You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. To get the best possible experience please use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to view this website.

  • Best Online Doctoral Programs

Best Online Doctoral Programs Of 2024

Liz Simmons

Published: Apr 23, 2024, 1:42pm

The best online doctoral programs offer flexibility and convenience that can make it easier for you to pursue an advanced degree, often while working full time.

Earning a doctorate can help you advance to the highest roles in your field and increase your salary potential. It’s also a chance for you to gain an advanced understanding of impactful issues and develop the skills to generate new ideas, solve problems and create meaningful change.

Below, learn about the best online doctoral programs in a variety of fields, including social work, psychology, education and nursing.

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 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online doctoral degree programs in the U.S. using metrics in the categories of student experience, credibility, student outcomes and affordability. 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.

We scored schools based on the following data points:

Student Experience:

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

Credibility:

  • Fully accredited
  • Programmatic accreditation status
  • Nonprofit status

Student Outcomes:

  • Overall graduation rate
  • Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

  • In-state graduate student tuition and fees
  • Alternative tuition plans offered
  • Median federal student loan debt
  • Student loan default rate

We chose the best schools to display in 10 categories of doctoral degrees.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

  • Best Online Colleges With A 100% Acceptance Rate
  • Best HBCUs With Online Degrees
  • Best Online Colleges
  • Best Online Master's Programs
  • What Are The Best Online Public Universities

Degree Finder

Best online doctoral program options.

  • Featured partners

Should You Enroll in an Online Ph.D. Program or Doctorate?

Accreditation for online doctoral degrees, how to find the right online doctorate for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online ph.d. programs and doctorates.

  • Best online Psy.D.: Rivier University
  • Best online Doctor of Nursing Practice: University of Central Florida
  • Best online Doctor of Business Administration: Walsh College
  • Best online doctorate in physical therapy: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
  • Best online doctorate in education: Johns Hopkins University
  • Best online Ph.D. in organizational leadership: Indiana Wesleyan University
  • Best online Ph.D. in counseling: Concordia University-Irvine
  • Best online Doctor of Social Work: University of Southern California
  • Best online Ph.D. in public administration: West Chester University of Pennsylvania
  • Best online doctorate in educational leadership: Fairfield University

Featured Online Schools

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

Best Online Psy.D.

Rivier university.

Rivier University

Program Tuition Rate

$1,275/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Located in Nashua, New Hampshire, Rivier University offers a hybrid Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) with a limited number of online classes. The American Psychology Association-accredited program focuses on school psychology and counseling and prepares you to work as a psychologist in various environments. You’ll learn clinical diagnosis, assessment, prevention and intervention skills.

Students must attend full time and can work no more than 20 hours per week. It takes a minimum of five years to graduate.

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on a set schedule
  • School Type: Private
  • Application Fee: $100
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 60-130 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
  • Example Major-Specific Courses: Fundamentals of research, group counseling
  • Concentrations Available: N/A
  • In-Person Requirements: Yes, includes a 2,000-hour internship and at least six practicum experiences

Best Doctor of Nursing Practice

University of central florida.

University of Central Florida

$372/credit (in-state)

At University of Central Florida (UCF), practicing nurses can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice. The advanced track program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and prepares nurses for clinical leadership roles in the field.

Coursework explores clinical management, communication skills and epidemiology principles. You’ll develop research and practice skills, learn to improve healthcare systems, develop health policy and analyze data to improve individual and population health.

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
  • School Type: Public
  • Application Fee: $30
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 42 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
  • Example Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare systems and policy, nursing environment management
  • In-Person Requirements: Yes, includes clinical hours (but all coursework is available online)

Best Doctor of Business Administration

Walsh college.

Walsh College

$1,038/credit

You can earn an online Doctor of Business Administration from Walsh College in Troy, Michigan. The part-time, online program includes asynchronous coursework and real-time Zoom classes, as well as optional opportunities to interact on campus. You can develop advanced business knowledge and skills to become a business leader or consultant.

In addition to coursework, you must pass a preliminary exam and complete a 15-credit dissertation process. The program requires students to graduate within seven years.

  • Application Fee: $50
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Part-time
  • Example Major-Specific Courses: Foundations for business success, qualitative and exploratory research methods
  • In-Person Requirements: No

Best Doctorate in Physical Therapy

Texas tech university health sciences center.

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

$265/credit (in-state)

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center designed its hybrid Doctor of Science in physical therapy to help practicing physical therapists advance their careers. The post-professional 36-credit program takes four to five years to complete part time.

The flexible format makes it possible for students to keep working while attending school. Learners attend weekend lectures and labs at the Lubbock, Texas, campus. During the week, they supplement their in-person instruction with online assignments.

  • Application Fee: $75
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits
  • Example Major-Specific Courses: Medical screening for rehabilitation sciences, motor control in orthopedics
  • Concentrations Available: Research track, teaching track
  • In-Person Requirements: Yes

Best Online Doctorate in Education

Johns hopkins university.

Johns Hopkins University

$2,100/credit

Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland offers an online Ed.D. The part-time degree takes four years to complete and explores topics like the social determinants of education, entrepreneurship and technology.

You can customize the degree by choosing electives that align with your professional interests and by selecting one or more “areas of interest,” such as urban leadership or digital age learning and educational technology. Applicants need a master’s degree with at least 36 graduate credits to qualify for the program.

  • Application Fee: $80
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 54 credits
  • Example Major-Specific Courses: Approaches to urban education, partnerships and community organizing
  • Concentrations Available: Creativity, advanced learning, and twice exceptionality; digital age learning and educational technology; entrepreneurial leadership in education; mind, brain, and teaching; urban leadership

Best Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership

Indiana wesleyan university.

Indiana Wesleyan University

$890/credit

Located in Marion, Indiana Wesleyan University offers an online Ph.D. in organizational leadership that can prepare you to become an effective leader in as few as four years. The program focuses on inclusion, multiculturalism and international perspectives and develops research, presentation and executive skills.

You must attend an in-person residency during the July session, but the rest of the program takes place online and offers flexibility for working professionals. The school’s tuition guarantee locks in your tuition rate when you start the program.

  • Application Fee: Free
  • Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced leadership theory, statistical research design
  • In-Person Requirements: Yes, includes an in-person residency

Best Online Ph.D. in Counseling

Concordia university – irvine.

Concordia University – Irvine

$795/credit

Concordia University – Irvine in Irvine, California, is a Christian institution that offers a “biblically informed” online Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from its Townsend Institute. Designed for licensed mental health professionals, the degree develops advanced skills and prepares you for leadership roles in counseling, teaching and advocacy.

The accelerated program takes three to four years to complete. It requires two in-person residencies and a total of 700 hours of internship and practicum field experiences. In addition to coursework, you must complete a culminating 12-credit dissertation that includes original counseling research and a successful oral defense.

  • Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated
  • Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced counseling and career theories, advanced multicultural issues in counselor education and supervision
  • In-Person Requirements: Yes, requires two in-person residencies, a practicum and an internship

Best Online Doctor of Social Work

University of southern california.

University of Southern California

$2,137/credit

University of Southern California ‘s online Doctor of Social Work from the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work emphasizes the importance of scholarship and practice in the field. Created for experienced social work professionals, the program can help you become a leader working toward social change and innovation.

The program offers a seven-semester accelerated track and a standard nine-semester option. In a capstone experience, learners research and create a prototype that addresses a current problem in social work.

  • Application Fee: $90
  • Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, full-time
  • Example Major-Specific Courses: Leading public discourse, financial management for social change

Best Online Ph.D. in Public Administration

West chester university of pennsylvania.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania

$645/credit (in-state)

West Chester University of Pennsylvania ’s online Doctor of Public Administration can prepare you for high-level roles in public affairs and administration. The program is offered by the College of Business and Public Management, accredited by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and the Department of Public Policy and Administration, accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration.

The curriculum explores strategic management, policy advocacy and decision-making in the public sector. The dissertation allows you to complete an applied research project. You can take electives and choose a concentration from multiple departments, including psychology, graduate social work and criminal justice.

  • Degree Credit Requirements: 45 credits
  • Example Major-Specific Courses: Strategic public sector management and governance, research design for program and policy evaluation
  • Concentrations Available: Options from multiple departments

Best Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Fairfield university.

Fairfield University

$1,120/credit

At Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, you can earn an online, low-residency Doctor of Education in educational leadership. The program offers two tracks: teacher leader for certified working educators or higher education administration for higher education professionals.

Students enroll in the cohort-style program in the fall and graduate in three years by taking six credits per semester. Learners can build community during two one-week summer residencies. Applicants need a master’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
  • Application Fee: $65
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 57
  • Example Major-Specific Courses: Action research for educational change, framing and critical analysis of problems of practice
  • Concentrations Available: Teacher leader, higher education administration
  • In-Person Requirements: Yes, requires two one-week residencies

An online Ph.D. program or doctorate can offer many compelling features for students, but it might not be the right choice for everyone. Consider the questions below when deciding whether to pursue your doctorate online or in person.

