #3 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice 2025
• #3 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #3 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies 2025
• #3 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #4 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2025 Ranked for Students
• #4 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
• #4 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #4 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
• #4 Best Online Master’s in Engineering 2025
• #5 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2025
• #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
• #9 Best Online Master's in Management 2025
• #10 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
• #6 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) 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
• Temple Grandin
• Garry Shandling
• Brian Schmidt
• Henry Eyring
• Michael McClure
• Barbara Kingsolver
• George H. Smith
• Allen Buchanan
• Frank Press

The University of Arizona is a proud member of the Association of American Universities and a Tier 1 research university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The school ranks in the top 1% of institutions worldwide and among the country’s top 63 prestigious public and private universities.

The University of Arizona offers two doctorates without a GRE requirement:

• Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership

University of Maryland, College Park

• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025
• #1 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2024
• #2 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024
• #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2024
• #2 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
• #8 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #24 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland
• #3 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #8 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland, College Park

University of Maryland, College Park’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• George Dantzig
• James Clapper
• Robin Hahnel
• Frank J. Tipler
• Charles Fefferman
• Jean E. Sammet
• Connie Chung
• Philip J. Davis
• James A. Yorke
• David Bentley Hart

U of Maryland , an MSCHE-accredited institution, is located near Washington DC, which gives students access to unrivaled jobs and internships. It is renowned for its academic rigor, outstanding faculty, and limitless opportunities for involvement in research and social activities.

Part of U of M’s goals is to provide students with flexible learning options and unbiased professional learning.

• Doctor of Business Administration
• Doctor of Management

George Washington University

• #2 Best Grad Schools in DC 2025
• #2 Best Colleges in DC 2024
• #6 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #1 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in DC
• #2 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in DC 2024
• #2 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #3 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
• #5 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
• #6 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
• #7 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

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

The George Washington University , given the highest possible Carnegie Classification and accredited by the MSCHE, is a private research university with campuses in Washington, DC, and Baltimore, Maryland. It provides associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees and numerous certificates.

GWU hosts an impressive number of online doctoral degrees that don’t require GRE submissions, including the following.

• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
• Doctor of Philosophy in Systems Engineering
• Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy
• Doctor of Engineering in Cybersecurity Analytics
• Doctor of Engineering in Engineering Management

University of Iowa

• #1 Best Public Colleges in Iowa 2024
• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Iowa 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2025
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Iowa
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2024
• #2 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #2 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2025
• #2 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #4 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2025
• #5 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
• #5 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Most Affordable Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #4 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Iowa

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

• Albert Bandura
• Tennessee Williams
• Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak
• Oswald Veblen
• Jayaprakash Narayan
• Leon Festinger
• Henry Jenkins
• Everett Rogers
• Julian Rotter
• John Robert Anderson
• Wallace Stegner

The University of Iowa gained its reputation as one of the country’s top research universities by constantly working to provide a distinctive, transformative academic experience through supporting high-impact, ground-breaking research. Because of Iowa’s small class sizes and high faculty-to-student ratio, students can develop strong relationships with outstanding professors.

With accreditation and guidance from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the University of Iowa was able to provide excellent online academic programs.

Florida State University

• #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #3 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024
• #3 Best Colleges in Florida 2024
• #3 Best Research Universities in Florida 2025
• #4 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology 2025
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Information Technology 2025
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
• #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Florida
• #3 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #3 Best Online Master's in Art Education and Art Administration
• #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Florida 2024
• #3 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #4 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #4 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
• #4 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #4 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #5 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
• #5 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice 2025
• #6 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #8 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
• #9 Best Online Master’s in Engineering 2025
• #10 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2025
• #12 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2025 Ranked for Students
• #17 Best Online Master's in Management 2025
• #20 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #6 Most Affordable Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranked for 2025

Career Outlook for degree at Florida State University

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

• Hunter S. Thompson
• Robert Costanza
• Ronald Numbers
• Mark S. Wrighton
• Sylvia Earle
• Michael Berenbaum
• Jim A. Kuypers
• Neil Druckmann
• Norman Thagard
• Barry Jenkins
• Deion Sanders
• Richard W. Rahn

Florida State University is one of the very few universities to receive marine and space grants and has over 100 research centers and institutes in addition to 16 different colleges and departments. The goal of Florida State University is to rank among the best public research universities in the country, which allows them to improve academic standards. University research has made significant advancements in computing and the development of anti-cancer drugs.

The SACSCOC accredited FSU.

• PhD in Nursing

Texas A&M University

• #2 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
• #13 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #1 Top 10 Most Affordable English PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #1 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
• #3 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
• #5 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #6 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice 2025
• #11 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2025
• #11 Best RN to BSN Online
• #18 Best Online Master's in Management 2025

Career Outlook for degree at Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Frank Malina
• Gilbert Shelton
• Henry Cisneros
• Richard Steadman
• Kenneth Womack
• Elaine Ingham
• Forrest Mims
• Adrian Smith
• H. W. Brands
• Lihong V. Wang

Texas A&M University is among the top universities fully accredited by the SACSCOC that offers vast numbers of online degree programs from bachelor’s to doctor’s degree levels. TAMU puts a lot of effort into ensuring that both online and on-campus students receive the same high-quality education, where the delivery technique is the only difference. With Texas A&M, every online course students take will earn them the same credit as an equivalent on-campus course.

• PhD in Plant Breeding
• EdD In Curriculum and Instruction
• PhD in Interdisciplinary Engineering
• PhD in Biomedical Sciences

University of Missouri

• #2 Best Research Universities in Missouri 2025
• #2 Best Colleges in Missouri 2024
• #10 Best Colleges and Universities for Psychology Degrees 2025
• #1 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs 2025
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #1 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates 2025
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Missouri 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
• #1 Best Online Master's in Biology
• #2 5 Inexpensive Online Master's Programs in Library Science
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
• #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 in Psychology Degree Programs for Students 2025
• #2 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's in Economics 2025
• #3 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #3 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
• #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2025
• #3 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs 2025
• #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 Degree Completion Programs for Returning Students
• #4 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
• #4 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #5 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs) 2025
• #5 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #6 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs 2025
• #6 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting 2025
• #6 Best RN to BSN Online
• #6 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
• #6 Best Online Master’s in Finance
• #7 Best Online Master’s in Engineering 2025
• #9 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2025
• #9 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
• #10 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2025 Ranked for Students
• #12 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
• #15 Best Online Master's in Management 2025
• #16 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #18 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #1 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
• #9 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Missouri

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

• 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 System offers 300+ academic programs from the system’s four world-class universities through the Missouri Online school. With the help of the distinguished on-campus faculty, the online school works hard to provide online students with a full-strength education that will change them for the rest of their lives. To ensure that students receive better education, the university system maintains accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

• PhD in Architectural Studies
• PhD in Educational Leadership
• PhD in Information Science and Learning Technologies
• Doctor of Occupational Therapy

University of Alabama

• #1 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024
• #10 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #22 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
• #2 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs 2025
• #2 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Health Science 2025
• #2 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
• #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
• #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
• #5 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #6 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #6 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
• #6 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #6 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #6 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
• #7 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
• #8 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
• #8 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
• #11 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #11 Best Online Master’s in Engineering 2025
• #14 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
• #21 Best Online Master's in Management 2025
• #21 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #11 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Alabama

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

• Edward O. Wilson
• Timothy Leary
• Bernie Madoff
• Nathan Jacobson
• John Ridley Stroop
• George W. Snedecor
• Mohammad Ataul Karim

Bama by Distance offers courses and degrees with the same high academic standing as UA’s SACSCOC-accredited on-campus courses through its cutting-edge and adaptable formats. The following online and distance learning programs give past graduates, working professionals, and anyone who might need to adjust their academic schedule to the demands of the job and family access to these exciting educational options at the doctorate level.

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics
• PhD in Communication & Information Sciences
• EdD in Educational Leadership
• EdD in Higher Education Administration (Executive Cohort)
• EdD in Instructional Leadership, concentration in Nurse Education
• EdD in Special Education
• Doctor of Social Work

University of Kentucky

• #1 Best Colleges in Kentucky 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
• #1 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
• #2 Best Online Master's in Art Education and Art Administration
• #3 Top 7 Best Online Social Work PhDs (DSW Programs) 2024
• #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2025
• #5 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
• #5 Best Online Master’s in Education
• #6 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2025
• #6 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs) 2025
• #6 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies 2025
• #7 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #7 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
• #7 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #8 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #8 Best Online Master’s in Finance
• #9 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
• #11 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #13 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #13 Best Online Master’s in Engineering 2025
• #15 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2025 Ranked for Students
• #15 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates)
• #23 Best Online Master's in Management 2025

Career Outlook for degree at University of Kentucky

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

• Joe Nickell
• Wendell Berry
• William M. Bass
• Scott Pruitt
• Story Musgrave
• William Lipscomb
• James C. Klotter
• Walter Hooper
• David Schweickart
• Mitch McConnell

The University of Kentucky in Lexington provides more than 200 academic departments that received programmatic accreditation on top of the school’s SACSCOC accreditation. It is one of just eight colleges in the nation to offer all six colleges in liberal arts, engineering, professional, agricultural, and medical.

For your busy lifestyle and your ambitions, UKY offers more than hundreds of online degrees, including seven doctorates that require no GRE.

• PhD in Arts Administration
• PhD in Education Sciences - Physical Education
• PhD in Education Sciences - Educational Leadership
• EdD in Educational Leadership Studies
• Interdisciplinary PhD

Oregon State University

• #2 Best Research Universities in Oregon 2025
• #2 Most Affordable 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 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Oregon
• #2 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Oregon 2024
• #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Nevada
• #7 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
• #9 The Most Affordable Online Clinical Nutrition Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs

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

One of the greatest online education providers in the country is Oregon State University Ecampus . OSU is a top-tier public institution when it comes to innovation, rigorous curricula, campus life, facilities, and technology. Students looking to land career opportunities in academia and research in counseling can enroll in OSU’s doctorate.

• PhD in Counseling

Baylor University

• #2 Best Christian Colleges in Texas 2024
• #3 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024
• #6 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024
• #6 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
• #11 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
• #2 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Speech Pathology
• #2 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #3 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
• #5 Top 7 Best Online Social Work PhDs (DSW Programs) 2024
• #5 Best Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #6 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity 2025
• #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
• #7 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #7 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs) 2025
• #7 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
• #8 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
• #8 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
• #11 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
• #13 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #16 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #16 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
• #17 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
• #18 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2025 Ranked for Students
• #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
• #12 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Baylor University

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

• Dallas Willard
• Miguel A. De La Torre
• Norman Shumway
• Gary W. Keller
• Jeff Dunham
• Benjamin Ladner
• Peter A. McCullough
• James R. Heath
• Steven C. Currall
• H. Bentley Glass

Baylor University is a SACSCOC-accredited Christian school that helps students pursue their passion for academia, research, and other fields. Baylor’s nationally recognized graduate and professional education programs prepare students to bring research and innovation to bear on real-world challenges. Baylor University is a highly regarded university that offers top-notch doctoral programs in Texas.

• Doctor of Education in Learning & Organizational Change

University of Arkansas

• #1 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Arkansas 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Arkansas
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Arkansas 2024
• #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Arkansas 2025
• #1 Best Online Six Sigma Certification
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
• #3 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs
• #3 Best Online Master's in Agriculture and Agribusiness Degree Programs
• #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024
• #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #8 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs) 2025
• #8 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #9 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
• #9 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #10 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
• #10 Best RN to BSN Online
• #11 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
• #11 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #11 Best Online Master’s in Education
• #19 Best Online Master’s in Engineering 2025
• #24 Best Online Master's in Management 2025

Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas is lauded for being one of the most outstanding research universities in the nation, according to the Carnegie Foundation, and the Chronicle of Higher Education has praised the institution for having one of the fastest-growing PhD programs in the country. U of A is also an excellent school for ordinary to above-average working students on a budget, with below-average tuition and fees and an above-average acceptance rate.

• Doctor of Education - Human Resource and Workforce Development
• Doctor of Education - Adult and Lifelong Learning

Drexel University

• #7 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025
• #7 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
• #10 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #25 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #25 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Psychology Programs
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Pennsylvania 2025
• #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Pennsylvania
• #2 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
• #4 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs 2025
• #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2025
• #5 Best Online Degree Completion Programs for Returning Students

Career Outlook for degree at Drexel University

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

• Stuart Hameroff
• Michael Behe
• Norman Joseph Woodland
• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
• Lex Fridman
• Chuck Barris
• Lisa Anthony
• A. Raymond Randolph
• Alassane Ouattara
• Albert Carnesale
• Violet Oakley

As a research-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Drexel University has identified a particularly strong area in the sciences. It excels at pushing students with a fast-paced curriculum that prepares them for the workplace and gives them a practical sense of what they can accomplish with their degree. The non-GRE doctoral programs, which students can complete in 2-6 years, are among the best online degrees.

