30 Best Online PhD Programs [2024 Ultimate Guide]

Explore Online PhD Programs from accredited colleges offering online PhD, DBA, EdD, PsyD, DNP – 100% online. Accelerated classes are available.

Online PhD Programs

With millions of Americans now pursuing and completing graduate degrees, employers have their pick of the most qualified and trained employees in their field.

The U.S. Census Bureau reported that in the last decade, about one million Americans earned a PhD. Many fields, like education and the humanities, value doctoral degrees. A person who holds a PhD is almost guaranteed to have higher level critical thinking and problem solving skills.

If you currently have a bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree and are considering pursuing a doctoral degree, consider accelerated PhD programs online if they are available in your field.

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List of 30 Online PhD Programs (and related doctoral 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. Andrews University

Located in Berrin Springs, Michigan, Andrews University was established in 1874. It is affiliated with the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

The university offers PhD programs in Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, Higher Education Administration, and various concentrations in Leadership. These programs have various credit requirements ranging between 61 and 94. The programs can be completed in 5-6 years on a full-time basis.

  • PhD Curriculum and Instruction
  • PhD Educational Leadership
  • PhD Higher Education Administration
  • PhD Leadership

Andrews is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

2. Catholic University of America

Established in 1887, the Catholic University of America is located in Washington, DC.

The PhD in Nursing program is offered by the university’s Conway School of Nursing and requires 79 credit hours. Students can transfer in 24 credit hours from graduate course-work if they have been successful in comprehensive exams.

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing

CUA is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education

3. Central Michigan University

Located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, Central Michigan University was established in 1892. It has more than 60 other locations worldwide.

The online PhD program in Educational Technology requires 54 credits and consists of 12 courses followed by a dissertation. The program is in an online cohort format with no face-to-face requirements.

  • Doctor of Educational Technology

CMU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

4. Clemson University

Consisting of 7 colleges, Clemson University was established in 1889 and located in Clemson, South Carolina.

The online PhD programs are offered in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (60 credit hours), Rhetoric, Communication & Information Design (on-campus to defend dissertation), and in Healthcare Genetics (70 credit hours).

Out-of-state applicants must check whether the program is available in their states.

  • Ph.D. in Healthcare Genetics (HCG)
  • Ph.D. in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management (PRTM)
  • Ph.D. in Rhetorics, Communication, and Information Design

Clemson is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

5. Colorado State University

Located in Fort Collins, Colorado, Colorado State University was established in 1870.

The online PhD programs offered by the university are the 60-credit PhD in Higher Education Leadership (can be completed in 5 years) and the 72-credit PhD in Systems Engineering (varies based on previous coursework and intensity of study).

  • Higher Education Leadership Ph.D.
  • Systems Engineering Ph.D.

Colorado State is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

6. Concordia University Chicago

Founded in the Lutheran tradition, Concordia University Chicago was established in 1863 and is located in River Forest, Illinois.

The 100% online PhD in Leadership: Gerontology program has a course length of 8 weeks. Students must complete 58 credit hours. The application deadline is rolling and is in a synchronous format with 3 or 4-year tracts being available.

  • PhD in Leadership: Gerontology

Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

7. George Fox University

Located in Newburg, Oregon, George Fox University is a Christian institution that was originally founded in 1891 as a school for Quakers.

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program is delivered in the online format with an annual residency of one week on campus. There is a 56-credit-hour requirement to complete the course, and it takes 3 years to complete.

  • Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

George Fox is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

8. George Washington University

Established in 1821, George Washington University is located in Washington, DC.

The online PhD in Nursing program consists of 57 credit hours with some on-campus requirements and is delivered in a synchronous format.

The online PhD in Systems Engineering program consists of 54 credit hours and must be completed within 5 years.

  • Online Ph.D. in Nursing
  • Online Ph.D. in Systems Engineering

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

9. Hampton University

Located in Hampton, Virginia, Hampton University is a historically black university established in 1888.

The university offers PhD programs in Business Administration (61 credit hours), Counselor Education & Supervision (61 credit hours), Educational Management (66 credits), and Nursing (54-60 credit hours).

A DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) program (33 credit hours) is also available.

  • PhD in Business Administration
  • PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
  • PhD in Educational Management

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

10. Indiana University

Established in 1820, Indiana University is located in Bloomington, Indiana.

The PhD in Nursing Science program (90 credit hours) is delivered 80-99% online in a hybrid, distance-accessible format, with synchronous video-conferencing to provide classroom interaction and two on-campus intensives to interact with peers and faculty.

  • Ph.D. in Nursing Science

Indiana U is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

11. Iowa State University

As the largest university in the state of Iowa, Iowa State University is located in Ames, Iowa and was established in 1856.

The PhD program in Apparel Merchandising and Design is delivered in a hybrid format. It features 1-2 on-campus summer coursework sessions and has a 72-credit-hour requirement to complete the degree.

  • Apparel, Merchandising, and Design – Doctor of Philosophy

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

12. Keiser University

Located in West Palm Beach, Florida, Keiser University was established in 1977.

The university offers a flexibly designed Doctor of Business Administration program that is delivered 100% online. Students can benefit from being able to pursue their careers, along with enhancing their educational qualifications. The program is offered at multiple locations in Florida.

  • Business Administration, DBA

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

13. Liberty University

Established in 1971, Liberty University is an Evangelical Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia.

The university offers a range of PhD programs in Bible Exposition, Communication, Counselor Education and Supervision, Criminal Justice, Education, Higher Education Administration, History, Nursing-Nursing Education, Psychology, Public Policy, Strategic Media Online.

Most are 100% online, delivered in an 8-week course format.

  • Ph.D. in Bible Exposition
  • Ph.D. in Communication
  • Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision
  • Ph.D. in Criminal Justice
  • Ph.D. in Education
  • Ph.D. in Higher Education Admin
  • Ph.D. in History
  • Ph.D. in Nursing – Nursing Education
  • Ph.D. in Psychology
  • Ph.D. in Public Policy
  • Ph.D. in Strategic Media Online

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

14. Medical University of South Carolina

Located in Charleston, South Carolina, the Medical University of South Carolina was established in 1824.

The university’s College of Nursing offers both full-time and part-time PhD in Nursing programs. Both have 52 semester hours of coursework and 9 semester-hours for dissertation requirement and a 3-4-year plan of study. Only 10-12 students are accepted per year.

  • PhD Nursing Science

MUSC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

15. Mississippi State University

Chartered in 1878, Mississippi State University is located adjacent to Starkville, Mississippi.

The university offers PhD programs in Aerospace/Civil Engineering, Community College Leadership, Computational Engineering, Electrical, and Computer Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.

Students must complete at least 50 hours of coursework beyond the master’s degree, of which at least 20 are allotted to dissertation research.

  • Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering
  • Ph.D. in Civil Engineering
  • Ph.D. in Community College Leadership
  • Ph.D. in Computational Engineering
  • Ph.D. in Electrical & Computer Engineering
  • Ph.D. in Industrial and Systems Engineering
  • Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

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

16. Nova Southeastern University

With its main campus located in Davie, Florida, Nova Southeastern University was established in 1964.

The university offers online PhD programs in Conflict Analysis and Resolution (76 credit hours), Criminal Justice (60 credit hours), Nursing (60 credit hours), and Occupational Therapy (61 credit hours).

The university has 18 schools and colleges that offer 150 different programs, and students can select the appropriate one.

  • Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis & Resolution
  • Ph.D. in Nursing
  • Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy

Nova Southeastern is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

17. Texas Tech University

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is located in Lubbock, Texas.

The university offers several online PhD programs across its different schools and colleges, in Curriculum and Instruction (63 credit hours) in three different tracks, Educational Leadership Policy (60 credit hours), Family and Consumer Science Education (72 credit hours), Special Education (90 credit hours), Systems Engineering and Management (72 credit hours), and Technical Communication and Rhetoric (60 credit hours).

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction (Track in Curriculum Studies and Teacher Education)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction (Track in Language, Diversity & Literacy Studies)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction (Track in STEM)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership Policy
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Family and Consumer Science Education
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education

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

18. University at Buffalo – SUNY

The State University of New York at Buffalo has campuses in Amherst and Buffalo and was founded in 1846. It had several notable alumni on its rolls.

The university offers an online PhD in Information Science (72 credits) with the requirement of a one-week residency per year. Students can complete the course in 4-5 years.

  • Curriculum, Instruction and the Science of Learning, PhD
  • Information Science, PhD

UB – SUNY is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education,

19. University of Alabama

Established in 1820, the University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

The Bama By Distance online learning program offers a PhD in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics. The 72-credit-hour programs are designed for aerospace engineers with 5+ years’ experience in the field.

It is delivered primarily online with a campus visit requirement once each semester to meet faculty adviser.

  • PhD in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics

UA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

20. University of Arkansas

Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the University of Arkansas was established in 1871.

It has been judged to have one of the Best Online Programs in Grad Education by U.S. News & World Report . Online doctoral programs offered are Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Doctor of Education in Human Resource & Workforce Education, Doctor of Education Adult & Lifelong Learning, and Doctor of Nursing Practice.

  • Online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
  • Online Doctor of Education in Human Resource and Workforce Development Education
  • Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

UArk is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

21. University of Florida

Founded in 1893, it is located in Gainesville, Florida.

Online PhD programs offered are in Latin & Roman Studies (60 credit hours, with 30 hours of doctoral work on-campus) and Classical Civilization (60 credit-hours with 30 hours of doctoral work on-campus). Written examinations and public defense of the dissertation are required.

  • Classical Civilization (Ph.D.)
  • Latin and Roman Studies (Ph.D.)

UFL is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

22. University of Louisiana at Monroe

Located in Monroe, Louisiana, the University of Louisiana at Monroe was established in 1931.

The university offers an online PhD program in Marriage and Family Therapy with a concentration in Systemic Studies. It consists of 60 semester-units, two years of full-time course-work, and dissertation.

  • PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy with a concentration in Systemic Studies

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

23. University of Missouri

Located in Columbia, Missouri, the University of Missouri was founded in 1893.

Online PhD programs include a PhD in Agricultural Education & Leadership (72 credit hours, blended delivery mode) and aPhD in Human Environmental Sciences (emphasis architectural studies, 30 credit hours, delivery 100% online).

  • Doctor of philosophy in agricultural education and leadership (PhD)
  • Doctor of philosophy in human environmental sciences with an emphasis in architectural studies (PhD)

Mizzou is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

24. University of Nebraska – Lincoln

The state’s oldest university, it is located in Lincoln, Nebraska and was founded in 1869.

The online blended/hybrid Doctor of Education degree in Educational Studies (specialization: Higher Education & Educational Leadership) has a 90-credit-hour and a short residency requirement.

  • PhD in Educational Studies (90 cr) with a specialization in Educational Leadership and Higher Education

UN – Lincoln is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

25. University of North Dakota

Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Online PhD programs are offered in Aerospace Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and Nursing, all requiring 90 credit-hours. Indigenous Health requires 30 credit hours.

  • Aerospace Sciences (Ph.D.)
  • Biomedical Engineering (Ph.D.)
  • Chemical Engineering (Ph.D.)
  • Electrical Engineering (Ph.D.)
  • Energy Engineering (Ph.D.)
  • Environmental Engineering (Ph.D.)
  • Indigenous Health (Ph.D.)
  • Nursing (Ph.D.)
  • Petroleum Engineering (Ph.D.)

UND is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

26. University of South Dakota

Located in Vermilion, South Dakota, the university was founded in 1862.

The online PhD in Health Sciences program is designed for working professionals. It has a 72-credit-hour requirement and is delivered in an online format with limited expectations for face-to-face contact. The residency includes orientation, dissertation boot-camp, and dissertation defense.

  • Online Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences

USD is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

27. University of Southern California

The oldest research university in California, established in 1880, the university is located in Los Angeles, California.

Online doctoral programs include a Doctorate of Social Work, Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, and Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership.

  • Doctorate of Social Work Online
  • Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership online
  • Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership online

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

28. University of Texas at Tyler

Established in 1971, the University of Texas at Tyler is located in Tyler, Texas on a park-like campus on Harvey Lake.

The university offers online PhD programs in Clinical Psychology (99 credit hours), Nursing (60 credit hours), and Human Resource Development (hybrid, 60 credit hours). Scholarships and financial support are available based on eligibility.

  • PhD in Clinical Psychology
  • PhD in Nursing

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

29. University of the Cumberlands

Established in 1888, this Baptist Christian university is located in Williamsburg, Kentucky.

The online programs include a PhD in Business (66 credit hours), Counselor Education and Supervision (66 credit hours), and Leadership Studies (66 credit hours). Some courses may have online meeting times.

  • online PhD in Business
  • online PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision
  • online PhD in Leadership Studies

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

30. Virginia Commonwealth University

Located in Richmond, Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University was established in 1838.

The 100% online PhD in Nursing can be taken either on a full or part-time basis. There is a 61 minimum credit hour requirement, and the program is delivered 100% online.

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

Types of Online PhD Programs

There are as many PhD Programs as there are fields of knowledge. Here are the most popular. Click on one you’re interested in to jump to that section of the page.

Business Administration

Criminal justice, curriculum & instruction, educational leadership, healthcare management, higher education, homeland security, human resources, information technology, management information systems, nurse practitioner (rn required), nursing education (rn required), organizational leadership, project management, public administration, public health, public policy, special education, supply chain and logistics.

A growing number of universities now offer a wide-range of doctoral programs online.

accountant working in the office

A PhD in Accounting focuses on developing skills to complete specialized and original research that can directly contribute or, ultimately, affect the accounting industry.

