In the past, the majority of doctoral programs always required students to write a dissertation.

Now, instead of spending years working on a dissertation, a growing number of universities offer doctoral students an alternative to the dissertation process: a capstone project.

List of Doctorate Degrees without Dissertation Requirements

Here is a list of doctoral programs that don’t require a dissertation. Instead, you complete a capstone project or a doctoral study project.

Click on your desired field to see a complete list of programs:

• Accounting
• Business Administration
• Computers & Information Technology
• Criminal Justice
• Education
• Finance
• Healthcare Administration
• Homeland Security
• Management
• Nursing
• Public Administration
• Public Health
• Psychology

Like dissertations, capstone projects are a culmination of your education. They usually involve some original research or some type of applied practical knowledge in your field. It all depends on the school and program.

Be sure to check out the specializations available, as well as the particular requirements for each of these non dissertation PhD programs to be sure you select the one that will best suit you and help you achieve your goals.

Online Accounting Doctoral Programs

The Doctor of Business Administration offers specializations in accounting and focuses on domestic and international managerial accounting.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, financial managers are in high demand with a mean salary of $134,180.

These accounting programs do not require a dissertation:

• Online Doctor of Business Administration – Accounting
• Online Doctor of Business Administration – Finance

In addition, the need for financial managers in leadership positions is growing by 17% over the next ten years. And if you’re interested in academia, the need for business educators is growing at the rate of 6% over the next ten years.

Online DBA Without Dissertation – Doctor of Business Administration

A Doctor of Business Administration is the highest academic degree program in the business world and is ideal for business professionals in corporations, the public sector, or academia.

Quite a few Online DBA concentrations are available without involving the dissertation process and associated research. Instead, you complete a capstone project or doctoral study project. These projects provide real-world learning and leadership opportunities.

An online DBA program focuses on advanced decision-making and leadership skills, integrating business theory and applied research. The capstone project or doctoral study project will relate to the specialization you have chosen and prepare you for that particular career path.

Most online DBA programs allow you to tailor your education by selecting the specialization that best suits your interests and aspirations.

No Dissertation DBA Programs:

• Online DBA – Leadership
• Online DBA – Project Management
• Online DBA – General Business
• Online DBA – Accounting
• Online DBA – Finance
• Online DBA – Human Resource Management
• Online DBA – Supply Chain Management
• Online DBA – Information Systems Management
• Online DBA – International Business
• Online DBA – Marketing
• Online DBA – Entrepreneurship
• Online DBA – Healthcare Management
• Online DBA – Homeland Security
• Online DBA – Social Impact Management
• Online DBA – Technology Entrepreneurship
• Online DBA – Energy Management

Whether you work full time as a business consultant or manager, as an entrepreneur, as a school administrator or in government, online PhD no dissertation programs like this can help you take your education – and your career in business – to the next level.

Online Doctorate in Computers & Information Technology

A doctoral degree in computer information systems or information technology trains you for senior management roles in corporations, government agencies, and non-profits.

These IT programs don’t require a dissertation:

• Online Doctor of Information Technology
• Online DBA – Information Systems Management

The Doctor of Information Technology and the Doctor of Business Administration are applied doctorate degree programs.

These online doctorate programs can prepare you for top-level positions such as IT strategist, IS manager, chief information officer, or even college faculty member.

Online Doctorate in Criminal Justice Programs

Earning your doctorate in criminal justice gives you the tools needed to analyze and operate in the social sciences in areas such as law and society, crime, policing, homeland security, and criminal behavior.

Criminal Justice programs are offered as follows:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Criminal Justice
• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Criminal Justice
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Criminal Justice
• Doctor of Management (DM) in Criminal Justice
• Doctor of Criminal Justice (DCJ)

Of these five degree program types, the PhD in Criminal Justice is the most common. However, the other four types of doctorates are professional doctorates and are more likely to require a capstone project in place of the dissertation process.

Online Doctoral Programs in Education without Dissertation

Having an advanced level degree in education can really set you apart and open new doors. That’s where Doctor of Education programs come into play.

More and more universities are now offering online doctoral programs in education without dissertation requirements, which means you may be able to complete the program sooner, without neglecting your other obligations, and without writing that massive research paper!

Unlike a PhD in Education which is heavily focused on research, a Doctor of Education (EdD) program is more focused on the real world practical application of knowledge. With the creation of the Carnegie Project for the Education Doctorate (CPED) which looks at EdD curriculum and its development, an increasing number of universities are adopting a more practical approach in their curriculum.

For this reason, Doctor of Education programs are starting to offer capstone projects (or similar applications) as an alternative to the lengthy, research-intensive dissertation process.

Online EdD Programs without Dissertation:

• Online EdD – Educational Leadership & Administration
• Online EdD – Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment
• Online EdD – Reading, Literacy, & Assessment
• Online EdD – Higher Education Leadership & Management
• Online EdD – Community College Leadership
• Online EdD – Educational Technology
• Online EdD – Special Education
• Online EdD – Early Childhood Education
• Online EdD – Higher Education Leadership and Adult Learning

There are two main education doctorate options: a Ph.D. in Education and Doctor of Education (EdD). So which is the best choice?

A Ph.D. in Education is ideal for someone interested in academic and/or research positions in higher education, or in a corporate, military or government position. Unfortunately, this path does not have an online PhD without dissertation process. It is founded in research and theory, and you will be required to complete a traditional dissertation.

Doctor of Education programs, however, focus more on developments in the field and prepare you to work in a classroom or for a school district. Quite a few schools now offer online Ed.D. programs without dissertation programs.

