We rank the best accredited online doctoral degree programs.
Online doctoral degree programs are growing in availability and credibility. However, only a select number of universities offer a full selection of accredited PhD programs online.
In most fields, an online PhD is considered a terminal degree, which means it is the highest degree that you can earn in your field. This means that online doctoral programs for PhD students can lead to opportunities for leadership, public consultation, research, and post-secondary education in your field.
Online PhD candidates are typically already working at a high level in their field. This means that students seeking their doctorate must balance existing work and personal responsibilities with a challenging course of education. For many graduate students, online courses and fully online programs provide a way to achieve this balance.
For a look at how these online doctoral programs stack up against traditional on campus programs, check out our look at the 50 Best Graduate Schools in the U.S.
You can also check out our complete College Rankings Guide.
Otherwise, read on and learn more about how you can earn an accredited PhD through an online doctorate program.
Online doctoral students have plenty of options, but quality and credibility are important when it comes to finding an online PhD. The best online doctorate programs will have proper accreditation:
A school must also be accredited in order to offer federal financial aid to its online doctorate candidates. When looking for an online doctoral program, seek out options with accreditation from a colleges and schools commission in your region. This stamp of approval is critical for ensuring the quality and credibility of your online program.
For instance, if you seek a doctor of nursing practice, be sure that your online doctoral degree program has accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). If you seek a PhD in business administration, be sure you only consider online degrees with programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Programmatic accreditation ensures you only select from online PhD programs respected in your field.
Originally formulated in 1970 by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and administered through the University of Indiana’s Center for Postsecondary Research since 2014, the Carnegie Classification is “the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education.”
Under this classification, top research universities for doctoral degrees and PhD candidates are identified as either R2: Doctoral Universities for “high research activity” or R1: Doctoral Universities for “very high research activity.” Look for these classifications when considering options for your online Phd programs.
Key Point: The best online doctoral programs will have both institutional and programmatic accreditation.
Schools that offer online doctorate programs have different admission requirements. However, in most online doctoral programs will carry the same basic threshold for admission:
Key Point: In most cases, you’ll be eligible to enter a doctoral degree online after earning a bachelor’s degree. However, some specialized online PhD programs may require you to have earned a master’s degree as well.
As with other advanced degree and graduate programs, research is the central component of your online PhD program. This is true for fully online doctorate degrees as well as hybrid degrees combining online education with traditional on-campus courses.
Regardless of whether you complete a traditional, hybrid or online doctoral program, the typical time to completion is five to seven years.
The typical components of your online PhD program may include:
While some foundational online doctorate courses may be focused on your specific discipline or area of study, most courses will focus on research methods and experimental design. You may be able to complete many of these requirements through online classes.
Many online doctoral students are required to complete certain examinations to enter into online PhD candidacy. This will typically occur after you’ve completed one to two years of foundational courses.
In most cases, the central component of your online PhD program will be the completion of your dissertation. After gaining status as an online PhD candidate, you will typically work closely with a professorial advisor or mentor to develop an original research question.
This research question will form the basis of your dissertation—an ongoing project designed to address this research question through applied research. While you will work closely with your advisor or mentor, much of your dissertation will be rooted in independent research. This is especially true for students pursuing an online PhD.
Upon completion of the written portion of your dissertation—which will typically present the findings from your original research project—you will be expected to defend your findings. This “oral defense” will typically be conducted by a commission of professors and experts in your field. PhD candidates in some online degree programs may be able to conduct this defense via teleconferencing.
Some online Ph.D programs will also include a teaching component, which will require you to work as an adjunct professor or teacher’s assistant in an undergraduate or graduate school. It may be possible for students in the online doctoral degree program to also serve teaching requirements by instructing online students.
Key Point: The online PhD is a research-focused degree. Your dissertation will be a central part of your online doctoral degree program.
Accredited online doctoral programs are generally terminal degree programs. This means that students who complete credible online doctoral programs in their field are generally eligible for top positions and opportunities in their field. These opportunities, and the pay scale, may differ from one field to the next.
That said, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that, in 2021, working professionals with a PhD earned more per week than other Americans in every educational demographic. According to the BLS, the median weekly earning for graduate students with a doctoral degree was $1909. By contrast, those with a master’s degree earned a weekly median of $1574, while bachelor’s degree holders earned a median of $1334.