This degree focuses on giving students advanced knowledge in applied research and accounting theory to make them capable of working in specialized research organizations and higher academic institutions.

A PhD in Accounting is the highest degree in this field, and it usually takes four to seven years to complete. Most online programs for accounting have 60 to 120 credit hours or 20 to 40 classes. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the positions in specialized consulting and government agencies will grow by 4% in over the next 10 years.

business consultants working together on a laptop

Programs for a PhD in Business Administration are designed to prepare students for academic and business careers by developing their knowledge in management, consulting, economics, public administration, and several business-related career paths.

This doctoral degree aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of different business practices, both in theory and application. Having this set of skills can unlock various opportunities in academic institutions, government agencies, and private businesses.

The majority of people who take up this degree usually have years of experience in business and are interested in acquiring advanced knowledge. Younger students can take advantage of this and get a head start in building their network and connection while still studying.

counselor talking to a young couple

People face different challenges that can affect their mental health, which makes the PhD in Counseling one of the most popular doctoral degrees today. Earning this degree can help qualify students to practice clinical counseling and conduct research that can directly affect mental health care services.

It may take up to 10 years to earn a doctoral degree in counseling, but it will depend on the course load, and whether a student is taking up the degree part-time or full-time.

Upon completion, opportunities in both the public and private sectors will be available, and it is expected to steadily grow at 8-25%, depending on the field of specialization, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

female detective working on documents for a case

A PhD in Criminal Justice aims to expose students to rigorous training in criminological research methods, theory, and application.

This program focuses on providing students with a better understanding of research methods and data-driven metrics that they can use to evaluate and develop criminal justice policies.

Programs for PhD in Criminal Justice typically include classes in juvenile justice, social psychology, law enforcement, criminal behavior risk factors, homeland security, and technical leadership. This set of acquired knowledge can help open up different opportunities both in public service and specialized private consultation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that positions for this field will increase by 8% in private service and 5% in protective service.

education curriculum planners having a meeting

A PhD in Curriculum and Instruction is a program that focuses on teaching the dynamics within the educational system.

Students can choose from four concentrations in this field, including Early Childhood Education, Science Education, Mathematics Education, and Social Studies. The concentrations are designed to give students the skills needed to make significant research and contribution to the enhancement of knowledge in their specialized field.

This degree aims to shape students to become highly efficient in discovering, integrating, applying, communicating, and disseminating knowledge. Earning a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction can help students become critically reflective and dedicated to providing practical and theoretical training. This set of skills can open up different opportunities for academic and leadership positions that are available in educational institutions.

education teacher teaching in a university

Earning a PhD in Education is the highest academic achievement that students can get in the field of education.

These programs are designed to provide students with the expertise, skills, and credentials needed to conduct and publish high-level research that can affect college education, classrooms, institutions, and communities.

There are online programs that allow students to earn their doctoral degrees in education, but on-campus learning often offers better networking opportunities that can broaden their connection. Pursuing a PhD in Education requires students to have a master’s degree. This path usually takes at least three years to complete, depending on the course load and transfer credits.

training and development manager having a meeting with colleagues

Excellent education lies in the people who develop the system and the leaders that implement it. A PhD in Educational Leadership can help put scholars in a position that can directly contribute to it.

This degree focuses on providing students with the skills to solve problems and create a positive change in different learning settings and educational institutions.

Instead of practicing hands-on teaching, PhD in Educational Leadership focuses on developing the education system.

It is designed to help students conduct and publish research that can positively affect all learning environments, including pre-K-12, higher education, and even in the corporate sector. This doctoral degree can help make scholars viable candidates for high-paying positions in the academic sector, such as chief academic officer, training and development manager, and chief learning officer.

financial manager talking to a couple

A PhD in Finance is a program for students who want to develop a deeper understanding of behavioral finance, economics, statistics, econometrics, and corporate finance.

Taking up this degree can help equip students with better mathematics skills, analytical thinking, and a deeper foundation in all facets of finance and economics.

Although a bachelor’s or master’s degree will suffice in some positions, getting a PhD in this field can help solidify a student’s position for higher-paying jobs. Armed with a set of highly specialized skills in corporate finance, asset pricing, and portfolio management, students who earn their PhD in Finance have the opportunity to increase their skills in this field.

Healthcare Manager talking to doctors

PhD in Healthcare Management focuses on a wide range of research that can directly affect healthcare services, management, and administration.

Students may tackle subjects regarding the impact of insurance status and policies on medical expenditure, sources of discrepancies in cardiovascular care, and diffusion and adoption of innovations in healthcare.

Doctoral students in the field of healthcare management may have the opportunity to work closely with degree holders and notable professionals in the healthcare sector. There is also usually great exposure to other students with hands-on experience in business, math, social science, and clinically trained professionals. This privilege can help make them more efficient as academic researchers and open up different long-term positions in the education and healthcare sectors.

male professor teaching in a university

A PhD in Higher Education is a program that aims to develop scholars who are capable of conducting original research and have the necessary skills to interpret and communicate it through writing, teaching, and practice.

The research includes theoretical and empirical inputs that can affect post-secondary education policies and practices.

Students who are taking up a PhD in Higher Education need to complete a program that usually includes 60-100 credit hours.

The classes that they tackled in this doctoral degree typically include economics, politics, policies, governance, organization, student affairs, and social foundations of higher education. Students can often complete this degree within four to five years, depending on their course load, and attendance to off-campus classes.

Homeland Security officer standing on his post

A PhD in Homeland Security focuses on classes that provide better understanding and expertise in different research methods, strategic and critical thinking, data analysis, and policies on domestic and international security issues.

Aside from government agencies, these skills are also viable for high-paying jobs in private corporations that deal with security and emergency management.

Professionals who are working in the security service, criminal justice, and emergency preparedness sectors can pursue better career paths by earning their doctoral degree in Homeland Security. This degree can help open up different opportunities in government agencies, and the majority of degree holders find comfortable positions within the Department of Homeland Security.

Human Resources Manager talking to company's employees

PhD in Human Resources is a research-based degree that is designed to allow students to conduct and publish their original work, which can directly affect human resources.

It is a degree that helps students learn advanced skills that they need in the theoretical and empirical application on leadership, management, and administration.

Students who decide to pursue their careers in human resources will usually take four to five years before they can earn a doctoral degree. Throughout their studies, scholars may have the chance to work closely with the faculty while conducting their research, together with professionals in different fields. The coursework usually involves hands-on activities in advanced human resources, helping students solidify their chosen career path.

web developer working on his laptop

A PhD in Information Technology often attracts students who are keen on acquiring advanced knowledge in corporate, economic, business, and organizational implications of information technology. This degree is the highest academic achievement in the field.

It can help provide students with the opportunity to take academic positions in the future. Earning their PhD in IT allows them to pursue teaching jobs at the university-level in information technology subjects, including economics, psychology, management science, organizational behavior, and computer science.

A PhD in Information Technology is a multidisciplinary program that offers concentrations in information science and technology, information systems, software engineering, information security, and digital forensics. This acquired knowledge and skillset can help students become viable candidates in almost every private and public sector.

manager meeting her team

A PhD in management is a research-based specialization that includes advanced learning in accounting, decision theory and analysis, IT and operations management, entrepreneurship, finance, economics, leadership, and marketing.

This degree is one of the two terminal degrees that students often take if they want to pursue an academic career at business schools.

Due to the broad spectrum of study and advanced foundation in fields that are in high demand, both in the private and public sectors, PhD in Management became one of the most popular doctoral degrees. Being exposed to different research on advanced management can help students’ skills and knowledge remain current in their chosen fields.

network administrators checking the data room

Earning a PhD in Management Information Systems is often vital for students who want to pursue a career in economic and organizational management and technical aspects of information systems.

It focuses on research that can help students develop a deeper understanding of the economic and social contexts, together with the impacts of information technology.

This doctoral degree is in the list of STEM Designated Degree Program, which is a list of degrees that are in high demand and receives the utmost attention from academic institutions and the government. Taking up a doctoral degree in Management Information Systems has endless potential and secured positions, with an estimated 1.2 million job openings.

nurse checking patient's vital signs during operation

A doctoral degree is one of the two terminal degrees for nurse practitioners. It is a research-based degree that covers nursing methodologies and faculty development, including theoretical and empirical applications in nursing science.

This degree usually involves minimal clinical work, and students typically work closely with faculty to conduct their research.

A PhD in Nurse Practitioner requires a master’s degree and usually requires about 60 to 80 credit hours. It typically takes four to six years to complete and can be affected by the student’s course load. Upon completion of this doctoral degree, students often take positions as nursing researchers, nursing faculty, and health policy development officers.

healthcare professionals in a meeting

PhD in Nursing Education is a degree that aims to create scholars who are responsible for improving and innovating education for nurses.

It is designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of educational development, strategies, and research to continuously innovate nursing science and leadership to be efficient in practicing the discipline of nursing.

It also covers other curricular and research resources from various disciplines that can have an impact on nursing science. This vast acquired knowledge in different fields can help students tackle positions in nursing faculties in both the education and healthcare sectors. It usually takes at least three years for students to earn their PhD in Nursing Education.

team of professionals in a meeting

The effectiveness of any organization lies in the leadership that manages it. Students who want to gain a better understanding of the theoretical and empirical applications of leadership should consider taking a PhD in Organizational Leadership.

This degree is often taken by professionals who are already familiar with their industry but lack leadership skills to lead a team and execute strategic plans on different projects.

Earning a PhD in Organizational Leadership can help amplify students’ current skill set and allow them to make an impact on their organization. This degree is designed to teach them how they can effectively build and manage teams for corporate and nonprofit organizations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that job positions for leadership roles will grow by 7% for the next 10 years.

Project Manager collaborating with her team for a project

A PhD in Project Management is a program that focuses on creating scholars who deeply understand different subjects related to organizational efficiency and business management.

This degree is designed to provide students with skills that can help them manage teams, plan, coordinate, and create budgets for different projects.

Students who are taking up a PhD in Project Management typically select their concentration from program and portfolio management, project-based strategic leadership, risk and quality management, and life-cycle and performance management. Acquired knowledge in these concentrations can help students become viable candidates for different high paying positions, both in corporate organizations and government agencies.

psychologist talking to a patient in her office

PhD in Psychology is a program that focuses on the study and research of the entire mental health spectrum. It covers a wide range of research and practice areas, which includes counseling, therapy, social work, and even education.

It is the ultimate pursuit of academic excellence in the field of Psychology and can help students pursue careers that allow them to practice the profession or provide specialized consulting services.

Earning a PhD in Psychology usually takes four to eight years, and it depends on whether the students take the course part-time or full-time. The programs often have at least three full academic years and one year of internship for APA accreditation.

administrative assistant working on her computer

A PhD in Public Administration is the highest applied-research degree that students can take in the field. Scholars in this field are typically required to complete a dissertation, which can contribute, improve, or innovate the practice of public administration, both theoretically and empirically.

The goal of the program is to expose scholars to significant research in their careers, whether in academic, government or other work settings.

This degree can help students acquire advanced knowledge in the legal, political, and ethical practices in public administration. It can also help students develop a deeper understanding of the administrative functions of government agencies, together with the expertise in strategic planning, program implementation, advanced management techniques, and result-based leadership.

medical professor teaching in a university

A PhD in Public Health is a program that aims to provide scholars with advanced critical thinking and assessment skills. These skills can help them learn how to assess needs, analyze barriers, and create a positive impact on the practice of public health.

Pursuing this degree can help scholars acquire a better understanding of population-based theoretical research that can lead to the prevention of diseases and disabilities.

Students earning their doctoral degrees in public health can work on the skills they need to be efficient in biostatistics, epidemiology, or public health research.

Most of these fields require students to lead and use professional communication to inform and educate the public regarding critical issues in health. Faculty member, professor, and post-doctoral fellow are other high-demand positions that students can pursue as a degree holder in public health.

policy analysts working together in a laptop

A PhD in Public Policy is a degree that focuses on developing leaders equipped with a deeper understanding of research, ethics, public policy theory, and global practice.

In essence, it is a career path that students often take if they want to develop sustainable solutions that can have a positive impact on the quality of life.

Taking up a doctoral degree in Public Policy can help students tackle leadership concepts and theories, analysis of evidence-based research, and develop methods that streamline the processes of public and nonprofit policies. These skills can help them become viable candidates for positions such as senior public executives, policy analysts, or offer specialized consulting services.

school principal checking student's attendance for a field trip

The PhD in Special Education is the highest level of research-based degree in the field. This degree is designed to help students develop new pedagogical approaches and concepts that can improve the quality of education for differently-abled children.

Earning a doctoral degree in special education can also expose students to various educational courses that can help them become efficient in providing quality education to tomorrow’s teachers.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the positions available for doctoral degree holders in special education will grow by as much as 6% over the next 10 years. These positions include education directors, curriculum developers, school principals, childcare administrators, and superintendents.

Logistics manager checking inventory in a warehouse

PhD in Logistics is a program designed to expose students to extensive study in theories, logistics, strategies, and application of supply chain management. It can help students learn all aspects of managing and operating the supply chain, which affects the production and distribution of a product.

The courses that students typically tackle in this degree include the concepts of demand and relationship management, forecasting, inventory, purchasing, and assembly.

This degree can help students develop a deeper understanding of the logistical systems, supply chain technology, research methods, and transportation economics. Being knowledgeable in the development, manufacturing, and logistics of products can help open up different high paying positions in product-based corporations. It is potentially one of the highest paying doctoral degrees and usually provides much room for growth and development.

What Are the Highest Paying Doctoral Degrees?

