The latest survey on distance learning conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics shows that a little more than 53% of students in college are enrolled in distance learning courses. Online college classes are becoming increasingly popular, and these classes are not just limited to undergraduate programs. Depending on where you attend school and which major you select, you may be able to earn a master’s degree or even a Ph.D. online.
In this guide, you’ll learn the benefits of earning a Ph.D. online, review some of the top schools that offer such programs, and go over everything you need to know about reaching the highest level of education in your field through online classes.
Benefits of Earning a Ph.D.
The most obvious benefit of getting a Ph.D. is that it will likely increase your earning potential. According to a recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) study, the average Ph.D. holder earns $2,109 per week. Over a year, that adds up to an annual salary of $109,668. This increase is significantly more than the average income for those who only have a master’s degree ($1,737 per week) or bachelor’s degree ($1,493 per week), and it’s over twice as much as the average income for those who only have a high school diploma ($899 per week).
This BLS study also reveals another benefit of earning a Ph.D. The average unemployment rate for workers with this level of education is just 1.6%, which is lower than the rate for workers with only a master’s degree (2%), bachelor’s degree (2.2%), or high school diploma (3.9%). If you want to increase your income and reduce your unemployment risk as much as possible, consider getting a Ph.D.
Benefits of Earning Your Degree Online
Online degree programs are an excellent option for college students with children, a full-time job, or any other responsibilities outside of school that demand a lot of time and energy. Compared to in-person classes, online classes for a Ph.D. program are much more flexible, making finding time to earn your degree more manageable.
Online classes are easier to work around your personal and work schedule and can be completed at a slower pace. Ph.D. programs are rigorous, and online programs can make this achievement more accessible while still getting the highest quality of education.
Also, some schools charge less for online courses than in-person courses. You should be able to save money by choosing online classes, even if there isn’t any direct per-credit discount. Otherwise, you would likely need to pay for on-campus housing or commute to and from in-person lectures.
100% Online vs. hybrid programs
It should be noted that in-person and 100% online programs aren’t the only formats available for earning a Ph.D. There’s also a third option, hybrid programs, which offer a combination of in-person and online learning.
For example, suppose you are enrolled in a hybrid Ph.D. in Nursing program. In that case, you may be required to participate in on-campus research activities and complete your online coursework. Some degree programs aren’t available in a 100% online format. If you plan to pursue jobs that you can’t do entirely on a computer, such as an archaeologist or conservation scientist, your only options for earning your Ph.D. may be in-person and hybrid programs.
Even if 100% online programs are available for your chosen career path, you may consider attending a hybrid program instead. While this will require occasional trips to campus, sacrificing some convenience may be worth it if you believe participating in hands-on learning activities will help you learn course materials and prepare for your career.
Synchronous vs. asynchronous classes
There are two types of online classes: synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous courses allow you to attend lectures remotely, ask instructors questions, and interact with other students in real-time. In contrast, asynchronous classes involve completing on-demand assignments, quizzes, and tests at your own pace.
Online students interested in replicating the “traditional” college experience as much as possible should seek out synchronous classes. However, asynchronous classes would be a better option if you’re trying to fit a Ph.D. program into a busy schedule and your highest priority is flexibility.
Which Ph.D. Majors Are Available Online?
It’s worth noting that some Ph.D. majors are available online more often than others. Specifically, the following online Ph.D. programs are offered by a significantly high number of schools:
- Education: In addition to a general Doctorate in Education, many schools offer online programs for more specific majors, such as a Doctorate in Higher Education, a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Doctorate in Educational Administration.
- Psychology: As of 2021, the top 10% of workers in this field earn over $130,000. A Ph.D. will help you reach this level of income.
- Organizational Leadership: This versatile major will prepare you for executive roles in a wide range of different industries.
Where Can I Earn a Ph.D. Online?