• Doctor of Couple and Family Therapy (DCFT)
• Doctor of Health Science (DHSc)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• EdD in Educational Leadership and Management

University of Massachusetts

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

• Steven Hassan
• Russell Alan Hulse
• Catherine Coleman
• C. Peter Magrath
• Juliet Schor
• Rick Pitino
• Brian Moriarty
• Michael Dirr
• Eileen McNamara
• Benjamin Powell
• Jane Bennett

UMass , accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), is well-known for the caliber of its academic offerings, the breadth and significance of its research, and the intensity of its commitment to public service. As the only university system in Massachusetts, its dedication to excellence has been recognized with various awards and significant accomplishments. A few of its popular degrees are the doctorates, which students can complete in 2-5 years in a hybrid learning format option.

• STEM Option: Doctor of Education in Leadership in Schooling:
• Doctor of Education in Leadership in Schooling

Concordia University

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

• Bernard Lonergan
• Nadim Kobeissi
• Mohamed Hashish
• Mohan Munasinghe
• Khaleel Mohammed
• Sarah Thornton
• Elizabeth Abbott
• David Jhave Johnston
• Taiaiake Alfred
• Will Arnett
• Mordecai Richler
• Kim Sawchuk

Concordia University Irvine is a Christian faith and principles-based university accredited by the WSCUC that welcomes enrollees from all religions and walks of life. Concordia Irvine provides online programs with a different approach, where real-time, synchronous learning experiences make up a specific amount of each course and put you in direct contact with our exceptional teachers and globally renowned programs.

• PhD Counselor Education & Supervision
• Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership

Texas Tech University

• #1 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's in English
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online Certificate in Liberal Arts and Humanities Ranked for Students
• #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
• #2 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2025
• #3 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
• #4 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of English Programs 2025
• #4 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2025
• #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #6 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
• #7 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
• #7 Best Online Master's in Agriculture and Agribusiness Degree Programs
• #8 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #8 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs
• #8 The Most Affordable Online Clinical Nutrition Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2025
• #10 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #11 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs) 2025
• #11 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
• #12 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #12 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
• #12 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #13 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
• #13 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs 2025
• #14 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #15 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #15 Best Online Master’s in Education
• #20 Best Online Master’s in Engineering 2025

Career Outlook for degree at Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• John Hinckley Jr.
• Arati Prabhakar
• James T. Richardson
• Mica Endsley
• Carolyn Eisele
• Paul E. Gray
• Guy McPherson
• John Denver
• Manuel H. Johnson
• M. David Rudd

In 1966, Texas Tech made its first venture into online education when four “flying professors” introduced an engineering program to 78 college students. Currently, professors offer around a dozen PhD programs entirely online or in a hybrid model that includes some classes on the Lubbock campus. Seven PhD programs are entirely online, and all of them are in teaching.

• PhD in Educational Leadership Policy
• PhD in Family and Consumer Science Education
• PhD in Higher Education - Higher Education Research
• PhD in Higher Education Administration
• PhD in Special Education
• PhD in Curriculum and Instruction

Colorado State University

• #3 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Colorado 2025
• #4 Best Online Colleges in Colorado 2024
• #4 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #5 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
• #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Colorado
• #10 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs

Career Outlook for degree at Colorado State University

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

• Jean Bethke Elshtain
• Steve Hanke
• Yusef Komunyakaa
• Mark Mattson
• Rebecca Skloot
• Ibrahim Abdulaziz Al-Assaf
• William Tietz
• James van Hoften
• Jenna Ellis
• Martin J. Fettman
• Anwar al-Awlaki

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)-accredited CSU Online to offer accessible, high-quality online and distance learning from a university with a reputation for active research. CSU ensures that students access top-notch, cost-effective, high-quality educational programs to help them develop their potential. CSU supports and empowers faculty and staff and upholds a positive workplace culture guided by the highest moral and ethical standards.

• Doctor of Systems Engineering
• Higher Education Leadership PhD (Hybrid)
• Systems Engineering, PhD

Florida International University

• #5 Best Research Universities in Florida 2025
• #6 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024
• #16 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #23 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025
• #1 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor's (Online, On-Campus)
• #1 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2025
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
• #2 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2025
• #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
• #3 Most Affordable Online Master's of Music Education Programs
• #3 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
• #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree Programs for 2024
• #4 Best Online Master’s in Health Science 2025
• #4 Best Online Degrees for a Career in Teaching Ranked 2024
• #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Florida
• #4 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
• #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
• #4 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates) 2025
• #5 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates 2025
• #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Florida 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #6 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs 2025
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #6 Best Online Master's in Art Education and Art Administration
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #6 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #7 The Most Affordable Online Clinical Nutrition Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #7 Best Online Master's in Public Administration Degree Programs
• #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students 2025
• #8 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025
• #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
• #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #9 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs
• #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
• #9 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
• #10 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity 2025
• #11 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2025
• #11 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice 2025
• #12 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #13 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #13 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #13 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
• #14 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
• #14 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
• #17 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #23 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #13 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Florida International University

Florida International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Carmen Reinhart
• Andy García
• Mike Lowell
• Richard Blanco
• Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
• James F. O'Brien
• Christopher Ferguson
• Carlos Arroyo
• Norma M. Riccucci
• Irma Becerra Fernandez
• Dale Schilly

Florida International University , a SACSCOC-accredited R1 institution, is a leading public school that fosters real talent and innovation in Miami and around the world. The university focuses on the environment, health, innovation, and justice; FIU combines very high research activity with high social mobility to elevate and accelerate student performance in a global metropolis.

PhD in Nursing (DNP)

University of North Dakota

• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in North Dakota 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in North Dakota 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in North Dakota 2025
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in North Dakota
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs in North Dakota
• #1 Best Online Colleges in North Dakota 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Montana
• #6 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
• #7 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2025

Career Outlook for degree at University of North Dakota

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

• Phil Jackson
• Maxwell Anderson
• Vilhjalmur Stefansson
• Chuck Klosterman
• Thomas McGrath
• George A. Lundberg
• Jonathan Toews
• Michael Rustad

The University of North Dakota is a leader in cutting-edge programming, and among all nonprofit flagship universities in the eight-state region, it enrolls the most students solely online. Virtually half of the school’s students, or 7,000, study online—the school’s most prestigious departments, like engineering and aviation, award doctoral degrees to graduates.

• Doctor of Philosophy in Aerospace Sciences
• PhD in Biomedical Engineering
• Communication PhD
• Earth System Science & Policy PhD
• EdD in Education Leadership
• PhD in Electrical Engineering
• Energy Engineering PhD
• PhD in Environmental Engineering
• Geological Engineering PhD
• Indigenous Health PhD
• Petroleum Engineering PhD
• Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program

New Mexico State University

• #2 Best Public Colleges in New Mexico 2024
• #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in New Mexico 2025
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in New Mexico
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in New Mexico 2025
• #2 Best Online Colleges in New Mexico 2024
• #7 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs 2025

Career Outlook for degree at New Mexico State University

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

• Alvy Ray Smith
• Jorge Gardea-Torresdey
• Don W. Cleveland
• Mark W. Spong
• Pete Brewton
• Marzyeh Ghassemi
• Larry Williams
• Pascal Siakam
• Terese Marie Mailhot
• Paul Carpenter Standley

New Mexico State University , a prestigious land-grant institution, focuses on teaching, research, and public service with programs accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The dynamic communities in the area are fully reflected at NMSU, making it an exciting environment to take on challenges, resolve pressing problems, and plan for the future. NMSU is a leader in online learning, offering 70+ online degree programs from bachelor’s to master’s degree levels and one fully online doctorate.

Duquesne University

• #9 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025
• #9 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
• #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Pennsylvania
• #4 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
• #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2025
• #6 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
• #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #10 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
• #11 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025
• #12 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
• #16 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #17 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
• #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

According to Duquesne University , all students receive financial aid in some capacity. Students from all over the world can pursue flexible doctoral-level education at Duquesne University and pursue work in academia, research, or in other fields outside of education. Graduates can work in research and administration or teach college-level courses.

• Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice

Samford University

• #1 Best Small Colleges in Alabama 2024
• #4 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024
• #5 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2024
• #5 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
• #4 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
• #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
• #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama
• #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Nursing Programs (PhDs)
• #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #13 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
• #13 Best Online Master's in Sports Management 2025
• #15 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2025
• #16 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025
• #19 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025

Career Outlook for degree at Samford University

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

• Albert Mohler
• Bobby Bowden
• Wayne Flynt
• Adam W. Greenway
• Billie Young
• Gail Patrick
• David Gordon Lyon
• George W. Knight III

Samford University is a top-tier Christian university with a national reputation. It is the 87th-oldest college or university in the country and is categorized as a doctoral/professional institution by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. Four focus areas are stated in Samford’s strategic plan: prioritize student performance, strengthen our community, broaden our influence, and ensure financial strength.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice, Nursing Administration
• Doctor of Nursing Practice, Advanced Practice
• Doctor of Nursing Practice, Advanced Practice – Emergency Nurse Practitioner Specialty
• Doctor of Nursing Practice, Advanced Practice – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse
• Doctor of Nursing Practice, Nurse Anesthesia (D.N.P.) (partially online program)

Antioch University

Career outlook for degree at antioch university.

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

• Stephen Jay Gould
• Clifford Geertz
• Coretta Scott King
• Mario Capecchi
• Warren Bennis
• Mark Strand
• Theodore Levitt
• Sylvia Nasar
• Winona LaDuke
• Lawrence Block
• Deborah Meier
• Terri Windling

Antioch University , accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), is still steadfastly devoted to following the original vision of co-educational, nonsectarian avenues to creativity and advancement. Through a small student-to-faculty ratio and the implementation of a structured curriculum for cooperative learning—education combined with practice in the community—Antioch leverages cutting-edge empowerment techniques even more. Antioch takes away the conventional obstacles to learning to continue making a meaningful difference in education.

• EdD in Educational & Professional Practice

University of Idaho

• #1 Best Public Colleges in Idaho 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Idaho 2024
• #1 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Idaho 2024
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Idaho 2024
• #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #10 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
• #11 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
• #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students 2025
• #16 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #17 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #19 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #20 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
• #20 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
• #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
• E. E. Smith
• C. Scott Green
• D. Mark Hegsted
• Arden L. Bement Jr.

The University of Idaho has a research-focused, forward-thinking culture that started in the fields of engineering, agriculture, and military sciences. They create relationships to better the lives of all Idahoans, from offering a high-quality, accessible education to driving advancements in clean water, cybersecurity, healthcare, agronomics, and fire science. Currently, the University of Idaho focuses its online doctoral programs on education degrees.

• Education, EdD
• Education, PhD

Creighton University

• #2 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2024
• #2 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities in Nebraska 2024
• #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Nebraska
• #2 Best Online Colleges in Nebraska 2024
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Nebraska 2025
• #6 The Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Bachelor's Degrees
• #7 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
• #8 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management 2025
• #9 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
• #12 Best Online Master’s in Finance
• #14 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
• #6 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
• #6 Best College Majors that Offer Accelerated Degree Programs 2025

Career Outlook for degree at Creighton University

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

• Henry T. Lynch
• Madeleine Leininger
• Alejandro Portes
• Nancey Murphy
• Charles Vacanti
• Mary Alice Williams
• Timothy R. Lannon
• Kyle Korver
• J. Clay Smith Jr.

The top-ranked Creighton University offers a Jesuit, Catholic education accredited by the HLC of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools that equips students for success. The school offers 140+ academic options for students willing to study on campus and dozens of online degrees, from bachelor’s and master’s degrees and four online doctorates.

• Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
• Interdisciplinary Leadership EdD
• Nursing Practice DNP
• Occupational Therapy (Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy)

University of Phoenix

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

• Lisa Leslie
• Kirkland H. Donald
• Michael Russell
• Paul Goldschmidt
• Jennifer Storm
• Shaquille O'Neal
• David Bradley
• Eboni Edmonson Haynes

The University of Phoenix , accredited by the HLC, was created with the specific requirements of adult learners in mind. Even though this concept may seem obvious to us now, it was practically unheard of in 1976 when the University opened its doors. UOPX currently offers five doctorate degrees that students can complete in 3-7 years at their own pace.

• Doctor of Health Administration

Gonzaga University

• #5 Best Colleges in Washington 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Washington 2025
• #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Washington
• #8 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #12 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs

Career Outlook for degree at Gonzaga University

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

• John Stockton
• Paul Locatelli
• Robert Blair Kaiser
• Thomas Herndon
• Ronny Turiaf
• Bing Crosby
• Kelly Olynyk
• Julie Bergner

Gonzaga University , a 130-year Jesuit school, allows working professionals to obtain their terminal degrees from an accredited, established university without moving. The demanding doctorate programs have been created to satisfy the high standards of working professionals since 2004. With its online graduate programs, Gonzaga University, accredited by the NWCCU-Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), equips students with the knowledge and abilities needed to succeed in today’s complex and ever-changing world.

