Easiest PhD and Shortest Doctoral Programs Online 2025
Explore a range of online doctoral programs, including Ph.D. degrees, that offer accelerated paths, reduced residency requirements, and flexible online learning options.
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Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start an online program in a few weeks!
Many degree programs fall under the title of doctorate, including Doctor of Philosophy degrees or Ph.D.
These Ph.D. degree programs are available in a variety of subjects and are intended to help students understand their specialty in the abstract and as a school of thought and theory rather than strictly as a practice.
Institutions that offer the best programs typically have exceptional funding, prestigious reputations, top-of-the-line research facilities, and abundant academic resources.
When selecting one of the shortest online doctoral programs or easiest online Ph.D. programs, you can access more info by visiting the links provided in each school description to ensure that you find the best program for you!
The easiest isn't always the shortest nor the shortest the easiest.
Jump to:
1-year Online Doctoral Programs | 18 Month Doctorate Programs Without Dissertation | Shortest Doctoral Programs Online and On-campus | Easiest Ph.D. to Get Online | Easiest PhD to Get (Traditional) | Free PhD Programs Online
Doctorate Degree vs PhD
- Ph.D. programs focus more on the theoretical and abstract aspects of their respective fields of study to understand it as a school of thought rather than just a practical application.
- Usual doctorate programs tend to be more practical in their study and focus on the application of knowledge rather than understanding more abstract perspectives.
- Ph.D. degrees are often offered in the same fields that have standard doctoral degrees available usually offered in fields such as engineering, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
- Doctorate programs are made up of advanced coursework, research projects, or thesis work almost strictly for practical application.
- Ph.D. and Doctorate degrees can often achieve the same ends and should be considered more or less equal in weight.
1 Year Ph.D. Programs Online
Find your match.
One-year online Ph.D. programs offer a fast track to advanced careers. Graduates can become university professors ($84,380 median salary), medical scientists ($100,890), nonprofit executives ($103,840), or clinical directors ($110,890). These accelerated programs save time and money while opening doors to fulfilling, high-paying jobs.
Choosing the Right Program:
- Align your Ph.D. with your previous graduate studies.
- Consider a traditional program for significant field changes.
- For undergraduates planning ahead, reflect on:
- Academic strengths
- Passionate topics
- Five-year career goals
This focused approach ensures your Ph.D. matches your strengths and aspirations.
Program: Online DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
Credits: 36
Clinical Hours: 1,000
Key Features: Synchronous online classes, immersive clinicals nationwide, Family Nurse Practitioner certification eligibility
Chatham offers a 1-year online DNP program for working nurses seeking advanced leadership roles. The intensive curriculum covers care delivery models, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and informational systems. The program features synchronous online classes and immersive clinicals at sites nationwide. Students collaborate virtually with renowned faculty.
Within 12 months, students complete 36 credits and 1,000 clinical hours. Graduates can sit for Family Nurse Practitioner certification. Nurses with a BSN can enter the accelerated program. Applicants need an active RN license. This online DNP empowers nurses to rapidly earn doctoral credentials while working. It prepares graduates to advance as clinical, executive, research, and teaching leaders.
Visit ProgramProgram: Online PhD in Grief Counseling
Department: Ethereal Studies
Key Features: Asynchronous learning, live classes, dissertation completion in one year
Breyer State Theology University offers a 1-year online PhD in Grief Counseling through its Department of Ethereal Studies. This accelerated program is tailored for working professionals seeking to advance their bereavement therapy career. The curriculum covers advanced grief counseling theories and interventions for diverse populations. Students gain expertise in areas like trauma-informed care, healing rituals, afterlife philosophies, and continuing bonds.
The online format combines asynchronous learning with live classes in an intimate cohort overseen by esteemed faculty. Students complete their dissertation in just one year. Graduates earn a PhD from BSU's pioneering metaphysical psychology department. This flexible doctoral program prepares students to progress their counseling practice or pursue academic research roles.
