Posted by Have you ever considered taking a Ph.D. program online? Well, in truth, a lot of people, to this day, remain shell-shocked about the possibility and practicality of doing this. But we want to guarantee you that it is, in fact, possible. Not only are we speculating about its possibility, but we are also taking time out to show you some highly-rated free PhD programs online in 2023 that are making the rounds on the internet.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the 25 best free Ph.D. programs online in 2023. We’ll discuss the types of programs available, what you can expect from each program, and the qualifications you should have to be eligible.
Without further ado, let’s dive in.
Overview of Ph.D. Programs & Benefits
Ph.D. programs offer students an advanced education in a specific field of study, preparing them for careers in academia or research. Schools and colleges offer Ph.D. programs to indicate the peak of one’s educational qualifications. While for academia, a professorial status is equivalent.
Speaking of online Ph.D. programs, these provide the same rigor and standards of excellence as on-campus degree programs, allowing students to pursue advanced studies regardless of their location.
Similarly, Ph.D. programs online give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real-world context while they develop research and writing skills as they work to complete their dissertations.
A doctoral program opens doors to more opportunities for career advancement and high-earning opportunities, especially in academic roles. Regardless of your industry, Ph.D. holders are typically offered better job benefits due to their proof of superior knowledge, both in their research and extensive experience.
Nonetheless, these Ph.D. online programs offered by top online education providers are limited because there are certain specialization programs that are not available for selection online. But you still get a decent catalog to select from.
Some of the notable courses are in psychology, education, health, business, and language disciplines.
Can You Complete a Ph.D Program Online?
Yes, you can. Many schools offer doctoral and Ph.D. programs online so that interested students can take full advantage from wherever in the world they are located.
Popular Areas of Study for Online PhD Programs
Online Ph.D. programs offer a variety of areas of study, such as business, engineering, education, and more. Regardless of which it is, with an online Ph.D., you can pursue your degree while continuing to work or taking care of other personal commitments.
As a result, you can experience the freedom that comes with earning a higher degree without sacrificing your personal and professional life.
Popular areas of study for online PhD Programs include:
- Psychology
- Public Health,
- Computer science.
These online programs offer students the flexibility to pursue an advanced degree in their field of choice. Obtaining a Ph.D. can add value to a person’s career and open up new opportunities as we earlier said. But still, no one can deny the prestige that comes with it.
If you’re at a stage in your career where a Ph.D. degree is next on the line, but you do not want to halt your work to go back to school, then it is necessary that you study your options for getting a Ph.D. online.
So, what are your options?
The List of 25 Best Free Ph.D. Programs Online
While it is true that technology is rapidly disrupting the digital nomadic lifestyle, nothing is as evident or as “rapid” as how quickly education adapted to online learning.
This is an upward trend that will continue beyond 2023.
The following are the options for you if you’re someone who believes that you can benefit from these best free online Ph.D. programs online:
- Ph.D. in English Language and Literature
- Ph.D. in Business Administration
- Ph.D. in International Relations
- Ph.D. in Sociology
- Ph.D. in Accounting & Finance
- Ph.D. in Applied Statistics
- Ph.D. in Nursing
- Ph.D. in Economics
- Ph.D. in Higher Education
- Ph.D. in Healthcare Administration
- Ph.D. in Public Policy
- Ph.D. in Psychology (General)
- Ph.D. in Psychology (Developmental)
- Ph.D. in Business Management (Accounting)
- Ph.D. in Business Management (General)
- Ph.D. in Bible Exposition
- Ph.D. in Education
- Ph.D. in Criminal Justice.
Shortest Ph.D. Online/Hybrid Programs
- Online Doctor of Nursing Practice — Maryville University)
- Online Doctor of Education — University of Dayton
- Online Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision — Capella University
- Doctor of Business Administration — Franklin University
- Online Doctor of Nursing Practice — Frontier Nursing School
- Doctor of Ministry — Liberty
25 Best Free Ph.D. Programs Online
Ready to explore your options? Let’s get right to it.
1. Ph.D. in English Language and Literature
Offered by: IICSE University
Duration: 3 years
The Ph.D. program in English Language and Literature at IISCE University is a rigorous and challenging academic pursuit that provides students with a deep understanding of both languages and the art of storytelling. IICSE University is an educational institution that provides distance learning programs at undergraduate and postgraduate study levels.
The Ph.D. in English Language and Literature program is a 3-year postgraduate degree that requires you to complete 60 credits each year. It is highly recommended by past students who have taken the course, and it covers topics as:
- Postcolonial literature
- Sociolinguistics
- Psycholinguistics
- Elements of Literary Criticism
- Spiritual Literature
Typically, however, all courses on IICSE require that you pay about $50 for the application fee.
2. Ph.D. in Business Administration
Offered by: IICSE University
Duration: 9 months
The Ph.D. in Business Administration program at IICSE University is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the world of business. Through a combination of coursework, research, and practical experience, students gain a deep understanding of the principles of business, management, and entrepreneurship. The program lasts for 9 months and contains 90 credit units; 45 for each semester. Some topic highlights available include:
- Statistics
- Financial Management
- Management Information System
- Project Evaluation and Feasibility Report
3. Ph.D. in International Relations
Offered by: IICSE University
Duration: 3 years
The Ph.D. in International Relations program at IICSE University offers students the opportunity to explore in-depth the complexities of global politics and international relations. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including global economics, macro, and microeconomics, entrepreneurship, international peace and security, cognition of world politics, etc. It is a 180-credit course.