Highest Paying Doctoral Degrees

Earning a doctoral degree can help scholars build a deeper foundation in their chosen field and open up better career paths. Although getting a PhD almost guarantees a better position, some doctoral degrees are more rewarding.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following careers and average salaries represent the top 10% of wage earners in their respective fields:

Management Information Systems $161,930
Management $154,260
Information Technology $152,840
Nurse Practitioner $152,160
Public Administration $133,200
Project Management $128,420
Public Policy $126,060
Business Administration $126,040
Accounting $124,450
Supply Chain and Logistics $120,400

Factors that may raise or lower your salary, besides your level of education, include your experience, the industry in which you work, and your location.

Salary Increase

One of the most rewarding benefits of earning a graduate degree is the potential to increase your salary. The U.S. Census Bureau found that over the course of a person’s lifetime, someone with a doctoral degree earns $3.4 million on average.

Compare that with someone with a bachelor’s degree, who earns $2.1 million on average over the course of their lifetime. Earning an accelerated PhD could mean earning more than $1 million more.

Not all doctorates will bring in the same salary increase. LinkedIn indicates that people with PhD’s who work in the fields of Science and Engineering usually see the best pay overall. For example, the top 10% of medical scientists make, on average, close to $160,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bottom 10% make just over $40,000 per year.

The primary difference between the top 10% and the bottom 10% is education level and experience. PhD holders in the sciences typically make much more money than those who only hold their bachelor’s or master’s degree.

What Are the Most Popular Doctorate Degrees?

Most Popular Doctorate Degrees

The highest paying doctoral degrees are not always the most rewarding path. Taking up a popular degree, for example, can expose students to more people, and some of them may have years of experience in their chosen field.

Having this academic setting may help students to improve their existing network and might unlock several high-paying positions that seek the specialization that they have.

Management $154,260
Information Technology $152,840
Finance $152,810
Nurse Practitioner $152,160
Psychology $132,070
Business Administration $126,040
Criminal Justice $125,680
Nursing Education $108,790
Higher Education $97,250
Counseling $96,090

Which PhD program you choose should depend on your interests and overall job satisfaction, not the potential salary level alone.

Intellectual Curiosity

Many people pursue their PhD because of their intellectual curiosity and desire to learn. For fields that don’t report a significant pay increase over a master’s or bachelor’s degree (like the humanities), PhD holders often spend the years it takes earning their degree for personal fulfillment and ambition. Sometimes that payoff is enough.

If you’re interested in pursuing your PhD for these reasons, there are many accelerated PhD programs available online to help your dream of being called “Doctor” one day come true. Some people even earn a PhD in a field unrelated to their primary career because of their love for learning and their desire to pursue other topics and subjects.

Careers that Require a PhD

Careers that Require a PhD

There are a handful of careers that require a PhD before you’ll even be considered for the job. This is because the training required to perform well at these jobs is only available through doctoral level programs. Most people obtain their PhD because they have their eye on these specific jobs. The following careers are usually only attainable to people who hold PhD’s:

  • Psychologist
  • Higher Education Administration (President, Dean, etc.)
  • Prestigious Appointments on Corporate and Federal Boards

Many careers and fields, however, still highly value someone who holds a PhD even if it’s not required to perform the job. These are common career fields that look to doctorate holders to lead and innovate:

  • Healthcare (Nursing and Public Health/Policy)
  • Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Neuroscience)
  • Engineering

The reality is that most people who hold a doctorate often automatically receive more respect and reverence than those who don’t. It’s a prestigious degree that only about one percent of the population holds. Many of the most respected intellectuals and leaders of corporations and organizations have a doctoral degree because of this reason.

Some universities even offer a doctorate degree online no dissertation requirement for students who prefer not to spend the extra time required to complete a dissertation.

Even if your field doesn’t require a doctorate, it may be beneficial to your advancement in your field, a potential salary increase, and your own personal ambitions of holding one of the most prestigious degrees available.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Doctorate Degree?

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Doctorate Degree

There are two major types of doctoral degrees that students can earn; research-based and professional application. Both degrees require them to have a master’s degree, and if they already have one, it usually takes four to six years on average to earn their PhD.

On the other hand, students who are pursuing doctoral degrees part-time may take up to 10 years.

The time they need to complete a doctoral degree will depend on the program design and the area of specialization that they are taking. PhD programs usually require students to take 60 to 120 credit hours or about 20 to 40 classes.

However, some programs are streamlined and accelerated to help them earn their doctoral degree faster. If you have a tight schedule, then part time PhD programs are another option instead of accelerated programs.

Those who are pursuing a doctoral degree full-time can look for programs that have creative credit transfers, which can help them get their PhD within three years. These programs typically offer minimal on-campus obligations, giving scholars better flexibility in earning their degrees.

How to Accelerate Your Online PhD

PhD student studying on her laptop

Whether you’re searching for 1 year online doctoral programs or for a way to finish in 2 years, you may be able to accelerate the path to your doctorate.

Since you’ll already be expected to have completed a good amount of previous college training, there aren’t as many ways to accelerate a PhD as there are an associate, bachelor, or master’s degree. There are many accelerated PhD programs, however, that can help you move straight through a bachelor’s degree to a PhD.

In other words, you can apply to begin a bachelor’s degree with a program with the commitment and intention of following all the way through to a PhD as the final earned degree. These programs are designed so that you can earn your bachelor’s degree along the way and complete your PhD in as little as six years (including all the work you had to do towards the bachelor’s degree).

Most PhD programs take much longer than this, so this can be a great way to accelerate your degree. Alternatively, some programs award a terminal master’s degree as part of the PhD program.

If you don’t finish all the requirements for your PhD, you may still walk away with a master’s degree in your field, all of your work not having gone to waste.

Some accelerated PhD options online include accelerated courses as well. These courses can help you complete more credit hours in less amount of time and are great when you have some extra time to spare in your schedule.

They might not be as prevalent as accelerated courses at the undergraduate level, but many graduate programs online offer them as well. They are worth looking into if you’re itching to complete your degree quickly.

Advantages of Accelerated PhD Programs

Advantages of Accelerated PhD Programs

Many traditional PhD programs can take a long time to complete. In fact, many programs allow students upwards of 10 years or more to complete all requirements of their degree, knowing that some students get stalled in the research and writing process.

Sometimes, having too much time to complete a degree can be detrimental to your progress and completion of that degree, especially when it comes to such an advanced degree like a PhD. Enrolling in an accelerated PhD program can encourage you to stay on track with your studies and finish within a reasonable time.

Just because you’ll be completing your doctorate online and in an accelerated format doesn’t mean the rigor or intensity of the program will be less. In fact, because you’ll probably be doing it in less time, it may be more. Most programs require a dissertation or large research project as a capstone to fulfilling the degree requirements.

Many PhD programs also require lengthy and difficult tests before they will allow students to advance to candidacy. Online degrees are not much different in regards to these expectations.

The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that the attrition rate for PhD programs is only 50%, which means that only one out of two people who begin a PhD program actually finish their degree.

It’s a sobering statistic, but it attests to the fact that a PhD is not a degree you can earn overnight. Even in an accelerated format, a doctorate takes time, effort, and dedication.

Since many people go back for their PhD’s after having already started a career in their field, choosing an accelerated PhD format might allow you to remain in your career while completing your degree. This is another benefit to completing a degree online rather than having to commute somewhere each week to complete coursework.

Finally and perhaps an overlooked advantage of these programs is that you’ll have the opportunity to network with people from across the nation. If getting a PhD means a potential climb up the ladder in your field, the rewards of moving for a job are probably worth it to you.

What better way to learn about job openings and potentials than in your online classes? Most jobs are advertised through word of mouth, so working with people from different regions and locations from where you are might open your eyes to an opportunity you never knew was there.

Getting a PhD is a serious commitment and not something you should decide on a whim to do. It can be tiring and stressful, but so very rewarding. If you complete your PhD, you’ll be one of only a small percentage of Americans who have one, and the job opportunities for you to do what you really love will most likely increase.

Accelerated PhD’s are convenient and can help you actualize your goals of earning the highest degree you can earn in your field.

Accreditation for an Online PhD Program

logos of six regional boards

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation or CHEA reviews regional accrediting bodies to ensure that students receive the highest standard of education that meets local demands. In turn, these accrediting bodies evaluate academic institutions or online programs within the institution.

This process aims to regulate and ensure that the quality of education is current, practical, and is following the curriculum requirements in PhD programs.

Regional accreditation evaluates the learning process in different online programs, ensuring that students are spending money on education that employers will recognize. Look for accreditation from one of these regional boards:

  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
  • New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
  • WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Regional accreditation of a program act as a guarantee of the value of the diploma that students receive upon completion of their course.

Financial Aid for PhD Students

screenshot of the FAFSA pdf

On average, a PhD program costs $18,000, and taking up a five-year plan will cost at least $90,000. This amount is on top of the living expenses that students need to tank when pursuing their doctoral degrees.

However, there are different financial aids that they can pursue to fund their studies and earn their postgraduate degrees without going into debt.

Here are the types of financial aids that may be available for PhD students:

  • Scholarships are the most common merit-based financial aid that students can receive. These programs can help in covering the cost of tuition and other fees that are related to earning their doctoral degrees.
  • Grants are similar to scholarships, but it is for students with the need for financial assistance. Students who want to apply for grants will have to go through different evaluations to be eligible for it.
  • Fellowships are programs that can provide financial aid to students who are pursuing doctoral degrees. These aids often cover the full tuition, together with a yearly stipend that students can use to cover other expenses related to earning their degrees.

You can find out what you qualify for at the federal level by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .

Questions Related to Earning a PhD Online

Here are our answers to a few more questions you might have.

Can I Get My PhD Online?

Yes, it is possible to get a PhD from online programs. These programs receive regular innovations up to the point that it became the most attractive method of earning a PhD.

Today, there are 205 accredited academic institutions in the United States offering thousands of online programs that help students get their doctoral degrees.

Are Online PhD Programs Credible?

Yes, earning a PhD from online programs is a recognized achievement by employers. However, the credibility of this degree depends on the accreditation of the institution where students received it.

Regional accreditation is the process of evaluating academic institutions to ensure that students will complete a program that follows the strict guidelines and curriculum requirements of CHEA.

How Much Do Online PhD Programs Cost?

The cost of taking up online PhD programs will vary on the specialization that students want to take. On average, earning a PhD from online programs costs $4,000 to $20,000, and this amount includes the expenses for registration, books, and online coaching.

Taking a five-year plan, which is the average for most PhD courses, typically costs $20,000 to $100,000.

What Are the Best Online PhD Programs?

The best online PhD programs are those that lead you to a balance of a career you enjoy and the salary you’re comfortable with. This balance will depend on your interests.

Online learning offers a wide range of benefits, including flexibility in scheduling and defining the learning pace that is comfortable for students. However, not all online programs are made equal.

Scholars can find the PhD courses best suited for them by checking the rates, courses that they will take, the size of the classes, and regional accreditation from organizations that CHEA recognizes in evaluating PhD programs.

Is PhD Worth It?

graduating PhD student

Yes, a PhD is worth it for many students. A PhD is the highest academic achievement that any student can get, and may give a significant boost in the career path that they choose. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some careers “with an advanced degree, particularly a Ph.D., are expected to have the best opportunities.”

Acquiring advanced knowledge and highly-specialized skills in their field can help students become viable candidates in different high-paying positions. The unemployment rate for doctoral degree holders is only 1.1%, as opposed to 2% for master’s degree holders.

Universities are continuously innovating their PhD programs, making it easier for students to earn their diplomas without compromising the quality of education. With these programs, students can apply to an online PhD program and start pursuing a better career path with minimal on-campus obligations.

phd in distance learning

PhD by distance learning

The faculties of Environment and Arts, Humanities and Cultures offer PhD by distance learning across most schools.

PhD by distance learning allows you to study at a time and place that suits you and, with a part-time option available, you'll have the flexibility to gain an advanced degree alongside work and other commitments.

Through completing a PhD, you will become an expert in a specialist area and gain high-quality research training.

Our PhD by distance learning programmes

Faculty of environment.

  • School of Earth and Environment
  • School of Food Science and Nutrition
  • School of Geography
  • Institute for Transport Studies

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures

  • School of Design
  • School of English
  • School of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies
  • School of History 
  • School of Languages, Cultures and Societies
  • School of Music
  • School of Performance and Cultural Industries
  • School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science
  • Inter-Disciplinary Ethics Applied Centre

Related links

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Erin Treder

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Explore and compare a list of accredited schools to enroll in your next program.

Person in college

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.

Explore Our Featured Online Doctoral Programs

Top schools for online accredited ph.d. programs, capitol technology university.

  • Campus + Online
  • In-State $25,830
  • Out-of-state $25,830
  • Retention Rate 75%
  • Acceptance Rate 47%
  • Students Enrolled 796
  • Institution Type Private
  • Percent Online Enrollment 98%
  • Accreditation Yes

Clemson University

  • In-State $14,118
  • Out-of-state $37,110
  • Retention Rate 94%
  • Acceptance Rate 49%
  • Students Enrolled 27,341
  • Institution Type Public
  • Percent Online Enrollment 49%

Keiser University

  • In-State $20,800
  • Out-of-state $20,800
  • Retention Rate 72%
  • Acceptance Rate 96%
  • Students Enrolled 19,861
  • Percent Online Enrollment 50%

Mississippi State University

  • In-State $9,110
  • Out-of-state $24,790
  • Retention Rate 81%
  • Acceptance Rate 76%
  • Students Enrolled 23,086
  • Percent Online Enrollment 43%

Nova Southeastern University

  • In-State $33,510
  • Out-of-state $33,510
  • Retention Rate 78%
  • Acceptance Rate 93%
  • Students Enrolled 20,898
  • Percent Online Enrollment 52%

Old Dominion University

  • In-State $7,029
  • Out-of-state $26,664
  • Students Enrolled 23,494
  • Percent Online Enrollment 76%

Saybrook University

  • In-State $0
  • Out-of-state $0
  • Retention Rate 0%
  • Acceptance Rate 0%
  • Students Enrolled 915
  • Percent Online Enrollment 100%

Texas Tech University

  • In-State $8,935
  • Out-of-state $21,204
  • Retention Rate 85%
  • Acceptance Rate 68%
  • Students Enrolled 40,542
  • Percent Online Enrollment 68%

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 $12,596 for a public institution and $28,017 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 $616 more per week than workers with a bachelor’s degree in 2023.
  • Doctorate-holders boast some of the lowest unemployment rates at 1.6%.
  • 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.

