good online phd programs

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Erin Treder

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Rachel Miller

Updated January 2, 2024

Danika Miller

Contributing Editor

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Lonnie Woods III

Contributing Reviewer

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A Ph.D., or doctor of philosophy, is the highest level of academic degree that you can attain. Consisting primarily of research, a Ph.D. prepares you for a career in academia or research in the field you study.

Students who choose to pursue a Ph.D. online will find it can be completed in less time. Online students also get the added benefit of being able to complete their work from the comfort of home. The overall cost may also be less compared to an in-person program.

We've compiled a list of the best accredited online Ph.D. programs to help you start your search.

Are Online Ph.D. Programs Worth It?

An online Ph.D. program is an ideal choice if you want to balance your career and family responsibilities along with your education.

While there are some preconceived notions that online programs aren't legitimate, as long as the program you choose is accredited, the degree is the same as one earned in person.

While the annual tuition cost to earn a Ph.D. online averages $12,394 for a public institution and $26,621 for a private university, doctoral graduates enjoy a lower unemployment rate and higher weekly salary than those with less education, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Did You Know...

• According to the BLS , workers with a doctoral degree earned a median of $651 more per week than workers with a bachelor's degree in 2022.
• Doctorate-holders boast some of the lowest unemployment rates at 1%.
• In 2019, research found that 39.8% of graduate students were enrolled in online learning.
• The number of doctorates awarded between 2020 and 2021 dropped by 5.4%.
• Not all Ph.D.-holders end up working in academia.

Explore Our Featured Online Doctoral Programs

Top schools for online accredited ph.d. programs.

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

Capitol Technology University

• Online + Campus

Cost per Credit: In-State | $950 Out-of-State | $950

Credits to Graduate: 60

Founded in 1927, Capitol Technology University features 40 doctoral programs, which you can complete online. Majors include aeronautical science, artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity, military leadership, occupation risk management, and supply chain management. 

Programs require about 60 credits, but you can choose from a doctoral degree without any research requirements. Coursework focuses on doctoral research, proposal writing, and oral defense. Capitol also offers a dual master's and Ph.D. in technology combination program. 

Admission requirements vary, but generally you need a master's degree in a related major and five years of work experience.

Clemson University

• Clemson, SC

Cost per Credit: In-State | $515-$1,319 Out-of-State | $515-$1,319

Clemson's graduate catalog features 52 doctoral programs with the flexibility to study on campus, online, or in a hybrid format. Fields like digital history, entomology, genetics, or business administration offer on-campus programs for traditional doctoral students. You have the opportunity to study virtually in nine doctoral programs, including nursing, educational leadership, and parks, recreation and tourism management.

To obtain a doctoral degree, candidates must complete approximately 60 credits over a span of 3-5 years and successfully defend their dissertation.

Keiser University

• Fort Lauderdale, FL

Total Cost: In-State | $31,712 Out-of-State | $31,712

Keiser University, which was established in 1977, offers 19 flexible doctoral degrees. You can attend classes on the 100-acre main campus or study at one of 23 satellite campuses. Programs offer evening, online, and daytime courses. Keiser's “student first” policy lets you take 1-2 classes at a time, depending on your availability. It takes about 2-5 years to earn your doctoral degree.

To apply for a doctoral program, you need to submit your master's or doctoral transcripts, a resume, personal statement, and an application with a fee.

Mississippi State University

• Mississippi State, MS

Cost per Credit: In-State | $537 Out-of-State | $1,074-$1,468

Credits to Graduate: 60-65

The public research university MSU, which began admitting students in 1880 as an Agricultural and Mechanical College, now boasts 71 doctoral degrees, including 15 virtual programs. Ph.D. programs include engineering, computer science, agricultural sciences, mathematical sciences, and educational leadership. In addition to coursework, you'll need to complete a dissertation and defense on an independent research topic.

As a doctoral candidate, you can access ample research opportunities. The Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station runs 16 stations throughout the state. Applicants need a recommended 3.4 GPA for their master's-level coursework.

Nova Southeastern University

Cost per Credit: In-State | $969-$1,386 Out-of-State | $969-$1,386

Credits to Graduate: 51-64

Nova Southeastern University, the largest private research university in Florida, boasts 14 colleges and 11 campuses. NSU offers 37 doctoral programs, with 19 of them available online. Earn a doctoral degree online in subjects such as criminal justice, computer science, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology. 

Departments such as the NSU Fischler College of Education and the School of Criminal Justice offer dissertation resources, including templates and mentor support. Each program sets distinct admission requirements, but you generally need a master's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Old Dominion University

• Norfolk, VA

Cost per Credit: In-State | $599 Out-of-State | $1,439

Credits to Graduate: 31-60 

Old Dominion University offers 10 online doctoral programs through its seven colleges and three schools. The program covers a range of subjects such as nursing, community college leadership, educational leadership, engineering management, English, instruction design and technology, and workforce and organizational development. 

Admission requirements vary across programs. For instance, the Ph.D. in business administration requires GMAT or GRE scores, while the Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction asks applicants to submit master's transcripts, an essay, and three references.

Saybrook University

• Pasadena, CA

Cost per Credit: In-State | $1,416-$1,590 Out-of-State | $1,416-$1,590

Credits to Graduate: 54-76

Offering hybrid online degrees since 1970, Saybrook University now delivers 11 online doctoral degrees. You can earn a doctoral degree completely online or in a hybrid format with a low-residency option.

Doctoral students can pursue studies in counseling, integrative social work, organizational systems, mind-body medicine, integrative and functional nutrition, psychology, and wellness. To get admitted, you need at least a master's degree. And you complete up to 76 credits over about 4-5 years.

Texas Tech University

• Lubbock, TX

Cost per Semester: In-State | $2,107-$6,877 Out-of-State | $2,107-$6,877

Credits to Graduate: 60-96

Created in 1923, Texas Tech's 13 colleges and schools offer 98 doctoral degrees. Texas Tech offers doctoral degrees in agricultural and applied economics, animal science, computer science, curriculum and instruction, and special education. 

Many of the doctoral programs, such as the Ph.D. in psychology and Ph.D. in wind science and engineering, offer STEM OPT Extension eligibility to extend your F-1 visa for up to two years. Programs require about 60 credits on average and a dissertation. Depending on the program, you may need to submit GRE scores to apply.

How We Rank Schools

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

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

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

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

Does Accreditation Matter for Online Ph.D. Programs?

A college is accredited after being recognized by an independent institution that verifies the school's courses and programs meet set quality standards.

The school you choose must be accredited in order for your Ph.D. to be recognized by employers , earn professional licensures, and qualify you for federal financial aid.

Legitimate accreditors are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

How Much Does an Online Ph.D. Cost?

In general, you can expect to pay around $13,000-$30,000 per year in tuition and fees for your online Ph.D.

Several factors affect how much your Ph.D. program will cost, including:

• Whether the program is fully funded
• Whether your school is public or private
• Whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• How long your program lasts (most Ph.D. programs take 5-7 years to complete)
• How much financial aid you get

While many in-person and online doctoral programs in the U.S. are fully funded, these tend to be highly competitive.

One way to save money on your online Ph.D. is to attend a program that offers in-state tuition to residents. Make sure you submit the FAFSA each year so you can secure federal financial aid .

You may also need to budget for occasional travel to and from campus and research sites, especially as you work on your dissertation.

What's the Difference Between a Ph.D. and a Doctorate?

While a Ph.D. and a doctoral degree, or doctorate, both signify the same level of education completed, their uses are different.

Doctorate is the broader term — a Ph.D. is a type of doctorate. Specifically, a Ph.D. is an academic degree that prepares you for a career in research or teaching in your field of study (such as science, English, or economics).

Besides a Ph.D., other types of doctorates include a doctor of medicine (MD), a doctor of education (Ed.D.), and a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.). These degrees are typically used in either an academic or professional setting.

Online Ph.D. Programs That Don't Require a Dissertation

A dissertation is a final written project culminating in a student's original research at the end of their Ph.D. program. A dissertation is typically presented and defended by its author. It's typically required for degrees with an academic or research focus.

Not all Ph.D. programs require a dissertation. For example, some Ph.D. programs in humanities, education, business administration, and criminal justice require simple or no dissertations for a quicker completion time .

What Jobs Can You Get After Earning an Online Ph.D.?

Once you finish your online doctoral program, you can explore a variety of career paths both within and outside academia.

Many Ph.D. graduates, especially those who studied the humanities, go on to become professors. Other popular roles include administrator, scientist, and psychologist.

Graduates of online Ph.D. programs earn a relatively high average base salary of $105,000 a year, according to Payscale .

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Ph.D. Programs

• Collapse All

What is the quickest Ph.D. to get?

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

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

Are online doctoral programs legit?

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

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

How long are online Ph.D. programs?

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

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

Can I earn my Ph.D. entirely online?

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

What do employers think of online doctoral programs?

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

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

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online. Page last reviewed November 20, 2023.

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Best online Ph.D. programs: Doctoral degrees ranked

An online doctorate program has a lot in common with a traditional, in-person program. By studying online, you'll complete the same courses and classes on a schedule that accommodates yours. An online doctoral program includes research and dissertation requirements, all of which you complete under the guidance of a mentor. 

If you're looking for an undergraduate education first, we've compiled the  best online colleges to help with prerequisites.  

If you're already ready to further your education, We've ranked the schools offering the best online doctorates below. 

Top 5 online Ph.D. programs: Quick facts

What should i expect in an online ph.d. program.

An online Ph.D. is comparable to what on-campus learners experience. The program typically begins with coursework designed to build your fundamental understanding of the discipline alongside research essentials. 

Once you complete the required classes, you will sit for comprehensive exams and submit a dissertation or project proposal. This is something you develop with a mentor. 

As an online student, you'll connect one-on-one with faculty via online office hours, email, and video conferencing. A bad internet connection or technical difficulties can hinder you.  You may also need to or want to travel to meet with them personally.

Some online Ph.D. programs may provide you with a computer , while others have research resources to help you. 

Much of the research you undertake is done independently and requires self-motivation and dedication. Asking questions, reaching out for help, and remaining in close contact with your mentor is key throughout the process. 

The best online Ph.D. programs: Our picks

We picked the best online Ph.D. programs using ZDNet's ranking methodology. Our proprietary formula for assessing online doctoral degrees uses federally reported data, programmatic and professional outcomes, and industry insights. We consider the whole picture to offer an unbiased look at the top online Ph.D. programs. 

Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System , College Scorecard , and each school's website. Note that for public colleges, the average annual net price given is for in-state students.

1. A.T. Still University Kirsville, Missouri

About the program: ATSU offers online doctoral programs in health professions, health administration, health sciences, medical science, and nursing practice. 

• Acceptance rate: Not publicly available
• Graduation rate: Not publicly available
• Avg. annual tuition: $40,978
• Time to completion: Varies
• Average MCAT score : 505
• Enrollment periods per year: Four
• Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous programs 

Accreditation: A.T. Still University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 

2. Amridge University Montgomery, Alabama 

About the program: Dedicated to academic programs infused with the ideals and heritage of the Churches of Christ, Amridge offers six online Ph.D. programs alongside three doctor of ministry programs and one doctor of education degree.

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Graduation rate: 32%
• Avg. annual net price: $17,618
• Time to completion: Three to seven years
• Minimum GRE / GMAT / LSAT score: N/A
• Enrollment periods per year: Three
• Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous 

Accreditation: Amridge University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 

3. Andrews University Berrien Springs, Michigan

About the program: Steeped in the beliefs and traditions of the Seventh-day Adventist church, Andrews offers online doctoral programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and education.

• Acceptance rate: 49%
• Graduation rate: 55%
• Avg. annual net price: $23,408
• Minimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: N/A
• Enrollment periods per year: Varies

Accreditation: Andrews University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

4. Ball State University Muncie, Indiana

• About the program: All of Ball State's online doctoral programs focus on education. Areas of study include adult and community education, educational administration and supervision, elementary education, and special education.
• Acceptance rate: 87%
• Graduation rate: 61%
• Avg. annual net price: $14,765
• Course delivery method: Asynchronous

Accreditation: Ball State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

5. Barry University Miami, Florida

About the program: Grounded in the Roman Catholic Dominican tradition, Barry offers online doctoral programs in nursing, occupational therapy, and education. 

• Acceptance rate: 65%
• Graduation rate: 48%
• Avg. annual net price: $20,539
• Minimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: GRE required, no minimum
• Enrollment periods per year:  Three

Accreditation: Barry University is accredited by the Southern Commission of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

6. Baylor University Waco, Texas

About the program: A Baptist institution, Baylor offers online doctoral programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, and education.

• Acceptance rate: 68%
• Graduation rate: 76%
• Avg. annual net price: $37,309
• Enrollment periods per year:  Varies

Accreditation: Baylor University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

7. Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota

About the program: Bethel, the largest member of a 13-institution Baptist college consortium, offers online doctorates in K-12 education administration and higher education leadership.

• Graduation rate: 71%
• Avg. annual net price: $28,178
• Time to completion: Three to five years

Accreditation: Bethel University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

8. Boston University Boston, Massachusetts

About the program: BU offers online doctoral programs in mechanical engineering and occupational therapy.

• Acceptance rate: 20%
• Graduation rate: 87%
• Avg. annual net price: $30,395
• Minimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: Varies

Accreditation: Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

9. University of Massachusetts Global Irvine, California

About the program: Dedicated to serving non-traditional students and adult learners, UMass Global offers two online doctoral degrees: A education doctorate organizational leadership , and a post-masters to doctor of nursing practice program.

• Acceptance rate: 93%
• Graduation rate: 64%
• Avg. annual net price: $26,346
• Minimum GRE/GMAT/LSAT score: Not publicly available
• Course delivery method: Asynchronous, synchronous, hybrid 

Accreditation: The University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

10. Brenau University Gainesville, Georgia

About the program: Brenau offers six online doctoral programs in education. Concentration areas include elementary education, higher education leadership, higher education teaching and learning middle grades, and special education. A degree completion program is also available.

• Acceptance rate: 92%
• Graduation rate: 44%
• Avg. annual net price: $22,402
• Time to completion: Two to five years
• Enrollment periods per year:  One

Accreditation:  Brenau University is accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 

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Top 20 Best Online PhD Programs in 2024

A doctorate carries great prestige, helps you secure a high-paying job, and opens career advancement opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 1.5% of PhD holders are unemployed , the lowest proportion of any group of qualified professionals.

However, a PhD is a huge commitment – these programs usually last 3-4 years and can even stretch up to seven years. Delaying your career and juggling family commitments for this amount of time is a big ask. Online doctoral programs, especially the best online PhD programs ,  give you a high degree of flexibility, helping you to overcome these obstacles.

Here are the top 20 best online PhD programs. We’ve ranked the universities based on their reputation, faculty, and the quality of their teaching, as well as the flexibility of their online programs.                                   

Table of Contents

Top 20 Best Online PhD Programs

1. University of Florida

• Graduation rate: 89%
• Acceptance rate: 31%
• Enrollment rate: 47%
• Retention rate:  97%
• Tuition:  $6380 (in-state students), $28,658 (out-of-state students)
• Application requirements: GRE score, minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or graduate GPA of 3.5, letters of recommendation, application portfolio,

Founded in 1853 and located in Gainesville, the University of Florida is one of the best public research schools in the USA. It offers online degrees for PhD study in diverse fields, such as classical civilization, education, audiology, educational technology, and educational leadership.

The institution is known for its celebrated Doctorate of  Education  degree and Doctorate of  Nursing Practice  certification, which allow professionals to upgrade their skills and knowledge in their fields. The university carries accreditations from prestigious bodies like the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

2. George Washington University

• Graduation rate: 85%
• Acceptance rate:  43%
• Retention rate: 93%
• Enrollment rate: 26%
• Tuition:  $31,770
• Application requirements: Academic records, personal statement, letters of recommendation, GRE scores

George Washington University was established in 1821. Located in Washington, D.C., it is one of the most renowned universities in the region and offers a range of PhD programs online without any in-class attendance requirements, mainly in the engineering  and nursing disciplines. One of the university’s most prominent doctoral degrees is in Systems Engineering , which covers a comprehensive approach to designing and managing large engineering systems.  

3. Texas Tech University

• Graduation rate: 63%
• Acceptance rate: 70%
• Retention rate: 85%
• Enrollment rate: 36%
• Tuition: $6,788 (in-state students), $14,968 (out-of-state students)
• Application requirements:  Academic transcripts, program materials

Founded in 1923, Texas Tech University offers online doctoral programs in a range of fields, such as education, engineering, agriculture, and communication. Some prominent remote PhD online programs are its Doctorate of Education ( Agricultural Education ), Doctorate of Education ( Higher Education ), PhD in Technical Communication and Rhetoric , and PhD in Systems and Engineering Management .

The school’s agricultural education degree notably follows a cohort model involving mainly virtual interaction but also on-campus sessions. The university delivers other courses fully online.

4. Georgia Southern University

• Graduation rate:  54%
• Acceptance rate: 91%
• Retention rate:  78%
• Enrollment rate:  34%
• Tuition: $4,986 (in-state students), $19,890 (out-of-state students)
• Application requirements:  Minimum GPA of 3.0, entry exam

This public university, located in Statesboro, Georgia, was founded in 1906 and is considered one of the best business management schools in the country. Its primary online doctoral program is the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) PhD degree. While a major part of this course can be done online, campus sessions every fall are a compulsory part of the program.

5. University of the Cumberlands

• Graduation rate: 40%
• Acceptance rate: 81%
• Retention rate: 62%
• Enrollment rate:  33%
• Tuition: $9,875
• Application requirements:  Academic transcript, master’s GPA of 3.5, TOEFL or IELTS scores for international students

Founded in 1889, The University of the Cumberlands is located in Kentucky. Though the university is best known for its Information Technology courses, its online PhD program is in the field of education. Their Doctor of Education is aimed to help students enhance their leadership and management skills in the education sector. Students can complete this affordable  program entirely online without any attendance on campus.

6. Iowa State University

• Graduation rate: 75%
• Acceptance rate: 88%
• Retention rate:  87%
• Tuition:  $9,758 (in-state students), $24,720 (out-of-state students)
• Application requirements: Program of study, oral examination

This public research university was founded in 1856 and is located in Ames, Iowa. With 33,000 students, it’s one of the region’s largest universities. Iowa State offers two PhD online programs: a PhD in Hospitality Management , and a PhD in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design.

None of Iowa State Univesity’s online doctoral programs are entirely online. Each course requires students to attend up to three weeks of classes on-campus for two consecutive summers.

7. University of Alabama

• Graduation rate: 72%
• Acceptance rate: 80%
• Retention rate:  88%
• Tuition: $11,940 (in-state students), $32,300 (out-of-state students)
• Application requirements: Academic transcripts, GRE scores

The University of Alabama was established in 1820 and is one of the most prestigious institutions in the state. It offers online doctoral programs in the fields of aerospace engineering, nursing, and education. Its online PhD programs involve some on-campus sessions to complete the course of study.

The University of Alabama’s PhD program in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics  is designed for engineering professionals with at least five years of experience. It allows professionals to enhance their knowledge and become leaders in the field of aerospace engineering.

8. University of North Dakota

• Graduation rate:  61%
• Acceptance rate: 87%
• Retention rate: 80%
• Enrollment rate: 33%
• Tuition:  $10,951 (in-state students), $15,570 (out-of-state students)
• Application requirements: Minimum GPA of 2.75, TOEFL/IELTS scores for international students

The University of North Dakota was founded in 1883 and is known as one of the most affordable institutions for online PhD programs. It offers top online PhD programs in various engineering disciplines, including Energy Engineering, Environment Engineering, Aerospace Sciences, and Electrical Engineering , as well as nursing .

Its courses have the flexibility to be completed entirely online, or as a hybrid course with some in-person sessions. The university also allows you to transfer up to 30 credits from your master’s degree for certain courses.

9. Regent University

• Graduation rate: 61%
• Acceptance rate:  50%
• Retention rate: 76%
• Tuition: $19,680
• Application requirements: Academic transcripts

Regent University was named the best faith-based institution by Intelligent.com . It is a Christian University located in Virginia, and its programs have a strong religious foundation. Though it offers courses across 150 diverse disciplines, its online PhD programs are mainly in the fields of education and counseling. Its Doctor of Ministry online program helps chaplains develop leadership skills, while its Doctor of Education in Christian Education  helps students develop knowledge and skills to manage Christian educational institutions.

10. Appalachian State University

• Graduation rate: 73%
• Enrollment rate:  14%
• Tuition : $4,839 (in-state students), $18,271 (out-of-state students)
• Application requirements: Academic transcripts, application form

Appalachian State University, located in Boone, North Carolina, is one of the best-known institutions in the country for online doctoral programs.

Its flagship online doctoral degree is the Doctor of Educational Leadership , a specialized course that aims to give students a practical sense of leadership, administration, and research in education. The course is primarily online but also requires some campus visits to Boone.

11. Johns Hopkins University

• Graduation rate:  94%
• Acceptance rate:  11%
• Enrollment rate:  72%
• Tuition: $57,010
• Application requirements: Master’s degree certificate, minimum GPA of 3.0

Johns Hopkins University is a celebrated institution and leader in online education. It offers an online doctoral program in education , which allows students to to specialize in areas like technology in education, counseling, and studies of the brain.

12. Duquesne University

• Graduation rate:  79%
• Acceptance rate:  77%
• Retention rate: 84%
• Enrollment rate: 24%
• Tuition: $24,048
• Application requirements:  Academic transcripts, personal statement, writing sample

Duquesne University in Pittsburgh is a Catholic institution that offers online degrees for PhD students in education and nursing. These include a Doctorate in Counselor Education & Supervision  and  School Psychology , Ed.D. in Educational Technology and Educational Leadership , and Psy. D. in School Psychology.

In the nursing field, the institution offers a DNP-to-PhD program that allows professionals to continue research on their DNP project while earning a PhD.

13. The University of Louisiana at Monroe

• Graduation rate: 57%
• Acceptance rate: 78%
• Retention rate:  71%
• Tuition:  $9,551 (in-state students), $21,651 (out-of-state students)
• Application requirements: Master’s degree, minimum GPA of 2.75, GRE score of at least 292

The University of Louisiana in Monroe offers a range of online programs, including two doctorates: a PhD in Marriage & Family Therapy  and an Ed. D. in Curriculum and Instruction . The institution was named the best for PhDs in therapy by Intelligent.com .

14. University of Missouri

• Acceptance rate:  82%
• Enrollment rate: 17%
• Tuition:  $9,478 (in-state students), $25,946 (out-of-state students)
• Application requirements: Academic transcripts, research proposal

The University of Missouri offers online doctorate programs in various education specialties. Their most prominent online programs are a PhD in  Art Education , PhD in Architectural Studies , and Ed. D. in Education Leadership.  These programs are highly beneficial for museum directors, art-house managers, professors, and university leaders. The institution also has an online doctorate program in Nursing Practice.

15. Liberty University

• Graduation rate: 54%
• Retention rate: 82%
• Tuition: $24,870
• Application requirements: Master’s GPA of at least 3.0, TOEFL assessment for international applicants

Liberty University is one of the largest Christian universities in the world. Besides religious studies, it also offers online doctoral programs in a range of fields like education and business. Their DBA programs  offer many specializations, including international business and the Six Sigma  concepts, while their Ed. D. online programs are mainly based on traumatology , special education , and curriculum & instruction.