4. Ph.D. in Sociology
Offered by: IICSE University
Duration: 3 years
The Ph.D. in Sociology program offered by IICSE University provides students with a comprehensive understanding of social behavior and relationships. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in research, academia, and public service.
The curriculum includes key topics as social anthropology, sexuality, human rights, sociology of globalization, population and society, etc.
5. Ph.D. in Accounting & Finance
Offered by: IICSE University
Duration: 3 years
Students who have completed their master’s degree and are seeking for new challenges in furthering their studies to further increase their educational qualifications will find this Ph.D. in Accounting & Finance at IICSE University worthy of being given a shot.
Like most Ph.D. programs offered by IICSE University, it is a three-year degree program with 180 credits to be completed. The program glosses over core accounting concepts like tax and finance, econometrics, and statistics, among other themes.
6. Ph.D. in Applied Statistics
Offered by: IICSE University
Duration: 3 years
The Ph.D. in Applied Statistics at IICSE University is primarily designed for students who are interested in pursuing an advanced degree in statistics and pursuing a lasting career in related fields.
The program takes 3 years to complete and contains 180 credit units.
7. Ph.D. in Nursing
Offered by: IICSE University
Duration: 3 years
Pursuing a Ph.D. in Nursing at the IICSE University is a transformative experience that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and tools to become leaders in the nursing field. The program takes a multidisciplinary approach that integrates nursing theory, research, practice, and leadership to enable students to develop a comprehensive understanding of nursing and healthcare concepts.
8. Ph.D. in Economics
Offered by: IICSE University
Duration: 3 years
IICSE University offers an online Ph.D. in Economics program that provides students with advanced analytical skills and knowledge in topics such as micro and macroeconomics, and how various aspects of economics and econometrics combine to make society and civilization work.
9. Ph.D. in Higher Education
Offered by: IICSE University
Duration: 3 years
IICSE University also offers an online Ph.D. in a Higher Education program that is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in higher education institutions. This course primarily aims to educate learners to become skilled in multidimensional roles in higher tiers of the education industry. Thus, crucial topics like entrepreneurship, conflict resolution, student engagement, and systemic thinking are just a few topics packaged in this degree.
10. Ph.D. in Healthcare Administration
Offered by: IICSE University
Duration: 3 years
IICSE University offers a Ph.D. program in Healthcare Administration for individuals who hold a master’s degree in healthcare administration or a related field. The program is designed to prepare graduates for roles in the healthcare industry, including top management positions in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations.
Ph.D. Programs That Offer Scholarship Opportunities
The following are recommended Ph.D. programs that offer funding palliatives via scholarships, financial aid, military/veteran benefits, and other similar options. They are also made available online for anyone to apply and get access to how well they fit in.
11. Ph.D. in History
Offered by: Liberty University
Duration: 3 years
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Liberty University offers a Ph.D. in History program that prepares students to become experts in the field of history. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in historical research, critical analysis, and communication skills necessary to thrive in academic or non-academic careers.
Students in the program have the opportunity to study a wide range of historical periods and topics, including American history, European history, military history, religious history, and more. The program also emphasizes the development of advanced research skills and the ability to conduct original research that contributes to the field of history.
12. Ph.D. in Public Policy
Offered by: Liberty University
Duration: 3 years on average
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Liberty University offers a 60-credit Ph.D. program in Public Policy that equips graduates with advanced skills in policy analysis and research. The program focuses on training students to think critically about affairs that concern the public — economic climate, cultural differences, national relations; and policies that shape our way of life.
13. Ph.D. in Psychology (General)
Offered by: Capella University
Duration: 3 years
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Capella University is the latest entry on our list that offers a free online Ph.D. program. This doctoral degree provides a solid Ph.D. program in General Psychology; this aims to give learners an understanding of the deeper, underlying facets of psychology and its application to people’s lives and how this understanding makes a difference.
It costs more than $44,000 in tuition; however, Capella offers around $20,000 in its Progress Reward. There’s also the opportunity for a 10% fee discount for students with military history; as well as employer benefits.
14. Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology
Offered by: Capella University
Duration: 3 years
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Capella University offers a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology program which is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human development; specifically, how they grow and change. The curriculum consists of theoretical and practical coursework and research, preparing graduates to become scholars and leaders in the field of developmental psychology.
15. Ph.D. in Business Management (Accounting)
Offered by: Capella University
Duration: 3 years
Accreditation: ACBSP
Capella University offers a Ph.D. in Business Management program with a focus on Accounting. This program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge to become experts in accounting practice, research, and education.
The program’s curriculum is designed to meet the needs of working professionals and is delivered entirely online. Also, the $20k scholarship and benefits that come with other Capella Ph.D. programs so far on this list still applies here.