• PhD in Leadership Studies
• Post Master’s - DNP
• Post Baccalaureate - DNP
• Doctor of Educational Leadership

Clarkson University

• #13 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs

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, accredited by the MSCHE, offers rigorous preparation to solve real-world problems in the fields of business, engineering, education, health professions, and the sciences. The university works with industry leaders to understand the needs of various students and create a curriculum to meet them.

The following online doctorate degrees do not require students to submit GRE scores; however, applicants can still submit if they believe it’ll increase their chances of admission:

• PhD in Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Biotechnology
• PhD in Chemical Engineering
• PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering
• PhD in Chemistry
• PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering
• PhD in Environmental Science & Engineering
• PhD in Mathematics
• Materials Science and Engineering PhD
• PhD in Physics

Liberty University

• #1 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #4 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2025
• #8 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025
• #8 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2024
• #9 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #19 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Christian Counseling Degree Programs 2025
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #1 Best Online Associate Degree Programs That Can Be Completed in 1 Year
• #1 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Virginia 2024
• #1 Best Online Associate in Economics
• #1 Best Online Associate in Philosophy
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Music Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #1 Best Online Associate in Education
• #1 Best Online Associate in Mathematics 2025
• #1 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Nursing (BSN) Programs 2025
• #2 Accelerated Online Business Administration PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies 2025
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025
• #2 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
• #2 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs
• #2 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
• #2 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
• #2 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
• #2 Best Online Master's in Theology 2025
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2025
• #2 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology
• #2 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
• #3 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of English
• #3 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates)
• #3 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Virginia
• #3 Best Online Degrees for a Career in Teaching Ranked 2024
• #3 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters
• #3 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
• #4 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2025
• #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2025
• #4 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
• #4 Best Online Associate in Accounting
• #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia
• #4 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Illinois
• #4 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
• #4 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #4 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2025
• #4 Best Online Associate in Psychology
• #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2025
• #5 The Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Bachelor's Degrees
• #5 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
• #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2024
• #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
• #6 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
• #6 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs 2025
• #6 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates) 2025
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs
• #7 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
• #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2025
• #7 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates 2025
• #7 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #7 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #7 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
• #7 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
• #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
• #8 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
• #8 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #8 Best Online Associate in History Degrees
• #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
• #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
• #9 Best Online Associate's in Physics
• #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #9 Best Online Master's in Biology
• #9 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
• #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
• #10 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs 2025
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #11 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #11 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #11 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
• #12 Best Online Master's in Sports Management 2025
• #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
• #14 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #14 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
• #14 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
• #15 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
• #16 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs) 2025
• #16 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
• #17 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
• #18 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #18 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #18 Best Online Master’s in Finance
• #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
• #23 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
• #25 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
• #25 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Associate's of Counseling Degree Programs
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
• #5 20 Fastest Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
• #5 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
• #5 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling
• #5 Best College Majors that Offer Accelerated Degree Programs 2025
• #6 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
• #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
• #14 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024

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.

One of the most prominent SACSCOC-accredited Christian universities in the world, Liberty University has been offering remote learning for more than 30 years while providing a wide range of degrees to meet the needs of modern students. Online PhD programs offered by Liberty include those in the humanities, education, theology, and business.

• PhD in Aviation
• PhD in History
• PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
• PhD in Psychology
• PhD in Business Administration
• PhD in Organization and Management
• PhD in Communication
• PhD in Strategic Media
• PhD in Applied Apologetics
• PhD in Bible Exposition
• PhD in Christian Leadership
• PhD in Practical Theology
• PhD in Advanced Educational Studies
• PhD in Education
• PhD in Criminal Justice
• PhD in Public Administration
• PhD in Public Policy
• PhD in Health Sciences
• PhD in Christian Worship
• PhD in Music Education
• PhD in Nursing – Nursing Education

Alliant International University

Career outlook for degree at alliant international university.

Alliant International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Barry Black
• John Barrowman
• Yvonne Sanchez

Alliant International University , accredited by the WSCUC, supports diversity in the classroom and the workforce and has been named one of the most diverse schools. Students are urged to embrace diversity, be committed to serving others, and have a global perspective. The school believes practical experience is crucial for a well-rounded education, so it integrates community involvement into all of its degree programs.

• PsyD in Marriage and Family Therapy
• PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• PhD in Psychology, Public Policy, and Law

University of Hartford

• #3 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology
• #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Connecticut
• #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Hartford

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

• Seymour Itzkoff
• Jeff Bagwell
• Jack Swigert
• Chip Taylor
• Robert N. Davis
• Richard Neal
• Leo Brouwer
• Annette Lemieux
• Joseph Fagan

The University of Hartford offers a distinctive blend of demanding academics, outstanding professors, stimulating student life, and support services that will lead students through their college journey and help them impact the world. The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) accredited the university.

Indiana State University

• #6 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2024
• #9 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024
• #2 Top 10 Best Online PhD of Information Technology Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Best Online Colleges in Indiana 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Indiana 2025
• #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Indiana
• #5 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
• #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Indiana
• #6 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
• #7 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
• #9 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
• #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs

Career Outlook for degree at Indiana State University

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

• Jamal Khashoggi
• John Wooden
• G. K. Podila
• Barton Warren Evermann
• John Paul Wright
• Johnny Matson
• Andrew C. Porter
• Fred Albert Shannon
• Nicola Di Cosmo

Indiana State University offers a challenging curriculum that helps students advance and gain knowledge both inside and beyond the classroom and impact the worldwide society. ISU Online offers more than 75 graduate programs, including master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (Post-Master’s)
• Doctorate in Athletic Training
• PhD in Educational Administration: School Administration
• EdS in School Administration
• PhD in Technology Management

Western Kentucky University

• #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024
• #2 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
• #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
• #3 Most Affordable Online Master's of Speech Pathology Programs
• #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
• #3 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2025
• #5 Best Online Six Sigma Certification
• #6 Best Online Master's in Biology
• #7 Best Online Master’s in Health Science 2025
• #9 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
• #11 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #14 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
• #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #15 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
• #15 Best Online Master's in Sports Management 2025
• #17 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #17 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Harry B. Gray
• Larry Elmore
• William D. Mounce
• Sue Grafton
• Danny Jorgensen
• Kern Alexander
• Michael Rosenbaum
• Courtney Lee
• Jerry Markham
• John Carpenter
• Kenny Perry

Western Kentucky University is a research institution that offers unmatched outstanding academic offerings, practical learning experiences, and faculty members that are recognized internationally. WKU, accredited by the SACSCOC, is committed to ensuring that students reach their objectives and graduate with the skills they need to succeed. One of its top offerings is the online doctoral program in education which prepares online students for various career paths.

Nova Southeastern University

• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity
• #2 Top 3 Best Online MBA in Real Estate Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #3 Top 10 Best Online PhD of Information Technology Programs (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 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates)
• #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 Health Science 2025
• #6 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
• #6 Best Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Ranked for Students in 2024
• #6 Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Ranked for Students in 2024
• #7 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Computer Science 2025
• #7 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
• #7 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2025
• #7 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates) 2025
• #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Florida
• #9 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Florida 2024
• #9 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
• #10 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management 2025
• #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #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 Cybersecurity 2025
• #14 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology 2025
• #14 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
• #15 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
• #15 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
• #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students 2025
• #17 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
• #18 Best Online MBAs in Finance
• #18 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
• #19 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
• #19 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice 2025
• #20 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025
• #20 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
• #21 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
• #22 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #7 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
• #16 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 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

With seven regional campuses and its main campus in Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University has a substantial presence throughout Florida and comprehensive distance learning, including fully online and hybrid programs. Nova offers online doctoral programs covering numerous academic fields, including nursing, education, criminal justice, and health sciences.

• Ph.D. in Computer Science
• PhD in Conflict Analysis and Resolution
• Ph.D. in Cybersecurity Management
• Doctor of Health Science
• PhD in Information Systems
• PhD in Occupational Therapy
• Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology

University of South Alabama

• #8 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2024
• #5 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
• #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
• #16 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #22 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of South Alabama

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

• Harold G. White
• Mark Mostert
• Michael Kearney
• Dan Povenmire
• Paul Bearer
• David Freese
• Eddie Stanky
• Luis Gonzalez
• Juan Pierre
• Olga Pendleton
• Jeffrey T. Williams

The University of South Alabama is a community of leaders and students encouraging and pushing one another for success. The goal of the USA is to provide a setting where high-caliber research is combined with compelling educational opportunities so that teachers and students can become innovators in their fields. USA, accredited by the SACSCOC, offers two distinct online doctorates.

• Teacher Leader EdS

Bradley University

• #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2024
• #15 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
• #17 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
• #18 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs

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 a highly regarded HLC-accredited private university that provides graduate students with the opportunities, resources, and great educational opportunities of both a smaller and larger university. Bradley offers several top-notch online programs that provide possibilities for experiential and global learning, enabling graduates to excel in a challenging environment, including two doctorates that students can complete in 4-6 years entirely online.

• EdD in Higher Education Administration

University of New England

• #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Maine 2025

Career Outlook for degree at University of New England

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

• Peter Makuck
• David F. Levine
• Michael F. Brennan

The University of New England is a NICHE-accredited institution that provides a high caliber of online education. The online student body’s education is unmatched thanks to UNE’s blend of knowledgeable faculty, cutting-edge technology, and the highest caliber course material. Students at UNE Online have access to a wealth of tools and support to help them succeed in their studies, including one online doctoral program.

Barry University

• #7 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025
• #10 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
• #11 Best Online Master's Programs in Florida 2024
• #14 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates)

Career Outlook for degree at Barry University

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

• Evelyn Gitau
• Cynthia Warrick
• David Johnson

Barry University, accredited by the SACSCOC, offers highly regarded doctoral-level studies. There are five online PhD programs available for distance learners to select from. Doctoral degrees give graduates the knowledge and abilities to seek careers in academics and other fields.

• Doctorate in Occupational Therapy
• Doctorate in Social Work
• Doctor of Education in Transformational School Leadership

East Tennessee State University

• #7 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024
• #9 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2024
• #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee
• #2 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
• #3 Best Online Certificate in Liberal Arts and Humanities Ranked for Students
• #3 Best Online Master’s in Human Services
• #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters
• #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
• #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #19 Best Online Master's in Sports Management 2025

Career Outlook for degree at East Tennessee State University

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

• Steven M. Greer
• Abraham Verghese
• Kenny Chesney
• Phyllis Tickle
• Ronald E. Carrier
• Kenneth Lee Carder
• Timothy Busfield
• Penny J. White
• Donald S. Coffey
• Dave Loggins
• Dave Campbell

East Tennessee State University , accredited by the SACSCOC, includes a variety of student experiences to promote respect, diversity, and academic performance. One of ETSU’s online/hybrid PhD programs might be considered by professionals looking for flexible doctoral-level education. Either full-time or part-time education is possible through the online program.

• Doctor of Education in Global Sport Leadership
• PhD in Nursing (Hybrid)
• PhD in Early Childhood (Hybrid)

University of Central Arkansas

• #5 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024
• #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Arkansas
• #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Arkansas 2024
• #4 Best Online Colleges in Arkansas 2024
• #6 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2024
• #7 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2025
• #18 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs
• #21 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology 2025
• #22 Best Online MBAs in Finance

Career Outlook for degree at University of Central Arkansas

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

• Scottie Pippen
• Miller Williams
• Mary L. Good
• Charlie Strong
• Stanley E. Trauth
• Allen Meadors
• James R. Barker
• James Dickey
• Scott Brumfield
• John Thompson

The University of Central Arkansas is a leading learner-focused public comprehensive university that has won national recognition for its commitment to scholarly and creative pursuits, engagement with local, national, and international communities, and record of excellence in undergraduate and graduate education. UCA offers various online degree programs that charge a flat rate tuition fee, regardless of state residency.

• PhD in Change Leadership for Equity and Inclusion

Grand Canyon University

• #4 Best Colleges in Arizona 2024
• #4 Best Grad Schools in Arizona 2024
• #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2024
• #1 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Animation Illustration 2025
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Arizona 2025
• #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Arizona
• #3 Best Online MBA in Accounting Degree Programs
• #4 Best Online MBA in Business Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
• #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Arizona 2024
• #4 Best Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Washington
• #5 Best Online Colleges in Arizona 2024
• #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration
• #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Cybersecurity 2025
• #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
• #6 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #7 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
• #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters
• #8 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2025
• #12 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
• #12 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
• #15 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates 2025
• #19 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
• #9 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling
• #14 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• James White
• Rob Babcock
• Steve Green
• Henry Cejudo
• Robin E. Baker
• Bill Engvall
• Samiha Mohsen
• Darion Clark
• Evan Waldrep
• Damian German

Grand Canyon University is an HLC-accredited university that stands apart from other online education providers because of the history of its traditional campus. Through educational alliances, GCU also provides chances for the growth and recognition of the larger academic community. Students’ degree programs at Grand Canyon University can be flexible, giving them the education they need to succeed in today’s challenging environment.

• PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision ( Quantitative and Qualitative )
• PhD in General Psychology: Cognition and Instruction ( Quantitative and Qualitative )
• PhD in General Psychology: Industrial and Organizational Psychology ( Quantitative and Qualitative )
• PhD in General Psychology: Integrating Technology, Learning, and Psychology ( Quantitative and Qualitative )
• PhD in Psychology - Performance Psychology ( Quantitative and Qualitative )
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Counselor Education Bridge Program

Saint Leo University

• #4 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Computer Science
• #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Cybersecurity 2025
• #6 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
• #6 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
• #6 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
• #7 Best Online Master's in Theology 2025
• #7 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #7 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters
• #7 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #9 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates) 2025
• #10 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
• #10 Best Online Associate in Cybersecurity
• #10 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #11 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #11 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
• #12 Best Online MBA Programs in Florida
• #12 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates 2025
• #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2025
• #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #14 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
• #14 Best Online Master’s in Human Services
• #16 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
• #16 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
• #17 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2025
• #17 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #17 Best Online Master's Programs in Florida 2024
• #19 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management 2025
• #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #21 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #22 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #24 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts

Career Outlook for degree at Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Miguel Tejada

Saint Leo University , accredited by the SACSCOC, is one of the most prominent and oldest Catholic institutions with a long history of giving students a transformative and values-centered education. The institution has become a global pioneer in reimagining the 21st-century university thanks to SLU’s commitment to making higher education more accessible to everyone. Saint Leo University offers four distinct doctorates that students can complete 100% online.

• Doctorate in Criminal Justice: Education
• Doctorate in Business Administration
• Doctorate in Criminal Justice: Homeland Security
• Doctorate in Education: School Leadership

Walden University

• #5 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
• #5 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
• #6 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #7 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2025
• #7 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
• #7 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
• #8 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates) 2025
• #9 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #9 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
• #10 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
• #10 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
• #10 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
• #11 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates 2025
• #12 15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
• #2 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #6 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
• #8 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
• #11 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
• #18 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Walden University

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

• John Antonakis

Accredited by the HLC, Walden University offers 25 degree programs at the doctor’s level and over 150 specializations. Nearly 90% of the faculty members have doctorates, making them leaders in their fields of study. The university’s certification as a B Corporation demonstrates its dedication to conducting business ethically and inspiring students to make a difference in the community.

• PhD in Social Work
• PhD in Management
• PhD in Health Education and Promotion
• PhD in Health Services
• PhD in Public Health
• PhD in Public Policy and Administration
• PhD in Clinical Psychology

See our Guide to Life in Graduate School for valuable tips on applying to and succeeding in your master’s or doctoral degree program.

Or get tips on studying, student life, and much more with a look at our Student Resources .

• JUL 3, 2024

Online Ph.D. Programs With No Dissertation in 2024: Specializations, Cost & Period of Study

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

A note from the author, Imed Bouchrika, Ph.D., career planning expert:

Dissertations can induce stress and pressure in graduate students, making most dislike the process. In fact, 2023 data from the National Institutes of Health indicate that up to 50% of graduate students reported systems of burnout, depression, or anxiety.

To reduce the burden on Ph.D. students, I've drawn on my decades of experience as an academic advisor and career planner to come up with a list of online Ph.D. programs that don't require a dissertation. Hopefully, my ranking can help students find programs that meet their academic goals without the added pressure. 

What are the benefits of getting an online Ph.D. program with no dissertation?

• An online Ph.D. with no dissertation can lead to advanced positions in the academe, including professor and researcher roles.
• According to 2023 data, Ph.D. graduates may earn over $100,000 a year, depending in the industry they choose to work in.
• An online Ph.D. program without a dissertation requirement often provide greater flexibility, allowing you to customize your learning experience further. By eliminating the dissertation requirement, you can focus more on coursework directly related to your career goals and interests

What can I expect from an online Ph.D. program with no dissertation?

• In an online Ph.D. program with no dissertation requirement, you can expect a curriculum emphasizing coursework, practical application, and alternative assessment forms. 
• Instead of focusing on a traditional dissertation, these programs often offer opportunities for applied research, project-based learning, or comprehensive examinations to demonstrate mastery of the subject matter. 
• The coursework is typically rigorous and tailored to the specific field of study, providing advanced knowledge and skills relevant to your professional goals.
• On average, tuition for these programs may fall within $20,000 to $50,000 per year. 
• Online Ph.D. programs with no dissertation programs may take 3 to 5 years to complete. Some students may be able to complete the program more quickly by taking a more accelerated course load, while others may take longer if they choose to study part-time or have other commitments.

Where can I work with an online Ph.D. program with no dissertation?

Graduates of online Ph.D. programs with no dissertation requirement have a plethora of employment avenues available across various sectors. With a Ph.D., you are well-equipped to pursue academic careers, with opportunities to work as professors, researchers, or academic administrators within universities, colleges, and research institutions.

Within these educational settings, you can contribute to curriculum development, conduct cutting-edge research, mentor students, and engage in scholarly activities to advance your field.

How much I can make with an online Ph.D. program with no dissertation?

To provide a general estimate, salaries for individuals with doctoral degrees can range from around $50,000 to over $100,000 per year. This can vary significantly based on factors such as field of study, industry, geographic location, level of experience, and specific job role.

Table of Contents

What doctorate degrees do not have dissertation requirements, how long does it take to complete an online ph.d. program with no dissertation, how does an online ph.d. program with no dissertation compare to an on-campus program, what is the average cost of an online ph.d. program with no dissertation, what are the financial aid options for students enrolling in an online ph.d. program with no dissertation, what are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online ph.d. program with no dissertation, how to choose the best online ph.d. program with no dissertation, what career paths are available for graduates of online ph.d. programs with no dissertation, what is the job market for graduates of online ph.d. programs with no dissertation.

• Other Things You Should Know About Online Ph.D. Programs with No Dissertation

Most universities require a dissertation as part of the requirements to obtain a doctoral degree. However, do all Ph.D. programs have a dissertation?

The simple answer there is no. Trends in higher education are moving towards online learning, and more universities are offering online Ph.D. programs with no dissertation options to students. Here are some examples:

Online Doctoral Programs in Psychology

Online doctoral programs in psychology can help students pursue advanced research in the different branches of clinical and counseling psychology. A clinical degree (Psy.D.) is a practice-based study that can lead to licensure, while a Ph.D. degree emphasizes research and may or may not lead to licensure.

As there are many branches of psychology, specific courses will be very different based on your specialization. However, common courses include cognitive development, neuroscience, and psychology ethics.

Most doctoral degrees in psychology can require 60 to 90 credits at $240 to $640 per credit, which brings the total annual tuition to about $14,000 to $58,000. Compared to other online doctoral programs, this program can take longer to finish–usually five to six years or even seven years, depending on the student’s capstone project and whether they are studying part-time or full-time.

Examples of specializations:

• Forensic Psychology
• Industrial-organizational psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Sports Psychology

Online Doctoral Programs in Curriculum and Instruction

A doctoral degree program in curriculum and instruction dives deep into educational theory and techniques in developing comprehensive curricula that cater to diverse student bodies. You can expect to attend courses in various disciplines, including psychology, ethics, law, instructional technology, and educational statistics.

Completing a doctoral degree also qualifies students for top positions in educational administration and postsecondary teaching. They can also have rewarding careers in curriculum design, academic research, and private organizations offering educational services.

Depending on the program’s courses and the student's capstone project, a doctoral degree in this field can be completed in three to five years. It typically consists of 60 to 66 credits, with cost-per-credit at $350 to $775. So, tuition can be around $21,000 to more than $55,000.

• Higher Education Teaching
• Learning, Design, and Technology
• Urban and Multicultural Education
• Learning and Development
• Early Childhood Education

Online Doctoral Programs in Nursing Practice

A doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) is practice-oriented compared to the traditional research-focused doctor of philosophy programs. It equips students with skills and knowledge to work in a clinical setting or nursing administration, training and education, and managerial/leadership roles in healthcare services. Chief nursing executives with a DNP degree can earn annual salaries of up to $109,000. 

Coursework for DNP covers a wide range of topics but will commonly include health policy implementation, statistical analysis, organizational leadership, social ethics, health technology, and direct patient care. Some programs also teach students spirituality and health.

A DNP degree can take three to five years to complete. Most programs require 65 to 95 credits and around 1,000 hours of clinical practice. Some of the most affordable DNP programs are under $12,000; the most expensive can be over $60,000.

• Nursing Informatics
• Educational Leadership/Nurse Educator
• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Clinical Nurse Specialist

Online Doctoral Programs in Public Health

Doctoral degree programs in public health (DPh) are for professionals who want to pursue higher learning to advance their careers. 

Coursework for a public health doctoral degree focuses on practice and leadership. Standard courses include health management, vaccinology, issues in global public health, data and analysis, and public health ethics.

It can take three to four years to complete a DPh program; some schools do not offer an option to extend. As for the cost, tuition is from $12,000 to $31,000 total per year. The source of funding for doctoral studies is one of the most important considerations when choosing a doctoral program , so be sure to research available scholarships and grants.

• Public Health Policy
• Environmental Health
• Epidemiology and Infectious Disease

Online Doctoral Programs in Social Work

Online doctoral programs in Social Work are for professionals who want to strengthen their research, presentation, communication, analysis, leadership, and organizational management skills. These skills are necessary for their work since they encounter people from various backgrounds and may need to lead a team when conducting social work projects.

Coursework will depend on the specialization but will often cover topics on human rights, human behavior, clinical theory, research methods, and grant writing. Earning this doctoral degree can lead to high-level career opportunities in social work, community leadership, nonprofits, and academia.

It will take about four to six years to complete a doctoral program in social work. Some programs can be shorter, and a student’s capstone project type will also affect the length of their study. Programs often require 45-60 credits at the cost for this type of degree ranges from $28,000-$40,000.

• Social Work Administration
• Medical Social Work
• Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention
• Children, Families, and Couples
• Forensic Populations and Settings

Online Doctoral Programs in Accounting

Whether you recently obtained your master’s degree or have been working for many years in the accounting field, pursuing a no dissertation Ph.D. degree in accounting can be worthwhile. Online doctoral programs in accounting have made it even more attractive to working professionals who might not have the time to attend in-person lessons.

Coursework for online Ph.D. accounting programs focuses on specialized and advanced courses students need to complete their final project. There can also be teaching practicums and written or oral examinations. Some common courses are statistical analysis, behavioral accounting research, research methods, capital markets research, and Empirical Research.

A typical online Ph.D. accounting degree can take four to seven years. Aside from the many years you need to dedicate to your studies, you should also be prepared for the cost. The cost of doctoral programs will largely depend on your program, school, cost of living, and research needs. The average is $92,200 and $127,100 from public and private universities respectively.

• Forensic Accounting
• Public Accounting
• Audit Accounting
• Accounting Information Systems

Online Doctoral Programs in Business Administration

A business administration doctoral degree program or DBA aims to help experienced professionals understand the principles and strategies used in governing global business. Business administration offers a long list of career options and is a highly in-demand degree.

Some skills you can expect to gain throughout your business administration doctoral study include transformational leadership, effective presentation and business analysis, organizational communication, and advanced management skills for effective business operations.

It is possible to complete a DBA program, like a doctorate degree in organizational leadership , in three years; however, it will be very different for each student as internships and capstone projects take on many forms. As for the cost, NCES data indicates the annual average graduate tuition at public institutions to be $11,554. Some of the top universities charge more than $43,000.

• Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
• Strategic Leadership
• Information Technology Management
• International Finance
• Advanced Production and Operations Analysis

Online Doctoral Programs in Management

A doctorate degree in management provides students with advanced research and analytical skills and deepens their understanding of business principles applied in organizations. Earning this degree can qualify professionals for government and private sector leadership positions. It will be required for teaching positions in higher education.

Most Ph.D. programs in management with no dissertation will emphasize research methods and their application in real-world problems and experiences. You can expect to work on data analysis and quantitative and qualitative research skills.

A typical doctorate degree in management requires 40 to 60 credits, which full-time students can complete within four to five years. The tuition fees will depend on the program and school, but the range usually starts from $20,000 to $51,000.

• Information Systems Management
• Leadership and Organizational Change
• Organizational Design and Innovation
• Human Resource Management

Online Doctoral Programs in Adult and Career Education

Adult and career education doctoral programs help education professionals gain effective skills in teaching adult students and drive innovation and lifelong learning. 

Courses included in this program are adult learning theory, leadership in adult education, current issues in adult learning, cognitive coaching, and teaching diverse learners. Graduates of this program can use their expertise in college education and corporate training, vocational instruction, and leadership roles. There are also more general online educational leadership programs that do not center on adult and career education, should you be interested.

Full-time students can usually finish this degree in three to five years. As for the cost, most programs require 60 to 66 credits, and per-credit-cost is from $350 to $775. So, you can expect tuition to be from $21,000 to $55,000.