16. Indiana State University

• Graduation rate: 41%
• Acceptance rate:  92%
• Retention rate:  62%
• Enrollment rate:  22%
• Tuition:  $9,732 (in-state students), $21,160 (out-of-state students)
• Application requirements: Academic transcripts, GRE/GMAT scores

Indiana State University is one of the USA’s premier state schools and offers online doctorates in various fields such as nursing, athletics, and education. These include a Doctorate of Athletic Training , Doctorate of Nursing Practice , and an online PhD program in Education Administration  with three different specializations.

17. Mississippi State University

• Graduation rate:  64%
• Acceptance rate:  80%
• Enrollment rate: 25%
• Tuition:  $9,398 (in-state students), $25,444 (out-of-state students)
• Application requirements: Academic achievements, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation

Mississippi State University is one of the few universities that provide a range of online doctoral programs in engineering. Their PhD programs are mainly in the fields of Industrial Systems & Engineering , Electrical & Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering,   Civil Engineering , and  Computational Engineering . It also offers an online doctoral program in Community College Leadership.

18. University of Colorado, Denver

• Graduation rate: 44%
• Acceptance rate:  66%
• Retention rate: 72%
• Tuition: $42,745
• Application requirements: Baccalaureate or master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0

The University of Colorado in Denver offers online doctoral programs in nursing , pharmacy , and education . Its courses are designed to help professionals develop strong leadership skills, especially in nursing.

19. New Mexico State University

• Graduation rate: 51%
• Acceptance rate: 63%
• Retention rate:  74%
• Tuition: $8,408 (in-state students), $26,735 (out-of-state students)
• Application requirements:  Undergraduate or master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, GRE scores

One of the best universities in New Mexico, this institution offers online PhD programs in education and nursing. Students can complete PhDs in  Nursing , Educational Leadership , and Curriculum & Instruction  entirely online.

20. University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

• Graduation rate : 91%
• Acceptance rate: 25%
• Retention rate: 97%
• Enrollment rate: 19%
• Tuition: Tuition: $9,028 (in-state students), $36,891 (out-of-state students)
• Application requirements:  Academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, statement of purpose

The University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill offers a unique online doctorate program in Physical Therapy. This program allows therapists to continue their work while simultaneously upgrading their knowledge and gaining an advanced degree.

The Most Popular Types of Doctoral Degrees

Some of the most popular doctoral degrees in 2022 include:

• PhD in Accounting
• PhD in Business Administration
• PhD in Clinical Psychology
• PhD in Computer Science
• PhD in Economics
• Doctor of Education (EdD)
• PhD in Finance
• PhD in Mathematics
• PhD in Nursing Practice
• PhD in Political Science
• PhD in Public Administration

Applying to a Doctoral Degree Program

Every program has processes and requirements, so check with the admissions office before preparing your application. They’ll also tell you how to submit your application and any special things to consider.

Typically, you’ll need to submit:

• Application form
• Academic transcripts from previous studies
• Your academic resume
• Personal statement and/or research proposal
• Letters of reference

Some universities might even require an in-person interview . Always do your research and get organized early to give you plenty of time to create a strong application.

What to Consider When Choosing an Online PhD Program

Here are the key points to consider when choosing the best doctorate programs online.

Online doctoral programs typically cost less overall than their on-campus alternatives. Even if the tuition is the same, you won’t need to cover other expenses like transportation and accommodations.

Consider everything you’ll need to spend to complete the course, including extra fees. Compare the extra cost of more expensive courses from prestigious institutions with future earning potential and also keep financial aid options in mind, including fully funded doctorate programs .

Related Reading: Cheapest Online PhD Programs

Most online PhD courses take 4-7 years to complete, though you may be able to extend this to up to 10 years part-time. You may also be allowed to transfer credits from your master’s course, helping you to complete the program faster.

Related Reading: Top 10 Best 1-Year PhD Programs Online

Flexibility

Even when you choose from the best online doctorate programs, make sure the structure suits your lifestyle and commitments. For example, if you want to learn at your own pace, opt for a program with asynchronous classes.

Not all online doctoral programs are conducted entirely online. Some courses require some amount of in-person attendance. Keep this in mind — and if you’ll need to be on campus, look for somewhere close to where you live.

Wrapping Up

When considering different online PhD programs, think about the best fit for you academically, professionally, and personally.

Some factors to keep in mind are the level of flexibility, location, duration, and cost, as well as the graduation and acceptance  rate.

Applying for grad school ? Check out our complete guide about grad school requirements !

Online PhD Programs FAQs

Are online phd programs respected.

The best online PhDs are valuable, well-regarded qualifications, just like their on-campus counterparts. As long as you study at an accredited university, future employers will respect your online PhD.

How Long are Online PhD Programs?

Most online PhD programs take between 3-7 years to complete. However, you can complete some accelerated online doctoral programs in as little as a year.

How Much Does an Online PhD Program Cost?         

Although tuition varies widely depending on the institution, the best online PhD programs can cost around $20,000, including tuition and fees.

How Demanding is a PhD?

A PhD is an advanced degree that is often seen as the highest qualification in any discipline. They are relatively-demanding courses that require you to demonstrate an expert level of knowledge on a certain subject, as well as other advanced skills such as critical analysis, innovative thinking, and excellent communication skills. In the same way, doctoral programs online require the same level of dedication, and you could say they need even more discipline as you’ll be studying remotely.

Lisa Marlin

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

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30 Best Online Doctoral Programs [2024 Guide]

Online doctoral programs can provide a smart, flexible path toward a top degree in your field.

For working professionals, earning online degrees can provide an invaluable way to gain expert-level knowledge and advance your career opportunities.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Through online doctoral study, you can become a leader in your field.

Universities Offering Online Doctoral Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. Capitol Technology University

Capitol Technology University  is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middles States Association of Colleges and Schools.

2. City University of Seattle

The City University of Seattle is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

3. Clemson University

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

4. Franklin University

Franklin University  is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

5. George Washington University

GW  is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

6. Gwynedd Mercy University

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

7. Indiana University

Indiana University  is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

8. Iowa State University

Iowa State University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

9. Johns Hopkins University

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

10. Keiser University

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

11. Mississippi State University

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

12. Northeastern University

Northeastern University  is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.

13. Nova Southeastern University

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

14. Pennsylvania State University – World Campus

Penn State World Campus  is regionally accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

15. Regent University

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

16. Saybrook University

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

17. Texas Tech University

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

18. Touro University Worldwide

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

19. Union University

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

20. University of Alabama

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

21. University of Florida

The  University of Florida  is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

22. University of Kansas

The  University of Kansas  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

23. University of Missouri

The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

24. University of Nebraska – Lincoln

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

25. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

26. University of Southern California

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

27. University of Southern Mississippi

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

28. University of the Cumberlands

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

29. Walden University

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission

30. Wilmington University

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

Online Doctorate Programs

Select this list of online degrees that most interest you to jump to that section of the guide:

Business Administration

Counseling & therapy, criminal justice, healthcare administration, human services, information systems, public administration, public health, public policy.

These advanced degree fields offer plenty of opportunity for growth, a lot of different job prospects, and plenty of job security.

You may feel like you already know all of the ins and outs of financial reporting, but during a doctoral program, you can discover just how much more there is to learn about numbers and financial records. Whether your area of focus is corporate accounting, taxation or auditing, you can reap benefits from a doctoral accounting program.

Your coursework may address topics such as advanced finance theories, tax code interpretation and investigation into financial records. The curriculum can also enhance your ability to conduct research on business topics.

You may have opportunities to explore ways that contemporary developments, such as increased globalization, have influenced accounting practice.

Earning a doctoral degree may increase your chances of becoming a corporate executive, such as a chief financial officer or a finance vice president. You could also teach in a business school or hold a high position in a government revenue department.

Business leaders have the potential to shape the future of retail, manufacturing, insurance and other industries throughout the country and worldwide. A business doctorate can help you gain the knowledge and the clout to be a leader who steers companies toward innovation, growth and long-term success.

In a doctoral program, you can dive deep into studying what makes marketing work, what employees are looking for in their leaders, how to formulate a strategic growth plan and how to operate in a global era.

Part of your success will be rooted in learning from those who have gone before you — analyzing case studies and studying others’ business research. Concentration for this degree are common; options may include marketing, leadership, supply chain management or organizational strategy.

Earning a doctorate in business may prepare you for the top executive positions in large corporations. You may also be well-qualified to provide business consulting services to various companies.

You don’t typically need a doctoral degree to work as a marriage and family therapist or a licensed professional counselor; even still, earning a doctorate can give you new insights and skills for counseling practice.

In counseling, clients may sometimes come to you with issues that you haven’t dealt with before. Although you may never be entirely prepared for every situation, doctoral studies can increase your ability to deal with difficult problems.

Your program may also give you opportunities for in-depth studies about working with certain demographics, such as children or the elderly.

Earning your doctorate and conducting research on one specific area of counseling may help you focus on a particular client niche and allow you to advertise yourself as an expert in that domain. Having a doctoral degree may also give you opportunities to train and supervise counseling students in the classroom or on internships.

People hold many different views on the best ways to reduce crime and rehabilitate offenders, but research can provide key insights into what actually works.

Whether your goal is to lead initiatives based on others’ research or become a researcher yourself, a doctoral degree in criminal justice can help you become a leader who guides policy decisions and transforms communities.

Your curriculum may focus on ensuring that, in every step of the process from investigations to corrections, justice is served in the best way possible. You may also explore what it means to administer justice, support victims, empower justice professionals and improve communities.

With a doctorate, you may be ready to advance to some of the highest leadership roles in your law enforcement organization. You could also pursue work in a particular investigative or security specialty, such as hostage negotiation or intelligence analysis. Influencing public policy is another important role you could play.

Learning is a complex process, but the better you understand it, the better you will be at helping others grow and develop. If you are passionate about equipping others with knowledge, then you may be ready to earn a doctoral degree in education.

In a doctoral program, you may study how factors like family support, income level and school setting affect students’ learning processes. You may also discuss learning theories and how principles from psychology play a role in classroom practices. Other topics may include school leadership, digital technology and curriculum selection.

School administrators, such as principals, superintendents and state education directors, often hold doctoral degrees. An education doctorate can help you advance to positions of leadership in higher education as well; for example, you could become a provost or a college president.

This degree can also open doors to positions that can allow you to head up curriculum projects or shape education policies.

Without solid financial guidance, businesses can quickly fail. If you wish to be a leader who understands the relationship between financial figures and the future direction that companies should take, consider enrolling in doctoral finance studies.

The coursework for this program covers a range of topics in economics and finance. You may work with statistics and modeling while growing your ability to use those tools for making reliable business decisions. In other courses, you may refine various finance skills like asset pricing, business valuation and portfolio management.

Not only can you improve your practical skills, but you can also learn to think critically about finance theory and conduct your own research in this field.

Financial leaders can hold some of the most critical roles in a corporation; these include chief financial officer, treasurer and controller. If you choose a career in research, then government authorities, financial institutions and individual investors may rely on your insights.

Healthcare is a medical discipline, but it’s also a business discipline. Those in administrative roles must carefully balance the relationship between these two aspects of the industry. A doctoral degree in healthcare administration can help you explore the issues facing modern medical systems and consider innovative ways to move the industry forward.

Since legal regulations play an enormous role in how healthcare systems operate, developing a deeper understanding of health law may be a key component of your studies. Other classes may cover organizational leadership, global public health, quality analysis, and medical ethics.

You may also discuss how to develop your healthcare organization as a force for good in your community.

Healthcare experts can take leadership roles in hospitals or other medical systems. Your expertise may also prepare you for a role in pharmaceutical or health insurance companies. Government officials may rely on your guidance as they shape future healthcare laws.

Although most people agree that it’s important to help those who are in difficult situations, they often disagree on the best ways to go about it.

A doctoral program in human services can give you opportunities to explore current research on the topic, develop your personal views on assisting others, and become a leader whose work makes a difference for people in need.

Studying the history of human services can give you a foundation for understanding today’s systems. In your doctoral program, you will probably compare different strategies for reaching people in need and improving communities. You may also learn about overseeing teams, evaluating programs, managing budgets and securing grants.

With this advanced degree, you could pursue a management role in a public human services organization or head up a nonprofit group. Human services directors often work in government agencies, and they may conduct research that influences how public funds are allocated.

If you work in information technology, consider enhancing your skill set by earning a degree in information systems. This degree can help you learn about innovations that are making a difference in data organization and prepare you to make your own significant contributions to this field.

Your studies can help you improve your knowledge of programming languages and security procedures. Other courses in your program may cover building hardware systems, analyzing data, overseeing projects and developing policies for technology use in an organization.

You may also discuss data mining, mobile-friendly technologies, system audits and machine learning.

With your doctorate, you may be able to lead teams of data scientists or analysts. You may also head up technology departments in large organizations, taking care of network development, security measures and policy establishment.

As you do research and produce new technologies, you may influence IT practices used by organizations throughout the world.

Organizations and industries everywhere require strong leaders who understand what it takes to make wise decisions, create effective policies and motivate teams.

You can earn a doctoral degree to study the science behind smart management. This advanced degree can help prepare you to rise to organizations’ top leadership positions or contribute new research that helps others improve their management abilities.

In a management program, you can study team dynamics and read research on how people interact with one another. You can also learn how to use technology to your organization’s advantage, establish an effective chain of command and work through conflicts that arise.

You might play a powerful role in an organization as a senior-level manager. As a college professor or a business consultant, you could be well-suited to helping others become better managers. You could also work as a management analyst who advises organizations on establishing effective systems of leadership.

If you work in a religious vocation, you probably chose that profession because you felt a calling to serve God and people. By earning a doctorate, you may be able to improve your effectiveness at that calling. The program can help you learn more about theology, the Bible and working among people.

In your program, you may work on enhancing your practical ministry skills, such as preaching, counseling and starting new congregations. You may also study the history of the church and the theology of the Bible.

The school may offer program concentrations like urban ministry, spiritual formation, family ministry, pastoral leadership and global evangelism.

Some people with Doctor of Ministry degrees hold pastoral positions in local churches. You might also have opportunities to advance to positions of leadership in your denomination’s regional or national organization. At a theological school, you might serve as a professor or an administrator.

Although you can enter the nursing field with only an associate’s degree, the entry-level knowledge you can acquire in that nursing program is only the beginning.

As you move forward in your successful career, gaining more education can help you earn nursing positions with greater responsibility and higher pay. Under your leadership, newer nursing students can learn to provide excellent patient care.

Although you may take some classes on disease and healing in your nursing program, just as much of your time may be on leadership development. You may also learn to evaluate healthcare quality and use that data to improve outcomes.

Earning your Doctor of Nursing Practice can help qualify you to become an advanced practice registered nurse. That means that you can be a nurse practitioner, a nurse anesthetist or a certified nurse-midwife. With a doctorate, you may be chosen to head up the nursing department in your healthcare organization, or you might teach college nursing students.

While a master’s degree is typically sufficient for becoming a licensed counselor, working as a licensed psychologist requires a doctoral degree. By earning your psychology doctorate, you can increase your opportunities to reach patients in need or conduct scientific research about thought and behavior.

The coursework may compare and contrast various theories of personality or behavior. You can also learn about mental health disorders, client evaluations and treatment options, including pharmaceuticals and behavior-modification strategies.

Some graduate programs are designed with a focus on clinical work, and others may address additional aspects of the field, such as industrial-organizational psychology or forensic psychology.

Earning your doctorate can help prepare you to take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and become licensed in your state. With licensure, you could work as a clinical psychologist in private practices, long-term care facilities or medical organizations.

You could also head up mental health initiatives in corporate or public health settings.

Government leadership is a weighty responsibility. To manage this responsibility as best you can, consider successful career development through a public administration doctoral program.

Not only will you be better suited for positions of high responsibility, but you may also improve the public’s confidence in your abilities. That’s particularly important when it comes to elected offices.

Public administrators, especially those who hold doctorates, are leaders, so a good portion of your studies may be dedicated to leadership development. Other courses may focus on analyzing, adapting and implementing policies. You may discuss ways to ensure that the work you do helps to improve equality for all people in your community.

After your doctoral studies, you may be poised to assume one of the highest leadership roles in a municipal government. State and federal positions may be available to you as well. Plus, the skills you can gain readily transfer to nonprofit work.

Matters of life and death often rest on the recommendations of public health officials. With so much riding on your policies and initiatives, it only makes sense that you’d want to acquire as much education as you can.

Through your studies and work, you’ll have opportunities to improve health outcomes and bolster the quality of life for entire communities.

The health sciences classes you take can help you become more knowledgeable about gathering and analyzing public health data. You can also strategize ways to turn that data into actionable public health initiatives. This may include learning about applying for funding, increasing community awareness and campaigning for updated public health policies.

Your doctorate may increase your eligibility for health sciences positions such as an epidemiologist or another researcher who studies community health data. It’s also possible that you could advance to a leadership role in a public health sciences organization at the state or national level.

If you believe that government regulations hold the power to help or hinder citizens’ lives, then you probably understand the importance of a career in public policy. Doctoral studies in this area can help give you an advanced understanding of what it takes to create and maintain policies that truly benefit the members of a community.

This program can equip you with skills for surveying a community and evaluating needs; this research can serve as the foundation for new policies. Your studies may help you develop a framework for evaluating the costs and benefits of policy decisions. It’s also important that your program addresses the ethical responsibilities of a policymaker.

A successful career as a senior-level political scientist may begin with a doctoral degree in public policy. You could also find success as the director of an organization that oversees public safety, community outreach, municipal government or emergency management.

Choosing an Online PhD Program

As online degree programs have grown more prevalent, prospective students have had an increasing number of reputable universities from which to choose for their studies. Consider the following characteristics when looking for a doctoral program.

• Degree Program –  Not only do you need a school that offers a doctoral degree in your general area of interest, but you may also want that degree to be in your preferred format — professional doctorate or PhD — and include appealing concentration options.
• Flexible – In general, online doctoral degrees offer increased flexibility compared to on-campus programs. Pay attention to whether online doctoral students are required to log in at certain times, come to campus for residencies or stick to a rigid course schedule.
• Accessible –  Before settling on a school, explore the range of resources that you’ll have access to as an online student, such as faculty mentoring, library access or student organizations.
• Transfer Credits –  If you already have credits from other doctoral studies, a school that allows you to transfer those in can save you both time and money.
• Admissions – Doctoral programs can vary greatly in what percentage of applicants they accept; graduate programs for professional doctorates often admit more graduate students than PhD programs.
• Required Technology – To complete your coursework, you will need a reliable computer with certain peripherals and educational programs, but some schools’ tuition fees cover the cost of laptops for their online doctoral students to use.

If you can find a few program offering online degrees that satisfy many of your preferences in these six areas, you’ll be well on your way to selecting the best doctoral program for your needs.

PhD Careers & Salaries

Earning a PhD is typically thought of as an academic track, preparing you for a university faculty position or a role as a scientific researcher in your chosen field. You may design experiments, collect data and publish your findings in industry journals. It’s also possible that you could enter higher education administration.

With a PhD you won’t be limited only to academic careers, of course. These terminal degrees may qualify you for some of the top leadership roles in your field. For example, you might become a division manager, a corporate executive, or a director in a nonprofit organization, a healthcare system or a government agency.

Some degrees can help you earn professional qualifications that you wouldn’t be able to achieve without that level of education. For example, a psychology doctorate can prepare you to become licensed as a clinical psychologist, and a nursing doctorate can allow you to become an advanced practice registered nurse.

Earning a doctoral degree can help you understand the theories and scientific concepts that underpin practices in your field. This deepens your knowledge and may qualify you to provide expert insights about public policies or legal matters that pertain to your area of study.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers that typically require a doctoral degree lead to a median annual salary of $110,200 . With your PhD or professional doctorate, you may work in one of the high-paying jobs listed below.

The figures above represent median salaries based on employment statistics from across the U.S.; your actual earnings may vary.

Admissions Requirements for Online PhD Programs

The competition to get into doctoral programs can be tough. Some schools admit only around 5% of the people who apply. To increase your chances of getting into your top graduate programs, you’ll have to compile a strong application package that sets you apart from the crowd and showcases your strengths.

• Testing –  Many schools depend on GRE or GMAT test scores to determine whether you have what it takes to succeed in the high-pressure world of doctoral studies, but you may qualify for testing waivers.
• Resume –  Work experience is required for admission to some schools. Even if a program doesn’t insist on a set number of years in the field, the committee may still look at your work history to provide insight about the knowledge and skills that you possess.
• Transcripts –  Admissions committees want to see what you’ve previously studied: the fields you majored in, the courses you took and the grades you earned. There may be a minimum GPA that’s required before even being considered for admission.
• Personal Statement –  An essay gives you the opportunity to share your goals with the admissions committee. You’ll want to present details about how your research plans align with the faculty’s areas of interest, so it’s important to customize this essay for each school.
• Letters of Recommendation –  Two or three people who have supervised you in academic or professional settings will need to write letters vouching for your suitability for doctoral studies.
• Prerequisite Courses – Doctoral students must be prepared to perform high-level work; to ensure that you’re ready, a program may only admit prospective students who have already taken graduate courses on certain topics. Some schools offer separate tracks for online learners who already have a relevant master’s degree and those who still need foundational graduate-level courses in the field. However, in rare cases, applicants may be accepted into doctoral degree programs with only a bachelor’s degree.

Admissions requirements can vary significantly from one program to the next. Always pay careful attention to the instructions before submitting your applications.

PhD vs. Professional Doctoral Degree – What’s the Difference?

Doctoral degrees come in two different forms: PhD and professional doctorate. Either one can be considered a terminal degree in most fields. Each has a different focus, though. A PhD is usually thought of as the more academic path, and the emphasis is on creating original research.

Although a professional doctorate may address research, it usually focuses more on developing high-level skills that can enhance your career as a practitioner in your field.

Despite these differences, there can be overlaps between the outcomes of these two educational programs. With a PhD, you may end up joining the professional workforce, and a professional doctorate may qualify you for teaching positions at some institutions of higher education.

Accreditation

To ensure that you earn a credible degree, you should enroll only in universities that have regional accreditation. A doctoral degree earned at a non-accredited school may not hold much value.

Regional accreditation can be granted only by an officially recognized organization. Approved accreditors in the U.S. include the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

The Council for Higher Education Association (CHEA) maintains a list of organizations that grant regional accreditation.

This type of accreditation is granted to an institution as a whole; either the entire school is accredited, or none of it is. To determine whether an a school qualifies to be an accredited institution, an accrediting association evaluates factors like academic quality, student supports and administrative structure.

National accreditation isn’t the same as regional accreditation. It’s granted by different organizations and usually requires less stringent qualifications to be an accredited institution. Because the standards are higher for regional accreditation, it is always preferable.

There’s nothing wrong with selecting a school that holds both types, though. For example, an accredited institution might have regional accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and national accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

Why Does Accreditation Matter?

Being a regionally accredited institution is a testament to a university’s quality and indicates that it has what it takes to deliver a good education. By attending an accredited school, you can rest assured that your degree will mean something after graduation.

Future employers will think more highly of degrees from a regionally accredited institution, so you may have an easier time securing good jobs. Other colleges will also look more favorably on an accredited school, so you may be able to transfer your credits elsewhere.

Accreditation can also affect financial aid. Federal assistance can only be used at regionally or nationally accredited institutions.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

The sticker price on doctoral studies can be shockingly high at first. Fortunately, there are things you can do to significantly reduce your expenses.

The government has programs in place for providing college tuition financial assistance for those in need. Based on your income, you may be able to receive state or federal grants — money that you won’t need to repay.

