The Best Online Ph.D. and Doctoral Programs of 2020

Regent's online Ph.D. programs include education - educational technology and online learning; counseling and psychology studies; and renewal theology. The university also boasts other doctoral programs, such as Ed.S. degrees in educational specialist and leadership in mathematics. Although most students can earn a doctorate entirely online, some programs require one or more residencies on Regent's Virginia Beach campus. Regent reports that nearly 80% of graduates find a job or enter another academic program within 12 months of earning a degree. Professionals at the Office of Career and Talent Management help doctoral students find jobs by offering resume reviews, interviewing guides, and Handshake software. Application requirements vary by program and may include a master's degree, a graduate GPA cutoff, and an interview. Each program also charges a different per-credit tuition rate. All students in the same program pay an identical rate regardless of residency. Finally, some programs award merit-based scholarships. Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

TTU's online Ph.D. programs include five hybrid programs and six entirely online options. Hybrid programs -- those that require some coursework on the university's Lubbock campus -- include systems engineering and technical communication. The fully online programs emphasize educational leadership as well as curriculum and instruction. TTU alumni who earned a doctoral degree report a median $65,000 per year starting salary. The University Career Center provides ample resources that help students attain a high-paying job. Learners can take advantage of salary negotiation guidance, resume and cover letter critiques, and mock interviews. Prospective students should contact a Graduate Student Services coordinator to determine which application materials they must submit. Education programs require a master's degree in education or a related subject. Finally, learners who enter a hybrid program can apply for a doctoral fellowship wherein degree-seekers receive a tuition reduction for working as a teaching assistant. Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Union University's online doctoral programs feature two entirely online degrees: education specialist and doctor of education. Students in either program can specialize in instructional leadership, teacher leadership, or leadership in school reform. Additionally, Union University offers one hybrid doctoral program in nursing practice wherein some courses take place on the university's Jackson, Tennessee, campus. Professionals at Union University's Vocatio Center for Life Calling and Career provide students with personality and occupational interest surveys, resume development guides, and interview preparation tips. Other resources available to degree-seekers include UUConnect, a networking service for Union University learners and alumni. Application requirements for the education specialist and doctor of education programs include a bachelor's degree and recommendation letters. Applicants to the nursing practice program need a valid nursing license. Finally, incoming learners who need financial aid can apply for federal grant and loan programs through Union University. Union University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

CU Denver offers one online Ph.D. in nursing and three other doctoral degrees in nursing practice, education, and pharmacy. These programs all boast concentration options, allowing degree-seekers to customize their educational experience. The school's nursing program features five academic tracks that cater to students from different educational and professional backgrounds. Online learners can work with an enrollment navigator to create an academic success plan and research potential careers. Also, students enrolled in the school's Ed.D. program receive free executive coaching resources for up to one year after graduation. Prospective students may need a bachelor's or master's degree, depending on which program they select. Other typical admission requirements include a statement of purpose, resume, three recommendation letters, and an academic portfolio. Tuition varies by course. Out-of-state students pay a higher per-credit tuition rate. Finally, new degree-seekers can search for institutional financial aid on CU Denver's scholarship portal. University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Education and medical professionals can select from UF's two online Ph.D.s, one doctor of pharmacy, one DNP, and four doctor of education (Ed.D.) degrees. Unique programs include Latin and Roman studies and classical civilization. Other degrees train experienced educators in the latest leadership best practices. Additionally, degrees within the Colleges of Education and Liberal Arts require independent research that leads to a dissertation. A plurality of students who earn a doctorate at UF enter the research field. More than 20% start a postdoctoral program to gain professional experience. Degree-seekers can use the Career Connections Center's one-on-one counseling appointments, resume reviews, and blog posts to hone essential skills. Admission requirements vary by program. However, prospective students should possess a bachelor's or master's degree preferably in the same subject as the doctoral degree. A program may use a GPA cutoff and have prerequisite requirements, as well. In-state degree-seekers save more than 40% on tuition compared to out-of-state learners. Finally, full-time students do not receive a tuition discount at the graduate level. University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