  • What type of schedule do you need? Online programs typically offer more flexibility that appeals to students who work full time or have personal responsibilities to fit around their school schedule. Online degrees allow learners to pursue higher education without putting their career on hold. This is especially true for programs that offer asynchronous coursework that students complete on their own time.
  • What learning style works best for you? Do you work well independently and with a lot of freedom? If so, an online doctorate might be a good fit for you. If you think you’d prefer the camaraderie of an in-person cohort graduate program and structured opportunities to interact with instructors, an on-campus or hybrid program might suit you better.
  • How does the program format affect your budget? Online programs can help you save on tuition, housing and transportation costs. For example, many public schools allow you to pay the same tuition, regardless of where you live. However, you might miss funding opportunities typically reserved for on-campus students, such as graduate teaching assistantships, research assistantships and fellowships.

The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) approve accrediting agencies that give schools institutional accreditation in the U.S.

Institutional accreditation means that a university has met minimum quality requirements related to its academics, financial management, faculty and staff, and student resources and services. To qualify for federal financial aid, you must attend an accredited college.

Programmatic accreditation is a separate process that gives special recognition to individual degrees, programs or departments within a university. Depending on your field, you might need a programmatically accredited degree to get a job or qualify for professional licenses or certifications.

You can search for a prospective school’s accreditation status on CHEA’s website .

Consider Your Future Goals

An online doctorate has the potential to help you achieve your career aspirations. However, not every program in your field will necessarily align with your goals. Before you choose an online doctorate program, think about your post-graduation plans.

For example, some online doctorate programs require professional experience through an internship or a practicum. This type of hands-on learning can help you develop your expertise and professional network. But these experiences usually take place in person and can be hard to fit into your schedule if you’re working full time.

You should also consider if you need a specific license or certification to get the job you want. If so, research the credential’s requirements to learn if your degree needs to meet certain criteria. For example, you may need to complete an accredited program or complete supervised clinical hours.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Tuition rates for online doctoral programs in our guide vary significantly, from $265 to $2,137 per credit. Most programs required 42 to 60 credits, with some exceptions. In total, the degrees ranked on our list cost between $9,540 and $113,400.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics , grad students at private, nonprofit schools paid an average tuition of $20,408 in 2022–23, while public school tuition cost $11,554 per year. Doctorate programs typically take at least three years to complete, putting total costs between $34,662 and $61,224.

Find funding for your online Ph.D. by filling out the FAFSA®, which can connect you with scholarships, grants and student loans. Many schools also provide funding to graduate students through scholarships, grants and fellowships.

Can you do a Ph.D. fully online?

Yes, many schools offer fully online Ph.D. programs. However, depending on the program and the field of study, you may need to complete on-campus residencies or field experiences like internships or practicums that take place in person.

What is the fastest Ph.D. to get online?

Program length for online Ph.D. programs varies depending on your field of study. You might be able to find some accelerated online Ph.D. programs that you can finish in less than two years. However, the best online doctoral programs on our list take at least three years to complete.

Are online doctoral degrees respected?

An online doctoral degree from an accredited university can provide the same rigorous education and training as a comparable on-campus program. If you’re concerned about whether or not your degree will be respected, consider doing some research about the way that your field or profession tends to view online doctoral degrees.

What is the best online school for a Ph.D.?

The best online school for a Ph.D. depends on your field of study, personal interests and career goals. Make sure that any prospective online school is institutionally accredited. Depending on the degree you want to pursue, it might also be important to find a program with separate programmatic accreditation.

Liz Simmons

Liz Simmons has been writing for various online publications about career development, higher education and college affordability for nearly a decade. Her articles demystify the college application process and help prospective students figure out how to choose a major or career path.

30 Best Online Doctoral Programs [2024 Guide]

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

Online Doctoral Programs

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

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

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

Universities Offering Online Doctoral Degree Programs

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

1. Capitol Technology University

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

2. City University of Seattle

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

3. Clemson University

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

4. Franklin University

Franklin University  is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

5. George Washington University

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

6. Gwynedd Mercy University

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

7. Indiana University

Indiana University  is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

8. Iowa State University

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

9. Johns Hopkins University

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

10. Keiser University

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

11. Mississippi State University

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

12. Northeastern University

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

13. Nova Southeastern University

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

14. Pennsylvania State University – World Campus

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

15. Regent University

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

16. Saybrook University

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

17. Texas Tech University

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

18. Touro University Worldwide

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

19. Union University

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

20. University of Alabama

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

21. University of Florida

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

22. University of Kansas

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

23. University of Missouri

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

24. University of Nebraska – Lincoln

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

25. University of North Dakota

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

26. University of Southern California

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

27. University of Southern Mississippi

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

28. University of the Cumberlands

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

29. Walden University

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission

30. Wilmington University

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

Online Doctorate Programs

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

Business Administration

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

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

accountant reviewing some accounting documents

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

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

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

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

business administrators working together in modern office

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

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

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

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

counselor talking to a patient in her office

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

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

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

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

police officers checking evidences on a street accident

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

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

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

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

school administrators in a meeting

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

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

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

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

financial advisor meeting with a couple

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

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

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

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

healthcare administrators in a meeting

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

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

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

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

human services worker visiting the home of an elderly man

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

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

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

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

web developers working together

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

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

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

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

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

manager assisting his colleagues in the office

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

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

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

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

minister praying in the church

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

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

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

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

nurse taking care of a patient

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

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

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

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

psychologist listening to an elderly patient

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

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

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

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

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

public administrator working in the office

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

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

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

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

doctors in a meeting

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

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

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

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

policy makers in a meeting

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

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

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

Choosing an Online PhD Program

phd student studying online

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

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

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

PhD Careers & Salaries

PhD Careers & Salaries

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

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

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

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

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

Information Research Scientist $126,830
Political Scientist $125,350
Human Resources Manager $121,220
Nurse Practitioner $111,680
Top Executive $107,680
University Administrator $97,500
Management Analyst $87,660
Psychologist $82,180
Epidemiologist $74,560
Postsecondary Teacher $71,950

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

Admissions Requirements for Online PhD Programs

phd student taking an exam

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

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

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

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

phd student studying

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

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

Focuses on conducting original research Focuses on applying research to real-world work settings
Prepares graduates for careers in academia, such as research or college teaching Prepares graduates for professional work in their fields
May enter straight from a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree program May need several years of relevant work experience
Usually requires a dissertation May require a doctoral project, a dissertation or a portfolio
Often takes seven years or more Can sometimes be completed in around four years

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

Accreditation

Online Doctoral Programs Accreditation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Does Accreditation Matter?

phd graduate in a job interview

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

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

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

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid & Scholarships for online phd students

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

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

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

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

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

Can You Get a Doctorate Degree Online?

doctorate degree student studying online

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

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

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

What Is the Best Online Doctoral Program?

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

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

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

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD Online?

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

Is an Online PhD Worth it

Is an Online PhD Worth it?

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

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

Are There Any 1 Year Online Doctoral Programs?

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

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

Is It Cheaper to Get a Doctoral Degree Online?

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

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

phd student studying at home

Are There Any 100% Online Doctoral Programs?

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

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

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

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

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

Who Should Consider an Online Doctoral Degree?

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

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

How Do Online PhD Programs Work?

phd student studying online

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

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

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

Are Online Doctoral Programs Easier to Complete?

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

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

What is an Applied Doctorate?

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

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

Getting Your Doctorate Online

phd student studying in a cafe

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

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

doctorate degree program coursework

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Erin Treder

AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

  • Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
  • Provide specific, corrective feedback.
  • Identify critical information that writers may have missed.

Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.

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.

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%

How We Rank Schools

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

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

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

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

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…

  • 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

What is the quickest ph.d. to get.

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

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

Are online doctoral programs legit?

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

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

How long are online Ph.D. programs?

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

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

Can I earn my Ph.D. entirely online?

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

What do employers think of online doctoral programs?

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

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

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

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

Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2024

Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2024

Shape your future with an online degree.

Connect with a community of peers, and find a program that will allow you to continue your education in a fast and flexible way.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education

Ph.D. Commencement robing Martin West and Christopher Cleveland

Additional Information

  • Download the Doctoral Viewbook
  • Admissions & Aid

The Harvard Ph.D. in Education trains cutting-edge researchers who work across disciplines to generate knowledge and translate discoveries into transformative policy and practice.

Offered jointly by the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Ph.D. in Education provides you with full access to the extraordinary resources of Harvard University and prepares you to assume meaningful roles as university faculty, researchers, senior-level education leaders, and policymakers.

As a Ph.D. candidate, you will collaborate with scholars across all Harvard graduate schools on original interdisciplinary research. In the process, you will help forge new fields of inquiry that will impact the way we teach and learn. The program’s required coursework will develop your knowledge of education and your expertise in a range of quantitative and qualitative methods needed to conduct high-quality research. Guided by the goal of making a transformative impact on education research, policy, and practice, you will focus on independent research in various domains, including human development, learning and teaching, policy analysis and evaluation, institutions and society, and instructional practice.   