Visit ProgramPrograms: Various online doctoral degrees
PhD Tracks: Philosophy of Islamic Studies, Business Administration, Education, Finance, Grief Counseling
Professional Doctorates: Divinity, Sacred Music, Spiritual Psychotherapy
Key Features: Video lectures, discussions, immersive retreats
American International Theism University (AITU) offers one-year online doctoral degrees for working professionals. Accelerated PhD tracks include Philosophy of Islamic Studies, Business Administration, Education, Finance, and Grief Counseling. Professional doctorates prepare leaders in Divinity, Sacred Music, Spiritual Psychotherapy, and more. The online programs blend video lectures, discussions, and immersive retreats. Curricula explore metaphysics, ethics, and wisdom traditions across faiths.
Within 12 months, students complete doctoral coursework, exams, and a dissertation overseen by distinguished faculty. Applicants should hold a relevant master's degree and background in theological studies or social sciences. These intensive online doctoral programs allow students to rapidly earn advanced credentials through flexible study with global peers. Graduates pursue roles driving innovation in spiritual care, research, and leadership.
Visit ProgramOnline Doctorate Programs That Might Interest You
Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks!
15-18 Month Doctorate Programs Without Dissertation
Some doctorate programs advertise "no dissertation" options, but this isn't always accurate.
Potential 15-18 month online doctorate programs without dissertation:
- Health Care Administration
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Human Resource Education
- Organizational Leadership
- Online Doctor of Education (EdD)
Note: Online programs vary in length and requirements. Some may take longer or still require dissertations.
When considering these programs:
- Verify current requirements, as they may change
- Check resource guides and school rankings
- Inquire about financial aid options
Remember to thoroughly research any program before committing. Here's a list of top 15-18 month online Ph.D. programs without dissertation requirements to explore.
Program: Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy
Credits: 33-37
Courses: 10
Key Features: Fully online, 7-week accelerated courses, no dissertation required
Boston University offers a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree program that can be completed in 18 months. Students may concentrate on various areas and can choose what else they would prefer to learn to complete their credit requirements.
This is a fully online degree program that accelerates each semester's worth of class to take only seven weeks to complete with new courses starting every September, January, and May. The program is available to doctoral students who have completed an accredited occupational therapy program. There are foundation courses, which include evidence-based practice and health care management, but no dissertation is necessary whereas a doctoral project is still required.
Visit ProgramProgram: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Credits: 33
Key Features: Online program, no GMAT/GRE required, no clinical hours
The Maryville University of St. Louis offers a Doctor of Nursing (DNP) program that is available online. The DNP program requires students to complete a total of 33 credit hours, including 18 to 20 months for completion. Many students in the online DNP program are working as nurses in the field, and this affords them a flexible program that allows many students to achieve their academic goals while active in the healthcare industry.
This course is an online program that does not require a GMAT or GRE. It may have a waiting list, but unlike other programs, it does not require clinical hours. The Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership is an online program that offers personal coaching throughout the process. It is a cohort learning method with online education, and students might need a bit more time to complete it.
Visit ProgramPrograms: Various online doctoral degrees
Offerings: Higher Education Leadership, Educational Leadership, Nursing Practice, Health Administration, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy
Key Features: Live online classes, self-paced learning, virtual labs and simulations
Maryville University offers online doctoral degrees tailored for working professionals. Programs available fully online include Doctorates in Higher Education Leadership, Educational Leadership, Nursing Practice, Health Administration, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy. The EdD programs prepare graduates for leadership and faculty roles in education. The DNP equips nurses for advanced clinical and executive practice.
Health Administration focuses on healthcare organizational development, quality, and finance. Licensed PTs and OTs can pursue clinical doctorates while working. Courses blend live online classes and self-paced learning. Programs leverage cutting-edge virtual labs and simulations. With a relevant master's degree, students can earn an accredited doctorate from Maryville University online to advance their careers.
