Advance your career with a Doctorate Degree
A doctoral degree is the highest level of education students can complete. The degree demonstrates deep commitment and mastery of an academic discipline. Online doctoral programs are more advanced than master's programs. Candidates build comprehensive, highly specialized knowledge in one academic area. Learners may study fields such as law, psychology, or education.
Doctoral programs prepare students to pursue high-level careers in academia, research, and the private sector. Online Ph.D. programs offer greater flexibility than campus programs. Students can get an advanced education without relocating. Online doctoral programs also allow enrollees to continue their careers.
This guide offers an overview of online doctoral programs. Read on to learn about coursework, costs, and career prospects.
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Why Consider a Doctoral Program?
Online doctoral programs train learners to become experts in their fields. Students develop comprehensive skills and knowledge. Earning a Ph.D. prepares graduates to pursue their industry's most advanced careers. These careers often pay the highest salaries.
Ph.D. graduates can work as college professors, psychologists, or top executives. These professionals can earn $80,000 to over $100,000 annually. Pursuing an online Ph.D. can help students continue their current career while completing coursework. This allows them to earn an advanced degree without losing their salary.
Top Online Ph.D. Programs
How Much Does an Online Ph.D. Program Cost?
Tuition rates for online doctoral programs vary. Many factors can affect costs, including program length, available financial aid, and whether the school is private or public. Doctoral programs usually offer more financial assistance than master's programs. EducationData.org reports that the average cost of a doctoral degree is $103,700 as of December 2022.
Most students enrolled in online doctoral programs use some kind of financial aid. Learners should always consider the amount of funding an online Ph.D. offers.
Additional Online Student Fees
Students spend the most on tuition, but they should budget for other fees. Many online programs charge technology fees. Online students may need to pay graduation fees and other administrative expenses. Textbooks and class supplies can also add to expenses.
Some online programs include required campus visits. Students should plan for travel and lodging costs. Some graduates must pay professional licensure or certification fees to practice in their field.
Best Online Doctoral Programs
The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.
Best Online Ph.D. Programs
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences
- Kirksville, MO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Kirksville, Missouri, A.T. Still University of Health Sciences is a private college that offers seven online doctoral programs. A master's degree is typically a prerequisite for applying to doctoral programs, although some programs accept a bachelor's degree.
Completing a terminal degree often takes 4-7 years. The flexibility of online coursework can make earning a doctorate more manageable.
The institution's online programs typically appeal to working students and those unable to relocate for school. While most coursework is provided online, some programs may include components that require in-person attendance at the campus, such as labs and other training.
Out-of-state
Not provided
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Best Online Ph.D. Programs
Abilene Christian University
- Abilene, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas, is a private college that offers two of its doctoral programs online. Students pursuing a doctorate generally require a master's degree, though some programs only require a bachelor's.
Earning a doctorate may take 4-7 years. However, by engaging with flexible, online coursework, students may find this commitment more manageable.
The institution's online doctoral programs are ideal for people who may be constrained by commitments, full-time employees, and those unable to relocate. While most coursework can be completed online, occasional visits to campus may be necessary to fulfill certain program components, including labs and other special training.
Percent Online Enrollment
42%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Best Online Ph.D. Programs
Alcorn State University
- Alcorn State, MS
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Based in Alcorn State, Mississippi, Alcorn State University is a public institution that offers one doctoral program online for distance learners. While a bachelor's degree may be a sufficient prerequisite for some doctoral programs, most require a master's degree.
Often taking 4-7 years to complete, earning a terminal degree is a substantial time commitment. However, the flexibility of online coursework can make earning a doctorate more obtainable.
Online programs provide academic options for full-time workers or those who cannot relocate. The institution's online platform makes it an attractive choice for busy students. While most programming takes place online, some coursework components, such as labs and other training, may require in-person attendance.
Percent Online Enrollment
73%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Best Online Ph.D. Programs
American University
- Washington, DC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Washington, D.C., American University provides one online doctoral program to accommodate off-campus learning. While doctoral students generally need a master's degree to enroll, some programs only require a bachelor's. The cost of pursuing a degree at this institution is $1,802 per credit, on average.