Curriculum Information

The Ph.D. in Education requires five years of full-time study to complete. You will choose your individual coursework and design your original research in close consultation with your HGSE faculty adviser and dissertation committee. The requirements listed below include the three Ph.D. concentrations: Culture, Institutions, and Society; Education Policy and Program Evaluation; and Human Development, Learning and Teaching . 

We invite you to review an example course list, which is provided in two formats — one as the full list by course number and one by broad course category . These lists are subject to modification. 

Ph.D. Concentrations and Examples

Summary of Ph.D. Program

Doctoral Colloquia  In year one and two you are required to attend. The colloquia convenes weekly and features presentations of work-in-progress and completed work by Harvard faculty, faculty and researchers from outside Harvard, and Harvard doctoral students. Ph.D. students present once in the colloquia over the course of their career.

Research Apprenticeship The Research Apprenticeship is designed to provide ongoing training and mentoring to develop your research skills throughout the entire program.

Teaching Fellowships The Teaching Fellowship is an opportunity to enhance students' teaching skills, promote learning consolidation, and provide opportunities to collaborate with faculty on pedagogical development.

Comprehensive Exams  The Written Exam (year 2, spring) tests you on both general and concentration-specific knowledge. The Oral Exam (year 3, fall/winter) tests your command of your chosen field of study and your ability to design, develop, and implement an original research project.

Dissertation  Based on your original research, the dissertation process consists of three parts: the Dissertation Proposal, the writing, and an oral defense before the members of your dissertation committee.

Culture, Institutions, and Society (CIS) Concentration

In CIS, you will examine the broader cultural, institutional, organizational, and social contexts relevant to education across the lifespan. What is the value and purpose of education? How do cultural, institutional, and social factors shape educational processes and outcomes? How effective are social movements and community action in education reform? How do we measure stratification and institutional inequality? In CIS, your work will be informed by theories and methods from sociology, history, political science, organizational behavior and management, philosophy, and anthropology. You can examine contexts as diverse as classrooms, families, neighborhoods, schools, colleges and universities, religious institutions, nonprofits, government agencies, and more.

Education Policy and Program Evaluation (EPPE) Concentration

In EPPE, you will research the design, implementation, and evaluation of education policy affecting early childhood, K–12, and postsecondary education in the U.S. and internationally. You will evaluate and assess individual programs and policies related to critical issues like access to education, teacher effectiveness, school finance, testing and accountability systems, school choice, financial aid, college enrollment and persistence, and more. Your work will be informed by theories and methods from economics, political science, public policy, and sociology, history, philosophy, and statistics. This concentration shares some themes with CIS, but your work with EPPE will focus on public policy and large-scale reforms.

Human Development, Learning and Teaching (HDLT) Concentration

In HDLT, you will work to advance the role of scientific research in education policy, reform, and practice. New discoveries in the science of learning and development — the integration of biological, cognitive, and social processes; the relationships between technology and learning; or the factors that influence individual variations in learning — are transforming the practice of teaching and learning in both formal and informal settings. Whether studying behavioral, cognitive, or social-emotional development in children or the design of learning technologies to maximize understanding, you will gain a strong background in human development, the science of learning, and sociocultural factors that explain variation in learning and developmental pathways. Your research will be informed by theories and methods from psychology, cognitive science, sociology and linguistics, philosophy, the biological sciences and mathematics, and organizational behavior.

Program Faculty

The most remarkable thing about the Ph.D. in Education is open access to faculty from all Harvard graduate and professional schools, including the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Harvard Kennedy School, the Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School, and the Harvard School of Public Health. Learn about the full Ph.D. Faculty.

Jarvis Givens

Jarvis R. Givens

Jarvis Givens studies the history of American education, African American history, and the relationship between race and power in schools.

Paul Harris

Paul L. Harris

Paul Harris is interested in the early development of cognition, emotion, and imagination in children.

Meira Levinson

Meira Levinson

Meira Levinson is a normative political philosopher who works at the intersection of civic education, youth empowerment, racial justice, and educational ethics. 

Luke Miratrix

Luke W. Miratrix

Luke Miratrix is a statistician who explores how to best use modern statistical methods in applied social science contexts.

doctorate degree program coursework

Eric Taylor

Eric Taylor studies the economics of education, with a particular interest in employer-employee interactions between schools and teachers — hiring and firing decisions, job design, training, and performance evaluation.

Paola Uccelli

Paola Uccelli

Paola Ucelli studies socio-cultural and individual differences in the language development of multilingual and monolingual students.

HGSE shield on blue background

View Ph.D. Faculty

Dissertations.

The following is a complete listing of successful Ph.D. in Education dissertations to-date. Dissertations from November 2014 onward are publicly available in the Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard (DASH) , the online repository for Harvard scholarship.

  • 2022 Graduate Dissertations (265 KB pdf)
  • 2021 Graduate Dissertations (177 KB pdf)
  • 2020 Graduate Dissertations (121 KB pdf)
  • 2019 Graduate Dissertations (68.3 KB pdf)

Student Directory

An opt-in listing of current Ph.D. students with information about their interests, research, personal web pages, and contact information:

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Student Directory

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Doctor of Philosophy in Education experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

Callie Sung

The Human Element of Data and AI

Gahyun Callie Sung's journey to HGSE and the LIT Lab is reflected in her research into data and using AI to improve student outcomes

Mary Laski

Improving the Teacher Workforce

With her research work, doctoral marshal Mary Laski, Ph.D.'24, is trying to make teaching in K–12 schools more sustainable and attractive

  • Harvard Business School →
  • Doctoral Programs →

PhD Programs

  • Accounting & Management
  • Business Economics
  • Health Policy (Management)
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Technology & Operations Management

Students in our PhD programs are encouraged from day one to think of this experience as their first job in business academia—a training ground for a challenging and rewarding career generating rigorous, relevant research that influences practice.

Our doctoral students work with faculty and access resources throughout HBS and Harvard University. The PhD program curriculum requires coursework at HBS and other Harvard discipline departments, and with HBS and Harvard faculty on advisory committees. Faculty throughout Harvard guide the programs through their participation on advisory committees.

How do I know which program is right for me?

There are many paths, but we are one HBS. Our PhD students draw on diverse personal and professional backgrounds to pursue an ever-expanding range of research topics. Explore more here about each program’s requirements & curriculum, read student profiles for each discipline as well as student research , and placement information.

The PhD in Business Administration grounds students in the disciplinary theories and research methods that form the foundation of an academic career. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program has five areas of study: Accounting and Management , Management , Marketing , Strategy , and Technology and Operations Management . All areas of study involve roughly two years of coursework culminating in a field exam. The remaining years of the program are spent conducting independent research, working on co-authored publications, and writing the dissertation. Students join these programs from a wide range of backgrounds, from consulting to engineering. Many applicants possess liberal arts degrees, as there is not a requirement to possess a business degree before joining the program

The PhD in Business Economics provides students the opportunity to study in both Harvard’s world-class Economics Department and Harvard Business School. Throughout the program, coursework includes exploration of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, probability and statistics, and econometrics. While some students join the Business Economics program directly from undergraduate or masters programs, others have worked in economic consulting firms or as research assistants at universities or intergovernmental organizations.

The PhD program in Health Policy (Management) is rooted in data-driven research on the managerial, operational, and strategic issues facing a wide range of organizations. Coursework includes the study of microeconomic theory, management, research methods, and statistics. The backgrounds of students in this program are quite varied, with some coming from public health or the healthcare industry, while others arrive at the program with a background in disciplinary research

The PhD program in Organizational Behavior offers two tracks: either a micro or macro approach. In the micro track, students focus on the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and the effects that groups have on individuals. Students in the macro track use sociological methods to examine organizations, groups, and markets as a whole, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program includes core disciplinary training in sociology or psychology, as well as additional coursework in organizational behavior.

Accounting & Management  

Business economics  , health policy (management)  , management  , marketing  , organizational behavior  , strategy  , technology & operations management  .

Maryville University Online

  • Bachelor’s Degrees
  • Master’s Degrees
  • Doctorate Degrees
  • Certificate Programs
  • Nursing Degrees
  • Cybersecurity
  • Human Services
  • Science & Mathematics
  • Communication
  • Liberal Arts
  • Social Sciences
  • Computer Science
  • Admissions Overview
  • Tuition and Financial Aid
  • Incoming Freshman and Graduate Students
  • Transfer Students
  • Military Students
  • International Students
  • Early Access Program
  • About Maryville
  • Our Faculty
  • Our Approach
  • Our History
  • Accreditation
  • Tales of the Brave
  • Student Support Overview
  • Online Learning Tools
  • Infographics

Home / Online Doctorate Degree Programs

Online Doctorate Degrees Online Doctorate Degrees Online Doctorate Degrees

Take your next brave step.

Receive information about the benefits of our programs, the courses you'll take, and what you need to apply.

You’re established in your field. Now broaden your impact.

As a seasoned professional in your field, it’s likely that you’re a key decision-maker. And now you’re ready to advance. You want to brave new territory in your industry and bring forth ideas that can transform the way you work. That’s exactly what an online doctoral degree from Maryville University prepares you to do.

