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PhD by Distance

Become world-ready, from wherever you are in the world, with a UTS PhD by distance mode.

If your research is based internationally but you want access to UTS's world-leading researchers and reputation, you've been required to complete a PhD for your career but you don't want to relocate, or you want to expand your global networks to create real-world research impact, the PhD by distance mode might be right for you. 

A UTS PhD by distance mode empowers you to develop your future as a researcher in a global context —all without applying for a visa or subletting your apartment.

What you can expect

  • full enrolment as a PhD student at UTS
  • supervision and mentorship from a panel of experts
  • administrative support and guidance from your faculty
  • PhD from a Top 100 global university
  • access to UTS online facilities and resources
  • high-quality research training and professional skills development 

Study requirements

The study expectations of PhD by distance mode students are the same as on-campus students. This means that you will:

  • need to meet the same admissions requirements , including English-language proficiency
  • be supported by a panel of supervisors
  • complete any mandatory coursework
  • go through the same candidature stage assessments as other PhDs from your faculty
  • be subject to the same student rules that govern PhD study at UTS
  • have the same expected timelines for your study as other PhD students
  • be liable for the same course fees as other international students unless you are assessed as eligible for a tuition fee scholarship

Support and development

As a fully-enrolled UTS student, you’ll have access to a variety of forms of support for your research, your professional development as a researcher, and your own health and wellbeing, including:

  • UTS Library’s extensive digital catalogue and one-on-one researcher support
  • online skills development workshops and training modules, including in areas like research writing, software training, and project management
  • personalised advice from UTS Careers and access to online resources 
  • inclusion in the online research student Teams channel

Find more information about the support available to you as a distance mode PhD student  (PDF, 0.8MB).  Please note that not all benefits available to on-campus students exist in digital form or translate to distance study.

Find out more: Distance mode is available for international students. Read all admissions requirements → There are scholarships that can help with fees. Find out more about the costs of a PhD by distance → Ready for the next steps? Explore the application process → 

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.

phd in distance mode

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.
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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.

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

Person in college

A Ph.D., or doctor of philosophy, is the highest level of academic degree that you can attain. Consisting primarily of research, a Ph.D. prepares you for a career in academia or research in the field you study.

Students who choose to pursue a Ph.D. online will find it can be completed in less time. Online students also get the added benefit of being able to complete their work from the comfort of home. The overall cost may also be less compared to an in-person program.

We’ve compiled a list of the best accredited online Ph.D. programs to help you start your search.

Top Schools for Online Accredited Ph.D. Programs

Capitol technology university.

  • Campus + Online
  • In-State $25,830
  • Out-of-state $25,830
  • In-State $11,340
  • Out-of-state $11,340
  • Retention Rate 75%
  • Acceptance Rate 47%
  • Students Enrolled 796
  • Institution Type Private

Clemson University

  • In-State $14,118
  • Out-of-state $37,110
  • In-State $10,600
  • Out-of-state $22,050
  • Retention Rate 94%
  • Acceptance Rate 49%
  • Students Enrolled 27,341
  • Institution Type Public

Keiser University

  • In-State $20,800
  • Out-of-state $20,800
  • In-State $29,632
  • Out-of-state $29,632
  • Retention Rate 72%
  • Acceptance Rate 96%
  • Students Enrolled 19,861

Mississippi State University

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

Nova Southeastern University

  • In-State $33,510
  • Out-of-state $33,510
  • In-State $21,153
  • Out-of-state $21,153
  • Retention Rate 78%
  • Acceptance Rate 93%
  • Students Enrolled 20,898

Old Dominion University

  • In-State $7,029
  • Out-of-state $26,664
  • In-State $10,207
  • Out-of-state $29,851
  • Students Enrolled 23,494

Saybrook University

  • In-State $20,856
  • Out-of-state $20,856
  • Retention Rate 0%
  • Acceptance Rate 0%
  • Students Enrolled 915

Texas Tech University

  • In-State $8,935
  • Out-of-state $21,204
  • In-State $6,956
  • Out-of-state $15,136
  • Retention Rate 85%
  • Acceptance Rate 68%
  • Students Enrolled 40,542

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

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

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  • Best Online Ph.D. In Higher Education Programs

Best Online Ph.D. In Higher Education Programs Of 2024

Amy Boyington

Updated: Nov 29, 2023, 1:34pm

Learning happens at every age. From preschool to higher education, behind every learner is an educational policymaker, researcher and leader who advocates and manages programs for academic quality and student success.

An online Ph.D. in higher education can prepare you to become one of those educational changemakers, whether you aim to instruct college students, spearhead academic research or improve the quality and operations of a school or district as a principal or superintendent. As the highest degree level in this field, a doctorate opens doors, allowing you to choose the path you see most fit for helping schools and students.

In this ranking, we explore four of the best online Ph.D.s in higher education, noting key features of each program for you to consider.

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.

  • Over 3,868 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 scored four accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online Ph.D. in higher education degree programs in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes and student experience.

We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of June 2023.

We scored schools based on the following categories:

Student Outcomes:

  • Overall graduation rate
  • Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

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

Student Experience:

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

Credibility:

  • Fully accredited
  • Programmatic accreditation status
  • Nonprofit status

We listed all four schools in the U.S. that met our ranking criteria.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Best Online Ph.D. in Higher Education Degree Options

Should you enroll in an online ph.d. in higher education program, accreditation for an online ph.d. in higher education, how to find the right online ph.d. in higher education for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online ph.d. in higher education programs, concordia university-chicago, andrews university, liberty university, regent university.

Concordia University-Chicago

Graduate Tuition

$753/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Located in River Forest, Illinois, Concordia University-Chicago (CUC) is a Lutheran-focused liberal arts university founded in 1864. Its Ph.D. in leadership includes a higher education specialization with fully online eight-week courses covering higher education law, leadership, societal issues and fiscal responsibility.

The program requires five research courses, including qualitative and mixed methods research. Students also complete a comprehensive written exam and three dissertation components.

CUC charges an $18 technology fee per credit, included in its tuition rate, for this program.

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
  • School Type: Private
  • Application Fee: Free
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 67 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Full time
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: Institutional advancement, developing the organization’s human capital
  • Concentrations Available: N/A
  • In-Person Requirements: No

Andrews University

$1,471/credit

Andrews University , based in Berrien Springs, Michigan, offers its Ph.D. in higher education administration online, with most students completing the 61-credit program in about five years. Online learning covering topics like higher education law, program evaluation and leadership dynamics is available through a blend of asynchronous and synchronous coursework with convenient evening hours for working professionals.

Although most courses are online, students must complete a global education study tour in person to get hands-on experience in cross-cultural education.

  • Application Fee: $60
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 61 credits
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: College student development theory, administration of academic services
  • In-Person Requirements: Yes

Liberty University

$595 to $650/credit

The Ph.D. in higher education administration from Liberty University (LU), a Christian university based in Lynchburg, Virginia, features three concentrations, each requiring 60 credits. Including the four-part, 15-credit dissertation, students can finish the program in as little as three years.

Part-time learners in this program pay $55 more per credit than full-time students. However, current and past military members can reduce their costs by taking advantage of LU’s discounted tuition rate of $300 per credit.

  • Application Fee: $50
  • Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
  • Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: Economic impact in higher education, historical perspectives of higher education
  • Concentrations Available: Assessment and evaluation, educational leadership, student affairs

Regent University

$800/credit

Based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Regent University offers a 100% online Ph.D. in higher education leadership and management. Incorporating Regent’s Christian values, the program includes such courses as Christian worldview for educators and the role and mission of the Christian college and university.

Although students have seven years to complete this program, it typically takes five years. Regent charges online students a $700 fee per semester for university services, so learners can decrease their overall costs by finishing within the five-year window.

  • Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
  • Application Fee: N/A
  • Notable Major-Specific Courses: Data-driven decision making, role and mission of the Christian college and university

Pursuing a Ph.D. online can help working professionals strike a balance between their careers in higher education and their studies. Online Ph.D. in higher education programs typically offer flexible formats with few or no in-person requirements, allowing learners to complete coursework and dissertation tasks where and when it’s most convenient.

Cost also plays a role in choosing the right program and format. An online doctoral program could benefit learners who would otherwise need to commute long distances to and from their school, potentially saving transportation costs. Some schools charge in-state tuition rates to online learners who reside out of state to reduce their cost commitment.

Still, doctoral coursework can be rigorous. Students should consider whether they feel confident in their ability to complete intensive projects and studies without face-to-face guidance and support from instructors and peers.

Many colleges and universities seek institutional accreditation to distinguish themselves as leaders in academic quality, faculty credibility and positive student outcomes. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education recognize several institutional accrediting agencies, including the Higher Learning Commission and the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Schools typically approve transfer credits only from other institutionally accredited colleges . Plus, employers and credentialing bodies may not recognize degrees from unaccredited schools.

Programmatic accreditation is reserved for specific programs and departments. A Ph.D. in higher education usually comes through a school’s education department, which may be endorsed by a programmatic accrediting agency. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation commonly accredits departments with higher education doctoral programs.

If you’ve settled on pursuing a distance education, here’s how to narrow down your options.

Consider Your Future Goals

An online Ph.D. in higher education varies among schools, so it’s important to consider your future goals to point you toward the right program.

First, determine whether a Ph.D. or an Ed.D. is the best option for you. Although similar in content, a Ph.D. in higher education typically incorporates more research-based studies and is ideal for students interested in creating educational policy or teaching at a higher education level. Meanwhile, an Ed.D. in higher education focuses more on applicable skills, such as academic leadership and program administration.

Then, think about the program’s specifics. For example, some programs have more rigid dissertation requirements and time commitments than others. Also, you might be able to complete one program entirely online, while another may require an in-person class each week.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Tuition for the higher education doctoral programs on our list averages $905 per credit. With the average program requiring 64 credits, the average total cost of an online Ph.D. in higher education reaches nearly $58,000, which is no small sum.

However, tuition rates can vary widely based on a school’s public or private status, a student’s enrollment status, school prestige and other factors. Some Ph.D. programs are “fully funded,” meaning most students receive a tuition reimbursement plus a stipend for living expenses. Learners may also participate in fellowships, through which they receive funding in exchange for their research contributions.

Consider filling out the FAFSA® to determine your eligibility for federal student loans and other aid. You might also research financial aid options at your school, like scholarships and assistantships, to help you finance your degree.

Is a Ph.D. in higher education worth it?

If you’re interested in becoming a professor, an education administrator, an academic researcher or an educational policymaker, a Ph.D. is likely worth the investment. Throughout the program, you’ll build the leadership skills necessary to help educational organizations and students succeed.

How long is a Ph.D. in higher education?

A Ph.D. in higher education can take between two and five years to complete, depending on whether you enroll part time or full time. While most coursework is usually completable in two to three years, the dissertation often takes one to three years to finish.

Is a Ph.D. worth more than a bachelor's degree?

Yes, a doctoral degree is usually worth more than a bachelor’s degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , those with doctoral degrees earn a median of $2,083 per week, while bachelor’s degree holders earn $1,432 weekly.

Amy Boyington

As a self-proclaimed lifelong learner and former educator, Amy Boyington is passionate about researching and advocating for learners of all ages. For over a decade, Amy has specialized in writing parenting and higher education content that simplifies the process of comparing schools, programs and tuition rates for prospective students and their families. Her work has been featured on several online publications, including Online MBA, Reader’s Digest and BestColleges.

30 Best Online PhD Programs [2024 Ultimate Guide]

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

Online PhD Programs

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

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

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

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

List of 30 Online PhD Programs (and related doctoral programs)

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

1. Andrews University

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

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

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

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

2. Catholic University of America

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

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

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

CUA is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education

3. Central Michigan University

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

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

  • Doctor of Educational Technology

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

4. Clemson University

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

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

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

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

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

5. Colorado State University

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

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

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

Colorado State is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

6. Concordia University Chicago

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

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

  • PhD in Leadership: Gerontology

Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

7. George Fox University

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

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

  • Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

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

8. George Washington University

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

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

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

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

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

9. Hampton University

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

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

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

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

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

10. Indiana University

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

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

  • Ph.D. in Nursing Science

Indiana U is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

11. Iowa State University

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

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

  • Apparel, Merchandising, and Design – Doctor of Philosophy

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

12. Keiser University

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

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

  • Business Administration, DBA

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

13. Liberty University

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

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

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

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

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

14. Medical University of South Carolina

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

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

  • PhD Nursing Science

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

15. Mississippi State University

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

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

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

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

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

16. Nova Southeastern University

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

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

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

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

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

17. Texas Tech University

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

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

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

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

18. University at Buffalo – SUNY

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

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

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

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

19. University of Alabama

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

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

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

  • PhD in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics

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

20. University of Arkansas

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

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

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

UArk is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

21. University of Florida

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

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

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

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

22. University of Louisiana at Monroe

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

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

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

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

23. University of Missouri

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

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

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

Mizzou is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

24. University of Nebraska – Lincoln

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

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

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

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

25. University of North Dakota

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

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

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

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

26. University of South Dakota

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

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

  • Online Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences

USD is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

27. University of Southern California

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

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

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

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

28. University of Texas at Tyler

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

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

  • PhD in Clinical Psychology
  • PhD in Nursing

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

29. University of the Cumberlands

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

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

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

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

30. Virginia Commonwealth University

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

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

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

Types of Online PhD Programs

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

Business Administration

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

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

accountant working in the office

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

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

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

business consultants working together on a laptop

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

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

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

counselor talking to a young couple

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

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

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

female detective working on documents for a case

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

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

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

education curriculum planners having a meeting

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

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

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

education teacher teaching in a university

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

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

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

training and development manager having a meeting with colleagues

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

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

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

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

financial manager talking to a couple

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

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

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

Healthcare Manager talking to doctors

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

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

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

male professor teaching in a university

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

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

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

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

Homeland Security officer standing on his post

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

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

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

Human Resources Manager talking to company's employees

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

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

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

web developer working on his laptop

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

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

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

manager meeting her team

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

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

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

network administrators checking the data room

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

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

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

nurse checking patient's vital signs during operation

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

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

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

healthcare professionals in a meeting

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

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

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

team of professionals in a meeting

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

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

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

Project Manager collaborating with her team for a project

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

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

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

psychologist talking to a patient in her office

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

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

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

administrative assistant working on her computer

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

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

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

medical professor teaching in a university

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

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

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

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

policy analysts working together in a laptop

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

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

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

school principal checking student's attendance for a field trip

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

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

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

Logistics manager checking inventory in a warehouse

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

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

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

What Are the Highest Paying Doctoral Degrees?

Highest Paying Doctoral Degrees

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

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

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

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

Salary Increase

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

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

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

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

What Are the Most Popular Doctorate Degrees?

Most Popular Doctorate Degrees

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

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

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

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

Intellectual Curiosity

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

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

Careers that Require a PhD

Careers that Require a PhD

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Doctorate Degree?

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Doctorate Degree

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

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

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

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

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

How to Accelerate Your Online PhD

PhD student studying on her laptop

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Advantages of Accelerated PhD Programs

Advantages of Accelerated PhD Programs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Accreditation for an Online PhD Program

logos of six regional boards

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

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

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

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

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

Financial Aid for PhD Students

screenshot of the FAFSA pdf

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

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

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

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

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

Questions Related to Earning a PhD Online

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

Can I Get My PhD Online?

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

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

Are Online PhD Programs Credible?

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

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

How Much Do Online PhD Programs Cost?