Even if you can’t get grants, you may be able to take out low-interest government loans. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to learn more about your options for financial assistance at the graduate level.

To complement the government financial assistance you might receive, you can also apply for scholarships and fellowships from private sources, such as industry associations, philanthropic groups or even your university.

Some doctoral programs — most often, PhD tracks — offer funding or stipends to doctoral candidates who work as teaching or research assistants.

Can You Get a Doctorate Degree Online?

Yes, many universities have online educational programs for earning doctoral degrees. Both PhDs and professional doctorates are available as online doctoral degrees.

Some schools have fully online programs, and others require students to come to campus at some point for one or more residencies.

Even 100% online programs sometimes require in-person internships, but online learners may be able to work with an organization in the local area.

What Is the Best Online Doctoral Program?

Instead of looking for the single best doctoral program, strive to figure out which one is best for you. First of all, look for a school that offers a program that aligns with your goals and interests.

It’s also smart to consider factors like a school’s accreditation status and how quickly you can complete the online program. For instance, if you don’t have enough time to enroll full time, you should consider looking into PhD part time programs .

A low student-faculty ratio may increase your satisfaction as a student.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD Online?

How long it takes to get a PhD can vary from one school to the next, and the amount of time it takes you to complete your dissertation or doctoral project can greatly influence the overall length of your studies. As a general rule, professional doctorates may take around four years, and PhDs may take seven years.

Is an Online PhD Worth it?

Yes, an online PhD is worth it for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for jobs where a doctoral degree is required is projected to grow 6% for the next 10 years.

An online PhD program can be a smart way to further your career goals, and thinking deeply about a topic of interest to you can bring great personal satisfaction. Online students may be able to keep up with family or work responsibilities without sacrificing their ambitious goal of earning a doctorate.

Are There Any 1 Year Online Doctoral Programs?

There are multiple steps to earning a doctorate. For example, you may need to take courses, pass exams, complete an internship and write a dissertation. As a result, these degrees always take more than one year.

Even still, the accelerated format of some of the shortest doctoral programs online may help you speed up the process compared to traditional on-campus studies.

Is It Cheaper to Get a Doctoral Degree Online?

The cost per credit hour of an online doctoral degree can vary a great deal from one school to the next. On average online students might expect to spend between $500 and $1,200 per credit hour.

While some online classes are priced comparably to on-campus ones, others are noticeably cheaper. Getting an online education also means that you can save on commuting, housing and relocation costs.

Are There Any 100% Online Doctoral Programs?

Many schools offer programs for earning a doctorate without ever needing to step foot on campus. You may even be able to defend your dissertation from afar.

Keep in mind that some programs have in-person internship requirements, but you may be able to find a site in your local area.

Is an Online Doctorate Degree as Good as an On-Campus Degree?

The material covered in online courses is comparable to what you’d learn in a traditional classroom, so you can count on getting a quality education through flexible online classes.

Of course, just like you would for a campus-based program, it’s important to choose a regionally accredited school offering online doctoral degrees.

Who Should Consider an Online Doctoral Degree?

Graduate students with sights set on earning a terminal degree should consider the option of online doctoral studies. Digital programs offer a smart, flexible way to take classes and engage in stimulating research without relocating to campus.

Online learning is especially beneficial for those graduate students who need to balance school with work or family responsibilities.

How Do Online PhD Programs Work?

Completing the classes for your doctorate may involve watching recorded lectures, engaging in conversations with fellow online students and submitting assignments digitally.

Once you move into the research and writing portion, you can also complete that work from afar via online learning and touch base with your faculty advisor as needed.

Even a fully online program may have you come to campus a few times throughout the program or to defend your dissertation face-to-face.

Are Online Doctoral Programs Easier to Complete?

Graduate students should expect to put just as much work into an online degree program as they would an on-campus one. The curriculum, workload and expectations should be quite similar.

In fact, to be successful with online education, you will need to make organization and self-discipline some of your top priorities.

What is an Applied Doctorate?

A professional doctorate is a terminal degree that can equip prospective students with doctoral-level insights that are directly applicable to the workforce. “Applied doctorate” is an alternative name for this type of degree. It’s not the same as a PhD, which focuses on academic research.

These doctorates are available in many fields, including business, education and psychology.

Getting Your Doctorate Online

By earning a doctorate, you can prove to colleagues, employers and yourself that you have the drive and determination to rise to the top of your field. Studying online can remove many of the obstacles that might keep you from accomplishing this impressive goal.

With hard work, you can complete your PhD or professional doctorate, and that achievement may help you to take your career to the next level. To show yourself and the world that you’ve got what it takes to succeed, research universities and send applications to the online doctoral programs of your choice.

Online Doctorate Degree Guide

Brendan Gawlowski

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated September 7, 2023 · 5 Min Read

thebestschools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

Earning a doctorate can lead to higher pay, new career opportunities, and more responsibilities. Online universities make it easier than ever to earn doctoral degrees through flexible enrollment options.

Is it worth it to earn a doctorate? What's the best specialization in a doctoral program? Can you earn a doctorate online? Our resources walk through the process of deciding whether to pursue a doctorate, along with how to choose a doctoral program and transition into the workforce afterward. We also help prospective students evaluate the career benefits of different degrees.

We rank healthcare, business management, computer science, social science, and education doctoral programs. Our resources also rank the best online universities . Prospective students can use these rankings to find the right fit for their circumstances and career goals.

Deciding to Pursue an Online Doctoral Degree

A doctoral degree offers many benefits. Graduates can advance their careers, increase their earning potential, and move into new fields after earning doctorates. Online formats may appeal to working professionals and students who need more flexible schedules.

Before applying to online doctoral programs, research how to choose a college to learn more about the top-ranked online universities . Our guides on using our rankings can help prospective applicants sort their options and identify the strongest program for their personal and professional aspirations.

Business Management and Administration Doctoral Degrees

Management occupations offer the highest median salaries of any occupational group. A doctorate in business management or administration strengthens problem-solving and analytical skills. Graduates typically pursue careers in business.

Within the field, graduate students can earn degrees in nonprofit management , project management , and business administration . A doctorate in management emphasizes leadership theory and management principles. Learners study organizational behavior, team leadership, and strategic management.

Specialized programs in organizational leadership and human resources can lead to focused career paths. For example, doctoral degree-holders can pursue work as human resources managers, CEOs, and nonprofit managers.

Business Administration

Human Resources

Nonprofit Management

Organizational Leadership

Project Management

Computer Science and Information Technology Doctoral Degrees

Computer science and information technology degrees can lead to many opportunities for candidates with doctorates. A computer science degree can open pathways to careers as software engineers, computer scientists, and computer and information systems managers. During a doctorate in computer science, learners complete advanced courses in complex algorithms, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and computer architecture.

Tech degree-seekers can also earn doctorates in information technology . An IT doctorate includes coursework in information systems, computer networking, and systems analysis. The degree often includes graduate-level business training, preparing professionals for managerial roles in diverse organizations.

Criminal Justice and Legal Studies

A criminal justice or legal studies doctorate prepares professionals to pursue top positions in the criminal justice system. A doctorate in criminal justice can train learners in criminal justice policy, program evaluation, and research methods. Graduates can seek leadership positions in law enforcement and higher education.

A legal studies doctorate offers focused training in the law and legal analysis. Through coursework in legal ethics, legal theory, and legal policy, doctoral students strengthen their research and analytics skills. Like a criminal justice doctoral, legal studies programs require each enrollee to complete a dissertation. Graduates can find work in research, legal adjudication, and academia.

Education Doctoral Degrees

A doctorate in education trains educators for leadership and administrative positions. For example, a doctorate in educational administration emphasizes school leadership and may lead to opportunities to pursue work as principals or superintendents. With doctoral degrees in reading and literacy , educators can work as instructional coordinators and school administrators.

Similarly, professionals with doctorates in educational technology can manage technology for school districts.

In addition to these programs, graduate students can pursue doctorates in child development to move into research or academic roles. These doctoral programs offer advanced training in pedagogical techniques, evaluation and assessment, and administration. They also strengthen research skills.

Child Development

Curriculum and Instruction

Early Childhood Education

Educational Administration

Educational Leadership

Educational Technology

Higher Education

Reading and Literacy

Finance Doctoral Degrees

The fast-moving financial sector requires strong data analysis and research skills. During a doctorate in finance , graduate students can strengthen their research skills and analytical abilities. A finance doctoral program includes coursework in finance theory, economic analysis, and applied behavioral finance.

Doctoral candidates also complete original research to write and defend dissertations. After earning doctorates in finance, graduates can pursue work in leadership roles like financial manager, director of finance, and chief financial officer. The degree may also lead to academic positions like finance professor.

Medical, Dental, and Nursing Doctoral Degrees

A doctorate in healthcare trains graduates for leadership positions in the fastest-growing sector of the economy, with a projected 2.4 million new jobs from 2019-2029. Many healthcare careers for individuals with doctorates also offer above-average salaries. For example, a doctorate in nursing may open the door to advanced practice careers like nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist.

With doctorates in public health , professionals can pursue employment as epidemiologists, public health directors, and public health researchers. A doctorate in healthcare administration emphasizes non-clinical leadership roles through coursework in healthcare finances and management. These doctoral programs help healthcare professionals increase their responsibilities and earning potential.

Public Administration and Public Policy Doctoral Degrees

A public administration or public policy doctorate prepares graduates for leadership positions in government and policymaking organizations. During a doctorate in public administration , graduate students explore public financing, public management principles, and nonprofit management. The degree can lead to employment as a city manager, nonprofit director, or public administration professor.

Graduate students can also earn doctorates in public policy . Public policy programs emphasize policy research and assessment. Doctoral candidates learn to evaluate and suggest new policies. They study quantitative analysis, public sector budgeting, and strategic management. As with public administration, the degree may present employment opportunities in the public sector, nonprofits, and academia.

Marketing Doctoral Degrees

Marketing doctoral programs can help marketing professionals advance their careers. The marketing field requires strong analytical and research skills. An online doctorate in marketing strengthens these abilities through coursework, research projects, and a doctoral dissertation. Doctoral candidates can elevate their quantitative research skills and carry out original research projects to earn their degrees.

After completing marketing doctoral degrees, graduates often pursue leadership roles in marketing firms, enterprise-level businesses, and other organizations. These professionals can advance into roles such as marketing director, vice president of marketing, or chief marketing officer. The degree also meets the requirements for careers as a marketing professor.

Psychology, Counseling, and Social Work Doctoral Degrees

Doctoral degrees in psychology, counseling, and social work train graduates to pursue top positions in these fields. For example, licensed psychologists typically need psychology degrees at the doctoral level. A social work doctorate prepares graduates for policymaking and leadership roles.

Students can specialize in general psychology , social work , human services , and educational psychology . Doctoral candidates may also select concentrations like family counseling , addiction recovery , and counselor education . Many online doctoral programs meet the requirements for professional licensure. Distance learners typically complete practicum requirements at local sites.

Addiction and Recovery

Behavioral Psychology

Counselor Education

Educational Psychology

Family Counseling

Human and Family Development

Human Services

Organizational Psychology

Social Work

Theology and Religion Doctoral Degrees

Theology and religion degrees bring together philosophy, faith, and history. A doctorate in theology or religion prepares graduates for leadership roles in ministry and theological interpretation. Online universities offer doctoral programs in ministry to train pastors, religious counselors, and other faith leaders. Doctoral degree-holders can also become ministry professors.

Distance learners can also pursue doctorates in theology online. Learners examine theological scholarship and study religious history. Many theology programs focus on Biblical analysis and Christian theology, though some may emphasize comparative religious texts.

Doctoral Degrees for Career Paths in the Trades

In addition to academic programs, prospective students can pursue trade degrees . While trade schools do not offer doctoral degrees, many universities enroll doctoral students in trade-focused programs. These programs prepare graduates for many different skilled trade careers .

A degree in emergency management or public safety administration can prepare graduates for leadership roles in emergency management and homeland security organizations. They can also earn doctorates in conflict management . For business-focused individuals, supply chain logistics degrees can lead to management-level roles in distribution and transportation.

Pursuing an Online Doctoral Degree

Many learners prefer online delivery for their doctorates. Working professionals and busy adults may enjoy the flexibility and convenience of online learning formats. Before applying to programs, research the top online universities , what to look for in online programs , and the essential tools for distance learners .

First-time distance learners also may benefit from learning about synchronous and asynchronous classes . Remember to check our online education checklist to make sure you're ready for school. Applicants can identify programs that best fit their needs while also preparing for their doctoral classes.

Paying for Your Doctoral Degree

The costs of earning a doctorate can add up quickly. Most doctoral programs take at least 3-5 years, with enrollees typically paying higher tuition rates than undergraduates.

Many students worry about college finances and paying for an online degree . Fortunately, doctoral-level enrollees qualify for several scholarships and grants . They can also pursue fellowships and assistantships to cover costs. Some employers even offer tuition remission programs. Finally, doctoral candidates can take out student loans .

TheBestSchools' College Finances Guide

How to Find Scholarships for College

Paying for Online College

What You Should Know About Student Loans

Frequently Asked Questions About Pursuing a Doctoral Degree

Can you get a doctorate degree online.

Yes. Many universities offer online doctoral programs. Degree-seekers can study finance, marketing, psychology, education, and more in online doctoral programs.

Is It Hard To Get a Ph.D. Online?

Earning a Ph.D. online requires strong organizational and time management skills. Many distance learners work while pursuing doctoral degrees.

What Doctorate Degrees Can You Get Online?

Graduate students can earn doctoral degrees in business, psychology, education, healthcare, and technology online. Many universities offer online doctoral programs.

Recent Publications for Prospective Doctoral Degree Students

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Top 20 Best Colleges with Online PhD Programs

Find your degree.

A doctorate degree or Ph.D. is the highest level of academic achievement one can earn. Hundreds of US colleges and universities feature such degrees. However, finding the best online doctoral programs can be a challenge. In this article, we highlight the top 20 accredited schools where you can earn your doctorate or Ph.D. online.

We’ll discuss more about online doctoral programs and our methodology later in this post. However, let’s first take a look at the top five colleges with online doctoral programs:

Table of Contents

Why Pursue Your Doctorate Online?

Students have different and highly personal reasons for pursuing their doctorate online. Many candidates are already deeply involved in their careers and family lives. So, relocating across the country to complete their studies is simply not an option. Other Ph.D. candidates are adults who have already had the whole college experience. Some would prefer to complete their studies in peace, taking their time and focusing solely on their assignments. Others are looking for fast doctoral degrees so they can advance in their careers.

“In May 2023, I graduated with a doctorate of business administration (DBA) from Temple University through a low residency program. That is, we had three in-person weekends per semester during the first two years, plus Wednesday night classes in between those on-site classes. I view the program as a hybrid approach and I especially appreciated the online classes. I suspect the fact that I’m an introvert is why I preferred the classes that were held on Zoom. I participated more and was more at ease when we were in Zoom class sessions versus when we were sitting together in person in the classroom in Philadelphia. The program was great; I honed my scholarly research abilities and made lifelong friends.” Dr. Marcia Layton Turner, founder of the  Association of Ghostwriters

TOP 20 COLLEGES WITH ONLINE DOCTORAL DEGREES

Let’s continue to explore your academic journey with confidence as we unveil the top 20 colleges offering online doctoral degrees. We’ve already talked about five of the best. But now, we’re going to highlight all 20 schools.

What are the best online online doctorate programs to pursue? That depends on your specific goals. The programs below provide unparalleled flexibility and excellence in advanced education. Whether you aspire to pursue a doctorate in education, business, or the health sciences, these esteemed institutions are paving the way for the future of online doctoral education.

#1. Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida

School Profile

Florida State University is a public research university established in 1851. Located in Tallahassee, it comprises 16 different colleges and over 100 research centers, institutes, and labs. The college is a senior member of the State University System of Florida. It is among the largest by enrollment in the nation, with a student population of over 44,000. FSU is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity”.

U.S. News & World Report ranks FSY among the best public colleges in the country. And it is in the top 10 for National Science Foundation grant awards. Additionally, it is the number two producer of Fulbright Scholars in the nation. Students describe it as an “outstanding university” that is “steeped in tradition.” FSU features over 78 doctoral degree programs. Four of these can be completed through distance education. They include:

• Educational Leadership & Policy, EdD
• Instructional Systems & Learning Technologies, EdD
• Nursing Practice, DNP
• Nursing, PhD

Each degree features online coursework. However, depending on the program, students are required to attend various residencies and intensives throughout the year. Candidates enrolled in the online programs earn the same degree and learn from the same renowned faculty who teach on campus. 

Distance@FSU strives to help students create meaningful connections with their instructors and peers. A few ways it dies this is through real-time forums, study groups, Livestream events, and more. Additionally, online students have a wealth of resources to help them support their learning, including:

• Student Resilience Project
• Reading Writing Center-Online (RWC-Online)
• ITS Service Desk
• Counseling & Psychological Services
• Distance Library Services
• Career Center
• Encrypted cloud-based storage and backup for up to 5 TB of files
• Virtual computer lab with access to 30+ software applications

Graduate Tuition: $9,684

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

#2. Indiana University Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana

Indiana University Online is headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana. IU is a multi-campus system with locations in Indiana and globally. The college offers over 200 online programs at all levels. And it consistently ranks as one of the top colleges for a range of degree programs. 

The University has perfected online education, even for grad students. And it offers online doctoral programs across 12 fields of study. These include:

• Art Education: Curriculum and Instruction, EdD
• Science Education: Curriculum and Instruction, EdD
• Curriculum and Instruction: Mathematics Education, EdD
• Educational Leadership,EdS
• Instructional Systems Technology, EdD
• Literacy, Culture, and Language Education, EdD
• Music Therapy, PhD
• Nursing Science, PhD
• Philanthropic Leadership, PhilD
• Public Health, Global Health Leadership, DrPH
• School Psychology, EdS

Most of the coursework for these programs can be completed entirely online. However, a handful of degrees do require short in-person residencies. You should inquire about these before enrolling to ensure you can meet any travel requirements. 

Students completing online degree programs at IU Online generally report high satisfaction ratings with their experience. Online students have the same curriculum and instructors as those attending campus. And many students remark that they have “spent substantially less” to earn their degree by enrolling online. 

Graduate Tuition: $10,033

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission 

#3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university and one of the oldest colleges in the nation. It is the flagship university of the UNC system, enrolling around 32,000 students a year. The school is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” and is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). Students speak very highly of UNC-Chapel Hill, citing the “amazing and unparalleled experiences,” “great professors,” and overall “welcoming environment.” In fact, it’s actually challenging to find any negative comments about this beloved college. 

There are over 11,000 students pursuing graduate programs at UNC-Chapel Hill. The college has been ranked the fourth top public school for 2024 by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, in 2022, the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings publication ranked it the number one public university in the South. 

The graduate school at USC has over 80 programs covering 160 graduate degrees. Graduate students (whether they are on-campus or online) are strongly supported, and there are plenty of opportunities for leadership, research, and innovation. There are three online doctoral degrees at USC that include:

• Executive Doctoral Program in Health Leadership (DrPH)

This program is offered through the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, which has been ranked the number two best public health school in the country by  U.S. News & World Report

• BSN to DNP Health Care Leadership & Administration

The BSN to DNP online program features primarily synchronous coursework for convenience.

Students will work on tailored clinical experiences and must attend some in-person immersions.

This online DNP program requires 36 hours and takes two to three years to complete. Students will need to attend one on-campus immersion each semester. However, their coursework is asynchronous, so they can complete it at their convenience.

Graduate Tuition: $10,552

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#4. University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida

Founded in 1853, the University of Florida is a public land-grant research university and part of the State University System of Florida. The campus is in Gainesville, and as a whole, it has excellent online reviews. Students remark that UF is “as close to a perfect college as it gets” and has “easily been one of the best decisions they have made” regarding their education. The university operates almost 200 research centers and institutes and encompasses 16 academic colleges. Doctoral students will find no shortage of research opportunities at UF.

Let’s delve right into UF’s online doctoral programs. The University of Florida features nine online programs at the doctoral level, an amount that surpasses most other colleges on our list. The degrees include:

• Computer Science Education (Ed.D.)
• Educational Lead e rship (Ed.D.)
• Educational Technology (Ed.D.)
• Special Education (Ed.D.)
• Teachers, Schools, and Society (Ed.D.)
• Higher Education Administration (Ed.D.)
• Latin and Roman Studies (Ph.D.)
• Classical Civilization (Ph.D.)
• Nursing Practice (DNP)

As you can surmise, most of the programs revolve around education. However, the school also features an online DNP. 

Most of the online doctoral programs have some required residencies. For example, the Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Computer Science Education has three required campus-based experiences. The first is a two-day orientation in the first semester. After that, students will have some four-day summer semesters. The online coursework is completed as a cohort. Then, students will work on their dissertations with a full-time faculty mentor. These requirements are pretty standard across all of the doctoral programs. So, you will want to get all the details on your program before enrolling. 

A range of support services are provided throughout the online doctoral programs. Those seeking an online degree through distance learning can expect resources like tech support, an online library, academic coaching, and more. 

Graduate Tuition: $10,770

#5. Clemson University

Clemson, South Carolina

Clemson University is a public research university in Clemson, South Carolina. Founded in 1889, it comprises seven distinct schools and colleges. And it is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity.” Over 28,000 students are enrolled at Clemson, and close to 6,000 of them are pursuing graduate degrees.

Clemson features seven online and hybrid Ph.D. programs. Both formats give students flexible access to the course content. Most programs feature both an online or on-campus option. Online students attend live synchronous classes that allow them to join the in-person courses virtually. This gives them the opportunity to network with faculty and peers without disrupting their current employment or living situation. Programs include:

• Ph.D. Learning Sciences
• Ph.D. Literacy, Language and Culture
• Ph.D. Rhetorics, Communication, and Information Design
• Ph.D. Special Education
• Ph.D.Teaching and Learning
• Ph.D. Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management
• Ph.D. Healthcare Genetics and Genomics

A few of the programs may require some in-person components. Additionally, some students may want to come to campus to take advantage of specific labs and facilities. For example, students in the Ph.D. Healthcare Genetics and Genomics programs have access to ten world-class research facilities. Some of these include:

• The School of Nursing Healthcare Genetics and Genomics Laboratory 
• The Clemson Aquatic Animal Research Laboratory 
• The Clemson University Center for Human Genetics
• Clemson University Division of Research Core Facilities
• The Clemson University Genomics and Bioinformatics Facility 

Graduate Tuition: $10,858

Accreditation: WSCUC Senior College and University Commission 

#6. Ohio State University

Columbus, Ohio

The Ohio State University is a public land-grant research university and a University System of Ohio member. Founded in 1870, it is among the ten largest US colleges by enrollment, with a student population of over 60,000. Students speak highly of OSU on social media. They remark that at Ohio State, they got the chance to “experience things they could not have imagined,” there is also a strong opinion that “every opportunity you could ever want in a college” is available at this school. That’s not surprising considering the enormous amount of clubs, organizations, events, networking opportunities, and other opportunities students have at their disposal.

Several premiere publications, including The Washington Monthly, U.S. News & World Report, Times Higher Education, and more, have nationally recognized Ohio State. Authors Howard and Matthew Greene dubbed OSU a public ivy in 2001. This designation recognizes public universities as having programs of the highest educational quality. 

Recently, professor emeritus of physics Pierre Agostini and two of his colleagues were awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics . That makes him the sixth faculty member at OSU to earn a Nobel Prize.