We’ll challenge you to push your education beyond the barriers of the classroom and think through complex problems so you can deliver solutions that will make a lasting impact.

doctorate degree program coursework

Study  100% online

doctorate degree program coursework

Apply with  no entrance exams

doctorate degree program coursework

Choose from  multiple start dates

doctorate degree program coursework

Utilize eligible transfer credits to  finish more quickly

Which online doctorate degree is right for you?

You’ve chosen to serve others — to help them heal or learn. At Maryville, we want to help you reach the peak of your career in nursing or education with your online doctorate degree.

With  nine   online doctorate degree  options, including a Doctor of Educational Leadership and eight Doctor of Nursing Practice paths, you can choose the degree type or focus that is right for you. Which online doctorate degree can help you achieve your professional goals in education or nursing?

Artificial Intelligence Bachelor’s Certificate

Bachelor’s in Accounting

Bachelor’s in Business Administration

Bachelor’s in Communication

Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Bachelor’s in Computer Science

Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice

Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity

Bachelor’s in Data Science

Bachelor’s in Digital Media

Bachelor’s in English

Bachelor’s in Exercise Science

Bachelor’s in Finance

Bachelor’s in Forensic Psychology

Bachelor’s in General Studies with a Concentration in Healthcare

Bachelor’s in Healthcare Management

Bachelor’s in History

Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies

Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management

Bachelor’s in International Studies

Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies

Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems

Bachelor’s in Marketing

Bachelor’s in Mathematics

Bachelor’s in Nursing to DNP

Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership

Bachelor’s in Psychology

Bachelor’s in Rawlings Sports Business Management

Bachelor’s in Social Work

Bachelor’s in Sociology

Bachelor’s in Sustainability

Big Data Post-Bachelor’s Certificate

Communication Sciences and Disorders Post-Bachelor’s Certificate

Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Certificate

Data Science Bachelor’s Certificate

DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

DNP – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner

DNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

DNP with Nurse Practitioner Concentration

Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Fundamentals of AI Post-Bachelor’s Certificate

Machine Learning Post-Bachelor’s Certificate

Master’s in Accounting

Master’s in Artificial Intelligence

Master’s in Business Administration

Master’s in Cybersecurity

Master’s in Data Analytics

Master’s in Data Science

Master’s in Health Administration

Master’s in Management and Leadership

Master’s in Nursing

Master’s in Software Development

Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology

Master’s in Strategic Communication and Leadership

MSN – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

MSN – Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

MSN – Family Nurse Practitioner

MSN – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

MSN – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Post-Master’s NP Certificates

Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate

Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate – Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate – Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate – Family Nurse Practitioner

Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner

Post-Master’s Nurse Practitioner Certificate – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

RN to Bachelor’s in Nursing

Software Development Bachelor’s Certificate

UX/UI Bachelor’s Certificate

Featured Doctorate Programs

Online doctor of education — higher education leadership.

Want to be a driving force in the future of education? Maryville’s online EdD program can help you lead bravely and confidently. Our program allows you to master topics like:

  • Quantitative and qualitative data analysis
  • Governance and finance
  • Contemporary student experiences
  • Innovative technologies

You’ll also have the opportunity to explore your personal career interests via professional practice courses based on current trends in higher education.

Learn more about our  online Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership .

Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

Looking for a way to maximize your general nursing expertise? Maryville’s online DNP program can help you prepare to reach the height of your profession, take on more autonomy and responsibility, and grow professionally.

When you pursue your online DNP at Maryville, you’ll have a chance to learn state-of-the-art techniques from experienced nursing professionals while you develop a greater understanding of the science, technology, healthcare policy, and leadership techniques that shape the field.

Learn more about our  online Doctor of Nursing Practice .

Online Family Nurse Practitioner Programs

No two patients are alike, and this is especially true when working with families. If you want to serve and treat patients of all demographics and across the lifespan, we have you covered. At Maryville, we offer four online Family Nurse Practitioner programs, including two at the doctoral level and one post-master’s certificate, to help you specialize your nursing career so you can get what you want out of it.

Learn more about our  online Family Nurse Practitioner programs .

Why choose Maryville for your online doctorate degree?

Maryville is a nationally honored private college recognized for comprehensive and innovative education. We have a long history of helping brave students find opportunity and reach their potential, and we take pride in offering the highest-quality education possible.

We continue to challenge the status quo in higher education, and we base our success on yours. Our dedicated faculty and personalized application-through-graduation support help ensure that you can focus exclusively on your studies — and not waste time on administrative or technical difficulties.

Maryville University continues to solidify its reputation as a leader.

Higher Learning Commission Logo

What types of online doctorate degree does Maryville offer?

Maryville University has nearly 150 years of experience serving students. So naturally, our online doctorate degree programs are focused on service — specifically, helping you build on your passion for helping others.

We offer  nine online doctorate degrees  in nursing and education. Whether you want to lead in higher education or help treat patients of all ages and demographics, we have an online doctorate degree that can help you achieve your potential.

Why earn your doctorate degree online?

If you’re like most nurses and education professionals, your schedule might not allow for full-time, on-campus study. You need a program that works around your commitments. Maryville’s online doctorate degrees use leading education technologies that are simple to navigate and fully supported, which makes getting your degree a convenient and user-friendly experience.

  • Complete your coursework  100% online  and apply with  no application fee .
  • Connect with  faculty experts  who work with your schedule.
  • Benefit from dedicated  24/7 technical support .
  • Start when it’s  convenient  for you — fall, spring, or summer.

“I started at another institution, which was a PhD program. It didn’t quite fit my lifestyle and where I was in life. Then I learned about Maryville’s cohort model — the fact that it was a shorter program, more focused, more intense — and it’s been the best educational experience of my life.”

— Dobbie Herrion, Online EdD Graduate

How do you choose your online doctorate degree?

If you’re ready to move to the next step in your educational career, there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a degree: reputation, accreditation, cost, program content, whether the program fits your lifestyle — the list goes on. With so many considerations and options, where do you start?

We can help.

Let’s talk. About your ambitions, your passions, and your motivations. We’ll help guide you along a personalized path to a quality education that’s designed to change your life. We believe in you. And we believe we can help you reach your potential. Connect with an enrollment advisor today!

What do online doctorate degree students say?

“You will learn. You will engage. You will share knowledge and exchange ideas. It’s real.” — Kelnita Pierson, Online EdD Graduate

“I think Maryville has figured out how to do quality online education where they create genuine, deep learning communities.” — Jill Lane, Online EdD Graduate

Meet our online doctorate degree faculty

When you pursue your doctorate degree, you expect the highest-quality education and mentorship from the top minds in the field.

That’s what you get at Maryville. Whether you’re looking to take the next step in your nursing career or continue your professional development in education, you’ll have the opportunity to work with and study under experienced professionals who know where you are — and can help you get where you want to be.

Learn more about them on  our faculty page .

Ready to apply to Maryville University?

Complete this quick form to launch your application process.

Bring us your ambition and we’ll guide you along a personalized path to a quality education that’s designed to change your life.

UCLA Graduate Division

  • Recommendations
  • Notifications
  • My Favorites

Favorites, recommendations, and notifications are only available for UCLA Graduate Students at this time.

Access features exclusively for UCLA students and staff.

As a student, you can:

  • Add funding awards to your favorites list
  • Get notified of upcoming deadlines and events
  • Receive personalized recommendations for funding awards

 We're Sorry

You've signed in with a UCLA undergraduate student account.

UCLA Graduate Programs

Associate dean Carlos V. Grijalva performs the hooding ceremony for a doctoral graduate

Doctoral Studies

The doctoral experience.

We offer six types of doctoral degrees in over eighty fields of study. Most of our doctoral degrees are PhDs; we also offer a Doctor of Education, Doctor of Environmental Science and Engineering, Doctor of Public Health, Doctor of Musical Arts, and Doctor of Nursing Practice.

UCLA Doctoral Graduates at a Grad Student Reception

COMPLETE COURSEWORK AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Doctoral programs vary widely in the number of required courses as well as additional requirements. Most programs use the first year to prepare students for their chosen field. Some programs conduct an end-of-the-year exam for each first-year cohort, while others evaluate student by courses, papers, and projects completed in that first year. In addition to being assigned a Student Affairs Officer (SAO) by your program, you’ll also mutually choose your Faculty Advisor. Generally this is a natural process where a student’s and a faculty member’s interests and areas of specialization align. This relationship is an important one, which lasts well beyond a student’s tenure at UCLA. In your first year, you’ll take courses with a wide variety of faculty and make lasting friendships with your cohort.

  • Registration & Enrollment

FIND FORMS FOR DOCTORAL STUDENTS

We’ve assembled all UCLA-wide forms that may be useful to a graduate student on a Master’s track in one place:  Forms for UCLA Doctoral Students . Your specific program may provide additional forms for your use. Here are some of the most common.

  • Language Petition
  • Nomination of Doctoral Committee
  • Reconstitution of Doctoral Committee
  • Graduate Degree Petition
  • Leave of Absence
  • In Absentia

ucla-prestige-2-programs-library-blur

KNOW YOUR PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

To keep on track, a Doctoral student must meet specific requirements for a student’s program.