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 $108,000 a year, according to Payscale .

Popular Careers for Ph.D. Grads
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2023)Job Growth Rate (2022-2032)
$132,3507%
$115,7306%
$107,4607%
$116,44030%
$104,11030%
$102,6104%
$99,98010%
$92,7406%
$82,2708%
$81,39027%
$72,8903%
$63,8004%

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Ph.D. Programs

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.

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Online Ph.D. programs provide students with flexible schedules and affordable tuition. Check out the top-ranked programs in this comprehensive guide.

Best Accredited Online Master’s Programs 2024

Best Accredited Online Master’s Programs 2024

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Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2024

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15 Best Online Doctoral Programs/PhD Programs – 2024

April 24, 2024

If you’re looking to attain a terminal degree but want to skip the commute to campus, an online doctoral program might be a great option for you. As our world becomes increasingly digital, many top universities have branched out into online learning, offering online PhD and doctoral programs that are just as rigorous as their in-person counterparts. Online graduate education can offer aspiring doctoral students flexibility, a high-quality education, and the option to continue working while pursuing a degree.

Many of the universities below in our round-up of the best online doctoral programs offer degrees in education—a common track for teachers looking to advance their careers. But universities across the country offer a wide range of degrees in everything from engineering management to library science. Read on for everything you need to know as you consider applying.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctoral Degree Online?

Online doctoral programs are often designed with full-time professionals in mind, prioritizing flexibility so that you can complete your degree at your own pace. Program lengths will vary, but most will take four to seven years. For students who need to take things slower, many programs offer options to spread degree requirements out over time. When applying, here are a few good questions to ask your admissions officer:

  • How long do most graduate students take to complete their degrees?
  • Are there flexible options for how many courses you’ll take per term?
  • Will you pay tuition per semester or per credit hour? If paying by credit hour, will you able to choose how many classes you take each semester?
  • Will you be required to write a dissertation? If so, how long do students usually take to write them?

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – Is an Online PhD Program a Good Fit for Me?

There’s no denying it: online doctoral programs are different than traditional ones. Many traditional PhD programs are designed for future academics, aka for graduate students who intend to apply for jobs as university professors after graduation. Traditional PhD programs are full-time, research-focused, in-person, and often offer graduate students funding in exchange for teaching or research assistant responsibilities. Online doctoral programs do also involve research, but most online graduate students are not full-time students. Rather, many students enrolled in online doctoral programs are working professionals who attend classes in the evenings or asynchronously. With that in mind, an online program can be a fantastic opportunity to further your current career.

An online doctorate program could be a great fit for you if:

  • You want to advance your career. A doctorate can lead to further opportunities for promotion and certain fields offer automatic pay increases for people with advanced degrees.
  • You love research and want to develop expertise in a topic that fascinates you.
  • You learn well in online settings, including asynchronous classes.
  • You plan to continue working while you study.

Online doctoral programs typically do not offer their students funding, though there may be scholarships and grants available to you.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – What to Consider When Choosing an Online Doctorate Program

Since a doctorate can take 4-7 years or more to complete, choosing the right school for you is a huge decision. Our list below dives into many details you’ll need to know like acceptance rate, retention rate, and cost of tuition. It’s important to consider big-picture factors such as:

  • Time to complete degree
  • Professors and mentors—you’ll want to make sure you can study with faculty who have expertise in your academic interests
  • Flexibility—does the program fit with your schedule? Do they require any in-person meetings?
  • Graduation rate—ask your admissions officer for the most recent figures

You’ll also want to consider whether you want to pursue a PhD or a doctorate degree. If you’re pursuing a PhD, you can expect to focus more significantly on academic research and you’ll need to complete a dissertation. A doctorate is an equivalent degree that is less focused on academic research and may not require a dissertation. Doctorates can often involve more career development or hands-on practicum experience.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – Are Online PhDs Respected?

Yes, online doctoral programs are just as rigorous and respected as their in-person counterparts. If you hope to earn a tenure-track faculty position at a university, it’s likely a traditional PhD program will be a better route. However, if you’re seeking a doctorate for career advancement and further learning, an online doctoral program can be a great fit. Many of the most prestigious universities offer online programs, and your diploma will likely not specify whether you completed an online or traditional degree.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – What Do I Need to Apply?

Application requirements will vary depending on the program you’re applying to. All programs will require your academic transcripts, many require letters of recommendation, and some require GRE scores. On top of that, some programs will require a personal statement or writing portfolio. Contrary to what you might think, Master’s degrees are not always required for admission to online doctoral programs.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs/PhD Programs

1) university of florida.

Located in Gainesville, the University of Florida offers 10 different online doctoral programs . Well known for its graduate programs in education, educators can pursue PhDs in educational leadership, special education, computer science education, among other options. UF also offers online programs in nursing, Latin and Roman studies, microbiology, and a few other fields. Established in 1853, UF is a flagship state university with a strong reputation.

  • Graduation Rate: 89%
  • Acceptance Rate: 31%
  • In State Tuition: $6,380
  • Out of State Tuition: $28,658
  • Application Requirements: Application portfolio (sample essays or projects), GRE scores, minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or graduate GPA of 3.5, letters of recommendation

2) George Washington University

George Washington University ’s Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering leads the way with the university’s most comprehensive online PhD offerings . Through them, students can pursue doctoral degrees in cybersecurity analytics, engineering in artificial intelligence, systems engineering, or engineering management. Educators can also pursue well-respected degrees in education leadership and human and organizational learning.

  • Graduation Rate: 85%
  • Acceptance Rate: 43%
  • Tuition: $31,770
  • Application Requirements: GRE scores, personal statement, letters of recommendation, academic records

3) Johns Hopkins University

  • A ten-year-old program , Johns Hopkins ’ online PhD in education allows students to specialize in digital age learning, entrepreneurial leadership, urban leadership, and other topics. Note their high graduation rate: Johns Hopkins is a competitive program , but admitted students are well-supported on their path to graduation.
  • Graduation Rate: 94%
  • Acceptance Rate: 11%
  • Tuition: $57,010
  • Application Requirements: Master’s degree, minimum GPA of 3.0

Best Online Doctoral Programs/PhD Programs (Continued)

4) texas tech university.

Texas Tech University offers a wide range of online and hybrid PhD programs that provide their students flexibility as they work toward completing their terminal degree. An affordable university in Lubbock, Texas Tech is a great place for future doctors of education, consumer science, technical communication, engineering management, and financial planning.

  • Graduation Rate: 63%
  • Acceptance Rate: 70%
  • In State Tuition: $6,788
  • Out of State Tuition: $14,968
  • Application Requirements: Academic transcripts, portfolio and personal statement varies by program

5) Iowa State University

Although Iowa State University ’s online doctorate programs require some in-person meetings, ISU may still be a good fit for online students. With more uncommon online doctoral programs in hospitality management and apparel, merchandising, and design, ISU offers flexible routes to completing your dissertation.

  • Graduation Rate: 75%
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • In State Tuition: $9,758
  • Out of State Tuition: $24,720
  • Application Requirements: Academic records, minimum 3.0 GPA

6) University of Alabama

Online University of Alabama students may miss out on a lively campus culture and football games, but they can still take advantage of UA’s top-notch academics. Well-known for its online education graduate programs, UA also offers programs in social work, communication and information sciences, and engineering.

  • Graduation Rate: 72%
  • Acceptance Rate: 80%
  • In State Tuition: $11,940
  • Out of State Tuition: $32,300
  • Application Requirements: GRE scores, academic records

7) University of Missouri

One of the most robust in terms of online offerings, the University of Missouri ’s online PhD classes are taught by the same professors who teach Mizzou’s in-person classes. Mizzou offers programs in education and nursing. They also allow students to pursue doctorates in harder-to-find subjects like health sciences, agriculture, architecture, and library science.

  • Graduation Rate: 73%
  • Acceptance Rate: 82%
  • In State Tuition: $9,478
  • Out of State Tuition: $25,946
  • Application Requirements: Academic record, minimum GPA of 3.0, portfolio and personal statement varies by program

8) University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

One of the oldest public universities in the U.S., University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill is known as a leader in education. UNC Chapel Hill offers just three online PhDs: public health, nursing, and education. Although some online classes require in-person or proctored final exams, doctoral requirements can mostly be completed online.

  • Graduation Rate: 91%
  • Acceptance Rate: 25%
  • In State Tuition: $9,208
  • Out of State Tuition:  $36,891
  • Application Requirements: GRE scores, academic records, letters of recommendation, personal statement

9) Georgia Southern University

Located in Savannah, Georgia Southern University works hard to create an environment of support and collaboration, even online. One of the more robust programs out there, GSU offers respected online programs in public health, nursing, education, and engineering.

  • Graduation Rate: 54%
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • In State Tuition: $4,986
  • Out of State Tuition: $19,890
  • Application Requirements: Minimum GPA of 3.0

10) Indiana University

Indiana University allows students to study at their own pace through flexible online doctoral programs. One of the only schools to offer online programs in music therapy and philanthropy leadership, IU also allows students to pursue tracks in health sciences, education, and computing and technology. Most classes are asynchronous and students can take courses through any IU campus.

  • Graduation Rate: 41%
  • Acceptance Rate: 92%
  • In State Tuition: $9732
  • Out of State Tuition: $21,160
  • Application Requirements: GRE scores, academic record

11) Mississippi State University

A solid option for future doctors of philosophy, Mississippi State University is a research-focused and inclusive university. An especially strong option for those looking to study engineering or computer science, MSU offers 9 different majors within those fields.  MSU also offers tracks in plant science and education leadership.

  • Graduation Rate: 64%
  • In State Tuition: $9,398
  • Out of State Tuition: $25,444
  • Application Requirements: Academic record, letters of recommendation, personal statement

12) Appalachian State University

Although Appalachian State University is known for its beautiful setting in Boone, North Carolina, App State still has much to offer online students. This school offers only one part-time PhD program in education leadership , but its affordability compared to other programs makes this school stand out.

  • In State Tuition: $4,839
  • Out of State Tuition: $18,271
  • Application Requirements: Academic record, GRE scores or 3.0 minimum GPA, Master’s degree

13) Purdue University

An online doctoral program that maintains a high standard of excellence, Purdue is a great place for future doctors of technology, educational leadership and policy, and higher education. Purdue graduate students can expect to co-author papers with faculty and gain hands-on experience in research.

  • Graduation Rate: 38%
  • Acceptance Rate: 30%
  • Tuition: $420 per credit

14) Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University ’s online doctoral programs allow students to complete their degree in three to five years. Through their shortened term system, students take 8-week classes and then write their dissertation in their final three semesters. A leader in online doctoral programs, Concordia offers paths in strategic innovation, healthcare management, education leadership, and organizational leadership.

  • Tuition: $9,090
  • Application Requirements: Academic record, Master’s degree with minimum 3.0 GPA, letters of recommendation, portfolio and personal statement varies by program

15) Clemson University

A public school in South Carolina, Clemson aims to prepare online doctoral students for diverse career paths. Proudly offering programs that are difficult to find elsewhere, Clemson graduate students can study healthcare genetics and parks, recreation, and tourism management. Education professionals can complete degrees in education systems, learning science, and teaching, literacy, language, and culture.

  • Graduation Rate: 84%
  • Acceptance Rate: 49%
  • In State Tuition: $10,600
  • Out of State Tuition: $22,050
  • Application Requirements: Academic record, letters of recommendation, portfolio and personal statement vary by program

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – Additional Resources

Looking to learn more about graduate school admissions? We’ve got you covered.

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Christina Wood

Christina Wood holds a BA in Literature & Writing from UC San Diego, an MFA in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in English at the University of Georgia, where she teaches creative writing and first-year composition courses. Christina has published fiction and nonfiction in numerous publications, including The Paris Review , McSweeney’s , Granta , Virginia Quarterly Review , The Sewanee Review , Mississippi Review , and Puerto del Sol , among others. Her story “The Astronaut” won the 2018 Shirley Jackson Award for short fiction and received a “Distinguished Stories” mention in the 2019 Best American Short Stories anthology.

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  • Best Online Health Science Ph.D. And D.H.S. Programs

Best Online Health Science Ph.D. And D.H.S. Programs Of 2024

Matt Whittle

Published: Mar 13, 2024, 11:37am

The U.S. healthcare system can be difficult to navigate, often requiring patients to advocate for themselves in times of need. Health science is a healthcare discipline in which professionals seek to improve clinical care, education and administration, prioritizing quality care and making it easier for everyone to navigate our complicated systems.