Visit Program24 Month Doctorate Programs
Program: Transitional Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy
Key Features: Fully online, part-time program, workplace application credits
One option is to earn an online Ph.D. in Nursing, while another option is to earn their Medical Degree at the same time as their online Master of Business Administration, but the Transitional Doctoral Program in Physical therapy may be earned in 24 months fully online. This part-time program provides online learning courses to help licensed physical therapists enhance their skills and gain access to higher career options. Some credits can be earned through workplace applications.
Visit ProgramPrograms: Various online doctoral degrees
Offerings: EdD tracks in Organizational Leadership, Higher Education Leadership, K-12 Leadership, plus psychology, nursing, business, and more
Key Features: Asynchronous and live virtual classes, personalized faculty support, robust digital resources
Grand Canyon University offers over a dozen online doctoral degrees tailored for working professionals. GCU provides online EdD tracks in Organizational Leadership, Higher Education Leadership, and K-12 Leadership. Other doctorates cover psychology, nursing, business, and more. Programs blend asynchronous and live virtual classes focused on applying concepts. Specialized tracks allow customization.
Online students get personalized faculty support and access to robust digital resources. Within 2 years (or less), learners complete coursework, residencies, exams, and a dissertation to earn an accredited doctoral degree from GCU. With flexible and practical curricula, GCU enables busy professionals to obtain doctorates fully online and further their careers.
Visit ProgramProgram: Doctor of Education
Credits: 54
Key Features: Fully online, 8-week courses, no dissertation required
Liberty University offers a Doctor of Education degree program that can be completed fully online. The minimum time to earn the degree is about 30 months for completion of all 54 credits. The courses are each 8 weeks long and no dissertation is required. The Doctor of Education degree program provides a curriculum that focuses on developing innovative programs, as well as a capstone project.
Visit ProgramPrograms: Various online doctoral degrees
Offerings: School Improvement, Nursing Education, Professional Counseling and Supervision, Higher Education Administration
Key Features: Synchronous evening classes, self-paced learning, experiential projects
The University of West Georgia offers several online doctoral degree options for working professionals seeking advanced training. UWG provides online doctorates in School Improvement, Nursing Education, Professional Counseling and Supervision, and Higher Education Administration. The EdD programs focus on data-driven leadership strategies and developing administrative expertise.
The DNP prepares nurses to improve care systems and patient outcomes. Coursework blends synchronous evening classes and self-paced learning for flexibility. Experiential projects allow application to careers. With a relevant master's degree, students can earn an accredited doctorate fully online from UWG to advance as leaders in their field.
Visit ProgramShortest Ph.D. Programs Online and On-campus
Obtaining a Ph.D. can be a long-term commitment and many doctoral programs can take over five years to complete. To help busy working professionals looking to jumpstart their careers and those looking to begin their careers at a high level, this list serves as a simple reference guide, compiling information on some of the shortest doctoral programs in the country.
These online degree programs operate in full-time, part-time, fully online, or hybrid formats.