Type the name of your program to jump straight to its requirements:

Your Program Requirements cover most things a current student needs to know in order to graduate on time.  Our FAQs  answers a few common questions about program requirements. Any outstanding questions can be answered by your program through their website or from your Student Affairs Officer (SAO).

If your program offers a Master’s Degree along the path toward a Doctorate, you’ll be required to initiate a specialized process and meet criteria specific to your program.

ucla-prestige-mechanical-aerospace-engineering

NOMINATE YOUR DOCTORAL COMMITTEE

During your second or third year, you’ll begin assembling (nominating) your Doctoral Committee. Your committee is comprised of 4 or more faculty members (3 or more faculty members for professional (non-Ph.D.) doctoral committees) who are experts in your field who can guide you in your research. Some committee members will be on-campus while a few may be located at another academic institution. All committee members will be responsible for reviewing your work periodically, advising you on your direction and independent research, assessing your university oral qualifying exam, and approving your dissertation.

On occasion, your committee will fall out of compliance, in which case you’ll be required to  reconstitute your Doctoral committee . Common reasons include when one of your committee members leaves her or his post at UCLA or when you or a current committee member decides that you’ll benefit more by working with a different faculty member.

For more about your doctoral committee, see the Graduate Council’s guide  Graduate Student Academic Rights and Responsibilities  and  Standards and Procedures for Graduate Study at UCLA .

  • Minimum Standards for Doctoral Committee Constitution
  • Professional (Non-Ph.D.) Doctoral Committee Policy
  • Nomination of Doctoral Committee
  • Reconstitution of the Doctoral Committee and/or Change in Final Oral Examination Requirement

ADVANCEMENT TO CANDIDACY

Becoming a doctoral degree candidate is not a given. The first phase of your doctoral program is supervised by a faculty advisor or guidance committee. Your program will administer the written, and in some cases the program’s oral qualifying, exam after you complete courses and other preparatory work recommended or required by your program

Your doctoral committee may also require additional written exams. Only upon satisfactory completion of the written and oral qualifying requirements may you advance to candidacy. A student must also have met language requirements for advancement. This accomplishment generally happens between your second and fourth year.

CONTINUE PROGRESS TOWARD YOUR DOCTORAL DEGREE

ucla-prestige-medical-nursing-2

With the guidance of your Doctoral Committee, you’ll conduct fieldwork, research, writing, and independent study all the way up through your dissertation.

While you’re completing your degree, keep an eye on your future. Be sure to participate in the great career and professional development events and resources at UCLA.

DEFENDING YOUR DISSERTATION

Some programs require you to present your dissertation to your doctoral committee in a time-honored event called the final oral examination (or final defense). To find out if your program has this requirement, consult your program requirements for the year you were admitted (see KNOW YOUR PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS above).

ucla-prestige-space-4

FILE YOUR DISSERTATION

You will complete an approved doctoral dissertation that demonstrates your ability to perform original, independent research and constitutes a distinct contribution to knowledge in your principal field of study.

CELEBRATE YOUR GRADUATION

Doctoral Degrees are awarded four times a year, and are integrated into a single commencement—called the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony—held once each year at the beginning of June.  UCLA Graduate Commencement for Doctoral Students  is where you’ll find info about tickets, locations, schedule, parking, and dress code (including caps and gowns). For information on commencement ceremonies hosted by various graduate departments and programs, search for your program on this year’s schedule .

UCLA Doctoral Graduates celebrate during the Doctoral Hooding

YOUR FUTURE

Once you graduate, our support continues. You’ll find great resources, guidance, career support, and opportunities to network with fellow graduates through  UCLA’s Alumni Association .

To network with fellow alumni and learn about meetups and events, like our UCLA Alumni Facebook page . and follow UCLA Alumni on Twitter .

Explore programs available at Harvard

demo-img-2

  • UB Directory
  • School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences >
  • Academics >
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences (BS, MS, PhD) >
  • Graduate Programs >
  • MS Degree Programs >

Online MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Office of Student Success and Engagement 270 Pharmacy Building Buffalo, NY 14214 716-645-2825 [email protected]

  • Sign up for our mailing list
  • Explore our admissions viewbook

Pipette, test tubes and DNA.

Our Online MS program is for students who have previously earned a BS degree and wish to acquire high-impact positions in research, industry, education and health care settings. The MS program is research-focused, immersing our students in diverse aspects of drug action, from drug discovery to various elements of drug evaluation.

Curriculum and Requirements

All  required  courses must be completed with at least a B-, a P (Pass) or an S (Satisfactory). Otherwise, they will not count toward the degree and must be repeated.  Elective courses must be a D or better. An overall average grade for 30 credits must be >= 3.0.

Courses are asynchronous remote , in which learning materials are provided online, and students can view these materials and complete tasks at their own pace. However, there are also required due dates.

Required Courses

PHC 607C Intermed Pharmacokinetics 3
PHC 630VT Drug Metabolism and Transport
or
PHC 508VT Drug Development
3
PHC 506VT Biometry in Pharmaceutical Sciences
3
PHC 504VT Computational Basis of Pharmacometrics 2
PHC 512VT Pharmacometric Software 1

PHC 509VT Pharmacogenomics for Pharmaceutical Sciences
2
PHC 588VT Faculty Research Seminar   1
PHC 615VT Research 3
PHC 600VT Ethics 2
PHC 613VT Pharmaceutics Seminar 1
PHC 608VT Advanced Pharmacokinetics
or
PHC 609 Advanced Pharmacodynamics
or
PHC 516VT Pharmacogenomics

3
 

3

2

PHC 610 Population Pk-Pd Modeling 2
PHC 614 Pharmaceutics Seminar 1
PHC 616 Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences 3

 

Satisfactory completion of a research project, including approval of the Project Committee after submission of a written project report, presentation of an open seminar and oral defense


Course offerings vary each year. Refer to the  Class Schedules .

Our dynamic research program for online master’s students gives you the opportunity to take charge of your learning and to choose the most appropriate path forward for your own educational and career goals. 

Through our PHC 615 course, you will learn and gain mastery of the process of grant writing from developing a compelling research proposal to completing a simulation and preliminary evaluation of data. In our PHC 616 course, you will engage in a thesis-driven capstone completing your MS in selecting one method below of your choosing:

  • undertaking a comprehensive exam
  • writing a grant for a program of your choice
  • completing a research project directed by your current employer or UB Pharmaceutical Sciences faculty

Both PHC 615 and 616 empower you to have choice in completing of your master’s degree and graduate with the confidence that you are prepared for the next steps in your educational or career journey.

Visit our Pharmaceutical Sciences MS admissions information page to learn more!

to post a comment.

--> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> --> -->
    University of Southern California
   
  Jun 25, 2024  
USC Catalogue 2024-2025    
USC Catalogue 2024-2025

Return to:   

The basic graduate degrees are the Master of Arts, Master of Science, the Doctor of Philosophy and the professional doctoral degree.

The Master of Arts degree is normally given for study in the humanities and social sciences. The Master of Science degree is normally given for study in the natural sciences and engineering. Other master’s degrees are granted by USC for proficiency in professional fields. Master’s degree programs are subject to the policies of the Graduate School.

All Doctor of Philosophy degrees must meet the standards of scholarship and other regulations established by the Graduate School. With the exception of Doctor of Dental Surgery, Juris Doctor and Doctor of Medicine, all professional doctoral programs are subject to the policies of the Graduate School.

In addition, the university also offers a number of graduate certificate programs. Graduate credit certificate programs must be approved by the University Committee on Curriculum and meet the following requirements: (1) a minimum of 12 units is required; the maximum number of units may vary; (2) for certificate programs of 16 units or fewer, all course work must be at the 500 level or above. For programs of more than 16 units, not more than 25 percent of the total units for the program may be at the 400 level; (3) for completion, a minimum cumulative USC grade point average of 3.0 must be achieved on all course work applied to the certificate; (4) all course work must be earned at USC, except for programs of more than 16 units, in which case not more than 25 percent of the course work may be transfer credit.

An Area of Emphasis is a specific focus within a major that has been formally approved. Areas of Emphasis are listed within parentheses following the appropriate majors and do not appear on diplomas but are indicated on transcripts.

A dual degree program joins two distinct graduate degree programs under a single, new program and POST (program of study) code. (Applicants to dual degree programs must apply separately to each degree and be admitted to both programs. After admission to both degree programs, the student is assigned the single, dual degree POST code.) Upon completion of the dual degree program, two degrees (and two diplomas) are awarded. Both degrees in a dual degree program must be awarded with the same conferral date.

A progressive degree program enables a USC undergraduate to begin work on a master’s degree while completing requirements for the bachelor’s degree. The degree may be in the same or different departments but should be in a similar field of study. Students in a progressive degree program must fulfill all requirements for both the bachelor’s degree and the master’s degree except for the combined total number of units for the degrees. The master’s degree may be awarded simultaneously with but not before the bachelor’s degree is awarded.