Ohio State features a wide range of graduate programs. However, only four of these are offered online. All are offered through the College of Nursing and include:

• Doctor of Nursing Education
• Online BSN to DNP Nurse Anesthesia Specialty Track
• Online BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Online Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice

These programs are taught by the same faculty as the on-campus courses. And they offer incredible flexibility while not skimping on resources. Students enrolled in the online programs receive all the support services and benefits offered across the university.

Graduate Tuition: $12,092

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

#7. Endicott College

Beverly, Massachusetts

Endicott College is a private institution in Beverly, Massachusetts, near Boston. It first opened as a two-year women’s college in 1939 but later became a coeducational school offering four-year degrees. Endicott enrolls nearly 4,000 students a year, and over 1,700 of those are graduate students. The school has been consistently recognized as a top college in the Northeast by US News & World Report. 

Endicott offers graduate programs in Education, Nursing, Business, Sport Science, Social Science, and Visual & Performing Arts. Students who wish to earn their doctorate online can choose from the following five options:

• Ph.D. in Applied Behavioral Analysis
• Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in Curriculum & Teacher Education 
• Ph.D. in Education concentration in Higher Education
• Master of Science in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice (MSN to DNP) 
• Ph.D. in Nursing

These programs are offered 100% online with both synchronous and asynchronous classes. They are highly flexible, and even the residency requirements are held virtually. With the exception of the MSN to DNP program, all doctoral applicants must have a master’s degree from an accredited college or university. Financial aid is available for graduate students. However, awards are based on enrollment level rather than financial need. The school also features interest-free payment plans.

Graduate Tuition: $13,084

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

#8. Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Liberty University is a private, non-profit Christian college renowned for its commitment to providing a comprehensive, faith-based education. Established in 1971, it is one of the largest Christian universities globally, with a student population of over 96,000. Nearly 48,000 of these are graduate students. The main campus is in Lynchburg, Virginia. However, the school has a robust online presence and offers hundreds of remote degree programs. 

At Liberty University, students can choose from over 75 online doctoral, postgraduate, and specialist degrees. Most have no residency requirements, so you can remain in your community and continue with your current career. Additionally, much of the coursework is asynchronous, so you can work on your assignments when it is convenient for you. In general, courses are all offered in an eight-week format, and there are multiple start dates per year, so you can begin working on your degree right away. Some of the most popular online doctoral programs at Liberty include:

• Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD)
• Psychology (PhD)
• Business Administration (PhD)
• Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)
• Organization and Management (PhD)
• Communication (PhD)
• Strategic Media (PhD)
• Christian Leadership (PhD)
• Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
• Master of Theology (ThM)
• Advanced Educational Studies (PhD)
• Doctor of Education (EdD)
• Education Specialist (EdS)
• Higher Education Administration (PhD)
• Criminal Justice (DCJ)
• Doctor of Law and Policy (DLP)
• Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
• Public Administration (PhD)
• Public Policy (PhD)
• Health Sciences (PhD)
• Music Education (PhD)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

This is just a short list of the available doctoral programs at Liberty. Most of these feature multiple specializations, allowing students to focus on their specific goals and passions. Students can access a wide range of resources, including online tutoring, a writing center, tech support, personal advising, an online library, and much more. 

Graduate Tuition: $7,893

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#9. University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona

The University of Arizona is a distinguished public land-grant university renowned for its commitment to academic excellence. Established in 1885, it is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities. – Very High Research Activity”. It’s a large school, enrolling over 49,000 students and offering over 150 majors. It is highly inclusive and is considered a Hispanic-Serving Institution. 

The UA is one of the nation’s top 20 public research universities. The school has total research expenditures of over $750 million a year. It is well known for its research impact, particularly in space science. The school is a NASA partner and has been at the forefront of astronomy and space science for decades. 

The university’s esteemed faculty members include accomplished scholars and industry experts dedicated to providing mentorship and guidance to students. And the school’s commitment to research and innovation is reflected in its state-of-the-art facilities, research centers, and partnerships. All of these can provide graduate students with valuable opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge discoveries and advancements.

The UA features graduate programs in over 150 areas of study. Several of the school’s graduate programs can be completed through the University of Arizona Online. The online doctoral programs include:

• Educational Leadership (EDD)
• Software Engineering (PHD)
• Nursing (DNP) – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing (DNP) – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing (PHD)
• Nursing (DNP) – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing (DNP) – Exec Health Systems Leadership
• Nursing (DNP) – Family Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing (DNP) – General
• Nursing (DNP) – Informatics
• Nursing (DNP) – Nurse Anesthesia
• Nursing (DNP) – Nurse Anesthesiology
• Nursing (DNP) – Nurse-Midwifery

Most of the programs have some on-campus intensives. And nursing students will have on-ground practicum and clinical placements to round out their education. 

Online students at the University of Arizona have access to a range of support services. These include tutors, coaches, alumni mentors for networking and career opportunities, and more. Students have full access to all of the resources that on-campus students use. 

Graduate Tuition: $12,348

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission and WASC Senior College and University Commission

#10. University of Massachusetts-Global

Irvine, California

UMass Global is a public, non-profit University of Massachusetts System affiliate. Formerly Brandman University, the school was launched in 2021 to meet the unique needs of adult learners in Massachusetts and across the US. UMass Global enrolls nearly 9,000 online learners a year, and around 3,800 are graduate students. Headquartered in Irvine, California, the school has become a leader in online education. The school features 16 online graduate programs. Four of these are designed for doctoral students. They include:

• BSN to DNP in Family Across the Lifespan
• BSN to DNP in Psychiatric and Mental Health
• Post-Masters to DNP
• Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership

All of the doctoral programs are fully online. One significant advantage of these particular programs is that all of them can be completed in three years or less. Plus, students can complete their clinical rotations at their work or a location near where they live. Because the school caters to working adult online learners (the average age of students at UMass Global is 36), its support services are geared to this demographic. For example, students can take advantage of top-notch virtual resources, one-on-one advising, career coaching, and more. 

On social media, reviews of UMass Global are mixed. But this is largely based on the previous reputation of Brandman University, and UMass Global is still coming into its own. The school launched during the height of the pandemic, allowing many scholars to continue their education online. One important thing to remember is that the institution is backed by the stellar reputation of the University of Massachusetts system. And the flexible online learning format at UMass Global means that 91% of students can continue to work while completing their degree program. 

Graduate Tuition: $12,510

#11. Creighton University

Omaha, Nebraska

Creighton University is the largest religious university in the state of Nebraska. Founded in 1878, this private Jesuit school enrolls over 8,300 students, and about half are graduate students. Like most Jesuit colleges, Creighton aims to shape the whole person—intellectually, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially. The academics are rigorous, and the school has a strong focus on service work in the community. The school has ranked in the top third of National Universities by U.S. News & World Report for 2023-2024. 

Creighton features 17 doctoral programs. Four of these are offered online and include:

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

Most programs have a few on-campus residency requirements. And some feature optional on-campus learning opportunities. These allow students an opportunity to bond with their cohort members. It also gives them a chance to make industry connections and expand their professional networks.

The DNP program is highly flexible and one of the most popular offerings. Students can choose to attend full-time or part-time. And they can tailor the program to their specific interests. Specializations include:

• Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• Pediatric Primary and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Dual Degree)
• Psychiatric Mental Health Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing Administration & Leadership

Creighton also features a hybrid Entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy . It was the nation’s first entry-level OTD program. Students can either attend campus in Omaha or opt for a hybrid pathway in Denver, Anchorage, or Phoenix.

Graduate Tuition: $17,496

#12. University of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The University of Pittsburgh is a large public state-related research university, enrolling over 33,000 students. The main campus is in Pittsburgh, with several others throughout the state. Founded in 1787, it’s one of the oldest colleges in the nation. Known for its groundbreaking research, it is a leading producer of Pulitzer-prize winners, Nobel laureates, human rights pioneers, and inventors. Pitt is also a top producer of Fulbright scholars. 

The school is the setting for the world’s first polio vaccine and heart-liver transplant. Additionally, it is a member of the Association of American Universities, which comprises 64 preeminent doctorate-granting research institutions in North America. Pitt is an impressive school, to say the least. 

The University of Pittsburgh features around 100 doctoral programs. Yet, the majority of these programs must be completed on campus. However, there are two online doctoral programs. They include:

• Doctor of Clinical Science in Occupational Therapy

This is a post-professional Doctor of Clinical Science (CScD) in Occupational Therapy program. And it is delivered 100% online with no residency requirements. Students will learn advanced leadership skills and implement evidence into practice. The curriculum is highly personalized so that each student can engage in coursework tailored to their professional interests and goals.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Pitt’s DNP program features multiple tracks; students can choose from full-time and part-time options. While most components can be completed online, each track’s clinical and residential requirements differ. So, students will want to get all the details before enrolling in this nationally recognized program. The University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing has been ranked tenth in the country by U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best Nursing Grad Schools .

Pitt also features two hybrid doctoral programs. These include:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical and Translational Science
• Doctor of Physical Therapy

On-site requirements vary for these programs. Students should request more information before applying. 

Graduate Tuition: $24,962

#13. Loma Linda University

Loma Linda, California

Loma Linda University is a private research school in Loma Linda, California. This top-ranked college is affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist education system. However, it is welcoming to students of all faiths and persuasions. Students at LLU are encouraged to develop their passions, connect with their spiritual selves, and become the best versions of themselves. And the compassionate faculty members are available to help them do just that. With an unprecedented student-to-faculty ratio of 3:1, You will get plenty of personal mentorship to help you along your academic journey. 

This small college has an intimate atmosphere and a student population of about 4,200. Current and former students remark that LLU is big on encouraging students to make a personal commitment to their own physical health and vitality. As such, the college features many services geared toward wellness. If you are a student interested in cutting-edge diet, exercise, and health research, this might be the place for you. And if you are a doctoral student looking for a more conservative experience, LLU might be your place to land. LLU features five online and hybrid doctorate programs. They include:

• Doctor of Marital and Family Therapy
• Doctorate of Nursing Practice
• DrPH in Preventive Care
• DrPH in Health Education
• DrPH in Health Policy and Leadership

Loma Linda is a wonderful school for students interested in a lifestyle of spiritual and physical wellness. It’s not a party school. Instead, students are focused on cultivating close relationships and a sense of well-being. The LLU site states explicitly: “Experience a community built around your needs — healthy foods, wellness services, spiritual support, and more — all located in a region known for well-being and longevity.”

Graduate Tuition: $28,000

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission

#14. The George Washington University

Washington, D.C.

The George Washington University (GWU) is a private research university in our nation’s capital. It is one of only six US universities with a congressional charter. The college has three fully integrated campuses in the D.C. area. These include the Mount Vernon Campus, the Virginia Science and Technology Campus, and the Foggy Bottom Campus. Nearly 26,000 students are in attendance, and over 14,000 are enrolled in graduate programs. 

GWU has received the highest Carnegie Classification that can be awarded for its research. And it has a host of impressive alums, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Colin Powell, Elizabeth Warren, J. Edgar Hoover, and many more. 

GWU features over 230 programs for graduate students. And several of its doctoral degrees can be completed online or in a blended format. They are taught by the same world-class instructors that teach the on-campus courses and include:

• Ph.D. in Systems Engineering 
• Doctor of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Doctor of Engineering in Engineering Management 

The DNP program at GWU features several specialties. These include:

• Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Executive Leadership

• Nursing Practice
• Health Policy

All of the DNP specialties are presented in a hybrid format. For example, doctoral students will complete online courses. However, there are still some on-campus requirements for training and testing. 

Graduate Tuition: $33,930

#15. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee

Vanderbilt University is a private, non-profit research university in Nashville. Founded in 1873, the school is known for its rigorous academics and is highly selective. While it is not an Ivy League school, students often describe it as “the Harvard of the South.” Vanderbilt offers graduate programs across various fields, including nursing, medicine, law, education, and more. 

Nearly 14,000 students are enrolled at the University, and over 6,500 of those are seeking advanced degrees. The school prides itself on being a “global hub for conducting scholarly research, advancing discoveries, and fueling breakthroughs across multiple disciplines.” With 85 centers and institutes covering a broad range of disciplines, Grad students will find plenty of opportunities to collaborate and participate in research projects. 

Vanderbilt offers three hybrid doctoral programs. Most of the core coursework can be completed online. However, there are some on-campus immersions and residency requirements. The degrees include:

• Doctor of Education in Leadership and Learning in Organizations

This program was ranked the #1Online Ed.D. in Leadership and Learning & Organizations Fortune Rankings in 2022.

• Ph.D. in Nursing Science

Student tuition for this program is fully funded. It covers up to four years of research and coursework. Additionally, students receive annual stipends.   

The DNP program features several three tracks:

Advanced Clinical Practice

Advanced Systems Practice

Those who enter the DNP program with a BSN can choose from a Family Nurse Practitioner/Emergency Nurse Practitioner or Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner track. 

Graduate Tuition: $55,160

#16. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland

Johns Hopkins University is a private research university in Baltimore. Founded in 1876, it was the nation’s first research university and has been the birthplace of many medical and scientific milestones. But that is somewhat of an understatement. Johns Hopkins students have spearheaded many life-altering achievements. 

For example, JHU scholars launched the field of genetic engineering and developed cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Researchers at JHU have invented rubber gloves, the world’s first water purification system, the ramjet engine, and more. This impressive list of achievements goes on and on. The school has produced 29 Nobel Prize Winners, and many of its graduate programs are ranked among the best in the nation. 

JHU has a student population of over 31,000, and the overwhelming majority (around 25,000) are graduate students. Doctoral students are drawn to the school for many reasons. It has an outstanding reputation for academic excellence, innovation, and award-winning faculty. Johns Hopkins spends more on higher education research (over $3.1 billion) annually than any other school in America. As a result, it attracts thousands of graduate students a year.  

The University features over 50 graduate programs. And many of these can be completed online or in a blended (hybrid format). Online doctoral students at JHU can complete many of their assignments online but should still plan to fulfill some on-campus requirements. Potential students are advised to research the degree requirements before enrolling. The programs include:

• Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
• Education EdD
• Mechanical Engineering, PhD
• Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, DNP Advanced Practice Track
• Adult-Gerontological Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, DNP Advanced Practice Track
• Adult-Gerontological Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, DNP Advanced Practice Track
• Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, DNP Advanced Practice Track
• Pediatric Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, DNP Advanced Practice Track
• Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, DNP Advanced Practice Track
• Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, DNP Advanced Practice Track
• Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, DNP Advanced Practice Track
• Doctor of Nursing Practice: Executive Track
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, DNP Advanced Practice Track

Johns Hopkins University has the most impressive student-to-faculty ratio on our list. Additionally, it has the highest graduation rate, at 94%.

Graduate Tuition: $60,480

#17. Boston University

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston University is a non-sectarian private research university. The school was founded in 1839 and is a leading research institution. Alexander Graham Bell, credited with the invention of the telephone, did so in a Boston University research lab. BU was also the first university in America to grant a woman a doctoral degree.

BU features two campuses in Boston and numerous programs around the world. In fact, you’ll find BU’s faculty and students pursuing research, service, and study in over 75 countries. The college has a student population of over 36,000, and about half of them are graduate students.

The University comprises 17 schools and colleges and over 10,000 faculty and staff members. With an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, BU grad students can be assured of making meaningful connections with their instructors and mentors no matter what field of study they are involved in. 

BU features a wide range of doctoral programs. And three of the most popular ones are offered online. They include:

• Doctor of Ministry degree (DMin)

This is a three-year program combining online learning with some low-residency requirements. The focus is on transformational leadership. 

• Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Education

In this program, students “seek new and better techniques to encourage students to improve as musicians and succeed as well-rounded people.”

• Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy

This program is for those who already have a professional degree in occupational therapy. Candidates will complete an 18-month course of study in which they will develop advanced knowledge through collaboration and mentorships with fellow professionals. They will learn to create innovative solutions to unmet needs in the field of OT. 

#18. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California

The University of Southern California is a private research school in Los Angeles. Founded in 1880, it was initially affiliated with the Methodist church. However, it does not maintain that affiliation today. USC was among the first to be considered an inclusive and forward-thinking university, mandating that “no student would be denied admission because of race” nearly a century before America was integrated. Today, it maintains its strong commitment to diversity.

At USC, students benefit from world-class faculty and rigorous academics. They learn from professors who are experts in their fields. Plus, online students are treated the same as on-campus learners. All online students can access the same top-notch services offered to on-campus learners. 

There are close to 49,000 students enrolled at the University of Southern California. It is very uncommon for graduate students to make up most of the student body. Yet, over 28,000 students at USC are enrolled in graduate programs. So, let’s look at the school’s online doctoral degree programs. There are six in total, and they include:

• Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
• Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership
• Global Executive Doctor of Education
• Doctor of Regulatory Science
• Doctor of Social Work

Some of these doctoral programs can be completed entirely online. Others have in-person immersions on the LA campus. Potential candidates are encouraged to research all the program details they are interested in to ensure they can meet any on-campus requirements. 

Graduate Tuition: $63,468

#19. Temple University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Temple University is a four-year R1 public research university in Philadelphia. It is the largest college in the city, with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1884. Temple offers a wide array of academic programs and is one of the country’s most prominent educators in law, medicine, pharmacy, podiatry, and dentistry. However, students remark that with so many majors, “you can choose to study literally anything.”  

Temple has a student population of over 33,000, and around 9,000 attend the graduate school. With a commitment to providing accessible and inclusive education, the college has garnered recognition for its dedication to empowering students from diverse backgrounds to achieve academic and personal success. Students at Temple benefit from a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes hands-on experience, research opportunities, and community engagement. 

The university’s faculty comprises accomplished scholars and industry experts dedicated to fostering a supportive learning environment. Additionally, the school’s strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship provides students with the resources and mentorship needed to transform their ideas into impactful ventures, contributing to its reputation as a hub for innovation and creativity.

Temple offers over 50 doctoral programs across 12 schools and colleges. Two of these can be completed online, including:

• Doctor of Athletic Training

This program is designed for certified athletic trainers who want to advance their clinical decision-making skills. It features a special emphasis on concussion and mild traumatic brain injury education. Students interact with peers and instructors through live online classes, web-based activities, and more. The program is 100% online and can be completed in as little as two years. There are multiple opportunities for financial support. 

• Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (Post-Professional)

The Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) program is also offered 100% online. Students can complete the program in one year of full-time study. However, part-time options are also available. The program emphasizes extensive student collaboration and faculty mentorship. And it provides plenty of opportunities for networking.  

Graduate Tuition: $20,531

#20. Duquesne University

Duquesne University is a private Catholic college founded in 1878. It features over 85 undergraduate programs and more than 110 graduate and certificate programs across ten distinct schools. A little over 8,000 students attend this mid-sized university. Students cite small class sizes and knowledgeable professors who “take time for their students” as among the benefits of choosing Duquesne. 

Another factor frequently mentioned about Duquesne is the rigor of its academic programs. Many students say, “The curriculum can be challenging, particularly in the sciences.” However, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, receiving individualized attention from your instructors is rarely a problem. 

Students who wish to earn their doctoral degree online at Duquesne University have three options:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Online

This degree features three-year and four-year curriculum options, plus a DNP to PhD program . There are some residency requirements on campus. Additionally, students will complete a study abroad experience at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland.  

• Doctor of Philosophy in N u rsing Ethics Online

The Ph.D. program in Nursing Ethics is a 47-credit-hour program that takes four to six years to complete. The coursework can be completed online. However, candidates will need to come to campus for four residency requirements. One of these is a study abroad experience.

• Doctor of Pharmacy Online

The School of Pharmacy at Duquesne features an online Pharm.D. Program. This four-year program is designed for candidates who have already met the prerequisite course requirements from an accredited US institution. Students will complete most of their work online with limited campus residency requirements. A unique aspect of this program is that all students enrolled automatically earn a BS in Pharmacy Foundations (BSPF) simultaneously at no added cost!

Duquesne offers nearly 50 centers and institutes for research programs, cross-discipline learning, and more. Plus, the Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) supports students and faculty in engaging in innovation and research. The ORI provides technical support, networking, grant application assistance, and more, making it an excellent resource for doctoral students. 

Graduate Tuition: $25,578

Best Online Ph.D. Programs Methodology

There are many types of doctoral degrees . However, each of the online schools on this list was evaluated using several criteria. First, we searched the NCES database for all schools offering online doctoral programs. Each school is accredited, located in the US, and offers at least two online or hybrid doctoral programs. From there, we applied the following factors to determine our ranking:

Average Graduate Tuition Rate Per Academic Year

• Less than $15,000 per year = 5 Points
• Between $15,000 and $20,000 per year = 3 Points
• More than $20,000 per year = 1 Point

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

• 15:1 or less = 3 Points
• Greater than 15:1 = 1 Point

Overall Graduation Rate

• Greater than 80% = 3 Point
• 80% or Less = 1 Point

In cases where schools ranked the same number of points, preference was given to colleges with the most affordable tuition. You can view the entire ranking chart at the end of this article. Please note that no school is given preferential treatment. Each is evaluated based on the same essential criteria. 

When listing tuition rates, we use each school’s in-state graduate tuition per academic year. Your costs may vary depending on where you live and the program you choose. Bear in mind that many schools on this list offer substantial financial assistance.

Would you like to take a look at how we ranked each school? Here’s a chart for our fellow data geeks.

Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024

Earning a PhD can boost your career potential. We rank the best research universities that offer online doctorate programs.

Key Takeaways

• Online doctoral degree programs are growing in availability at top-ranked research universities.
• Doctoral students seeking accredited online degree programs from top research universities have a number of excellent options to choose from.
• Many online programs at the doctoral level are geared toward working professionals seeking to advance in their career.

Featured Programs

Prospective students considering online doctoral programs can choose from a wide range of excellent programs at an array of top research universities. Research universities are schools that invest heavily in research. These universities are therefore able to provide meaningful opportunities for students and faculty to participate in research.

This high level of research activity makes research universities a particularly strong draw for doctoral students and Phd candidates. Doctoral and PhD candidates are typically already working at a high level in their field.

This means that students seeking their doctorate through online doctoral programs must balance existing work and personal responsibilities with a challenging course of education. This is why a growing number of research universities offer online doctoral programs.

For a look at how these online doctoral programs stack up against traditional on campus programs, check out our look at the 50 Best Graduate Schools in the U.S.

Otherwise, read on and learn more about how you can earn an online PhD from a top research university.

The Carnegie Classification System at Research Universities

The best research universities for online doctoral degrees are classified into different tiers based on their quantifiable commitment to research activities. This tiered ranking is commonly called the Carnegie Classification.

The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education is a framework for categorizing all accredited, degree-granting institutions in the United States.

Originally formulated in 1970 by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and administered through the University of Indiana’s Center for Postsecondary Research since 2014, the Carnegie Classification is “the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education.”

Under this classification, top research universities for doctoral degrees and PhD candidates are identified as either R2: Doctoral Universities for “high research activity” or R1: Doctoral Universities for “very high research activity.” Look for these classifications when considering options for your online PhD programs.

Accreditation for Your Online Doctoral Program at a Research University

Online doctoral degree programs are growing in both availability and diversity. Online doctoral programs are offered in an increasingly wide range of subjects including areas like:

• Educational leadership
• Educational administration
• Community college leadership
• Health sciences
• Physical therapy
• Nursing practice program options
• Occupational therapy
• Systems engineering
• Computer engineering

...and much more.

