50 Best 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).

PhD Programs No GRE

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

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List of Online PsyD 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 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.

  • Online Doctor of Psychology in Industrial & Organizational Psychology

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.

  • Online Doctor of Psychology

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.

  • Online Doctor of Clinical Psychology

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.

  • Online Doctor of Counseling Psychology

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.

  • Online Doctor of Performance Psychology

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.

  • PhD in Clinical Psychology

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.

  • Online Doctor of Psychology in Human & Organizational Psychology

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.

  • Online Doctorate of Education

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

City University of Seattle

  • Online Doctor of Education in Leadership

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.

  • Online Doctor of Education

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 EdD programs 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.

  • Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

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.

  • Online Doctor of Education – Leadership in School Reform

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.

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 isy 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.

  • Online DBA in Accounting
  • Online DBA in Global System and Supply Chain Management
  • Online DBA in Human Resource Management
  • Online DBA in Information Technology Management
  • Online DBA in Intelligence
  • Online DBA in Leadership
  • Online DBA in Project Management
  • Online DBA in Strategy and Innovation

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

  • Online Executive DBA

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.

  • Online DBA – Management

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

  • Online Doctor of Social Work

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

  • Online Doctorate in Clinical Social Work

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

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

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

  • Online of Nursing Practice

Arkansas State University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Barry University

  • Online Doctor of Nursing Practice – Anesthesiology

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

DePaul University

  • Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

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

  • Online Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice

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

University of Arizona

UA is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of California – Irvine

  • Online Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner

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

PhD in Business Administration

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

Online Doctor of Computer Science students

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.

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

Criminal Justice Doctorate – PhD

PhD in Criminal Justice Online

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

Online Ed.D. no gre

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

healthcare administration doctoral programs

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

Doctor of Philosophy

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

PhD in Information Technology

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

PhD in Nursing no GRE

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

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

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

Clinical Psychologist Doctorate Programs

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

Public Administration programs

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

Public Health Degree

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

Doctorate 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

Theology students

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 is for business school

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

a person in an office looking over a portfolio

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

Applying to Graduate School with No GRE Test Scores flowchart

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?

the GRE logo with a red Waived stamp on it

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

list of universities

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

PhD Programs That Don't Require GRE Scores

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 .

philosophy phd programs that don't require gre

Graduate Admissions

Application.

Stanford’s  Online Application , information about requirements and instructions for applying are available through the  Grad Admissions website . The application opens each year in Fall quarter. 

The online application is due by the following deadlines:

PhD: Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Masters: Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Knight Hennessy: No later than December 1, 2023 (per Knight Hennessy program ) 

Coterminal Masters (internal Stanford students only): end of second week of Winter quarter,  Friday, January 19, 2024

Knight Hennessy:  No later than December 1, 2023

GRE scores will not be required in the 2023-24 admission round.

Please DO NOT mail paper transcripts at this time. E-transcripts are accepted.

Transcripts

  • Please wait to mail official paper  transcripts  until we request them.
  • Official e-transcripts can be sent directly by the school or clearinghouse to  philosophy [at] stanford.edu (philosophy[at]stanford[dot]edu)
  • Please upload an unofficial transcript from each school you attended for a year or more with the application.
  • NOTE: An official transcript is one that is received directly from the issuing institution (or CollegeNET CertiFile Service (CHESICC/Educational Perspectives) that bears the seal/signature representing its validity. To be considered official, paper transcripts must be sealed and unopened.
  • Transcript information at  https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/applying/starting-your-application/required-application-documents/transcripts-academic-records-0

Writing Sample 

  • Should be a recent writing sample on a philosophical topic
  • We recommend you send an example of your  best work
  • needs to be uploaded into the application
  • Typically samples are around 20 pages or less
  • If submitting a thesis or document longer than 20 pages, please include a note pointing to most important passages
  • Secondary samples are allowed, please mark which sample is primary if including more than one

Letters of Recommendation 

  • Please have your recommenders submit their  confidential  letter via the online application.
  • Letters from recommenders are due by the deadline. Please have them in as soon as possible.
  • The application requires a minimum of 3 recommendations.
  • If a recommender is unable to submit their letter via the online application, please let us know. We can accept email letters directly from professors. 
  • For emailed letters from professors, the applicant must also send us a note saying they waive the right to see the recommendation.
  • Please check the grad admissions website for the latest updates about required tests: 
  • https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/applying/starting-your-application/required-exams
  • Grad admissions requires the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) for most applicants whose first language is not English. This includes US citizens as well as international students.
  • Applicants who have received a Bachelors or higher degree from a U.S. school are usually exempted from the TOEFL.
  • For test criteria, please see the international section of the  Grad Admissions  webpage.  TEST INFORMATION

GRE scores will not be required by Philosophy in the 2023-2024 admission round.

  • The GRE general test has been required in the past for Philosophy applications.  If submitting them, GRE scores must be from within the last 5 years.

Check the status of your application (e.g., letters of recommendation received, official ETS scores, etc.,) by logging into your application account Activity Log.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars cultivates and supports a highly-engaged, multidisciplinary and multicultural community of graduate students from across Stanford University, and delivers a diverse collection of educational experiences, preparing graduates to address complex challenges facing the world. Each year, Knight-Hennessy Scholars selects up to 100 students who are newly enrolling in a graduate degree program in any of Stanford’s seven schools. Knight-Hennessy Scholars participate in an experiential leadership development program and receive funding for up to three years of graduate study at Stanford. Candidates of any country may apply. Candidates must submit two applications to be considered; one to Knight-Hennessy Scholars by early October and one to the graduate degree program by its deadline. Visit  https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/  to learn more. 

  • Apply at  https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/
  • The KH application deadline is October 11, 2023, 1:00pm Pacific Time.
  • For more information on the Knight-Hennessy Scholars please see:  https://knight-hennessy.stanford.edu/
  • Applicants also need to apply separately to the department where they wish to study. 
  • The deadline for the application to the Philosophy department for consideration for the KH program is December 1, 2023.

Please do not mail paper transcripts at this time. We will request official transcripts at a later stage.

PHILOSOPHY DEPARTMENT Building 90 450 Jane Stanford Way STANFORD, CA 94305-2155 USA

  • Email:  philosophy [at] stanford.edu (philosophy[at]stanford[dot]edu)  
  • Phone to list for mailing address if needed: (650) 723-2547 (for fastest response, please email)
  • For problems with the application website , please check the online help in the website.

For application fee waivers, apply through:

  • Application Fee Waivers

For exam waivers, or general questons, please contact the Central University Grad Admissions office:

  • https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/about#contact

For other questions, please contact the  Philosophy Graduate Administrator 

  • Email:  philosophy [at] stanford.edu (philosophy[at]stanford[dot]edu)
  • Phone: (650) 723-2548 (for fastest response, please email)

For a helpful  guide on getting into grad school  from the School of Humanities and Sciences, please check:

  • https://humsci.stanford.edu/prospective-students/guide-getting-grad-school

The Department of Philosophy welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. Review of applications is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, and admissions essays in order to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field.

The Philosophy Department recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

GRE Not Required

a running list of PhD programs that cut the cord

Humanities and Social Sciences

The PhD programs listed below do not require the GRE. A few MA programs are listed here as well.   Please confirm by consulting departmental websites before applying to these programs or making the decision not to take the GRE. Let me know who I missed by commenting on this page – and share field-based spreadsheets, so I can link to them here.

African American Studies/Africana Studies : Cornell; Northwestern; New York University (not required for Africana Studies MA and joint Africana/Museum Studies MA, req for PhD); UC Berkeley; University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (MA); U Mass Amherst

American Studies : Brown (MA in Public Humanities/Am Studies only); Harvard; NYU; Indiana University; U Mass Boston (recommended); University of Michigan (American Culture); University of New Mexico; Yale University

Anthropology : Monmouth University (MA); New York University; Purdue University (West Lafayette); Stanford University; University fo California, Berkeley; University of California, Los Angeles; University of Kansas; University of Mass Amherst; University of Michigan (all subfield exc. biological anthro); Yale University

Archaeology : Princeton (Art and Archaeology)

Architecture: Cornell University; Columbia University; Harvard University, MIT; Jefferson; Princeton; University of California, Berkeley; University of Michigan; University of Texas, Austin; University of Virginia

Art History/Visual Studies : American University (MA); Northwestern (recommended but not req.); Princeton (Art and Architecture, optional); School of the Art Institute of Chicago (MA); Stanford University; University of Arizona; UC Berkeley (optional – may be req. of some intl applicants); University of Florida (not req. of applicants w/ an MA from US-based institution); University of New Mexico; University of Texas-Dallas (PhD in Visual and Performing Arts; ); Yale University

Asian Languages and Literatures : University of Michigan

Chicanx and Latinx Studies : San José State (MA); University of New Mexico

Cinema Studies/Film : New York University; Ohio University (MA), University of Toronto*

Classics : Princeton (optional)

Comparative Literature : Brown University; Indiana University of Pennsylvania (Literature and Criticism); Northwestern (Comparative Literary Studies); Princeton; Stanford (Modern Thought and Literature); UC Davis (recommended, not required); UC Santa Cruz (Literature); University of Texas-Dallas (Literature)

Conflict Studies: George Mason University (Conflict Analysis and Resolution); University of North Carolina Greensboro (Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, recommended)

Cultural Studies: NYU (Social and Cultural Analysis MA);  University of Washington, Bothell (Cultural Studies MA )

Education:  U Mass Amherst (School Psychology)

English : See this spreadsheet (there are a lot!)

Ethnic Studies : UC Berkeley

French : Brown University; NYU; Northwestern (Dept. of French and Italian); Princeton; UC Berkeley; University of Chicago (optional); University of Wisconsin-Madison (Dept. of French and Italian, optional)

German : Brown University; Michigan State University; NYU; Northwestern; U Mass Amherst (German and Scandinavian Studies); Yale University

Higher Education: See this spreadsheet.

History : Auburn University; Cal State LA (MA); Columbia University; Emory; Harvard (optional); Loyola University-Chicago; Michigan State University; Monmouth University (MA); Montana State University; New York University; North Carolina State University (not req of applicants w/ MA); Northeastern (MA Public History); Northwestern University; Texas Tech; University of Massachusetts, Amherst; University of Michigan; University of Missouri (optional); University of New Mexico; University of North Texas; University of South Florida; University of Toledo (recommended); Yale University

International Affairs : Tufts Fletcher School

Italian : Brown University; Northwestern (Dept. of French and Italian); Princeton; University of Wisconsin-Madison (Dept. of French and Italian, optional)

Latin American Studies : Cal State LA (MA); NYU (Latin American and Caribbean Studies: optional, req.for joint journalism PhD); U Conn

Library Science : San Jose State; University of Arizona (w/ undergrad GPA 3.0 or higher); University of California, Merced; University of California, Santa Cruz; University of Illinois (w/ undergrad GPA 3.0 or higher)

Linguistics : MIT; Old Dominion (optional for Applied Linguistics MA); Stanford; University of Arizona (optional); UC Berkeley; UCLA; UC Santa Barbara; U Mass Amherst; University of Michigan; University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (encouraged but not req.); UC Berkeley

Media Studies : Brown University (Modern Culture and Media): MIT (Media Arts and Sciences); University of Texas-Dallas (Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication)

Middle Eastern Studies : CUNY Graduate Center (MA, optional); NYU (optional)

Museum Studies: New York University (MA); University of Kansas (MA)

Music and Musicology : Brandeis (“highly recommended” but not req.); Cornell; Dartmouth College (MA, Digital Music); Harvard University; Northwestern University; Princeton (Music Composition); Stanford University; UCLA – Ethnomusicology; U Mass Amherst; UCLA (Music, recommended but not req.); Wesleyan (recommended).

Native American, American Indian, Indigenous Studies : University of Arizona

Near Eastern Studies : NYU (MA)

Performance Studies : Brown University (Theatre Arts and Performance Studies); NYU; University of Pittsburgh; Stanford (Theater and Performance Studies); Tufts (Theater and Performance); UCLA (Culture and Performance within World Arts and Culture/Dance)

Philosophy :   Cornell University; Emory; Harvard University; Michigan State University; UBC*; University of California, Santa Cruz; University of Illinois, Chicago; University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; University of Michigan; University of Pennsylvania; University of Texas-Dallas (Humanities – History of Ideas); University of Wisconsin, Madison; Yale University. For more see this Daily Nous post .