The university does not distinguish online programs and courses from those offered on campus. Requests to provide information about which programs and courses are offered online will be denied.

We value your privacy

Our website uses cookies to understand how you navigate our content and to give you the best browsing experience. View our privacy policy .

Doctor of Nursing Program

Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)

Why a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) From Le Moyne?

Learn how to manage complex patient cases while examining various populations and identifying gaps in care. Build confidence in your ability to appraise your surroundings and apply evidence-based practice to improve healthcare delivery systems and outcomes. Be inspired to lead quality improvement initiatives in various healthcare settings.

Le Moyne’s Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) Family Nurse Practitioner degree program will prepare you to meet the challenge of providing exceptional, high-quality care to patients at all stages of life and in a variety of settings.

Earn a DNP With a Jesuit Approach to Care

Consider which pathway is right for you. Le Moyne uses a cohort model, and the program is distinguished by small class sizes.

Post-Master’s Degree (DNP)

This 29-credit curriculum is designed for those who already hold an FNP certification and are ready to enter doctoral classes. The full-time curriculum is designed to be completed over the course of two years of full-time study.

FNP to DNP Pathway

This curriculum is designed for those who hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing. It’s a direct-entry pathway to a doctoral degree for those who don’t have a master’s degree and require a more robust program of study. Le Moyne offers two distinct options for completing the FNP to DNP: (1) Four-Year, Full-Time or (2) Five-Year, Part-Time. This pathway includes 810 hours of clinical practice that is embedded into the program of study.

Program Format

The program is low-residency, allowing you to maximize your time as a student and a busy professional. For both programs, the majority of the coursework can be completed asynchronously online, with occasional in-person sessions scheduled around your availability. All FNP coursework requires on-campus attendance once a week (Mondays). As you approach and complete your DNP projects, more on-campus meetings are required.

Immersed in the environment of academic excellence, you’ll be prepared as a life-long learner who is future-oriented, responsive to the challenges of a dynamic healthcare environment and possesses well-developed communication, critical thinking and technical skills.

As a graduate, you’ll hold an FNP Certificate in NYS and be eligible to sit for the National Family Nurse Practitioner

certification exam offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center & the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

Our faculty are all practice-experienced and maintain roles as educators, administrators and nurse practitioners, so we are current, competent and credible.

Returning to the classroom again has been “wonderful – and a process of self-discovery. No matter what your background is, where you come from or where you think you are heading, dedication, determination and goal setting is extremely important.”

Questions? Get in Touch.

Sara gleasman-desimone, ph.d, rn, anp-c, application deadline.

Fall 2024 start: July 1

Request Information

Questions? Ready to take the next step? We’re here to help.

Seattle University quad and fountain looking north

  • Computer Science, MS

Gain cutting-edge expertise with our Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS). Through flexible electives aligned with your career goals, or two optional areas of specialization in data science or software engineering, the MSCS prepares you to excel in today’s fiercely competitive tech industry.

  • All Programs
  • Request Information

About this Program

Computer science degree in seattle’s global tech industry.

Seattle University's Master of Science in Computer Science (MSCS) program offers a curriculum based on theoretical foundations and practical applications. The curriculum includes advanced courses in core areas of computer science and flexible electives that align with your professional goals.

History-Making Program for Today’s Computer Science Leaders

Seattle University has long been a leader in computer science and software engineering education. We established our pioneering Master of Software Engineering program in 1979 and awarded the world's first MSE degree in 1982. Our curriculum has been shaped by close contact with local industry professionals, ensuring that courses are relevant to the workplace and that projects are tailored to the professional needs of our students.

As the Puget Sound region developed into one of the world's leading technology hubs, our faculty developed connections with industry leaders to ensure SU students remain competitive in the job market.  Today, computer science is the fastest-growing program on our campus, and our graduate students are employed by major tech brands such as Microsoft, Meta, Google and others.

  • How to Apply

Graduate Computer Science Degree at a Glance

Learn more about how this graduate degree from the Department of Computer Science will contribute to your career goals. Below you can explore the program variants and decide which path is the best fit for you. See for yourself how impactful a Seattle University degree can be.

In the general option, you get to choose your electives. You can develop a focused or broad foundation that aligns with your interests and academic goals. There are two variations of the MSCS general option:

  • Course Only: You take an additional elective course and a seminar that explores state-of-the-art technology advances in computer science.
  • Research Project: You complete a faculty-supervised research project spanning 2-3 academic quarters. The research projects enable you to focus on your specific areas of interest and the research interests of faculty members.

If you chose to participate in research project opportunities, you’ll have a chance to be mentored by faculty, publish your work, and present on campus or at conferences. These projects provide distinctive opportunities to gain hands-on research experience and prepare you for career advancement or for further post-graduate education at internationally recognized institutions.

Sample Plan for MSCS – General Option

The MSCS with a specialization in data science (MSCS-DS) provides you the opportunity to develop computer solutions related to data science. Our unique program is designed so that upon completion, you’ll receive both an MSCS degree and a specialization within data science.

This combination is very attractive to today's leading employers as there's growing demand for developers that have experience in data science. As a student in this specialization, you must complete the set of core courses that are part of all MSCS degrees at Seattle University, plus a set of data science courses. The program culminates in a capstone project that addresses real-world challenges in the field of data science.

The specialization can be completed in as little as five academic quarters, only if you start in the fall quarter. Due to course sequencing, if you start in the winter quarter you can complete the program in seven academic quarters, and if you start in the spring quarter you can complete the program in six academic quarters.

Data Science Specialization Outcomes

  • Demonstrate a solid foundation in core areas of data science theory and practice including data analysis methodologies, machine learning, and best practice in data visualization and presentation of analysis results and conclusions.
  • Demonstrate theoretical and practical skills in the systems and software engineering needed to process large data sets.

Sample Plan for MSCS - Data Science Specialization

The MSCS with a specialization in software engineering (MSCS-SE) enables you to build the skill set you will need for a fulfilling career in the software industry. You'll gain hands-on experience across the software development life cycle — from requirements analysis, to architecture and design, to development and testing. The Department of Computer Science has been working with local tech companies for decades, meaning you'll benefit from close industry connections and a curriculum that is current and relevant to industry needs.

The MSCS-SE program consists of a set of core courses common to all MSCS degrees at Seattle University plus a set of software engineering courses. The program culminates in a capstone project that addresses real-world challenges in the field of software engineering.

The specialization can be completed in six academic quarters if you start in the fall quarter, five academic quarters if you start in the winter quarter and seven academic quarters if you start in spring quarter.

Software Engineering Specialization Outcomes

  • Demonstrate a solid foundation in core areas of software engineering theory and practice including all areas of the software development life cycle.
  • An ability to function effectively on teams to establish goals, plan tasks, meet deadlines, manage risk and produce deliverables.

Sample Plan for MSCS - Software Engineering Specialization

  • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of core areas and advanced topics in computer science.
  • An ability to design, implement and evaluate computer-based solutions to meet a given set of requirements.
  • An ability to effectively communicate technical concepts in written and oral form.
  • An ability to make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal, ethical and social considerations.
  • An ability to understand computer science literature to maintain professional currency.

What You’ll Learn

Explore the classes you’ll take as a student here.

  • Course Catalog

Top 25% in Science & Engineering

Seattle University ranks #40 in the nation —U.S. News & World Report, 2023

Ready for Seattle’s Top Tech Jobs

A group of people sitting at a table with laptops.

High-Demand Graduates

Our curriculum was developed in collaboration with industry leaders and designed to prepare you with the industry’s most in-demand technical and problem-solving skills, enabling you to distinguish yourself in a fiercely competitive job market. In fact, most MSCS graduates are employed within six months of graduation (2017–2020). Seattle University graduates are employed by Amazon, Microsoft, Google, F5 Networks and other major tech firms in the region.

Projected Job Growth (2022-2032)

According the the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for software developers is expected to grow 25 percent over the next decade.

A group of students sitting around a table in a library.

Inclusive, Global Education

As a student at Seattle University, you'll have the opportunity to learn in one of the largest and most culturally diverse independent universities in the Northwest. Our Jesuit values mean we see the world through a global, justice-focused lens. Our strong commitment to diversity and low student-to-faculty ratio help create a forward-thinking, close-knit community where everyone can feel at home—and go on to thrive in a global workforce.

A group of people looking at posters in a hallway.

Support for Career Changers

Are you interested in the MSCS program but have no undergraduate computer science coursework? Bridge to the MSCS through the Computer Science Fundamentals Certificate. You’ll get the coursework you need to transition to the full computer science graduate program.

From Our Alumni

Rupansh phutela.

“The CS faculty at Seattle U is truly exceptional, combining deep expertise with a genuine commitment to student engagement and growth. Working closely with some of the best professors at the university, Dr. Shadrokh Samavi and Prof. Timothy Spinney, I witnessed an unwavering dedication to student success and willingness to provide guidance and mentorship. If you're looking to advance your education in computer science and explore cutting-edge technology stacks, I highly recommend Seattle U.”

