Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025

Badge for BEST ONLINE RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES FOR PHDS
By Dave Tomar
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Updated:

Key Takeaways

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

Best Research Universities for Online Doctoral Students in 2025

  1. University of Southern California
  2. George Washington University
    +1
  3. University of Arizona
    –1
  4. University of Missouri
    +1
  5. Florida State University
    –1
  6. University of Alabama
  7. University of Kentucky
  8. Baylor University
  9. University of Arkansas
    +2
  10. Loyola University Chicago

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

George Washington University moved up to the number 2 position in our 2025 ranking of the Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates. The University of Arkansas also moved up 2 positions to enter the top 10 for this year.

GWU has expanded its hybrid and online offerings in programs such as the PhD in Translational Health Sciences. Online doctoral programs in areas like systems engineering and cybersecurity offer structured, synchronous learning with real-time interaction, preparing students for high-level research and leadership roles in academia and industry.

Featured Programs

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

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

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

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

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

Man smiling and holding a cup of coffee

The 20 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates

  1. #1

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #17 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern California

    Cost of Degree: $68,128
    Expenses: $22,216
    Starting Salary: $88,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Southern California known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    • The University of Southern California is great for students who:

      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.

    • The University of Southern California might not be the best fit for students who:

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

    Compare school
  2. #2

    George Washington University

    Washington , DC
    #23 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in DC 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in DC 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    49%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1410/32

    Career Outlook for degree at George Washington University

    Cost of Degree: $35,154
    Expenses: $19,325
    Starting Salary: $82,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is George Washington University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    • George Washington University is great for students who:

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

    • George Washington University might not be the best fit for students who:

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

    George Washington University’s Online Degrees

    • PhD in Systems Engineering
    • DEng in Cybersecurity Analytics
    • DEng in Engineering Management
    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Arizona

    Tucson , AZ
    #3 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #18 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #20 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #20 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Arizona

    Cost of Degree: $14,389
    Expenses: $19,500
    Starting Salary: $56,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Arizona known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    • University of Arizona is great for students who:

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

    • University of Arizona might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer an intimate college experience.

    Compare school
    4. Woman in purple reading on a computer

  5. #4

    University of Missouri

    Columbia , MO
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Missouri 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Missouri 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Missouri 2025 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Missouri

    Cost of Degree: $13,029
    Expenses: $18,142
    Starting Salary: $56,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Missouri known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    • University of Missouri is great for students who:

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

    • University of Missouri might not be the best fit for students who:

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

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Florida State University

    Tallahassee , FL
    #4 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #24 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    25%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    51K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,553
    Expenses: $20,296
    Starting Salary: $53,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Florida State University known for?

    Florida State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Florida State University is great for students who:

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

    • Florida State University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a more intimate college experience.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of Alabama

    Tuscaloosa , AL
    #12 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2025 #1 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    42K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1270/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Alabama

    Cost of Degree: $11,740
    Expenses: $21,482
    Starting Salary: $51,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Alabama known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    • The University of Alabama is great for students who:

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

    • University of Alabama might not be the best fit for students who:

      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.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Kentucky

    Lexington , KY
    #13 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers 2025 #1 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #1 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    33K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1180/24

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Kentucky

    Cost of Degree: $14,330
    Expenses: $21,886
    Starting Salary: $54,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Kentucky known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    • University of Kentucky is great for students who:

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

    • University of Kentucky might not be the best fit for students who:

      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.

    Compare school
  10. #8

    Baylor University

    Waco , TX
    #1 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #4 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #6 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen #10 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    46%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    23K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1320/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Baylor University

    Cost of Degree: $41,130
    Expenses: $19,425
    Starting Salary: $58,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Baylor University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Baylor University is great for students who:

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

    • Baylor University might not be the best fit for students who:

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

    Compare school
  11. #9

    University of Arkansas

    Fayetteville , AR
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Arkansas 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Arkansas 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    32K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/24

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Arkansas

    Cost of Degree: $12,160
    Expenses: $20,260
    Starting Salary: $52,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Arkansas known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    • University of Arkansas is great for students who:

      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.

    • University of Arkansas might not be the best fit for students who:

      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.

    Compare school
  12. #10

    Loyola University Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    #1 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #5 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #11 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Illinois 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $49K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    20K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1275/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Loyola University Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $22,305
    Expenses: $19,694
    Starting Salary: $63,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Loyola University Chicago known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Loyola University Chicago is great for students who:

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

    • Loyola University Chicago might not be the best fit for students who:

      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.