Political Science : Cal State Northridge (MA); University of California, San Diego; University of California, Santa Barbara; University of Hawai’i Manoa; University of Michigan; University of Pennsylvania

Portuguese:  University of Colorado Boulder (Spanish and Portuguese) optional/recommended for fellowship consideration); U Mass Amherst (Spanish & Portuguese Studies)

Religion : Boston University School of Theology; Brown University; George Washington (Islamic Studies MA); Princeton; University of California, Santa Barbara; Vanderbilt University; Yale University

Rhetoric: Texas Woman’s University; University of Milwaukee (see English)

Romance Languages & Literature : University of Cincinnati

Slavic Languages and Literature : Brown University; Princeton

Social Welfare:  CUNY Graduate Center

Sociology: Cornell (recommended, not req.), University of California, San Francisco; University of Michigan; Washington University, St. Louis

Spanish Language and Literature/Hispanic Studies : Brown University; Princeton; UC Berkeley (Hispanic Languages and Literature); University of Colorado Boulder (Spanish and Portuguese) optional/recommended for fellowship consideration); University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign (international students only; domestic students must take GRE); University of Iowa (Spanish and Portuguese, optional but “highly encouraged”); University of Pittsburgh; U Mass Amherst (Spanish & Portuguese Studies); Washington University in St. Louis

Theater (see also Performance Studies): Brown University (Theatre Arts and Performance Studies); University of Missouri (?)

Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies : Emory; Ohio State University; Oregon State University (optional); San Francisco State (MA); SUNY Buffalo (“ the Admissions Committee may waive this requirement at its sole discretion if you make a case for it.”); SUNY Stony Brook; University of Arizona (recommended); UCLA; University of Kansas; University of Michigan; University of Minnesota; University of Washington; University of Wisconsin Madison (MA).

Other/Interdisciplinary : University of California-Santa Cruz (History of Consciousness [recommended, not required]); University of Missouri – Kansas City (Interdisciplinary PhD, waiver); University of Texas-Dallas (Humanities; School of Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication)

*Programs outside the US tend not to require GRE. For now, I’m listing some Canadian programs esp. in fields where there aren’t a lot of other options.

(?) Website is unclear, but suggests GRE is not required

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Program Overview

The Department of Philosophy offers programs covering a wide range of fields in philosophy. The department’s graduate program is primarily a PhD program. In addition to the standard PhD in Philosophy, the department offers a PhD in Classical Philosophy in collaboration with the Department of the Classics, a PhD in Indian Philosophy in collaboration with the Department of South Asian Studies, and a joint JD/PhD program in conjunction with the Harvard Law School. Below you will find a list of the requirements for each program. The department does not admit applicants who wish to study only for the master’s (AM) degree. The AM may be taken as a step toward the PhD after a minimum of two terms in residence.

PhD in Philosophy

Graduate advising.

The department’s arrangement for advising students is structured to correspond to four stages of a student’s progress toward the PhD. These stages include the first year, the second-year paper, reading and research toward a dissertation topic, and work on the dissertation.

  • The director of graduate studies is assigned as an advisor to all first-year students and continues to meet with all students at the beginning of each term and sign their study cards throughout their time in the program. Their advising role is particularly important during the coursework stage (generally through the second year), because they have principal responsibility for monitoring the student’s progress toward fulfilling the general requirements for the degree: the preliminary requirement, and the distribution requirement. In addition, each first-year student is assigned an informal faculty advisor.
  • At the end of the first year, students should arrange with a member of the faculty to supervise the student’s second-year paper. That faculty member will be the student’s advisor during the second year. If necessary, the director of graduate studies is available to assist a student in finding a suitable faculty member.
  • At the beginning of the third year, after the second year paper is completed, a student arranges for a faculty member to be their advisor during the process of exploring areas for a possible dissertation and formulating a topic and a prospectus. This advisor may be the same person as the second-year paper advisor but need not be. Normally, a student will continue with this advisor until the topical examination, but change is possible by arrangement among the parties involved.
  • When a prospectus is well along, the student should discuss the formation of a dissertation committee with the advisor, the director of graduate studies, and possible committee members.  Normally, this committee has three members, two of whom must be Harvard faculty as members; however, the committee may consist of only two members at the time of the topical examination.  Committees may have a fourth member, who may be, with permission of the DGS, a faculty member in another Harvard department or at another institution. This committee conducts the topical examination and, after a successful topical, will continue supervising the student’s work on the dissertation. Normally it conducts the dissertation defense when the dissertation is completed.
  • During work on the dissertation, change is possible by arrangement with the parties involved and with the approval of the director of graduate studies. At this stage, one member of the committee will be designated as the student’s advisor. The significance of this will vary as the supervision of dissertations is more collective in philosophy, for example, than in many other fields. In some cases, the advisor will be the principal supervisor, in others the role of the committee members will be close to equal and the choice of one advisor is a matter of convenience.

Preliminary Requirement

Candidates must pass at least twelve approved philosophy courses or seminars. The norm is that these course are completed during the first four terms in the department. Courses numbered 301 or above do not count toward this preliminary requirement, save that the two required terms of Philosophy 300, the First Year Colloquium, may be counted as two of the twelve. Independent Studies (Philosophy 305) may also be used to satisfy distribution requirements but not the preliminary requirement with the prior approval of the DGS. For a letter-graded course philosophy course to be considered satisfactory, the candidate’s grade in the course must be B or higher.  The average grade for all letter-graded philosophy courses taken during the candidate’s time in the program must be at least B+.

Courses taken to meet the preliminary requirement must be approved in advance by the department’s director of graduate studies. Students must take and complete Philosophy 300a plus two letter-graded courses or seminars during their first term and Philosophy 300b plus three letter-graded courses or seminars more in their second term, thus completing five letter-graded courses during the first two terms of residence.

These courses, like the rest of the twelve, should be among those designated “For Undergraduates and Graduates” or “Primarily for Graduates” in the course catalogue. At least ten of the courses must be taught by members of the Department of Philosophy (including visiting and emeritus members). This requirement can be modified for students specializing in Classical or Indian Philosophy.

All graduate students must complete two semesters of the Pedagogy seminar, Philosophy 315hf. Normally this is done during a student's third year in the program, when students begin functioning as teaching fellows. Exceptions to taking 315hf in the third year must be approved in advance by the DGS.

Students who have done graduate work elsewhere may petition the DGS to obtain credit for up to three courses, which may be counted toward the preliminary requirement. If they are in philosophy (as would normally be the case), such courses will be regarded as equivalent to those taught by members of the department.

Distribution Requirement

This requirement, intended to ensure a broad background in philosophy, is met by completing eight distribution units of work, normally before the beginning of the fourth year of graduate study. A distribution unit may be fulfilled (i) by completing an approved course or seminar (which may also be counted toward the preliminary requirement), or (ii) by writing a paper under the guidance of a faculty member, with the approval of the director of graduate studies. In the latter case the work does not count toward the preliminary requirement.

The units are to be distributed as follows:

  • Contemporary Theoretical Philosophy: Three units in core areas of twentieth- and twenty-first century metaphysics, epistemology, philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, philosophy of mathematics, and the like.
  • Practical Philosophy: Two units in contemporary or historical ethics, political philosophy, aesthetics, and the like.
  • History of Philosophy: The distribution requirement in history is intended to assure that students have knowledge of the philosophical tradition out of which contemporary Anglo-American philosophy has grown, as well as an ability to work though texts whose philosophical presuppositions are different enough from those of contemporary Anglo-American philosophy that careful historical and philosophical analysis is required to bring them to light.

Three sorts of courses satisfy the requirement:   A. Courses in ancient Greek, Roman, or medieval philosophy.   B. Courses in early modern European philosophy up to and including Kant.   C. Courses on the foundations of philosophical traditions other than contemporary Anglo-American philosophy. These might include courses on traditional South Asian or East Asian philosophy, 19th century Continental European philosophy, early 20th century work of Heidegger, and so on.   A student must take three history courses to satisfy the requirement; at most one of these may be in practical philosophy. Save in the most exceptional circumstances (and with the approval of the DGS), at least one of these courses must be of category A and at least one must be of category B. Students should verify (with the DGS) in advance of taking a course to satisfy the requirement that the course will in fact satisfy it.

The First-Year Colloquium (Philosophy 300a and 300b) may not be used to fulfill any part of the distribution requirement. Philosophy 299hf, the second-year paper, may be used to fulfill a distribution requirement.

Logic Requirement

Candidates for the Ph.D. are expected to have mastered the fundamentals of logic and to have an understanding of the elements of logic’s metatheory. Normally, this requirement is satisfied by successfully completing one of the Department’s 100-level courses in logic: 140 (Introduction to Mathematical Logic), 144 (Logic and Philosophy), or 145 (Modal Logic). It can also be satisfied by taking an appropriate mathematics course (for example, Mathematics 143, 144a, or 145b). The requirement may also be satisfied by an examination set by the DGS in consultation with appropriate Department members or by serving as a TF in a Department logic course.

Second-Year Paper

Students are required at the end of their second year in residence to submit a paper whose length is between 7,500 and 12,000 words including footnotes.

The expectation is not that the second-year paper should constitute a kind of Master’s Thesis; a better model is that of a journal article: i.e., an essay that sets out a focused philosophical problem, articulates its significance, and makes a significant contribution rather than a mere intervention. Given this goal, the second-year paper may under no circumstances be over 12,000 words, and generally will be significantly shorter. Students must annotate the paper with an accurate word count.

By the end of the first year, students need to have a faculty advisor who will supervise the second year paper. Together the advisor and advisee will write a plan of study for the summer and the first term of the second year, and submit it to the DGS. This plan of study will specify a schedule for submitting work and receiving feedback, and will also specify a benchmark to be met before the beginning of the second semester.

A preliminary draft of the second-year paper is to be submitted by the end of the spring vacation of the second semester, and a final draft is due by June 1st. Under extraordinary circumstances and with the written approval of both advisor and the DGS, the final version of the paper may be submitted after June 1st, but no later than August 1st.

Once the second-year paper is submitted to the advisor, the advisor forwards the paper to the DGS, who selects a faculty member to act as the paper’s reader. The author, advisor, and reader meet in a timely manner to discuss the paper, after which the examiner in consultation with the advisor awards the paper a grade. This grade will be recorded as the student’s grade for their two semesters of 299hf.

Normally, a student is not allowed to participate in a dissertation workshop until they have submitted their second-year paper.

The Third Year

In a successful third year, graduate students do two things: they acquire pedagogical skills and confidence as teachers; they make enough progress on isolating a dissertation topic that they are able, at the end of that year or by the end of the first term of the fourth year, to write a prospectus and have a successful topical exam.

Normally, at the end of a student's second year, the student's 2YP advisor and the DGS consult and then assign a pre-prospective advisor to the student. The pre-prospectus advisor need not, and often will not, be someone who specializes in the area in which a student expects to write a dissertation. Rather, the advisor is someone with whom the student is comfortable discussing philosophy and who can advise about directions of research. In many cases the pre-prospectus advisor may be the 2YP advisor, since the student has formed a working relationship with that faculty member.

The student and pre-prospectus advisor should meet before the end of spring exams. The meeting's purpose is to discuss the student's general area(s) of interest for a dissertation and, if the student is ready, to devise a tentative list of articles or books which the student will read and reflect on over the next twelve months.

G3s meet with their pre-prospectus advisor in the first days of the fall term. The aim of this meeting is to give the student a manageable set of concrete tasks to complete toward settling on a prospectus topic. In this meeting, advisor and student should decide on: a collection of at least six articles or book chapters to discuss at meetings; a schedule for meetings during the fall (the norm being a meeting roughly every two weeks); the written work the student commits to doing in advance of each meeting. This work need not be elaborate --it might, for example, be a few pages of critical summary and discussion of the reading for the meeting.

Until a successful defense of a prospectus, students register of that section of Philosophy 333 associated with their pre-prospectus advisor.

The norm is that in the fall term of year 3 students do research in the area in which they expect to write so that they can fashion a fairly specific topic for the prospectus; spring term is then devoted to writing a prospectus. Students normally aim at having a prospectus and a topical before the beginning of classes in the fourth year; the expectation is that students have done a topical by the end of the first term of their fourth year.

Students who have completed their second year paper are required to enroll each term in one of the two dissertation workshops, Philosophy 311, Workshop in Moral and Political Philosophy or Philosophy 312, Workshop in Metaphysics and Epistemology. In an academic year in which a student is actively seeking post Ph.D. employment, they are not required to enroll in a workshop.