If you are comparing online doctoral programs no dissertation, some of the specializations you may be able to choose from include:

• Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• Educational Administration and Leadership
• Personalized and Competency-Based Instruction
• Early Childhood
• K-12 Studies
• Special Education
• Educational Technology
• Higher Education Leadership

The University of Southern Mississippi, for example, offers a part-time, fully online EdD program that culminates in a capstone project in educational administration instead of a traditional dissertation process.

Be sure to select one of the degree programs and specializations that will work with your lifestyle and commitments, and help you achieve your long-term career goals.

Online Doctoral Programs in Finance

The Doctor of Business Administration offers specializations in finance and focuses on international finance, entrepreneurial finance, law, and compliance.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, financial managers are in high demand with a mean salary of $134,180.

These finance degree programs do not require a dissertation:

• Online Doctor of Business Administration – Finance
• Online Doctor of Business Administration – Accounting

In addition, the need for financial managers is growing by 17% over the next ten years. And if you’re interested in academia, the need for business educators is growing at the rate of 6% over the next ten years.

Online Healthcare Administration Doctoral Programs

The Doctor of Business Administration with a specialization in Healthcare Management provides advanced training in organizational leadership, professional management, and human resource development.

DBA in Healthcare Management degree programs will prepare you for senior-level leadership positions in the healthcare field.

No dissertation required:

• Online DBA – Healthcare Management

Explore cutting-edge strategies in leadership and decision-making while gaining a deep understanding of both theory and practice.

Online Homeland Security Doctoral Programs

With the global increase in terrorism and natural disasters, the need for homeland security leaders well-trained in crisis planning is on the rise.

The Doctor of Business Administration with a specialization in Homeland Security addresses global terrorism, risk analysis, policy challenges, organizational leadership, and emerging trends.

Does not require a dissertation:

• Online DBA – Homeland Security

Courses include an in-depth look into homeland security policies, homeland security business planning, and business infrastructure vulnerability analysis, among others.

Online Management Doctoral Programs

A Doctor of Business Administration with a focus in management is designed to prepare you for strategic leadership. Not only will you develop advanced research skills, but you will also have the opportunity to learn new ways to address complex problems within your industry.

A Doctor of Business Administration is a professional doctorate that can help prepare you for high-level management positions in corporations, non-profits, or government agencies.

These degree programs don’t require a dissertation:

• Online DBA – Leadership
• Online DBA – Project Management
• Online DBA – Supply Chain Management
• Online DBA – Information Systems Management
• Online DBA – Human Resource Management
• Online DBA – Healthcare Management
• Online DBA – Social Impact Management

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for management professionals is $109,760, which is the highest wage of all major occupation groups.

Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Instead of following a traditional dissertation process in your studies, you will complete a DNP practicum.

Nurses participating in the DNP program will learn to take evidence-based research and put it into practice to improve patient outcomes.

This DNP can be completed in as little as two years:

• Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Leadership and innovation are also areas of focus to help encourage innovation and positive change in the healthcare system.

Online Doctor of Public Administration

The Doctor of Public Administration is an applied doctorate that gives you the in-depth knowledge you need to lead effectively and help create positive change in non-profits, government agencies, or similar organizations.

Doctor of Public Administration degree programs can help prepare you for a career in academia or to work in the public, private, or non-profit sectors.

Does not require dissertation:

• Online Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows high-demand in the field. For example, the need for social and community service managers will grow by 15% in the next ten years.

Online Public Health Doctoral Programs

The Doctor of Public Health is a professional doctorate degree intended for individuals already working in the field of public health.

The field is interdisciplinary and covers topics ranging from advocacy and marketing to communications and leadership.

A number of concentrations are available such as epidemiology and biostatistics.

Career options vary but can include health officer, health policy advisor, and community health director.

Online PsyD Programs Without a Dissertation

The Doctor of Psychology is a professional degree program that covers both Clinical Psychology and Counseling Psychology.

There are a few online PsyD programs that require no dissertation.

Some common fields of specialization include:

• Behavioral Health Leadership
• Behavioral Psychology
• Child, Adolescent and Family Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Couple or Family Therapy
• Forensic Psychology
• Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine
• Mental Illness
• Neuropsychology

Instead of a dissertation, some PsyD programs (like Capella) allow you to complete a capstone project related to your field of specialization.

What is a Doctoral Dissertation?

A doctoral dissertation, the culmination of most doctoral degree programs, is a substantial written document in which the student uses the teachings and skills gleaned from the entire program to develop and discuss an original concept, theory or practice that will help advance the field.

Writing a dissertation is no easy feat! They are typically hundreds of pages long, and students work on them for over a year, reviewing research, conducting experiments and analyzing data.

Because this project is daunting, demanding, and often requires years of research, many universities have come up with alternatives that allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and provide worthwhile contributions to their field without completing a traditional dissertation.

What Are All But Dissertation Completion Programs?

“All But Dissertation” (ABD) completion programs, also known as PhD completion programs, are designed to help students who have completed all the requirements of a doctoral degree program except the dissertation.

Quite often, students work diligently through the coursework of their doctoral program, but fall short when it comes to completing the required dissertation. In fact, only about 56% of those who start a doctoral degree program earn their doctorate or PhD within 10 years. Completing a dissertation is an enormous project that entails extensive research… and life, family, careers and other obligations sometimes get in the way.

For example, the Dissertation Completion Pathway (DCP) offered by National University is one example of a structured program that transfers credit for prior academic coursework and provides guidance and mentorship as you work to finish your dissertation. This type of program typically takes 2-3 years.

Is a Dissertation Required for a PhD?

Not always. In the past a dissertation was required for a PhD, but a growing number of institutions have started to offer online doctoral programs no dissertation.