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

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

What Are the Best Online PhD Programs?

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

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

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

Is PhD Worth It?

graduating PhD student

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

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

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

phd in distance mode

PhD by distance learning

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

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

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

Our PhD by distance learning programmes

Faculty of environment.

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

Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures

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

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PhD by Distance

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Our PhD by Distance programme allows you to benefit from our world-class support and the expertise of a Reading-based supervisor, while conducting your research in a location that suits your circumstances. 

The programme is available to candidates who need to study for most of their registration period at another site, whether in the UK, or worldwide. Acceptance for PhD by Distance is subject to the approval of the supervisors and the relevant school or department.

There are several reasons why you may wish to base yourself away from the University of Reading while undertaking your PhD:

  • You have an extensive fieldwork element to your research
  • You have responsibilities (e.g. caring or employment) that prevent you from attending on campus
  • You are already based and/or employed in an environment that is relevant and conducive to their research
  • You do not reside within travelling distance of the University
  • You are based in a UK research organisation/institution with a collaborative agreement with the University of Reading in place  

What the programme offers

On the PhD by Distance programme, you will benefit from:

  • the opportunity to study on  either a part-time (4-6 years duration) or full-time basis (3-4 years duration)
  • supervision from one or more leading University of Reading academics, working at the forefront of their field
  • access to a range of high-quality training, delivered on campus or online (see section below on Training)
  • access to extensive online Library resources
  • a PhD qualification which is delivered and examined at the same high academic standard as a campus-based PhD and a standard PhD degree certificate which does not state the mode of study on it.

Training for PhD by Distance students

The doctoral and researcher college provides a suite of generic researcher training open to all doctoral researchers at reading; this complements subject-specific training available via schools. the specific content of the programme changes from year to year but broadly includes the following: .

  • Live online training (available off-campus) – A selection of our training sessions in the Reading Researcher Development Programme (RRDP) are delivered live online each year. UK time zone applies
  • Recorded tutorials (available off-campus) – A small but growing selection of recorded tutorials on key topics such as managing data, academic English and research funding 
  • Face-to-face training (available on campus only) - Other RRDP training sessions and selected longer programmes are offered face-to-face only. Students registered By Distance have access to face-to-face training when physically present on campus.     

By Distance study entails reduced access to training opportunities and on-campus experience. By Distance candidates are encouraged to discuss and mutually agree overall training plans with their supervisor and seek supplementary training external to Reading (e.g. via an employer or nearby institution) as appropriate.

  

Induction and physical attendance

A University-wide induction event is held by the Doctoral and Researcher College near the start of each term for all new doctoral researchers. PhD by Distance students studying at Reading in the first term are expected to attend. Where it is not possible for PhD by Distance students to attend in person (i.e. they are not on campus), a recording of the induction will be made available on the virtual learning environment.

Students registered By Distance will benefit from being physically present on campus for periods of time, for instance to attend induction and selected training, to meet their supervisor and peers, and to attend at key points such as Confirmation of Registration. It is strongly recommended that the first month of their programme be spent on campus. 

Eligibility

You must meet the following criteria:

  • Satisfy the academic and English language entry requirements for PhD study
  • The candidate has a research project which can be undertaken successfully by distance; regular access to campus should not be essential for successful completion of the research
  • The candidate must be able to demonstrate that they have the time to undertake a PhD on the selected mode (full-time or part-time). Part-time doctoral study at Reading typically equates to between 50% and 60% of full-time
  • The candidate has independent access to the resources needed to successfully complete their research; this will vary between candidates and projects but may include access to archives, facilities, data collection, digital infrastructure or space in their off-campus location
  • The candidate is well motivated to work alone; they understand that By Distance registration is not an online learning programme and has reduced access to campus training
  • The candidate and School/Department have discussed the suitability of their research project and personal circumstances for study by distance
  • The candidate, where appropriate, has access to support from a local supervisor or mentor with experience in the academic field and also of supporting students or equivalent researchers. Advisors/mentors may be appointed to provide a regular point of contact, and are normally in a position to act as an ‘advocate’ and provide pastoral care if needed.
  • Will study at least two-thirds of your minimum registration period off campus   

If you are intending to study in the Henley Business School, then please check with the  relevant Department within the Business School  about whether PhD by Distance is available before you apply.

A PhD by Distance is not suitable for all candidates. In offering a PhD By Distance programme specific consideration is given to the suitability of the research project, and whether it can be completed successfully without regular access to campus. Further consideration is given to areas of supervision, support, transferable and subject-specific skills training, research environment , progression milestones and the examination process in order to ensure off campus research students receive a comparable (although, not similar) experience to on campus students registered on ‘standard’ PhD programmes.

Fees for PhD by Distance programmes can be found on the fees webpage

  • How to apply

Before starting your application, you are strongly advised to  navigate to the PhD webpages of your chosen school or department  to read the specific guidance on how to apply, as the requirements can vary. Once you have read the guidance, you will need to make a formal application through the University's  online application system , highlighting that you wish to study for a PhD by Distance (full or part-time). If you have questions about PhD by Distance in a specific school or department, then please contact the relevant School/Department PGR Administrator in the  School PGR Support Team . 

Immigration considerations for international students

PhD by Distance students must ensure that when visiting the University that they obtain the correct visa. The correct type of visa depends upon the period of time which a student intends to spend physically at the University.

PhD by Distance students can visit the University for up to six months within each academic year with a maximum of eighteen months in total for the duration of their programme. Students must discuss their intentions with the Doctoral Research Office (DRO) well in advance of any planned visit to the University. The DRO is well-placed to provide information on a range of immigration-related matters related to Postgraduate Research Programmes [email protected]

Examination

The normal expectation is that the viva of a PhD by Distance student will take place in Reading. Where this is not feasible, online examinations will be arranged.

Further information

Further information on PhD by Distance study can be found in the University's guidance on PhD by Distance .

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What to expect when studying for a PhD by distance learning

Published by Ellen Addis

Since the experience of the pandemic, distance learning became the norm. Studying away from campus can seem like a daunting prospect, but with new and established tools in place like Zoom and the University’s online resources and courses, you will be well supported to undertake your PhD by distance learning.

Thankfully, due to the nature of postgraduate research study, doing a PhD by distance learning is not all that different to a normal PhD. In both ways, you work independently towards the completion of a thesis. The main difference, however, is that your interaction with your supervisors, staff at the university, and fellow students, will be online. PhD English Literature student Ellen Addis writes about what else to expect when studying for a PhD by distance learning.

A lot of screen-time and online communication

As a distance learner, your research and communication with your supervisors will primarily be online. Be proactive in your communications with your supervisors and PhD network to get the most out of distance learning. Making sure you are on top of emails each day and have regular supervisions is paramount to establishing a good working relationship with your supervisors and that your project progresses well. At the beginning of your first supervision, set out expectations, boundaries, and how frequently you would like to meet. Knowing that you have a supervisory team that supports you will help the distance seem shorter.

Person working on a laptop

Research what is available to you

The University of Birmingham has extensive online library resources, training, and courses on Canvas and also the PGR Development from the Library Research Skills Team is invaluable, providing workshops from everything to structuring your thesis, literature searching, and increasing your productivity. You can view the full range of digital services available for students .

The University’s library also has a wide selection of e-books available for use, and more can be requested from MoreBooks@Bham .

Self-discipline, organisation, and motivation

Due to the flexibility that distance postgraduate study offers, students require a certain degree of self-discipline and motivation to be successful. It can be easy to detach yourself from university life and campus when you are so far away from it.

The thesis can be overwhelming, especially when you are not embedded into the university environment. To be successful, set realistic and achievable goals for each day, week, and month with deadlines will help you gain perspective on the work that you need to do. Keeping a digital calendar with alerts for deadlines and projects is also useful.