This a requirement for the Ph.D.; it is only in unusual personal circumstances that students may fail to enroll in a workshop. Permission not to enroll in a Workshop must be granted by the director of graduate studies. G3s are not required to present more than once a year in a workshop, and it is understood that their presentations may consist of such things as (constrained) literature reviews, overviews of the particular area in a sub-discipline, or drafts or presentations of a prospectus.

Prospectus and Topical Examination

When the prospectus is complete, a candidate must pass an oral topical examination on the prospectus. The examining committee consists of at least two Philosophy Department faculty members. If the topical examination is not passed, it must be taken again and passed by the beginning of the winter recess in the year immediately following. Normally students have a successful topical by the end of their fourth year in the program.

Requirements for a prospectus are set by a student's dissertation committee and may vary with committee membership. That said, in many cases a good default model for a prospectus will simply be a list of clear, straightforward answers to the following five questions: (1) What question(s) do you intend your dissertation to answer? (2) Why do you consider these questions to be important? (3) What is a good summary of what you consider to be the most important contributions to these questions in the literature? (4) Why, in your view, do these contributions leave more work to be done? (5) What is your tentative plan of attack (including a list of sources you anticipate using)? Think of your answers to these questions as building a case for why your dissertation project needs to be done , along with a sketch of how you in particular plan to do it. Finally, limit yourself to about 5000 words.

Although called an examination, a topical (which is approximately ninety minutes in length) is in fact a conference on the dissertation topic, not an occasion on which the candidate is expected to produce a complete outline of arguments and conclusions. The conference is intended to determine the acceptability of the topic on which the candidate wishes to write a dissertation, the candidate’s fitness to undertake such a dissertation, and the candidate’s command of relevant issues in related areas of philosophy. A dissertation on the proposed topic may be submitted only if the topical examination is passed.

Application to take the topical examination must be made to the director of graduate studies at least two weeks in advance. At the same time, the candidate must submit copies of a dissertation prospectus to the director of graduate studies and members of the student’s prospective committee.

Financial Support, Travel and Research Funding, and Teaching

Beyond tuition remission, Ph.D. students receive the following financial support from the Graduate School.

· A stipend for their first two years. During this period, students do not teach.

· Financial support via guaranteed teaching in the third and fourth year . During this period, students are hired as teaching fellows; the normal workload for a teaching fellow is two sections a term.

· A dissertation completion fellowship. This includes a full stipend for one academic year.

In addition, various university fellowships (for example: Term Time and Merit Fellowships, Fellowships at the Safra Center) are available on a competitive basis.

The Department also grants each Philosophy graduate student one academic term of stipend support through Philosophy Department Fellowships and also a total of $5500 in fellowships for professional development. For details see: Funding | Department of Philosophy (harvard.edu)

Dissertation and Dissertation Defense

Once the topical exam is passed, the examining committee (which must consist of at least two faculty members of the Philosophy Department) normally becomes the dissertation advisory committee.  One member of the committee is the dissertation’s primary advisor (aka, the dissertation director).  It is expected that a student will have a committee of at least three members within a few months of the defense; the committee must have three members at the time of the defense.  It is possible, with the approval of the primary advisor and the DGS, to add a faculty member from another institution.  Normally a dissertation committee has no more than four members; larger committees must be approved by primary advisor and the DGS.

The primary advisor has primary responsibility for supervision for the dissertation.  The norm is that the student and the dissertation committee set out in advance how often students will meet with and receive feedback from advisors.  The expectation is that the committee and the student will meet as a body once a term to discuss progress on the dissertation.

At least three months before a final defense of the dissertation can be scheduled, the candidate must submit a draft of the dissertation or at least a substantial part of it to the committee.  Until this is done, a defense of the dissertation cannot be scheduled.  Assuming the committee approves scheduling a defense, the candidate completes a draft and circulates it to the committee. While it is a matter for the committee and the candidate to decide, the expectation is that the complete draft of the dissertation which will be defended will be circulated to the committee at least three weeks before the date of the defense . 

Dissertation defenses are public, and may be attended both by department members and other interested parties.  They are normally two hours in length, and normally begin with a brief summary by the candidate of what the candidate has accomplished in the dissertation, followed by a conversation between the candidate and the committee.  The purpose of this conversation is not so much to test the range and detail of the candidate’s knowledge as to judge the candidate’s skill in presenting and discussing matters considered in the dissertation as well as the candidate’s ability to meet friendly but searching criticism.

PhD in Classical Philosophy

The departments of the Classics and Philosophy collaborate in an interdisciplinary PhD program in Classical Philosophy for students registered in either department. Candidates whose major field is philosophy are expected to take the Proseminar for graduate students in the classics, as well as attend seminars or other courses in classics relevant to their interests. With the approval of the director of graduate studies, students in the Classical Philosophy program may be permitted to count an appropriate course in ancient philosophy toward the distribution requirement in metaphysics and epistemology and one (in addition to the one already required) toward the requirement in history of philosophy.

Language requirements:

Candidates who plan to write a dissertation in Classical Philosophy are expected to have learned at least one of the classical languages (Greek or Latin) before they are admitted. Depending upon the level of fluency they have reached before entering the program, they may be asked to take additional language or reading courses. If they have not previously studied the second language, they will be required to reach the level of one year of college coursework. This can be done either by taking courses or by passing a language examination. In addition, candidates will be expected to have acquired a reading knowledge of German sufficient for reading scholarly literature and to pass a departmental examination on a suitably chosen text. The rules and procedures for the dissertation will, in general, be those established for candidates in philosophy.

PhD in Indian Philosophy

The departments of Philosophy and South Asian Studies collaborate in an interdisciplinary PhD program in Indian Philosophy for students registered in either department. Candidates whose major field is Philosophy are expected to take advanced language courses in South Asian studies and pass AM qualifying examinations. Candidates whose major field is South Asian studies are expected to fulfill the requirements of students in Philosophy, including distribution and logic requirements. With the approval of the director of graduate studies, students in Indian Philosophy may be permitted to count appropriate course in advanced Sanskrit or Tibetan toward the distribution requirement in metaphysics or epistemology and one toward the requirement in history of philosophy.

Language Requirements:

Candidates who plan to write a dissertation in Indian Philosophy are expected to have learned at least one of the relevant classical languages (Sanskrit or Tibetan) before they are admitted to the program. Depending upon the level of fluency they have reached before entering the program, they may be asked to take additional language or reading courses. In addition, candidates will be expected to satisfy the specific language requirements of their home department. The rules and procedures for the dissertation will, in general, be those established for candidates in Philosophy.

For more information please see the PhD in Indian Philosophy section .

JD/PhD in Philosophy and Law

A coordinated JD/PhD in Philosophy and Law is available. Students wishing to obtain the coordinated degrees must be admitted separately to both programs. Students admitted for the coordinated degrees must begin either with the first full year of law school or the first two years of philosophy; after that they may alternate terms as they choose. The program in Law may be completed in five terms. The requirements for philosophy are the same as for regular philosophy graduate students. For more information please see the JD/PhD Coordinated Program section .

The Master of Arts (AM) in Philosophy

The Department does not admit students for degrees other than the PhD. Students who have been admitted for the PhD and who have completed all course requirements for the degree may apply to be awarded an AM in Philosophy.

Harvard PhD students from programs (such as African and African-American Studies) which require PhD students to take courses required for an AM in another program are not required to take the first year colloquium required of Philosophy PhDs. (Students from these programs who wish to the take the colloquium must consult with the DGS.) Students from these programs who have completed 10 philosophy courses which satisfy the course requirements for a PhD and who have satisfied the distribution requirements for the PhD may apply to be awarded an AM in Philosophy.

A student who is pursuing an ad hoc degree administered in part by the Philosophy Department may petition to receive a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy. To receive this degree the student must have taken a total of 10 courses in Philosophy at the level of 100 or higher. At least two of these courses must satisfy the graduate distribution requirement in metaphysics and epistemology, two must satisfy the practical philosophy distribution requirement, two the history distribution requirement, and one must be a logic course. All must be passed with a grade of B or better. Students may receive this degree only when the Department has voted to support their petition.

Secondary Field in Philosophy

Much work in philosophy speaks directly to one or more disciplines which have Harvard PhD programs --literature, physics, statistics, science, mathematics, linguistics, and economics, to name a few. A secondary field in Philosophy gives students from other disciplines an opportunity to step back and look at the big picture in their discipline, putting students from discipline X in a position to do "philosophy of X" as part of doing X, thereby helping them both to understand their field more deeply and to open a path to developing it in innovative ways.

Graduate students may apply to the Philosophy Department to do a secondary field after their first term as a graduate student at Harvard. Secondary field students normally begin the secondary field in the second or third semester at Harvard, normally taking one or two courses a semester until they have completed the secondary field requirements.

Applicants should contact the Philosophy DGS before applying to do a secondary field in Philosophy. Applications must include: a brief statement explaining what the applicant hopes to achieve with the secondary field, including a brief summary of the applicant's background in philosophy; a copy of the undergraduate transcript (this can be a copy sent from the student's home department at Harvard) and a brief letter from a Harvard faculty member of the student's home department discussing how a secondary field in philosophy would contribute to the student's work in the home department.

To complete a secondary field in philosophy, a student completes four courses in philosophy at the 100 level or higher with a grade of B+ or better. One course must be in the area of one of the Department's PhD distribution requirements: moral and political philosophy; metaphysics and epistemology; logic; history of philosophy. A second course must be in another of these areas. At least one course must be a graduate seminar. In principle, an independent study with a member of the Department may be used to complete the secondary field. A capstone project is not required. Courses are counted towards satisfying the secondary field requirements only when approved to do so by the Philosophy DGS.

A student completing a secondary field in philosophy is assigned an advisor from the Philosophy Department, normally the DGS.

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

philosophy phd programs that don't require gre

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.

Students working together on a laptop

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.

Happy students in a classroom

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.

Female student working a laptop on a bed

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.

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  • #1 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2024
  • #1 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
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  • #1 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2024
  • #1 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
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  • #2 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
  • #4 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
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  • #1 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
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  • #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)
  • #3 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
  • #6 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
  • #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 Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
  • #17 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024
  • #1 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024
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  • #1 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
  • #3 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
  • #6 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
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  • #15 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
  • #15 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
  • #15 Best Research Universities for Economics 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
  • #19 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
  • #22 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
  • #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland
  • #1 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
  • #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2024
  • #1 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
  • #1 Top 10 Best Online MBA in Economics Degree Programs Ranked in 2024
  • #1 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
  • #1 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
  • #1 Best Online Master's in Economics
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  • #6 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
  • #8 Best Online Master's in Management
  • #18 Fastest Accelerated Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
  • #22 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

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  • #1 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs
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  • #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Minnesota
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  • #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
  • #7 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
  • #25 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 Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
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  • #16 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
  • #20 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
  • #24 Best Universities in the World 2024
  • #1 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2024
  • #1 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024
  • #1 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2024
  • #1 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2024
  • #1 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2024
  • #4 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
  • #4 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
  • #5 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
  • #9 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
  • #10 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
  • #11 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
  • #11 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
  • #11 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
  • #12 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
  • #13 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
  • #13 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
  • #14 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
  • #14 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
  • #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 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
  • #1 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2024
  • #1 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina
  • #1 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
  • #1 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
  • #1 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
  • #3 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
  • #5 Best Online Master's in Management
  • #6 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
  • #9 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
  • #14 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
  • #15 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

  • #22 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
  • #23 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
  • #1 Best Grad Schools In Texas 2024
  • #1 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024
  • #1 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2024
  • #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2024
  • #1 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
  • #4 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
  • #10 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
  • #12 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
  • #13 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
  • #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
  • #20 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
  • #21 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
  • #21 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
  • #22 Best Research Universities for Psychology 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
  • #4 Best Online Master's in Management
  • #4 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
  • #5 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
  • #11 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
  • #16 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