• Adult Learning & Leadership
• Higher & Adult Education
• Educational Leadership: Adult Education

Online Doctoral Programs in Behavioral Health

A doctorate degree in behavioral health (DBH) is for clinical professionals interested in advancing their capabilities in providing medical services for general well-being through behavioral changes. Through this program, students will understand how mental health affects physical health and learn behavioral intervention and counseling to help patients improve their mental state. Coursework often includes studying the U.S. healthcare system, understanding the psychosocial determinants of healthcare, and learning about advanced issues in behavioral healthcare.

Students can complete a typical DBH program in approximately 12 months. This is why this program is popular among students in the field who want to gain advanced studies but not spend so many years trying to finish their degree. Cost-per-credit for DBH degrees can range from $400 to more than $600. Ph.D. programs can require anywhere from 60 to 120 credits, so it is best to check how many credits a program has before you enroll.

• Psychopharmacology
• Population Health Management
• Clinical Specialization

Online Doctoral Programs in Criminal Justice

Obtaining a doctoral degree in criminal justice opens doors to top career opportunities at universities, private organizations, and the federal government, such as the Department of Homeland Security. The median annual pay for professionals in this field may range from $85,000, depending on the industry.

Throughout your coursework, you can expect to conduct rigorous academic research on the causes of crime and how policies impact criminal justice. Programs are also highly interdisciplinary, so prepare to take advanced courses in areas like demography, statistics, psychology, and sociology.

Most Ph.D. programs in criminal justice take three years to complete, but it can take longer for part-time students. The type of capstone project and teaching practicums you undertake will also influence the length of your study. The cost of tuition can range from $22,000 to more than $66,000, depending on the type of university and other student fees connected with your specific program.

• Organizational Leadership
• Homeland Security
• Investigative Science
• Policing and Law Enforcement
• Criminal Behavior

Online Doctoral Programs in Educational Administration

Ph.D. programs in educational administration equip students with the knowledge and skills to handle issues and implement policies to run educational institutions. The duties and responsibilities of education administrators are vast, but they commonly include analyzing finances, creating curricula, creating budgets, and mentoring teachers.

The coursework for this doctoral degree is highly interdisciplinary. Programs often include not only education-related courses like student and faculty development but also business courses like management, finance, and budget.

It takes three to four years to complete a Ph.D. in Educational Administration. It can be longer for part-time students and shorter if you enroll in institutions that have a fast-track option for students. Tuition costs for this program can be between $20,000 and $55,000. You can always apply for student financial aid to help cover some of the cost.

• Higher Education Leadership
• Special Education
• Community Colleges
• Instructional Design
• P-12 System Level School Leadership

Online Doctoral Programs in Finance

A Ph.D. in finance will help students advance their skills and knowledge in banking, accounting, asset management, economics, data analysis, and financial policymaking. This will qualify them for high-paying jobs in finance and post-secondary teaching positions at universities.

Courses covered in finance doctoral programs can vary depending on the specialization and the school. However, most courses include courses on analysis and research methods, empirical methods in finance, and wealth management.

A typical Ph.D. in finance can take five years to complete. Some students might finish in six years, especially if they are working while studying. As for the cost, depending on the school, tuition can be from $20,000 to more than $50,000 on average.

• Financial Management
• Public Finance/Finance Administration
• Financial Planning

Online Doctoral Programs in Grief Counseling

An online doctoral degree program in grief counseling is for students who want to further their education in the grief and bereavement field. Earning this degree will help professionals in this field better counsel their patients and teach those who want to gain knowledge and skills in counseling.

Coursework for this program often includes courses that prepare students for group and individual counseling. Students will be able to identify different stages of grief and how to address them, work with survivors of traumatic events, and help assuage the pain of those grieving. You can expect courses covering trauma, loss, resilience, and psychotherapy.

This is one of the shortest online doctoral programs available online . Full-time students can complete this program within 12 months. This program's average tuition per semester is $4,000 to $5,000.

• Human Services Counseling
• Addiction Counseling
• Trauma and Crisis Counseling

Online Doctoral Programs in Healthcare Administration

Healthcare administration Ph.D. programs aim to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills they need to improve the quality of healthcare services. Obtaining a doctoral degree in this field can qualify professionals for jobs as medical and health services managers, university professors, social service managers, and executives in private organizations.

The curriculum often covers healthcare-related study areas that focus on policymaking, management, and finance. Common courses include health policy, leadership strategies for healthcare organizations, health informatics, healthcare economics, and financial management.

This program can be completed in as short as two years and as long as seven years, depending on factors like course load and capstone project. The cost range for this doctoral degree can be pricey, ranging from $20,000 to $60,000. So, consider submitting your FAFSA form to see if you are eligible for grants and scholarships.

• Healthcare Law and Policy
• Health Leadership and Administration
• Healthcare Management and Economics
• Healthcare Informatics

Online Doctoral Programs in Human Resources

Ph.D. programs in human resources are more suited for experienced human resource professionals who want to gain more in-depth knowledge that can help address issues in their field. With a doctoral degree, HR professionals can serve in top positions in the corporate world, become researchers, or pursue teaching careers in higher education.

Specific courses will vary based on specialization, but you can expect to cover courses on managing people and improving employee performance. Courses can include compensation and benefits, human capital management, labor laws, organizational communication, and diversity and inclusion.

Most doctoral programs for human resources require between 58 and 66 credits and can be completed in two to four years for full-time students. Cost-per-credit is usually between $420 and $995. As such, tuition can range from $24,000 to $66,000.

• Compensation and Benefits
• Training and Development

Online Doctoral Programs in Information Technology

A doctorate degree in information technology is best suited to IT professionals who want to develop advanced skills in technology and computing. It also prepares candidates for senior job roles in government agencies and private companies. Plus, it can open opportunities to teach at colleges and universities.

Coursework for a Ph.D. in information technology often covers the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data science, and cybersecurity, a specialization in great shortage worldwide. 60% of surveyed organizations said cybersecurity staffing shortage is placing their organizations at risk.

Online Ph.D. programs for information technology usually require 55 to 64 credits, and it takes about three to five years for full-time students to complete their degree. Cost-per-credit is around $500 to $1,000, so you can expect to spend between $28,000 and $64,000 in tuition fees.

• Data Science
• Cybersecurity
• Multimedia Information Systems
• Internet and Information Infrastructure

Online Doctoral Programs in Occupational Therapy

An online occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) is for licensed occupational therapists who want to gain advanced skills to qualify them for leadership roles. Students will develop skills in clinical as well as professional practice.

Coursework will mostly focus on helping students develop advanced research skills and apply research methodologies to their capstone project. Common courses include occupational science, theory development for models of practice, leadership development, and qualitative and quantitative research.

It can take three to five years to finish an OTD degree for full-time students. The study period will depend on the student’s capstone project and if they continue to work while taking up their post-professional program. Tuition for an OTD program can cost from $22,000 to more than $60,000, depending on your school and whether you are an in-state or non-resident student.

• Rehabilitation and Health
• Entrepreneurship
• Post-Acute and Chronic Care
• Policy/Administration
• Adult Rehabilitation, Community, and Wellness

Online Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy

Online doctoral programs for physical therapy (DPT) prepare students for licensure through courses that hone their clinical and professional skills in the workplace. Since licensure requirements vary in each state, check an out-of-state program’s curriculum and if it meets your state’s licensure requirements.

Most programs will include courses on research methods, data analysis, statistics, and radiology. It is also common to have prerequisite classes before students can start work on their capstone project.

DPT programs usually take three years to finish, but some programs offer a fast-track path by compressing some of the academic requirements into a shorter period. This type of program can cost from $18,000 to more than $37,000 per year.

• Electrophysiologic Clinical Specialist (ECS)
• Oncology Specialist
• Neurology Clinical Specialist (NCS)
• Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS)
• Women’s Health Specialist (WCS)

Online Doctoral Programs in Public Administration

The doctoral program in public administration (DPA) helps students develop advanced research skills to contribute to their work in public administration, nonprofit projects, and criminal justice. A doctoral degree in public administration can open opportunities in top positions in government, healthcare, education, and the private sector.

Courses included in the program aim to advance students’ research, communication, analysis, and leadership skills. Public administration, quantitative methods, ethics and social justice, and strategic public management are just some of the common courses in this program.

Students enrolled full-time in this program typically finish within two to three years. The cost-per-credit for DPA is $500 to $900, so students can expect to pay $25,000 to $49,000 per year for tuition.

• Policy Analysis & Program Evaluation
• Organizational Leadership & Management
• Data Modeling & Analytics

Here's what graduates have to say about online Ph.D. programs with no dissertation

Juggling a full-time job and a family while pursuing a Ph.D. felt like an impossible dream. But the online program allowed me to structure my studies around my existing commitments. The flexibility was a game-changer. I could participate in in-depth discussions with professors and classmates from all over the world, all from the comfort of my home office. Earning my Ph.D. in accounting online wasn't easy, but it opened doors I never thought possible. - Sarah

I wasn't sure if an online program could offer the same rigor as a traditional Ph.D. But the coursework in this program was incredibly challenging and rewarding. The online format allowed me to focus on research areas that interested me most, and I even had the opportunity to collaborate with researchers abroad virtually. Overall, the online Ph.D. program in social work was an enriching experience that prepared me for a successful career in research. - Maya

I always felt a disconnect from traditional classroom settings. The online Ph.D. program allowed me to learn at my own pace, delve deeper into research papers that fascinated me, and collaborate with professors through virtual meetings. The global nature of the program was another perk – I exchanged ideas with students from different countries, gaining a broader perspective on the field of public administration. Overall, the online program provided a rich and fulfilling academic experience. - Kylie

Key Findings

• Online Ph.D. programs with no dissertation typically take 3 to 5 years to complete, with tuition ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 per year.
• Doctoral degree holders can expect salaries ranging from $50,000 to over $100,000 per year.
• Individuals with doctoral degrees generally have better job prospects and higher salaries, particularly in fields like healthcare, technology, and business. For example, Ph.D. graduates in organic chemistry and biology can find lucrative opportunities with annual median salaries of $77,240 and $78,191.
• Recent findings revealed that up to 50% of graduate students encountered symptoms of burnout, depression, or anxiety, prompting a preference for online programs over traditional ones.
• Psychology emerges as the most popular major for students pursuing online Ph.D. programs, comprising 13% of enrollments.

On average, online Ph.D. programs with no dissertation may take 3 to 5 years to complete. However, some students may be able to finish more quickly if they can dedicate significant time to their studies or if they receive credit for prior coursework or professional experience.

Additionally, some online Ph..D programs without dissertations offer accelerated options or flexible scheduling, allowing you to progress through the program faster. Conversely, studying part-time may take longer to complete your degree. 

An online Ph.D. program with no dissertation requirement differs from an on-campus program in several key aspects:

• Flexibility . Based on my experience attending an online Ph.D. program with no dissertation, universities allow you to attend classes and complete coursework from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. On the other hand, on-campus programs typically require students to attend classes and participate in campus activities in person, which may be more restrictive for those with other obligations.
• Format . Online programs often utilize virtual classrooms, multimedia resources, and asynchronous learning platforms to deliver course content. In contrast, on-campus programs typically involve face-to-face interactions with professors and peers and access to physical resources such as libraries and laboratories. 
• Networking opportunities . On-campus programs provide more opportunities for in-person networking and collaboration with professors and peers. This gives you access to campus events, research seminars, and other activities, facilitating professional connections and academic discussions. While online programs may offer virtual networking opportunities, the level of interaction differs from that of an on-campus setting.
• Research opportunities . On-campus Ph.D. programs often provide access to extensive research facilities, equipment, and resources that may not be available online. Additionally, on-campus programs offer more opportunities for hands-on research experiences, faculty collaborations, and research project participation.

On average, tuition for online Ph.D. programs without dissertations may range from $20,000 to $50,000 per year. However, some programs may have lower tuition rates, especially if public institutions offer them or if they have special arrangements for online students. Additionally, there may be additional fees for textbooks, technology, and other materials.

I advise students to do thorough research on the different fees charged by these Ph.D. programs so they can sufficiently prepare financially.

Students enrolling in online Ph.D. programs with no dissertation requirements have various financial aid options. Some common financial aid options include the following:

• Federal aid . Students may be eligible for federal financial aid programs such as grants, loans, and work-study programs. You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to apply for federal aid.
• Scholarships . Many institutions offer scholarships specifically for doctoral students, including those enrolled in online programs. These scholarships may be based on academic achievement, field of study, financial need, or other criteria. Additionally, external scholarship opportunities are offered by organizations, foundations, and corporations.
• Assistantships . Some online Ph.D. programs offer teaching or research assistantships that provide tuition remission or a stipend in exchange for work responsibilities. These assistantships are available competitively and require you to work part-time while pursuing your degree.
• Employer tuition assistance . Employers sometimes offer tuition reimbursement or assistance programs to support employees pursuing advanced degrees. You should check with your employer's human resources department to see if such benefits are available.
• Military benefits . Active-duty service members, veterans, and their dependents may be eligible for military education benefits such as the GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program, or tuition assistance programs offered by the military branches.
• Alternative loans . Private student loans from banks, credit unions, or online lenders may be available to supplement other forms of financial aid. However, you should carefully consider the terms and conditions of these loans, as they typically have higher interest rates and fewer borrower protections than federal loans.