MSCS ’23

Featured Faculty

Steve Hanks, PhD

Professor and Amazon Chair, Computer Science

Wan Bae, PhD

Professor, Computer Science

Adair Dingle, PhD

Assistant Professor, Computer Science

Michael Koenig, MSE

Assistant Teaching Professor

Eric Larson, PhD

Professor and Associate Chair, Computer Science

Richard LeBlanc, PhD

Associate Professor, Computer Science

Zy Li

Associate Teaching Professor, Computer Science

Michael McKee, MSE

Associate Teaching Professor, Computer Science Director, Computer Science Fundamentals Certificate Program

Ken Rabold

Adjunct, Computer Science

Susan Reeder, MA

Professor and Director of MSCS Ph.D., Computer Science, University of Cincinnati

Discover More Programs to Explore

Computer science fundamentals, certificate.

The Computer Science Fundamentals Certificate prepares you for a new career in the tech industry and is a bridge to the MS in Computer Science program. No prior programming experience is required.

  • Certificate

Data Science, MS

Our graduate degree in data science combines aspects of statistics and computer science with data analysis and modeling. You’ll gain the technical and analytical skills needed to advance your career.

  • Master of Science

Computer Science, Accelerated BS & MS

Earn both a BS and MS in computer science in only 5 years. You’ll save time on your advanced degree and enjoy a streamlined graduate application process.

  • Bachelor of Science, Master of Science

Get in Touch

We’re here to help. For information about computer science graduate degrees at Seattle University, contact:

Computer Science Department

  • Master's Degrees

Online Master of Social Work

doctorate degree program coursework

Applications Open Soon!

Applications for the online master of social work program open on October 1, 2024 .

Applications will open: October 1, 2024

doctorate degree program coursework

Elevate Your Social Work Career with Flexible Online Learning Tailored to Your Needs

Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned professional in the social sciences and human service fields, our online master of social work degree provides a transformative learning experience tailored to your needs. Specifically designed for individuals aspiring to make a meaningful impact in their communities, our program is the gateway to unlocking new possibilities in the field of social work.

Personalized Learning, Faculty Accessibility, and Real-World Experience

At Texas Tech University, we go beyond traditional learning methods, providing you with the practical experience needed to excel in the dynamic field of social work. Join our program, experience the advantages of small class sizes, and build meaningful connections with faculty who are invested in your success. Your journey to an advanced degree and fulfilling career in social work begins here.

Here's what sets our program apart:

Small class sizes.

In the Online Master of Social Work program, we believe in the power of small class sizes. Our commitment to providing an optimal student-to-faculty ratio creates a personalized and interactive learning experience. Unlike larger classes, our small class sizes foster a sense of community, allowing you to build meaningful connections with both your peers and professors.

Personal Access to Professors

We take pride in offering more than just a curriculum; we provide a community where students have direct and personal access to experienced professors. Our faculty members are dedicated to your success and are readily available to offer guidance, support and mentorship. Whether you have questions about coursework, need career advice, or seek assistance with research projects, our professors are here for you.

Two Distinct Program Tracks

Online advanced standing program:.

  • Ideal for recent undergraduate social work graduates.
  • Complete the MSW degree in just one calendar year.
  • Begin your course of study in a summer session.

Online Standard Program:

  • Designed for applicants with undergraduate degrees in other disciplines.
  • Complete the MSW degree in two years.
  • Course of study begins in a fall semester (available starting fall 2025).

doctorate degree program coursework

Field Placement Experience

As a crucial component of our online master of social work degree program, all students are required to complete an approved field placement. This hands-on experience allows you to:

Demonstrate Abilities in Assessment and Skills:

Apply generalist and advanced generalist skills in real-world scenarios.

Practice Ethical Decision-Making Across Systems:

Navigate ethical challenges across micro, mezzo and macro systems.

Gain Real-World Experience in a Certified Social Agency:

Secure a valuable opportunity to work in a social agency certified by our program.

Additionally, you do not need to reside in Texas to enroll in the MSW program. Your practicum hours can be completed at an agency in your current location and potentially even at your place of employment. This flexibility ensures that you can gain the necessary field experience without relocating, making the program accessible regardless of your geographic location.

doctorate degree program coursework

Create a Positive Change with Texas Tech's Online Social Work Master's Degree Program

The Online Master of Social Work Program prepares graduates to contribute to society through professional social work practice, engaged civic participation and thoughtful leadership. Become a critical thinker, a self-directed learner and a champion for social justice.

doctorate degree program coursework

Foundation in Social Work Values

Social Work is a profession dedicated to creating positive change by focusing on both individuals and their environments. In our program, we adhere to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, emphasizing core values such as service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence.

doctorate degree program coursework

Prepare to Sit for the National MSW-level Exam

Our MSW Program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) through June 2031. Graduates are eligible to sit for the national MSW-level exam with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) and apply for licensure in most jurisdictions.

Affordable Education Commitment: Tuition and Fees

We believe in empowering our students through education that not only enriches the mind but also respects your financial resources. Our commitment to affordability ensures that you can pursue a high-quality education without compromising your financial well-being. To explore detailed information about Texas Tech's tuition and fees, please visit our Tuition and Fees page .

Your Future in Social Work Starts Here

doctorate degree program coursework

Embark on a fulfilling journey in social work with Texas Tech University's Online MSW Program. Join a community of change-makers and shape a brighter future for individuals and communities.

Note: Applications for the Online Advanced Standing Program starting in summer 2025 and the Standard Program commencing in fall 2025 will open on October 1, 2024 .

  • Like Online on Facebook Like Online on Facebook
  • Follow Online on Instagram Follow Online on Instagram

83 years later, 105-year-old finally earns master's from Stanford

Virginia Hislop has spent a lifetime trying to increase access to education, and now, at 105 years old, she appears to have completed her own schooling.

On Sunday, Hislop celebrated Stanford University's conference of a master of art's degree in education — 83 years after having left campus just shy of the degree. Her son-in-law had contacted the institution and discovered a final thesis, her unfulfilled obligation, was no longer required.

“I’ve been doing this work for years and it’s nice to be recognized with this degree,” Hislop told Stanford for a story about her nearly lifelong journey to a stage on campus , where a diploma in a Cardinal-red cover was placed in her hand.

105 year old earns masters of arts in education Stanford University master's degree recipient virginia hislop

In 1941, on the eve of the United States' direct involvement in World War II, and as her fiance was preparing to be called to serve, Hislop skipped out on the thesis.

Her Stanford days, starting in 1936, were nonetheless fruitful, and she earned an undergraduate education degree before moving directly to postgraduate studies.

She wanted to go to law school, Hislop has said, but her father wouldn't pay for it, so she opted for the briefer time required for teaching.

Hislop had completed coursework for a master's and needed only to turn in the final version of her thesis, she has said. Instead, she told NBC Bay Area, she skipped town and had a honeymoon in Oklahoma near her husband's Army post at Fort Sill.

"Not my idea of a place for a honeymoon," she told the station, "but I had no choice in the matter."

At the time, such a sacrifice — trading her career for marriage and a future family — was seen as a way to support the war effort. It was a sacrifice for America.

She had grown up in Los Angeles, but after the war the California girl found herself with husband George in Yakima, Washington, where George took part in the family business of ranching.

They raised two children, which put Hislop's focus on a passion stoked during her days in Palo Alto: education.

105 year old earns masters of arts in education Stanford University master's degree recipient virginia hislop

"I didn’t return to teaching, but I feel I put my teaching certificate to good use serving in committees and on boards and trying to improve the educational opportunities every chance I got," she told the Yakima Herald-Republic in 2018.

She opposed middle school curricula that required home economics but not advanced English for her daughter, so she ran for the Yakima School District Board of Directors and won, according to the publication.

Hislop also successfully lobbied for independent community college districts in Washington state at a time when Yakima's two-year college was under the otherwise K-12 district.

She was eventually recruited to raise funds for what would become Heritage University, a women-founded, women-led institution about 20 miles south of Yakima.

She launched the school's annual Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner, which by 2018 had raised nearly $6 million to help students attend the institution. Hislop is listed by the school as a board member emerita.

At Pacific Northwest University, a medical and health sciences school in Yakima, a scholarship, the Virginia Hislop Emergency Fund , bares her name.

Her interest in broad access to education may have been inspired by an aunt who was the principal of a public school in West Los Angeles' Sawtelle Japantown neighborhood when Hislop grew up in L.A.

Sawtelle is an area originally anchored by a housing and care facility for disabled veterans of the Civil War, but it evolved into a community populated by Japanese Americans and Latinos.

master's degree recipient virginia hislop

Hislop said she was moved by her aunt’s experience seeing education change lives on L.A.’s Westside, according to the Yakima Herald-Republic.

“Aunt Nora would tell us about some of the Hispanic students in her school and how they were doing and the difference that education made for them,” she told the publication. “It seemed to me that without an education, your future was limited and with an education it was unlimited.”

Her new degree is punctuation for a life spent advocating for public education for the masses.