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

Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern California

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

  • 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

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

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 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2024
  • #1 Best Public Colleges in Arizona 2024
  • #1 Best Grad Schools in Arizona 2024
  • #1 Best Research Universities in Arizona 2024
  • #23 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
  • #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
  • #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
  • #1 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
  • #1 Best Online Master's in Agriculture and Agribusiness Degree Programs
  • #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
  • #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
  • #1 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
  • #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2024
  • #1 Best Online Colleges in Arizona 2024
  • #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
  • #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Philosophy Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
  • #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting
  • #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Arizona
  • #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Arizona 2024
  • #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree Programs for 2024
  • #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
  • #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
  • #1 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Web Design Degree Programs 2024
  • #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
  • #2 Best Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Ranked for Students in 2024
  • #2 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
  • #2 Best Online MBA in Business Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
  • #2 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
  • #2 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
  • #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Biology
  • #2 Best Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
  • #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Arizona
  • #2 Best Online MBAs in Finance
  • #3 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
  • #3 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
  • #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2024
  • #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2024
  • #3 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity
  • #4 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
  • #4 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting
  • #4 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
  • #4 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
  • #4 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
  • #4 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
  • #4 Best Online Master's in Special Education
  • #4 Best Online Master's in Economics
  • #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
  • #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
  • #6 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
  • #7 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
  • #7 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
  • #8 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
  • #10 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
  • #11 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
  • #12 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
  • #13 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates)
  • #16 Best Online Master's in Management
  • #20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Arizona

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

  • Geraldo Rivera
  • Clifford Stoll
  • 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 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2024
  • #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2024
  • #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
  • #2 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 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
  • #8 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
  • #19 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 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 Colleges in DC 2024
  • #6 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
  • #9 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
  • #16 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
  • #20 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
  • #21 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
  • #1 Best Online MBA Programs in DC
  • #2 Best Online Master's Programs in DC 2024
  • #3 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
  • #3 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
  • #5 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
  • #6 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
  • #6 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
  • #7 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)

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 Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2024
  • #1 Best Public 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 2024
  • #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Iowa
  • #1 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2024
  • #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2024
  • #2 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
  • #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2024
  • #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
  • #5 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
  • #9 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
  • #9 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
  • #9 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
  • #10 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
  • #8 Most Affordable Master's in Counseling 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 2024
  • #4 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
  • #14 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
  • #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
  • #1 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
  • #1 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
  • #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Information Technology
  • #2 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology
  • #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 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
  • #3 Best Online Master's in Art Education and Art Administration
  • #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Florida 2024
  • #4 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
  • #4 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
  • #4 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
  • #4 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
  • #5 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
  • #6 Best Online Master’s in Communications
  • #6 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
  • #7 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
  • #13 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
  • #16 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
  • #20 Best Online Master's in Management
  • #20 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
  • #20 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
  • #16 Most Affordable Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

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

Students working together in a student center

Texas A&M University

  • #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2024
  • #2 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
  • #13 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
  • #24 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
  • #4 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
  • #8 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
  • #9 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
  • #11 Best RN to BSN Online
  • #14 Best Online Master's in Management

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

Career Outlook for degree at University of Missouri

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

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

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

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 Most Affordable Colleges in Oregon 2024
  • #3 Best Colleges in Oregon 2024
  • #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
  • #1 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Computer Science
  • #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Oregon
  • #1 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
  • #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Oregon 2024
  • #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Nevada
  • #7 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
  • #8 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
  • #9 The Most Affordable Online Clinical Nutrition Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
  • #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs

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 Grad Schools 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 Master's in Cybersecurity
  • #5 Best Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
  • #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
  • #7 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
  • #8 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
  • #8 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
  • #8 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
  • #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
  • #13 Best Online Master’s in Communications
  • #15 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
  • #16 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
  • #16 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
  • #17 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
  • #19 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 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

Students in a lecture hall

University of Arkansas

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

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

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

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

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

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

Students working together on a computer

Florida International University

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

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

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

Career Outlook for degree at Duquesne University

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

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

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 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
  • #4 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2024
  • #4 Best Research Universities in Alabama 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)
  • #11 Best Online Master's in Sports Management
  • #13 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
  • #14 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2024
  • #15 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
  • #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
  • #18 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024

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 Best Online Master's Programs in Idaho 2024
  • #1 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
  • #1 Best Online Colleges in Idaho 2024
  • #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
  • #10 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
  • #11 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
  • #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
  • #16 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
  • #16 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
  • #17 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
  • #19 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
  • #20 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
  • #20 Best Online Master's in Special Education
  • #22 Best Online Master’s in Education
  • #25 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Idaho

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

  • Sarah Palin
  • Harry Huskey
  • Douglas Wilson
  • Jeffrey L. Whitten
  • Leonard J. Arrington
  • 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 2024
  • #4 The Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Bachelor's Degrees
  • #5 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
  • #7 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
  • #9 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
  • #12 Best Online Master’s in Finance
  • #17 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
  • #5 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
  • #5 Best College Majors that Offer Accelerated Degree Programs

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

Students working together in a student center

Clarkson University

Career outlook for degree at clarkson university.

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

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

Clarkson University, 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

  • #2 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2024
  • #3 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2024
  • #7 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2024
  • #7 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 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
  • #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for Students
  • #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 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
  • #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Music Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
  • #1 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2024
  • #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Christian Counseling Degree Programs
  • #1 Accelerated Online Business Administration PhD Programs (Doctorates)
  • #1 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
  • #1 Best Online Associate in Education
  • #1 Best Online Associate in Mathematics
  • #1 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Nursing (BSN) Programs
  • #2 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs
  • #2 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
  • #2 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
  • #2 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
  • #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2024
  • #2 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
  • #2 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
  • #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology
  • #2 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies
  • #3 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of English
  • #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Virginia
  • #3 Best Online Degrees for a Career in Teaching Ranked 2024
  • #3 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
  • #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2024
  • #3 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
  • #3 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
  • #3 Best Online Master's in Theology
  • #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters
  • #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia
  • #3 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates)
  • #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
  • #4 Best Online Associate in Accounting
  • #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia
  • #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Illinois
  • #4 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
  • #4 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
  • #4 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
  • #4 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
  • #4 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
  • #4 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
  • #4 Best Online Associate in Psychology
  • #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2024
  • #5 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates)
  • #5 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
  • #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2024
  • #5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
  • #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
  • #6 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
  • #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2024
  • #6 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs
  • #6 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies
  • #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs
  • #7 The Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Bachelor's Degrees
  • #7 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2024
  • #7 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
  • #8 Best Online Associate in History Degrees
  • #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
  • #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
  • #8 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
  • #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
  • #9 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
  • #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2024
  • #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
  • #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
  • #9 Best Online Associate's in Physics
  • #9 Best Online Master's in Biology
  • #9 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
  • #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
  • #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
  • #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
  • #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
  • #11 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
  • #11 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
  • #11 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
  • #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
  • #12 Best Online Master's in Project Management
  • #12 Best Online Master's in Sports Management
  • #12 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
  • #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2024
  • #13 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
  • #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2024
  • #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 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
  • #17 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
  • #17 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
  • #18 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
  • #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
  • #20 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting
  • #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
  • #23 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
  • #25 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
  • #25 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
  • #6 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
  • #6 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
  • #6 Best College Majors that Offer Accelerated Degree Programs

Career Outlook for degree at Liberty University

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

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

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
  • #3 Best Online Colleges in Indiana 2024
  • #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Indiana 2024
  • #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
  • #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 2024
  • #5 Best Online Six Sigma Certification
  • #6 Best Online Master's in Biology
  • #9 Best Online Master’s in Health Science
  • #9 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
  • #14 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
  • #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
  • #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
  • #14 Best Online Master's in Sports Management
  • #15 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
  • #17 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
  • #19 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
  • #19 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked 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

  • #1 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
  • #1 Top 3 Best Online MBA in Real Estate Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
  • #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity
  • #3 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates)
  • #3 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
  • #3 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
  • #3 Best Online Master's in Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs
  • #3 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
  • #4 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
  • #4 Best Online Master’s in Human Services
  • #5 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs
  • #5 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)
  • #5 Best Online Master's in Biology
  • #6 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
  • #6 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
  • #6 Best Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Ranked for Students in 2024
  • #6 Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Ranked for Students in 2024
  • #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2024
  • #7 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Computer Science
  • #7 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
  • #7 Best Online Master’s in Health Science
  • #7 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
  • #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Florida
  • #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Florida 2024
  • #9 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
  • #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
  • #9 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates)
  • #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
  • #11 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
  • #14 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
  • #15 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
  • #15 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
  • #16 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity
  • #17 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology
  • #17 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
  • #18 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
  • #18 Best Online MBAs in Finance
  • #20 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
  • #20 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
  • #21 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
  • #22 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
  • #22 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
  • #24 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
  • #7 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Nova Southeastern University

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

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

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

Female student working outside on a laptop

University of South Alabama

  • #7 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
  • #12 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
  • #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 2024

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

  • #8 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2024
  • #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

  • #6 Best Research Universities 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
  • #22 Best Online Master's in Sports Management

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

  • #4 Best Research Universities 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
  • #4 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2024
  • #19 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2024
  • #22 Best Online MBAs in Finance
  • #25 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology

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 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2024
  • #4 Best Grad Schools in Arizona 2024
  • #4 Best Research Universities in Arizona 2024
  • #1 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
  • #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Animation Illustration
  • #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Arizona
  • #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Arizona
  • #3 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2024
  • #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
  • #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
  • #6 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
  • #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters
  • #9 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
  • #10 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
  • #12 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
  • #15 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
  • #17 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs

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

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

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 .

USA Chalo

PhD Programs in the USA Without GRE

Updated on: September 1, 2023

A university campus with a book and a mortarboard hat to represent the academic journey of a phd student

Are you considering pursuing a PhD but don’t want to take the GRE exam?  It is feasible to pursue a PhD program in the USA without GRE, but only a few institutions allow this option for applicants. 

The USA remains a top choice for global Ph.D. seekers due to its advanced research, academic facilities, renowned curriculum, and ample opportunities for students.

In this article, we’ll explore the major universities that provide PhD programs without Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), their eligibility criteria, important documents required and the advantages of pursuing PhD programs in USA without GRE. 

Benefits of Pursuing PhD Program in USA Without GRE 

Phd programs admission in usa without gre- eligibility criteria, universities in the usa providing phd without gre , documents required for phd without gre in usa , cost and financial aid options for non-gre phd programs in usa, career opportunities for students with a phd degree from non-gre university.

One of the main advantages of programs that do not require GRE scores is that they may attract a more diverse group of applicants. Some prominent benefits of pursuing PhD program in USA without GRE are mentioned below: 

  • Students who may have been discouraged from applying in the past due to low test scores now have the opportunity to showcase their research potential in other ways.
  • Additionally, students who do not have the financial means to take multiple tests or pay for test prep may now have access to more PhD programs.
  • Another benefit of pursuing a PhD program without the GRE exam requirement is that it allows students to focus more on their research interests and experiences rather than their test-taking abilities. This can lead to a more well-rounded and diverse group of students within the program, as well as a stronger emphasis on research and academic achievements.

Furthermore, programs that do not require GRE scores may also have a more flexible and personalized approach to the application process. This can include a greater emphasis on letters of recommendation, personal statements, and interviews, which can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the applicant’s potential and fit within the program. This can also lead to a more supportive and collaborative academic environment, as students are selected based on their individual strengths and potential rather than a standardized test score.

Also read: Find a scholarship to study medicine in USA

Applying for a Ph.D. in the USA without needing the GRE is feasible at certain schools, as long as you fulfill other prerequisites. While these conditions differ among institutions, here are some general requirements that applicants must satisfy:

  • Minimum GPA prerequisites (which vary by university) and holding a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field.
  • Some schools might necessitate a certain amount of professional experience.
  • To qualify for the Ph.D. program, you might need to provide a Statement of Purpose (SOP) or undergo a written and oral assessment.
  • Academic mentors’ recommendations or letters of reference could be obligatory for pursuing a GRE-free Ph.D. in the USA.
  • Some institutions may also consider English language proficiency.
  • For further details, the students is advised to carefully review the official university websites.

Also read: Study in USA without taking the SAT

We have curated a whole list of universities that provide PhD programs in USA without GRE. Check out the following list of universities offering PhD in the USA without the GRE:

Ph.D. programs in the USA that don’t mandate the GRE typically share comparable prerequisites with those that do require the exam. The main distinction lies in the fact that these programs might emphasize other facets of an applicant’s profile more, such as their academic history, research involvement, and letters of endorsement.

Academic Records: Applicants need to furnish official transcripts from all institutions they attended. These records should outline completed courses, grades received, and overall GPA.

Letters of Recommendation: Most Ph.D. programs require two to three letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors who are familiar with the applicant’s academic and research capabilities.

Statement of Intent: Applicants must provide a statement of intent detailing their research interests, career aspirations, and reasons for pursuing a Ph.D.