An online doctoral programs becoming increasingly diverse in their offerings, proper accreditation becomes more important than ever when determining the quality and credibility of your online PhD:

• Institutional Accreditation : Accreditation is vital for online doctoral programs. It signifies that the online Ph.D programs offered by the graduate school are in compliance with the standards of a Department of Education-approved accrediting body.

A school must also be accredited in order to offer federal financial aid to its online doctorate candidates. When looking for an online doctoral program, seek out options with accreditation from a colleges and schools commission in your region. This stamp of approval is critical for ensuring the quality and credibility of your online program.

• Programmatic Accreditation : In addition to institutional accreditation, be sure that you are only considering online doctorate degree programs with programmatic accreditation.

For instance, if you seek a doctor of nursing practice, be sure that your online doctoral degree program has accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). If you seek a PhD in business administration, be sure you only consider online degrees with programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Programmatic accreditation ensures you only select from online PhD programs respected in your field.

Key Point: The best online doctoral programs will have both institutional and programmatic accreditation.

What to Expect from an Online Doctorate Program at a Research University

Admission requirements.

Each research university offering online doctorate programs will have its own admission requirements. However, most online doctoral programs will carry the same basic threshold for admission:

• A completed online application
• Official undergraduate college transcripts
• A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
• GRE scores, MAT scores, or GMAT scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal interviews
• Personal statement or essay
• Plan of study

Key Point: In most cases, you’ll be eligible to enter a doctoral degree online after earning a bachelor’s degree. However, some specialized online PhD programs may require you to have earned a master’s degree as well.

Curriculum and Courses

As with other advanced degree and graduate programs, research is the central component of your online PhD program. This is true for fully online doctorate degrees as well as hybrid degrees combining online education with traditional on-campus courses.

Regardless of whether you complete a traditional, hybrid or online doctoral program, the typical time to completion is three to six years.

The typical components of your online PhD program may include:

Foundational Courses

While some foundational online doctorate courses may be focused on your specific discipline or area of study, most courses will focus on research methods and experimental design. You may be able to complete many of these requirements through online classes.

Examinations for PhD Candidacy

Many online doctoral students are required to complete certain examinations to enter into online PhD candidacy. This will typically occur after you’ve completed one to two years of foundational courses.

Dissertation Requirements in Online PhD Programs at Research Universities

Dissertation.

In most cases, the central component of your online PhD program will be the completion of your dissertation. After gaining status as an online PhD candidate, you will typically work closely with a professorial advisor or mentor to develop an original research question.

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

Oral Defense

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

Teaching Requirements

Some online Ph.D programs will also include a teaching component, which will require you to work as an adjunct professor or teacher’s assistant in an undergraduate or graduate school. It may be possible for students in the online doctoral degree program to also serve teaching requirements by instructing online students.

Key Point: The online PhD is a research-focused degree. Your dissertation will be a central part of your online doctoral degree program.

Careers for Students Who Complete Online Doctoral Degree Programs

The PhD is generally considered a terminal degree at most research universities and in most fields. This means that students who complete credible online doctoral programs in their field are generally eligible for top positions and opportunities in their field. These opportunities, and the pay scale, may differ from one field to the next.

That said, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that, in 2021, working professionals with a PhD earned more per week than other Americans in every educational demographic. According to the BLS, the median weekly earning for graduate students with a doctoral degree was $1909. By contrast, those with a master’s degree earned a weekly median of $1574, while bachelor’s degree holders earned a median of $1334.

These higher earnings are reflective of the rarified professional opportunities that await those with a PhD in their field. Working professionals who earn an accredited online doctorate may be eligible to work in the following areas.

• Theoretical Research
• Scientific Research
• Post-Secondary Education
• Public Policy Consultation
• Clinical Practice
• Organizational Leadership

Key Point: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students with a doctorate will earn more than graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

What’s the difference between online doctoral programs and online Ph.D programs?

Technically, a PhD is a type of doctorate degree. This means that all online PhD candidates are doctoral students. By contrast, not all doctoral students are PhD candidates.

The primary distinction is that doctoral students are primarily focused on putting existing theories into practice. Depending on your chosen field, your online doctoral degree may require participation in an educational leadership program, engagement in clinical practice, work as a resident in a nursing program, and much more.

By contrast, online PhD students are focused on creating new knowledge in their area of study. This usually means that online PhD candidates are focused on introducing new theories, creating research projects around these theories, and presenting new findings that demonstrate a mastery of existing knowledge and the insight to introduce new ideas into the field.

Today, more working professionals than ever before are pursuing both online doctoral degrees and online Phd programs.

The 20 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates

University of southern california.

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• #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
• #6 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #12 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Tuition + fees

Student body

Median SAT/ACT

Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern California

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

• Social Work
• Engineering
• Criminal Justice
• Communications
• Computer Science
• Political Science

Most Influential Alumni

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

Plan to pursue career opportunities in the Los Angeles area. Some estimates identify USC as the largest employer in the region as well as a top contributor to the labor market.

Are seeking a more intimate academic experience. USC is a massive school in an urban environment.

University of Arizona

• #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #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 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 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #8 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
• #10 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #11 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
• #12 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
• #13 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates)
• #16 Best Online Master's in Management
• #20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Arizona

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

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

Enjoy college athletics. The Arizona Wildcats have won numerous championships across various Pac-12 Conference sports.

Prefer an intimate college experience.

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

Career Outlook for degree at George Washington University

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

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

Are interested in fields like political science, law, and civics. Its location in the U.S. capital makes GW a prime destination for these areas of study.

Don’t wish to attend college in an urban environment. GW is immersed directly in the city of Washington D.C.

George Washington University’s Online Degrees

• PhD in Systems Engineering
• DEng in Cybersecurity Analytics
• DEng in Engineering Management

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

Are looking to participate in campus activities, Greek life, and sporting event attendance.

Prefer a more intimate college experience.

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
• #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)
• #14 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #16 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
• #16 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #16 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
• #17 Best Online Master's in Management
• #18 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #1 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Missouri

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

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

Are looking for lots of options. With more than 300 degree programs, University of Missouri is excellent for students with an undeclared major.

Don’t wish to live on a large campus. Students at University of Missouri note that many classes take place in large lecture halls.

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

Enjoy a strong athletics program. The University of Alabama Crimson Tide enjoy a heated cross-state rivalry with the Tigers of Auburn University.

Prefer a more intimate learning environment. University of Alabama is noted for the size of its student body, the scope of its academic offerings, and the expansiveness of its campus facilities.

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 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
• #16 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #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:

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

Are looking to get involved. Students who attend the University of Kentucky praise the extremely wide variety of clubs, activities, and on-campus events.

Are looking for a quiet, intimate campus. Students note that Greek life and sporting events are a major part of the culture at this large institution.

Baylor University

• #2 Best Christian Colleges in Texas 2024
• #3 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024
• #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 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 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
• #18 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #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:

• Religious Studies
• 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

Are seeking a beautiful campus with thoughtful architecture. Students describe Baylor’s main campus as warm and welcoming.

Have financial constraints. Baylor University is a comparatively costly private institution.

Clemson University

• #2 Best Grad Schools in South Carolina 2024
• #2 Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in South Carolina 2024
• #2 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #2 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina 2024
• #4 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
• #4 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #4 Best Online Master's in Biology
• #8 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
• #9 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
• #11 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #18 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
• #18 Best Online Master's in Special Education
• #20 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
• #20 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #24 Best Online Master’s in Engineering

Career Outlook for degree at Clemson University

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

• James Dickey
• Strom Thurmond
• John Edwards
• Jo Jorgensen
• Anthony Bradley
• James F. Byrnes
• Warren E. Dixon
• Dolph Lundgren
• Thomas Naylor
• Horace Grant
• Dwight Clark
• Deshaun Watson

Enjoy college athletics. Clemson’s Tigers enjoy an enormous cultural presence both on campus and in the surrounding region.

Are looking for a college in a lively area. Clemson is located in the foothills of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, but this also means that the university is a two hour drive from the nearest city.

Loyola University Chicago

• #4 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2024
• #6 Best Colleges in Illinois 2024
• #6 Best Research Universities in Illinois 2024
• #6 Best Grad Schools Illinois 2024
• #16 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #1 The Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Bachelor's Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2024
• #2 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
• #2 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #4 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
• #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
• #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Information Technology
• #5 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
• #7 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
• #8 Best Accredited Online Juris Doctorate (JD) Law Programs
• #8 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #9 Fastest Online Associate Degrees Ranked for 2024
• #10 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #12 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology
• #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2024
• #14 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Loyola University Chicago

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

• Marsha M. Linehan
• Norman Geisler
• Sandra Cisneros
• Levi Bryant
• Stuart Dybek
• Alphonso Lingis
• Shalanda Young
• Joseph Fitzmyer
• Wilton Daniel Gregory
• Fabian Udekwu
• Bob Newhart
• John Hardon

Wish to attend a college immersed in the bustling metropolitan city of Chicago.

Have financial constraints. Students at Loyola note that even with the school’s often generous financial aid packages and scholarships, the high cost of tuition and the high cost of living can be challenging.

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 Online Master’s in Education
• #13 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #19 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #22 Best Online Master's in Management
• #22 Best Online Master’s in Engineering

Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas

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

• Joycelyn Elders
• Edward Durell Stone
• Nic Pizzolatto
• Michael Dertouzos
• Lucinda Roy
• Vince Foster
• Rodney E. Slater
• Samuel Totten
• W. T. Martin
• Barry Hannah
• Barry Switzer
• Sarah Caldwell

Are interested in a highly social campus with affordable in-state tuition. Students note that the university offers a welcoming campus culture with a wide range of clubs and activities to choose from.

Don’t enjoy a good walk. Students at University of Arkansas point out that the campus is actually quite hilly, which can make getting around a bit more challenging at times.

University of Nebraska–Lincoln

• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Nebraska 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Nebraska
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Nebraska 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Nebraska 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Nebraska
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Wyoming
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Wyoming
• #3 Best Online MBAs in Finance
• #3 Best Online Master's in English
• #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #4 Best Online Master's in Art Education and Art Administration
• #4 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
• #5 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
• #5 Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Ranked for Students in 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #6 Best Online Master's in Agriculture and Agribusiness Degree Programs
• #6 Best Online MBA in Business Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
• #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #8 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
• #9 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
• #9 Best Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #10 Best Online Master’s in Finance
• #13 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
• #15 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #15 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #16 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #20 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
• #22 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
• #24 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students

Career Outlook for degree at University of Nebraska–Lincoln

University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• John J. Pershing
• Johnny Carson
• Richard Hamming
• Norman Malcolm
• Jay Wright Forrester
• Roscoe Pound
• George Beadle
• Donald J. Cram
• Willa Cather
• Alan J. Heeger
• Gene Okerlund
• J. P. Guilford

Enjoy an excellent college sports tradition. The school’s Cornhuskers compete in the Big Ten Conference and the men’s football team claims five national titles.

Are seeking an intimate campus experience. With more than 19,000 undergraduates, and roughly 5000 graduate students, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is organized into nine separate colleges across three campuses.

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

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

Like to get the best bang for their buck. FIU ranks tops in the state for “performance funding.”

Prefer a small campus and an intimate learning experience.

Texas Christian University

• #22 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #4 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
• #8 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
• #11 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
• #15 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #18 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
• #21 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
• #25 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice

Career Outlook for degree at Texas Christian University

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

• Cleanth Brooks
• John Walvoord
• Joe B. Wyatt
• JoAnne Yates
• LaDainian Tomlinson
• Dave Hickey
• Paul W. Schroeder
• Bill Curtis
• Swanee Hunt
• Dale Martin
• Luke Wilson

Are hoping to get involved with Greek Life. Students note that sororities and fraternities play a big role in shaping campus culture at TCU.

Have financial constraints. Students at the private institution note that tuition is high and rising at TCU. This can place an education at TCU out of reach for some candidates.

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
• #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

Enjoy small classes and one-on-one engagement from professors. Students note that Duquesne offers the balance of an intimate campus in an urban environment.

Do not align with the Catholic tradition of faith. Some students note that the culture, rules, and academics reflect a Catholic affiliation.

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

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

Like a college with strong school spirit. Students repeatedly note that the school spirit is a major feature of campus life, which can make Texas Tech feel like one big community.

Are looking for a small campus. Like a lot of other things in Texas, Texas Tech is a sprawling campus. Students note that the sheer distance of walking between classes can sometimes be exhausting.

Virginia Commonwealth University

• #5 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2024
• #1 Best RN to BSN Online
• #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia
• #3 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
• #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2024
• #5 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #7 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
• #13 Best Online Master's in Special Education
• #14 Best Online Master’s in Education

Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Tom Robbins
• Charles Vess
• David Baldacci
• Marcus Rediker
• Emmet Gowin
• Sheri Reynolds
• Marilyn Tavenner
• Philip B. Meggs
• Robert Q. Marston
• Sudhir Srivastava
• Jack Trammell

Are seeking a culturally enriching campus experience. Students describe VCU as a community that embraces the arts, activism, and diversity.

Are seeking a more enveloping campus. VCU is situated in the city of Richmond, which can make the campus feel less immersive.

University of Alabama at Birmingham

• #3 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024
• #3 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Alabama
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs
• #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama
• #3 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
• #5 Best Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Ranked for Students in 2024
• #7 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
• #7 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
• #7 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
• #8 15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
• #8 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
• #8 Best Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #8 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #9 Fastest Accelerated Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
• #9 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
• #12 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
• #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
• #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting
• #15 Best Online MBAs in Finance
• #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
• #19 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #4 Best College Majors that Offer Accelerated Degree Programs

Career Outlook for degree at University of Alabama at Birmingham

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

• Rebecca Bace
• Ray L. Watts
• Eli Capilouto
• Lawrence J. DeLucas
• Hadiyah-Nicole Green
• Graeme McDowell
• David B. Allison
• Clancy Blair
• Bruce R. Korf
• Selwyn M. Vickers
• Ricardo Azziz
• Jason Aaron

Want balance between big city life and a small town feel. Students describe the campus and surrounding Birmingham as offering a safe community in a vibrant urban setting.

Are seeking a broad selection of on-campus activities. Some students describe options as limited in this area.

University of Massachusetts Lowell

• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Psychology Programs
• #3 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
• #4 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of English
• #5 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
• #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2024
• #7 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
• #7 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
• #8 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology
• #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts
• #10 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity
• #11 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
• #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
• #14 Best Online Master’s in Finance
• #16 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
• #16 Best Online Master's in Economics
• #17 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #19 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #23 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
• #23 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
• #24 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting
• #1 20 Fastest Online Associate's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Massachusetts Lowell

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

• Corey Lewandowski
• Eric Chaisson
• Roger Cressey
• Arthur G. Hunt
• Craig MacTavish
• Holly Yanco
• Raymond J. McNulty
• Dwayne Roloson
• George Chigas
• Marty Meehan
• John Traphagan

Are looking to get involved in campus life. Students note that there are many clubs and activities to choose from and that the campus is both welcoming and social.

Plan to commute to campus by car. Students routinely voice concerns over the lack of convenient parking and the limitations of on-campus transportation.

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
• #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

Are still deciding on their discipline. Nova Southeastern offers more than 150 graduate and undergraduate degrees across 14 colleges.

Have financial constraints. Some students note that even with financial aid, the cost of attendance remains comparatively high.

Find A Degree

The 90 Best Accredited Online Ph.D. 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why earn a Doctorate Degree?
• What are the Ph.D. Admission Requirements?
• How Much Does a Ph.D. Cost?
• How many years will it take for me to achieve my doctorate degree online?
• Do online doctorate degree programs require campus visits?
• Ph.D. vs. Doctorate
• ALL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
• Highest-Paying Doctoral Degrees
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• Struggles Only a Ph.D. Student Would Understand
• Ph.D. Requiring Residencies
• The World’s Richest Doctors
• Academic Conferences
• Most Popular PhD Degrees
• ALL Ph.D. Highlights

Online Ph.D. programs provide degrees often earned by those who wish to enter the realm of research, leadership, or education in their chosen field.

As this distinguished degree is very impressive, you can expect to exhibit hard work and dedication beyond your imagination. Earning a Ph.D. is not for the faint of heart!

However, besides accomplishing their own personal goals, Ph.D. holders are dedicated to the betterment of our society, primarily through research and by teaching others. As you embark on this journey, rest assured your efforts will be applauded and your lasting work will be much appreciated by your peers and for generations to come.

90 of the Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs

Best online phd programs in education/educational leadership.

Embarking on an online Ph.D. or EdD in Education or Educational Leadership entails not only a love of learning but also passing on that love of learning to the next generation. An EdD in Education is designed for working professionals who not only want to teach but may want to work as a dean or principal of a school or as a college president.

A Ph.D. in Education is a theory and research-driven educational pursuit. Those with a Ph.D. in Education will often become college professors or research scholars.

Both the Ph.D. and EdD in Education are terminal degrees in the field of education. All three of the universities listed here have multiple fields of study within their online education doctoral programs. They also each have an extremely high retention rate, which means high student satisfaction, as well as a stellar reputation for online excellence.

Johns Hopkins University

The online EdD program at Johns Hopkins University is one of the best global education programs in the world. Offered by a top university, the degree is still accessible for those who are already engaged in the education world in leadership roles and as teachers.

The coursework at Johns Hopkins focuses on up-to-date research in the following specializations:

• Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education
• Urban Leadership
• Mind, Brain, and Teaching
• Instructional Design in Online Teaching and Learning
• Technology Integration in K-16 Education

University of Southern California

Ranked #11 in Best Schools of Education by U.S. News and World Report, USC offers some of the best online education degree programs. The USC Rossier School of Education boasts top education faculty and a very high satisfaction rate.

The online doctorates in education offered at the University of Southern California are:

• Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
• Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership
• Global Executive Doctor of Education

University of Florida

The online educational doctorate at the University of Florida is not only one of the top online doctorates but is also one of the cheapest online doctorates in education among the three included in this list.

The College of Education at the University of Florida is ranked 2nd in the nation according to U.S. News and World Report rankings of America’s Best Online Graduate Education Programs. It has occupied the top of this list for 6 years running making it a solid choice for educational pursuits.

The online doctoral programs along with their specializations offered at the University of Florida are:

• Teachers, Schools, and Society
• Educational Technology
• Leadership in Educational Administration EdD
• EdD in Special Education
• EdD in Higher Education Administration

Best Online PhD Programs in Psychology

Those pursuing a doctorate in the field of psychology have the option of completing either a Ph.D. or a PsyD. A Ph.D. in psychology is more heavily weighted toward research and scientific inquiry. A PsyD is a better choice for those who are interested in clinical practice.

A doctorate program in psychology may have an emphasis such as addiction or family counseling. Some schools may prioritize a focus making it a better fit for a specific interest. Below are the three top schools offering online doctorates in psychology.

Oregon State University

Oregon State University offers a Ph.D. in Counseling which gives students the ability to work as supervisors, educators, and practitioners in counseling settings. Research is an essential component of the program at OSU along with adequately addressing evolving societal needs.

The Ph.D. is available to complete entirely online with the exception of two face-to-face meetings a quarter. Focus areas of the counseling degree program from Oregon State University include:

• Advanced Practice
• Counselor Supervision
• Counselor Education

National University

The Ph.D. in Psychology offered at National University is one of the cheapest online doctoral degrees in psychology. The program prepares students to advance in their profession and emphasizes learning from experience and real-life situations.

The online Ph.D. programs at National University boast a “uniquely flexible approach.” The weekly course starts to fit graduate students’ already busy schedules. Doctoral degrees in psychology offered at National are:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
• Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Doctorate of Marriage and Family Therapy

Best Online PhD Programs in Nursing

There are two basic options for those pursuing a terminal degree in nursing. The Ph.D. in Nursing is a research-based degree that prepares graduates to work in nursing faculty positions, as nursing researchers or developing and exploring research methodologies.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice or DNP prepares graduates to work in health care policy, administration, or other nursing leadership opportunities. Those who hold a DNP may also find a job within academia.

When deciding between a DNP and Ph.D. in Nursing, pursuing a DNP is better for those interested in the practice of nursing whereas a Ph.D. is more suited for those who are research and methodology-oriented. These three schools are some of the very best schools to offer an online doctor of nursing practice degree.

University of Pittsburgh

The School of Nursing at the University of Pittsburgh is ranked ninth in the country by U.S. News & World Report, making it one of the top online schools at which to obtain a doctorate in nursing. The focus of the school is to provide the highest levels of nursing research and education in order to assist students in making a positive change in the nursing world.

The online Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Pittsburgh offers multiple concentrations which are listed below.

• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Health Systems Executive Leadership
• Nurse Anesthesia
• Nurse-Midwife (On-site)
• Nurse Practitioner

Duke University

The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program at Duke University achieved the #4 ranking in 2021 DNP programs by U.S. News & World Report. Duke University offers entry for post-BSN as well as post-master’s degree students. The online format offers flexibility which allows nurses to pursue a terminal degree while still working.

The degree program focuses on giving students the skills to improve care systems, quality of care, and assess evidence and previous research. Degrees and specialties offered by Duke University School of Nursing are:

• Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Anesthesia (Hybrid)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice – Executive Leadership Specialty and Certificate
• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University offers both a Post Master’s and Post Baccalaureate Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Both degrees are offered online which is ideal for nurses who are already employed.

The Post-Master’s DNP gives nurses the ability to stay competitive within their field while the Post-Baccalaureate DNP prepares students to become nurse practitioners. Both degree programs are offered through the top-class, flexible online classes at Gonzaga University.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice – Post Master’s
• Doctor of Nursing Practice – Post Baccalaureate

See also: How To Write a Perfect Essay Like a PhD

Best online phd programs in history.

Obtaining a Ph.D. in history is for those who are fascinated with culture, music, sociology, religion, politics, and a broad scope of virtually everything related to humanity. Fascinated by life, those who study history are courageous people who are interested in passing on to future generations the whys and wherefores of human existence in order to give them insight into current situations.

Along with granting insight, exploring past cultures, and expanding one’s worldview, the study of history at a doctoral level prepares one to become an expert in a historical focus area. Obtaining a terminal degree in history can equip a graduate to work at a college or university, museum, government agency, or in research, publishing, and editing.

Unfortunately, there are few online doctorates in history offered in the U.S. Liberty University Online offers one of the only online Ph.D. programs in history available. Included here is also the University of Birmingham, recommended by Texas Tech University for those wishing to complete an online history Ph.D. The third listing offers an online Ph.D. related to history.

Liberty University

Though the online Ph.D. in History is one of the only degrees of its kind, it is offered by Liberty University Online, whose online programs, according to their website, are ranked in the top 1%. Liberty University is accredited and approaches the study of history from a Christian perspective.

Courses are in an 8-week format with start dates beginning every 8 weeks. Another unique aspect of Liberty’s program is its low tuition rate which has remained the same rate for 4 years. This combination of qualities makes Liberty University’s online Ph.D. in History affordable as well as high quality. Subjects studied include:

• Historiography
• Historical Professions

University of Birmingham

Located in Birmingham, England, the University of Birmingham offers online Ph.D. degrees in history. The university is the home to the Center for Byzantine, Ottoman, and Modern Greek Studies, which makes it the only research center in England to bring all of those subjects together.

Ranked among the top five departments of Classics in the UK by Times Higher Education, the University of Birmingham boasts 81% of submitted research outputs rated as either “internationally excellent” or “world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigor.” Online PhDs offered by the University of Birmingham are:

• PhD in Classics and Ancient History
• PhD in Byzantine, Ottoman and Modern Greek Studies

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

A history-related online Ph.D. program is the Ph.D. specialization offered by the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. The specialization is in Social Foundations of Education. The program assists students in acquiring an understanding of the social situations that affect communities and especially urban schools.