On Sunday, Daniel Schwartz, dean of Stanford’s Graduate School of Education, handed Hislop her master’s diploma with a broad smile, describing her as “a fierce advocate for equity and the opportunity to learn."

doctorate degree program coursework

Dennis Romero is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. 

IMAGES

  1. Masters Vs PhD: The Difference Between Masters & PhD/Doctorates 2024+

    doctorate degree program coursework

  2. Coursework masters degree vs doctorate vs

    doctorate degree program coursework

  3. Doctorate Degree

    doctorate degree program coursework

  4. Doctorate in Educational Leadership Degree Programs 2023+

    doctorate degree program coursework

  5. What are Degree Courses? (with pictures)

    doctorate degree program coursework

  6. Course Based or Thesis Based Master's?

    doctorate degree program coursework

VIDEO

  1. Doctorate of Business Administration with Day 1 CPT

  2. Learning how to do Splinting and Casting at USAHS Intensive Week #nursing #nursingstudent

  3. Early Technical College at TCAT

  4. Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition Program at Fairfield University

  5. January Admission 2021 in Progress

  6. University of Montevallo launches doctoral degree program

COMMENTS

  1. Best Online Doctoral Programs Of 2024

    Best online Doctor of Nursing Practice: University of Central Florida. Best online Doctor of Business Administration: Walsh College. Best online doctorate in physical therapy: Texas Tech ...

  2. Online Doctorate Degrees from Top Universities

    Earn a doctorate degree online from some of the world's most renowned universities and institutions.

  3. Find Online Doctoral Programs From Top Universities

    All Ph.D. and doctoral programs require dedication and stamina to make it through advanced academic courses. That said, Ed.D. programs tend to take less time than other doctorates, meaning you can put your degree to work more quickly. The difficulty of a doctoral degree ultimately depends on your skills, interests, and career goals, as well as ...

  4. 30 Best Online Doctoral Programs [2024 Guide]

    Universities Offering Online Doctoral Degree Programs. Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. ... Prerequisite Courses - Doctoral students must be prepared to perform high-level work; to ensure that you're ready, a program may only admit prospective students who have already taken graduate courses on certain topics ...

  5. Best Online Ph.D. and Doctoral Programs

    One of the nation's leaders in online education, the University of Florida offers seven online doctoral degrees focused mostly on education and nursing. The Ed.D. in higher education administration blends online learning with immersions held 2-3 weekends per semester at UF and at other colleges in the state.

  6. Doctorate Degrees & PhD Programs 2024+

    Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD degrees, are research-based academic degrees which are awarded in many fields. A PhD degree is granted to students who have conducted publishable, original research in a peer-reviewed academic publication. Additionally, to get to that research, doctoral candidates have to complete a substantial amount of coursework ...

  7. 2024 Best Online Colleges for PhD Programs

    Median Starting Salary: $70,919. Locations: Bloomington (IN) Read Reviews. At Indiana University - Bloomington (IU), a public institution, prospective students can pursue several online doctoral programs. IU offers online doctoral programs in the following areas: (1) education, (2) health and health sciences, and (3) public health.

  8. Online Degrees and Postgraduate Studies from Top Universities

    Earn a Master's degree, a Bachelor's degree, or a Postgraduate credential from a top-ranked university at a breakthrough price. Study on your own schedule with 100% online degree or postgraduate programs. Learn from project-based courses and get direct feedback from your professors. When you graduate, you'll receive the same university degree as students who attend class on campus.

  9. What Is a Doctorate?

    Academic doctorate. An academic doctorate, often called a PhD (short for Doctor of Philosophy), is a research degree that typically requires completing a dissertation. Students enrolled in a PhD program may be interested in working in academia as a professor or conducting research in their field. However, a growing number of PhD students go on ...

  10. Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs

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

  11. Doctoral Degree Programs

    The Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D) is a three-year, practice-based program designed to produce system-level leaders in American pre-K-12 education. The Ed.L.D. curriculum mines the vast intellectual and professional resources of HGSE, the Harvard Business School, and the Harvard Kennedy School, and includes a 10-month residency in the ...

  12. Doctor of Education Leadership

    The Ed.L.D Program — taught by faculty from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Harvard Business School, and the Harvard Kennedy School — will train you for system-level leadership positions in school systems, state and federal departments of education, and national nonprofit organizations. Ed.L.D. is a full-time, three-year ...

  13. Doctor of Philosophy in Education

    Offered jointly by the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Ph.D. in Education provides you with full access to the extraordinary resources of Harvard University and prepares you to assume meaningful roles as university faculty, researchers, senior-level education leaders, and policymakers.

  14. What Is a PhD?

    A Doctor of Philosophy, often known as a PhD, is a terminal degree —or the highest possible academic degree you can earn in a subject. While PhD programs (or doctorate programs) are often structured to take between four and five years, some graduate students may take longer as they balance the responsibilities of coursework, original research ...

  15. Graduate Education

    These rigorous credit-bearing, graduate-level courses are broadcast from the Stanford classroom, offering a flexible format for working professionals. You can take graduate courses, enroll in a graduate certificate program, or earn an online or hybrid master's degree.

  16. PhD Programs

    The PhD program in Health Policy (Management) prepares students to effect powerful change rooted in data-driven research on the managerial, operational, and strategic issues facing a wide range of organizations. Coursework includes the study of microeconomics theory, management, research methods, and statistics.

  17. Online Doctoral Programs

    26 doctoral degree programs and more than 125 specializations available to support your goals. ... and pre-practica are face-to-face or virtual learning experiences that align with your online coursework to enhance your skill development, scholarship, and professional practice. Required for most doctoral programs, residencies also provide ...

  18. Online Doctorate Degree Programs

    You need a program that works around your commitments. Maryville's online doctorate degrees use leading education technologies that are simple to navigate and fully supported, which makes getting your degree a convenient and user-friendly experience. Complete your coursework 100% online and apply with no application fee.

  19. Doctoral Studies

    Doctoral programs vary widely in the number of required courses as well as additional requirements. Most programs use the first year to prepare students for their chosen field. Some programs conduct an end-of-the-year exam for each first-year cohort, while others evaluate student by courses, papers, and projects completed in that first year.

  20. Best Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs

    The research-based, non-clinical online psychology Ph.D. program comprises 60 credits, which degree-seekers can complete in 36-60 months. Students enroll in 20 courses, which they complete through eight-week terms. Courses focus on foundational concepts, such as behavioral neuroscience, research, and a dissertation.

  21. Doctoral and PhD Degree Programs

    Now Is the Time To Start Your Doctoral Degree. Reach the pinnacle of higher education with a doctoral degree from GCU. We offer a variety of EdD, DBA, DNP and PhD degree options so you can enroll in a doctoral program that matches your professional path. Choose from online or evening platforms to integrate your studies into your active lifestyle.

  22. Programs

    Explore programs available at Harvard. Browse the graduate and undergraduate degrees and majors offered by Harvard's 13 Schools and learn more about admissions requirements, scholarship, and financial aid opportunities. We also offer executive education, certificate programs, and online courses for professional and lifelong learners.

  23. Online MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences

    Our Online MS program is for students who have previously earned a BS degree and wish to acquire high-impact positions in research, industry, education and health care settings. The MS program is research-focused, immersing our students in diverse aspects of drug action, from drug discovery to various elements of drug evaluation.

  24. Graduate Degree Programs

    A dual degree program joins two distinct graduate degree programs under a single, new program and POST (program of study) code. (Applicants to dual degree programs must apply separately to each degree and be admitted to both programs. ... The university does not distinguish online programs and courses from those offered on campus. Requests to ...

  25. Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)

    The program is low-residency, allowing you to maximize your time as a student and a busy professional. For both programs, the majority of the coursework can be completed asynchronously online, with occasional in-person sessions scheduled around your availability. All FNP coursework requires on-campus attendance once a week (Mondays).

  26. Computer Science, MS

    History-Making Program for Today's Computer Science Leaders. Seattle University has long been a leader in computer science and software engineering education. We established our pioneering Master of Software Engineering program in 1979 and awarded the world's first MSE degree in 1982.

  27. Online Master of Social Work

    Standard Program: Fall 2025 Degree & Course Details. Elevate Your Social Work Career with Flexible Online Learning Tailored to Your Needs. Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned professional in the social sciences and human service fields, our online master of social work degree provides a transformative learning experience tailored to ...

  28. 105-year-old Stanford student graduates with master's degree 8 ...

    Virginia "Ginger" Hislop, 105, recently walked the stage at Stanford University to receive her master's degree in education for the coursework she completed in 1941. A smiling Hislop rose to ...

  29. 105-year-old earns master's degree from Stanford

    Virginia Hislop had completed coursework for a master's degree in education but left campus before she could graduate to marry a man being sent off to World War II. IE 11 is not supported.

  30. What Is a Graduate Degree? Your 2024 Guide

    A graduate degree is an academic program that you can pursue after getting your bachelor's degree. A graduate degree—which includes master's degrees, professional degrees, and doctorate degrees—allows you to further specialize in an area of interest or choose a course that directly relates to or is accredited by the profession you want to enter.