Doctoral programs require a substantial time commitment. Most doctoral degree-seekers take 4-7 years to earn their degree. However, online coursework's flexibility and the platform's convenience can make this commitment more manageable.
Online programs often appeal to those unable to relocate for school or students working full time. To complete degree requirements like labs or special training, students may need to occasionally visit the campus.
Percent Online Enrollment
33%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Best Online Ph.D. Programs
Andrews University
- Berrien Springs, MI
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Berrien Springs, Michigan, Andrews University offers seven of its doctoral programs online for long-distance learners. In most cases, applicants need a master's degree in order to apply to a doctoral program, but some programs accept applicants with only a bachelor's degree.
Students pursuing a terminal degree can typically expect to spend 4-7 years obtaining a doctorate. While this is a substantial time commitment, the flexibility of an online platform can make earning a doctorate more manageable.
The institution's online programs are an attractive option for busy students, full-time workers, or those unable to relocate for school. Although degree-seekers will complete most coursework online, students may need to occasionally visit the campus for labs and special training.
Percent Online Enrollment
28%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Available Online Ph.D Programs
Learners who enroll in online Ph.D. programs develop specialized knowledge in one area of study. Students complete high-level courses that build a comprehensive understanding of their academic or professional discipline.
Most doctoral programs require heavy research. Learners complete courses dedicated to research design and methodologies. Doctoral programs expect students to complete their own research and contribute new knowledge to their field of study. Candidates typically complete a comprehensive, book-length dissertation that details their research into a specialized topic.
See below for three common online doctoral programs.
Ph.D. in English
A doctorate in English trains students as experts in the study and interpretation of literature. Ph.D. candidates study the history of literature and various approaches to its analysis and criticism. English graduates often teach at colleges. They may also pursue careers in writing, advertising, or communications.
Ph.D. in Psychology
A
Ph.D. in psychology builds advanced knowledge of human behavior and the mind. Candidates explore specialized psychological approaches and research methods. Students typically specialize in one area of psychology, such as counseling or clinical psychology. With a Ph.D., psychologists can move into clinical practice, teaching, and scientific research.
Juris Doctor
Also known as a Doctor of Law, a Juris Doctor (JD) prepares candidates to practice law in the United States. JD programs cover major areas of the law and case history. Students specialize in one area, such as environmental law or constitutional law.
Career and Salary Outlook for Doctoral Degrees
Online Ph.D. programs prepare graduates for advanced positions in many career fields. Graduates can pursue academic or research careers. A doctorate can also lead to private sector careers. A Ph.D. can lead to high-paying careers with strong advancement potential.
See below for three common careers for graduates of online doctoral programs.
Postsecondary Teacher
These professionals instruct students at colleges, universities, and community colleges. They may instruct both undergraduate and graduate students. College professors design lesson plans, teach classes, and evaluate student work. They also conduct research in their field.Psychologist
Psychologists study human behavior and cognitive processes. These professionals perform many different types of work. Clinical psychologists treat patients' mental health issues. They work with doctors, social workers, and other professionals. Research psychologists explore new methods and approaches to psychology that inform clinical practice.Top Executive
Executives direct businesses of all types and help organizations meet their goals. They often determine a company's overall direction. Executives take responsibility for organizational, strategic, and managerial practices. These professionals work with other executive staff members to oversee different departments.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
Frequently Asked Questions About Doctoral Degrees
What is the most common doctoral degree?
The most common doctoral degrees in the United States include law, medicine, and pharmacy. Other popular programs include dentistry, physical therapy, and educational administration.
How many years does it take to complete a doctoral degree?
Most doctoral degrees take 4-8 years to complete. Students with a master's degree in their field can sometimes earn a doctorate sooner.
What's the difference between a doctoral degree and a Ph.D.?
A Ph.D. is just one type of doctoral degree. Other common doctoral degrees include doctor of psychology, doctor of education, and doctor of pharmacy.