- Baylor University - online EdD in Learning and Organizational Change, 54 credits, 36 months
- Maryville University - online Doctor of Nursing Practice (Online DNP), 20 months, no GRE or no GMAT requirement
- University of Dayton - online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership for Organizations, 36 months, 60 credits
- Capella University - online Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision, 0 max transfer credits, 60 credits, CACREP accredited
- Franklin University - online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), 58 credit hours, transfer up to 24 hours of previously earned credit, 36 months + 1 year for dissertation
- Walden University - online Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology, up to 53 credits, fast-track option, earn MPhil at the same time
- Frontier Nursing University - online Doctor of Nursing Practice, MSN with DNP, 675 clinical hours for MSN plus 360 additional for DNP
- Boston University - Online Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy, PP-OTD, 33-37 credits
- University of Florida - online MSN to DNP, 35 credits, five semesters
- Gwynedd Mercy University - Accelerated Executive Doctorate of Education ABD (All But Dissertation) Completion Program, online EdD, 27 credit hours, 18 months
- Duquesne University - Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), 35 credit hours
- The College of St. Scholastica - Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy, online tDPT, 16 credits
- Liberty Univesity - Doctor of Ministry, online DMin, 30 credit hours, 24 months
- University of Florida - Doctor of Nursing Practice, MSN to DNP, 35 credits, 5 semesters
- University of North Dakota - Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice, online DNP, 36 credit hours, 5 semesters
- Seton Hall University - Doctor of Nursing Practice, online DNP, 31+ credits for post-MSN students, 73-79 credits for post-BSN students
- Regis University - Doctor of Nursing Practice, online DNP, 28-33 credit hours, 8-week terms
- Georgia State University - Curriculum and Instruction EdD, Educational Leadership EdD, on-campus EdD, 54 credit hours
- Bowling Green State University - Technology Management, web-based Ph.D., 66 credit hours
- Hampton University - Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Management, online Ph.D., 60 credit hours
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Safety Sciences, online Ph.D., 54 credit hours
- East Carolina University - Doctor of Nursing Practice, hybrid online DNP
Easiest Ph.D. Programs Online & On-Campus
To be sure, at the Ph.D. level, no program could be considered "easy," but there are certain programs designed to be "easier" than others. Generally, education, humanities, and the social sciences are considered the easiest fields in which to pursue degrees.
With that in mind, our list of the easiest Ph.D. programs includes schools and programs that offer significantly reduced residency requirements, accelerated courses, credit transfers, and integrated dissertation colloquia.
The rankings below display schools with accreditation from at least one of the six regional accrediting agencies, and all offer at least one virtual Ph.D. degree. Accredited online Ph.D. programs are also organized according to the U.S. News and World Report and Forbes Magazine rankings.
Easiest Online Ph.D. Programs & Online Doctoral Programs
- WALDEN UNIVERSITY - 156 Online Doctoral Programs
- REGENT UNIVERSITY - 81 online doctorate degrees, 6 Ph.D. programs online
- HAMPTON UNIVERSITY - 5 online doctoral degree programs
- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA - 8 online doctoral degree programs
- UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI - 4 online doctorate programs
- COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY - 3 online Ph.D. programs, 1 online doctoral program
- UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA - 12 online Ph.D. programs, 3 online doctoral programs
- NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY - 10 online doctorate programs, 8 online Ph.D. programs
- LIBERTY UNIVERSITY - 19 online Ph.D. programs, 16 online doctorate programs
Easiest Ph.D. to Get (Traditional)
The easiest doctorate degree can vary depending on your interests, skills, and strengths. However, here is a list of doctorate degrees that are mentioned as potentially less difficult to obtain.
Focus: Business development, design, methods, tools, and professional ethics
Career Path: Advanced positions in business
Specializations: Human behavior, social psychology, counseling supervision, specific therapy approaches
Career Path: Advanced opportunities in healthcare and social services
Skills Developed: Research skills, data analysis in criminal justice
Career Paths: Emergency management, forensic departments, information security sectors
Focus: Enhancing educational research skills, preparing for leadership roles
Career Paths: Administrative positions in universities, professional departments, elementary and secondary schools
Topics Covered: Policies, ethics, group management, hospital administration, advanced patient care
Career Path: Leadership roles in the business aspect of the medical industry
Focus: Policies, legislation, rights, ethics, and protocols for serving within human services organizations
Career Path: Leadership positions in organizations helping underserved populations
Areas Covered: Financial management, system management, conflict management, human resources management
Application: Practical skills applicable to various industry settings
Skills Developed: Managerial and strategic planning skills for administrative roles
Coursework: Ethics of management, public policy, strategic planning, performance management, employee evaluation, economics of administration
Focus: Advanced training and research skills for the healthcare industry
Emphasis: Leadership and management roles, innovative thinking, communication mastery
Focus: Theory, ethics, research, and practice in public service programs
Skills Developed: Analyzing and proposing policies to improve communities and societies
Combination: Research skills with professional practice
Career Paths: Addictions counselors, applied researchers, professional consultants, clinical psychologists
Focus: Divine and spiritual traditions through academics, research, and religious studies
Career Paths: Professors, social service managers, private school teachers, directors of religious education
Please note that the difficulty of a doctorate degree can vary depending on individual circumstances, personal strengths, and the specific requirements of each program. It's important to thoroughly research and consider your interests, skills, and career goals before deciding on a doctorate program.