It is designed for those who wish to study schools and sociology in a historical setting, applying it to current situations in order to improve urban schools and communities. The Ph.D. specialization is offered by the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee’s Education School.

Best Online Doctoral Programs in Business

The online doctoral degree in business is widely available at many institutions. Various paths may be taken for those who have a mind and passion for business. First, is the more applied doctorate, the Doctor of Business Administration or DBA. Also available is a Ph.D. in business administration which is a more theoretical approach to business.

Those who pursue the more theoretical approach, or Ph.D. in business, will likely be teaching business or applying their theories and research to improve business strategy.

The applied doctorate or DBA lends itself more to becoming the leader of a business. Both doctorates are terminal and offer a wide range of skills and opportunities to their holders.

These three schools offer online doctorates in business and are chosen based on their quality as well as their affordability.

California Baptist University

California Baptist University offers one of the best online Doctor of Business degrees. The graduates of the program at CBU have learned to create a strong foundation of business practice based on theory, research, and application.

The program allows students to graduate in as little as three years at which time they will have also completed their dissertation. 8-week modules offer flexible start times. A unique aspect of the Doctor of Business Administration degree program at California Baptist University includes learning high ethical standards in a global business setting.

Creighton University

The Doctor of Business Administration at Creighton University offered through Creighton’s Heider College of Business, is a research degree that focuses on enhancing critical thought and analysis. A DBA from Creighton will give the skills to advance professionally, improve the skill to consult, and grant opportunities to practice or teach at a university or college.

Research at this degree program is holistic, centered around society and organizations as a whole and making a positive change within business. The Doctor of Business Administration at Creighton is a hybrid program that can be completed mostly online.

University of Maryland Global Campus

One of the top online Doctor of Business Administration degrees available, the degree program at the University of Maryland is designed for professionals who wish to enhance their abilities, level of knowledge, and research acumen. According to their website, the program emphasizes “management theory and strategic thinking, organizational leadership and change, research and innovation, and sustainability in the global business environment.”

Along with applied research and real-world analysis, classes in the Doctor of Business Administration degree program at the University of Maryland include:

• Evidence-based Research Methods
• Data Analytics in Practice
• Research as a Tool for Management Decision Making

Best Online Doctoral Programs in Accounting

The Doctor of Accounting degree can be pursued through two doctoral avenues: the Ph.D. in Business or the Doctor of Business Administration. Both of these options must be pursued at a school that offers a concentration in accounting in order to give accounting expertise.

The DBA approach to pursuing a terminal degree in accounting prepares graduates to practice accounting as CPAs, manage or direct CPA firms, or work as financial managers or auditors.

The Ph.D. in Business with a concentration in accounting is geared more toward teaching business and accounting within academia, although the holder of a Ph.D. in Business may also enjoy working in research or managing an organization.

The Doctor of Business Administration in Accounting at Liberty University is offered completely online and is one of the best DBAs available online. With a three-year average to complete, an 8-week course schedule, and a high reputation of being rated in the top 1% of online degree programs, Liberty’s DBA program offers flexibility for high-quality professionals.

The DBA program at Liberty focuses on theoretical principles put into practice. It also uniquely emphasizes ethical standards and unites integrity with efficiency within the best possible practice.

One of the top online PhDs in Accounting is offered by National University. Because the degree is a Ph.D. rather than a DBA, the focus is on research-based accounting, which applies a broad understanding of accounting to the “relationships among business activities, economic outcomes, business performance,” and even forensic analysis.

National’s online Ph.D. in Accounting program specializes in working with professors at NU to examine accounting data, analyze business transactions and statements, and relate them to the operating functions of business organizations. Graduates may feel confident in positions as accounting and auditing leaders and in academia.

George Fox University

The Doctor of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting at George Fox University is a hybrid DBA program that is completed almost entirely online. An on-campus residency is required twice each year in the beautiful state of Oregon. This format allows students to pursue their full-time employment while advancing to the top of their field.

The online DBA accounting program at George Fox requires students to complete a business core, a research core that includes a dissertation, and an education core. The education core includes either a teaching practicum or a consulting practicum. The program offers highly convenient start dates every Monday.

Best Online Doctoral Programs in Computer Science

There are two basic paths for those pursuing the highest degree in the field of computer science: the Doctor of Computer Science and the Ph.D. in Computer Science. Although both are terminal degrees in computer science, the degrees are not equivalent. The Ph.D. is a research degree that usually requires a dissertation process of around 3 years.

Because of the time required to complete the dissertation, a Ph.D. in computer science usually takes at least 4 years to complete. The Doctor of Computer Science or DCS can often be completed in as little as 3 years with only one year spent on a dissertation. These three schools offer some of the best online doctorates in computer science.

Colorado Technical University

The online degree offered at Colorado Technical University is the Doctor of Computer Science – Big Data Analytics. The focus of the program is on developing expertise and experience in structuring and interpreting data. Tools such as XML, Hadoop, and techniques such as Al and data visualization are used to teach students how to analyze large amounts of data.

The degree program can be completed in as little as 3 years with the dissertation built into the program. With multiple start dates and a convenient online curriculum, the program also offers several scholarships making it affordable as well.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science at National University is offered 100% online. The degree program “takes an applied approach to computer science theory and research.” Unique to National’s Ph.D. program is the focus on independent research rather than just writing papers based on the research of others.

The curriculum is designed to further students’ expertise through studying software engineering, data mining, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Scholarships offered for National’s online Ph.D. in Computer Science include three $20,000 scholarships and one full-time scholarship.

Columbia University

The Computer Science Doctorate degree (DES) at Columbia University’s School of Engineering is offered partially online. Available to those who have completed their master’s degree in computer science at Columbia, the degree program offers a great opportunity for those who discover their interest in the subject of computer science early.

By completing their master’s degree at Columbia, the online doctoral degree from a top university becomes available to those who would like to acquire a position and also acquire the highest possible degree in computer science. Students are able to choose a focus around which to take classes. These include robotics, artificial intelligence, computational biology, and computer graphics among others.

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Best online doctoral programs in public administration.

Those who hold a doctorate in public policy or public administration have the privilege to influence the policies of public, private, and nonprofit organizations as well as law and policy in government.

Every city requires experts in public administration in order to effectively operate. These online degree programs in public administration are available for those who have work and family responsibilities and are also pursuing higher education.

West Chester University

West Chester University has designed one of the top Doctor of Public Administration programs. The DPA allows professionals to develop skills of leadership in order to direct organizations in all sectors.

The degree is comprised of 45 credits and helps students develop competency in the areas of management, financial decision-making, policy advocacy, and performance management.

Another one of the best online doctor of public administration degrees, the DPA at California Baptist University is flexible in its start dates as well as unique in its approach. The program is oriented toward working adults who want to become leaders in public and non-profit organizations.

The online DPA can be completed in as little as three years including the dissertation. Unique focus areas of the program include criminal justice, planning, governance, policy, health management, and social service.

Liberty University’s online DPA program is streamlined to allow an average of 2.5 years to complete a degree from a highly respected online institution. The doctorate is applied in that it focuses on solving real problems, developing skills in governance, and training for leadership roles.

The degree program, administered from a Christian perspective, assists students to “develop a thorough knowledge of the legal, ethical and political environments of public administration.” Liberty University also provides an online Ph.D. in Public Policy which can be created in less than 3 years. Both degree programs are affordable online doctorates in public policy and administration.

Best Online Doctoral Programs in Economics

Like online doctorates in history, online doctorates in economics aren’t widely available yet. There are quite a few international universities that offer online doctorates in economics but here are three universities from the U.S., all of which are accredited.

Two of the schools are accredited by agencies not recognized by the United States Department of Education. However, they are recognized by the UK and many students who have graduated from these schools have developed the tools necessary to have successful careers in the field of economics.

Liberty University ranked in the top 1% of online universities, does offer one of the only online doctorates in economics. Liberty’s online Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy – Economic Policy is designed to assist students in looking to create a better future for our country. With a possible completion time of 3 years, the Ph.D. is offered 100% online and is fully accredited by the SACSCC.

Liberty’s Ph.D. in Public Policy – Economics prepares graduates to work in careers as researchers, policy analysts, social scientists, government leaders, professors, directors of education policies, and many other exciting careers that will fuel the success of our future economy.

Atlantic International University

Atlantic International University, located in Honolulu, Hawaii, offers an online Ph.D. in Economics. The degree program brings together the practical aspects of business with economic analysis. It is intended for students who are interested in pursuing careers in research and teaching in business administration or similar economic fields.

Unique to the program at AIU is the ability to specialize in the following areas:

• Economics of Growth and Development
• Public Economics
• Mathematics for Economists
• Econometrics International Trade Theory
• Microeconomic Research
• Macroeconomic Research
• Labor Economics
• Economic Theory
• Industrial Organization
• International Economics

Akamai University

Akamai University offers two options for completing a Ph.D. in Economics. One is the Doctor of Philosophy (by Coursework) in Community and Economic Development. The other is the Doctor of Philosophy (by Dissertation) in Community and Economic Development.

• This PhD at Akamai addresses the many challenges confronting the human community. The program prepares students to address the principles, development and recovery of these economic communities.
• Can be completed in as little as 2 years
• The Ph.D. in Economics by Dissertation at Akamai is for students who have completed years of research, training and coursework and are interested in specific research as a capstone to their career.
• The objective of the program is for students to complete a quality dissertation under the guidance of Akamai professors.

Best Online Doctoral Programs in Public Health

A Doctor of Public Health or DrPH is a terminal degree in the field of public health. Similar to a Ph.D., the DrPH is designed for those who are entering careers that involve teaching, research, or professional practice. The degree is often focused on interdisciplinary studies whereas the Ph.D., by contrast, is research-based and focuses on the mastery of a single topic within a public health field.

Though not many online doctorates are available in the field of public health, these three of the best DrPH degrees are offered by top universities.

University of South Florida

Ranked #104 in National Universities by U.S. News and World Report, the University of South Florida also has one of the most affordable online doctors of public health degrees available anywhere.

The degree program at USF is focused on advancing public health education and prepares graduates to practice in health departments, international agencies, and non-profit or community-based organizations among other places of work.

The unique emphasis of the degree program is “developing, implementing, and evaluating evidence-informed public health practice.” The University of South Florida’s online Doctor of Public Health is available online with 3 on-campus DrPH Institutes.

Available concentrations in this degree program are:

• Advanced Practice Leadership in Public Health
• Public Health and Clinical Laboratory Science and Practice

One of only a few online doctorates available at Johns Hopkins University, the Doctor of Public Health offered through the Bloomberg School of Public Health is one of the best DrPH degrees in the country. Ranked #10 in international universities by U.S. News and World Report, Johns Hopkins guarantees some of the best overall academic training by top faculty.

The DrPH at Johns Hopkins integrates knowledge and analytical skills to produce leaders, program managers, and communication professionals as well as focused knowledge within a specific field of public health.

Along with a specialized course of study for each student according to his or her interests, these concentrations are available for students in the DrPH at Johns Hopkins:

• Environmental Health
• Health Equity and Social Justice
• Health Policy and Management
• Implementation Science

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

One of the top online doctors of public health degrees is offered by the high-ranking University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The online DrPH program offered through the Gillings School of Global Public Health gives students health leadership skills that produce graduates who are effective public health leaders of the future.

The degree program is available to professionals who have had five years of experience, after their master’s degree, in mid or senior-level leadership positions. The Executive Doctor of Health Leadership degree program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill boasts a high satisfaction rate among graduates of the program and has proved itself as one of the best DrPH degrees available online.

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Best online doctoral programs in criminal justice.

Pursuing a doctorate in criminal justice again offers the option between the academic, research-oriented Ph.D. and the more practical and professional DCJ or Doctor of Criminal Justice degree. Criminal justice specializations offer graduate students opportunities, in either doctorate, to pursue their interest of choice.

These online options allow those working within the field of criminal justice to pursue their dreams of reaching the highest possible level of education while staying within their workplace.

Colorado Technical University provides an online Doctor of Management degree in Criminal Justice. According to the CTU website, “students work to develop…managerial skills through mentoring, action research, and practical projects.” This focus allows DCJ graduates to positively contribute to criminal justice leadership.

Graduates of the program at Colorado Technical University can pursue work as Sheriffs, Police or Private Detectives, and Intelligence Analysts among many other job opportunities. Focus areas in this program include:

• Research and Writing
• Leadership and Change Management
• Specific Concentration Discipline

California University of Pennsylvania

One of the top online doctoral programs for criminal justice is found at California University of Pennsylvania. The doctorate can be completed in 2 years of part-time work, making it one of the fastest online doctorates as well.

The Doctor of Criminal Justice at CUP is designed to offer these career benefits for criminal justice professionals:

• Strengthening analysis skills and policy evaluation
• Understanding concerns including the use of force by police and wrongful convictions
• Developing the leadership necessary to consult or be promoted

An online doctorate with no GRE requirement, the Doctor of Criminal Justice program at National University has convenient start dates and no residency requirements. National offers a one-to-one model of learning that ensures interaction with professors even from a distance.

Students learn to encounter and solve real-world problems while still developing their managerial and organizational skills. Specialties in the program are:

• Homeland Security
• White Collar Crime
• Policing/Law Enforcement

Best Online Doctoral Programs in Philosophy

Online doctorate degrees in philosophy are not widely available as of yet. Two academic institutions are included here that offer an online doctorate in philosophy. The third from the top university of Loyola offers a doctorate in bioethics, a subject closely related to philosophy.

Graduates of a Ph.D. in Philosophy show a special ability in abstract thinking skills and logic along with a love of finding the truth. Teaching philosophy or “the love of wisdom” in academic institutions is usually the vocation of choice for these highly gifted people.

Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts

An institution that is oriented toward creative thought and the arts, the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts provides an online Ph.D. in Visual Arts, Visual Culture, and Aesthetic Consciousness. The course program consists of three academic programs:

• Topological Studies,
• and Independent Studies.

Each of the programs explores the historical relationship between ideas and art. Seminars center on the critique of Continental Philosophy.

Topological Studies cover the relation between art and ideas in their geographical origins. The last program, independent studies, consists of studying a specific subject such as Western philosophy under the instruction of an expert in that field. The program consists of 3 years of coursework followed by the completion of a dissertation.

California Institute of Integral Studies

The online Ph.D. in Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness at the California Institute of Integral Studies focuses on teaching students to understand global human conditions and needs and to be public intellectuals capable of problem-solving in an ever-changing world.

The online Ph.D. consists of 36 credits of coursework, 2 comprehensive exams, and a dissertation. Students are encouraged to participate in an annual retreat and other programs around the San Francisco Bay Area.

Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago, offering a Doctor of Bioethics, is one of the largest Jesuit institutions in the country. The Doctorate in Bioethics is one of the first of its kind available online. The degree program is designed for professionals who are seeking advanced training in bioethics to meet the growing demand at health institutions.

The degree is offered as a hybrid doctorate which combines online courses with 2-3 days of on-campus activity. Tracks of specialization within the Doctor of Bioethics at Loyola University Chicago include:

• Clinical Bioethics
• Organizational Ethics and Leadership
• Catholic Bioethics
• Research Ethics
• Public Health Ethics

Best Online Doctoral Programs in Theology

A doctorate in theology can be pursued through a ThD or a Ph.D. in Theology. The Ph.D. in theology and ThD are considered equivalent degrees. Both require a dissertation, are research-based, and have degrees in theology. The ThD, however, is focused on Christian theology and is often offered by a Seminary or Christian college, or university.

The Ph.D. in Theology is usually offered by a liberal arts institution. The following three doctorates are some of the best online doctorates in theology available, based among other things, on their high rate of retention which is correlated with a high rate of student satisfaction.

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary provides a Ph.D. program in Theology that allows pastors, chaplains, church leaders, authors, and scholars to specialize and become an expert in an area of theology. The program emphasizes biblical and non-biblical languages, research, and critical thinking.

Southwestern’s flexible access program allows students to complete their Ph.D. in Theology from anywhere in the world through live web interaction. Certain aspects of the program such as orientation, comprehensive examinations, and the dissertation defense must be performed on campus. Ph.D. Majors include:

• Biblical Studies
• Theological Studies
• Ethics and Philosophical Studies
• Pastoral Studies

Regent University

The Doctor of Philosophy in Renewal Theology offered by Regent University is conveniently located online with a two-week residency at Virginia Beach every semester. According to their website students “enhance…research and insight with this doctoral program, which will prepare [them] to contribute to the wider conversation of the theological academy from a Renewal perspective and equip emerging church leaders across the globe.”

Concentrations in the Ph.D. in Renewal Theology at Regent University are:

• Christian Theology
• Church History
• Practical Theology

Colorado Theological Seminary

The Doctor of Theology or ThD program in Christian Counseling at Colorado Theological Seminary is one of the top ThD programs in the country. The program is designed to give graduates a foundation in Biblical knowledge and relate that knowledge to counseling.

The degree program is designed for pastors and counselors to assist parishioners and other individuals. The degree program requires 40 credit hours to complete and is also one of the least expensive online ThD programs available.

Best Online Doctoral Pro grams in Communications

A Ph.D. in Communication may well be one of the most versatile and useful terminal degrees. To develop the ability to effectively communicate, whether in the most basic ways, with writing and speech, or in more advanced ways through the ever-changing modes of communication that come along with technological development, is one of the most foundational aspects of human interaction.

Researching communication processes advances knowledge in the field of communication and is vital to the success of any organization. These three of the best online PhDs in communication will assist professionals in reaching the top of their communication potential.

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University offers a hybrid Ph.D. in Technical Communication & Rhetoric. The program is designed around mastering rhetoric, technical communication writing, and composition. Students engage with topics involving history, theory, research, genres, and the practice of technical communication. Graduates will have gained the ability to conduct independent research.

Areas emphasized by the Ph.D. in Technical Communication & Rhetoric at Texas Tech University include:

• Rhetoric, Composition and Technology
• Technical Communication
• Rhetorics of Science and Healthcare
• Technology, Culture, and Rhetoric
• Visual Rhetoric, New Media, and User-Centered Design

The Ph.D. in Communication Studies at Liberty University is offered 100% online. The program has been designed to keep up with the new and continuously changing modes of communication that our technological society introduces. Theories and methods, as well as strategies of communication, are kept up-to-date in Liberty’s program.

The Ph.D. is also focused on research and theory giving graduates a deeper understanding and knowledge of communications. Graduates go on to become researchers, college professors, or entrepreneurs and can be successful in a myriad of fields and business opportunities.

Designed to assist students in becoming better communicators and scholars in communication, the Ph.D. in Communication program at Regent College is one of the most affordable doctorates available from a private university. The program is based on interdisciplinary training in teaching, scholarly writing, and research.

Communication studies are explored on these foundations through a Christian worldview. Graduates are prepared to become successful teachers, writers, speakers, and leaders of thought across various business settings. The Ph.D. in Communication at Regent is offered completely online with the exception of a one-week summer residency.

Best Online Doctoral Programs in Management

Most often used in the business world, the doctorate of management is for those who would like to learn how to:

• research business and management methods,
• analyze the experiences that are a natural part of management roles,
• compare and contrast various aspects of managing
• as well as become capable of leading an organization or groups within an organization toward success and harmony of effort.

A doctorate in management can be pursued through a D.M. or doctor of management degree, a Ph.D. with a focus in management, or very commonly a DBA, also with a specialized focus in management. The three doctorates listed below are some of the best online doctorates in management available.

The Doctor of Business Administration with a focus on management offered by George Fox University is a hybrid program requiring two in-person sessions in Newberg, Oregon each year. The program is geared toward business professionals who may want to transition from their current work into becoming professors or management consultants.

Besides academic or professional advancement, the degree program offers students the opportunity to be enriched by a deeper knowledge of leadership. The online DBA in Management at George Fox is taught by the college’s faculty members and staff who make George Fox a university that is nationally ranked in the top 300.

University of Missouri – St. Louis

The University of Missouri – St. Louis, ranked #97 nationally by U.S. News and World Report offers one of the best online Doctor of Business Administration degree programs. The DBA allows research concentration in any area of business including management. A cohort program, the DBA does require monthly visits to campus but all coursework is available online.

According to their website, the University of Missouri – St. Louis is in the top 2% of business schools worldwide. The school also boasts a high success rate with over 73% of students continuing education or finding a job within 6 months of graduation.

Regent University’s online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership is a research degree that prepares graduates to enter the top tier of management opportunities. According to their website, Regent’s Ph.D. assists students to “analyze the impact of prevailing world social, cultural, religious and political conditions and trends on leadership theory and practice.”

Taught from a Christian worldview the Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership at Regent University also offers the following concentrations:

• Ecclesial Leadership
• Entrepreneurial Leadership
• Human Resource Development
• Individualized Studies
• Organizational Leadership

Best Online Doctoral Programs in Political Science

A doctoral degree in political science instructs recipients in subjects involving political and social situations that affect individual countries and how they relate throughout the world.

Skills in analytical thinking, data interpretation, and problem-solving create professionals in political science who are ready to tackle and provide solutions for political issues. A political scientist may work for the government, public relations, post-secondary schools, or as an analyst or researcher.

Currently, pursuing an online doctorate in the subject of political science can only occur through international institutions or regional universities which may still require regional accreditation. However, these options offer credible doctorates in the field of political science.

World Executive Education Institute

The online Doctor of International Political Economy, offered at the World Executive Education Institute, gives individuals the chance to learn more about the inner workings of the global workplace.

The degree teaches critical thinking skills as well as an understanding of various cultures. It also focuses on granting research skills and communication ability. The online Doctor of International Political Economy prepares graduates for positions in either public, nonprofit or private sectors that are working in international affairs.

The World Executive Education Institute is accredited by The European Centre of Independent Certification in E-Learning.

Euclid University

Euclid University is an intergovernmental institution that, according to its website, “functions under an intergovernmental mandate to deliver programs of higher education that conform to international standards and that are fully documented.”

Euclid’s online Ph.D. in Diplomacy and International Affairs is a practical doctoral program that specializes in a truly global and intergovernmental vision. The program is not centralized around one country but reflects a global approach to diplomacy and international affairs.

It is one of the least expensive doctorates in political science, being subsidized by scholarship opportunities, and also requires no residency.

Selinus University of Science and Literature

The third political science doctorate on this list is an international degree offered through Selinus University of Science and Literature in Bologna, Italy. Accredited by the World Council for Regular and Distance Education, Selinus University follows an international schedule of learning that is not semester-based but rather assists students to develop independent research culminating in a final thesis that must be completed in 24 months.

Concentration availabilities include:

• Middle East
• The Far East
• East-West International Relations
• Political Theory
• Political Science
• Social Welfare
• Environmental Policies
• Political Sociology
• Cross-Cultural Social Perspectives
• Industrialized Countries Economy
• Global Political Economy
• Third World and Developing Nations
• World Politics and Globalization
• Philosophy of Ethics and Law

Best Online Doctoral Programs in Public Policy

Similar to a doctoral degree in public policy is the doctoral program in public administration. A public administration degree focuses more on managing personnel, agendas, and schedules. Studying topics like financial management would fit more within a public administration degree.

A degree in public policy, on the other hand, concentrates more on analyzing and interpreting data, as well as implementing policies and budgets. Because there is a great deal of overlap between the degree programs, the following online doctorates will involve the study of both public policy and public administration.