Planner with post-it notes

Working independently

Being a distance learner PhD student means that you are less likely to run into your supervisor on campus and go for a quick coffee to talk about your research. You also won’t be working in shared study spaces like Westmere on campus, so you will have less in-person interaction with fellow students. Independence is key to PhD study, but by distance learning there is a risk that you might feel isolated.

To avoid this, make sure you are proactive in your communications, especially in your emails. Check your emails every day and make sure you have regular meetings with your supervisors. There are multiple online-only reading groups available to interact with other students in your department and make you feel a part of the Birmingham community while being outside of the city. The University Postgraduate School runs helpful ‘ Shut Up and Work ’ sessions frequently where you can study with fellow students online, and there are a plethora of events run by them and your own school and department that you can look into.

Establishing your own distance learning community is important to not only stay on top of your PhD, but to feel less alone. The University also has a Mental Health and Wellbeing Service available for all students.

Create a good working environment

You will not have access to the campus PGR study spaces a distance learner. Therefore, creating a working environment that is quiet and conductive to productive independent work is extremely important and will help you in the long run. Spend time making a place which is calming, where you can close the door and not be distracted by everyday tasks and chores so that your research can take precedent.  

Although you may be a distance learner, there are ways that not all your research has to be online. If you are a PhD student based in the UK, you can apply for SCONUL Access ,  a reciprocal scheme which allows many university library users to borrow or use books and journals at other libraries which belong to the scheme. The scheme covers most of the university libraries in the UK and Ireland. This is a useful tool for finding library resources and study spaces close to you and will help you feel connected to a university environment.

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Distance learning / online phds.

So, you’ve decided you want to do a PhD – but there’s a problem. You’re tied down in some way. Perhaps it’s a job, a partner, or children, or simply that you just don’t want to go back to university in the way everyone thinks of postgraduate study as involving.

Well, these days there’s no need to – many universities offer distance learning PhDs! There are plenty of reasons as to why some people choose online postgraduate study  and recently, it’s becoming more and more available. It is still somewhat obviously limited by subject ­ – a PhD in which you’re required to be doing lab-based research is unlikely to be possible via distance learning, but one in which you’re studying Classics? Almost certainly fine! And the great thing is it means you can study your PhD from literally anywhere!

Online study is a great way to get a PhD , but of course, online study isn’t suited to everyone, so before committing you need to make sure that a distance learning PhD program is right for you . You’ll have to be self-motivated, used to managing your time and confident that your current environment is suited for study. Still think it’s the right choice?

Then let’s take a look at...

PhD by Distance Learning

What are the main differences between doing a PhD by distance learning, and one in which you remain on campus? Well, you might be surprised to find out there’s not as many as you think. Unlike undergraduate degrees, where there’s a whole host of lectures, tutorials and classes going on, a PhD is much more self-driven.

As a PhD is research-based, rather than taught, it’s entirely possible to do in a completely different city to your university. The big differences are the environment – you’ll have less access to university resources (such as on-site libraries), a lack of in-person contact with other students perhaps doing similar topics, and you may miss out on relevant seminars. In addition, much of your communication with your PhD supervisor may be done by phone, email or other online methods.

With that said, many universities will require you to spend some time at the university – not a lot, but it’s worth bearing in mind. Many universities these days will also have online resources, meaning you should be able to access plenty of things via the internet, but certainly difficult to track down sources may require travelling!

On the note of supervisors, it’s important to remember that just because you’re doing a distance learning PhD program, doesn’t mean you can just choose anywhere. You’ll still need to ensure the department is good at the area you want to work in, and that you find a supervisor that is suited to you. Although you may not have to have in-person meetings with them, you still need to ensure that it’s someone whose research interests match yours and that you’re comfortable working with. 

Another thing to remember is that you will still have to pay fees. Though distance learning may cut down on your expenses somewhat – the lack of having to move, the possibility of keeping a current job, and so on – you will have to budget accordingly.

A distance learning PhD will still impact on your life significantly – you will have to devote the same amount of hours to research as you would doing at onsite course, and you’ll have to be responsible for your own time.

Common misconceptions about studying a distance learning PhD program

There are a lot of common misconceptions about studying a distance learning PhD, and we detail them further here . However, let’s take a look at two major ones:

#1 Employers won’t consider degrees done by distance learning

Any distance learning PhD program from a particular university will be accredited from that university in an identical manner to someone who studied the PhD on campus. Whilst it may once have been the case that people would have looked at this suspiciously, more and more employers are recognising the worth of online study – and, especially in academia, no one will look twice at the fact your PhD is done via distance learning. You can even spin it in your favour, pointing out the massive amount of organisation it took!

#2 Distance learning means you miss out on student/supervisor interaction

We’ve discussed this briefly before, but most PhD students wouldn’t be seeing their supervisor constantly. Emails and phone communication are becoming more and more popular, and should serve you well for keeping in touch. You can also arrange to visit them occasionally if you do want a meeting with them, and just go up for the day.

So that’s our look at doing a distance learning PhD, we also have some really useful information on distance learning in general as well as studying PhDs .

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Studying A Distance Learning Masters Program

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How To Get A PhD

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Bristol Doctoral College

Distance learning.

Distance learning is a mode of attendance which offers an opportunity for those who may not be able to pursue campus-based research and learning. You can find out about distance learning and available distance learning programmes on this page.

What is distance learning?

Distance Learning is a mode of attendance, which offers an opportunity for those who may not be able to pursue campus-based research and learning. This is suitable for those who are self-motivated in working independently and away from more regular face-to-face interaction with an academic supervisor or supervisory team. Those interested in pursuing a degree by distance learning must meet the usual admissions criteria for their chosen research degree, as well as both of the following conditions:

  • a successful outcome of the research programme is not reliant on the University’s facilities but enriched by resources and facilities which are available to a research degree candidate locally, for example in their work place
  • the required academic supervision can be provided remotely.

Who is it appropriate for?

The two following examples illustrate the difference between distance learning and campus-based learning. This will help you decide whether or not the distance learning as a mode of attendance is appropriate.

  • Distance learning example: A candidate’s main place of residency is outside of Bristol in the UK or abroad. They have access to facilities essential for their research: laboratory, databases, archives, experimental facilities, and other resources which are available either through their employer or locally. Their primary link with the academic supervisor is remote, meaning they maintain regular communication remotely but attend joint meetings as stipulated by the University’s policy for Research degrees by Distance learning .
  • Campus-based example: A Doctoral research candidate’s main place of residency might be outside Bristol, but they require a regular ongoing access to the University’s facilities (research laboratories, library, high power computer facilities and other) to progress with their research. They visit the University every two/four weeks for face to face meetings with academic supervisors.

If a research student is away from the university as part of field work or temporarily away from the University campus and cannot have face to face interactions with their academic supervisor, this is not a case for distance learning.

Benefits of a research degree by distance learning

Distance Learning is an opportunity available to academically qualified and exceptional candidates who wish to do a research degree, for example, as part of their professional career. Undertaking a research degree could be an integral part of the daily work, most likely based in businesses with a focus on research and development, and therefore supported by employer organisations.

This opportunity further includes candidates who have no easy access to the University campus due to any circumstances, for example those who have care responsibility or disabilities.

See what doctoral programmes are currently available through distance learning

You can use this to search for programmes in the area of study which interests you. Each programme page will provide an overview of the subject, followed by key information, which includes information about the availability of Distance Learning.

For example, on the programme page for  English Literature PhD , you can see in the key information that Distance Learning is available (under ‘Location’). Information may also be included in the Programme structure paragraphs.

If you are still uncertain, do get in touch with the local school or faculty PG teams. You’ll find the relevant contact details at the foot of each programme page.

If you are interested in pursuing a Doctoral research degree in a programme that is not listed above – please contact the programme administrator to enquire about options.

Criteria, requirements, and application process

What are the tuition fees and costs associated.