ULM's two online doctoral programs include curriculum and instruction and marriage and family therapy. The curriculum and instruction program uses an accelerated format with eight-week terms. Courses include decision making for school improvement. The marriage and family therapy program lasts three years, and degree-seekers write a dissertation in the final year. The Career Center (CC) boasts multiple employer partners who hire ULM alumni. Unique CC resources include Career Academies, a free program that allows students with similar career goals to network and prepare for life after graduation. Additionally, active-duty service members and veterans can access specialized how-to videos and job boards. Both doctoral programs require GRE scores. Prospective curriculum and instruction degree-seekers should possess a minimum 3.25 graduate GPA. Additionally, marriage and family therapy applicants submit three recommendation letters and a scholarly writing sample. Finally, ULM does not charge an out-of-state tuition rate. Doctoral students can apply for federal grants and loans. University of Louisiana Monroe is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

UND's unique online Ph.D. programs include electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, and aerospace sciences. Programs last 2-7 years and require 36-124 credits. Additionally, many programs boast a hybrid learning option wherein students who live near the university's Grand Forks campus take some courses in a classroom setting. At Career Services, graduate degree-seekers can start a job hunt by signing up for Interview Stream and Focus2Career. These industry-leading tools help students prepare for interviews and explore career opportunities. Other resources include guides on how to write a resume and develop a personal statement. Admission requirements for all programs include a bachelor's degree, three recommendation letters, and standardized test scores. Also, each program does not use the same application deadline. All students pay the same per-credit tuition rate at this public university. Finally, incoming degree-seekers can research and apply for institutional scholarships on the UND Scholarship Opportunities website. University of North Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

UNF's online doctoral programs include a DNP with two tracks, including a post-MSN and psych-mental health. The latter uses a hybrid learning model. Both offer an accelerated track wherein students can earn a degree in just two years. The university's third doctoral program, clinical nutrition, maintains an on-campus residency requirement and emphasizes applying the latest clinical research in a community or clinical setting. UNF doctoral students benefit from the Career Success Center's career counselors and coaches. Counselors help degree-seekers create a career path, while coaches instill interviewing and resume writing skills. Additionally, learners can access resume and cover letter guides at any time. Applicants to the clinical nutrition program should submit GRE scores and three recommendation letters. Other requirements include five years' work experience. Both nursing programs use a graduate GPA cutoff. Although the per-credit tuition rate varies for each online doctoral program, UNF does not charge an out-of-state tuition rate. Finally, the university boasts four scholarships exclusive to graduate degree-seekers. University of North Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

USD's online Ph.D. program trains the next generation of health and education leaders. Health options include health sciences and a post-professional doctorate in occupational therapy. Additionally, USD's School of Education boasts an education specialist in educational administration degree with specializations in school district superintendent and preK-12 principal. Students enrolled in an online doctoral program benefit from many virtual student services, including a writing center and library databases. Additionally, the Academic and Career Planning Center (ACPC) provides degree-seekers with career planning guides and multiple on-campus job fairs throughout the year. Learners approaching graduation should review the ACPC's expert advice on how to ace an interview and follow up with a potential employer. Each program uses different application requirements. USD does not charge an out-of-state tuition rate for online doctoral programs, and some degree-seekers may qualify for a Perkins Loan. University of South Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

USM offers a single online Ph.D. program in nursing leadership. The school also offers an Ed.D. and education specialist program in education. Aspiring education leaders can also earn an Ed.D. in higher education. Each program boasts a 100% online curriculum. Most full-time degree-seekers can graduate in 2-3 years, depending on the degree. Online Career Services resources include the university Career Guide, Handshake software, and College Diversity Network, a job-hunting resource for degree-seekers part of a minority group. Learners who live near USM's Hattiesburg campus can attend the annual Career and Internship Expo, as well. Prospective education students submit three recommendation letters, a resume, and GRE scores. Unique requirements for nursing applicants include a minimum 3.0 undergraduate or graduate GPA, a valid nursing license, and a phone interview. Out-of-state learners do not pay a higher tuition rate. Degree-seekers who need financial aid may qualify for federal grants and loans. The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Cumberlands' nine online doctoral programs feature degrees in the business, counseling, information technology, and executive/international fields. Most programs require 3-5 years for completion, and students learn in an asynchronous format. Additionally, some online doctorates -- counselor education and supervision and educational leadership -- allow students to personalize the curriculum by selecting a concentration. As students approach graduation, they can visit Cumberlands' Career Services (CS) website to access Handshake and Big Interview software. The latter instills valuable skills through mock interviews. Learners can also take a career assessment and review CS' many articles that cover job-hunting best practices. Although admission requirements vary slightly among programs, applicants should prepare official transcripts and recommendation letters. Other typical application materials include a written interview or writing sample. Although tuition differs by program, Cumberlands does not charge out-of-state students a higher per-credit tuition rate. Finally, financial aid programs for graduate degree-seekers include a 2-4-month tuition payment plan. University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