Instead, students may complete a capstone project to demonstrate their knowledge and provide new contributions to the field. This may be a combination of a research paper and fieldwork, or perhaps you might do some consulting work at a functioning business. However, it most cases, it will require considerably less independent research than what is required for a dissertation.

Capstone projects vary from school to school, and program to program.

One of the benefits of non-dissertation doctorate degrees is that you can finish in less time. Check out our post on accelerated online doctoral programs for a deeper look.

Is Financial Aid Available for Online PhD Programs?

Yes, financial aid is available for online PhD programs.

Federal Financial Aid

First, you should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), just like you did when you were an undergraduate student. This will open the door to federal grants and loans, as well as many other resources.

State Financial Aid

In addition to federal financial aid, almost 40 states offer student loan programs. Like Federal loans, the interest rates offered by most state programs are generally less than those charged by private student loan lenders. You can check out the individual State Financial Aid programs here.

Scholarships and Grants for Online Doctorate Programs

Additionally, online PhD and doctoral students are often eligible for grants, fellowships, and scholarships. These may be available through the school, large corporations, or professional associations that take your work experience into account.

Here are some helpful doctoral scholarship resources:

• CollegeGrant Scholarships and Grants
• College Scholarships for Doctoral Students
• PhD Scholarships for Women
• Graduate Scholarships

You can also check with the financial aid office at the university or college you choose to learn more about institutional funding and financial aid opportunities.

Can You Get a No Dissertation Doctorate Online?

Yes! A growing number of reputable, accredited colleges and universities offer non-dissertation doctorate programs. We’ve compiled a list of universities offering online doctorate degrees without dissertation requirements.

Universities Offering No Dissertation Online Doctorate Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

	University	Featured Image	tbl-programs	Location	mdgtbl-description
Expand All
	Arizona State University		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONArizona	ACCREDITATIONHLC	ASU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Online DBH (Doctor of Behavioral Health)
	Bay Path University		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONMassachusetts	ACCREDITATIONNECHE	Bay Path is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Online OTD (Occupational Therapy Doctorate) Online DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
	Baylor University		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONTexas	ACCREDITATIONSACSCOC	Baylor is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degree programs. Online EdD – Learning and Organizational Change
	Capella University		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONMinnesota	ACCREDITATIONHLC	Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Online EdD or DBA – Multiple Concentrations
	East Tennessee State University		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONTennessee	ACCREDITATIONHLC	ETSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award Baccalaureate, Masters and Doctoral degree programs. Online EdD – Global Sport Leadership
	Eastern Kentucky University		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONKentucky	ACCREDITATIONSACSCOC	EKU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Online OTD (Occupational Therapy Doctorate)
	Gannon University		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONPennsylvania	ACCREDITATIONMSCHE	Gannon is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Online OTD (Occupational Therapy Doctorate)
	Georgia College & State University		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONSTATE	ACCREDITATIONSACSCOC	GCSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Online DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
	Indiana State University		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONIndiana	ACCREDITATIONHLC	Indiana State has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1915. Online DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
	Johns Hopkins University		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONMaryland	ACCREDITATIONMSCHE	Johns Hopkins is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Online EdD (Does not require a traditional dissertation process; students work on an applied dissertation that is part of EdD coursework)
	Liberty University		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONVirginia	ACCREDITATIONSACSCOC	Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Online DBA Programs – they offer applied research projects.
	Loma Linda University		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONCalifornia	ACCREDITATIONWSCUC	Loma Linda is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Online OTD (Occupational Therapy Doctorate)
	Morehead State University		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONKentucky	ACCREDITATIONSACSCOC	Morehead State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Online EdD – 3 doctoral specializations available
	National University		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONCalifornia	ACCREDITATIONWSCUC	National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Online EdS – 16 Graduate level concentrations available, but not a doctorate degree. No dissertation required.
	Nebraska Methodist College		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONNebraska	ACCREDITATIONHLC	NMC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Online EdD – Education & Leadership in Healthcare
	New York University		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONNew York	ACCREDITATIONMSCHE	NYU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Online EdD – Leadership and Innovation
	Quinnipiac University		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONConnecticut	ACCREDITATIONNECHE	Quinnipiac is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Online OTD (Occupational Therapy Doctorate)
	Temple University		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONPennsylvania	ACCREDITATIONMSCHE	Temple is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Online OTD (Occupational Therapy Doctorate)
	Texas Woman’s University		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONTexas	ACCREDITATIONSACSCOC	TWU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Online OTD (Occupational Therapy Doctorate)
	University of Massachusetts – Boston		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONMassachusetts	ACCREDITATIONNECHE	UMB is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Online DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
	University of Southern California		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONCalifornia	ACCREDITATIONWSCUC	USC has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges since March 6, 1949. Online DSW (Doctor of Social Work)
	University of Southern Mississippi		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONMississippi	ACCREDITATIONSACSCOC	USM is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award degrees at the baccalaureate, masters, specialists and doctoral levels. Online EdD – Educational Administration
	University of Virginia		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONVirginia	ACCREDITATIONSACSCOC	UVA is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degree programs. Online EdD – Curriculum & Instruction
	University of Western States		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONOregon	ACCREDITATIONNWCCU	UWS is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Online EdD – Sport and Performance Psychology
	Utica College		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONNew York	ACCREDITATIONMSCHE	Utica is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Online DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy)
	Vanderbilt University		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONTennessee	ACCREDITATIONSACSCOC	Vanderbilt is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award bachelor’s, master’s, professional, and doctoral degrees. Online EdD – Leadership and Learning in Organizations
	Virginia Commonwealth University		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONVirginia	ACCREDITATIONSACSCOC	VCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s, doctoral and first-professional degrees. Online EdD – Leadership
	Walden University		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONMinnesota	ACCREDITATIONHLC	Walden has been accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1990. Online Programs: Online DBA Online PsyD – Behavioral Health Online EdD
	West Virginia University		PROGRAMOnline	LOCATIONWest Virginia	ACCREDITATIONHLC	WVU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which guarantees the quality of the university as a whole. Online DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)

These programs can work around your existing obligations such as family or work commitments, and will allow you to advance in your career and contribute to your field in ways that don’t require a massive research paper and the massive amount of dissertation research that goes along with it!