Free Ph.D. Programs Online (Fully Funded)
Online Ph.D. programs can boost career opportunities and earnings, but costs can be prohibitive. Many financial support options exist for doctoral students. This article highlights financially supportive U.S. Ph.D. programs, including potentially free options.
Key points about "free" Ph.D. programs:
- "Free" typically means full financial support, not absence of tuition fees.
- Be cautious of programs claiming no tuition charges.
- Common funding sources: fellowships, assistantships, grants, and scholarships.
Fully-funded Ph.D. programs:
- Often advertised as "free" doctoral programs
- Usually offer assistantships or fellowships
- Assistantships: Work as teaching or research assistants
- Fellowships: Awards for pursuing academic interests
- May include benefits like health insurance, living stipends, and tuition waivers
- Highly competitive with limited availability
Students should research eligibility criteria early and submit strong applications for these opportunities.
According to Best-Universities.net.
-
Brown UniversityFully-funded Ph.D. program in computer science
-
University of Houston-DowntownFull scholarship program for online doctorate
-
Devry UniversityComprehensive scholarship program for online degrees
-
University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyFull scholarship program for online undergraduate and graduate degrees
-
Wilson Community CollegeFull scholarship program for community college students
-
University of LeedsUp to 30 fully-funded online Ph.D. programs
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University of the WitwatersrandComprehensive scholarship program for online bachelor's or master's degrees
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The University of Texas at DallasFull scholarship program for online bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees
-
University of StrathclydeFull scholarship program for online undergraduate or master's degrees
-
Emory UniversityFully-funded online Ph.D. program in economics
-
New York UniversityFully-funded Ph.D. program in childhood education
-
University of PennsylvaniaFully-funded online Ph.D. program in educational leadership and policy
If you're not looking for an accelerated program, the list below displays some of the best traditional Ph.D. programs in the country, according to Study.com.
Best Ph.D. Programs in the U.S.
| College/University Name | Distinction | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Cornell University | Conducts interdisciplinary research through at least 100 centers, institutes, and on-campus laboratories | Ithaca, NY |
| Northwestern University | Interdisciplinary clusters give students the option to collaborate with peers and faculty outside of their respective programs | Evanston, IL |
| Stanford University | Hosts a faculty comprised of 19 Nobel Laureates and 4 Pulitzer Prize Winners | Stanford, CA |
| University of California in Berkeley | Allows a doctoral student to participate in customized interdisciplinary degree programs | Berkeley, CA |
| University of Michigan in Ann Arbor | Offers over 160 Ph.D. programs | Ann Arbor, MI |
| University of Pennsylvania | Home to 142 research centers and institutes | Philadelphia, PA |
| University of Texas at Austin | Maintains 19 libraries stocked with over 10 million total volumes | Austin, TX |
| University of Washington in Seattle | Provides $11 million in graduate fellowships and other awards yearly, according to 2013 data | Seattle, WA |
| University of Wisconsin in Madison | Offers over 120 doctoral programs | Madison, WI |
Guide to Online Doctorate Degrees
Fewer positions requiring this advanced level qualification and reduced competition for such job opportunities among job seekers are some of the reasons behind the few doctoral graduates.
With technological advancements in almost all areas of life, acquiring education, a significantly advanced level of education has become more accessible. Graduate students now do not have to attend physical classes to pursue their dreams of developing and advancing their skills.
You can pursue your doctorate in the comfort of your home or even your office.
There was a 20% growth in students granted doctorate degrees between the 2009/2010 and 2019/2020 academic years, according to NCES. This growth has been attributed in part to online Ph.D. programs and the streamlining of modern universities.