If you’re interested in a flexible health science degree at the doctoral level, you can earn an online health science Ph.D. or an online Doctor of Health Science (D.H.Sc.). These terminal degrees prepare graduates to work in high-level administrative, managerial and research roles in the healthcare industry.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about health science doctoral degrees, including tuition, accreditation and our ranking of the 10 best doctoral programs in the field.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

  • 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
  • 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
  • All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
  • Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
  • Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked 11 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering health science Ph.D. and D.H.S. programs online in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes and student experience. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Data is accurate as of June 2023. Note that because online doctorates are relatively uncommon, fewer schools meet our ranking standards at the doctoral level.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Outcomes:

  • Overall graduation rate
  • Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

  • In-state graduate student tuition
  • In-state graduate student fees
  • Alternative tuition plans offered
  • Median federal student loan debt
  • Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment

Student Experience:

  • Student-to-faculty ratio
  • Socioeconomic diversity
  • Availability of online coursework
  • Total number of graduate assistants
  • More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

  • Fully accredited
  • Programmatic accreditation status
  • Nonprofit status

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 61% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Degree Finder

Best d.h.sc. and ph.d. in health science online degrees, should you enroll in an online health science doctoral program, accreditation for online health science ph.d. and d.h.sc. programs, how to find the right online doctorate in health science for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online health science ph.d. and d.h.sc. programs, mcphs university, touro university worldwide, pacific university, rush university, liberty university, university of the pacific, university of south dakota, faulkner university, university of bridgeport, purdue university global, featured online schools.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial credit and much more by clicking 'Visit Site'

MCPHS University

Graduate Tuition

$1,110/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

MCPHS University , headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, features an online Doctor of Health Sciences with concentrations in health systems administration, educational leadership and global health. This 54-credit degree prepares students for professional roles in education and leadership.

After completing core coursework in innovative healthcare technology, patient-centered care and population health, students engage with a three-part capstone experience spanning nine credits. Each online learner pays a $525 tech fee in their first semester.

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
  • School Type: Private
  • Application Fee: N/A
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 54 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Part-time
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare research methods, innovative healthcare technology
  • Concentrations Available: Health systems administration, educational leadership, global health
  • In-Person Requirements: No

$700/credit

At Los Alamitos, California-based Touro University Worldwide (TUW), students can pursue an online Doctor of Health Science with a tech-centric curriculum. The 48-credit program uses asynchronous delivery for maximum flexibility, along with accelerated courses, allowing learners to graduate more quickly.

TUW’s D.H.Sc. program suits professionals looking to pursue leadership roles in health-related contexts. Graduates go on to become health administrators, nutritionists, physical therapists and mental health specialists. This program does not provide certification or licensure, however; it instead develops the managerial skills for administrative positions in health settings.

  • Application Fee: $25
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 48 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, full-time
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: Epidemiology, health informatics
  • Concentrations Available: N/A

Pacific University

$7,731/semester

The Doctor of Healthcare Science at Pacific University , based in Forest Grove, Oregon, serves advanced healthcare workers looking to take the next step in their professional journey. Most coursework is delivered asynchronously, with some set class times for certain real-time lectures.

Though there is no dissertation requirement, each student completes a scholarly project and presents their findings virtually. To qualify for the D.H.Sc. program, each candidate must work in a healthcare position in education, community health or direct patient care.

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
  • Application Fee: Free
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare operations management, human resource management in healthcare

RUSH University

$1,046/credit

RUSH University , located in Chicago, Illinois, offers an online Ph.D. in health sciences that delivers an interdisciplinary approach through classroom learning, professional development opportunities and research experience. Graduates can qualify for positions improving the quality of care for various healthcare providers.

Throughout the program, students receive mentorship from health sciences professionals. Along with an optional independent study course worth up to 12 credits, each student completes a dissertation research class and a comprehensive exam to conclude the program.

  • Application Fee: $50
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: Leadership theory, composition for effective professional writing

Liberty University

$650/credit

Based in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University features an online Ph.D. in health sciences that takes just three years to complete. Learners can choose from concentrations in exercise and sport science and trauma-informed care, or they can design an individualized pathway.

Liberty delivers coursework asynchronously, allowing students to complete assignments on their own schedules. The program culminates in a dissertation course in which each student researches an original topic of their choosing.

  • Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare delivery systems, risk management in health sciences
  • Concentrations Available: General, exercise and sport science, trauma-informed care

University of the Pacific

$1,000/credit

The online Doctor of Health Science from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, features asynchronous coursework, which is ideal for working professionals and learners with busy schedules. This program suits healthcare professionals currently working in academic and clinical environments who are looking to advance to administrative positions.

Students can choose from healthcare leadership and educational leadership pathways. Though this program does not include a dissertation or thesis, each learner completes nine credits across three doctoral project courses, which may be submitted for presentation or publication.

  • Degree Credit Requirements: 27 to 36 credits
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: Foundations of behavioral science, healthcare leadership
  • Concentrations Available: Clinical leadership, educational leadership

University of South Dakota

$470/credit

The University of South Dakota (USD), located in Vermillion, features a 75-credit online Ph.D. in health sciences with a teaching focus. The teaching core includes nine to 15 credits of prescribed and elective courses, including a three-credit practicum where students apply their knowledge under supervision in real-world settings.

The remainder of the curriculum focuses on research, leadership and health services delivery. Though USD delivers coursework remotely for this program, students must attend in-person residencies, an orientation and a dissertation bootcamp, in addition to completing their practicum.

  • School Type: Public
  • Application Fee: $35
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 75 credits
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: Leadership in healthcare, managing health services resources
  • In-Person Requirements: Yes, for field experiences

Faulkner University

$780/credit

At Montgomery, Alabama’s Faulkner University , students can pursue an accelerated online Ph.D. in health sciences and graduate in just 18 months. The program uses five-week courses and rolling admissions to meet this timeline. After completing 30 credits in one year, students complete a 15-credit dissertation process over a six-month period.

Coursework explores topics such as clinical statistics, instructional methods for health professionals, health promotion and quantitative research methods. Each online student pays a $75 distance learning fee per semester.

  • Application Fee: $75
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 30 credits
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: Evidence-based practice, qualitative research methods

University of Bridgeport

The online Doctor of Health Sciences from the University of Bridgeport (UB), headquartered in Connecticut, takes a big-picture view of public health concerns in underserved communities. Learners can choose from clinician, nutrition and education concentrations to align their studies with their prospective professional roles.

The program culminates with a dissertation project. After receiving topic approval, each student works with an advisor to approach their dissertation as a systemic review, a meta-analysis, a literature review or original research.

  • Degree Credit Requirements: 57 credits
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: Global health issues, healthcare informatics
  • Concentrations Available: Clinician, nutrition, education

Headquartered in Indiana, Purdue University Global delivers an online Doctor of Health Science that allows students to earn “microcredentials” throughout the curriculum. These microcredentials cluster similar classes to develop familiarity and expertise in specific topics, such as health science, health informatics and global health.

After completing the program’s required coursework, each learner engages in an applied project in which they identify a real-world issue in administration, healthcare delivery or higher education and research potential solutions. Purdue Global charges all online learners a flat, per-credit tuition rate, regardless of their state residency status.

  • Application Fee: $60
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 88 credits
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: Advanced health policy, advanced health leadership
  • Concentrations available: N/A

Online college can provide several benefits over in-person learning, such as increased flexibility and affordability.

However, since online programs tend to involve less structure than their in-person counterparts, learners must be organized and carefully manage their time. Synchronous coursework mirrors the in-person learning experience with set class times, while asynchronous delivery allows students to watch recorded lectures and complete assignments on their own time.

Online doctoral degrees may still have on-campus requirements, such as intensives, orientations or dissertation defenses. Ensure you can commit to visiting campus as needed.

College accreditation indicates that an institution or a degree program has received approval from a third-party accrediting organization. These accreditors evaluate schools and programs for factors such as curricular offerings, student outcomes and faculty expertise. Accreditation occurs at the institutional and programmatic levels.

The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognize the following organizations to provide institutional accreditation:

  • Higher Learning Commission
  • WASC Senior College and University Commission
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • New England Commission of Higher Education

Attending an accredited school is required if you want to pursue federal student aid or qualify for certain professional certifications. To check on the accreditation status of any prospective school, use CHEA’s directory tool.

Programmatic accreditation does not exist for health science programs at the doctoral level.

Here’s how to narrow down your options as you consider online health science doctoral programs:

Consider Your Future Goals

Your professional goals should help determine your program choice and whether you earn a Ph.D. or a D.H.Sc.

For example, some health science graduates aim to work in positions that require extensive research experience, such as college-level educator roles. Ph.D. programs are more research-oriented, so if you plan to teach after earning your doctorate in health science, consider prioritizing Ph.D.s in health science.

On the other hand, if you want to apply your doctorate in a public health role , the more practice-based D.H.Sc. might be more suitable.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Higher education requires a significant financial investment. Among the schools on this list, total tuition ranges from about $23,000 on the low end to more than $61,000, averaging roughly $41,160 for a full doctorate in health science.

To help fund your doctoral studies, submit the FAFSA ® to ensure your eligibility for federal student aid. You can also look for private loans, scholarships from third-party organizations, and fellowships or assistantships from your prospective institution.

Scholarships are provided by schools and independent organizations based on factors such as identity, merit and need. These forms of aid do not require repayment. In assistantships and fellowships, students work professionally with their schools to offset tuition costs.

Can you get a Ph.D. in science online?

American schools generally do not offer Ph.D. programs in science on campus or online. There are other science-related doctoral programs, however, which may feature online delivery.

Are online Ph.D. programs legitimate?

As long as they come from accredited institutions, online Ph.D. programs hold the same level of prestige and legitimacy as their on-campus counterparts.

How long does it take to get a Ph.D. in health sciences?

A health science Ph.D. typically takes four to seven years to complete.

Can I finish a Ph.D. in two years?

Most Ph.D. programs take longer than two years. Some schools, like Faulkner University, use accelerated delivery for students to complete their Ph.D.s in around 18 months. Other doctoral programs, like Doctor of Health Science degrees, generally take less time than Ph.D. programs.

Matt Whittle

Matt Whittle has experience writing and editing accessible education-related content in health, technology, nursing and business subjects. His work has been featured on Sleep.org, Psychology.org and NurseJournal.org.

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PhD by Distance Learning

Student with books

The University of Birmingham's College of Life and Environmental Sciences now offers PhD by Distance Learning.

This means that wherever you are in the world, you may now be able register with the University of Birmingham for your Doctoral qualification but undertake the majority of your studies in your home location.

Why study by distance learning? 

The main advantage of studying by distance learning is the flexibility. Financial and practical implications of moving closer to the campus make distance learning a more feasible option and could allow you to combine study with other commitments, including work and family.  Similarly, your research could be related to your area of residence and therefore moving would be detrimental to your capacity to carry out the research.

Is the distance learning route for you? 

The distance learning route to PhD study is not for everyone.  You have to have a very clear idea of your project and be able to motivate yourself.  Undertaking PhD study off campus can sometimes be quite isolating, so the ability to proactively seek out connections from within relevant research communities is important.  This route is well-suited to those who have a research project associated with their work or particular interests and where resources are available locally, over via the internet, to support your research e.g. appropriate archives and data collections.

How will I be supported? 

You will receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students.  The only difference is that supervisory sessions will take place via audio and visual communication services such as Teams or Zoom, rather than in person.

What is the cost?

We charge an annual tuition fee which is the same as our standard on-campus PhD but includes:

  • Economy class flights to and from Birmingham for the compulsory visit during the first year of your PhD
  • Accommodation at the University for the compulsory one-week campus visit during the first year of your PhD

How often will I need to be on campus?

You will be required to make one compulsory visit to the University during the first year of your PhD. Reasonable travel and accommodation costs for this 1-week visit will be reimbursed. This visit will enable you to meet your supervisory team, undertake additional research skills training, and make a start to your doctoral studies. You will discuss the most appropriate time for this visit with your supervisory team.

Am I eligible?

Before we can offer you a place it is important that you have agreement from your potential supervisor and that they are satisfied that you will be able to undertake the PhD on an off campus basis. This may mean that slightly different entry requirements apply, such as English language and more extensive research skills training. Agreements will also need to be reached regarding some of the more practical aspects of undertaking the PhD in this way (for example attendance requirements, suitability of the chosen residency etc). It is important that arrangements are discussed early so that all parties involved know what to expect and to ensure you are able to successfully complete your studies. 

Can I study by distance learning anywhere?

Distance Learning courses can be undertaken from anywhere in the world, including the UK. 

However, it is worth noting that supervisory sessions for Distance Learning students will take place via audiovisual communications, such as Skype or Facetime, rather than in person. 

While we have found that these 21st Century methods have proved popular, for those applicants who would prefer to visit the campus for face-to-face meetings with their supervisor, the traditional part-time study option may be more appropriate. 

How to apply?

Find the programme that you wish to apply for in our course finder and click on the 'Apply' button. 

As part of the application process, we will ask you to provide evidence to demonstrate that you have the time, commitment, facilities and experience to study for a PhD by Distance Learning. Please be prepared to provide evidence, and details, of the following:

  • Examples of your postgraduate research experience and ability to work independently e.g. papers/presentations at professional and academic conferences or publications in professional journals or previous completion of an independent research project, etc. 
  • Full reasons (academic and personal) for registering for the distance learning mode of study rather than by standard full or part-time on-campus options. In particular, how you will be able to carry out your project in your chosen location. 
  • Access to local library facilities (where needed)
  • Access to IT facilities
  • Access to communications, including e-mail, and audiovisual communication media e.g. Skype and Facetime
  • Access to facilities to support any study-related disability (where appropriate)

Please visit the course finder for a full list of subject areas available to study via distance mode.

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GW Online Engineering Programs

Online Doctor of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

We are now accepting applications for the cohort beginning in January 2025.