The tuition fees for students studying for a Research Degree by Distance Learning  at the University of Bristol  are the same as for campus-based study.  Doctoral candidates will be expected  to arrange and cover the costs for their visits to the University, including travel, accommodation and any visa requirements.

What is the approval process?

In the first instance, if the programme you would like to apply for to do your research, is open to Distance Learning opportunities , i.e. listed in the Programmes table, then please get in touch with the relevant School/Faculty and an academic who may potentially be interested and available to supervise you.

Do take the time to discuss your research proposal and your specific circumstances with particular emphasis on your current employment status and whether or not your employer will be supporting your research, by providing access to research facilities, data, archives and other, if required.

The Bristol Doctoral College can offer further advice, please get in touch .

What are the admission requirements?

You need to meet the general admission requirements for research degree programme you choose to apply for. Please read the Admissions Statement for the programme of your choice.

The additional information (academic references, CV, personal statement) will be collected through the online application process.

Your personal statement should articulate the motivation for requesting to study by distance learning. You must also demonstrate:

  • An ability to undertake research independently as shown, for example, by previous distance learning experience, the completion of independent research projects, presentations at conferences, and professional or academic publications
  • Evidence that the student’s home location is suitable for undertaking the research and that there is access to appropriate research materials and resources
  • Access to appropriate technological equipment and the internet to allow remote contact.

What is the attendance requirement?

T he minimum requirement is for a two-week visit each academic year, plus a further visit for the oral examination. For international students who require a visa – the  Student Visa Services  is on hand to help.

What support will I receive?

The University endeavours to support all our distance learning students and will make every effort to provide the support needed to ensure they are integrated into the research community.

The range of online resources available to all Doctoral research students, including those who are not campus based, is growing. The Bristol Doctoral College Personal and Professional Development catalogue provides a filtered overview of currently available online courses and other materials. (Please sort by 'Course Format'.)

How do I apply?

You can apply online using the University’s online application system .

How it works

As a distance learning research student, you can access the University’s research environment through remote links and scheduled visits.

Support and a wide range of opportunities are also available to you — read more about how a distance learning degree works.

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phd in distance mode

PhD by Distance

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

Woman sitting working at a laptop

What's involved?

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

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

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

Entry requirements

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

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

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

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

Working whilst studying

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

This article was published on 2024-08-01

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PhD by Distance Learning

Student with books

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

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

Why study by distance learning? 

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

Is the distance learning route for you? 

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

How will I be supported? 

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

What is the cost?

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

  • Economy class flights to and from Birmingham for the compulsory two-week campus visit in September
  • Accommodation at the University for the compulsory two-week campus visit in September
  • Economy class flights to and from Birmingham at the end of the study period for the three-day PhD viva examination
  • Accommodation at the University for the three-day viva examination

How often will I need to be on campus?

Although you may be able to undertake the majority of your study at an off campus location, you will be fully funded to make one compulsory visit to the University.  This will enable you to meet your supervisory team, undertake intensive research skills training and make a start on your doctoral studies. You will then be invited to attend the University for annual ‘in-person’ meetings which give you the opportunity to interact with other doctoral students both socially and academically, undertake important progress meetings and carry out necessary training. You will also generally be required to be present on campus for your viva voce.

Am I eligible?

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

Can I study by distance learning anywhere?

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

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

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

How to apply?

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

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

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

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

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PhD by Distance

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

What's involved?

The PhD by Distance is not intended to be an online learning programme.

Students enrolled on this programme will be expected to come to Edinburgh at least once per year of study to meet with their supervisors.

The length and timing of these visits are negotiable but students should expect to spend at least two weeks at the University of Edinburgh during each year of study.

This could be for the annual review process, or to attend research training courses. It is also expected that PhD by Distance students will come to Edinburgh for their oral examination (viva voce).

PhD by Distance students will receive the same level of support and supervision as on-campus students. The frequency with which students will meet with their supervisors, and method of communication for supervision sessions, will be provisionally agreed at the point of application and confirmed during induction. This must include at least one face-to-face supervision session each year with additional meetings and communication on a regular basis.  

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

Entry requirements

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

In addition, applicants to the PhD by Distance will also be required to complete a PhD by Distance Applicant Admission Form and Study Plan.

Applicants should provide information about previous experience of distance study together with a statement detailing the potential risks and characteristics of distance learning.

Experience of studying at a distance is desirable in applying for the programme however this is not a specific requirement for admission.

It is important however that applicants demonstrate an awareness of the challenges of this mode of study.

Applicants must also provide details of the access they will have to research facilities at the normal site of study and whether a local advisor is proposed.

Applications to the PhD by Distance will only be accepted if applicants have access to local University standard library facilities and to the internet.

Applicants will also be required to have a discussion with the proposed principal supervisor and to complete a provisional study plan in consultation with them as part of the admissions process.

International students wishing to study part-time will be considered for this Distance programme.

What programmes are available by distance?

Phd/phd by distance counselling studies.

The PhD/MPhil in Counselling Studies programme is an advanced research degree enabling students to conduct in-depth independent research on a topic of their choice, thereby contributing to the knowledge and evidence base for counselling and psychotherapy.

PhD/PhD by Distance Health in Social Science

Doctoral research students are a new and crucial part of the Counselling, Psychotherapy and Applied Social Sciences research community and we welcome applications from potential students in our fields of research interest.

PhD/PhD by Distance Clinical and Health Psychology

The PhD/MSc by Research programme provides the opportunity to do a substantial piece of research in an area linked to clinical and health psychology and to develop excellent research skills in the process.

PhD/PhD by Distance Nursing Studies

The PhD Nursing Studies programme is an advanced postgraduate research degree for students wishing to conduct in-depth independent research on an area to contribute to nursing knowledge and evidence. It offers the student a chance to make a significant contribution to knowledge in nursing.

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Can i earn a doctoral degree through distance learning.

No. You can give our   MOOCs a try, though.

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Politics and International Relations at Leicester

The PhD by distance learning is designed to offer an additional mode of study to those who seek a PhD but would find it difficult to fulfil the requirements of full or part-time study on-campus.

Successful applicants for this programme will require a good quality research proposal as a key condition of entry, as well as meeting the usual University and departmental requirements. They will be assigned supervision from the relevant department.

All distance learning PhD candidates, regardless of department, will initially undertake a structured programme of research training over the course of 12 months. The research training will consist of four mandatory modules, delivered through a combination of module books and interactive tasks, readings and discussion on the University’s Blackboard virtual learning environment.

Following the completion of the research training, you will begin to focus solely on your proposed theses, with supervisory support provided by telephone or electronically.

If you are interested in applying for a PhD in Politics and International Relations , please contact Dr Tara McCormack  with a research proposal. Browse our  PhD guidelines  for producing a proposal.

Best PhD in Distance learning Programs [2023]

  • by Alain Mbeng
  • November 20, 2022

online degree in real estate

PhD in Distance Learning

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

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

How To Choose a Distance Learning PhD Program

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

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

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

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

Northcentral University

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

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

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

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

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

Johns Hopkins University

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

  • Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, DNP Advanced Practice Track
  • Adult-Gerontological Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, DNP Advanced Practice Track
  • Adult-Gerontological Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, DNP Advanced Practice Track
  • Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, DNP Advanced Practice Track
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice: Executive Track
  • Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
  • Education (Online), EdD
  • Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, DNP Advanced Practice Track
  • Pediatric Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, DNP Advanced Practice Track
  • Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, DNP Advanced Practice Track
  • Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, DNP Advanced Practice Track
  • Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, DNP Advanced Practice Track

Grand Canyon University

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

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

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

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

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

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

Atlantic International University

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

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

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

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

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

Liberty University

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

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

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

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

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

Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD)

Psychology (PhD)

Business Business Administration (PhD)

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)

Organization and Management (PhD)

Communication and the Arts Communication (PhD)

Strategic Media (PhD)

Divinity Bible Exposition (PhD)

Christian Leadership (EdD or PhD)

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Master of Theology (ThM)

Education Advanced Educational Studies (PhD)

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Education (PhD)

Education Specialist (EdS)

Higher Education Administration (PhD)

Government Criminal Justice (DCJ/PhD)

Doctor of Law and Policy (DLP)

Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

Public Administration (PhD)

Public Policy (PhD)

Health Sciences Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) – General

Health Sciences (PhD)

Music Christian Worship (PhD)

Doctor of Music Education (DME)

Doctor of Worship Studies (DWS)

Music Education (PhD)

Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Nursing – Nursing Education (PhD)

University of North Dakota

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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15 best online aviation degrees [2023], 7 free online nail courses with certificates in 2023.