    Compare school
  13. #11

    University of Nebraska–Lincoln

    Lincoln , NE
    #1 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Nebraska 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Nebraska–Lincoln

    Cost of Degree: $8,168
    Expenses: $18,548
    Starting Salary: $52,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Nebraska–Lincoln known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    • University of Nebraska-Lincoln is great for students who:

      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.

    • University of Nebraska-Lincoln might not be the best fit for students who:

      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.

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Texas Tech University

    Lubbock , TX
    #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2025 #7 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Texas 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    67%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Texas Tech University

    Cost of Degree: $9,518
    Expenses: $16,170
    Starting Salary: $61,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Texas Tech University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Texas Tech University is great for students who:

      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.

    • Texas Tech University might not be the best fit for students who:

      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.

    Compare school
  15. Man reading on a computer with glasses
  16. #13

    Florida International University

    Miami , FL
    #6 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Florida 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    72K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Florida International University

    Cost of Degree: $11,334
    Expenses: $19,406
    Starting Salary: $52,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Florida International University known for?

    Florida International University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Florida International University is great for students who:

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

    • Florida International University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a small campus and an intimate learning experience.

    Compare school
  17. #14

    Virginia Commonwealth University

    Richmond , VA
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    31K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Virginia Commonwealth University

    Cost of Degree: $16,753
    Expenses: $23,509
    Starting Salary: $49,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Virginia Commonwealth University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Virginia Commonwealth University is great for students who:

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

    • Virginia Commonwealth University might not be the best fit for students who:

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

    Compare school
  18. #15

    Clemson University

    Clemson , SC
    #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #2 Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in South Carolina 2025 #2 Best Colleges in South Carolina 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    43%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1315/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Clemson University

    Cost of Degree: $12,646
    Expenses: $19,784
    Starting Salary: $58,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Clemson University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Clemson University is great for students who:

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

    • Clemson University might not be the best fit for students who:

      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.

    Compare school
  20. #16

    University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Birmingham , AL
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2025 #3 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1305/26

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Cost of Degree: $8,424
    Expenses: $20,547
    Starting Salary: $48,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Alabama at Birmingham known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    • University of Alabama-Birmingham is great for students who:

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

    • University of Alabama-Birmingham might not be the best fit for students who:

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

    Compare school
  21. #17

    Duquesne University

    Pittsburgh , PA
    #6 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #6 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #8 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    9K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1245/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Duquesne University

    Cost of Degree: $26,568
    Expenses: $21,018
    Starting Salary: $68,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Duquesne University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Duquesne University is great for students who:

      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.

    • Duquesne University might not be the best fit for students who:

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

    Compare school
  22. #18

    Texas Christian University

    Fort Worth , TX
    #7 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Texas 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024 #20 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $54K

    Acceptance

    56%

    Graduation

    84%

    Student body

    13K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Texas Christian University

    Cost of Degree: $35,778
    Expenses: $19,840
    Starting Salary: $62,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Texas Christian University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Texas Christian University is great for students who:

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

    • Texas Christian University might not be the best fit for students who:

      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.

    Compare school
  23. #19

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    #4 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Florida 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024 #1 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/23

    Career Outlook for degree at Nova Southeastern University

    Cost of Degree: $24,140
    Expenses: $22,596
    Starting Salary: $55,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Nova Southeastern University known for?

    Nova Southeastern University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    • Nova Southeastern University is great for students who:

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

    • Nova Southeastern University might not be the best fit for students who:

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

    Compare school
  24. #20

    University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Lowell , MA
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Online Associate Degree Programs That Can Be Completed in 1 Year

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1259/28

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Cost of Degree: $16,050
    Expenses: $17,994
    Starting Salary: $57,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Massachusetts Lowell known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    • University of Massachusetts Lowell is great for students who:

      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.

    • University of Massachusetts Lowell might not be the best fit for students who:

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

    Compare school

The Carnegie Classification System at Research Universities

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

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

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

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

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Accreditation for Your Online Doctoral Program at a Research University

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

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

...and much more.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Woman smiling at a laptop with headphones

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

Admission Requirements

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

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

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

Curriculum and Courses

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

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

The typical components of your online PhD program may include:

Foundational Courses

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

Examinations for PhD Candidacy

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

Dissertation Requirements in Online PhD Programs at Research Universities

Dissertation

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

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

Oral Defense

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

Teaching Requirements

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

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

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Careers for Students Who Complete Online Doctoral Degree Programs

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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