UWG's online doctoral programs boast three degrees for future education leaders. Students can pursue degrees in higher education administration, professional counseling and supervision, or school improvement. These programs feature a fully online curriculum. However, students complete a two-day on-campus orientation before enrolling in courses. The final doctoral program, nursing education, trains practicing nurses for a leadership position in a healthcare setting. In addition to traditional resources for students and alumni, the UWG Career Services offers in-depth guides that cover how to create an effective social media presence and network online. Degree-seekers can also access the Vault Online Library, an extensive collection of articles that take the guesswork out of job hunting. Application requirements for education programs include a minimum 3.5 graduate GPA, GRE scores, and professional experience. Prospective nursing education students should possess a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA and a valid nursing license. Finally, all degree-seekers pay the same low per-credit tuition rate. University of West Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

VSU features three entirely online doctoral programs. Learners can pursue degrees in curriculum and instruction: learning and development; leadership; and public administration. The curriculum and instruction Ed.D. boasts three optional certificates, including healthcare administration and online teaching. Typical full-time students can earn a degree in just three years. VSU's Blazer Ready program prepares degree-seekers for a future career by offering five courses that cover workplace professionalism, goal setting, and resume development. Other resources that help students make the most of a Ph.D. online program include highly trained career counselors and career development handouts. Application requirements for all degrees include a master's degree and a minimum 3.5 graduate GPA. Other admission materials include GRE scores, a resume, and three recommendation letters. Although a public university, VSU charges the same per-credit tuition rate to all online doctoral students. The university awards multiple merit-based scholarships and need-based grants. However, only Georgia residents may apply for some types of financial aid. Valdosta State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

WilmU offers online doctoral programs in business education, education, social science in prevention science, and nursing practice. Nursing students can concentrate in either advanced practice or leadership. All programs use a cohort learning model. New cohorts start 1-3 times per year, depending on the degree. Most degree-seekers can graduate in just three years. In addition to providing students with Handshake software, WilmU's Career Services (CS) professionals curate vital resources for degree-seekers, including professional organizations and career assessments. Students and alumni can also sign up for a virtual appointment, and learn about the latest on-campus events by checking the CS calendar. Besides the nursing program, doctoral programs ask for three recommendation letters. Other typical application materials include an essay and resume. All students who reside in the U.S. pay the same tuition rate, while international learners spend approximately 10% more per credit. Finally, like many schools in this ranking, WilmU offers graduate degree-seekers an optional tuition payment plan. Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

WSU offers online doctoral programs that allow learners to choose from five hybrid degrees, including adult/gerontology acute care nurse practitioner (NP), family NP, and psychiatric/mental health NP. Also, each program features two curriculum tracks: a two-year track for students who possess a master's in nursing and a four-year track for degree-seekers with a bachelor's in nursing. Nursing students can turn an online doctorate into a fulfilling career by using Career Services' (CS) resume guides, interview preparation tips, and job-hunting software. CS also hosts on-campus career fairs and interviews. All nursing programs at WSU use the same admission requirements. These include three recommendation letters, a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, and a valid nursing license. WSU prefers applicants with professional experience. All students pay the same per-credit tuition rate at this public university. Finally, incoming degree-seekers should consult the WSU Foundation Scholarships website to research and apply for institutional financial aid. Winona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).