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PhD Distance Education Admission: Eligibility, Fee & Scope

Education Desk

PhD Distance Education

PhD Distance Education programs offer flexible study options, typically lasting  3 to 6 years  depending on the student’s progress and the university. To apply, students usually need a  master’s degree  with at least  55% marks . Some universities also require an  entrance exam  for admission. The fees for PhD programs range from  INR 90,000 to 1,50,000 per year , depending on the institution and the course. Application fees generally fall between  INR 5,000 to 12,000 . The subjects and research areas available vary based on the field of study chosen, allowing students to focus on their interests.

PhD Distance Education Admission Latest Update

  • SKU University : PhD programs include  Management ,  Education , and  Chemistry . Approximate fee:  INR 1,50,000 per year .  Admission last date: September 28, 2024 .
  • William Carey University : PhD options include  Environmental Science ,  Mathematics , and  Political Science . Approximate fee:  INR 1,45,000 per year .  Admission last date: September 29, 2024 .

PhD Distance Education Important Points

  • Course Full Name: Doctor of Philosophy in Distance Education
  • About: A PhD Distance Education helps students to learn advanced research skills and knowledge through online learning. It aims to prepare students for important roles in both academic and professional backgrounds.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Candidates need a Master’s degree in a relevant field with at least 55% marks from a recognized university.
  • Program Duration: This program usually takes a minimum of 3 years to complete.
  • Application Deadline: Students can apply to this program before August 9, 2024 .
  • Course Curriculum: The course includes Advanced Research Methods, Educational Technology, Curriculum Development, Instructional Design, Online Learning Theories , and Dissertation Work . 
  • Career Opportunities: Various career opportunities in this field are University Professors, Educational Consultants, Instructional Coordinators, Curriculum Developers , and Researchers .
  • Average Salary: The salary ranges from INR 6 LPA to INR 12 LPA .
  • Flexibility: The program offers online classes , allowing students to study while managing their personal and work commitments. Materials like lectures and readings are available online.
  • How to Apply: Candidates are free to visit the admission portal of IMTS Institute for counseling related queries. After that, fill out the application form and submit the required documents.
  • Approx. Fees: The yearly fees range from INR 91,000 to INR 1,20,000 .
PhD Admission Highlights
3 – 6 Years
Master Degree
to per year
Doctorate

The PhD Distance Education course covers a variety of fields, including the humanities/arts, science, engineering, management, pharmacy, mass communication, law, and commerce. PhD has a duration of 3–6 years. To apply for a PhD course at a top PhD college in 2024, you must score at least 50% in your master’s degree or a comparable CGPA and have a valid PhD entrance exam score.

Specializations Overview:  The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree program has a huge list of specializations that represent every stream at the highest level of education. Some of the most aspiring specializations are chemistry, history, economics, English, Hindi, commerce, computer applications, business administration, and so forth.

Here are some tips for PhD admission in 2024:

  • Online question papers from previous years can be collected.
  • Depending on your specialization, study the syllabus.
  • Identify the exam format, which varies from organization to organization.
  • Make sure you have covered all topics at least one month before the exam.
  • Reduce exam pressure by practicing mock tests.
  • For better grades, stay up-to-date on current affairs.
  • Avoid last-minute confusion by visiting the exam center a day before.
  • Before the exam, get a good night’s sleep.
  • To avoid traffic, arrive an hour early at the exam center.
  • You will be stressed on exam day. Stay calm.

Note : Candidates can learn more about the above-mentioned segments, as well as the admission process for the Ph.D. degree program, in the upcoming units.

Is Distance Phd Valid in India?

No, PhD Distance Education is not approved to be pursued by students in India.

PhD course is not approved to be offered by the distance education mode. The University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2017 issued a notification stating that the PhD degree pursued from the distance education mode will no longer be approved by the organization.

About IMTS Institute

IMTS Institute, established over 15 years ago , is India’s premier and trusted institute for distance learning. It has been dedicated to serving the best interests of students since its inception and will continue to do so in the future. IMTS Institute offers a wide range of disciplines and courses at various levels to cater to the diverse needs of students.

The institute takes pride in its achievement of securing over 50,000+ admissions , reflecting the trust and confidence students have in IMTS Institute. With a team of more than 350 experienced and qualified counselors, the institute is committed to improving the lives of students by providing valuable guidance and support.

IMTS Institute has produced professionals who are at the forefront of their fields and have secured positions in prestigious companies such as Google, HCL, TCS, IBM, and many more . These success stories are a testament to the quality of education and training provided by IMTS Institute.

PhD Distance Education Admission 2024

There is no approval for the PhD course to be offered by distance education. According to a notification issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2017, the PhD degree pursued through distance education will no longer be approved by the commission as it was previously.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) does not recognize Ph.D. distance learning programs in India. This means that PhD degrees Provided through distance learning are not considered equivalent to Ph.D. degrees Provided through regular Mode

The UGC believes that PhD programs should be provided through a hands-on learning experience that allows students to interact with their professors. Distance learning programs, on the other hand, often lack this level of interaction.

Also, the UGC is concerned about the quality of PhD distance learning programs. Some Fake institutions offer PhD programs online, and the UGC does not want to endorse these programs.

Eligibility Criteria for PhD Admission

  • The General Eligibility criteria for admission to the Ph.D. program is a master’s degree with 50% marks.
  • Candidates who passed their M.Phil qualification with 50% are eligible to apply for PhD admission.

Fee Structure For PhD

The fee structure for PhD admission varies as per the university, PhD course is only allowed to be pursued in regular mode. The fee at WC University for PhD admission is INR 1,26,500.

The fee given in the table is approx Fee, kindly contact the counselling team of IMTS Institute at 9210989898 .
William Carey University PhD 3 years INR 1,26,500

PhD Distance Education Admission in India

Distance Learning Is Not Permitted For The PhD Programme. For regular mode, there are numerous PhD courses that the students can opt for admission, but due to multiple choices, sometimes the students get confused. Therefore we have listed some of the best distance PhD programs in India:

Specializations of Ph.D. in Regular Mode

When we discuss getting a Ph.D. Program in regular mode, we have several different specialties and applicants. 

PhD in Science Master/M.Phil INR 95,520
Ph.D. in Commerce Master/M.Phil INR 1,05,520
PhD in Humanities Master/M.Phil INR 98,250
Ph.D. in English Master/M.Phil INR 88,640
PhD in Literature Master/M.Phil INR 1,20,640
Ph.D. in Law Master/M.Phil INR 94,850

Career Opportunities After PhD Distance Education

After completion of the PhD program, graduates have a wide range of lucrative employment opportunities in a variety of industries and occupations. There are jobs available in both the private and public sectors for graduates. Some career options available for PhD graduates are:

Researcher Museums
Manager Research Institutions
Lecturer Universities & Colleges
Teacher Digital Media Agencies
Consultant Law Firms
Professor Statistical Department
Learning Counsel Agriculture Industry
Analysts NGOs
Scientist Research and Development Agencies

Ques: What is the eligibil ity for a PhD Distance Education?

Ans: PhD Distance Education is not valid in India.