Online Ph.D. programs are a relatively newer idea and online schooling in general has greatly increased access, flexibility, and convenience.
Students typically complete these degrees soon after completing a Master's degree in the same area. As such, and with bachelor's degrees being necessary stepping stones, students can expect their journey from primary school to a Ph.D. to take about nine years, barring any accelerated tracks and failed classes.
Cost of an Online Doctoral Degree Program
When choosing any doctoral degree program, it is crucial to evaluate the costs and salary after attending. Even though online Ph.D. courses may usually be cheaper than on-campus learning, secondary schooling is rarely cheap and not every field will allow you to make back the cost in a reasonable amount of time.
Tuition, materials, technology, transportation, housing, and groceries should all be factors brought into account when deciding whether or where to attend, and in what field you can find the most success and fulfillment.
Below are the annual tuition rates of different institutions as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
| Institution Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| Private-For profit institutions | $18,200 |
| Private-Not for-profit institutions | $37,600 |
| Public institutions | $9,400 |
Choosing an Online Doctoral Degree Program
Since doctoral programs require considerable investments of money and time, it is important to consider every factor before deciding on a school or program. Take some time to consider the marketability, cost, and difficulty of each program and your own interest in the subject. To reach your career and educational goals, do your best research.
How Long Does it Take to Get a PhD
- The length of a Ph.D. program can vary, but it typically takes 3 to 6 years to complete.
- A Ph.D. program typically takes 5 to 6 years in the United States.
- A Ph.D. program typically takes 3 to 4 years in the UK and many other European countries.
- The actual length of a Ph.D. program can be influenced by many factors, including the nature of the research, the student's progress, the advisor's availability, and funding considerations.
- Some students may finish in less time, while others may take longer.
- Part-time Ph.D. programs are also available, which can take longer to complete.
Here is a table summarizing the length of Ph.D. programs in different countries:
| Country | Typical Length of a Ph.D. Program |
|---|---|
| United States | 5 to 6 years |
| UK | 3 to 4 years |
| European countries | 3 to 4 years |
| Part-time | 6 to 8 years |
Top 50 Doctorate-Granting Institutions in 2022
This table presents data from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NSF 24-300) on the top 50 doctorate-granting institutions in the United States, ranked by the total number of research doctorate recipients in 2022. The data is broken down by total doctorates awarded and the number awarded to male and female recipients.
| Rank | Institution | Total | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | U. Michigan, Ann Arbor | 861 | 503 | 358 |
| 2 | Stanford U. | 836 | 519 | 317 |
| 3 | U. California, Berkeley | 830 | 484 | 346 |
| 4 | Walden U. | 829 | 249 | 580 |
| 5 | U. Illinois, Urbana-Champaign | 824 | 495 | 329 |
| 6 | Purdue U., West Lafayette | 798 | 508 | 290 |
| 7 | Texas A&M U., College Station | 793 | 467 | 326 |
| 8 | U. California, Los Angeles | 786 | 458 | 328 |
| 9 | U. Florida | 771 | 408 | 363 |
| 10 | Ohio State U., Columbus | 767 | 445 | 322 |
| 11 | Harvard U. | 753 | 389 | 364 |
| 11 | U. Wisconsin-Madison | 753 | 394 | 359 |