The application deadline is November 1, 2024

Program Description

The online Doctor of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning is a research-based doctoral program. The program is designed to provide graduates with a solid understanding of the latest AI&ML techniques, as well as hands-on experience in applying these techniques to real-world problems. Graduates of this program are equipped to lead AI&ML projects and teams in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. Having developed advanced research skills, graduates are also well-prepared for academic research and teaching roles.

The degree requires completion of eight graduate-level courses (listed below) and a minimum of 24 credit hours of Praxis Research (SEAS 8588). During the research phase, the student writes and defends a research praxis on a topic related to AI&ML. The topic is selected by the student and approved by the research advising committee.

SEAS 6414 Python Application for Data Analytics:  Introduction to Python programming tailored for Data Analytics. This course covers Python’s applications in automating data cleaning, feature engineering, outlier detection, implementing machine learning algorithms, conducting text mining, and performing time series analysis. (3 credit hours)

SEAS 8500 Fundamentals of AI-Enabled Systems:  Operational decomposition for AI solutions, engineering data for algorithm development, and deployment strategies. Systems perspective in designing AI systems. Full-lifecycle of creating AI-enabled systems. Ethics and biases in AI systems (3 credit hours)

SEAS 8505 Applied Machine Intelligence and Reinforcement Learning:  Theory and practice of machine learning leveraging open-source tools, algorithms and techniques. Topics include intelligent model training, support vector machines, deep learning, transformer methods, GANs, and reinforcement learning (3 credit hours)

SEAS 8510 Analytical Methods for Machine Learning:  Mathematical tools for building machine learning algorithms: linear algebra, analytical geometry, matrix decompositions, optimization, probability and statistics (3 credit hours)

SEAS 8515 Data Engineering for AI:  Developing Python scripts to automate data pipelines, data ingestion, data processing, and data warehousing. Machine learning applications with Python including text mining and time series analysis (3 credit hours)

SEAS 8520 Deep Learning and Natural Language Processing:  Fundamentals of deep learning and Natural Language Processing (NLP). Techniques for designing modern deep learning networks using Keras and TensorFlow. NLP topics include sentiment analysis, bag of words, TFIDF, and Large Language Models (3 credit hours)

SEAS 8525 Computer Vision and Generative AI: Explore AI's visual realm. Learn image processing object detection, and models in generative adversarial networks and neural networks. Master tools for creating AI applications in art, design, ethical considerations, and societal impacts of generative AI technology (3 credit hours)

SEAS 8599 Praxis Development for AI & Machine Learning:  Overview of research methods. Aims and purpose of the praxis. Development of praxis research strategies, formulation, and defense of a praxis proposal (3 credit hours)

SEAS 8588 Praxis Research for D.Eng. in AI & Machine Learning:  Research leading to the degree of Doctor of Engineering in AI and Machine Learning (24 Credit Hours)  

Classroom courses last 10 weeks each and meet on Saturday mornings from 9:00 AM—12:10 PM and afternoons from 1:00—4:10 PM (all times Eastern). All classes meet live online through synchronous distance learning technologies (Zoom). All classes are recorded and available for viewing within two hours of the lecture. This program is taught in a cohort format in which students take all courses in lockstep. Courses cannot be taken out of sequence, live attendance at all class meetings is expected, and students must remain continuously enrolled. Leaves of absence are permitted only in the case of a medical or family emergency, or deployment to active military duty.  Please see below for the dates of our upcoming cohort.

Semester Session #Credit Hours Tentative Dates
Spring 2025 1 6 January 4 — March 8, 2025
Spring 2025 2 6 March 22 — May 31, 2025
Summer 2025 - 6 June 14 — August 23, 2025
Fall 2025 1 6 September 6 — November 8, 2025

No classes on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, Fourth of July,  and Memorial Day Weekends 

To proceed to the research phase, students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.2 in the eight classroom courses, and no grade below B-. Students are then registered for a minimum of 24 credit hours of SEAS 8588 Praxis Research: 3 ch in Fall 2025 (Session 2), 9 ch in Spring 2026, 3 ch in Summer 2026, and 9 ch in Fall 2026. Throughout the research phase, students develop the praxis under the guidance of a designated faculty advisor. Faculty research advisors are assigned by the program office and meet individually with students every two weeks.

Sample research areas are listed below:

•    Developing algorithms and methods that can explain how AI systems reach their decisions or predictions, making them more transparent and trustworthy •    Investigating how reinforcement learning can improve robotic performance and control, particularly in complex environments •    Examining how to ensure that AI systems are fair and unbiased in their decision-making, particularly in areas such as hiring, lending, and criminal justice •    Developing more advanced natural language processing models and algorithms that can understand and interpret human language more accurately and effectively •    Investigating how to apply transfer learning techniques to improve the performance of AI systems in new and different domains, with less data and less training time 

Tuition is $1,750 per credit hour for the 2024-2025 year and is billed at the beginning of each semester for the courses registered during that semester. A non-refundable tuition deposit of $995, which is applied to tuition due the first semester, is required when the applicant accepts the offer of admission.

Admissions Process

  • Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering, applied science, business, computer science, or a related field from accredited institutions.
  • A minimum graduate-level GPA of 3.2
  • Capacity for original scholarship.
  • TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE scores are required of all applicants who are not citizens of countries where English is the official language.  Check our  International Students Page  to learn about the SEAS English language requirements and exemption policy. Test scores may not be more than two years old.

Note: GRE and GMAT scores are not required

Please note that our doctoral programs are highly selective; meeting minimum admissions requirements does not guarantee admission.  

  • Attach up-to-date Resume 
  • Attach Statement of Purpose – In an essay of 250 words or less, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study at The George Washington University. Describe your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans. Discuss your qualifications including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not mentioned.
  • Online Engineering Programs The George Washington University 170 Newport Center Drive Suite 260 Newport Beach, CA 92660

Normally, all transcripts must be received before an admission decision is rendered for the Doctor of Engineering program. 

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Best PhD in Distance learning Programs [2023]

online degree in real estate

PhD in Distance Learning

It is common knowledge that Ph.D. holders are highly valued across the globe. The highest degree awarded in a particular academic discipline is a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.). It is typically given following careful evaluation by other esteemed academics and serves to demonstrate proficiency in your field of study.

Doctorate holders generally earn more money than people with less education. This is because they are thought to have more expertise in academia and research.

PhDs are really exciting, but they can also be expensive and take up to 6 years to complete. In a society as fast-paced as the one we live in today, Ph.D. candidates are constantly looking for one-year PhD programs , as the easiest PhDs.

No matter where you are in the world, thanks to the development of online education, you can acquire a Ph.D. through distance learning. In fact, in today’s world, you can obtain a Ph.D. in various disciplines, including psychology, leadership, business administration, nursing, history, and even more complex ones like engineering and artificial intelligence , to mention a few.

Although earning a Ph.D. via distance learning is simple, you should exercise caution because diploma mills have seized upon this opportunity to sell degrees of a low caliber that may not be accredited or may not contribute much to your CV or portfolio.

Therefore, before enrolling in a distance learning Ph.D. program, caution must be taken. Before registering for a distance learning Ph.D. program, you should take into account the following factors.

Table of Contents

How To Choose a Distance Learning PhD Program

Given that they frequently have attractive websites, a brochure, and a call center where you can make inquiries, it might be challenging to tell fake schools apart from reliable institutions. It becomes worse since accreditation mills, which are set up to give the impression of validity, frequently promote diploma mills.

To reduce the possibility of being taken advantage of by diploma mills, the following things should be considered before enrolling in an online degree program.

  • Accreditation. Educational accreditation is a quality assurance procedure in which an external agency evaluates and verifies the services and operations of educational institutions or programs to determine whether applicable and accepted criteria are satisfied. These organizations assess the ongoing quality of educational institutions, colleges, and programs. In other words, accreditation serves as a mark of approval for institutions of higher learning from employers and, most significantly, students.
  • Entry Requirements . How easy is it for you to get admitted? If the admittance standards are not stringent and require you to submit academic transcripts, motivation letters, and a research proposal, it is worthwhile to delve deeper into the institution’s routes.
  • Quality of Education . Will you be required to undertake actual research, work under a supervisor, submit a thesis, and defend it at the end of your Ph.D., or will you merely be required to watch a few pre-recorded videos or submit some ungraded work?
  • Faculty members . Who are the academic team members? Have they released any research papers that you can read? Are they knowledgeable about the subject? All good universities have fairly open staff registrations, so you may read their publications and even email them to discuss your Ph.D. research.

Although we have highlighted some of the things you should be looking out for before enrolling in any distance learning PhDs, you should also consider other factors before spending your money on online PhD programs , such as reviews, duration, cost, career path, job outlook, and salary.

Northcentral University

With its main campus in San Diego, California, Northcentral Institution is a private online university. The institution, founded in 1996 and categorized as a “D/PU: Doctoral/Professional University,” confers bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.

North Central is accredited by a host of bodies which includes, WASC Senior College and University Commission, Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE), International Accreditation Commission for Systemic Therapy Education (IACSTE) and more

By earning your degree at NCU, you can be confident that the quality of education will meet the standards of these commissions and accrediting bodies.

Below are the study areas that NCU offers distance learning PhD programs  and Applied doctorate programs:

  • Doctor of Education (EdD) Degree
  • Online Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Technology Management (PhD-TM)
  • Online Doctor of Business Administration
  • Doctor of Criminal Justice
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Cybersecurity
  • Juris Doctor
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Human Resource Management
  • Doctor of Public Administration
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Instructional Design
  • Doctor of Education in Instructional Design
  • Doctor of Health Administration
  • Education Specialist in Educational Leadership
  • Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Data Science
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Education
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration
  • Education Specialist Degree
  • Doctorate of Marriage and Family Therapy

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The Middle States  is  a  nationally  recognized  institutional  accrediting  agency  authorized  by  the  United  States  Secretary  of  Education  and  the  Council  for  Higher  Education  Accreditation. 

  • 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
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice: Executive Track
  • Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
  • Education (Online), EdD
  • Family 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
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, DNP Advanced Practice Track

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University is a private Christian for-profit university in Phoenix, Arizona. Grand Canyon University was the largest Christian university in the world by student enrollment in 2018, with 20,000 on campus and 70,000 online.

They provide a diverse choice of undergraduate and graduate programs that can be completed both on campus and online. Their devoted teachers and staff will be there for you every step of the way to guarantee you achieve your objectives.

Since 1968, Grand Canyon University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The HLC is accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the United States Department of Education (ED) (CHEA).

GCU maintains programmatic accreditations for some of its programs in addition to its Higher Learning Commission accreditation. Programmatic accreditation indicates that a program has met a certain set of criteria or standards (professional counseling, nursing, business, and so on) as established by the specialist certifying authority.

Grand Canyon University offers over 38 distance learning PhD Programs in the concentrations

  • Doctor of Business Administration: Data Analytics (Qualitative Research)
  • Doctor of Business Administration: Data Analytics (Quantitative Research)
  • Doctor of Business Administration: Management (Qualitative Research)
  • Doctor of Business Administration: Management (Quantitative Research)
  • Doctor of Business Administration: Marketing (Qualitative Research)
  • Doctor of Business Administration: Marketing (Quantitative Research)
  • Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: Behavioral Health (Qualitative Research)
  • Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: Behavioral Health (Quantitative Research)
  • Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: Christian Ministry (Qualitative Research)
  • Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: Christian Ministry (Quantitative Research)
  • Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: Health Care Administration (Qualitative Research)
  • Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: Health Care Administration (Quantitative Research)
  • Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: Higher Education Leadership (Qualitative Research)
  • Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: Higher Education Leadership (Quantitative Research)
  • Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: K-12 Leadership (Qualitative Research)
  • Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: K-12 Leadership (Quantitative Research)
  • Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: Organizational Development (Qualitative Research)
  • Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: Organizational Development (Quantitative Research)
  • Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: Special Education (Qualitative Research)
  • Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: Special Education (Quantitative Research)
  • Doctor of Education in Teaching and Learning: Adult Learning (Qualitative Research)
  • Doctor of Education in Teaching and Learning: Adult Learning (Quantitative Research)
  • Doctor of Health Administration: Operational Leadership (Qualitative Research)
  • Doctor of Health Administration: Operational Leadership (Quantitative Research)
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice with an Emphasis in Educational Leadership
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision (Qualitative Research)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision (Quantitative Research)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology: Cognition and Instruction (Qualitative Research)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology: Cognition and Instruction (Quantitative Research)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology: Industrial and Organizational Psychology (Qualitative Research)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology: Industrial and Organizational Psychology (Quantitative Research)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology: Integrating Technology, Learning, and Psychology (Qualitative Research)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology: Integrating Technology, Learning, and Psychology (Quantitative Research)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology: Performance Psychology (Qualitative Research)
  • Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology: Performance Psychology (Quantitative Research)
  • Education Specialist in K-12 Leadership
  • Education Specialist in Teaching and Learning

Atlantic International University

Atlantic International University, Inc. is a for-profit private distance learning university headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii. Atlantic University, Inc. was created in December 1998. It offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.

Atlantic University provides Associate Degrees, Certificate Programs, Bachelor’s Degree Programs, Master’s Degree Programs, Doctoral Degree Programs, and Post Doctorate in a variety of subjects such as Business & Economics, Science & Engineering, and Social & Human Studies.

Atlantic International University is accredited by the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges, and Universities (ASIC). ASIC has awarded the university Premier certification for its excellent areas of operation.