Some common prerequisites for online Ph.D. programs with no dissertation include the following:

• Master's degree. Most online Ph.D. programs require applicants to have a master's degree in a related field from an accredited institution. Some programs, however, may accept applicants with a bachelor's degree if they have extensive professional experience or exceptional qualifications.
• Minimum GPA . Many programs have a minimum GPA requirement for admission, typically ranging from 3.0 to 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. However, some programs consider applicants with lower GPAs on a case-by-case basis, especially if they demonstrate other strengths, such as relevant work experience or outstanding letters of recommendation.
• Professional experience . Some programs require applicants to have relevant professional experience in their field of study, especially for doctoral programs emphasizing practical application rather than research. This experience may be evaluated through resumes, letters of recommendation, or admissions interviews.
• Standardized test scores . While not always required, some programs may request standardized test scores such as the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) as part of the application process. However, an increasing number of programs are waiving this requirement or placing less emphasis on test scores.
• Letters of recommendation . Applicants are typically required to submit letters of recommendation from academic or professional references who can attest to their qualifications, academic abilities, and potential for success in the program.
• Statement of purpose . Many programs require applicants to submit a statement of purpose or personal statement outlining their academic and professional goals, research interests, and reasons for pursuing a doctoral degree in their chosen field.
• Writing sample . Some programs may request a writing sample or portfolio of scholarly work to assess applicants' writing and research abilities.
• Interview . In some cases, applicants may be required to participate in an admissions interview as part of the application process. This interview may be conducted in person or remotely via video conferencing.

When choosing an online Ph.D. program with no dissertation requirement, I encourage students to consider the following factors:

• Accreditation . Ensure that the program and institution are accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. Accreditation indicates that the program meets certain quality standards and that employers and other institutions will respect your degree.
• Curriculum and course offerings . Review the program's curriculum to ensure it aligns with your academic and career goals. Consider the courses offered, the program's flexibility, and any opportunities for practical experience or applied learning.
• Faculty expertise and support . Research the faculty members in the program and their areas of expertise. Look for faculty who are actively engaged in research or professional practice in your field and who can provide mentorship and support throughout your studies.
• Flexibility and accessibility.  Evaluate the program's flexibility in scheduling, course delivery format, and access to resources. Consider how the program accommodates your work and personal commitments and whether it offers the level of accessibility you need.
• Resources and support services . Consider the resources and support services available to online students, such as academic advising, library resources, technical support, and career services. These resources can contribute to your academic success and overall satisfaction with the program.
• Cost and financial aid . Evaluate the cost of tuition and any financial aid options available to you. Compare the affordability of different programs and weigh the potential return on investment in terms of career advancement and earning potential.
• Program reputation and alumni network.  Research the reputation of the program and institution within your field. Consider factors such as program satisfaction, faculty support, and career outcomes. Additionally, investigate the size and strength of the program's alumni network, as this can provide valuable networking opportunities.
• Technology and learning platforms . Assess the technology and learning platforms used by the program to deliver course content and facilitate communication. Ensure these platforms are user-friendly, reliable, and conducive to effective online learning experiences.

Based on my extensive research on online Ph.D. programs, I have observed how online Ph.D. programs are experiencing growing popularity among individuals pursuing advanced degrees. Psychology stands out as the most favored major at this level, accounting for 13% of enrollments. The chart below indicates the most popular online Ph.D. programs.

Graduates of online Ph.D. programs with no dissertation have a wide range of career paths available to them, depending on their field of study, specialization, and professional interests. Some common career paths for graduates of these programs include:

• Higher education administration . Graduates may pursue careers in higher education administration, working in roles such as academic dean, department chair, or university administrator. These positions involve overseeing academic programs, managing budgets, and facilitating institutional policies and procedures.
• Corporate training and development . Graduates may work in corporate settings, designing and delivering training programs, developing educational materials, and implementing employee professional development initiatives.
• Consulting . Graduates may work as consultants, providing expertise and guidance to organizations in education policy, curriculum development, program evaluation, and organizational leadership.
• Government and nonprofit organizations . Graduates may pursue careers in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or research institutions, working as policy analysts, program managers, or research directors. These positions involve conducting research, analyzing data, and informing policy and programmatic decisions.
• Educational technology . Graduates may work in roles related to educational technology, such as instructional designer, e-learning specialist, or educational technology consultant. These positions involve developing and implementing technology-based solutions to enhance teaching and learning experiences.
• Private practice . Graduates may establish their own private practice or consultancy, offering services such as coaching, counseling, or professional development training to individuals or organizations.

In general, individuals with a doctoral degree tend to command higher salaries and have better job prospects than those with lower education levels. For example, graduates in fields with high demand and lucrative job opportunities, such as healthcare, technology, or business, may command higher salaries and have favorable job outlooks. 

In organic chemistry, for instance, where the average salary is $77,240 annually, opportunities for Ph.D .graduates exist in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and chemical manufacturing. Job prospects are influenced by factors such as research funding, drug discovery advancements, and sustainable processes demand.

Ph.D. in biology graduates, with an average salary of $78,191 annually, find careers in healthcare, research, government, and biotech sectors. Factors affecting job outlook include biotech advancements, environmental efforts, and public health initiatives.

Other Things You Should Know About Online Ph.D. Programs With No Dissertation

Can you get a doctorate without doing a dissertation.

Yes, it is possible to earn a doctorate without completing a traditional dissertation. Some doctoral programs, particularly professional doctorates or practice-oriented programs, may offer alternatives to the traditional dissertation requirement, such as capstone projects, applied research projects, or comprehensive exams. These programs are designed to prepare students for advanced careers in their field by focusing on practical application and professional development rather than original research.

Is a dissertation necessary for a Ph.D.?

While a dissertation is a common requirement for a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) degree, not all Ph.D. programs have the same dissertation requirement. However, in traditional academic PhD programs, conducting original research and writing a dissertation based on that research is typically a central component of the program. The dissertation demonstrates the student's ability to contribute new knowledge to their field and is a significant milestone in earning a Ph.D.

Does Harvard have an online Ph.D. program?

Harvard University does not currently offer fully online Ph.D. programs. While Harvard offers a wide range of graduate programs, including Ph.D. programs in various fields, these programs typically require in-person attendance for classes, seminars, research activities, and other academic requirements. However, Harvard does offer online courses and some hybrid programs that combine online and in-person components.

What is an online Ph.D. program with no dissertation requirement?

An online Ph.D. program with no dissertation requirement is a doctoral program that allows students to earn a Ph.D. without completing a traditional dissertation. Instead of a dissertation, students may complete alternative requirements such as a capstone project, comprehensive exams, or applied research projects.

What are the differences between a Ph.D. program with and without a dissertation?

A Ph.D. program with no dissertation typically focuses on applied research or projects instead of a traditional dissertation. These programs often emphasize practical skills and hands-on experience relevant to the field of study. Students might engage in real-world problem-solving, internships, or extensive coursework aligned with their research interests. The absence of a dissertation allows for a more streamlined and experiential approach to completing the degree, providing students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. It's important for potential students to understand the specific expectations and outcomes of such programs to determine if they align with their academic and career goals.

What alternative requirements replace the dissertation in a PhD program without a dissertation in the US?

In a PhD program without a dissertation in the US, alternative requirements often include comprehensive exams, capstone projects, or practical research projects. These programs may emphasize applied research, where students complete a series of smaller research papers or projects throughout their studies. Some programs require the creation of a portfolio demonstrating mastery of the subject matter, or practical work experience relevant to the field. Instead of a traditional dissertation, students might engage in collaborative research projects, case studies, or presentations. These alternatives aim to demonstrate the student's expertise and ability to apply knowledge in practical or professional contexts.

References :

• Gitnux. (2023, December 16). Must-Know Online PhD Statistics [Recent Analysis] • GitNux. GITNUX . 
• Hanson, M. (2023, November 18). Average cost of college [2023]: yearly tuition + expenses. Education Data Initiative . 
• Indeed. (2023). 20 of the Highest Paying PhD Degrees (Plus Salaries). Indeed . 
• NCES. (2023). What is the average amount of tuition and required fees for graduate students at public postsecondary institutions operating on an academic year calendar system? NCES .

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50 Best Online PhD Programs That Don’t Require GRE Scores [2024 Schools Guide]

Check out PhD Programs that don’t require GRE scores for admission. Compare PhD programs without the GRE (Campus & Online).

We’ve identified a number of accredited universities that don’t require the GRE as part of their PhD application process.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

List of Online PsyD Programs with No GRE

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. In addition, the universities included in this list offer online psychology doctoral programs and either do not require the GRE or offer GRE waivers for qualified students.

Adler University

Founded in 1952, Adler strives to develop professionals and practitioners who will better their local communities and the world. Driven by the work of physician and psychotherapist Alfred Adler, the school values fairness, equality and civil rights and helps students learn to put these concepts into practice.

Adler University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Alliant International University

Recognized as a top school for minorities by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and for military veterans by College Factual, Alliant values diversity in the classroom and the workforce. Students are encouraged to have a global perspective, a desire for community service and a commitment to equality.

Believing that hands-on experiences are essential for a well-rounded education, the school connects students to the community throughout its degree programs.

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

Antioch University

Equal rights, equal pay and equal educational opportunities for minorities and women have long been important at Antioch. In the 1800s, Antioch was one of the first institutions of higher education that admitted both whites and African-Americans, and the school’s list of famous alumni includes Coretta Scott King.

Antioch University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

California Southern University

Since its beginnings in 1978, the mission of California Southern University has been centered around the idea of providing flexible educational experiences for adult learners.

Throughout the school’s 30 programs, there is a continual focus on establishing strong, supportive relationships between staff and students.

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

Capella University

Enrolling over 37,000 students each year, Capella University offers educational opportunities for working professionals. Through distance-learning programs, the university reaches students from every state and over 50 different countries. Of the school’s more than 1,500 faculty members and administrators, 88 percent hold doctoral degrees.

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Felician University

Since 1942, Felician University has been providing educational experiences based on the Catholic Franciscan values of service, compassion and respect. Over 2,000 students take classes from this school each year. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 13:1, and 73 percent of classes have fewer than 20 students.

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

Grand Canyon University

Founded in 1949, Grand Canyon University seeks to educate students from a Christian perspective so that they will become service-minded professionals whose faith permeates their lives and directs their work. The university enrolls over 19,000 on-campus students and more than 60,000 online students each year.

Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Meridian University

At Meridian University, the goal is for students to gain a transformative education. Through their schooling, students should grow personally and learn to affect change in their fields and in their communities. Approximately 91 percent of Meridian students complete their degree programs within the allotted time.

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

Northwest University

Affiliated with the Assemblies of God denomination, Northwest University is a Christian school with a desire to engage students who are committed to both scholarship and service. Graduates go on to work in a variety of fields, including ministry, business, medical and educational settings.

Northwestern University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Pepperdine University

U.S. News has ranked Pepperdine University at No. 46 on its list of Best Value Schools, and Forbes has placed the school at No. 8 on its list of the Most Entrepreneurial Universities. The university opened in 1937, and the school’s alumni group today boasts over 100,000 members. 84 percent of Pepperdine students serve in internships or other hands-on experiences.

Pepperdine is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

Saybrook University

Saybrook University was established in 1971 and offers a PhD in Clinical Psychology. The degree is designed for those students who are looking for a program that will equip them with the practical skills necessary to start their professional practice.

The program covers multi-cultural psychology, psychotherapy, child and adolescent psychology, and more.

Saybrook University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

Touro University Worldwide

Touro University Worldwide is the online branch of the Touro College and University System. Altogether, Touro schools include around 19,000 students and more than 95,000 alumni. Founded on Jewish principles and traditions, the group’s roots date back to 1970.

Touro University Worldwide is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

University of Hartford

With over 6,500 enrolled students, the University of Hartford issues more than 1,500 diplomas each year. The student body is made up of people from nearly every state and over 40 different countries. Creativity, diversity, responsibility and integrity are some of the highest values of this school, which was founded in 1957.

University of Hartford is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

University of the Cumberlands

The Baptist roots of the University of the Cumberlands date back to 1888. The university reaches over 10,000 learners each year and has a 17:1 ratio of students to faculty. Hands-on learning is highly valued at this school, and all students engage in service opportunities while attaining their degrees.

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

Walden University

Over 57,000 students are studying with Walden University at any given time. The faculty members are leaders in their areas of expertise, and almost 90 percent of them hold doctoral degrees. The university’s status as a certified B Corporation shows its commitment to operating ethically and motivating students to be positive change-makers in their communities.

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Western Kentucky University

U.S. News has ranked Western Kentucky University No. 24 in Best Colleges for Veterans and No. 34 in Best Regional Universities South. Both Sierra Club and Princeton Review have applauded this university for its environmental efforts. The school has over 20,000 students, and the average class has around 24 students in it.