16. Ph.D. in Business Management (General)
Offered by: Capella University
Duration: 3 years
Accreditation: ACBSP
Capella University offers a 90-credit Ph.D. in Business Management program with a General focus on business management. This program is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of business management theory and practice, as well as advanced research skills and knowledge.
The program’s curriculum covers a range of topics, including business principles and practices, ethics and leadership, and strategic management.
17. Ph.D. in Bible Exposition
Offered by: Liberty University
Duration: 3 years (average)
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Liberty University offers a Ph.D. in Bible Exposition program, which is designed to prepare students to interpret and communicate the Scriptures effectively through research, teaching, and writing and teach them how to make an impact in the Christian community. The program contains 60 credits and features 100% online courses that are made available for eight weeks per semester. Finally, tuition benefits are available for students of Rawling’s School of Divinity at this school.
18. Ph.D. in Education
Offered by: Liberty University
Duration: 3 years
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Like its Ph.D. in Bible Exposition, Liberty University provides elite education for students who want to pursue a Ph.D. in Education. It is a 60-credit fully-packed program that offers you the opportunity to gain an advanced degree in the specialization and increase your value to the global job market. The cost of the program is $595 per credit, but there are tuition discounts available. You can check for your eligibility.
19. Ph.D. in Criminal Justice
Offered by: Liberty University
Duration: 3 years
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Liberty University offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Criminal Justice program. This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become leaders in the field of criminal justice research and academia.
20. Online Doctor of Nursing Practice
Offered by: Maryville University
Duration: 20 months
Accreditation: CCNE & Higher Learning Commission
The average salary of nurses in the United States is less than $80,000. Albeit, nurses who have doctoral qualifications earn significantly more—typically around $92,000 – $112,000.
Maryville University’s Online DNP program is an advanced degree program that provides useful practical and theoretical knowledge of key areas in the nursing profession, like adult gerontology, family nursing practice, pediatric nursing practice, psychiatric Mental health nursing practice, etc. The best part is that this program is entirely online; with no GRE or GMAT required.
21. Online Doctor of Education
Offered by: University of Dayton
Duration: 36 months
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
The University of Dayton offers an Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program that allows students to advance their careers in education. It contains 60 program units that must be completed over 36 months.
22. Ph.D. in Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision
Offered by: Capella University
Duration: 3 years
Accreditation: HLC & CACREP
Capella University again provides professional training in another key area in philosophy and counselor education. The Ph.D. in Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision provides a structured learning pathway that will help to advance your career in counseling. Furthermore, you can get over $5,000 in scholarship funding, if you qualify.
23. Doctor of Business Administration
Offered by: Franklin University
Duration: 3 years
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission. And authorized by the Ohio Department of Higher Education
Franklin University offers a doctoral degree in Business Administration for students who are keen on advancing their skills, knowledge, acumen, and efficiency in business administration and operability. The program is 100% available online, and you can transfer up to 24 hours in prior credit if you’ve been enrolled in any Ph.D. program; this reduces your expenses.
24. Online Doctor of Nursing Practice
Offered by: Frontier Nursing University
Duration: 3 years
Accreditation: SACSCOC, ACME, ACEN
FNU offers a stacked clinical doctorate degree among its roster for eligible nurses who want to advance their careers and make the best out of them.
The program is intended to provide certified nurse midwives and nurse practitioners with evidence-based learning practice, quality improvement, and systems leadership. As the highest degree for clinical nursing, you should expect to take a deeper learning dive into concepts like adult gerontology, nursing leadership, and more. In addition, there are scholarship opportunities available.
25. Doctor of Ministry
Offered by: Liberty University
Duration: 2 years
Accreditation: ATS Commission on Accrediting
Liberty University’s 100% online Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree program can assist you in advancing and honing your ministry skills by providing you with a deeper understanding of biblical principles and outreach strategies that will enable you to serve in a variety of pastoral roles. You can tailor your studies to get the training you need and confidently step out into the field with many specialized tracks for various fields of ministry.
FAQs About Free Ph.D. Programs Online
Are free Ph.D. programs online legitimate?
Yes, free Ph.D. programs online are legitimate. And they exist today due to the need to make education accessible for all, regardless of location.
What disciplines can I study with a free Ph.D. program online?
The disciplines available vary depending on the institution offering the program. However, many free Ph.D. programs online are available in fields such as business, education, humanities, and health sciences.
Can I earn a Ph.D. completely online?
Yes, you can. Absolutely.
How long does it take to earn a Ph.D. online?
This varies and is highly dependent on your program selection and school. This may take as little as 20 months in some schools, while others require 3 years on average. So, you should find out how exactly your ideal Ph.D. school works.
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Wrapping It Up
Overall, free Ph.D. programs online offer a fantastic opportunity for individuals to further their education and advance their careers without the burden of tuition fees. While the availability of such programs may vary, with a bit of research, dedication, and hard work, anyone can achieve their dream of earning a Ph.D.
Whether you’re looking to advance in your current field or branch out into a new one, the possibilities with a free online Ph.D. program are endless. So why not take the leap and embark on this exciting journey of academic and personal growth, without breaking the bank?