Atlantic International University offers distance learning PhD Programs under 3 majors; Doctor of Arts, Doctor of Business Administration, and Doctor of Science

Sociology Architecture, Renewable Energy Sociology
Project Management Psychology, Telecommunications Advertising
Marketing Accounting, Marketing Information Systems
Architecture Business Administration Business Management
Legal Studies Biology, Information Technology Communications
Journalism Banking and Finance, Philosophy Business Administration
Interior Design Chemical Engineering Health Care Administration
Business Management Communications, Computer Science Finance
Educational Administration Economics
Finance, Civil Engineering Maritime Management
International Relations Legal Studies
Mechanical Engineering Marketing
Information Systems, Sociology Information Systems
Physical Education, Economics Human Resource Management
Chemistry, Engineering Systems Project Management
Industrial Engineering, Public Health
Health Care Administration
Electrical Engineering
Business Management

Liberty University

Liberty University, located in Lynchburg, Virginia, is a private evangelical university. Liberty University, founded in 1971 by Jerry Falwell Sr. and Elmer L. Towns, is one of the world’s largest Christian institutions and the largest private non-profit university in the United States in terms of total student enrolment.

Liberty University is a liberal arts college with 15 colleges and institutions that provide programs in education, counseling, theology, law, aviation, cinematic arts, business, and other subjects.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited Liberty University to grant associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialty, and doctorate degrees. Many of Liberty’s programs are accredited or otherwise recognized by specialized professional and accrediting authorities in addition to institutional accreditation.

The table below tries to illustrate the different distance learning PhD programs offered by Liberty University

Arts and Sciences History (PhD)
Behavioral Sciences Community Care and Counseling (EdD and/or EdS)

Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD)

Psychology (PhD)

Business Business Administration (PhD)

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)

Organization and Management (PhD)

Communication and the Arts Communication (PhD)

Strategic Media (PhD)

Divinity Bible Exposition (PhD)

Christian Leadership (EdD or PhD)

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Master of Theology (ThM)

Education Advanced Educational Studies (PhD)

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Education (PhD)

Education Specialist (EdS)

Higher Education Administration (PhD)

Government Criminal Justice (DCJ/PhD)

Doctor of Law and Policy (DLP)

Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

Public Administration (PhD)

Public Policy (PhD)

Health Sciences Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) – General

Health Sciences (PhD)

Music Christian Worship (PhD)

Doctor of Music Education (DME)

Doctor of Worship Studies (DWS)

Music Education (PhD)

Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Nursing – Nursing Education (PhD)

University of North Dakota

Founded six years before the state, in 1883, UND gave North Dakota its moniker when the erstwhile Dakota territories split into two independent states. They’ve established themselves as industry leaders in engineering, medical, aviation, space, and unmanned aircraft systems.

Their academic programs have received national prominence. They also have the most exclusive online students of any nonprofit, flagship university in the eight-state region.

The Higher Learning Commission has fully accredited UND (HLC). A degree from a nationally acknowledged university, such as UND, attests to the quality of your education. Other accrediting organizations have approved UND components at the college or school level.

The University of North Dakota offers distance learning doctorate programs in the fields listed below:

  • Aerospace Sciences (Ph.D.)
  • Biomedical Engineering (Ph.D.)
  • Communication (Ph.D.)
  • Computer Science (Ph.D.)
  • Earth System Science and Policy (Ph.D.)
  • Educational Practice and Leadership (Ed.D.)
  • Electrical Engineering (Ph.D.)
  • Energy Engineering (Ph.D.)
  • Environmental Engineering (Ph.D.)
  • Geological Engineering (Ph.D.)
  • Indigenous Health (Ph.D.)
  • Petroleum Engineering (Ph.D.)
  • Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • Public Health (JD/MPH)

These universities’ reputations vary among them. Some are non-profit organizations, while others are for-profit and may have more lenient admission requirements. However, all of them are authorized, so you will be able to earn an online doctorate that is regarded as authentic.

There are numerous authorized universities and organizations that provide online PhD programs; you can start here and graduate with your next doctorate in only a few years! This list of universities and distance learning PhD programs is far from exhaustive.

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Course type

Qualification, university name, distance online phd in england.

223 degrees at 21 universities in England.

Customise your search

Select the start date, qualification, and how you want to study

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Related subjects:

  • PhD Agriculture, Animal Care, and Veterinary Science
  • PhD Archaeology
  • PhD Architecture
  • PhD Biology and Life Sciences
  • PhD Building, Planning and Construction Management
  • PhD Communications and Media
  • PhD Computer Science and Information Technology
  • PhD Creative Arts and Design and Illustration
  • PhD Economics
  • PhD Education
  • PhD Electronic and Electrical Engineering
  • PhD Engineering
  • PhD English Literature
  • PhD Environmental Health and Safety, Protection and Conservation
  • PhD Financial Management and Accounting
  • PhD Food Science and Technology, Nutrition and Dietetics
  • PhD Gallery, Conservation and Museum Studies and Museology
  • PhD Geography and Earth Sciences
  • PhD Health Care Management and Health Studies
  • PhD History
  • PhD Humanities and Social Sciences
  • PhD Industry, Logistics, Manufacturing and Production
  • PhD Journalism and Publishing
  • PhD Languages
  • PhD Law and Legal studies
  • PhD Leisure, Hospitality Management and Event Management
  • PhD Linguistic Studies
  • PhD Literature
  • PhD Management, Business and HR
  • PhD Marketing and PR
  • PhD Mathematics
  • PhD Music Technology and Production and Sound Engineering
  • PhD Nursing and Midwifery
  • PhD Other Sciences and Research
  • PhD Performing and Dramatic Arts, Acting and Music Studies
  • PhD Philosophy
  • PhD Physics
  • PhD Physiotherapy and other Therapies
  • PhD Psychology
  • PhD Religious Studies and Theology
  • PhD Social Work, Community Work and Counselling Skills
  • PhD Sports and Recreation
  • PhD Surgery, Medicine and Dentistry
  • PhD Teaching and Training
  • PhD Transport Services and Aviation

left arrow

  • Course title (A-Z)
  • Course title (Z-A)
  • Price: high - low
  • Price: low - high

Social Sciences PhD

London south bank university.

The PhD and MRes programmes are closely linked to our growing and dynamic research culture. You'll benefit from engaging with highly Read more...

  • 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £4,820 per year (UK)
  • 3 years Full time degree: £4,820 per year (UK)
  • 5 years Part time degree: £2,892 per year (UK)

Geography, Environment and Development Studies MPhil/PhD

Birkbeck, university of london.

Our PhD programmes aim to train you to conduct research of the highest academic standard and to make an original contribution to the Read more...

  • 4 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
  • 7 years Online degree: £2,500 per year (UK)

Theology (distance learning) PhD

University of nottingham.

Our distance learning PhD gives you the time and support to explore your theological interests while maintaining your existing Read more...

  • 3 years Distance without attendance degree: £5,100 per year (UK)
  • 6 years Distance without attendance degree

Business and Management PhD

Oxford brookes university.

Business and Management is a broad disciplinary cluster which includes sub-disciplines such as Organisational Behaviour, Leadership, Read more...

  • 3 years Distance without attendance degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
  • 4 years Distance without attendance degree: £2,356 per year (UK)
  • 3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
  • 4 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

PhD Postgraduate research in Environmental and Analytical Sciences

University of wolverhampton.

At the University of Wolverhampton, further opportunities for training and skills development during your Environmental and Analytical Read more...

  • 8 years Distance without attendance degree: £2,356 per year (UK)
  • 4 years Distance without attendance degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
  • 8 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Dental & Oral Health PhDs and MPhils (Distance Learning)

University of portsmouth.

If you're interested in taking your existing expertise in Dental and Oral Health into a postgraduate research degree, Portsmouth is the Read more...

  • 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £2,393 per year (UK)
  • 3 years Distance without attendance degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

Translation Studies PhD (On-Campus or by Distance Learning)

University of birmingham.

This programme offers promising candidates the opportunity to carry out research in the field of Translation Studies and be part of a Read more...

  • 3 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)

Education PhD

As a research student you'll become part of our thriving academic community. Explore the staff, facilities and more at the Centre for Read more...

Archaeology MPhil/PhD

Our research areas include Early and Later Prehistory, Classical Greek, Hellenistic and Roman Republican archaeology; Roman provincial Read more...

  • 7 years Part time degree: £2,500 per year (UK)

Applied Linguistics with English Language Teaching PhD

Applied linguistics offers a fascinating opportunity to study the interaction between language and the real world. You will be supervised Read more...

  • 48 months Distance without attendance degree: £5,100 per year (UK)
  • 96 months Distance without attendance degree
  • 48 months Full time degree: £5,100 per year (UK)
  • 96 months Part time degree

Economics, Accounting or Finance PhD

Economics is a broad discipline that helps us understand historical trends by studying the past, interpret today’s major challenges and Read more...

  • 3 years Distance without attendance degree
  • 4 years Distance without attendance degree

PhD Postgraduate research in Business

The Course aims to Provide you with an exciting opportunity to advance your academic knowledge and understanding of business Read more...

Comparative Literature PhD (On-Campus or by Distance Learning)

The PhD in Comparative Literature and Critical Theories at the University of Birmingham offers students the opportunity to propose and Read more...

  • 3 years Distance without attendance degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
  • 6 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

Production and Manufacturing Engineering PhD

The School of Engineering has a strong culture of research and enterprise. London South Bank University (LSBU) is the top modern Read more...

Religious Studies (distance learning) PhD

Our PhD gives you the time and support to explore your religious studies interests while maintaining your existing commitments. We have Read more...

PhD Postgraduate research in Media and Communications

Thank you for your interest in pursuing a research degree with the Faculty of Arts. We will be delighted to discuss your area of interest Read more...

PhD Social Work and Social Care

We offer two types of research degree an MPhil or a PhD – that consider topics, organisations or concepts relating to social work and Read more...

  • 6 years Distance without attendance degree: £2,389 per year (UK)
  • 3 years Full time degree: £4,778 per year (UK)

Mechanical Engineering PhD

This success is underpinned by a strong record of external income generation with the total current contract value of research and Read more...

PhD Computing and Mathematics

PhD students at the School of Mathematics and Computer Science are supervised by academics who are leading experts in their particular Read more...

PhD Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology

In the School of Social Policy we offer much more than a degree. PhD students have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of events Read more...

1-20 of 223 courses

Course type:

  • Distance learning PhD

Qualification:

Universities:.

  • Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London
  • University of Huddersfield
  • Maryvale Institute
  • University of Sunderland
  • Birmingham City University
  • University of York
  • Institute of English Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London
  • University of Leicester
  • Birmingham School of Acting
  • Lancaster University
  • University of London Worldwide
  • Institute of Commonwealth Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London
  • University of Bristol
  • Institute of Historical Research, School of Advanced Study, University of London

Related Subjects:

The University of Edinburgh home

  • Schools & departments

School of History, Classics & Archaeology

PhD by Distance

The PhD by Distance programme allows students who are unable to commit to basing themselves in Edinburgh to study for a PhD in a field of History, Classics or Archaeology from their home country or city.

Student sat at her desk looking at a laptop and making notes in a notebook.

What's involved?

The PhD by Distance mode is available to all applicants for eligible HCA PhD programmes, who will apply via the Postgraduate Degree Finder . Applicants will select between on-campus and distance options, as well as between part-time and full-time options.

PhD by Distance students will receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students. The frequency with which students will meet with their supervisors, and method of communication for supervision sessions, will be provisionally agreed at the point of application and confirmed during induction. 

Please be aware that some funding bodies do not permit students to study by distance, for example both  ESRC  and  AHRC  regulations currently state that students must be residents at the Institution where they are studying.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for the PhD by Distance are the same as for the School’s on-campus PhD programmes.  

In addition, applicants to the PhD by Distance will also be required to complete a PhD by Distance Applicant Admission Form. This form must be emailed to the Postgraduate Research Office ( [email protected] ) who will upload this to your application on your behalf.

phd in distance learning

Applicants should provide information about previous experience of distance study together with a statement detailing the potential risks and characteristics of distance learning. It is important that student’s applying for this mode of study recognise its particular challenges. While experience of studying at a distance is desirable in applying for the programme, this is not a specific requirement for admission. All of this should be discussed with the potential supervisor(s) prior to application and can be reflected on further during the admissions interview.

Applicants should also use this additional application form to provide details of the access they will have to research facilities at the normal site of study and where the core datasets that they will rely on are located.

Working whilst studying

The School understands that many students will take on paid work alongside their studies. The University’s guidance for full-time PhD students is that they should work no more than an average of 9 hours per week for across the academic year, to ensure they have time for their studies . While there are no specific rules about how many hours part-time students can work, the School recommends that part-time students allocate at least two to three days a week, on average across the year, to their PhD research. You should discuss any working patterns that you have with your proposed supervisor and reflect on the time you are devoting to your studies throughout your programme, particularly if you are struggling to make sufficient progress; this might well be a topic for discussion at annual reviews. Please note that if you need to apply for an extension at the end of your programme, you cannot use the fact that you had a job alongside your studies as a justification for this – an extension request can only be based on unforeseen circumstances. If you need to take on more work for a temporary period of time and this will impact on your studies, you should consider an Authorised Interruption of Studies.