Western Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

List of Online Doctor of Education (EdD) Programs No GRE

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. In addition, the universities included in this list either do not require the GRE or offer waivers for qualified students.

Baylor University

Baylor University holds fast to its Baptist roots while welcoming a diverse student body from many religious and geographic backgrounds. Founded in 1845, the school is committed to serious scholarship, community service, and the integration of faith and life. Baylor has over 17,000 students and a 14:1 student-faculty ratio.

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

City University of Seattle

CityU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Colorado State University

Founded in 1870, Colorado State University has awarded over 230,000 degrees. The school was involved in the establishment of the Peace Corps, and still today, many students choose to spend time serving through this organization. In addition to global service and responsibility, CSU values innovation, respect, diversity and academic excellence.

Colorado State is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Concordia University

Since 1805, Concordia University has been educating students in the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, tradition.

Although based on Christian faith and principles, and university welcomes a diverse student body made up of people from many religious backgrounds. The school enrolls over 5,000 students each year and boasts a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

This is an online doctorate in education no GRE required.

Concordia University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Creighton University

Considered U.S. News ’ No. 1 school in the Regional Universities Midwest category and the Best Colleges for Veterans category, Creighton University educates nearly 9,000 students yearly.

The school was founded in 1878 by Jesuit Catholics and many members of the Jesuit tradition still work at Creighton. Within six months of degree completion, 99 percent of graduates are successful at landing a job or a satisfactory next step.

Creighton University is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

East Tennessee State University

Founded in 1911, East Tennessee State University today educates more than 14,500 students each year. The university values respect, diversity and academic excellence, and well-rounded student experiences are essential to an ETSU education. There are over 100 degree programs at this school, and the student-faculty ratio is approximately 16:1.

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

Florida State University

Florida State University offers over 300 degree programs, and the Carnegie Commission has bestowed on this school the distinction of Doctoral Universities: Highest Research Activity. With over 41,000 members, the student body includes people from more than 130 countries around the world. Six Nobel Laureates have taught at this university.

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

Johns Hopkins University

Since its beginnings 1876, Johns Hopkins has highly prized both teaching and research, and the school considers itself the first research university in the United States. Although particularly well-known for its School of Medicine, this university also awards degrees in public health, education, physics, business and other disciplines.

The programs listed above are online Doctor of Education no GRE required.

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

Lamar University

A member of the Texas State University System, Lamar University has about 15,000 enrolled students and over 75,000 alumni. Approximately 30 percent of the university’s classes are taught online. The school was founded in 1923 and today employs over 1,200 people and offers more than 100 degree programs.

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

Liberty University

Since 1971, over 250,000 people have received an education from Liberty University. Currently, about 30 percent of the school’s students are active-duty members of the military or veterans. Liberty University has Baptist affiliations and seeks to develop students’ Christian worldview. Volunteerism is valued, and the student body puts about 500,000 hours into service each year.

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

Maryville University

Over 9,000 students take classes from Maryville University each year. The school has a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, and about 90 percent of the faculty members have received doctoral degrees. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, Maryville was one of the top three fastest-growing universities in the United States.

Maryville University of Saint Louis is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

National University

Founded in 1971, National University is a network of nonprofit educational institutions dedicated to providing flexible, quality education to help students meet their educational and career goals. NU’s programs are taught by 100% doctoral professors.

National University has over 30,000 students enrolled and more that 220,000 alumni from around the world.

National University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Northwest Nazarene University

Although Northwest Nazarene University began as an elementary school in 1913, the school quickly expanded its educational offerings and awarded its first college degrees in 1917. Today, more than 8,000 students take NNU classes each year. Although the Church of the Nazarene sponsors the school, students come from a diverse mix of religious backgrounds.

Northwest Nazarene University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Oakland City University

U.S. News ranked Oakland City University at No. 7 on its list of Best Colleges for Veterans. The publication also grants it the No. 39 spot on its Regional Colleges Midwest list. Affiliated with the General Association of General Baptists, the college pursues both academic and spiritual development for students.

Oakland City University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Saint Leo University

Famous alumni of Saint Leo University include Desi Arnaz and Stephen Stills. U.S. News gives this university the No. 14 spot on its list of Best Value Schools. Founded in 1889, Saint Leo University is rooted in the Benedictine Catholic tradition and values excellence in academics, relationships, personal growth and integrity.

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

Samford University

According to U.S. News , Samford wins the No. 4 spot on the list of Regional Universities South. This school has graduated 8 state governors, 60 members of Congress and a number of other high-profile citizens. The university has been educating students since 1841 and currently enrolls over 5,500 learners each year and has a student-faculty ratio of 13:1.

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

Texas A&M University

In 1876, Texas A&M University became the first public college in Texas. Over 70,000 students currently study with Texas A&M, which offers over 400 degree programs. The school values leadership in both its staff and its students and seeks to develop strong leaders who will make a difference in their communities.

Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission.

Texas Tech University

According to the Center for Measuring University Performance, Texas Tech University ranked in the top 50 public research schools in the United States. There are more than 38,000 students currently taking Texas Tech classes and over 1,700 faculty members. More than 8,000 students graduated from this university in 2018.

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

Trident University

Ranked No. 19 on the list of Best Colleges by The Military Times, Trident University has been the school of choice for over 27,000 students. The university’s goals for students include strong critical thinking skills, an understanding of how to gather and use information, the ability to communicate clearly, and a commitment to integrity.

Trident University accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Union University

At Union University, there’s a 10:1 student-faculty ratio for the more than 3,000 learners who study there. 85 percent of the faculty members hold terminal degrees. In the past year, Christian Universities Online gave this university the top spot on its Best Christian Colleges and Universities in the South list.

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

University of Arkansas

The Carnegie Foundation recognizes the University of Arkansas as one of the country’s top research universities, and the Chronicle of Higher Education has commended the school for having one of the country’s fastest-growing doctoral programs. With over 27,000 students and over 1,401 faculty members, there’s a student-faculty ratio of 19:1.

The U of A has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission without interruption since 1924.

University of Findlay

Since 1882, the University of Findlay has been equipping students with academic knowledge and spiritual development. Hands-on experiences help students put their classroom learning into practice throughout their schooling. The university has ties to the Church of God, and College Factual has named it the denomination’s best school.

The University of Findlay is accredited by t he Higher Learning Commission.

University of Kentucky

Founded in 1865, the University of Kentucky maintains a commitment to producing graduates who influence communities throughout the world. The school has more than 2,000 faculty members and over 29,000 students. Forbes has placed this university at No. 63 on its list of the best colleges in the southern United States.

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

University of Massachusetts

As New England’s top public university, the University of Massachusetts values academics, research, and professional excellence. Reuters includes UMass on its list of the World’s Most Innovative Universities. Currently, the school has over 70,000 enrolled students, and more than 500,000 people have graduated from this university since its beginnings in 1863.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

University of New England

The University of New England, founded in 1939, has campuses in Biddeford and Portland, Maine and Tangier, Morocco. It’s a relatively small university, with a total of approximately 7,000 students, less than a third of which are doctoral students.

The EdD at UNE is a 51-credit course of study that can be completed entirely online and requires no GRE scores for acceptance. You can start in the Fall, Spring, or Summer and finish within 3 years.

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

University of Southern California

U.S. News gives the University of Southern California the No. 22 ranking on its list of National Universities. Over 47,000 students are enrolled at this college, and there are more than 4,000 faculty members. The school grants about 10,000 advanced degrees each year.

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

William Carey University

True to its Baptist heritage, William Carey University’s goal is to prepare students for professional work that is guided by faith-based principles. In the early 1900s, it was a college for women only, but coed instruction began in 1954. U.S. News has given William Carey the No. 3 spot on its list of Best Value Schools.

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

List of Online DBA Programs No GRE

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. In addition, the universities included in this list either do not require the GRE or offer a GRE waiver for qualified students.

Baker College

Desiring to turn out leaders who excel in their fields, Baker College encourages critical thinking, effective communication, personal growth and hands-on experiences throughout all of its academic programs. The school traces its history back to 1888, and its Center for Graduate Studies awarded its first doctoral degree in 2011.

Baker College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Concordia University – Chicago

Since 1805, Concordia University has been educating students in the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, tradition. Although based on Christian faith and principles, and university welcomes a diverse student body made up of people from many religious backgrounds. The school enrolls over 5,000 students each year and boasts a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Drexel University

Drexel is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Florida International University

FIU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Johnson & Wales University

JWU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Since 1971, over 250,000 people have received an education from Liberty University. Currently, about 30 percent of the school’s students are active-duty members of the military or veterans.

Liberty University has Baptist affiliations and seeks to develop students’ Christian worldview. Volunteerism is valued, and the student body puts about 500,000 hours into service each year.

University of Dallas

UD is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Maryland

UM is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Missouri – St. Louis

UMSL is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Phoenix

UOPX is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Wilmington University

Wilmington is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

List of Online Doctor of Social Work Programs No GRE

Kutztown university.

Kutztown is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Millersville University

Millersville is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Southern Connecticut State University

SouthernCT is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Tulane University

Tulane is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Alabama

UA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Pennsylvania

Penn is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of St. Thomas

St. Thomas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

List of Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Programs No GRE

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. In addition, the universities included in this list either do not require the GRE or offer GRE waivers for qualified students.

Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Barry University

Barry is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

DePaul University

DePaul is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Duke University

Duke is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Duquesne University

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

Georgia College

GCSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Indiana State University

Indiana State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

New Mexico State University

NMSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Oklahoma City University

OKCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Pace University

Pace is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Palm Beach Atlantic University

PBA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Penn State University

Penn State is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Saint Francis Medical Center

Saint Francis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Texas Wesleyan University

Texas Wesleyan is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Arizona

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

University of California – Irvine

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

University of Central Arkansas

UCA is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Iowa

UI is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

UK is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Massachusetts – Boston

As New England’s top public university, the University of Massachusetts values academics, research and professional excellence. Reuters includes UMass on its list of the World’s Most Innovative Universities. Currently, the school has over 70,000 enrolled students, and more than 500,000 people have graduated from this university since its beginnings in 1863.

The University of Massachusetts Boston is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

University of Minnesota

UMN is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Nevada – Las Vegas

UNLV is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

University of North Dakota

UND is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of South Alabama

South is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

University of Texas

UT is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

List of Online PhD Without GRE Requirements

Enrolling over 37,000 students each year, Capella University offers educational opportunities for working professionals.

Through distance-learning programs, the university reaches students from every state and over 50 different countries. Of the school’s more than 1,500 faculty members and administrators, 88 percent hold doctoral degrees.

Capella offers an Online PhD no GRE.

• Online PhD in Business Management
• Online PhD in Systems Engineering

Johnson University

• Online PhD in Leadership Studies

JU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Nova Southeastern University

PhD programs no GRE required.

• Online PhD in Computer Science
• Online PhD in Conflict Analysis & Resolution
• Online PhD in Criminal Justice
• Online PhD in Health Science
• Online PhD in Nursing – Nursing Education
• Online PhD in Occupational Therapy

NSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Texas Woman’s University

Online PhD programs no GRE requirement.

• Online PhD in Nursing Science

TWU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

• Online PhD in Business
• Online PhD in Information Technology

University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

This is a PhD no GRE required program.

• Online PhD in Nursing

UWM is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Over 57,000 students are studying with Walden University at any given time. The faculty members are leaders in their areas of expertise, and almost 90 percent of them hold doctoral degrees.

The university’s status as a certified B Corporation shows its commitment to operating ethically and motivating students to be positive change-makers in their communities.

• Online PhD in Management
• Online PhD in Public Health
• Online PhD in Social Work

PhD Programs that Don’t Require the GRE

The following doctoral programs do not require the GRE for admission:

• Business & Management
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Healthcare Administration
• Human Services
• Information Technology
• Occupational Therapy
• Public Administration
• Public Health
• Public Policy
• Theology & Ministry

A growing number of universities offering PhD programs or professional doctorates no longer require the GRE.

Doctor of Business Administration – DBA or PhD

A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is an applied doctorate or a professional doctorate.

Many students enroll in a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program because they are entrepreneurs, potential business owners, or current managers who want to move into executive leadership.

You will learn about business practices, economics, finance, accounting, entrepreneurship, management, and many other important topics within specialized business tracks. For example, you may choose a track in finance or marketing to complete your DBA studies.

With a PhD in Business Administration, students learn about a specific focus within business, choosing a specialized track within business to focus on while they study. They may develop new theories in public administration, economics, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, or other aspect. Most students go on to become professors, researchers, or business analysts.

With the PhD in Business, a dissertation may be required, but there are a growing number of doctorate degrees with no dissertation requirements.

Doctor of Computer Science – DCS

A Doctor of Computer Science program teaches students about data analytics, computer networking, programming, enterprise information systems, and information technology topics. Most programs can be customized so that you pick the track that most relates to your field of interest.

If you have strong science skills, you may want to pursue this applied doctorate in computer science that provides a scientific foundation for understanding technology. There are also computer science PhD programs online available for those who need flexibility in their studies.