Ques: Is the PhD Distance Education degree course valid?

Ans: No, Universities don’t have approval from UGC for PhD Distance Education Admission in 2024. 

Ques: What is the age limit for the PhD Distance Education course?

Ans: Distance PhD is not valid in India . In regular mode, The age limit for PhD degree courses in distance mode depends on the university and institutions.

Education Desk

I’m Mr. Gupta, a skilled professional dedicated to helping people and businesses succeed. I use data analysis, market research, and digital marketing to improve business performance. I create custom marketing plans to help businesses stand out online. I also guide people in finding careers that fit their goals and opportunities. With my legal expertise, I help businesses make smart, legal decisions. I lead research and development and keep students informed about university updates to help them stay ahead. Join me to explore data, marketing, law, and career advice. With my help, you can achieve your goals and reach your full potential!

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PhD Online, Admission, Benefits, Scholarships, Curriculum 2024

phd in distance mode

Collegedunia Team

Content Curator

During the online program of Ph.D., doctoral students generally must finish their recruitment course and pass the comprehensive examinations. Students can prepare for Ph.D. in online mode by writing an original essay and without going out of the country students can complete their preparation in an easy way. 

Universities offer online doctoral programs in fields like engineering, business, nursing, including business, healthcare administration, education, and information technology, etc. 

See more: List of PhD Courses

Some doctoral programs include the experience with learning into the degree. For immediately, in the field of nursing students complete clinical hours at a local site, while doctoral education students should complete practicum hours in a local college or school. 

The doctoral program of the online local site helps students in their preparation to meet these requirements.

See More: PhD Course

On the online mode, many types of offers provide help in any type of benefits, affordability, and flexibility. The online flexibility allows students in their learning with professional and personal responsibilities. 

Table of Content

  • PhD Online: Application Process
  • Why Study PhD Online?
  • PhD Online: Cost
  • PhD Online: Scholarships
  • PhD Online: Curriculum
  • PhD Online: FAQs

PhD Online: Application Process 

Every school and college determines the different types of admission requirements for doctorates.

  • A great number of students want to provide prior academic transcripts and a resume or syllabus vitae. 
  • A collection of financial (portfolio) of work or research, the pleading of letters, and proof of degree in the doctoral program as the same field.  See more: PhD Admissions 2023

Check Udemy Courses:

Why Study PhD Online? 

Ph.D. online programs provide many types of personal and professional benefits, they are:

The online programs prioritize flexibility, students do complete their coursework and many other obligations.
The students who are busy at any time then the online course is very useful all the way. Students save their most valuable time and arrange many other types of responsibilities while pursuing a doctoral degree.
Students can attend every class of Ph.D. online mode because they do not need to quit their jobs and many other responsibilities. During your job and other important work, you can attend every class on an online platform.
Colleges and Universities generally support online doctoral students and provide many resources like online career services, academic advising, and online writing centers. These all resources help students so much in an online mode.

PhD Online: Cost 

phd in distance mode

What to Expect from Tuition and Fees 

The online course of the Ph.D. program is great widely and depending on the school and field. 

  • Some colleges and schools charge tuition rates under $300 for every credit, and many charge over $1,000 for every credit. 
  • To join tuition prospective doctoral students have to consider many other education expenses, like the cost of the book, technology fees, distance learning fees, and graduation fees, etc. By researching the tuition fees, students can regulate the total cost of earning a Phd.

Accreditation for an Online College 

The universities which are certified give the highest standards for academic brilliance. 

  • Colleges must undergo a diligent assessment method to earn permission that universities are independent accrediting agencies that review all students and school’s learning outcomes. 
  • They also survey for the faculty qualifications, learning outcomes, and their academic mission. Certificated universities and colleges must survey on a regular basis to maintain their status.
  • If students complete their degree at an accredited school or college, then they get a valid degree certificate which is used in many areas. In the field of business, nursing programs, education, and jobs. Students can verify a school’s certification through the department of education database.

PhD Online: Scholarships 

Online doctoral candidates may pass for various financial aid opportunities, such as fellowships, grants, assistantships, and scholarships. The following list outlines several popular scholarships for doctoral students. In the following list, many types of famous scholarships are presented for doctoral students.

Humanities or social sciences qualify for the scholarship. Aspirants must achieve a certificated graduate college as whole-time students and show the economic need and academic achievement.  USD 34,000 or INR 24,68,000
Eligible aspirants have to attend an accredited online program with a minimum 3.0 GPA to receive the scholarship. Candidates should submit transcripts, an essay, and a copy of the FAFSA to show financial need.  USD 1,000 or INR 72,600
The students who are graduates in psychology must submit a research proposal for receiving the scholarship. The committee judges the aspirants based on their research design, research question, and a letter of pleading from the advisor of the students. USD 2,000-5,000 or INR 1,45,200-3,63,000
Students achieving a certificated online university qualify for the reward, adding the students to online doctoral programs. The aspirants must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA and also achieve at least 80% online courses.  USD 1,000 or INR 72,600
Teachers achieving a graduate degree for quality this scholarship that is offered by Teacher .org. Aspirants must achieve a minimum 3.5 GPA and write an essay on how they inspire the teachers and students.  USD 500 or 36,000

PhD Online: Curriculum 

Most online Ph.D. courses demand at least two years of study, and many set a completion deadline of 7-9 years. During their doctoral program, learners typically need to complete coursework, pass qualifying examinations and write and defend an original dissertation.

PhD Online: FAQs 

Ques. How much is the average cost of online college?

Ques. Is there a free online college?

Ques. Can I do a Ph.D. degree online?

Ques. How long does it take to earn a Ph.D. degree online?

Ph.D. : 43 answered questions

Ques. are master's degrees from ignou acceptable for admission into ph.d courses in top universities.

● Top Answer By Anumita Mukharjee on 28 Apr 22

Ques. Is a Phd from IGNOU worth it/valuable?

● Top Answer By Srabani Guha on 24 Jul 23

Ques. How is the Direct PhD program of IIT Madras?

● Top Answer By Arati Sinha on 29 Mar 23

Ques. What is the value of a Ph.D. degree from IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Karuna Nair on 13 Mar 23

Ques. Why do some students in IIT Bombay leave high-paying jobs and join grad schools for PhD?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 23 Mar 23

Ques. What is the placement scenario after PhD in IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 17 Mar 23

Ques. Is a PhD from IGNOU valid?

● Top Answer By Pankaj Kumar on 18 Oct 22

Ques. What is the placement record of MSc applied statistics students of IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Poornima Sahoo on 18 Mar 23

Ques. How difficult is it to get a PhD from IISc Bangalore?

● Top Answer By Bidita Ghose on 14 Jul 23

Ques. How good is doing a PhD in BITS Pilani compared to IITs?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 27 Jun 23

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phd in distance mode

Pursue Philosophy and Doctoral Programmes through IGNOU Distance Learning Mode

Last Modified: 01 Sep 2024

The Indira Gandhi National Open University or IGNOU aims at providing higher education to the students and the working professionals. The institution started their target from remote area students and then moved to married women and physically challenged students. The institution has now become the ideal choice for the school/college dropouts and the working professionals.

The University offers higher education with the M.Phil. and PhD courses. Working professionals, who want to pursue their career in teaching /research field generally, opt for these courses. The Maximum duration of such courses is 5 years. The university also offers M.Phil. and doctoral programmes through regular mode. However, here we have included only those programmes which come under distance learning mode.  

List of IGNOU’s M.Phil. Programmes through Distance Mode

The following are the few M.Phil courses that aspirants can look up to before applying for their suitable one.

  • Master of Philosophy in Commerce
  • M.Phil. in Economics
  • Master of Philosophy in Gandhian Thought and Peace Studies
  • Master of Philosophy in Theatre Arts
  • Master of Philosophy in Public Administration
  • Master of Philosophy in Political Science
  • Master of Philosophy in Social Work
  • Master of Philosophy in Sociology
  • Master of Philosophy in Translation Studies
  • M.Phil. in Distance Education

List of IGNOU’s Doctoral Degree through Distance Mode

The following are the courses for the PhD programmes from distance mode.