Are There Any PhD Programs Without Dissertation Requirements?

Yes, there are quite a few doctoral programs without dissertation requirements, but PhD programs without dissertation requirements are few and far between. In these cases, instead of the dissertation most commonly used in a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program, a capstone project is required to help you put your new-found skills to good use.

In the past, dissertations were required so that you could demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in your field. But universities have started to realize that there are quite a few ways you can do that.

As you can see with the online DBA programs, a few colleges are no longer requiring dissertations. They allow you to complete a doctoral capstone project instead. No, it’s not technically a dissertation. But you do prove that you have acquired a high level of expertise in your field of study.

Higher education is continuing to change at a rapid pace. As another example, a number of PhD programs without GRE requirements are appearing.

How Many Credits Do PhD Programs Require?

Most PhD programs require between 54 and 90 credit hours. That’s between 18 and 30 courses. That is a huge range! This is true for both campus-based PhD programs and online PhD programs.

Let’s look at one of National University’s online programs as an example. The online DBA in Accounting is 54 credit hours and consists of 18 courses (most courses are 3 credit hours).

In contrast, if you attend a state university campus program like the University of Illinois, the PhD in Business requires 64 credit hours (around 21 courses), provided you already have your master’s degree.

Are There Any EdD Programs Without dissertation?

Yes, there are a number of EdD programs without dissertation research papers. Here is a list of Ed.D. concentrations / specializations without a dissertation requirement: Online Doctor of Education list.

Are There Any Online Educational Administration Doctorate Degrees with No Dissertation required?

Yes! You can get a without completing a dissertation: Online EdD – Educational Leadership & Administration

Do All Doctoral Programs Require a Dissertation?

No. A wide-range of doctoral programs do not have a dissertation. Instead, graduate schools allow you to complete a capstone project which focuses on solving a real-world problem.

You can also earn your doctorate through an accredited online program if you don’t want to attend on campus.

Is a PhD Program Without a Dissertation Respected?

A dissertation allows students the opportunity to demonstrate expertise in their field of study through extensive research and an associated dissertation research paper.

In certain fields, a dissertation will be the measure of quality. This is true for academia should you ever want to be a tenured professor at Harvard. But if that’s not your goal, doctoral programs in higher education, leadership, or business administration are reputable – provided you earn your doctorate from a graduate school with regional accreditation.

Can I Get an Online Doctorate Degree Without a dissertation?

Yes. There are dozens of online doctorate degrees with no dissertation being offered from accredited universities. The most common doctoral degree programs are the Doctor of Education, Doctor of Business Administration, Doctor of Psychology, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Are There Any 18 month Doctorate with No Dissertation Programs?

Yes. Some online PhD no dissertation programs can be completed in as little as 18 to 24 months.

To finish in a short time like this, you will need to be enrolled full time and progressing through your courses successfully. You will also need your capstone project to be approved in a timely manner. Again, in order to complete your doctorate in less than 18 months, you’ll need to enroll in a PhD without thesis or dissertation requirement.

Are There Any PhD Without Dissertation Programs Online?

Yes, a number of universities offer online doctoral degree programs without dissertation to help working professionals juggle full time jobs with their studies. We’ve compiled a list of them above. As more universities offer no dissertation doctorates, we will update the list.

It’s worth noting that while these programs do not require traditional dissertations, there will usually be a research project (usually known as a Capstone) through which you demonstrate what you have learned. Each program should detail the capstone experience requirements and the opportunities you will have while enrolled.

You can complete your program as a full time, working professional from the comfort of your own home!

The post 50 Best Doctorate Degree Online No Dissertation Programs – EdD, DBA, DNP, PsyD, PhD [2024 Edition] appeared first on MyDegreeGuide.com.

With an eye on the horizon, you may be considering what steps you need to take to advance your career.

Now, you can leverage technology to accomplish your goals – and get the very same doctorate awarded to on-campus students – but without sacrificing your career or time with your family.

Online Doctor of Business Administration Programs

With a variety of opportunities available to you, specializing can help you become a leader in your field as you meet your professional and personal goals. Depending on your institution of choice, you can specialize in a concentration or specific field that helps differentiate yourself from other alumni.

Each of these DBA programs offers accelerated 8-week online classes. Click on the subject area that most interests you.

• Accounting
• Business Administration
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Healthcare Management
• Homeland Security
• Human Resource Management
• Information Systems Management
• International Business
• Leadership
• Management
• Marketing
• Project Management
• Supply Chain Management

Regardless of which – if any – concentration you decide upon, you will likely participate in seminars, fieldwork, and even advanced symposiums as you train to become a distinguished corporate leader.

Accounting

Online DBA in Accounting

For a numbers person, a DBA concentration in Accounting can be a great way to help you develop skills that go well beyond the introductory accounting classes that you took during your earlier academic pursuits.

During your studies, you’ll likely spend a significant amount of time reviewing the available literature in the field and discussing topics like forensic accounting, agency theory, behavioral accounting, and audit theory. You may also explore the role that ethics plays in accounting practice.