These higher earnings are reflective of the rarified professional opportunities that await those with a PhD in their field. Working professionals who earn an accredited online doctorate may be eligible to work in the following areas.
Key Point: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students with a doctorate will earn more than graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Technically, a PhD is a type of doctorate degree. This means that all online PhD candidates are doctoral students. By contrast, not all doctoral students are PhD candidates.
The primary distinction is that doctoral students are primarily focused on putting existing theories into practice. Depending on your chosen field, your online doctoral degree may require participation in an educational leadership program, engagement in clinical practice, work as a resident in a nursing program, and much more.
By contrast, online PhD students are focused on creating new knowledge in their area of study. This usually means that online PhD candidates are focused on introducing new theories, creating research projects around these theories, and presenting new findings that demonstrate a mastery of existing knowledge and the insight to introduce new ideas into the field.
Today, more working professionals than ever before are pursuing both online doctoral degrees and online Phd programs.
The following graph depicts the average salaries of Chief Executives for each percentile in the U.S.
Source: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
SVG Attribution: Wikipedia
The online PhD programs identified here are ranked based on influence, with weighting for graduation rate and full-time online enrollment. Only schools offering a minimum of four online doctoral programs are included here.
Tuition + fees
$62K
Acceptance
13%
Graduation
92%
Student body
38K
Median SAT/ACT
1435/32
University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of Southern California was founded in 1880 in Los Angeles California. From its inception, USC has had the distinctive mission of admitting all qualified students regardless of race. Beginning its history in affiliation with the Methodist Church, today the private research university is a secular institution.
University of Southern California is in fact the oldest private research university in the state of California. USC’s first graduating class—in 1884—was made up of three students. Today, nearly 50,000 students are pursuing their degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
Students pursuing their PhD at USC are in good company. More than 28,000 students—well over half the student population—are pursuing graduate level degrees at the research intensive institution. Indeed, USC is identified among R1: Doctoral Universities, those distinguished for very high research activity.
Plan to pursue career opportunities in the Los Angeles area. Some estimates identify USC as the largest employer in the region as well as a top contributor to the labor market.
Are seeking a more intimate academic experience. USC is a massive school in an urban environment.
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
64%
Student body
40K
Median SAT/ACT
1220/25
University of Arizona is a public university based in Tucson, Arizona. The research university was formed in 1885, which makes it the very first university in the territory that would eventually become the state of Arizona.
University of Arizona serves more than 50,000 students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, making it one of the ten largest schools in the U.S.
The University of Arizona draws a large number of PhDs due to its very high research activity level. This distinction has earned the University of Arizona classification among R1: Doctoral Universities. University of Arizona is noted for offering an array of online programs including top-rated online Ph.D programs.
Enjoy college athletics. The Arizona Wildcats have won numerous championships across various Pac-12 Conference sports.
Prefer an intimate college experience.
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
37%
Graduation
83%
Student body
41K
Median SAT/ACT
1285/29
Founded in 1851 as the Florida Institute, FSU in Tallahassee actually stands on the oldest continuously used site for higher education in the state of Florida. With more than 360 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs, FSU students have plenty of options.
This is fitting for a university that enrolls well over 45,000 students every year.
Florida State University draws a large number of PhDs due to its very high research activity level. This distinction has earned FSU classification among R1: Doctoral Universities. Florida State is noted for its wide array of online programs, including numerous online doctoral degree programs.
Are looking to participate in campus activities, Greek life, and sporting event attendance.
Prefer a more intimate college experience.
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
62%
Student body
79K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/25
Liberty University is one of the largest Christian universities in the world as well as one of the largest private non-profit universities in the U.S. Much of this size is based on its online enrollment.
Liberty University enrolls roughly 15,000 residential students across its 17 colleges, and an additional 80,000 through its extensive online course and degree offerings.
Liberty University is noted for the sheer volume of advanced degrees and online degrees earned by its student body. With more than 47,000 students pursuing advanced degrees, Liberty University offers an extremely wide range of online doctoral programs, including online PhD programs in many different disciplines.
Wish to attend the world’s largest seminary—Liberty University’s Rawlings School of Divinity.
Students who do not identify with Evangelical Christianity.
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
73%
Student body
26K
Median SAT/ACT
1215/26
University of Missouri’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of Missouri was founded in 1839 which not only makes it the flagship campus in Missouri’s public university system but also the also public university west of the Mississippi River.