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture Extension
  • PhD in Dairy Science and Technology
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce
  • Doctor of Philosophy Computer Science
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Economics
  • Doctor of Philosophy in English
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Extension & Development Studies
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Food & Nutrition
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Gandhian Thought and Peace Studies (M.Phil./PhD in Gandhian Studies) Integrated
  • PhD in Gender and Development Studies
  • PhD in Women’s Studies
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Geography
  • Post Doctoral Certificate in Dialysis Medicine
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Hindi
  • Doctor of Philosophy in History
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Inter-disciplinary and Trans-disciplinary Studies
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Journalism & Mass Communication
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Library & Information Science
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Management
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Performing and Visual Arts with specialization in Theatre Arts,  Fine Arts, and Music
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Law
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Life Sciences
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Physics
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Education
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Public Administration
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Rural Development
  • PhD in French
  • PhD in Arabic
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Geology
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Social Work
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Tourism and Hospitality
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Vocational Education
  • PhD in Distance Education
  • PhD in Translation Studies

The above are the courses that are offered by IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) for M.Phil. and PhD programmes under their different schools. The above master’s degree courses have their different set of eligibility criteria. Therefore, aspirants must look up to those eligibility norms before applying for their suitable courses under M.Phil. and PhD programmes.  However, the aspirants who will qualify their NTA UGC NET exam need not qualify or sit for the University entrance examination .

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[Updated on 13-Sep-2024]

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COMMENTS

  1. PhD by Distance

    Study requirements. The study expectations of PhD by distance mode students are the same as on-campus students. This means that you will: need to meet the same admissions requirements, including English-language proficiency. be supported by a panel of supervisors. complete any mandatory coursework.

  2. Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

    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.

  3. Best Online Ph.D. In Higher Education Programs Of 2024

    Tuition for the higher education doctoral programs on our list averages $905 per credit. With the average program requiring 64 credits, the average total cost of an online Ph.D. in higher ...

  4. 30 Best Online PhD Programs [2024 Ultimate Guide]

    The Bama By Distance online learning program offers a PhD in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics. The 72-credit-hour programs are designed for aerospace engineers with 5+ years' experience in the field. ... (72 credit hours, blended delivery mode) and aPhD in Human Environmental Sciences (emphasis architectural studies, 30 credit hours ...

  5. PhD by distance learning

    PhD by distance learning allows you to study at a time and place that suits you and, with a part-time option available, you'll have the flexibility to gain an advanced degree alongside work and other commitments. Through completing a PhD, you will become an expert in a specialist area and gain high-quality research training.

  6. PhD by Distance

    What the programme offers. On the PhD by Distance programme, you will benefit from: the opportunity to study on either a part-time (4-6 years duration) or full-time basis (3-4 years duration) supervision from one or more leading University of Reading academics, working at the forefront of their field. access to a range of high-quality training ...

  7. IGNOU

    In accordance with the University policy for Ph.D. programme, STRIDE offers Ph.D in Distance Education. The workload of 96 credits for Ph.D is essential where one credit is 30 hours of study and research. The course work is compulsory for Ph.D. programme, and is in the line with the UGC guidelines. The Pre-Ph.D course work of 16 credits aims at ...

  8. What to expect when studying for a PhD by distance learning

    Working independently. Being a distance learner PhD student means that you are less likely to run into your supervisor on campus and go for a quick coffee to talk about your research. You also won't be working in shared study spaces like Westmere on campus, so you will have less in-person interaction with fellow students.

  9. PhD by Distance Learning

    If the option of a PhD by Distance Learning is one that appeals to you, please contact the relevant member of staff to discuss further. Dr Juliet Coates; Professor John Colbourne; Dr Aditi Kanhere ... Full reasons (academic and personal) for registering for the distance learning mode of study rather than by standard full or part-time on-campus ...

  10. Distance Learning PhD

    Any distance learning PhD program from a particular university will be accredited from that in an identical manner to someone who studied the PhD on campus. Whilst it may once have been the case that people would have looked at this suspiciously, more and more employers are recognising the worth of online study - and, especially in academia ...

  11. Distance learning

    Distance Learning is a mode of attendance, which offers an opportunity for those who may not be able to pursue campus-based research and learning. ... For example, on the programme page for English Literature PhD, you can see in the key information that Distance Learning is available (under 'Location'). Information may also be included in ...

  12. PhD by Distance

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

  13. PhD by Distance Learning

    The distance learning route to PhD study is not for everyone. You have to have a very clear idea of your project and be able to motivate yourself. ... Full reasons (academic and personal) for registering for the distance learning mode of study rather than by standard full or part-time on-campus options. In particular, how you will be able to ...

  14. Online PhD in Education Program

    A PhD is a terminal degree in education research, which means earning a doctorate will put you in an elite category in your field. Walden's PhD in Education online program is designed for education professionals who wish to contribute to and advance the practice of education. With a doctoral degree, you will be positioned to strengthen the ...

  15. PhD by Distance

    The entry requirements for the PhD by Distance are the same as for the School's on-campus PhD programmes. In addition, applicants to the PhD by Distance will also be required to complete a PhD by Distance Applicant Admission Form and Study Plan. PhD by distance applicant admission form and study plan (2022-2023) (65.56 KB / DOCX) Applicants ...

  16. Can I earn a doctoral degree through distance learning?

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Linguistics and Philosophy 77 Massachusetts Avenue, 32-D808 Cambridge, MA 02139-4307, USA p: 1.617.253.4141

  17. PhD by distance learning

    The PhD by distance learning is designed to offer an additional mode of study to those who seek a PhD but would find it difficult to fulfil the requirements of full or part-time study on-campus. Successful applicants for this programme will require a good quality research proposal as a key condition of entry, as well as meeting the usual ...

  18. Best PhD in Distance learning Programs [2023]

    Below are the study areas that NCU offers distance learning PhD programs and Applied doctorate programs: Doctor of Education (EdD) Degree. Online Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Technology Management (PhD-TM) Online Doctor of Business Administration. Doctor of Criminal Justice. Doctor of Philosophy in Cybersecurity.

  19. PhD Distance Education Admission: Eligibility, Fee & Scope

    The fee structure for PhD admission varies as per the university, PhD course is only allowed to be pursued in regular mode. The fee at WC University for PhD admission is INR 1,26,500. The fee given in the table is approx Fee, kindly contact the counselling team of IMTS Institute at 9210989898. University.

  20. School of Humanities (SOH)

    In accordance with the University policy for Ph.D. programme, STRIDE offers Ph.D in Distance Education. The workload of 96 credits for Ph.D is essential where one credit is 30 hours of study and research. The course work is compulsory for Ph.D. programme, and is in the line with the UGC guidelines. The Pre-Ph.D course work of 16 credits aims at ...

  21. PhD Online: in India, Free, Fees, Admission, Programs 2024

    USD 2,000-5,000 or INR 1,45,200-3,63,000. Thebestschools.org $1,000 Online College Scholarships. Students achieving a certificated online university qualify for the reward, adding the students to online doctoral programs. The aspirants must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA and also achieve at least 80% online courses.

  22. List of IGNOU M.Phil. and Ph.D. Programmes through Distance Learning Mode

    The following are the courses for the PhD programmes from distance mode. Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture Extension. PhD in Dairy Science and Technology. Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry. Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering. Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce.

  23. Programmes at IGNOU

    43 Results found for your query, showing 1-10. Ph.D in Dairy Science and Technology. Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology. Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry. Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry. Doctor of Philosophy in Commerce. Doctor of Philosophy Computer Science. Doctor of Philosophy in Economics.