Business Administration

Online DBA in General Business

A concentration in Business Administration serves as a generalist approach to earning a DBA.

You might choose this approach if, for the sake of career versatility, you want your doctoral studies to be as broad in scope as possible. Another reason to choose this type of DBA is customization.

Selecting several elective courses from different specializations can help you tailor your studies to your personal areas of interest.

Entrepreneurship

Online DBA in Entrepreneurship

If you love the thrill of startups and business launches, then a concentration in Entrepreneurship might be for you.

Entrepreneurship doctoral candidates study creative thinking that can help them tackle business opportunities and decisions in fresh ways. They also discuss venture capitalism and other sources of funding for startups. In addition, students explore key principles that apply in nearly any business setting; these include problem-solving and organizational change.

Finance

Online DBA in Finance

Although any DBA graduate may be able to earn a position as a C-suite executive, those with a Finance concentration may be particularly well-suited to serve as an organization’s chief financial officer. Other career options include investment banking and financial planning.

Your coursework can help you gain an in-depth understanding of budgeting, investments, mergers, financial analysis, securities, decision modeling and risk management for private businesses and public organizations.

Healthcare Management

Online DBA in Healthcare Management

The healthcare industry presents unique opportunities and challenges that other sectors don’t always face. Students who pursue a DBA concentration in Healthcare Management can work on gaining the skills necessary for leadership success in this field.

Coursework may address topics like managing a diverse team of healthcare professionals, working within a budget, delivering quality care, and operating in a managed-care context. You may also perform an in-depth analysis of current systems for healthcare delivery.

Homeland Security

Online DBA in Homeland Security

Government and law enforcement agencies rely on the expertise of DBA holders with a concentration in Homeland Security. Public safety and disaster management are top areas of focus with this specialization.

Students investigate the issues of terrorism and intelligence, and they discuss the ways that infrastructure affects both prevention and recovery efforts. After graduation, you might choose to seek employment with a law enforcement team, a recovery organization or a government agency.

Human Resource Management

Online DBA in Human Resource Management

Businesses rely on attracting and retaining top talent and skilled employees.

A concentration in Human Resource Management can help you learn what it takes to ensure that your organization is making the most of its personnel resources. Students in this concentration typically study team-building concepts, learn how to foster positive interactions, and discuss ways to improve employee skills.

Your coursework may also cover employee retention, labor laws, payroll issues, and benefits packages.

Information Systems Management

Online DBA in Information System Management

Do you excel in both business concepts and computer skills? If you have a passion for both of these fields, a DBA with a concentration in Information Systems Management can help you combine these two interests.

Studies in this concentration focus on the ways that businesses use technology to streamline their productivity and boost their effectiveness. You and your classmates may also explore how innovative uses of technology can give organizations an advantage over their competitors.

International Business

Online DBA in International Business

If you have the desire to work in a global market, then you may appreciate the knowledge and skills that you can gain from an International Business DBA concentration.

The classes that you take for this specialization may cover topics like global ethics and worldwide finance. They can help you gain skills for operating in international markets and learn about laws that can affect business dealings in other countries.

Leadership

Online DBA in Leadership

Whether in times of success or times of trouble, organizations rely on powerful leaders to help them continue to grow and thrive.

You may have natural leadership talent, but a DBA with a concentration in Leadership can help you refine those skills to become a leader whom businesses entrust with their top positions.

Your studies can help you gain a better understanding of change navigation, personnel management, critical thinking, and sustainability.

Management

Online DBA in Management

If you’re a strong leader, then you probably have experience with being in management positions. However, there’s always room for growth; a Management concentration can help you obtain advanced skills for managing people and organizations.

Classes in this concentration typically explore the areas of human resources, ethical leadership, organizational change, and business development. You may also take classes that can help you learn to manage teams in international settings.

Marketing

Online DBA in Marketing

Although many DBA students take some marketing classes, a concentration in this area can help you dive even deeper into this field.

Marketing students explore consumer behavior; studying psychology and sociology can help provide a foundation for developing effective marketing techniques.

Faculty may also present information on marketing through online channels, increasing the exposure of non-profit organizations, and considering the role that culture plays in consumer decisions. Doctoral candidates also practice conducting marketing research.

Project Management

Online DBA in Project Management

When the responsibility for an entire business project rests on your shoulders, it’s critical that you are confident in your abilities.

A concentration in Project Management can help you obtain advanced leadership and organizational skills that you can depend on time and again as you see a project from start to finish.

Coursework for this concentration typically covers topics like budgeting, team management, cost predictions, and the responsible use of financial resources.

Supply Chain Management

Online DBA in Supply Chain Management

To turn a concept into a consumer-ready product, businesses often need to oversee a number of steps and coordinate with multiple suppliers. Carrying these processes out in an efficient manner is the goal of a Supply Chain Management concentration.

Your coursework in business degree may focus on maintaining ethical business practices and relying on information technology. Because the supply chain often involves resources from multiple countries, you will probably study international business principles.

What is a Doctor of Business Administration?

Earning a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) signifies that you are capable of successfully handling the rigors of business and public administration careers that require advanced research skills and the application of high-level business theory.

Generally, established business executives and corporate officers pursue a DBA as an academic “capstone” that complements their practical accomplishments and real-world experience. As far as actual time in school goes, this program of study generally requires about 84 credit hours to complete.

Online DBA Curriculum

DBA degrees focus on equipping students to become world-changers through leadership and strategic courses.