It’s also worth noting that some schools offer more online Ph.D. programs than others. Many colleges don’t offer any, while some offer various programs. The best schools for earning a Ph.D. online include:
- Azusa Pacific University: This private Christian institution offers hybrid Ph.D. programs in higher education, rehabilitation, and movement science. It stands out as a particularly military-friendly school, offering benefits such as active-duty tuition assistance, ROTC scholarships, and prior learning credits for military experience.
- Nova Southeastern University: Nine online Ph.D. programs are available, including 100% online programs in computer science, criminal justice, and health sciences.
- Keiser University: This school also offers a substantial selection of online Ph.D. programs, with options for psychology, criminal justice, educational leadership, and several other majors.
- University of Florida: Some of the most prestigious colleges in the country offer online Ph.D. programs. The University of Florida, currently ranked as the 29th best school out of 443 national universities by U.S. News, provides online options for a Ph.D. in Classical Civilization and a Ph.D. in Latin and Roman Studies.
- Texas Tech University: Eight 100% online Ph.D. programs are available at Texas Tech’s School of Education. This university offers several hybrid programs, including a Ph.D. in Systems and Engineering Management and a Ph.D. in Technical Communication and Rhetoric.
How to Get a Ph.D. Online
Assuming you have already selected a major and earned a master’s degree in your area of study, you can follow the steps below to get your Ph.D. online:
Determine your needs
Are you only interested in a 100% online program, or are you willing to meet the on-campus requirements of a hybrid program? Do you prefer synchronous classes’ interactivity or asynchronous classes’ flexibility? Before you even start looking for a program, you should first understand what you’re looking for.
Find a matching Ph.D. program
Once you’ve found an online Ph.D. program that meets your needs, you must confirm that you meet all of the program’s requirements as a student. For example, many programs require applicants to have a GPA of at least 3.0 in their master’s degree program. Most PhD programs require students to submit official transcripts from both their bachelor’s and master’s programs. You may need to submit GRE test scores as well.
Enroll in your courses
After you are accepted into an online Ph.D. program, be sure to enroll in each course as soon as possible — otherwise, you might not get a chance to join before all the slots are complete, and this can end up delaying how many semesters it will take for you to earn your Ph.D. In most cases, a faculty member or program coordinator will advise you on which courses to enroll in, especially in the first few terms of the program. They can also let you know if you need to complete any prerequisite courses or orientations before starting the program.
Complete your assignments
Depending on your program, your courses may involve live lectures on video chat platforms, on-demand educational videos, online assignments, and quizzes you can complete at your own pace, plus other remote learning activities. If you’re in a hybrid program, on-campus activities such as seminars, labs, and in-person exams may also be involved.
Finish your dissertation or capstone project
The cornerstone of Ph.D. education is a dissertation or capstone project. Students complete these research-focused projects independently under the guidance of a faculty member. The dissertation process includes several steps: topic proposal and approval, research, writing, and defending your dissertation. Working on this project will take up most of your time in your Ph.D. program, and a successful dissertation defense is critical to earning your Ph.D. Students should be prepared to dedicate much time and energy to their dissertation, complete other assignments on time, and maintain a high GPA to succeed in an online Ph.D. program,
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Ph.D.?
The average cost of a doctorate is $81,900, according to the Education Data Initiative. However, there are various strategies you can use to mitigate this expense. Many institutions offer teaching or research assistantships that give students a discount on tuition and/or a stipend if they’re willing to work for the college while pursuing their degrees. With these resources, you may even be able to earn your doctorate for free. Private scholarships and student loans can also help you pay for a Ph.D.
Is an Online Ph.D. Respected?
While it’s true that in the past online degrees may not have been given the same weight and respect as those earned in in-person programs, this is changing. Today, many online degrees from traditional institutions aren’t labeled as such, and no one would know that you earned your Ph.D. online unless you volunteered the information. As long as the institution is accredited, an online Ph.D. should serve the same as one earned through traditional classes.
Interested in a Different Degree?
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, the availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.