CV/Resume: Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV or resume highlighting their academic and research accomplishments.

Writing Samples: Certain Ph.D. programs might ask for writing samples, such as research papers or essays, that showcase the applicant’s writing and analytical skills.

English Language Proficiency: International students whose first language isn’t English might need to take the TOEFL or IELTS to demonstrate English proficiency.

It’s crucial to recognize that the specific prerequisites for Ph.D. programs in the USA without the GRE can differ based on the university and program. Hence, meticulously examine the application guidelines for each program to ensure you fulfill all requirements.

In conclusion, a growing number of US universities are dropping the GRE requirement for their PhD programs, allowing students to apply based on their academic and research potential rather than a standardized test score. While there are still advantages to taking the GRE exam, pursuing a PhD program without the requirement may offer more opportunities for a diverse range of students.

By focusing on research experience, academic achievements, and strong letters of recommendation, you can stand out in your application and find the right program for you.

Read more: Study an MBA in USA without GMAT

It’s important to note that even though some programs may not require GRE scores, they may still be expensive to attend. However, many schools offer financial aid packages to qualified students, including scholarships, grants, and fellowships. 

Research the financial aid options available at your chosen programs and make sure to apply for any relevant funding opportunities.

Also read: Scholarship for International students to study in USA

Graduates from non-GRE PhD programs have found success in a variety of fields, from academia to industry to government. Having a PhD from a well-regarded university is often enough to open doors and provide opportunities for advancement. Additionally, the research experience gained during a PhD program helps students develop a variety of transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management.

Is it possible to pursue a PhD in the USA without taking the GRE? 

In the past, the GRE was commonly necessary for admission to many US PhD programs. Nevertheless, certain universities are now opting to eliminate the GRE mandate for PhD candidates, simplifying the application process for students.

What is the typical amount of a PhD stipend in the USA?

A typical PhD stipend in the USA typically falls in the range of $15,000 to $30,000 annually. The specific amount of a PhD stipend for international students in the USA can differ based on factors like the university, your area of study, and where you are located. Unlike some European countries, there isn’t a set minimum stipend for PhD programs in the USA.

What is the duration of PhD in USA?

Usually, the duration of PhD in the US is four to six years (full time). In which you’ll spend Year 1 to Year 4 on the coursework stage of the program and Year 2 to Year 4 on the dissertation. The academic year in the US includes two teaching semesters i.e., August-December and January-May.

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Find A Degree

no gre phd degree programs

The 10 Best No-GRE Online PhD Programs

Phd program rankings.

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

Career Guides

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

Valuable Resources

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

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why earn a Doctorate Degree?
  • What are the Ph.D. Admission Requirements?
  • How Much Does a Ph.D. Cost?
  • How many years will it take for me to achieve my doctorate degree online?
  • Do online doctorate degree programs require campus visits?
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A look at some of the very best No-GRE online PhD programs. Completing one’s PhD is an accomplishment to be proud of.

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

shutterstock 524863171 2

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

Methodology:

no gre online phd programs

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

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

10 Best No-GRE Online PhD Programs

University of the cumberlands.

university of the cumberlands

Program Standouts:

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

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

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

Campus Location:  Williamsburg, Kentucky

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

Acceptance Rate:  85%

Graduation Rate:  67%

Admission Requirements: 

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

No-GRE Ph.D.s:

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

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

University of idaho.

University of Idaho

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

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

Campus Location:  Moscow, Idaho

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

Acceptance Rate:  81%

Graduation Rate:  57%

Admission Requirements:

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

Specializations:

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

Degree Outcomes:

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

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

University of missouri.

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI

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

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

Campus Location:  Columbia, MO

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

Acceptance Rate:  77%

Graduation Rate:  71%

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

Coursework Sample:

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

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

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

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

Liberty university.

liberty university the graduate school

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

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

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

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

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

Campus Location:  Lynchburg, Virginia

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

Acceptance Rate:  99%

Graduation Rate:  29%

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

Non-GRE Online PhDs :

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

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

University of arizona.

university of arizona

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

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

Campus Location:  Tucson, Arizona

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

Acceptance Rate:  87%

Graduation Rate:  64%

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

Individualized Program of Study:

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

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

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

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

University of wisconsin milwaukee.

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

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

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

Campus Location:  Madison, Wisconsin

Acceptance Rate:  89%

Graduation Rate:  43%

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

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

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

Nova southeastern university.

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

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

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

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

Campus Location:  Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Acceptance Rate:  76%

Graduation Rate:  72%

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

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

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

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

No-GRE PhDs:

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

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

Duquesne university.

DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY

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

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

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

Campus Location:  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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

Acceptance Rate:  84%

Graduation Rate: 81%

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

No-GRE PhDs

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

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

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

Clarkson university.

Clarkson University

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

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

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

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

Campus Location:  Potsdam, New York

Acceptance Rate:  75%

Graduation Rate: 78%

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

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

Oregon state university.

oregon state university

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

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

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

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

Campus Location:  Corvallis, Oregon

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

Graduation Rate:  65%

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

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

no-gre online phd programs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FINAL THOUGHTS

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

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PhD in USA without GRE: Requirements, universities, and tips

A PhD is the highest academic degree a student can achieve in the higher education sector. Students often pursue these courses abroad to enhance their knowledge and skills and excel in their fields of interest. Studying doctoral courses in countries like the USA and the UK gives students an excellent academic and practical experience.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is an admission entry requirement for native and international students in the USA who want to pursue a PhD in the country.

Educational institutions in the USA require GRE exam scores to assess your profile and determine your eligibility for doctorate courses. However, some universities have started to waive the GRE requirement for PhD applicants, easing the application process for international students. Here, we cover everything you should know about pursuing PhD in the USA without GRE.

Table of Contents

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Before we learn about the university requirements for a PhD without GRE, here’s a rundown of the exam and its significance.

  • GRE is a standard entrance exam that tests a candidate’s academic and practical skills to determine their eligibility to pursue postgraduate and doctorate education in institutions abroad.
  • The GRE pattern analyses the students’ critical and abstract thinking abilities and tests their problem-solving skills.
  • There are two types of GRE: GRE General and Subject test .
  • Educational institutions across the globe accept the GRE for admission to various courses. The USA, UK, Canada, and Australia are some of the top study destinations that require these scores.
Some universities have made the GRE scores optional, so ensure you check your desired university’s requirements before applying for the exam.

The USA is one of the leading study destinations for students pursuing doctorate courses abroad. The GRE plays a vital role in admission for these courses, as the scores help universities better assess a student's profile. However, some institutions have dropped this requirement, making GRE scores optional for students .

Planning to pursue higher education in the USA? Bring your dream of studying abroad to life in just a click!

Here are the standard requirements for international students to pursue PhD in the USA.

  • Academic transcripts
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Application form
  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
  • GRE or GMAT scores
  • Statement of purpose

Also read: Cost of living in the US for international students

PhD programs in the USA that do not require the GRE have similar requirements to those that need the exam. However, the main difference is that these programs may ask for other aspects of an applicant's profile, such as undergraduate and graduate coursework, research experience, and letters of recommendation.

Some standard requirements for PhD in the USA without GRE include the following:

  • Academic transcripts - Applicants must submit their official transcripts from all institutions attended. These documents should indicate the courses taken, grades earned, and overall GPA.
  • Letters of Recommendation - Most PhD programs require applicants to submit two to three letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors familiar with their academic and research abilities.
  • Statement of Purpose - Applicants should provide a purpose statement outlining their interests in research, career goals, and motivation for pursuing a PhD.
  • Resume/CV - Students must submit their resume or CV highlighting their academic and research achievements and professional experience.
  • Writing Samples - Some PhD programs may require applicants to submit writing samples, such as research papers or essays, demonstrating their writing and analytical skills.
  • English Language Proficiency - International students must take English proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS to exhibit their fluency in English skills.

Note: Some requirements for students pursuing PhDs in the USA without GRE scores may vary depending on the university and program. Therefore, it is essential to carefully review the application instructions for each program to ensure that you meet the criteria.

Data updated as of November 2023

Also read: Why study in the USA for a Master’s?

Fees for PhD and doctorate courses depend on various factors.

  • The institution
  • Location of the university
  • Length of the course (4-8 years)

The average overall cost for an international student to study PhD in the USA is around $150,000 .

Source: educationdata.org

Universities offering PhDs in the USA without GRE

Here are some GRE-waived universities in the USA for PhDs for international students.

Also read: Study in USA for International Students

Applying for a PhD program without the GRE requires research, preparation, and attention to detail. Here are some tips for applying for a PhD in the USA without GRE.

  • Research PhD programs - Allot time to research programs that suit your needs and interests and find out as many details as possible about their requirements, faculty, and research opportunities. This will help you determine which PhD program best fits your interests and goals.
  • Focus on your strengths - While the universities do not require the GRE, other aspects of the application, such as your academic record and research experience , will still be necessary. Highlight your strengths in these areas to make your application stand out.
  • Connect with faculty - Contact faculty members in your field of interest to learn more about their research and express your interest in their program. This can help you build relationships with potential mentors for the course.
  • Craft your application - Customise your application materials for each program to which you apply. This enables you to demonstrate your fit with the program and show that you have done your research.
  • Be prepared for interviews - Some programs have interviews as part of the application process. Make sure you prepare for these interviews by researching the program, practising your responses to common interview questions, and being ready to ask your own questions about the program.
  • Apply early - Many PhD programs have rolling admissions, meaning they may fill up quickly. Applying early gives you a better chance of being admitted and may help you secure funding or scholarships.

Also read: Best Courses In USA For International Students

Explore exciting academic opportunities in the USA and apply for the upcoming intake today!

Frequently asked questions

While the GRE may be a factor in the admissions process, programs that do not require the GRE can still have a rigorous application process that considers other aspects of the applicant's academic and professional record.

No, not all universities in the USA provide PhD programs without GRE requirements. It's important to research the eligibility criteria for individual programs to determine their specific qualifications.

It depends on the program and their weight on the GRE in their admissions process. However, if the program does not require the GRE, not submitting scores should not be a disadvantage.

You can make your application stand out by focusing on other aspects of your academic and professional record, such as your research experience, publications, academic achievements, and letters of recommendation.

In some cases, you can pursue your master's in the USA without GRE. Some universities have made the GRE scores optional, so you can check your desired institution's requirements before applying for the course.

Here are the basic qualifications for international students to apply for a PhD in the USA.

Ensure you have the documents below while applying for your PhD in the USA.

Yes, you can apply to Harvard without GRE. The Russell Group University has made it optional for international students to take the GRE assessment to apply for PhD courses of their interest.

Here are the basic requirements for Indian students to apply for a PhD course in the USA.

PhD courses in the USA are competitive for Indian students. But with a well-crafted application and strong profile, one can pursue a doctorate course in their field of interest.

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FAQ for Prospective Ph.D. Students

What is your department's philosophy, what graduate degrees does the department of political science offer, how long is your program, what are the requirements for the ph.d. degree, how is your placement record, where can i get more information on life at stanford, housing, financial aid or being an international student, can i complete the program via distance learning, online or on a part time basis.

  • Can you tell me more about the JD/PhD program? How do I apply for it? How long does it take? How much does it cost? 

Can you provide any advice on applying for graduate school, how to prepare myself for graduate school or how to prepare and strengthen my application?

Financial support, what is the annual cost of attending your program, what type of financial support do you offer, do you offer support for the summer months, is there support available for field work, how do i apply to the knight-hennessy scholars program, what are your research areas.

  • How can I find out if any of your faculty members does research in my area of interest?

Preparing for Admission

Am i required to secure an advisor before applying to your graduate program.

  • Is Political Science a required major to apply to your graduate programs?
  • Is a master's degree required for admissions?

Are applicants expected to have taken advanced coursework in mathematics and statistics?

If admitted, can i obtain credit for previous work.

  • Can you provide some guidelines for preparation? How are applications evaluated? 

What are the admissions committee's expectations of prospective students?

Do you have a minimum gre score or gpa requirement, if admitted, may i defer my offer until a later year, application procedures, how do i apply, what is the application deadline, are applications reviewed and admissions decisions made on a rolling basis, how can i check the status of my application can you tell me if you received my application/transcripts/test scores/letters of recommendation, when will admission decisions be announced, when will the application for the 2024-25 academic year be available, can i apply for winter, spring, or summer quarter admission, what are the application requirements, do i need to submit a separate application for departmental fellowships or assistantships, what is a statement of purpose, can i submit a cv as part of my application, can i apply for an application fee waiver, can i update my application materials (cv, writing sample, statement of purpose or unofficial transcripts) after i submit my application.

