University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class, unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlight the best programs.
The completion of a doctoral degree is becoming more common and even expected in sectors of today’s workforce. The reasons for this growing trend vary. In part, it's due to the increasing competition for jobs that require a master’s or higher. Doctoral programs are just one way to be seen as more qualified and to stand out from the competition in order to gain leadership positions. It is also true that more employers are seeking individuals with the highest degrees available in their designated field for the best jobs. And some jobs simply require these rigorous, advanced degrees due to the nature of the work. These jobs are often in the fields of science, law, and education (such as in curriculum and instruction) and include leading positions as professors, judges, medical doctors, and mental health professionals. Additionally, online doctoral programs are easily accessible from all over the country, whether prospective students are looking for online learning in a doctoral program in psychology or curriculum and instruction from an online doctorate in education.
Luckily, these programs are offered in many forms including executive education, hybrid (with on-campus and online doctorate courses), and fully online programs for professional doctorate degree programs in medical science and biomedical sciences, neuroscience, healthcare, criminal justice, public health, business and public policy at the state or federal level in the United States. Both on-campus and online doctoral programs make the best use of renowned faculty and alumni in particular fields and allow current students and their fellows to be involved in and conduct real world research during the course of their degree programs.
The type of online doctoral degree you choose will determine your career path in many ways. For most people, unless you have a desire to become a professor or a psychiatrist, a professional practice doctorate degree is likely best for your needs. These degrees often take less time, with the exception of medical professionals, and will allow you to specialize in a way that makes your employment far less dispensable to any and all employers. Keep in mind that most online doctoral degrees will take at least two additional years to complete. Many will take longer, particularly if you work while you pursue your doctoral degree.
Many online doctoral degrees will require that you complete a master’s degree or an MBA before you are able to apply for online doctoral programs. However, some online doctoral students only require a bachelor’s degree, such as those earning an MD or a JD. You can also complete a master’s degree and an online doctoral degree from the same graduate school simultaneously in some instances. This will eliminate some time off your graduate degree completion and save you money. It is also important to consider your overall career goals. This will be imperative to the specialty you pursue within your graduate program and the theme of your dissertation. And you'll need to consider the type of higher learning institution you wish to attend; you might attend a general graduate school, school of business, school of nursing, or a university offering the exact doctoral programs you are looking for.
Do you require the flexibility of online doctorate programs with limited physical classroom requirements? If you do not live near a traditional higher learning institution with the professional doctorate degrees you're considering, you may require online studies. Is the cost of the program going to be important? If so, you might consider scholarships, grants, fellowships, or a public higher learning institution or university. Is the educational institution and the graduate program itself accredited? Degrees earned from a regionally accredited college or university will improve the credibility of your degree. All of these questions are important to consider before you make a decision.
Most Popular Online Doctoral Degrees
As you delve into the realm of higher education, you'll find that online PhD programs in specific fields offer a wealth of opportunities across diverse disciplines. These distance learning PhD programs are designed to provide you with the freedom to tailor your educational journey to fit your unique professional goals and intellectual passions.
Top online doctoral programs are now more accessible than ever, breaking down the barriers that once limited academic pursuits to physical classrooms. Whether you are a budding psychologist, a future education leader, or an aspiring business mogul, there is an online PhD program tailored to your aspirations.
| Field of Study | Recommended Program | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting | PhD in Accounting | 3-7 Years |
| Business Administration | PhD or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) | 3-5 Years |
| Psychology | PhD in Psychology (PsyD) | 4-6 Years |
| Clinical Psychology | Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) | 4-6 Years |
| Education | Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) | 3-5 Years |
| Educational Leadership | Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D. in Leadership) | 3-5 Years |
| Instructional Design | Doctor of Education in Instructional Design (Ed.D. in Instructional Design) | 3-5 Years |
| Healthcare Administration | Doctor of Health Administration (DHA) | 3-6 Years |
| Dental | Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DDS or DMD) | 3-5 Years |
| Medicine | Doctor of Medicine (MD) | 3-7 Years |
| Pharmacy | Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) | 4-5 Years |
| Anesthesia Nursing | Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) | 3-4 Years |
| Nursing | Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership (DNP) | 2-3 Years |
| Nursing | Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership (DNP) | 2-3 Years |
| Engineering | PhD in Engineering | 3-7 Years |
| Information Technology | PhD of Philosophy in Information Technology | 3-7 Years |
| Cybersecurity | Doctor of Cybersecurity (DSc) | 3-7 Years |
| Criminal Justice | Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCrimJ) | 3-7 Years |
| Public Administration | Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) | 3-5 Years |
These programs highlight just a fraction of the online PhD programs in specific fields that are molding the next generation of scholars and professionals. With a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, distance learning PhD programs maintain the same rigor and quality as their on-campus equivalents.
Ultimately, the success of top online doctoral programs lies in their adaptability, accommodating your schedule and life commitments without compromising on the quality of education you receive. With such versatility at your fingertips, the pursuit of knowledge has never been more aligned with the rhythms of modern life.
Common Testing & Exam Requirements
You will likely have to complete a graduate school testing exam prior to receiving admission to any doctoral programs, such as a GMAT or a GRE exam. The required exam will be dependent upon the type of advanced degree you intend to complete. The score you must achieve will be determined by your university or school. You will have to pay for these exams and complete them with an approved and designated monitor.
Once doctoral students begin the program, they will be required to complete traditional coursework that will lead to competency exams. After their educational foundation is complete, they will begin to focus on research or applied practices that they will incorporate into their defense and dissertation or thesis. They will be required to stand up and defend a dissertation or thesis to the designated committee in most cases. If the committee approves their dissertation or thesis, they will receive their professional doctorate degrees.
Professional Organizations
AGSSC
American Geriatrics Society Student Chapter
The American Geriatrics Society was developed to assist medical professions and those in training to have access to a variety of benefits to increase their success in the field of geriatrics. Members will have access to a network of like-minded professionals, relevant and helpful clinical tools and journals, discounts on educational resources, advocacy, career advancement opportunities, and recognition.
AAJ
The American Association for Justice
The members of the American Association for Justice, once titled the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, will be privy to a number of benefits. Members will be instantly connected to a large selection of similar practitioners. They will have access to experience and industry know-how, trial techniques, effective strategies, and more to be able to better represent their clients. The association also provides educational opportunities, access to countless documents, legal news, advocates, and online access to documents.
NAESP
The National Association of Elementary School Principals
The National Association of Elementary School Principals is an organization that supports all elementary administrators working in schools for Pre-K to year eight. Members will save money on office and school supplies, have access to webinars, receive travel discounts, advocacy, networking opportunities, and options for professional development. And all members will have access to $2 million in legal protection.