Typical Online DBA Classes:

• Accounting
• Applied Statistical Analysis
• Becoming an Applied Researcher
• Business Strategy and Innovation for Competitive Advantage
• Contemporary Challenges in Business
• The Craft of Research and Writing
• Doctoral Colloquium
• Finance
• Leadership and Followership
• Marketing
• Organizational Leadership: Doctoral Theory and Practice
• Qualitative Methods for Diagnosis and Assessment
• Qualitative and Case Study Methodology for Business Analysis Research
• Supply Chain Management
• Technology Entrepreneurship

Completing a business degree online with a transcript that includes classes such as these can help you become a distinguished leader in your professional field.

Doctor of Business Administration Career Outlook and Salary Information

With the option to earn a standard DBA or specialize in a particular concentration or area of specialty, the career outlook for graduates of this kind of program is wide open. However, the common thread between these specializations – from accounting to finance – is the ability to capably step into upper management and executive positions.

As with any degree, salaries vary and depend on your prior work experience, the industry in which you are seeking employment, and your location.

That being said, in terms of salary potential, the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that chief executive officers (CEOs) make an average salary of $184,460, while operations managers and other general management positions lay claim to an average annual salary of $105,660.

Chief financial officers (CFO) and chief operating officers (COO) each earn average salaries of $145,280 and $100,780, respectively.

Differences between a DBA and a PhD in Business Administration

If you’re wondering what the difference between a DBA and an online PhD in Business Administration is, the answer to this question is actually fairly simple.

While both fall into the classification of terminal degrees, a DBA stands as a professional advancement for an individual who works in the corporate or private sector. A PhD is usually reserved for someone who remains in academia seeking tenure as a professor or otherwise engaging in theoretical research.

As far as your salary potential goes, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that the average wage for management occupations was around $105,660, and that securing an advanced degree, such as a DBA, will have the best job prospects. On the other hand, pursuing a PhD in this field and taking on the role of a professor at an institute of higher education brings average salary to $87,200.

Are Online DBA Programs Accredited?

Yes. The majority of online DBA programs are accredited.

Different universities have varying levels ranging from National accreditation (which is acceptable, but not preferred) to Regional accreditation, which is the gold standard of accreditation.

Regional Accreditation

You’ll want to attend a university that is regionally accredited to ensure the highest standards of quality.

Here’s a list of the regional accreditors:

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Business School Accreditation

These three governing bodies oversee and accredit business schools.

• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE)

Attending an accredited university can provide you with an extra level of quality assurance and accountability as you move through your professional career.

Online DBA Programs – AACSB Accreditation

If you’ve reached the point in your career where you are considering a Doctorate of Business Administration, you don’t want to stumble across the academic finish line with a garbage degree-mill certificate; you want a DBA from one of the top online DBA programs.

You should be ready for the academic rigor with the accompanying prestige and willing to go the extra mile to succeed.

These exacting standards are incredibly beneficial if you have aspirations for a CEO position. According to the 2016 Financial Times article, From MBA to CEO, 96% of chief executives attended an AACSB-accredited school.

You don’t necessarily have to attend an AACSB-accredited school to get a good education. In many cases, AACSB universities are much more costly while providing the same level of education as other institutions. The question is what position you want when you graduate and whether the prestige of AACSB can help you achieve it.

Online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Admission Requirements

A Doctor of Business Administration program sets the bar high, preparing you to take on new business challenges and complex situations.

Typical requirements for admission in a DBA include:

• A master’s degree from an accredited university
• Letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose
• Proof of English Proficiency (if English is not your native language)
• A copy of your resume
• GMAT (some universities require GMAT scores, while others do not)

As you search for suitable DBA programs, begin compiling the necessary documents for your DBA admission so that you can move efficiently through the enrollment process.

Graduation Requirements for Doctoral Business Degrees

Completing your DBA can feel like a cherry on top of your corporate sundae. But to get that final seal of approval, there are a few graduation requirements.

The specific requirements will vary from school to school, but there is generally an expectation of a minimum GPA of 3.0, successful completion of all courses, and submission of a final project or dissertation. All these requirements usually must be completed within 8 years unless you petition for an extension.

Financial Aid

Though doctoral students might not have as many opportunities for financial aid as undergrads, the federal government does still offer aid to graduate students. Options may include deferred-payment loans, grants, and work-study programs.

Other avenues to explore include scholarships, grants, fellowships, and tuition reimbursement from your university, employer, or other private organizations. Many of these sources of funding are merit-based or rely on demographic matching.

How Do You Get a Doctor of Business Administration?

Similar to online MBA programs, earning your DBA can occur through two primary paths of learning, the traditional route that keeps you on campus and in the classroom and via an online program.

While sticking to conventional campus-based learning is perfectly fine, this method doesn’t always line up with the group that is most likely to work toward this kind of degree – established business professionals who want to conquer a new intellectual challenge and bolster their resumes for future leadership opportunities.

Online programs cater more toward this audience and provide the flexibility needed to accomplish this goal, all while balancing the myriad other responsibilities that come with maintaining daily job requirements.

Are There Any Online DBA Programs Without a Residency Requirement?

At this stage of the game, being a part of the campus environment may feel like more of a distraction than a benefit. Going to campus to complete your classes may feel like something you have to endure so that you can move on with your degree.

But there is hope!

Fully online DBA programs allow you to complete your entire DBA without ever stepping foot on campus. Because they do not have a residency requirement, a fully online DBA program provides a degree of flexibility if you are still working full-time or trying to juggle other responsibilities.

What Are Executive DBA Programs Online?

If you are looking to take your business leadership to the next level, an Executive DBA may be a great fit for you. An executive DBA can help equip you as an executive leader to broaden your knowledge and performance while building a deeper understanding of how to address complex business challenges as a thought leader and recognized expert in your field.