University of Missouri is based in Columbia, Missouri and is, today, one of four campuses affiliated with the University of Missouri System. It is also the largest among them, as well as the largest higher education institution in Missouri with more than 31,000 students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
University of Missouri is included among R1: Doctoral Universities, so noted for its very high research activity. This high level of activity is a strong draw for aspiring PhD candidates. In fact, many of these candidates are currently pursuing their advanced degrees through online doctorate programs.
Are looking for lots of options. With more than 300 degree programs, University of Missouri is excellent for students with an undeclared major.
Don’t wish to live on a large campus. Students at University of Missouri note that many classes take place in large lecture halls.
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
72%
Student body
35K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/27
University of Alabama’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of Alabama was founded in the city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1820. Emerging in the immediate aftermath of Alabama’s statehood, Bama is the oldest institution of higher learning in Alabama.
And today, a student body of more than 38,000 undergraduates and postgraduates makes this public research university the largest school in the state of Alabama.
University of Alabama draws a large number of PhDs due to its very high research activity level and its wide range of excellent online doctoral programs. These distinctions have earned the University of Alabama classification among R1: Doctoral Universities.
Enjoy a strong athletics program. The University of Alabama Crimson Tide enjoy a heated cross-state rivalry with the Tigers of Auburn University.
Prefer a more intimate learning environment. University of Alabama is noted for the size of its student body, the scope of its academic offerings, and the expansiveness of its campus facilities.
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
36%
Graduation
75%
Student body
63K
Median SAT/ACT
1250/27
University of Central Florida is a public university based in Orange County, Florida. UCF began life as Florida Technological University in 1968 with the direct mission of supporting the U.S. space program.
Today, University of Central Florida is home to more than 70,000 students both online and on-campus. This makes it the second largest public university in the United States.
University of Central Florida is distinguished among R1: Doctoral Universities, so noted for its very high research activity level and its strong appeal to PhD candidates. Many of these candidates are currently conducting this research through top-ranked online doctoral degree programs.
Aspire to careers in technological innovation.
Prefer a small school experience.
Tuition + fees
$50K
Acceptance
57%
Graduation
82%
Student body
18K
Baylor University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Baylor University was formed in 1845 by the last Congress for the Republic of Texas just before its admission to statehood. This makes Baylor the oldest continuously operating university in the state. The Waco-based private research university can also lay claim to the largest Baptist university campus in the world, with more than 1000 acres sitting on the banks of the Brazos River.
Today, Baylor University is home to more than 20,000 students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, many pursuing degrees in top-ranked business, education, and science programs.
Baylor University draws a large number of PhDs due to its very high research activity level and its array of highly regarded online doctoral programs. These distinctions have earned Baylor classification among R1: Doctoral Universities.
Are seeking a beautiful campus with thoughtful architecture. Students describe Baylor’s main campus as warm and welcoming.
Have financial constraints. Baylor University is a comparatively costly private institution.
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
68%
Student body
25K
Median SAT/ACT
1175/25
University of Kentucky’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of Kentucky was founded in 1865 and actually began life as a publicly chartered department of Kentucky University (today Transylvania University). The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky (A&M), as it was then called, became an independent public land-grant university by 1878.
Based in Lexington, the University of Kentucky took its present name in the 1920s. Today, the University of Kentucky boasts the highest enrollment in the state, with more than 31,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
University of Kentucky is a strong draw for PhD candidates, enjoying classification among R1: Doctoral Universities, institutions noted for their very high level of research activity. Kentucky also holds the distinction of offering numerous top-ranked online Ph.D programs.
Are looking to get involved. Students who attend the University of Kentucky praise the extremely wide variety of clubs, activities, and on-campus events.
Are looking for a quiet, intimate campus. Students note that Greek life and sporting events are a major part of the culture at this large institution.
Tuition + fees
$48K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
72%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1230/28
Loyola University Chicago’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Loyola University Chicago was founded in 1870 by the Society of Jesus which makes it among the oldest Catholic universities in the nation. Loyola’s flagship campus is located in the Lake Shore section of Chicago’s north side and offers direct access to Lake Michigan.