Valdosta State University

The online Doctor of Public Administration degree from Valdosta State University is a practice-based degree that offers a variety of focus areas including those within public policy.

Designed for professionals who want to advance in government, non-government or non-profit careers, the DPA from Valdosta concentrates on skills such as leadership, communication, management, and problem-solving.

One of the top online Doctor of Public Administration degrees, the DPA from West Chester University was created to meet the needs of professionals wishing to advance in the practice of public policy and administration.

Course focus areas center around developing competency in the areas of strategic management, public sector economic and financial decision-making, and policy advocacy and leadership. Concentration courses in the program are selected from the departments of:

• Public Policy & Administration,
• Criminal Justice,
• Geography and Planning,
• and Graduate Social Work

National University’s online Doctor of Public Administration degree program prepares professionals for positions as managers of compliance, regulatory affairs, social and community service, logistics, and transportation, as well as preparing them to be chief executives in public organizations.

The unique focuses of the program include:

• public policy analysis,
• critical thinking and applied quantitative reasoning,
• and qualitative analysis.

Best Online Doctoral Programs in Sociology

Sociology is basically the study of human interaction. Human interaction involves social relationships within small groups and larger groups in cities, countries, and even international affairs.

The study of social interaction can include the subjects of history, economics, social work, anthropology, psychology, and many other specific areas in which people interact. Those interested in pursuing the study of sociology on the highest levels have many options to pursue depending on their area of interest.

Online doctorates in sociology are not as easily available as they likely will be in the future, but these three doctorates from universities ranked in the top 100 by U.S. News and World Report give great options for launching a successful career as a doctor of sociology.

University of Kentucky

The online Doctorate of Social Work from the University of Kentucky is designed for practitioners in social work to become experts in their field. It is a demanding, high-quality program that combines a study of complex contemporary social situations with advanced experience in specialized populations.

Courses in the doctorate are taught online at the pace of each student. The flexibility of the courses allows students to advance through the program at their own pace. An exception to these asynchronous classes is one residency week each summer.

Concentrations available include:

• Administrative Leadership
• Clinical Social Work
• Military Behavioral Health

The University of Southern California offers an online Doctorate of Social Work through the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. The online DSW offers professionals practical experience in solving social challenges that impact marginalized or disadvantaged populations.

Students in the program become practitioners/scholars. The doctorate is designed to promote the discipline of a scholar with the methodological tools of a successful practitioner.

University of Pennsylvania

One of the top-rated national universities, the University of Pennsylvania provides an online Doctorate in Social Work for working professionals. The format of the doctorate boasts “a highly interactive, relational, accessible and convenient format.”

Students complete the coursework simultaneously with the dissertation usually earning the degree in around 3 years without interrupting their careers. The Doctorate in Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania grants specific knowledge in an area related to social work practice chosen by the student.

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Best online doctoral programs in nutrition.

Dietitians or experts in nutrition have studied which nutrients humans need to thrive and how to regulate a diet successfully. Doctors of nutrition can help those with medical conditions, allergies, or other special dietary needs to successfully accommodate their diets to produce positive results.

Dietitians are healthcare professionals who are trained and licensed in the field of nutrition. A doctorate of nutrition can be pursued through a Ph.D. (research-based) or a DCN (doctor of clinical nutrition). These online options allow working professionals to conveniently achieve a terminal degree in nutrition.

Rutgers University

Designed for registered dietitian nutritionists, the online Doctor of Clinical Nutrition, according to the Rutgers University website, was the first Advanced Practice Clinical Doctorate in the United States.

The program is focused on advancing the pursuit of clinical practice in nutrition by providing expert skills to its doctoral students. Other focus areas include critical thinking and scientific aptitude.

University of North Florida

The University of North Florida offers one of the best online Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition degree programs. According to their website, graduates of the program “gain expertise and skills in chronic disease prevention, clinical treatment, cultural competency, critical thinking, public policy, and outcomes research.”

Learning how to treat chronic disease as well as implementing dietary prevention and intervention will assist graduates to be experts in the field of nutrition.

Saybrook University

Saybrook University, a school founded to integrate human learning experiences, offers a fully online Ph.D. in Integrative and Functional Nutrition. The program looks to assist students and graduates in further scientific research in the field of nutrition.

The degree program begins with an evidence-based foundation and builds upon this basis with knowledge of biochemistry in order to allow professionals to accurately assess nutritional needs.

Unique to the doctoral program at Saybrook University is the holistic approach of evaluating physiological, social, environmental, and psychological science while pursuing dietetic inquiry.

Best Online PhD Programs in Organizational Leadership

Online Ph.D. programs in Organizational Leadership are designed for people wanting to move into top-level management positions. The top online Ph.D. programs commonly focus on business management, but holders of the Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership also work in a variety of fields.

In addition to business management, Organizational leadership skills include:

• collaboration, among many others.

The University of Southern California offers a top online EdD program in Organizational Change and Leadership. This online doctorate is designed to be completed in three or four years.

For those with a master’s degree, this online doctorate requires 43 credits. Graduate students without a master’s degree must complete 60 credits to graduate. This top online doctorate focuses on the process of:

• workplace learning,
• developmental strategies for workplace learning,
• and organization system creation.

Umass Global

UMass Global’s top online doctorate in Organizational Leadership (EdD) is one of the shortest online doctorates in the field. This online doctorate can be completed in only three years, including a dissertation.

To speed up the process of earning this degree and make it a more interactive process, local cohorts provide face-to-face contact with peers and university faculty to assist dissertation preparation and research from the outset of the program.

Graduates from this degree program earn an interdisciplinary degree open to a great number of careers. Graduates work in:

• business, education,
• government,
• for-profits and non-profits institutions.

Northwest Nazarene University

Northwest Nazarene University is the shortest online doctoral program among the top online doctorates (Ph.D./EdD) in Organizational Leadership. This fully online doctorate can be completed in just over two years. What makes this online doctorate stand out is that both a Ph.D. and an EdD track are available, depending upon the student’s needs and goals.

This program’s special focus on education organizational leadership is another feature of Northwest Nazarene’s online doctorate that set it apart from other programs. The program follows a cohort schedule and is one of the cheapest online Ph.D.

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Best online phd programs in humanities.

If you are interested in virtually everything, a degree in Humanities might be just the educational path you should take. Like its cognates human and humane , the Humanities study several features of human society and culture. These include:

• religious and cultural customs,
• technology, and its uses,
• cross-cultural relations,
• literature, and many other aspects of human life.

A doctorate in Humanities from one of these top online Ph.D. programs in Humanities will provide you with the most advanced level of knowledge and research in the many fields of the Humanities.

Graduates with a degree in Humanities are prepared for a surprisingly wide range of careers, from business to law, research and teaching to social work and political action, and many, many other fields.

Graduates with a doctorate in Humanities often go on to work in government, education, social work, and law. They also go on to pursue degrees in different fields based on the strong foundation that they have gained in their Humanities studies.

Salve Regina University

The online Ph.D. in Humanities Salve Regina University offers is one of the shortest online doctoral programs in Humanities. This online Ph.D. program requires only forty-two credits, and coursework is designed to be completed in two years.

Over the two years of coursework, students engage in four, seven-day residencies along with the rest of their academic cohort. The human-technology relationship forms the central focus of this degree program.

Students chose a particular topic of interest early in the degree program, which they continue to explore in the light of the university curriculum and vision.

Faulkner University

Faulkner University’s online Ph.D. in Humanities is fully online, unlike others that require short residencies. This online Ph.D. program is specifically designed for working professionals, looking to complement their previous education and improve their employee experience.

Low tuition makes this top Ph.D. program also one of the cheapest online Ph.D.s in the field of Humanities. Up to six post-master’s course credits can be transferred into the degree program. The entire online Ph.D. in Humanities is designed to be completed in three to five years.

University of Memphis Global

This online Doctor of Liberal Studies is offered by the University of Memphis College of Professional & Liberal Studies. This degree is designed for graduate students and professionals looking to explore topics of focus in an interdisciplinary manner.

Students, with the help of their academic advisors, design their own “Coordinated Study grid,” which indicates what courses will be included in their doctoral program (33 credits). Beyond this, students complete twenty credits in core requirements. The degree is completed through a doctoral dissertation or a capstone project.

Best Online PhD Programs in English

Pursuing a doctorate in English can lead down many paths. Three important fields of English doctoral studies are English Language Education (EdD); English Literature (Ph.D.); English Communication and Rhetoric (Ph.D.). Naturally, not all top online Ph.D. programs will map directly onto these three categories, and within each program, there will be a great deal of overlap across common areas.

The top online PhDs in English we have selected provide a full range of career path possibilities, open to employment in:

• cultural studies,
• history, consultation,
• communications,
• public relations,
• technical writing, and many others.

Indiana University

Indiana University’s top online doctorate (EdD) in English specializes in Literacy, Culture, and Language Education. As an online education doctorate, it is designed for literacy and language practitioners to deal with twenty-first-century issues that touch upon literature education, criticism, literary genres and cultures, and the global impact of the English language and literature in its reception.

This top online doctorate is one of the shortest doctoral programs online in English. Following a cohort schedule, the degree program requires sixty credit hours and a dissertation. However, up to eighteen credits, outside of the master’s degree, can be transferred.

Graduates from Indiana University’s online EdD in English go on to work as:

• English teachers,
• ESL/EFL teachers,
• Literacy directors,
• Language educators,
• Reading educators,
• Technical writers,
• and editors.

Old Dominion University

The top online Ph.D. in English that Old Dominion University offers features a complex interface between modern research and statistical technologies with the classical study of language, literature, and communication. Classes are delivered, with a strong interdisciplinary methodology, in a synchronous format.

The program is designed to allow students to construct their own specialized courses of study and apply technology to research. Graduates with a Ph.D. through Old Dominion’s online doctorate in English degree program typically have gone on to work as:

• Post-Secondary English and Literature instructors,
• and Public Relations.

The online Ph.D. from Texas Tech University’s English Department in Technical Communication & Rhetoric is a diverse program designed to prepare graduates for positions in academia in five general areas.

Emphasizing both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, this cohort-based program focuses upon the:

• Rhetoric, Composition, and Technology;
• Technical Communication;
• Rhetorics of Science and Healthcare;
• Technology, Culture, and Rhetoric;
• Visual Rhetoric, New Media, and User-Centered Design.

These areas of study address the art of persuasive communication across virtually every area of human life and activity. Unlike other top online Ph.D. programs in English, Texas Tech’s online Ph.D. is one of the online Ph.D. programs with no GRE requirement.

Best Online PhD Programs in Special Education

Teachers in the field of Special Education work with those who have mental, emotional, physical, or learning disabilities. A Ph.D. in Special Education prepares educators for careers as teachers, administrators, curriculum, and program design, among many other areas related to special education.

Earning a doctorate in special education will provide special education practitioners with greater knowledge and skill in the field of special education that will improve their performance and enrich their experience as well as open up higher-level positions of influence and responsibility.

Special Education practitioners work in extremely diverse contexts, in a great number of economic, cultural, and geographical settings. Because of the massive diversity of this field and the broad spectrum of special needs, Ph.D. programs will offer specialized courses of study that will best prepare their students for the specific requirements of the careers they will be entering.

Drexel University

Drexel University offers a fully online doctorate (EdD), in Educational Leadership and Management with a concentration in Special Education Leadership. The program, designed to be completed in three to five years, equips education leaders to manage the social, legal, technological, and educational challenges and complexities facing modern educators and educational institutions.

Accepted applicants join a cohort. The structure of the coursework is tailored to part-time students. All degree requirements are completed online, and there are zero on-site obligations.

Liberty University’s top online doctorate in Special Education combines the convenience and flexibility of online learning with the opportunity to engage in needed hands-on practice. Graduates from Liberty’s online doctorate receive a credential accredited by the NCATE through CAEP.

As a terminal degree from one of the top online doctoral programs, Liberty’s online doctorate in Special Education will prepare special education practitioners to advance in their current positions or to move into positions of management.

This degree does not require a dissertation as an EdD, and its fifty-four credits along with a capstone project takes an average of three years to complete.

Hampton U Online

Hampton U Online is the only top online Ph.D. program on this list that actually offers a Ph.D.! This sixty-six credit-hour program in Educational Management offers a specialization in Special Education.

Hampton U is unique because is one of the shortest doctoral programs online in Special Education. Its accelerated format allows the degree to be completed in just 2.5 years! Hampton University online Ph.D. program in Special Education is also one of the cheapest online Ph.D. programs in Special Education.

Best Online PhD Programs in Information Science

Information Science deals with the ins and outs of information or data. This means that information scientists work in classifying, organizing, storing, retrieving, exchanging, protecting, and transferring information. Information Science is indispensable in modern society.

Governments, businesses, schools, military and intelligence organizations, and many other organizations and institutions make constant use of information technology.

The Ph.D. in Information Science is designed to provide current practitioners who want to move into higher positions, such as management, or who want to move into teaching and research, the additional knowledge and skills needed to make a change.

University at Buffalo: Department of Information Science

The University at Buffalo offers a top online Ph.D. program in Information Science. This degree program is quite intense, requiring 72 credits and averaging four to five years to finish. This online Ph.D. program gives special focus to equipping its students with the knowledge and skills needed to move into research positions.

Most often graduates from the University at Buffalo go on to take jobs as:

• Professors of Information Science,
• researchers at for-profit and non-profit institutions,
• and senior managers of large public and university libraries.

University of North Texas

The University of North Texas offers a Ph.D. in Information Science that emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach. This top online Ph.D. program offers both fully online and blended formats of course delivery. This provides students with a great deal of flexibility.

UNT’s Ph.D. in Information Science boasts excellent research facilities, including on-site and online library resources. This top online Ph.D. seeks to prepare Information Scientists who have a clear vision of the centrality of information and information technology ready to advance Information Science research and manage major information repositories.

San José State University

San José State University’s Ph.D. in Information Science allows its students to set out on the right path at the very beginning of their doctoral studies. This is because their field of research and their research topic is given a focus from the outset of the program.

This program is also designed to allow students to earn their doctorate in Information Science from a top online Ph.D. program on a part-time basis without disrupting their lives. Up to eight years can be taken to complete the program.

The program follows a cohort model and monthly online meetings are required. Faculty mentor students throughout the duration of the program.

Best Online PhD Programs in Counseling

Counselors play very important roles in personal and social well-being. As a subdiscipline of psychology, counseling addresses concerns stemming from emotional reactions, social, school, and work pressures, as well as physical health relations to mental health.

Because this field is extremely broad and its clients amazingly diverse, counselors need not only general training in Counseling Psychology but also very specialized training. Ph.D. programs in Counseling provide the highest level of counseling education with a specific focus on a particular area of counseling.

Oregon State University Ecampus

Oregon State University’s top online Ph.D. in Counseling is designed to create advanced practitioners, clinical supervisors, and educators. Graduates will be ready to work in either clinical or academic settings or both. OSU Ecampus’s degree program is accredited by the CACREP.

Applicants must possess a master’s degree in the field. Classes follow a cohort schedule and are offered online. The program requires two onsite visits per quarter. Graduates from this program have come from across the United States. This online Ph.D. in Counseling requires three to five years to complete.

Liberty University Online Programs

Liberty University’s top online Ph.D. program in Counseling is CACREP accredited and requires on average four years to finish. Liberty’s top online Ph.D. program specializes in Counselor Education and Supervision. It is designed to create counseling educators able to equip their students in bringing counseling psychology theory to bear upon real-life clinical practice.

This degree, one of the shortest doctoral programs online, manifests Liberty University’s Evangelical Christian identity. Throughout degree coursework, there is an attempt to integrate biblical principles with the best current counseling theory and practice.

Graduates from Liberty University’s outstanding online Ph.D. in Counseling go on to work both as counselors and counseling educators, working in educational, clinical, and research capacities.

Regent University’s online Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies requires a very short online doctorate that requires only 51 credits. Four features form the core of Regent’s top online Ph.D. in Counseling. These are:

• solid research and methodology,
• accurate statistics,
• psychometrics,
• and Christian leadership skills and principles.

Regent provides its students with a very broad array of concentration options with competitive tuition rates. Graduates from Regent have gone on to careers in academics, research, Mental Health Leadership, Guidance direction, and nonprofit administration.

Using A Master’s Degree As a Bridge Toward Your Ph.D.

Best online doctoral programs in social work.

Social Work involves helping others to identify problems in their daily lives, helping these same persons and communities address and solve these problems as well as formulate effective ways to cope with such difficulties.

Options for doctoral studies in social work vary greatly, depending on one’s career goals. Some will focus on social work education (EdD). Others will be more oriented to research in the field of social work (Ph.D.). Finally, many others will be drawn toward clinical practice (DSW). The three top online doctorates in Social Work focus on clinical practice.

USC’s top-ranked online doctorate of Social Work is designed to train experienced Social Work practitioners to apply sound principles to concrete situations in developing real-life solutions to social challenges. This top online doctorate is an accelerated program and can be completed in just two years.

Offered through the prestigious Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, USC’s online DSW creates the ideal social work scholar-practitioner, ready to achieve wide-ranging solutions among the most vulnerable and marginalized sectors of society.

The University of Pennsylvania claims to have been the institution of higher to offer a doctorate in Clinical Social Work. Their top online Doctorate in Clinical Social Work continues the outstanding social work practice tradition of Penn while continuing to innovate in terms of both degree content and mode of instruction delivery. Both knowledge and practice are emphasized in this top online doctorate.

Students are trained in gathering, assessing, and applying empirically grounded evidence to real-time clinical contexts. Coursework and the doctoral dissertation are pursued simultaneously so that a long delay between the completion of coursework and the completion of the dissertation can be avoided. Penn’s online DSW is fast, too, designed to be finished in just three years.

University of St. Thomas

The University of St. Thomas’s online DSW stands out as a program designed to produce university-level clinical social work educators. Graduates from this degree program gain the knowledge and skills to both teach and practice clinical social work.

This top online doctoral program follows a cohort schedule. Four key focuses characterize the University of St. Thomas online DSW. These are:

• transformative teachings,
• identity as a scholar-practitioner,
• publication of research,
• the pursuit of social justice through service and leadership.

The degree program takes three years to complete, using synchronous and asynchronous instruction. Each year one on-campus residency is required.

Best Online PhD Programs in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Industrial-Organizational psychologists, through an applied science methodology, assist organizations to improve or correct problems in the workplace as well as to increase worker productivity. In Industrial-Organizational Psychology, scientist-practitioners apply the insights of psychology practice and principles.

Career opportunities are flourishing in this field, and rapid job growth is expected for the next several years. Earning an online doctorate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology will open pathways moving to positions such as:

• human resources manager,
• training and development manager,
• and, industrial-organizational manager.

If you are looking for an outstanding online Ph.D. program in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Liberty University’s online Ph.D. in Psychology-Industrial/Organizational Psychology is a great choice.

Eight-week courses make it easier to fit required classes into your schedule. Different starting times throughout the year make combining life and study more manageable. Liberty’s top online Ph.D. program requires sixty credit hours to complete. Up to fifteen credits can be transferred, and the entire program takes, on average, three years to finish.

Touro University

Touro University’s top online Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Human and Organizational Psychology provides science practitioners to further perfect their knowledge and skills in the field. Graduates will be able to formulate organizational strategies, using the latest theory, technology, and practice advances.

Touro’s online doctorate is one of the cheapest online programs. Touro’s is an online doctorate with GRE requirements, making admission more accessible.

Best Online PhD Programs in Educational Psychology

Educational Psychologists research and then apply knowledge of the process of learning in order to better understand how people acquire and preserve new data.

The field is extremely diverse. Educational psychology, in addition to the question of how new information is gained, also looks at learning abilities, as well as, the roles that culture, social context, modes of instruction, emotions, and cognitive processes affect learning.

This field is an applied science. Demand for these highly-trained experts is on the rise. Earning an online Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with the needed specializations can prepare one for top positions in:

• Educational Technology,
• Instructional Design,
• Special Education,
• Curriculum Development,
• Organizational Learning,
• Gifted Learners.

University of Georgia Online Learning

The University of Georgia’s online EdS is unique among online doctorates in offering a specialization in Gifted and Creative Education. This top online doctorate is offered through the prestigious Mary Frances Early College of Education, which boasts an international reputation for excellence in psychology education.

This online doctorate is very affordable, and it can be finished fast, requiring only thirty-one credits. Graduates from the University of Georgia’s top online doctorate in Educational Psychology typically go on to work as:

• college/university professors,
• school system coordinators,
• state department coordinators of education,
• and educational consultants.

Michigan State University

Michigan State University’s top online Ph.D. in Educational Psychology adds an additional focus on Educational Technology. This innovative program combines the best in educational psychology theory and practices with the needed knowledge of the best technologies that aid successful learning in rapidly changing educational contexts.

This program has some onsite requirements, which makes it technically a hybrid program. This might make the program less accessible to some. However, some outstanding scholarship and fellowship opportunities are available to top-qualifying students. Transfer of credits is considered on a case-by-case basis.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s top online doctorate in Educational Psychology and Technology is designed with the working professional in mind. Taking only three years to complete as a part-time student, this top online doctorate is one of the shortest doctoral programs online.

No GRE is required for admission. Graduates from this outstanding online doctorate will possess advanced knowledge of the impact of technology on learning, the place of technology in education, as well as, strategies for continuously integrating educational models with new technologies.

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Best online phd programs in international relations.

With a Ph.D. in International Relations, you will have the needed expertise to move into top positions in the field. Interdisciplinary focus characterizes International Relations. Experts evaluate and advise about international policies and programs in very diverse fields such as politics, law, and economics.

This means that a practitioner or scholar of international relations will possess both a broad knowledge base and highly specialized knowledge of a particular area of international relations.

Liberty University offers a doctorate in international relations that focuses on economics. Liberty’s top online DBA in International Business will provide the knowledge and credentials needed to meet the demands of the global financial market.

Requiring sixty credits, this degree program is fully online and is designed to be completed in three years. As with all of Liberty’s degree programs, a strong evangelical Christian outlook is to be found throughout the curriculum.

Salve Regina’s online Ph.D. in International Relations prides itself on its innovative thinking and approach. Focus is given to each of the world’s regions, and then the special focus turns to the particular interest of the student-researcher’s choice.

This top online Ph.D. can be completed in four years, including the dissertation. The program is fully online with a rolling admission schedule that provides for flexibility and minimal disruption of social and career responsibilities.

Euclid University offers one of the top online Ph.D. in Diplomacy and International Affairs. What sets Euclid apart is that it is an international governmental organization that carries a university mandate. Special areas of concentration in this online Ph.D. are:

• Regional diplomatic affairs,
• Small state/island issues,
• Interethnic relations,
• International treaty law, development, NGOs,
• and nation-specific studies.

The program is completely online and alumni have gone on to work as ambassadors, ministers, counselors, and other positions.

5 Common Fears of Ph.D. Students and How To Overcome Them

Best doctoral programs in anthropology.

Anthropologists study the patterns of human social behavior, cultural development, language, religion, mythology, and many other areas. As a field of scientific research, anthropology employs an interdisciplinary approach to its subjects of inquiry. Particular areas of anthropology often emphasize different skills and approaches more than others, such as

• Archaeology

Earning a Ph.D. in Anthropology will prepare a person for research, both in libraries and in the field, as well as, teaching and publishing. Unfortunately, there do not seem to be any online options for pursuing a Ph.D. In lieu of an online Ph.D., three outstanding traditional doctorates are presented.