An executive DBA is a part-time doctoral program designed to increase understanding in both standard business practices as well as complex industry and organizational challenges. A potentially great way to utilize your 10+ years of business leadership is through a hybrid online/on-campus DBA through an AACSB-accredited university like Drexel University.

As an experienced business professional, an Executive DBA can help you distinguish yourself as you move towards C-suite leadership.

What Are the Cheapest Online DBA Programs?

You may be ready to embark on your online DBA adventure, but just like every student ever, the question is: what will be the most affordable DBA program worth getting?

The problem is that choosing an affordable online DBA program is not a cut-and-dry solution with only one answer. A lot of the cost will depend on the university, but several universities, such as Liberty University, offer lower tuition for those who have served in the military. Their discounted rate could put them below the cost of another university that charges less than Liberty’s normal cost per credit.

As you’re narrowing down your school choices, be sure to check into their costs, discounts, scholarships, and other financial aid opportunities.

Do Online DBA Program Rankings Matter?

If you have spent any time researching the best online DBA programs, you are probably well aware of the U.S. News Best College Rankings, the prestigious list of top universities and those that didn’t measure up.

U.S. News ranks 1,400 colleges and universities based on key metrics, including graduation rates, faculty resources, expert opinions from top academics, financial resources, student excellence, and alumni giving.

With such an extensive list of colleges and universities, you may be wondering if the U.S. News rankings are actually a valuable resource or just a popularity contest?

Take a recent article by Jay Matthews in the American Council on Education, where he passionately argued that a high-ranking college does not set you up for success, nor does a middling one decrease your worth. According to Matthews, what determines your success after college is not a U.S. News ranking, but what you do with your life.

But then Forbes suggests that a college ranking system can be valuable as it allows potential students to gather information about a plethora of schools without personally visiting and researching each school. A quick glance of the rankings can reveal how the schools in proximity to you fared, or what your odds of being accepted into MIT are for example.

Are There Any Online DBA Programs Without a Dissertation?

Completing your Doctorate may feel unending when you consider the time and effort you will put into writing a dissertation.

However, some universities allow you to complete an online DBA program without a dissertation! Some universities allow students to complete a final project (that is often more practical) instead of a more theoretical and time-consuming dissertation. Check the list of schools below.

Are There Any Online DBA Programs Without a GMAT Requirement?

Does the thought of writing a long exam like the GMAT make you feel anxious? Or are you wondering if your GMAT scores will prevent you from getting into a DBA program?

Some universities do not require a GMAT or GRE exam for admission, or they will even waive the GMAT if you have a specific minimum GPA from your previous academic records. Check the list of schools below to see if they require test scores or not.

Is a Doctor of Business Administration Worth It?

At the end of the day, answering this question is about understanding your professional and personal goals. Are you driven to overcome every educational hurdle in your path? Do you need this type of degree to reach the next level of your professional career?

The important thing to keep in mind here is that answering these questions now can save you unnecessary expense and effort down the road.

Similarly, if you’re just looking to get your foot in the door of the academic world and teach introductory courses, a master’s degree in business is often enough to accomplish this goal.

List of Online DBA Programs

Methodology: Each of the below universities appears on our list because they are accredited institutions offering DBA programs that students can earn primarily online.

We’ve separated the following list of universities by accreditation level, starting with regional accreditation, followed by those universities accredited by the AACSB, ACBSP,  and IACBE.

Universities Offering Online DBA Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be AACSB, ACBSP, and IACBE accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Alliant International University is privately owned and managed. It was founded in 2001 through a merger of two existing academic institutions, the California School of Professional Psychology and United States International University. Current enrollment figures reach more than 3,800 per semester. Most of these are postgrads at about 3,500. There are six Alliant campuses in the States.

• Online DBA – Marketing
• Online DBA – Management
• Online DBA – Information and Data Science

Alliant is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Baker College is a privately owned American college operating out of Flint Township, Michigan. It was established in 1911 as the Baker Business University.

More than 50 years later, this precursor university was acquired by Muskegon College. This merger brought about a name change to Baker Junior College. They soon dropped the “Junior” and now currently operate under their present name.

The school offers more than 150 programs through its eight campuses and online university component.

• Online DBA

Baker is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The California Baptist University is a privately operated academic institution that has a strong focus on liberal arts. This university is also called Cal Baptist or CBU. It runs a 160-acre suburban campus in Riverside, California.

On average, about 11,000 students enroll per semester. CBU is religiously affiliated with the Baptist denomination through the California Southern Baptists Convention. Its sports teams are called the “Lancers,” and they play in the NCAA Division I.

• Online DBA

CBU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

California Southern University is privately owned and operated academic institution. This university was established in 1978 originally as the Southern California University for Professional Studies and offered programs and courses through the traditional correspondence method.

As online technology improved, it gradually transitioned its programs into their current online degree programs. Its current headquarters is in Costa Mesa, California.

• Online DBA

CalSouthern is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Baruch College, also known officially as Bernard M. Baruch College, is a publicly administered educational institution that has an urban campus in New York City. It is a member of the City University of New York System.

It was founded in 1919 originally as City College School of Business and Civic Administration. Current figures have the total student population at more than 18,400. More than 3,000 of these are postgrads.

The Baruch College sports teams are called the “Bearcats.” They wear blue and white and play in the NCAA Division III.

• Online Executive DBA

Baruch College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Concordia University Chicago is a privately owned and managed liberal arts university that has a 40-acre suburban campus in River Forest, Illinois. It was founded in 1864 originally as Addison Teachers Seminary.

It was founded by Saxon German immigrants who ran the school with Lutheran values. Today, as a member of the Concordia University System, it is still affiliated with the Lutheran Church. Its sports teams wear maroon and gold and play in the NCAA Division III.