Since many different industries rely on technology and computer science, graduates may find work in a wide variety of fields.

Criminal Justice Doctorate – PhD

Earning a PhD in Criminal Justice teaches students about law enforcement, laws, ethics, community leadership, and cyber security at the local, state, and federal level.

You will learn about improving safety through justice, as well as criminal investigation tactics through PhD criminal justice degree programs.

Doctor of Education – EdD or PhD

Want to become a thought leader in the field of education?

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) is an applied doctorate for those who work in the education field. Many graduates work in schools, but others serve in government agencies, nonprofit organizations and more.

A Doctor of Education is an interdisciplinary program that helps graduates learn about applied theories when it comes to teaching different subjects and helping students learn. You may want to specialize in different education topics to take your career to the next level, such as educational leadership, early childhood development, or special education.

If you are currently teaching in a K-12 school, an EdD may broaden your career options. Potential uses of this degree would be teaching at the university level or entering school administration.

Doctor of Healthcare Administration – PhD or DBA

For those who want to work in a leadership position in a healthcare organization , a doctoral program in healthcare administration or management can be a good choice.

This degree program is suited toward those who want to make business decisions for a hospital rather than practicing medicine. Graduates of these programs often work as hospital CEOs or Chief Financial Officers.

PhD in Human Services

Working in social services can be a rewarding career, especially if you want to be a community leader.

Earning a PhD in Human Services offers students the opportunity to work in criminal justice, education, social work, community leadership, and housing, among others with the goal of helping families and individuals in local and global communities.

Doctor of Information Technology – DIT, DBA, or PhD

The workforce is becoming increasingly dependent on technology, and obtaining a doctorate in information technology will help you stay up on the latest developments in this area. You will explore ways that information technology can benefit society.

This degree can also be quite useful in business settings. Graduates may lead IT departments or serve as tech consultants.

Doctor of Nursing Practice – DNP or PhD

Many people holding this degree serve as nurses in medical settings. It’s worth noting that the education provided in this type of program is quite different from the doctorate-level training that physicians receive.

Obtaining a Doctor of Nursing Practice or a PhD in Nursing will not qualify you to work as a physician. Graduating with a doctorate in Nursing is one way to achieve the highest level of nursing education and certification.

Doctor of Occupational Therapy – DOT or PhD

To take the test for licensure as an occupational therapist, you must earn either a master’s degree or a doctoral degree in this field.

A doctoral-level education may provide a greater variety of career or leadership options than a master’s-level education in occupational therapy.

An entry-level DOT program is designed to help you enter the occupational therapy field for the first time.

PhD in Psychology

Graduates with a PhD in psychology typically go on to own their own clinical counseling practices, helping others to work through mental illness, difficult traumatic experiences, and early childhood development problems.

Graduates may wish to attain a license to practice psychology, or they may pursue careers in sociology, education, and social work.

This degree program is often recommended for people who want to work directly with clients. It can be useful in a clinic, hospital or school setting, and it may be an essential step toward getting licensed in your state .

If you haven’t already completed a psychology graduate program, you can also earn your master’s in psychology online (no GRE required).

Doctor of Public Administration – DPA

This professional doctorate equips you to serve in careers related to public affairs .

When you graduate with a doctorate in public administration, you may work in government settings or organizational leadership positions with non-profit entities.

The degree may be helpful for working in public administration, policy analysis, federal jobs, or as a local government leader.

Doctor of Public Health – DPH or PhD

Like a PhD in Healthcare Administration, a Doctor of Public Health degree is an applied doctorate for students with a desire to work in the healthcare sector. You may want to choose this particular option if your career plans involve crafting healthcare policies or working as an administrator.

The goal of this doctorate is often to help improve health at a large-scale level: for whole populations rather than individual people.

You may also be interested in a no-GRE online MPH.

PhD in Public Policy

Earning a PhD in Public Policy helps students move into careers at a high level within government agencies, business, political roles, and community leadership.

Whether you want to become a social work leader or you have international leadership in mind, you can customize a public policy program to suit your career interests.

Doctoral Programs in Ministry or Theology

A Doctor of Ministry or Theology program helps students learn advanced principles of ministry, theology, and leadership within the Church.

Most students are able to study on an independent project that is approved by their school.

Graduates go on to become professors, ministry leaders, and higher officials within the Church.

What are GRE Waivers?

Minimum undergraduate gpa.

Some universities allow GRE exemptions for students who demonstrated academic competency during their undergrad years. These schools may set a minimum GPA that students must have achieved during their earlier education to be considered for this type of academic waiver.

GPA requirements may vary among a school’s many programs. Waivers may be subject to approval on an individual basis.

Previously Earned Graduate Degree

The GRE is intended to demonstrate preparation for higher education. However, if you’ve already earned an advanced degree, the school’s admission department may consider that sufficient proof that you can handle the rigors of their PhD program.

For this waiver, some schools may require not only that you have an advanced degree but also that you achieved a particular GPA.

Professional Experience

Because extended employment in a field may demonstrate competency, some schools consider work experience in their area of focus just as valuable as high scores on the GRE.

If you have several years of relevant work experience, that may earn you a GRE waiver. Some schools specifically include relevant military service in their rules about qualifying for waivers.

Some Programs Have No GRE Requirement

If the program for which you are applying has no GRE requirement, then you won’t need a waiver. The school isn’t looking for test scores, so you won’t need to furnish them.

Just be sure to read all admission requirements closely. Some schools require GRE scores for only a few of their doctoral programs.

GMAT or GRE?

The GMAT, also known as the Graduate Management Admissions Test, is similar to the GRE but it has a more specific focus. The GMAT is an exam designed expressly for those entering business school.

Some business schools do accept GRE scores. However, if you are applying only to business programs, you should opt for the GMAT.

If GRE Scores are Optional, Should I Send Them?

To some faculty, GRE scores carry a lot of weight. Therefore, high marks on this test may elevate you in their eyes. In other words, even if the GRE is optional, furnishing a good score may be beneficial.

On the other hand, low scores may have the opposite effect. When the GRE is optional, rather than required, it may be best to keep your low marks under wraps so that your other merits take center stage.

If you’ve never taken the GRE, is it worth it to try, just so you can submit your results to a GRE-optional program? There’s no cut-and-dry answer to that question, but current program participants may be able to lend insight.

Should I Apply to PhD Without GRE Programs?

Your decision to apply to a PhD program should have nothing to do with whether or not they require the GRE. The main consideration should be the university’s accreditation.

Here are a few points to consider…

GRE is a Poor Predictor of Performance in Graduate School

If a doctoral program doesn’t require GRE scores, it’s an indication that the school understands the limitations of this exam.

The GRE won’t provide clear evidence about whether you will succeed in the classroom, get good grades, make it to graduation or be a leader in your professional field someday.

Accredited Universities Offer No GRE PhD Programs

Not having GRE requirements is not a sign that a program will be weak or substandard. Many respected, accredited programs don’t require that you take this test before you can be admitted.

Instead of using GRE requirements to evaluate a school’s strength, consider whether the program has received accreditation. Also, gather reviews from current or recent students, and get advice from the school’s graduate coordinator.

You Still Have to Meet Other Admissions Standards

All PhD programs are selective about their candidates. So, whether or not they require that you submit GRE scores, they all have admissions requirements that you must meet in order to get into the school.

Other factors considered for acceptance may include:

• Your resume
• Letters of recommendation from people familiar with your work
• Your transcripts from other higher education endeavors.
• A statement from you about your goals
• Your proficiency in the English language

Your Master’s Degree Might Be Enough

If you’ve already completed a master’s program, that shows that you’re able to perform at the graduate level.

Therefore, your school of choice may not require GRE scores as additional proof, especially if your degree is paired with a master’s thesis, a high GPA or years of professional experience.

GRE Scores: What They Tell Us, What They Don’t

GRE scores are not as helpful as you may have been led to believe. Let’s take a look at some recent studies on the reliability of GRE results.

GRE Scores Do Not Predict Classroom Performance

Creativity, interpersonal skills and internal motivation are just a few of the components that contribute to how well you do in the classroom.

However, the GRE measures none of those. It focuses only on your test-taking skills.

So, doing well on the test doesn’t guarantee classroom success.

GRE Scores Lose Impact over Time

Researchers have discovered that your scores on this test may give a school an idea of what kinds of grades you’ll achieve during the first year in their program.

However, your scores do nothing to predict your academic success after that first year.

The GRE Lacks Reliability in Predicting Final Outcomes

The GRE can’t determine whether a first-year doctoral student will end up completing the program.

Some high-scoring students may not possess enough tenacity to stick with school until graduation. On the other hand, some low-scoring students may have been the ones most likely to persevere.

Applying to Graduate School with No GRE Test Scores

There are some things that you should consider before specifically seeking out a no GRE required doctoral program:

• While some high-profile schools may admit you without this test, not taking the GRE will automatically close many prestigious schools to you.
• Some fields are more likely to require the test than others.
• Sometimes, it’s easier to find a no-GRE-required online program than an in-person one.

Consider your motivation for not submitting scores:

• Because you’ve already settled on a program that doesn’t require this test? Great!
• Because you’re too busy to study? Think hard about whether you have time for a doctoral program.
• Because you received a low score? According to an ETS survey, nearly 25 percent of test-takers improve their results second time around.

If one of your primary concerns is the amount of time required, you may be interested in our article discussing accelerated PhD programs online .

What is the GRE, and Who Needs to Take It?

The GRE is a test designed to show that you learned enough during your undergrad years to be ready for the rigors of grad school. The exam includes sections on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. You may need to take it if you’re applying to graduate programs.

Is the GRE Test Required for Graduate School?

No, not always. There are some graduate schools that don’t require GRE or GMAT scores. Some offer alternative options, and others simply have no GRE (or other entrance exam) requirements. Some schools require that you submit exam scores for only some of their graduate programs.

Is the GRE Required for PhD Programs?

Many doctoral programs require applicants to take the GRE, but not all do. Others allow waivers or base their admissions decisions solely on other criteria. In particular, some of the best-ranked online PhD programs may allow you to enroll even if you’ve never taken the GRE.

What’s the Difference Between GRE vs. GMAT?

While the GRE is used for a variety of different graduate programs, the GMAT is designed specifically for admission to business schools. However, some business schools accept GRE scores as well. Even still, those who have their hearts set on business school would do best to take the GMAT.

Is There Any Reason to Take the GRE for a PhD Program?

If your top school choice requires GRE scores, then you should take the test. Also, if you are planning to apply to quite a few programs, then there’s a good chance that you’ll need to submit test scores with some of those applications.

What is a GRE Waiver?

Some schools require GRE scores for admission to their doctoral programs, but they will make an exception if you meet other qualifications.

These qualifications may include:

• High GPA scores during undergraduate studies
• Relevant work or military experience
• Related master’s degree

Which PhD Programs May Waive the GRE?

Online doctoral programs across a variety of fields may admit students without requiring GRE scores. Commonly, this may include programs related to education, healthcare, human services and technology, and you may have options for PhD or applied doctoral degrees.

Despite the name, a Doctor of Philosophy degree is not limited to the study of philosophy. You can earn a doctor of philosophy degree in many areas, including science, the humanities or education. Your coursework will involve completing a dissertation.

A PhD program is often recommended for students interested in pursuing research or teaching.

Can You Get Into a PhD Program Without GRE Scores?

There are quite a few universities that no longer require the GRE as part of the admissions process. Some don’t require it at all, while others offer GRE waivers if you have a decent GPA, previous graduate-level courses, and similar criteria.

Some PhD Programs Have No GRE Requirement

The Graduate Record Examinations have come to be recognized as synonymous with grad school acceptance. Despite that, there are many schools that will admit you to their doctoral programs even if you’ve never taken this test. In fact, the number of PhD programs that don’t require GRE scores is growing.

In particular, online PhD programs often base their admissions decisions on factors other than exam scores.

Therefore, you may want to start your school-selection process by identifying programs that do not include GRE scores as one of their admissions factors.

Some PhD Programs Offer GRE Waivers

High marks from your last educational endeavor — your master’s degree, for example — may be enough to get you into a PhD program without needing to provide GRE scores.

If you already have work history in your intended field of study, this may also serve as sufficient proof of your competency for the school’s PhD program.

Waiver requirements can vary between schools and may be determined on a case-by-case basis.

List of Doctoral Programs without the GRE

The following doctorate programs do not require the GRE at some universities.

• Doctor of Psychology
• Doctor of Education
• Doctor of Business Administration
• Doctor of Social Work
• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Doctor of Philosophy

To provide a more comprehensive list, we’ve also included universities that offer GRE waivers.

Key Takeaways

You may be able to get a PhD or a professional doctorate without ever taking the GRE.

Options include:

• Choosing a program with no GRE requirements
• Qualifying for a waiver

Skipping GRE test prep may allow you to speed up the process of beginning a fulfilling and challenging doctoral education.

Your future is waiting—click “Find My Program” to see your options.

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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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