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Philosophy Doctor (Ph.D) Degree by Research via distance learning

phd in distance learning

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A PhD by Research via Distance Learning perfectly adjusts to adult students’ needs, that is to people having work and family commitments yet willing to go through alternative academic path. Selinus University is an independent private international university that helps adult international students achieving their academic goals. Over the years, several surveys have shown that via Distance Learning PhDs by research can be as useful as those earned by traditional academic systems. Clearly, it has to be granted that the private institution is highly reputable. In this regard, Selinus University has acquired a respectable and trustworthy reputation, always giving personal skills and professionalism the deserved emphasis. Nowadays, Selinus University represents an important alternative to traditional studies, above all if we consider the digital era and the global village we live in. Our study system is geared towards busy people pacing today world rhythms. As a matter of fact, it is efficiently transmitted among computer devices anywhere in the world. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), in Latin: Philosophiae Doctor or Doctor Philosophiae, is the highest academic degree awarded. It usually covers all academic programs. As graduate researchers, PhD students are usually required to show competence, master their topic research but also carry out an original thesis so as to foster new academic contributions in their knowledge field. A PhD via distance learning is an original academic research in a specific branch of human knowledge. The candidate works autonomously and his/her project culminates in a final doctoral thesis. Unlike any other traditional campus based PhD, Selinus PhD by Research does not have semesters splitting; it rather consists in an independent and autonomous theoretical research on a specific academic area. This research is implemented in a final thesis that students shall complete within 24 months. Stress is given on independence during study and research; reason why students’ supervisors will not actually be tutor as in common understanding, but rather specialised consultants for students’ assistance. The student can use both textbooks and the Internet for research purpose besides having access to the online library. Working freely and independently on their research, students will grow highly specialized knowledge and specific expertise to display in their doctoral thesis defense. The Distance Learning PhD is earned after successfully completing and defending the final doctoral thesis in the academic major that has been chosen. The "Doctor of Philosophy" is the only PhD that can be obtained via Distance Learning. It should be quite clear that any laboratory method or professional practice cannot occur online or through any distance learning system. The main requirement for a distance learning PhD by Research is to submit and defend the final thesis whose minimum length have to be 90/100 pages. That will be reviewed and evaluated by an academic committee of the Selinus Unversity. In some cases, previous candidates’ publications may be relevant for PhD purposes. In case the thesis credits are not sufficient, in order to have all the required doctoral credits, additional in-depth reports (about 15-20 pages each) based on textbooks may also be requested. A PhD is often a very popular job requirement in many work areas. Especially in developing countries, with lack of basic job training, the Doctor of Philosophy gets more and more required not only for highly qualified professions, but also for multinationals, non-governmental organizations and private companies’ employments. Employees are asked for an academic "certification" higher than a Bachelor's or a Master's degree. A Master's degree is usually sufficient for most professions. The Ph.D., however, is the highest educational qualification. Only the best-qualified professionals have a Ph.D. To access the program, students need to possess a Master's degree or equivalent and be at least 30 years old. The Ph.D. program requires a minimum of 65 academic credits (about 1000 hours of study) that will be achieved through the final thesis. Distance learning Selinus PhD admission requirements are: Master Degree possession and suitable CV. There is no race, colour, sex, beliefs and/or religion discrimination. APEL (Accreditation Prior Experiential Learning) professional credits validation may contribute to the final evaluation of the thesis.

The cost of a PhD by research via Distance Learning is obviously much lower than a campus based doctorate.

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  • Distance Learning
  • Program outline
  • Tuition fees
  • Thesis defence

phd in distance learning

Study from anywhere in the world, any time during the year

Selinus University offers several distance learning degree programs. These programs are highly affordable and cover more than 200 disciplines including management, communications, humanities, arts, psychology, natural health, therapies, computers, sciences, engineering, and others.

See the PhD study programs via Distance Learning that we offer for each faculty: Faculty of Arts & Humanities - Faculty of Business & Media - Faculty of Computer Science -  Faculty of Engineering & Technology - Faculty of Life & Earth Sciences - Faculty of Psychology -  Faculty of Natural Health Science

phd in distance learning

  • 65 academic credits besides a Master's program.
  • Max Average Duration: 18 months + six months further on demand.
  • Admission is open for adults over 30 years of age. Master's degree or international equivalent is required for admission.
  • All-inclusive price: supervisor’s support, evaluation and assessment, diploma certificate  and transcript.

phd in distance learning

The cost of a PhD by research via Distance Learning is obviously much lower than a campus based doctorate. Cost for 1 Uniselinus PhD credit: 40 euros. Transferred credit from previous education and/or professional experience not allowed. 

Final Cost: 2600 Eur

Payment plans are available upon request up to:

1)    Single payment at enrolment: 10% of discount 2)    2   monthly instalments 3)    4   monthly instalments 4)    6   monthly installments

phd in distance learning

Considering that Selinus students come from all over the world, often miles away from the university headquarters, the Doctor PhD degree via distance learning thesis can be defended in three different ways:

1) Written defense: the student develops his/her defense in a 5 pages report;

2) Oral Defense: (recommended) the student sends an audio or video file (at least 30 minutes duration) containing his/her defense;

Send registration application

Download and fill in the application ( file: Application ) by attaching the required documents specified in the application and send by email to: [email protected]

If your application is successful you will receive confirmation of your registration, the Certificate of Enrollment, the Payment Plan according to the choice made in the application and the necessary information to start your PhD program. We would like to remind you that the admission requirement for a PhD is a Master's Degree or international equivalent title.

Files to download and read before sending the enrollment request:

Doctorate enrollment

I'm interested in pursuing a Doctor (Ph.D) degree program. I would like to receive information about the following programme:

At the following Majors: Operations

Majors can be found on the home page www.uniselinus.education by clicking on the single faculty you can access the available disciplines.

Contact info

Registered offices.

  • Selinus University Graduate School LLC 8 The Green, Suite A Dover 19901 – Delaware (USA)

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How the Education Department Wants to Police Online Education

The department says it needs more data about online education to hold those programs accountable. Institutions say the agency is overcorrecting.

By  Katherine Knott

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A futuristic-looking digital textbook bathed in orange

More than half of U.S. students took at least one online class in the 2022–23 academic year. The Education Department is proposing a number of changes to gather more data about how students fare in those courses.

Alena Butusava/Getty Images

The Education Department wants to collect much more information about distance education courses and the students enrolled in them as part of a broader effort to increase oversight of online programs.

The department’s proposal would require colleges and universities to take attendance in distance education classes, which include those offered online or via correspondence. Institutions also would have to provide more information to the agency about those classes’ enrollment. Additionally, the department proposes to end any asynchronous options for students in online clock-hour programs, which are typically workforce training programs that lead to a certificate.

The proposed changes worry some higher education groups, which say they could hamper innovation, unfairly target online classes and limit access for students who could benefit from the flexibility that online education provides. The department and advocates say the new regulations are needed to ensure oversight of online education—which increased during and following the pandemic—and track the outcomes of students in those programs. In the 2022–23 academic year, about 53 percent of U.S. students enrolled in at least one online course.

Edward Conroy, a senior policy manager at New America, a left-leaning think tank, said the additional data will shed light on whether the programs are effective—and for which students.

“Schools should want this information, because if it’s not proving to be effective, then we need to find ways to improve it,” he said. “I don’t think online education is going away, and so if it’s going to be part of our lives, then we need to make it good.”

The proposals are part of a package of draft regulations that also include provisions to open up a federal college-prep program to undocumented students. The regulations were posted on the Federal Register last week and are open for public comments until Aug. 23. If they are finalized and issued before Nov. 1, they would take effect by July 1 of next year.

With this package and other regulatory changes still in the works , the Biden administration is aiming to better protect students and give them greater control over how their financial aid is used, while increasing oversight regarding colleges. Critics say the changes reflect the Education Department’s growing skepticism of the quality of online education and whether these programs pay off for students.

Jordan DiMaggio, vice president of policy and digital strategy at UPCEA, the online and professional education association, said that the department’s goals are laudable, but this proposal and other actions raise questions about the agency’s motivations.

“There’s questions on whether the department is truly focused on protecting students’ outcomes and taxpayer dollars,” he said. “Or do they kind of reveal an antiquated bias against online education that’s framed by some suspicion and distrust of the field as a whole?”

He added that the department’s rationale for some of the changes seems to be rooted in the assumption that online education is bad—and is drawing from data from the early days of the pandemic, when universities quickly switched to remote instruction.

“It sort of feels like using last month’s weather forecast to plan today’s outfit,” he said. “We’re looking at the worst of the worst in a time when [some] institutions had no idea how to teach online … We’re in a vastly different place.”

What the Department Wants to Change

The department says it’s simply trying to ensure that students are getting what they pay for with distance education programs. The various changes will help the department “better measure and account for student outcomes, improve oversight over distance education and ensure students are receiving effective education,” according to the proposed regulations. One big change: Colleges would be required to create a virtual location to house all their programs that are offered entirely online or through correspondence, which would not have to be approved by accreditors or state officials. ( Note: This paragraph originally stated that accreditors and state officials have to approve new virtual locations, and has been corrected to reflect that they do not. )

In 2022–23, a little over 3,700 institutions of higher education offered at least one distance education course. But current federal reporting requirements don’t distinguish between on-campus programs and those offered online or in a hybrid format. The department also can’t tell how much federal financial aid is going specifically to distance education programs. To address that information gap, the department is proposing new reporting requirements related to distance education enrollment along with the virtual location.

The reporting requirements would require colleges to break down whether students enrolled in a distance education course are fully online or hybrid, though the specific details have yet to be determined.

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Next, all distance education courses will have to take attendance as part of a proposal to more accurately determine when a student withdraws from a program, except for doctoral dissertation research courses. That withdrawal date is key to calculating how much federal financial aid should be returned to the government by either the institution or the student. The department says the proposal will help students better pay down any balance owed after they withdraw while simplifying the calculation for institutions.

DiMaggio and others said that implementing the attendance requirement will be complicated and likely require more systematic changes to institutions’ learning management systems and other software. The department is underestimating the difficulty institutions will face in complying, they say.

The department expects an institution to spend about 10 hours to initially implement the attendance requirement and then about 10 minutes a day to capture the necessary information for their records. The agency estimates that about half of the institutions offering distance education courses are already taking attendance.

“Institutions can often easily determine when students stop attending because a school’s systems can often identify when students submit assignments or interact with instructors and students during lectures and course discussions,” officials wrote.

DiMaggio said he doesn’t think that’s the case. “And many of our institutions have indicated to us that that’s not the case,” he added.

Another key change in this package rolls back a 2020 rule change that allowed asynchronous learning activities—such as watching a prerecorded video—to count toward the required number of clock hours in a distance education course. Clock-hour programs tend to be shorter term and career focused, requiring hands-on instruction to prepare students for employment in a certain field.

The 2020 change “puts students and taxpayers at risk,” officials wrote in the proposed rule, citing its oversight and compliance activities. Officials added that “asynchronous learning in clock-hour programs has often consisted of playing videos, reading assignments or scrolling through pages,” which results in a “substandard education” for students. Additionally, students have told the agency that a lack of direct engagement with instructors “hampered their ability to obtain the skills necessary to pass certification exams or obtain a job in their field.”

The department believes that “very few institutions” would be affected, though it doesn’t have data about how many programs include asynchronous elements.

Conroy of New America said that the changes to the distance education regulations reflect the “huge shift in how people go through higher education.” That includes more students enrolling in a mix of in-person and online classes.

“If that’s going to be a big part of how higher education is delivered, we need to know what’s happening with it, and we need to be able to provide students who enroll solely online with similar or the same protections if something goes sideways, as we do for students who enroll in person,” he said.

‘Needs to Be a Better Solution’

Critics of the proposal say that the department is making unnecessary and sweeping decisions in response to some bad practices, particularly when it comes to the changes to asynchronous learning activities in clock-hour programs.

“They’re right that there’s some really bad practices out there, but they’ve also said themselves that there are institutions that have spent a lot of money and spent a lot of time and effort in order to make sure that they’re right,” said Russell Poulin, executive director of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education’s Cooperative for Educational Technologies, or WCET. “There needs to be a better solution than this one.”

Poulin and others at WCET say the proposed changes will make it more complicated for institutions to offer distance education rather than simplifying processes. For example, complying with the attendance requirement is more complicated than just “counting noses.” For distance education, it’s not just a question of whether a student showed up or logged in but also whether they participated in the class. That would have to be determined by the faculty member reviewing a student’s file, they said, and measures of academic engagement could vary depending on how the class is structured.

“There are loads of little processes that get put into this that’s far from simplification,” Poulin said.

Emmanual Guillory, senior director of government relations at the American Council on Education, said that eliminating asynchronous instruction in the clock-hour programs could hinder students considered nontraditional, such as parents.

“Because they can do it at their own pace,” he said. “They’re working two or three jobs. They’re trying to support their families in whatever ways, and they don’t have the luxury to have a carved-out time every week to go sit in the classroom with their peers and learn. What you’re doing is you are limiting the ability of these students to access postsecondary education by using student aid funding, and this could have a huge impact on low-income students.”

Guillory added that the other changes, from the attendance requirement to the virtual location, will likely mean that colleges—some of which are already underresourced—will have to expend more resources and manpower to comply.

“It just adds more stress and burden upon the men and women on our campuses that are really trying to best produce quality academic programming, ensure teaching and learning on campuses, and it’s just more red tape that they have to deal with,” he said.

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COMMENTS

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  24. Philosophy Doctor (Ph.D) Degree by Research via distance learning

    To access the program, students need to possess a Master's degree or equivalent and be at least 30 years old. The Ph.D. program requires a minimum of 65 academic credits (about 1000 hours of study) that will be achieved through the final thesis. Distance learning Selinus PhD admission requirements are: Master Degree possession and suitable CV.

  25. Education Department wants more data about distance ed

    The department says it needs more data about online education to hold those programs accountable. Institutions say the agency is overcorrecting. The Education Department wants to collect much more information about distance education courses and the students enrolled in them as part of a broader effort to increase oversight of online programs.