  • Does the 20-35 page writing sample page limit include the bibliography?

I am having technical problems with my online application. What do I do?

Gre and toefl, are gre scores required for the political science phd program, do i have to submit gre scores if i already have a master's degree, i sent my official gre or toefl scores but it still says they haven’t been received on my application status page. should i resend them.

  • Will my application be reviewed if my official GRE/TOEFL scores arrive after the deadline?
  • I asked ETS to send my GRE scores in a previous year. Do I need to resubmit my GRE scores?

My GRE/TOEFL scores are not recent. Will you accept them?

Can i list multiple sets of gre/toefl scores on my application , letters of recommendation, some of my letters of recommendation might arrive after the deadline. is this okay.

  • One of my letter writers is having technical issues submitting their letters of recommendation. Who should they contact?

Will you accept letters of recommendation mailed from Interfolio or my university's career center or letter service? Can my letter writers submit letters via email, mail, or fax?

I'd like to make changes to my letters of recommendation writers after i submitted my application or sent the letter of recommendation request. how can i do that, may i submit more than three letters of recommendation, and will they all be included in the review process, can you provide guidance on who i should ask for a letter of recommendation, do my recommenders need to wait for me to submit my application in order to submit their letters, do i need to wait for my recommenders to submit their letters in order to submit my application, transcripts.

  • Do I need to send official transcripts at the time of application? 

Does Stanford want an updated transcript with my fall quarter/semester grades?

Do i need to list schools i attended for less than one year or on a part-time basis, i just started a graduate program and will not have any grades at the time i apply to stanford. do i need to upload a transcript, my transcripts are not in english. will you accept them, my school’s grading system does not use a 4-point scale. how do i enter my grade point average in the online application, international students, are there any special application requirements for international applicants, does my foreign degree qualify me for graduate study at stanford.

  • Do I need to submit TOEFL scores?
  • Am I exempt from submitting TOEFL scores?

Can I request a TOEFL waiver? 

My toefl scores are not recent. will you accept them , may i submit ielts scores instead of toefl scores, my school's grading system does not use a 1-4 scale. how do i enter my grade point average in the online application, as an international student, am i eligible for funding, i went to school outside of the united states. do i have to use certifile/chesicc/the collegenet document service to submit my official transcripts, can i contact the admissions committee to inquire about my preparation in advance of my application, should i contact stanford faculty to discuss my interest in the program, will i have a chance to talk to someone before i decide to accept an offer of admission, master's degree for doctoral students, can i get a master’s degree from the department of political science.

The Department of Political Science does not embrace any particular philosophy or approach to the study of political science. We offer courses and research opportunities in a wide variety of fields in the discipline (see  Research Areas  below). Our principal goal is the training of scholars. The small size of our student body allows more individual work with members of the faculty than most graduate programs. It also makes possible financial assistance in one form or another to most students admitted to the Ph.D. program.

Our graduate program is built around small seminars that analyze critically the literature of a field or focus on a research problem. These courses prepare students for the Ph.D. comprehensive exam requirement within a two-year period and for work on the doctoral dissertation.

We offer a PhD in Political Science. The Department does not offer a master’s degree for external applicants. Only students currently enrolled in a PhD or professional school program at Stanford University may apply for a Master of Arts (MA) in Political Science.

The Ph.D. program is designed to be completed in five years of full-time study. Actual time depends on students' progress, research and travel requirements, and fields of study. The minimum residence requirement for the Ph.D. degree is 135 units of completed coursework, which takes approximately four years.  The fifth year is typically spent writing the dissertation.

Requirements vary depending on which fields a student elects to study. The minimum residence requirement for the Ph.D. degree is 135 units of completed coursework, which takes approximately four years.  The fifth year is typically spent writing the dissertation. All students must complete five units of graduate instruction in Political Theory unless previously taken as an undergraduate, and take a two-quarter sequence in quantitative methods. A language might also be required if the student and advisor think it appropriate for dissertation research. Beginning in their second year, students serve as teaching assistants in undergraduate courses for a minimum of three quarters, but most will serve as many as five quarters.

Students are required to satisfy the Ph.D. comprehensive examination requirements in one field as well as take coursework and fulfill any additional requirements in a second and third field and write at least one research paper. Upon completion of these three requirements, the student is eligible to be recommended for Ph.D. candidacy. It is expected that students will attain candidacy by the end of the second year. In their third year, students are asked to submit a formal dissertation proposal for approval. Doctoral candidates form a Dissertation Reading Committee in the fourth year and take the University Oral Examination after they have made substantial progress on their dissertations. Students must finish all requirements and file a thesis to receive their Ph.D. degree.

See the  requirements page  for more details.

Most students who receive doctorates in the program do research and teach at colleges or universities. In recent years, they have obtained positions in political science departments at such institutions as the University of California at Berkeley, UCLA, Harvard, NYU, M.I.T., Princeton, Yale, Southern California, Virginia, and Wellesley. Others have positions in research organizations like RAND, and still others have positions in university administration and government. Click to see the  list of recent placements .

Visit the  Graduate Student Gateway .

No. The Ph.D. program requires students to be present on campus and in-person for each quarter enrolled. The Ph.D. program is a full-time program and may not be completed on a part time basis. 

Can you tell me more about the JD/PhD program? How do I apply for it? How long does it take? How much does it cost?

Information on the JD/PhD program is available  here . 

Please review the information on the ‘ Guide on Getting Into Grad School .’ We are not able to speculate on an applicant's chances of admission, or review application materials prior to application, or provide guidance on individual applications beyond what is provided on the Political Science department website and the Guide to Getting Into Grad School.

The costs of pursuing graduate study at Stanford depend on various factors, including student's housing preferences and family circumstances, among other factors. Information about financing graduate study and typical expenses for graduate students can be found through  Graduate Admissions.  Information about our financial support, which usually covers tuition and living expenses, follows below.

The Department intends that all graduate students (both domestic and international) should have adequate support to enable them to complete their studies while enrolled full-time.  The standard financial package offered to admitted students covers the full cost of tuition and an additional amount for living expenses . The latter amount comes in the form of a stipend during the first year and a combination of teaching and research assistantships during years 2-5.  The Department also provides students with annual funds for professional development and health insurance fees. The Department provides five years of support for Ph.D. students who are making sufficient progress towards degree.   Current information regarding tuition, fees, and living expenses .

Funded PhD students in good standing are eligible to receive 12 months of funding each year, for as long as five years.

In addition to providing the standard package described above, the Department will provide each student $1,500 in discretionary funds every year in year 1-5.  Most students use this money to fund professional development expenses, including language study, faculty guided research and field work. In addition, funded PhD students in good standing are eligible to receive 12 months of funding each year for as long as five years, which provides students with the possibility of conducting field work during the summer. It is also possible to use pre-doc fellowship funds to support field work during the later years of the program. There are also numerous opportunities to supplement the funding by the department with grants and stipends from university research centers, such as the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies , the Institute for Research in the Social Sciences (IRiSS), and the Stanford King Center on Global Development . 

Join dozens of Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences students who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS).   KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford.   Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment.   If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023. Learn more about KHS admission .

The department offers teaching and research opportunities in  five major research areas : American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Methodology, and Political Theory. In addition, there are ample opportunities for graduate study in related departments at the university.

How can I find out if your faculty does research in my area of interest?

You can access more specific information about particular faculty members by going to the  faculty page.

No. It is not necessary or possible to secure an advisor before admission to the program. Offers of admission are made to the program, not to work with particular advisors. Applicants are encouraged to read the  Admissions FAQ  and contact politicalscience [at] stanford.edu (subject: Admissions%20Enquiries) (politicalscience[at]stanford[dot]edu) with any general admissions questions before contacting faculty.

Is Political Science a required major to apply to your graduate program?

No, the department does not require that prospective students be political science majors. On the other hand, the department does expect that prospective students have had sufficient exposure to the field for them to develop a clear statement of purpose for attending our graduate program. In addition, as part of the application materials, applicants are required to submit a written sample that will certainly justify students having previously studied political science.

Is a master’s degree required for admission?

No, a master’s degree is not required for admission, although roughly one-third of our applicants have completed a graduate degree prior to application to the PhD program.

No, students are not required to have taken advanced courses in quantitative methods as a prerequisite for admission. In fact, the department offers a four quarter sequence in quantitative methods that introduces first and second year students to methodological tools that they can later use in their chosen fields of study. This sequence does not assume that students have had prior exposure to statistics or advanced mathematics. In addition to the sequence, the department offers a math refresher course for three weeks prior to the start of classes in the fall for all students. Note, however, that there are certain areas of study (such as American politics and political behavior) that will require more training in quantitative methods beyond the first-year sequence. Opportunities to pursue advanced work in quantitative methods exist both within and outside the department (e.g., taking courses in the economics and statistics departments).

The Department rarely accepts the transfer of previous graduate work toward fulfilling pre-candidacy course requirements. However, students with previous graduate work may be able to count some of their previous course credits toward the university residency requirement, thus reducing the time required for the Ph.D. degree. The university may allow a maximum of 45 units for work done elsewhere in another graduate program. Transfer credit is subject to the approval of the Office of the University Registrar, and there is no guarantee that transfer credit will be awarded. Students cannot apply for transfer credit until they have completed at least one quarter of study at Stanford. 

Can you provide some guidelines for preparation? How are applications evaluated? 

Admission to our program is highly competitive. The selection of PhD students admitted to the Department of Political Science is based on an individualized, holistic review of each application, including (but not limited to) the applicant’s academic record, the letters of recommendation, the scores on the General GRE (Graduate Record Examination), the statement of purpose, and the writing sample. About 12-15 students, chosen from a large pool of applicants, enter the program every year. These students are chosen on the basis of a strong academic background as evidenced by previous study, test results, writing sample, and letters of recommendation. Although we have no official score requirement, admitted students typically have GRE scores of 166+ verbal, 163+ quantitative, and a score of 5.5 in the analytical section.  Admitted students typically have a GPA of at least 3.8 in their previous studies. Please be assured that the department reviews each application very carefully and makes decisions on an individual basis.

The Political Science department recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

Regrettably, we are not able to speculate on an applicant's chances of admission, or review application materials prior to application, or provide guidance on individual applications beyond what is provided on this website. 

Admission committees follow guidelines established by the university and the department to ensure a fair review of application materials and the selection of a high quality pool of incoming students. An  overview of graduate admission  and study at Stanford is available.

The Political Science department recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.  

No, all applications will be considered. However, admission to our program is highly competitive. Admitted students typically have very high GRE scores (approximately 166+ verbal, 163+ quantitative, and a score of 5.5 in the Analytical section).  Admitted students typically have a GPA of at least 3.8 in their previous studies.

One year deferrals are granted only for serious and unforeseen circumstances that occur after the time of application. The one exception to that policy is that one year deferrals are allowed for students who will spend the next academic year at Stanford Law School as part of the Stanford joint JD/PhD program. Deferral requests to allow students to attend another university for a different degree program (such as a JD) are highly unlikely to be granted. Deferrals for longer than one academic year are not possible. Students should only apply during this admissions cycle if they intend to be at Stanford for the next academic year.

You must apply online via the  Graduate Admissions  web site. Note that online applications require the use of a credit card.

The deadline to apply for admission for the 2024-25 academic year is 11:59pm (Pacific time) on December 5, 2023. Regrettably, we are unable to accept  late applications.

No. We begin reviewing all applications after the application deadline and make all admissions decisions by the end of February. There is no advantage to applying early.

To check your application status, click the Visit Your Status Page button here . Due to the number of applications that we receive we cannot confirm receipt of any application documents or tell you if your application is complete. 

Letters of recommendation: Your Status Page will update automatically when letters of recommendation are received. Contact your recommendation writers (not the department) if you are missing letters of recommendation. Additional information about letters of recommendation is below in the Letter of Recommendation section of the FAQ's. 

Transcripts:  Official transcripts are not required at the time of application. If you are offered admission to Stanford and accept the offer, you will be required to submit official transcripts that show your degree conferral. Please do not send official transcripts with your application.  

All applications, even those marked as "awaiting materials," will be considered by the committee.  

Offers of admission will be made in late February. Admitted applicants will be invited to attend our Ph.D. Admit Visit to be held in early April.

September 15, 2023

No, students may only enter the program during the fall quarter.