| 13 | U. Texas, Austin | 741 | 442 | 299 |
| 14 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 735 | 496 | 239 |
| 15 | Pennsylvania State U. | 710 | 397 | 313 |
| 16 | U. Minnesota, Twin Cities | 693 | 336 | 357 |
| 17 | U. Washington, Seattle | 615 | 316 | 299 |
| 18 | U. California, Davis | 587 | 294 | 292 |
| 19 | Columbia U. in the City of New York | 577 | 303 | 274 |
| 20 | U. Maryland, College Park | 565 | 328 | 237 |
| 21 | Georgia Institute of Technology | 560 | 392 | 168 |
| 22 | U. California, San Diego | 545 | 339 | 206 |
| 23 | North Carolina State U. | 540 | 297 | 243 |
| 24 | Michigan State U. | 519 | 279 | 240 |
| 25 | U. Pennsylvania | 516 | 268 | 248 |
| 26 | U. California, Irvine | 514 | 298 | 216 |
| 27 | U. Georgia | 511 | 244 | 267 |
| 28 | Cornell U. | 509 | 293 | 216 |
| 29 | Johns Hopkins U. | 507 | 263 | 244 |
| 30 | Arizona State U., Tempe | 506 | 289 | 217 |
| 31 | Northwestern U. | 491 | 258 | 233 |
| 32 | U. Southern California | 479 | 278 | 201 |
| 33 | U. North Carolina, Chapel Hill | 474 | 212 | 262 |
| 34 | U. Chicago | 462 | 263 | 199 |
| 35 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State U. | 459 | 288 | 171 |
| 36 | U. Utah | 448 | 273 | 175 |
| 37 | Princeton U. | 447 | 299 | 148 |
| 38 | U. Colorado Boulder | 426 | 253 | 173 |
| 39 | Yale U. | 424 | 234 | 190 |
| 40 | Duke U. | 417 | 234 | 183 |
| 41 | New York U. | 414 | 207 | 207 |
| 42 | U. Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh | 396 | 205 | 191 |
| 43 | Texas Tech U. | 384 | 178 | 206 |
| 44 | Carnegie Mellon U. | 383 | 264 | 119 |
| 45 | Rutgers, State U. New Jersey, New Brunswick | 375 | 202 | 173 |
| 46 | U. Arizona | 374 | 193 | 181 |
| 47 | Indiana U., Bloomington | 373 | 180 | 193 |
| 48 | Boston U. | 370 | 194 | 176 |
| 49 | Iowa State U. | 367 | 211 | 156 |
| 50 | Florida State U. | 366 | 180 | 186 |
Note: Includes doctorate recipients who did not report sex. Tied institutions are listed alphabetically.
Source: National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Survey of Earned Doctorates.
Top 30 States by Doctorate Recipients in 2022
This table presents data from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NSF 24-300) on the number of research doctorate recipients for the top 30 states or locations in 2022. The data is broken down by total doctorates awarded, sex, and field of study (science and engineering vs. non-science and engineering).
| Rank | State or Location | Total | Male | Female | S&E Total | S&E Male | S&E Female | Non-S&E Total | Non-S&E Male | Non-S&E Female |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 6817 | 3762 | 3053 | 5768 | 3312 | 2455 | 1049 | 450 | 598 |
| 2 | Texas | 4381 | 2384 | 1996 | 3359 | 1951 | 1408 | 1022 | 433 | 588 |
| 3 | New York | 4163 | 2102 | 2061 | 3273 | 1738 | 1535 | 890 | 364 | 526 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 3254 | 1770 | 1484 | 2721 | 1540 | 1181 | 533 | 230 | 303 |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 2783 | 1483 | 1300 | 2235 | 1247 | 988 | 548 | 236 | 312 |
| 6 | Illinois | 2621 | 1434 | 1187 | 2053 | 1172 | 881 | 568 | 262 | 306 |
| 7 | Florida | 2455 | 1271 | 1184 | 1889 | 1033 | 856 | 566 | 238 | 328 |
| 8 | Ohio | 1935 | 1030 | 905 | 1530 | 870 | 660 | 405 | 160 | 245 |
| 9 | Michigan | 1930 | 1065 | 865 | 1589 | 936 | 653 | 341 | 129 | 212 |
| 10 | North Carolina | 1866 | 939 | 927 | 1517 | 782 | 735 | 349 | 157 | 192 |
| 11 | Indiana | 1616 | 919 | 696 | 1289 | 780 | 509 | 327 | 139 | 187 |
| 12 | Georgia | 1600 | 880 | 720 | 1295 | 747 | 548 | 305 | 133 | 172 |
| 13 | Minnesota | 1552 | 604 | 948 | 1107 | 452 | 655 | 445 | 152 | 293 |
