Online Doctoral and PhD Programs

College Degree Finder

Posted Jun 24th, 2014 , Updated Apr 30th, 2018 by College Atlas

Earning an online doctoral degree or PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a major achievement. The average time to earn a doctoral degree in the U.S. is 8.2 years, however, depending on the doctorate area of study, it can take anywhere from 2-10 years to successfully complete an online doctoral degree.

From a financial standpoint, the time and sacrifice may be well worth the time as those with a doctorate average higher salaries than those with master’s or bachelor’s degrees. In fact, it has been estimated that those with a doctoral degree earn over $14,000 more each year than those with a master’s and $26,000 more than their colleagues with bachelor’s degrees.

Online Doctoral Program Outline

Online doctoral students are required to select a specialty to study. It takes about 2 years, or 4 semesters, to complete courses in their specialized field. After this is done, students are then required to pass a test, which is used to determine whether or not they are ready to move on to the research and thesis phase of their PhD program.

Research and Thesis

In addition to their coursework, doctoral students are required to conduct original research and report their conclusions in a multi-page dissertation. PhD students are also required to defend their conclusions in front of a panel composed of professors. Once this is successfully completed, a student is awarded a doctorate degree; a PhD or equivalent degree.

Earning a doctorate through an online doctorate program will require the same time commitment and effort it takes to complete a traditional campus-program. All PhD students are required to conduct original research and write a thesis or complete a residency lasting a year.

Popular Fields for Online Doctoral Study

  • Psychology (PhD, PsyD)
    Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) and PhD programs in psychology can be completed online. Those earning PsyDs usually enter clinical practice, while graduates of PhD programs in psychology often work at universities as researchers and professors. Students enrolled in these programs can opt to specialize in organizational, educational, counseling, or clinical psychology.
  • Education (PhD, EdD)
    PhD students specializing in education often pursue careers as professors or school administrators. Those completing EdD programs often become principals at secondary and elementary schools.
  • Engineering (PhD, DCS)
    Online PhD programs are available in most engineering fields. Many people earn doctor of computer science degrees (DCS). Popular doctor of engineering (DEng) programs include mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering.
  • Public Health (PhD, DPH)
    Many doctorate programs in public health can be completed online. Programs are available in community health, social health, and epidemiology. One of the most popular programs is the Doctor of Public Health (DPH) program.
  • Business (PhD, DBA)
    Earning a doctorate degree is difficult, but it’s a major life achievement that will open up many doors. PhD students get the unique opportunity to contribute to the intellectual debate in their chosen field. The research conducted by PhD students has contributed, and continues to contribute, to the advancement of science and civilization.

Online Doctoral and PhD Degrees

The following is a selection of the top doctoral and PhD programs. To learn more about a specific program select a degree below.

Best Jobs For Online Doctorate and PhD Degree Holders

All occupations listed below have a salary of at least $55,000 and have positive job growth rates. It is noted whether or not there is any required on-the-job training.

Occupation 2016 Median Pay Number of New Jobs Growth Rate On-the-job Training
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $55,000 to $74,999 10,000 to 49,999 10 to 19 percent None
Community and social service specialists, all other $35,000 to $54,999 5,000 to 9,999 0 to 9 percent None
Counselors, all other $35,000 to $54,999 1,000 to 4,999 10 to 19 percent None
Curators $35,000 to $54,999 1,000 to 4,999 0 to 9 percent None
Economists $75,000 or more 1,000 to 4,999 0 to 9 percent None
Education administrators, elementary and secondary school $75,000 or more 10,000 to 49,999 0 to 9 percent None
Education administrators, postsecondary $75,000 or more 10,000 to 49,999 0 to 9 percent None
Educational, guidance, school, and vocational counselors $35,000 to $54,999 10,000 to 49,999 0 to 9 percent None
Farm and home management advisors $35,000 to $54,999 1,000 to 4,999 10 to 19 percent None
Health diagnosing and treating practitioners, all other $55,000 to $74,999 5,000 to 9,999 10 to 19 percent None
Healthcare social workers $35,000 to $54,999 10,000 to 49,999 10 to 19 percent None
Instructional coordinators $55,000 to $74,999 10,000 to 49,999 0 to 9 percent None
Librarians $55,000 to $74,999 1,000 to 4,999 0 to 9 percent None
Marriage and family therapists $35,000 to $54,999 5,000 to 9,999 10 to 19 percent Internship/residency
Mental health counselors $35,000 to $54,999 10,000 to 49,999 20 to 29 percent Internship/residency
Nurse anesthetists $75,000 or more 5,000 to 9,999 10 to 19 percent None
Nurse midwives $75,000 or more 1,000 to 4,999 20 to 29 percent None
Nurse practitioners $75,000 or more 10,000 to 49,999 30 percent or faster None
Nursing instructors and teachers, postsecondary $55,000 to $74,999 10,000 to 49,999 10 to 19 percent None
Occupational therapists $75,000 or more 10,000 to 49,999 20 to 29 percent None
Orthotists and prosthetists $55,000 to $74,999 1,000 to 4,999 20 to 29 percent Internship/residency
Physician assistants $75,000 or more 10,000 to 49,999 30 percent or faster None
Psychologists, all other $75,000 or more 1,000 to 4,999 10 to 19 percent Internship/residency
Speech-language pathologists $55,000 to $74,999 10,000 to 49,999 20 to 29 percent None
Statisticians $75,000 or more 10,000 to 49,999 30 percent or faster None
Survey researchers $35,000 to $54,999 1,000 to 4,999 10 to 19 percent None
Urban and regional planners $55,000 to $74,999 1,000 to 4,999 0 to 9 percent None

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