A complete application consists of the following documentation:

  • Stanford online application including  statement of purpose
  • At least three  letters of recommendation
  • Unofficial transcripts from each institution you attended for at least one year (Official transcripts are not required at the time of application. If you are offered admission to Stanford and accept the offer, you will be required to submit official transcripts that show your degree conferral.) 
  • General  GRE and TOEFL scores  reported directly to Stanford (code 4704) - Learn more about these  test requirements .  GRE scores are required for the Fall 2023 admissions cycle.  We will accept results from the ETS home tests.
  • Writing Sample : a recent scholarly or critical paper (20-35 pages, double-spaced). Applicants may submit two or three shorter samples if they do not have a long one. Writing samples must be written in English. 
  • Application fee of $125. Information on Graduate Fee Waivers is available  here . 

Please refer to the  Office of Graduate Admissions Frequently Asked Questions  for additional information on the application process and requirements.

In general, no. In most cases, you will be considered for any available departmental funding awards when you apply for graduate study, and a separate application is not necessary. Note that in order to be considered for Knight-Hennessy Scholars , you must submit a separate application.

The Statement of Purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program at Stanford, your preparation for this field of study, research interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study. The Statement of Purpose should not exceed two single spaced pages (this is approximately 1,000 words). Additional information on crafting your statement of purpose is available here . 

Yes, submitting a CV is required. Applications may upload a CV under "Experience" in the application. 

Fee waivers are available for some applicants. Please visit Graduate Admissions for information on applying for an  Application Fee Waiver . Please do not contact the Department to request a fee waiver as unfortunately, we are unable to grant them. 

Be sure to submit your fee waiver request at least 10 business days (two weeks) before the application deadline to ensure a timely decision.

Join dozens of Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences students who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS).    KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford.    Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment.    If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023. Learn more about KHS admission .

Applying to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars is not required in order to be admitted to the Political Science PhD program or to receive a funding package from the department. 

You may update your application on your status page after submitting your application as follows:

  • Recommenders, Test Scores and Contact Information (email, phone, address) may be updated anytime before or after the application deadline. However, after December 15 there is no guarantee the Admissions Committee will see the updates as they will have already begun reviewing applications.
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Writing Sample
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • The application system will allow you to update items in Additional Information anytime before or after the deadline.  However, after December 15 there is no guarantee the Admissions Committee will review the updates as they will have already begun reviewing applications. In addition, the Committee will still see the original versions of your documents if you submit new versions under Additional Information. 

Does the 20-35 page writing sample page limit include the table of contents, bibliography, and appendices?

No. The table of contents, bibliography, and appendices are not included in the 20-35 page writing sample.

Submit a request to Graduate Admissions (application login required).

Yes, GRE scores are required for all applicants. We are not able to grant waivers or make exceptions to the GRE requirement. We will accept test results from Educational Testing Service (ETS) home tests. If you are unable to take the GRE either at a testing center or via the at-home testing service by the application deadline, unfortunately you will need to wait until the next application cycle to apply. 

No other exams (including the LSAT or GMAT) are accepted in lieu of the GRE. 

Yes, all applicants must submit GRE scores, even if they have completed an advanced degree.

If you instructed ETS to send your test scores Stanford more than two weeks ago and your GRE or TOEFL scores are still shown as "Awaiting" on your Status Page, please  submit a help request  to Graduate Admissions. 

Important: it may take up to two weeks from the date you you asked ETS to send the scores for test scores to be "Received" on your Status Page.  Please do not request that ETS send scores again or contact Graduate Admissions to ask why your scores are listed as "Awaiting" if it has been less than two weeks since you submitted your application to Stanford. For example, if you sent your scores on December 1st, you can expect your test scores to appear as "Received" on your status page by December 15th.

If we haven't received official scores by the time the admissions committee begins review, we will consider your application with unofficial scores. This will not harm your chances of admission. We will, however, need to receive official scores from ETS before making an offer of admission.

Will my application be reviewed if my official GRE/TOEFL scores arrive after the deadline?

Yes. Any scores you self-report on the application are considered unofficial but sufficient for the initial review process. If we haven't received official scores for all sections by the time the admissions committee begins review, we will consider your application with the unofficial scores submitted in your online application. We will need to receive official scores for all sections of the GRE from ETS before making an official offer of admission. 

However, your unofficial GRE/TOEFL scores for all sections of the tests must be included in your application by the application deadline. This means that you must have taken the GRE/TOEFL prior to the application deadline. If you are unable to submit unofficial test scores for all sections of the test by the application deadline, we recommend that you wait to apply until the next application cycle.   

I asked ETS to send my GRE scores in a previous year. Do I need to resubmit my GRE scores?

If you had ETS send scores to Stanford prior to June 1, 2022 you will need to resubmit them.  

We follow ETS policies on score validity (five years for GRE scores, two years for TOEFL scores). Refer to Test Scores for the earliest test date Stanford considers to be valid for the current application cycle.

Yes. List all GRE tests you took within the past five years that you wish to be considered by the admission committee. Do not enter “superscores” (a single entry that includes your highest section scores from multiple test dates). The application system will automatically display to the admission committee the highest score you earned in each section as well as all reported scores.

Please ask your letter writers to upload their letters no later than December 15th. If you do not have three letters of recommendation by then, your file will still be passed to the faculty committee for consideration.  While recommenders may upload outstanding letters after December 15th, there's no guarantee they will be read as the committee will have already begun its work.  

One of my letter writers is having technical issues submitting their letters of recommendation. Who should they contact?

They should use the link in the recommendation request email they received when you registered them as a recommendation writer to request technical support.  Please do not instruct letter writers to contact the department for help with technical issues. Additional information for recommendation writers is available  here .  

Letters of recommendation can technically be submitted via interfolio; however, recommenders are required to respond to specific evaluation questions that are only available when letters are submitted directly using the online application system. Please ask your recommenders to submit their letters directly using the online application system. Please remember that letters written specifically for your Stanford graduate program tend to be stronger than letters written for general use purposes. 

You may manage your recommenders on the same Recommendations page where you registered them. This includes sending reminder emails and changing recommenders. You continue to have access to this page after you submit your application.

To change one of your recommenders: on the Recommendations page of the application, click on the recommender’s name you wish to replace, then click Exclude at the bottom of the resulting popup window. You then will see the option to add a new recommender. The recommender you exclude will not receive an email notification.  

The department expects to see three letters of recommendation per application. Applicants may enter up to four recommenders and all letters of recommendation submitted by the December 15th deadline will be considered in the review process. However, there is no automatic advantage or disadvantage to submitting more than three letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation will be evaluated solely on what they say about an applicant’s academic potential for graduate work, not on how many are submitted. 

Letters of recommendation should come from academic or professional references who know you well and are qualified to evaluate your potential for graduate study. It is strongly recommended that at least one of these letters be from a university professor familiar with your academic work. Please see here for additional information.  

No. Your recommenders may submit their letters before or after you submit your application.

Do I need to submit official transcripts at the time of application?  

No. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application. You must list and provide your unofficial transcript for every post-secondary institution where you were enrolled — or are currently enrolled — in an undergraduate or graduate degree program.

If you are offered admission to Stanford and accept the offer, you will be required to submit official transcripts that show your degree conferral.

No, this is not necessary. Applicants may upload updated transcripts via their Status Page until the application deadline. 

If you were enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at that school, then yes. If you are offered admission to Stanford and accept the offer, you will not be required to submit official transcripts for schools you attended for less than one academic year or on a part-time basis.

In lieu of a transcript, please upload a document that includes the courses that are in progress.  

Yes, as long as you must submit original language records with official English translations. We accept translations issued by the institution or a professional translating service. Translations must be literal and complete versions of the original records.  

You are asked to enter both GPA and GPA scale for each institution you list on the application. Enter your GPA as it appears on your transcript. Do not convert your GPA to a 4.0 scale if it's reported on a different scale.

Information for international applicants  is available from Graduate Admissions.

Stanford’s assessment of a post-secondary degree is based on the characteristics of a national educational system, the type of institution you attended, and the level of studies you completed. Refer to the Eligibility page to view the minimum level of study you should have achieved from a recognized academic institution to enroll in graduate study at Stanford. Contact  Stanford’s Office of Graduate Admissions  (not the Department of Political Science) with any further questions.

Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) to be eligible for admission, unless you are exempt or successfully apply for a waiver (see below). 

Applicants must score at least 100 on the Internet-based TOEFL in order to be eligible for admission, though admitted applicants typically score at least 115. 

We accept the TOEFL iBT Home Edition and TOEFL iBT Paper Edition if you are unable to take the traditional TOEFL iBT test in a test center. If you take the Home Edition or Paper Edition, you may be required to complete additional English placement testing prior to enrollment.

Am I exempt from submitting TOEFL scores? 

You are automatically exempt from submitting a TOEFL score if you meet one the following criteria:

     A. You (will) have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a regionally- accredited college or university in the United States (territories and possessions excluded).

     B. You (will) have an equivalent degree from an English-language university in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.

If you are offered admission, the official transcript must be received showing conferral of the degree from the qualifying institution or TOEFL exam scores will be required to enroll. 

You may request a TOEFL waiver in the online application if you (will) have a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a recognized institution in a country other than Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, and the United Kingdom in which English was the language of instruction.

  • You will be asked to provide the URL for the page on your institution's official website stating the language of instruction.
  • If your institution offers instruction in languages other than English, you must upload an official statement from your institution certifying that your program was taught exclusively in English.

Your waiver request will be routed to Graduate Admissions after you submit your application. Allow up to 15 business days after submitting your application for a response. This will not delay the receipt of your application by your graduate program.

Please note that the department of Political Science does not evaluate TOEFL waiver requests. Direct all questions to Stanford's Office of Graduate Admissions. 

For the current application cycle, TOEFL scores from tests taken on or after September 1, 2021 are valid.  

No. We do not accept TOEFL Essentials scores or any other English proficiency test (e.g., IELTS, PTE) or coursework in lieu of the TOEFL. 

Yes, both international and domestic students receive the same funding package from the department. See  here for further information .

No, the use of these services is encouraged but not required. See here for more information on submitting transcripts.

No, the admissions committee is not available for consultation. We are not able to speculate on an applicant's chances of admission, or review application materials prior to application, or provide guidance on individual applications beyond what is provided on this website. 

Applicants may try to contact faculty before applying to discuss their interest in the PhD program, though it is not required nor expected. It is not necessary or possible to secure an advisor before admission to the program. Applicants are admitted to the program, not to work with particular faculty. Applicants are encouraged to read the  Admissions FAQ  and contact  politicalscience [at] stanford.edu (politicalscience[at]stanford[dot]edu)  with any admissions questions prior to contacting faculty.

Yes. The department invites admitted students to campus for a visit in April. This event is an excellent opportunity to talk to faculty and students about specific concerns or questions a prospective student may have.

The Department does not offer a master’s degree for external applicants. Applicants interested in a master’s degree should look into the  Ford Dorsey Masters in International Policy . Current doctoral students from within the Stanford Political Science department or in another Stanford University department may apply for a Master of Arts in Political Science during the course of their Ph.D. program. Master's candidates must take 45 units of course work, and 25 of those units must be in graduate seminars. There is no examination or thesis requirement.

psychology schools guide

  • Psychology Programs

philosophy phd programs that don't require gre

Accredited Psychology PhD and PsyD Programs That Don’t Require GRE [2024]

Not that long ago, the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) was a basic requirement to get into most master’s degree and doctoral programs. That’s no longer the case.

While many Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs still request your GRE scores, a growing number have omitted that requirement. Rather than relying on your performance on a four-hour-long exam to predict how you might do in graduate school, more and more schools are taking a holistic view of your educational background as a determiner of how equipped you are for graduate studies.

This shift has taken hold in the natural and life sciences, including many psychology programs.

If you want to enroll in a psychology PhD/PsyD program but don’t want to take the GRE, consider enrolling in one of the programs listed below.

Psychology PhD Programs That Don’t Require GRE

Listed below are some of the popular schools that offer psychology PhD programs that don’t require GRE:

Stanford University

The university of arizona, the chicago school of professional psychology.

  • Boston University
  • Grand Canyon University

Capella University

Northcentral university.

  • The University of Arizona Global Campus

Not only does the Ph.D. program at Stanford not require the GRE for admission, but it’s also one of the best psychology programs in the nation. In fact, Stanford ranks first in the country for psychology, according to US News and World Report .