| 14 | Virginia | 1527 | 781 | 746 | 1170 | 661 | 509 | 357 | 120 | 237 |
| 15 | Maryland | 1360 | 717 | 643 | 1203 | 653 | 550 | 157 | 64 | 93 |
| 16 | Colorado | 1214 | 643 | 571 | 994 | 569 | 425 | 220 | 74 | 146 |
| 17 | New Jersey | 1163 | 674 | 489 | 925 | 574 | 351 | 238 | 100 | 138 |
| 18 | Tennessee | 1021 | 541 | 480 | 804 | 455 | 349 | 217 | 86 | 131 |
| 19 | Wisconsin | 1012 | 518 | 494 | 768 | 429 | 339 | 244 | 89 | 155 |
| 20 | Missouri | 971 | 552 | 419 | 747 | 441 | 306 | 224 | 111 | 113 |
| 21 | Arizona | 940 | 506 | 434 | 739 | 427 | 312 | 201 | 79 | 122 |
| 22 | Washington | 923 | 475 | 448 | 761 | 411 | 350 | 162 | 64 | 98 |
| 23 | Connecticut | 730 | 385 | 345 | 581 | 317 | 264 | 149 | 68 | 81 |
| 24 | Alabama | 705 | 356 | 349 | 524 | 298 | 226 | 181 | 58 | 123 |
| 25 | Iowa | 701 | 382 | 319 | 577 | 327 | 250 | 124 | 55 | 69 |
| 26 | Utah | 671 | 418 | 253 | 567 | 366 | 201 | 104 | 52 | 52 |
| 27 | Oregon | 642 | 318 | 324 | 546 | 274 | 272 | 96 | 44 | 52 |
| 28 | Louisiana | 628 | 336 | 292 | 471 | 250 | 221 | 157 | 86 | 71 |
| 29 | District of Columbia | 530 | 236 | 294 | 366 | 174 | 192 | 164 | 62 | 102 |
| 30 | South Carolina | 529 | 272 | 257 | 404 | 232 | 172 | 125 | 40 | 85 |
Note: Includes doctorate recipients who did not report sex. S&E stands for Science and Engineering.
Source: National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Survey of Earned Doctorates.
Source(s):
National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Survey of Earned Doctorates.
Frequently Asked Questions about Doctoral Programs
A Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) is typically research-oriented and focuses on contributing new knowledge to a field through original research. It's often pursued by those interested in academia or research careers.
A professional doctorate (e.g., Ed.D., D.B.A., Psy.D.) is more practice-oriented and focuses on applying existing knowledge to solve real-world problems in a specific profession. It's often pursued by those looking to advance in their professional careers.
The duration can vary, but typically:
- In the U.S., Ph.D. programs usually take 5-6 years to complete.
- In the UK and many European countries, it's often 3-4 years.
- Part-time programs can take 6-8 years or more.
The actual time can depend on factors like research progress, funding, and individual circumstances.
Common requirements include:
- A master's degree (some programs accept exceptional students with only a bachelor's)
- High GPA (often 3.0 or higher)
- GRE or GMAT scores (some programs are waiving this requirement)
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose or research proposal
- CV or resume
- Writing sample (for some programs)
Specific requirements can vary by program and institution.
Yes, it's possible to work while pursuing a doctoral degree, especially with the increasing availability of part-time and online programs. However, balancing work and study can be challenging due to the intensive nature of doctoral research.
Many full-time Ph.D. students work as teaching or research assistants within their university. Some programs, especially professional doctorates, are designed for working professionals and offer more flexible schedules.
Funding options can include:
- Fellowships and scholarships
- Teaching or research assistantships
- Grants (from the university, government, or private organizations)
- Employer tuition assistance
- Federal student loans
- Work-study programs
Many Ph.D. programs offer full funding packages to their students, which may include tuition waivers and stipends.
Online PhD Programs for You
Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks!