With its international reputation, Columbia University offers a Ph.D. or D.Phil in anthropology through its Department of Anthropology at Barnard College. Columbia offers outstanding research resources as well as fellowships and scholarships.

Graduates from Columbia’s doctorate in anthropology specialize in one of the following areas:

• socio-cultural anthropology,
• archaeology,
• or biological anthropology.

Harvard University

Harvard University’s reputation needs no introduction. The Department of Anthropology offers a world-class Ph.D. that by provides an all-inclusive education in method and theory. Ph.D. students at Harvard specialize in:

• Archaeology,
• Social Anthropology,
• or Medical Anthropology.

Duke University’s Ph.D. in anthropology is uncommon in that it does not require a prior master’s degree or undergraduate degree in anthropology. Duke places a great emphasis on a Student’s Portfolio and interdisciplinary engagement with members of other faculties and disciplines.

Finally, in addition to its great academic curriculum and faculty, Duke helps make sure graduates successfully transition into their careers, which shows through the program’s very high post-graduation rate of employment.

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U.S. News Releases 2024 Best Graduate Programs Rankings

Find the top-ranked graduate schools in business, education, law, nursing and other fields.

U.S. News Ranks Best Graduate Schools

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To help prospective graduate students find a school that fits their needs, U.S. News released the 2024 rankings for multiple graduate fields.

Depending on the job or field, earning a graduate degree may lead to higher earnings, career advancement and specialized skill development.

But with several types of degrees and hundreds of graduate schools, it can be difficult to narrow down the options. To help prospective graduate students find a school that fits their needs, U.S. News released its 2024 Best Graduate Schools rankings today. They evaluate business, education, fine arts, health, law, library studies, nursing, public affairs, science, and social sciences and humanities graduate programs. Medical school and engineering rankings are not being released at this time.

A notable methodology change includes a new salary indicator based on profession in the business rankings.

Additionally, for the first time in four years, there are new rankings for a blend of doctoral and master's programs in audiology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy, nurse midwifery and speech-language pathology. Graduate programs in nurse anesthesia and social work are also ranked for the first time since 2016 and 2022, respectively. Those and other specialty rankings are based on reputation ratings from scholars at other surveyed schools.

Read each program's specific methodology for the most detailed explanations of all the changes. The rankings are one source of information among many that prospective college students can use to inform their college decision. Below is a summary of the top-ranked schools in four major graduate program areas:

Best Law Schools

Best business schools, best nursing schools, best education schools.

Among the top 10 law schools . Yale Law School in Connecticut and California-based  Stanford Law School shared the top spot again. The  University of Chicago Law School in Illinois maintained its No. 3 rank, followed by a four-way tie at No. 4: Duke University School of Law in North Carolina, Harvard Law School in Massachusetts, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and the University of Virginia School of Law .

Columbia Law School in New York ranked No. 8 again, while there was a three-way tie for No. 9: New York University School of Law , Northwestern University's Pritzker School of Law in Illinois and the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor Law School .

Looking beyond the top 10, multiple law schools moved up in the rankings. William & Mary Law School in Virginia, for instance, jumped nine spots from a tie at No. 45 to a five-way tie at No. 36.

U.S. News also ranked 13 law specialties: business/corporate, clinical training, constitutional, contracts/commercial, criminal, dispute resolution, environmental, health care, intellectual property, international, legal writing, tax and trial advocacy. (You can filter by specialty on the  main ranking page .)

Meanwhile, in the  part-time law school rankings – which consists of law schools with at least 20 part-time students enrolled in fall 2022 and fall 2023 – the top three stayed the same. The  Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., is once again at the top while D.C.-based  George Washington University Law School , now No. 3, switched places with the  Fordham University School of Law in New York City, which claimed second place.

Previously ranked at No. 3 and No. 6 respectively, the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and Stanford Graduate School of Business took the top spot in this year's full-time MBA program rankings . Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management and the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business moved down from their previous places in the top two to tie at No. 3.

While the top 10 mostly consists of the same schools as last year, both the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business joined those ranks this year. UC Berkeley rose from a three-way tie at No. 11 to a three-way tie at No. 7, while UVA moved up four spots from No. 14 to a tie at No. 10.

Farther down the full-time MBA rankings, there were some big changes. For example, Pitt's Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business soared 39 spots from a tie at No. 86 to a tie at No. 47.

Meanwhile, the very top of the part-time MBA rankings looks similar to last year, with the same schools in the top 5: UChicago, UC Berkeley, Northwestern, NYU's Leonard N. Stern School of Business and the Anderson School of Management at the University of California—Los Angeles. But UChicago took the No. 1 spot from UC Berkeley this year.

Moving up from No. 2, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in Maryland tied with Emory University's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing in Georgia to claim the top spot in this year's nursing master's program rankings. Duke University School of Nursing in North Carolina climbed up by one to claim the third spot.

Johns Hopkins ranked No. 1, as it did last year, in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program rankings. George Mason University School of Nursing in Virginia – which reported more graduates and resources per faculty – soared from a four-way tie at No. 39 to take the No. 2 spot. Duke tied with the University of Washington School of Nursing to round out the top three.

Duke also ranked No. 1 in all of the ranked nursing master's nursing practice specialties, including administration, family, both acute and primary care adult gerontology, and mental health.

Once again, Teachers College, Columbia University in New York was No. 1 in the graduate education schools rankings. This year, however, it tied with the University of Wisconsin—Madison School of Education , which climbed two spots.

The University of Michigan—Ann Arbor's School of Education dropped from the top position to tie with the UCLA School of Education and Information Studies at No. 3. UCLA was previously tied at No. 7.

U.S. News also ranks nine education specialties, with the College of Education at Michigan State University claiming the top spot in the following categories: curriculum and instruction, educational administration, elementary teacher education, higher education administration and secondary teacher education.

Searching for a grad school of education? Access our  complete rankings  of Best Graduate Schools.

Grad Degree Jobs With $100K+ Salaries

Tags: students , graduate schools , medical school , business school , law school , education graduate school , engineering graduate school , MBAs , nursing programs

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UCF Graduate Programs Reach New Heights in U.S. News Rankings Through Research Excellence, Impactful Community Engagement

UCF’s emergency management program ranks No. 1 in the nation, and programs in education and public affairs climbed in U.S. News & World Report ’s Best Graduate Schools rankings.

By Mark Schlueb ’93 ’21MA | April 9, 2024

UCF is a leading metropolitan research university known for helping students unleash their potential and advancing innovation in our community and state. Led by world-class faculty members with unrivaled industry experience, UCF’s graduate programs continue to earn top national recognitions for accomplishing those goals and more.

More than 9,000 UCF students enroll in UCF’s graduate programs to advance their careers or launch new ones. And many are thriving on campus and after graduation in programs ranked among the best in the nation.

U.S. News & World Report has recognized UCF’s exceptional faculty and graduate programs in its 2024 list of Best Graduate Schools. UCF’s emergency management program ranks No. 1 in the nation, and four programs rank in the top 25. Nine graduate programs placed in the top 50 nationally, including five in public affairs, three in education and one in health. U.S. News will release rankings for the engineering and medicine categories at a later date.

“UCF’s world-class faculty excel at providing our graduate students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive as innovative leaders and creators,” says President Alexander N. Cartwright. “The U.S. News rankings demonstrate that our students graduate well-prepared to unleash their potential in individual, business, and government sectors that are growing in Florida and vital to our economy, health, and quality of life.”

UCF Grads Shape Emergency Responses Nationwide

UCF has a proven track record in emergency management. The university’s Master of Emergency and Crisis Management program — which is offered the College of Community Innovation and Education — has climbed the rankings over seven consecutive years. The homeland security program and its faculty researchers enable students to navigate increasingly complex manmade and natural disasters, while learning from past disasters to improve their preparedness and response in the future.

Graduates of the program go on to become leaders in directing and implementing emergency responses in Florida and throughout the country, including in Boston and Washington, D.C. They are saving lives, helping communities prepare as well as possible to navigate disasters, and putting into practice the lessons they learned from outstanding faculty who contribute to  national research and regional solutions related to crises .

“Our students are equipped to assist communities and organizations in every phase of emergency management — from preparedness and mitigation to response and recovery,” says  Claire Connolly Knox, professor in UCF’s School of Public Administration.

“We are thrilled to be ranked No. 1 and nationally recognized again as a leader in emergency and crisis management,” she adds. “This honor highlights the innovative and community-focused research by our faculty and continuous engagement with community partners invested in our outstanding students and alumni.”

Other highlights include:

• 12 in Education — Student Counseling and Personnel Services
• 15 in Public Affairs — Nonprofit Management, up three spots since last year
• 21 in Public Affairs — Public Management and Leadership, up five spots since last year
• 27 in Public Affairs — Public Finance and Budgeting
• 32 in Education — Curriculum and Instruction
• 41 in Health — Physical Therapy
• 42 in Best Education Schools, up four spots since last year
• 47 in Public Affairs
• 59 in Nursing — Doctor of Nursing Practice

UCF’s many strong rankings are a testament to the excellence of UCF’s faculty, who bring to the classroom extensive experience in academia, industry and research, as well as to the university’s commitment to help students unleash their potential in a culture focused on collaboration and finding solutions that benefit our society.

UCF students who have graduated from the nonprofit management program have gone on to make a big impact by helping communities in Florida and beyond. In one example, more than 12 years ago, program graduate Eric Camarillo ’16 ’19MNM launched faith-based nonprofit organization SALT Outreach Inc. in Central Florida to help provide services to the homeless, including mobile shower trailers, laundry, clothing, haircuts, mail services and help with employment. SALT has grown to more than 30 staff members who help hundreds of people every day.

“Throughout the School of Public Administration, our faculty, staff and advisory boards have worked hard to ensure we are offering students in Central Florida, across the country and around the globe a world-class, innovative education,” says Doug Goodman, professor and school director. “We are honored to be recognized as leaders in emergency management, nonprofit management, public leadership management and public finance and budgeting, fields that are critical to the health and well-being of our citizens and the success of our communities.”

The Best Graduate Education Schools category includes graduate-level educator preparation and advancement programs, such as teacher education, school counseling and psychology, educational leadership, and curriculum and instruction, all offered through the College of Community Innovation and Education. The college offers graduate students numerous opportunities to collaborate closely with expert faculty, from receiving mentorship and support in research and scholarship to engaging in robust internships and field experiences with school district, nonprofit and agency partners. Some faculty members also lead federally funded projects that offer tuition assistance and prepare students to work with students in high-need schools.

UCF’s continued rise has also drawn praise from other outlets:

• In February, U.S. News & World Report released its best online program national rankings, which placed UCF tied at No. 7 in the nation for best online bachelor’s programs. Of the 14 UCF national rankings from U.S. News , six online programs made the top 10, two made the top 15 and three were in the top 50. UCF has ranked in the top 20 overall Best Online Programs for the past seven years.
• In March, The Princeton Review and PC Gamer recognized UCF’s game design programs among the best in the world. The graduate Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy is ranked No. 1 in the world for the fourth time in five years. The undergraduate game design program, Games and Interactive Media (GaIM) in UCF’s Nicholson School of Communication and Media, achieved its highest ranking ever, advancing to No. 5 in the world.
• Sports Business Journal named Orlando the No. 1 Best Sports Business City for event hosting, including the NBA, Orlando City and Orlando Pride Soccer, the nation’s premier tennis center, college football bowl games, the NFL Pro Bowl, U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, the Arnold Palmer Invitational — and, of course, the UCF Knights. With its inaugural season in the Big 12 Conference in 2023, UCF has skyrocketed to unprecedented success as the youngest Power Four program in the country. With one of the country’s  top graduate sports business programs , UCF has also provided a pipeline of talented graduates to some of the nation’s biggest sports brands.

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UGA Graduate Programs Some of the Best in Nation, New Report Shows

The University of Georgia’s graduate programs are among the nation’s best, a fact only further corroborated by U.S. News & World Report ‘s 2024 rankings of the “Best Graduate Schools”.

Of the numerous UGA schools and colleges seeing a jump in their ranking, we’re pleased to report many of those hosting an online program have made the list.

The College of Pharmacy , host to the online Master of Science (M.S.) in Pharmacy – International Biomedical Regulatory Sciences program as well as numerous graduate certificates, has been ranked No. 15 in the nation, a jump of nine spots since 2020.

Meanwhile, the School of Social Work advanced to No. 20 nationally and ranks in the top 10 of public institutions. They currently offer an online Master of Social Work (MSW) , as well as a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership .

The Terry College of Business now ranks No. 27, rising four spots, and remains No. 9 among public business schools. Terry offers a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Business and Technology online.

Finally, the Mary Frances Early College of Education  has several individual programs rating in the top 10, and itself places at No. 30. To better serve its working students, the College of Education offers a plethora of online degrees and certifications, ranging from a Bachelor of Science in Education – Special Education to several M.Ed. degrees in Educational Psychology ( Applied Cognition & Development , Gifted & Creative Education , Quantitative Methodology ), as well as Masters of Education in Middle Grades , Reading , Science , and Workforce Education among others.

More top-ranked graduate programs are detailed in UGA Today’s recent article .

U.S. News & World Report’s graduate rankings are based on surveys of academic leaders and, for select programs, additional quantitative measures including placement test scores, student/faculty ratios, research expenditures and job placement success.

As the university’s rankings only improve, each year, UGA approves and adds new online programs to its offerings, including this year’s Online M.S. in Civil Engineering . You can read about more upcoming programs in this article from WUGA .

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Ashley Clarke

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2025 Best Graduate Schools

Article by UDaily Staff Photo by Evan Krape April 09, 2024

UD programs remain among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report

In the 2025 edition of Best Graduate Schools , U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of Delaware's graduate programs among the best in the nation.

“As we continue to enhance and expand our excellent graduate programs to meet the needs of our students and society, it is gratifying to see the expertise and hard work of our faculty and staff nationally recognized,” said UD President Dennis Assanis. “We are proud of the positive impact that our graduate students are making on the world, and we look forward to even greater successes ahead empowered by their UD education.”     

UD’s consistently top-ranked physical therapy program remained in the top three nationwide. This is the first year U.S. News and World Report ranked speech-language pathology programs with UD’s inaugural ranking at #32.

“Excellent graduate preparation is central to the University of Delaware's mission as a world-class research institution," said Louis Rossi, dean of UD’s Graduate College and vice provost for graduate and professional education. "Our graduate programs are producing the thinkers, leaders and innovators who are tackling the world's greatest challenges. We are excited about these rankings, which indicate their excellence."

Physical Therapy, 2

Non-profit Management, 16 (up from 23)

Public Management and Leadership, 18 (up from 23)

Public Finance and Budgeting, 21

Speech-Language Pathology, 32

Education Schools, 34

Public Affairs Schools, 34

Computer Science, 70 (up from 77)

Nursing: Master's, 79 (up from 82)

Nursing: Doctor of Nursing Practice, 110

Part-Time MBA, 150

The preceding list only includes subject areas evaluated in this year's edition published to date. U.S. News and World Report has delayed the announcement of two programs that were slated to be included in the rankings: Best Engineering Schools and Programs, and Best Clinical Psychology Programs. The lists will be updated as soon as the data are available.

Other UD graduate programs have been ranked in previous years. The full listing of UD graduate programs ranked by U.S. News and World Report is available on the Institutional Research and Effectiveness Rankings  webpage . Please note the programs and specialties used by U.S. News might vary slightly from the names of degree programs used by UD.

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Credit: Will Kirk / Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins graduate programs again ranked among nation's best

'u.s. news & world report' includes 38 jhu programs among the top 10 in the u.s. in its annual rankings, including no. 1 ranked programs in nursing and public health.

By Hub staff report

Johns Hopkins University has 38 graduate schools, academic programs, and specialties ranked among the top 10 in the nation, including nine with No. 1 rankings, according to the latest edition of "Best Graduate Schools" from U.S. News & World Report , published earlier today.

Two schools at Hopkins—the Bloomberg School of Public Health and the School of Nursing —earned No. 1 rankings overall, and the School of Education entered the top 10, according to U.S. News & World Report .

Portions of the publication's annual list were released today but rankings for schools of medicine and engineering were delayed and will be released at a later date.

Among the new rankings released today:

The School of Nursing's DNP program ranked No. 1 for the third year in a row. Its master's degree programs tied at No. 1, up from No. 2 last year. In gerontology, the school moved up two spots to No. 1 for primary care, and up one spot to No. 2 for acute care. In other specialty areas, the School of Nursing's doctoral programs ranked:

• Psychiatric/mental health: No. 1
• Family: No. 3 (tied)
• Leadership: No. 4 (tied)
• Nursing Anesthesia: No. 36 (tie)

Public Health

The Bloomberg School retained its longtime No. 1 overall ranking among public health programs—it has held the top spot since 1994, the year the rankings began. In specialty areas, the Bloomberg School ranked:

• Environmental Health Sciences: No. 1
• Epidemiology: No. 1
• Health Policy and Management (Public Health): No. 1
• Social and Behavioral Sciences: No. 1
• Biostatistics: No. 2

Johns Hopkins tied at No. 8 in the Education category, up from No. 13 last year. The school also tied at No. 23 in higher education administration programs.

Public Affairs

Overall, Johns Hopkins programs in public affairs tied at No. 39. In subcategories, Johns Hopkins tied at No. 6 in Health Policy and Management (Public Affairs), No. 11 in International/Global Policy and Administration, and tied at No. 35 in Public Policy Analysis.

U.S. News & World Report updates some of its rankings each year and republishes the most recent rankings in other areas. Among the republished rankings for Hopkins, which are still current:

Biological Sciences

Hopkins is tied for No. 6 overall with six top 10 specialty rankings:

• Molecular biology: No. 3 (tie)
• Cell biology: No. 4
• Neuroscience: No. 4 (tie)
• Immunology: No. 5
• Genetics, genomics, and bioinformatics: No. 6 (tie)
• Biochemistry, biophysics, and structural biology: No. 8

Biostatistics

Hopkins is ranked No. 1 (tie) for Biostatistics at the doctoral level. (Note: U.S. News & World Report also ranks biostatistics as a sub-category of public health, where Hopkins is No. 2.)

The university is tied at No. 20 in Chemistry and ranks No. 9 in the Biochemistry subcategory.

Computer Science

The university is tied for No. 24 overall and tied at No. 21 in the specialty of Artificial Intelligence.

Earth Sciences

The university is tied at No. 30 in Earth Sciences.

Johns Hopkins' program in economics is tied at No. 22.

English tied at No. 13 overall with the following specialty rankings:

• Literary criticism and theory: No. 3
• British literature: No. 10 (tie)
• American literature after 1865: No. 17

Health Care Management

The university is No. 7.

Johns Hopkins ranks No. 10 overall, with the following specialty rankings:

• African-American history: No. 3 (tie)
• Cultural history: No. 4 (tie)
• U.S. Colonial history: No. 5 (tie)
• Women's history: No. 6 (tie)
• African history: No. 7 (tie)
• European history: No. 7 (tie)
• Modern U.S. history: No. 16 (tie)

Mathematics

Johns Hopkins is tied at No. 20 in Mathematics with the following specialty rankings: + Analysis: No. 18 (tie) + Algebra: No. 23 (tie) + Applied Math: No. 25

Overall, the university is tied at No. 13 with the following specialty rankings: + Living Systems: No. 5 (tie) + Cosmology: No. 7 + Condensed Matter: No. 13 (tie)

Political science

Overall, political science is tied at No. 41. In sub-categories, Johns Hopkins ranked: + Political theory: No. 8 (tie) + International politics: No. 24 (tie)

The university's graduate program in psychology is tied at No. 12 overall and tied at No. 5 in the subcategory of behavioral neuroscience.

Overall, sociology is tied at No. 29. The sub-category of sociology of population is tied at No. 17.

Posted in University News

Tagged u.s. news and world report , university rankings

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Hopkins No. 9 in 'U.S. News' rankings

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Lynn University’s graduate education program ranked by U.S. News & World Report

Lynn University’s graduate education program has been recognized as one of the top programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in their 2024  Best Graduate Schools rankings.

Lynn’s  Donald E. and Helen L. Ross College of Education  offers two distinguished graduate degree tracks:  educational leadership  and  exceptional student education  (ESE). The master’s in educational leadership is a one-year online program, whereas the Florida Department of Education-certified ESE specialization is available for completion on campus, online or via a hybrid format—ideal for working professionals who aspire to leadership positions in education. 

“The College of Education faculty is extremely pleased and proud to be recognized among some of the nation’s best colleges and universities,” said Kathleen Weigel, dean of the College of Education. “Our graduate students continue to utilize their educational experiences and knowledge to positively impact and improve their respective environments for the good of the children and communities they serve.”

This recognition underscores Lynn’s commitment to providing accelerated, convenient, and affordable education while preparing future education leaders to excel in their careers and contribute meaningfully to society. U.S. News also ranked Lynn in its  Best Online Programs lists for bachelor’s programs, graduate education and MBA programs earlier this year.

For more information about Lynn’s graduate education programs, visit lynn.edu/graduate .

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University of South Florida

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Nearly two dozen graduate programs at USF considered among the best in America

• April 9, 2024

University News

By Althea Johnson , University Communications and Marketing

The University of South Florida is home to nearly two dozen graduate programs considered among the best in America, according to new rankings released today by U.S. News & World Report. USF features 23 graduate programs ranked inside the top 100 among all public and private institutions, including 11 ranked in the top 50.

USF’s highest-ranked programs are industrial and organizational psychology at No. 3, criminology at No. 18 and audiology, which comes in at No. 22. 

Among USF Health’s ranked programs, nursing anesthesia jumped 58 spots into the top 50, the physical therapy program rose by double digits to No. 33 and the nursing master’s program now sits in the top 25 at No. 24. 

In addition, USF’s social work and part-time MBA programs both saw double-digit gains and the education program broke into the top 50.  

“We are thrilled that many University of South Florida graduate programs are included among the nation’s best in U.S. News & World Report’s rankings,” USF President Rhea Law said. “This recognition underscores the commitment of our faculty and staff, who continue to provide high-quality programs that empower our students to enhance their skills, expand their knowledge and progress in their careers by earning an advanced degree.”

Full list of USF’s top 50 programs:

Industrial and Organizational Psychology* – 3 Criminology* – 18 Audiology – 22 Nursing – Master’s – 24 Library and Information Studies* – 27 Public Health – 29 Physical Therapy – 33 Nursing – Doctor of Nursing Practice – 34 Nursing – Anesthesia – 36 Rehabilitation Counseling* – 46 Education – Overall – 48

Full list of USF’s 51-100 programs:

Healthcare Management*– 52 Speech-Language Pathology – 52 Business ‐ Part‐time MBA – 53 Earth Sciences* – 54 Pharmacy – 60 Physician Assistant/Associate Studies* – 65 Fine Arts* – 73 Social Work – 83  Statistics* – 86  Business – Full-time MBA – 87  Sociology* – 92 Psychology* – 97  

As U.S. News does not release new rankings for every program, every year, rankings denoted with an asterisk have been republished this year. U.S News also announced that medical, engineering and clinical psychology school rankings will be released at a later date. 

According to U.S. News, rankings are generated through “ranking indicators” derived from reputation and/or data reported by each institution.  For some programs, U.S. News evaluates key areas such as expert opinions in the field, opportunities for student engagement, resources for student support and career success, as well as faculty and student performance, in terms of existing credentials, research impact and metrics such as student job placement.

In addition to the graduate program rankings, in September 2023 U.S. News ranked USF as one of the nation’s top 50 public universities for the fifth consecutive year , and the university earned its highest ranking ever among all universities public or private. 

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