Stanford’s Ph.D. program requires you to complete at least 135 course units, which typically takes about five years of full-time study. During that time, you will focus on gaining knowledge and skills in two areas: psychological theory and psychological research.

The requisite skills in psychological theory and related areas come in courses and seminars that populate the program’s first few years. You will take part in high-level inquiries with your professors and classmates and have opportunities to tailor your learning to your desired sub-discipline.

The development of research-related skills come from hands-on research experiences. These experiences begin your first semester and comprise about half of your time in the program, though much more research occurs in the latter years of your studies.

Application requirements for this program include the following:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited U.S. institution (or an equivalent program abroad)
  • Submit an application
  • Submit transcripts from any college you’ve attended for at least one year
  • Submit a statement of purpose
  • Submit three to six letters of recommendation

Additionally, if you aren’t a native English speaker, you must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

You can study three distinct areas of psychology in the Ph.D. program at the University of Arizona: Cognition and Neural Systems, Social Psychology, or Clinical Psychology. In each case, taking the GRE is not a requirement for admission.

Since this program is in the College of Science, all three specialization areas have a heavy research component. Likewise, your studies in this program will be highly interdisciplinary, with coursework in areas like Speech and Language Science, Neuroscience, and Cognitive Science.

This is a full-time, residential, 63-credit program that takes four to five years to complete. You will take varied courses, including statistics, research fundamentals, and current issues in psychological theory. Additionally, you must take six units of elective coursework in your specialty area.

As noted above, you will undertake psychological research throughout your tenure in the program. There are research opportunities both on and off campus. Regardless of where you conduct research, you will work closely with a faculty member who will help guide and direct your research activities.

Application to this program requires that you:

  • Submit an application to the graduate college and pay a $90 fee
  • Have a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Submit letters of recommendation from past professors (including two who teach psychology)

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers a number of doctoral programs that don’t require a GRE. This includes the Psy.D. in Clinical Forensic Psychology offered at their Anaheim, California campus.

This is a full-time residential program that requires four years to complete. Your time in the program is spent in seminars, conducting research, and getting real-world experience using your forensic psychology skills in supervised situations. You will take courses in topics ranging from Forensic Assessment to Violence and Risk Assessment to Psychopathology.

Likewise, you must complete a practicum and an internship in forensic psychology to graduate. The practicum serves as a highly supervised entry point to working in the field. In contrast, the internship is a culminating field experience where you conduct more independent (yet still supervised) fieldwork.

This program also has a dissertation component. Dissertation research is done throughout the program, but the dissertation defense takes place after the practicum and before the internship.

Admissions requirements include submitting the following:

  • An application to the program, along with a $50 fee
  • A resume or curriculum vitae
  • A personal essay
  • Official college transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation

Boston University (BU)

Boston University’s program is worth a look if you want to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology but don’t want to take the GRE. This program began in the 1940s and has been accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) since 1948. As such, the education you get at BU aligns with current standards of psychological practice.

This five-year clinical program includes traditional coursework and seminars, as well as opportunities to conduct research and get clinical experience. In fact, you will begin psychological research in your first year in the program, and internship experiences follow in the second year. These opportunities extend throughout the program until year five, which includes two semesters of internship placements.

Initially, your formal clinical training is on campus at BU’s Psychological Services Center. Your training includes 10 hours of work per week for a period of 11 months. During the third year of the program, your clinical experiences move to locations off campus and require you to work two full days each week for 11 months. The final internship during the fifth year of the program is a full-time placement.

Additional graduation requirements include dissertation research and defense, compiling a portfolio of competencies, and passing a qualifying exam.

To apply to BU’s Ph.D. program in clinical psychology, you must submit the following:

  • An application by December 31 for the following academic year
  • A personal statement explaining why you are a good fit for this program

The general psychology Ph.D. program at Northcentral University is another excellent example of a Ph.D. program that doesn’t require the GRE, provided your college GPA is at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

This is a non-licensure program, so completing this degree won’t qualify you as a licensed clinical psychologist. However, the program’s emphasis on biological and social bases of behavior, and the robust research requirements, prepare you for many different jobs in psychology research.

You will need about four years to complete the 60 credits for graduation. Northcentral offers flexible courses to assist you in completing your degree with minimal disruptions to your life and work. For example, there are no weekly assignments, no lecture hours, and courses start every week.

Furthermore, Northcentral’s Ph.D. in psychology program offers one-to-one engagement with your professors, all of whom hold a doctorate in this field. You will benefit from their expertise by developing the ability to:

  • Evaluate ethical considerations in psychology
  • Use psychological theories and techniques in professional contexts
  • Evaluate psychological research and analyze data

Northcentral provides the following guidelines for applying to this program:

  • You must have a master’s degree from an accredited institution.
  • If your master’s degree is in psychology, you may begin the Ph.D. program immediately.
  • If your master’s degree is not in psychology, Northcentral will evaluate your transcripts to determine what prerequisite courses you need to take, if any.

Capella University offers a number of psychology doctoral programs, none of which require you to take the GRE. These include:

  • Ph.D. in General Psychology
  • Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology
  • Ph.D. in Educational Psychology
  • Ph.D. in Behavior Analysis
  • Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
  • Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
  • Psy.D. in School Psychology
  • Ed.S. in School Psychology

Needless to say, Capella offers the pathways you need to pursue a specific type of expertise in psychology. Whether you want to practice in a clinical setting, conduct research in a laboratory, apply psychological principles in the workplace, or something in between, these programs will prepare you to do so.

Depending on your chosen specialty, your program might take two to five years to complete. Furthermore, some specialties offer 100 percent online studies, while others have online and in-person requirements. Additionally, some tracks, like behavioral analysis, have more research requirements than other tracks.

You need to meet the following requirements to apply to one of Capella’s doctoral programs in psychology:

  • Submit an application and a $50 fee
  • Possess a master’s degree from a regionally-accredited school in the United States or from a foreign program that is internationally recognized
  • Submit transcripts from your master’s program showing a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale

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  3. Graduate Programs That Don't Require GRE in 2023

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COMMENTS

  1. 50 Best PhD Programs That Don't Require GRE

    50 Best 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.

  2. 2024

    Compare the GRE score requirements, admission details, credit requirements and tuition for the Master's Program, from 159 universities offering No GRE PHD/Doctoral Programs in Philosophy and Religious Studies. Compare No GRE PHD/Doctoral Programs in Philosophy and Religious Studies

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

    A good GRE score may make you more competitive at a test-optional school. Ph.D. programs that don't require GRE scores often prioritize other admission requirements. Typical Ph.D. admission requirements include recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and a resume. You may also need Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.

  4. Admissions

    Note regarding GRE scores: The Philosophy Department does not require applicants to submit GRE scores. Submission of scores is permitted, and, when submitted, GRE scores are taken into account in the admissions process. ... Students seeking admission to the joint JD/PhD program must apply to and be separately admitted to both the Law School and ...

  5. Graduate Admissions

    GRE scores will not be required by Philosophy in the 2023-2024 admission round. The GRE general test has been required in the past for Philosophy applications. If submitting them, GRE scores must be from within the last 5 years. ... one to Knight-Hennessy Scholars by early October and one to the graduate degree program by its deadline. Visit ...

  6. Philosophy Grad Programs and the GRE, 2021-22 Application Cycle

    Philosophy Grad Programs and the GRE, 2021-22 Application Cycle. August 18, 2021 at 8:35 am 17. Several philosophy graduate programs had previously announced that they were either permanently, or temporarily owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, no longer requiring applicants to submit Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) scores.

  7. 54 Grad Schools That Don't Require the GRE

    9 Schools with PHD Programs That Don't Require GRE. Nursing Practice (DNP) - Simmons University. Information Technology (DIT) - Capella University. Business Administration (DBA) - Walden University. PhD in Developmental Psychology - Capella University.

  8. Humanities and Social Sciences

    The PhD programs listed below do not require the GRE. A few MA programs are listed here as well. Please confirm by consulting departmental websites before applying to these programs or making the decision not to take the GRE. Let me know who I missed by commenting on this page - and share field-based spreadsheets, so I can link to them here.

  9. Program Overview

    The Department of Philosophy offers programs covering a wide range of fields in philosophy. The department's graduate program is primarily a PhD program. In addition to the standard PhD in Philosophy, the department offers a PhD in Classical Philosophy in collaboration with the Department of the Classics, a PhD in Indian Philosophy in ...

  10. List of PhD Programs that DO NOT REQUIRE THE GRE

    Philosophy: Cornell University; Emory; UBC ... Ann Arbor's chemistry PhD program doesn't require the GRE either. ... but some comments I've read seem to indicate that people actively look to apply to ones that don't require it. The GRE is a such a tiny bump on the road to an advanced degree that I have no idea why you'd avoid applying ...

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

    University of North Dakota. Grand Forks , ND. #1 Best Schools for Becoming an Air Traffic Controller in 2024 #5 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools North Dakota 2024. Other Rankings.

  12. PhD Programs at US Universities That Do Not Require the GRE

    Ph.D. programs in the USA that don't mandate the GRE typically share comparable prerequisites with those that do require the exam. The main distinction lies in the fact that these programs might emphasize other facets of an applicant's profile more, such as their academic history, research involvement, and letters of endorsement.

  13. Save $$$$ with PhD Programs That Don't Require GRE 2024+

    Check out sponsored programs below that don't require GRE. PhD Programs That May Waive the GRE. Partner school Temple University may waive the GRE for eligible doctoral students. To earn their degree, those who enter with a Master's degree typically need to complete 15 credits of PhD-level core coursework and 15 credits of PhD exams and ...

  14. 10 Best Ph.D. Programs That Do Not Require GRE for International

    Some of the areas where the university offers its most popular doctoral programs are Business & Management, Criminal Justice and Information Technology. Although Walden University does not require the GRE score for its PhD programs, all candidates are required to present a detailed academic resume. 2. A.T. Still University of Health Sciences

  15. The 10 Best No-GRE Online PhD Programs

    The PhD in Business Philosophy gives students the ability to teach or research in academia in the field of business. ... Programs that don't require GRE scores, therefore, will not necessarily be inferior. As is clear from the requirements listed in these programs, schools that don't require GRE scores will often have higher standards in ...

  16. PhD in USA without GRE: Requirements, universities, and tips

    THE ranking 2024. Programs offered without GRE. University of California, Berkeley. College of Environmental Design. 09. PhD in Environmental Design (focuses on architecture, landscape architecture, urban design, and city planning) University of Texas at Austin. Department of Radio-Television-Film.

  17. List of PhD programs that don't require the GRE : r/gradadmissions

    There's a pretty large movement among a lot of reputable programs in some fields to drop the GRE. At least in the biological sciences, a lot of the schools dropping it are highly ranked programs like some of the Ivies, Duke, Emory, the UCs, etc. The only real reason for concern is that is causes every other factor of your application to be ...

  18. FAQ for Prospective Ph.D. Students

    The Ph.D. program is designed to be completed in five years of full-time study. Actual time depends on students' progress, research and travel requirements, and fields of study. The minimum residence requirement for the Ph.D. degree is 135 units of completed coursework, which takes approximately four years.

  19. Philosophy PhD Program GRE Requirements for 2023

    Philosophy PhD Program GRE Requirements for 2023. April 18, 2022 at 2:04 pm 6. Will your philosophy PhD program be requiring applicants to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) for 2023 admissions? It may seem early to ask, but the answers, which have been in flux over the past few years, may affect whether prospective students spend time this ...

  20. Psychology Graduate Programs That Don't Require GRE

    1. Find Strong Recommenders. In fact, most psychology graduate programs require letters of recommendation. For example, Saybrook University - which offers tracks like clinical psychology PhD programs, no GRE - requires one letter of recommendation. However, many programs ask for two or more.

  21. Psychology PhD Programs That Don't Require GRE [2024 Guide]

    Stanford University. Not only does the Ph.D. program at Stanford not require the GRE for admission, but it's also one of the best psychology programs in the nation. In fact, Stanford ranks first in the country for psychology, according to US News and World Report. Stanford's Ph.D. program requires you to complete at least 135 course units ...

  22. Doctoral Programs in Chemistry offered by Top Universities that don't

    A PhD in Chemistry is a doctoral-level degree program that emphasizes advanced study and research within the chemistry discipline. It is tailored for those aspiring to become experts and aims to foster the advancement of the field through innovative research. The program typically commences with comprehensive coursework covering diverse areas of chemistry, including organic, inorganic ...