Loyola University Chicago began as a small school in a modestly sized city. But as Chicago grew, so did this top private institution. Today, Loyola is home to more than 17,000 students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Classified among R2: Doctoral Universities, those recognized for their high research activity, Loyola Chicago attracts PhDs to a variety of graduate level degrees that actually outnumber its undergraduate offerings. Loyola Chicago accommodates many of these doctoral candidates through an array of excellent online Ph.d programs.
Wish to attend a college immersed in the bustling metropolitan city of Chicago.
Have financial constraints. Students at Loyola note that even with the school’s often generous financial aid packages and scholarships, the high cost of tuition and the high cost of living can be challenging.
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
49%
Graduation
85%
Student body
26K
Median SAT/ACT
1300/29
Clemson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Clemson University was founded in 1889 and began life as the Clemson Agricultural College. Today, the public land-grant university occupies 1400 acres alongside Lake Hartwell in Clemson, South Carolina.
With more than 25,000 students pursuing degrees at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, Clemson University ranks as the second largest university in the state of South Carolina.
Clemson is included in the list of R1: Doctoral Universities, those noted for their high level of research activity. This makes Clemson a draw for PhD candidates, especially those living in the region. Online doctoral programs at Clemson also provide direct access to an array of high-quality graduate degrees.
Enjoy college athletics. Clemson’s Tigers enjoy an enormous cultural presence both on campus and in the surrounding region.
Are looking for a college in a lively area. Clemson is located in the foothills of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, but this also means that the university is a two hour drive from the nearest city.
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
67%
Student body
49K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/26
Florida International University was founded in 1965 and has rapidly grown into the fifth largest public university in the United States. FIU serves more than 56,000 students at both the graduate and undergraduate level across 11 colleges.
Florida International University is based in Miami-Dade and reflects the region’s emphasis on college athletics. FIU’s intercollegiate teams have secured five athletic championships across various sports.
Florida International University draws a large number of PhDs due to its very high research activity level. This distinction has earned FIU classification among R1: Doctoral Universities. FIU is also noted for its wide range of excellent online doctoral programs.
Like to get the best bang for their buck. FIU ranks tops in the state for “performance funding.”
Prefer a small campus and an intimate learning experience.
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
70%
Student body
25K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/26
University of Arkansas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of Arkansas was founded in 1871, which makes this public land-grant university the flagship campus in the broader University of Arkansas State system. Based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the school began life as the Arkansas Industrial University.
Taking its present name at the turn of the century, the University of Arkansas would grow to become the largest higher education institution in the state of Arkansas. Today, nearly 31,000 students are in pursuit of undergraduate and post-graduate degrees.
Classified among R1: Doctoral Universities for its very high research activity, the University of Arkansas is a desirable destination for PhD candidates, including those pursuing online doctoral degree programs.
Are interested in a highly social campus with affordable in-state tuition. Students note that the University offers a welcoming campus culture with a wide range of clubs and activities to choose from.
Don’t enjoy a good walk. Students at University of Arkansas point out that the campus is actually quite hilly, which can make getting around a bit more challenging at times.
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
68%
Student body
19K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/26
University of Mississippi, or Ole Miss, was chartered in 1844. It is both the oldest and largest public university in the state of Mississippi.
University of Mississippi is closely affiliated with legendary American novelist and former undergraduate student, William Faulkner.
The University of Mississippi attracts many PhD candidates because of its very high research activity level. This distinction has earned Ole Miss classification among R1: Doctoral Universities. Many of its PhD candidates are currently pursuing their research through online doctoral degree programs.
Wish to earn degrees in sciences such as space science, acoustic sciences, and supercomputing.
Aren’t interested in Greek Life. With more than 7,000 affiliated students, fraternities and sororities play a key role in campus life at Ole Miss.
Tuition + fees
$52K
Acceptance
54%
Graduation
83%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1215/28
Texas Christian University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Texas Christian University was formed in 1873, and was established by two brothers named Addison and Randolph Clark. This is noteworthy because the Fort Worth, Texas institution was originally known as the Add-Ran Male & Female College. Governed by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), TCU took its present name shortly after the turn of the century.
Today, the private research university is home to roughly 12,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. It is also among the more rapidly growing schools in Texas, with its growing visibility in both academics and athletics drawing record numbers of out of state appliances in recent years.
Among those applicants, TCU is rising in popularity with PhD candidates. TCU is classified among R2: Doctoral Universities for its high research activity.
Are hoping to get involved with Greek Life. Students note that sororities and fraternities play a big role in shaping campus culture at TCU.
Have financial constraints. Students at the private institution note that tuition is high and rising at TCU. This can place an education at TCU out of reach for some candidates.
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
66%
Student body
22K
Median SAT/ACT
1215/25
University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of Nebraska-Lincoln was formed in 1869. The Lincoln-based public university is the flagship university in the state’s public university system. This also makes it the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of Nebraska.
In addition to serving more than 24,000 students, across 200 undergraduate and graduate level degree programs, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln can claim an alumni network of more than 300,000 members.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln draws a large number of PhDs due to its very high research activity level. This distinction has earned Nebraska-Lincoln classification among R1: Doctoral Universities.
Enjoy an excellent college sports tradition. The school’s Cornhuskers compete in the Big Ten Conference and the men’s football team claims five national titles.
Are seeking an intimate campus experience. With more than 19,000 undergraduates, and roughly 5000 graduate students, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is organized into nine separate colleges across three campuses.
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
78%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1195/25
Duquesne University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Duquesne University was formed in 1878 and began its history as the Pittsburgh Catholic College of the Holy Ghost. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the small college evolved into the state’s first private Catholic research university in 1911.
Duquesne University inaugural class included just 40 students. Today, a century-and-a-half later, Duquesne enrolls more than 9000 students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Among those enrolled, Duquesne’s PhD candidates enjoy access to a high level of research activity, a distinction which places the university among R2: Doctoral Universities.
Enjoy small classes and one-on-one engagement from professors. Students note that Duquesne offers the balance of an intimate campus in an urban environment.
Do not align with the Catholic tradition of faith. Some students note that the culture, rules, and academics reflect a Catholic affiliation.
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
79%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1150/26
Samford University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Samford University was formed in 1841 as Howard College. The Homewood, Alabama-based private Christian today claims the title of the 87th oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S.
Howard college experienced rapid growth following World War II, as countless returning veterans enrolled with the help of the GI Bill. Growing attendance led to Howard’s 1965 reorganization as Samford University. Today, Samford serves nearly 6000 students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Samford University was recently elevated into a new category in the Carnegie Classifications for the newly created doctoral/professional universities category. This elevation is a demonstration of Samford’s rising standing among PhD candidates.
Are seeking a large number of degree options—more than 170—and a campus experience rooted in Christian values.
Are seeking a more diverse campus experience. Students describe the student population as fairly homogenous.
Tuition + fees
$16K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
69%
Student body
15K
Median SAT/ACT
1230/26
University of Massachusetts Lowell’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
University of Massachusetts Lowell can trace its roots back to the 1894 chartering of the Lowell Normal School in Lowell, Massachusetts. Beginning as a teacher-training school for women, the school would undergo dramatic change, merging, and expansion over the next century. Today, this public research university is the northernmost campus in the University of Massachusetts public university system.
University of Massachusetts Lowell enrolled an inaugural class of roughly 100 aspiring teachers. Today, more than 18,000 students are in pursuit of undergraduate and graduate degrees. This makes UMass Lowell the second largest public institution in the state.
With 25 unique doctoral programs, UMass Lowell is also noted among R2: Doctoral Universities for its high research activity.
Are looking to get involved in campus life. Students note that there are many clubs and activities to choose from and that the campus is both welcoming and social.
Plan to commute to campus by car. Students routinely voice concerns over the lack of convenient parking and the limitations of on-campus transportation.
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
63%
Student body
36K
Median SAT/ACT
1155/24
Texas Tech University began life as the Texas Technical College with its founding 1923. Based in Lubbock, Texas Tech is considered the primary institution among the five schools making up the Texas Tech University System.
Taking its present name in 1969, Texas Tech University would become the sixth-largest institution in the state of Texas. Today, there are more than 40,000 students earning degrees at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels at the public research university.
Texas Tech is particularly noteworthy as a destination for prospective PhDs. Texas Tech is classified among R1: Doctoral Universities, so noted for their very high research activity.
Like a college with strong school spirit. Students repeatedly note that the school spirit is a major feature of campus life, which can make Texas Tech feel like one big community.
Are looking for a small campus. Like a lot of other things in Texas, Texas Tech is a sprawling campus. Students note that the sheer distance of walking between classes can sometimes be exhausting.
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