• Online DBA – Innovation in Health Care
• Online DBA – Innovations in Human Resources
• Online DBA – Leadership and Innovation
• Online DBA – Marketing Innovations

CU Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Drexel University is a privately owned and administered academic institution with a strong research focus. It has a 77-acre main campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1891 originally as the Drexel Institute of Art, Science, and Industry.

Current data on enrollment has the total census of students at about 24,000. Undergrads make up about 15,500, with the rest being postgrads. Its sports team is called the “Dragons.” They play in the NCAA Division I.

• Online Executive DBA

Drexel is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Felician University is a privately owned and managed educational institution that has two campuses in Bergen County, New Jersey. It was founded in 1942 as the Immaculate Conception Normal School.

The founders were the Felician Sisters who administered the school in the Franciscan tradition, and it is still affiliated with the Catholic Church. There are currently about 2,000 students attending the university.

Its sports teams are called the “Golden Falcons,” and they play in the NCAA Division II.

• Online DBA

Felician is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The Florida International University, also known as FIU, is a public state-run education institution for higher learning that has a strong focus on research. It manages a 573-acre urban campus in University Park, Florida.

It was established in 1965 with the signing into law of the Senate Bill 711. Current enrollment figures have the total census at about 57,000. Undergrads make up more than 48,000 and the rest is comprised of postgrads.

Its sports teams are called the “Panthers.” They play in the NCAA Division I.

• Online DBA

FIU Business is accredited by the AASCB.

George Fox University is a privately administered academic institution that runs a 108-acre suburban campus in Newberg, Oregon. It was founded in 1885 originally as the Friends Pacific Academy. It was founded by Quakers, and as such, it is affiliated with the Christian faith.

It is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities and the Christian College Consortium. The current census has the student population at about 3,800. The majority of these are undergrads at a little over 2,300, and the rest are postgrads.

Its sports teams are called the “Bruins,” and they play in the NCAA Division III.

• Online DBA – Accounting
• Online DBA – Management
• Online DBA – Marketing

George Fox’s College of Business is accredited by the  ACBSP.

Grand Canyon University, also known as GCU, is a privately administered university that has a 100-acre urban campus in Phoenix, Arizona. It was founded in 1949 as the Grand Canyon College by an Evangelical Christian assembly called the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention.

Current student numbers have the total census at about 90,500. A big majority of these are online students at 70,000. The rest are enrolled in on-campus programs.

Its sports teams are called the “Antelopes” or the “Lopes.” They in the NCAA Division I.

• Online DBA – Data Analytics
• Online DBA – Management
• Online DBA – Marketing

Business programs at GCU are accredited by the  ACBSP.

Marymount DBA is highly personalized, allowing students to conduct applied research directly related to their career goals. There are no residences for DBA and no GRE or GMAT required and students can advance their careers in fully online and part-time formats.

• Online DBA

Marymount University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

National University is a network of nonprofit educational institutions headquartered in San Diego, CA. It is dedicated to providing quality, flexible education for busy adults.

NU was founded in 1971 and now has over 30,000 students enrolled and more than 220,000 alumni from around the world.

• Online DBA – Advanced Accounting
• Online DBA – Financial Management
• Online DBA – General Business
• Online DBA – Global Business Management
• Online DBA – Health Services
• Online DBA – Homeland Security: Leadership and Policy
• Online DBA – Human Resources Management
• Online DBA – Industrial Organizational Psychology
• Online DBA – Information Technology
• Online DBA – Organizational Leadership
• Online DBA – Project Management
• Online DBA – Strategic Marketing

National University‘s business administration programs are accredited by ACBSP.

Rollins College is a privately owned and operated academic institution for higher learning that has an 80-acre suburban campus in Winter Park, Florida. It was established in 1885 as a liberal arts college by the Congregationalists in New England. It is a non-sectarian college.

Current enrollment data has the total number of students at about 3,000. More than two-thirds of these are undergrads.

Its sports teams are called the “Tars,” and they play in the NCAA Division II.

• Online Executive DBA

The Department of Business at Rollins is accredited by the AASCB.

Saint Leo University is a privately administered liberal arts academic institution for higher learning. It operates a rural campus in Saint Leo, Florida. It was established in 1889 but traces its roots to the establishment of a Roman Catholic community in Florida eight years prior.

It is still presently affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church through the Order of Saint Benedict. Current student enrollment is at about 12,000 students. Most of these are online at a little over 7,000.

Its sports teams are called the “Lions,” and they play in the NCAA Division II.

• Online DBA

Saint Leo is accredited by the  ACBSP.

Temple University, also known as TU, is a publicly administered educational institution for higher learning that has a strong focus on research. It manages a 115-acre urban campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

It was founded in 1884 by a Boston lawyer and Baptist minister by the name of Russell Conwell. Current figures have the total student census at 40,000. About three-quarters are undergrads, and the remaining quarter is composed of postgrads.

Their sports teams are called the “Owls.” They play in the NCAA Division I.

• Online Executive DBA

Temple is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The University of Dallas is a privately owned educational institution that operates a 744-acre urban campus is Irving, Texas. It was founded in 1956 with 96 students, but it traces the history of its charter back to 1910.

It is presently affiliated religiously with the Roman Catholic Church. Current student enrollment figures have the total census at over 2,000. More than half of these are undergrads.

The University of Dallas sports teams are called the “Crusaders” and play in the NCAA Division III.

• Online DBA

UDallas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Missouri – St. Louis is a public state-administered educational institution for higher learning with a strong focus on research. It manages a 35-acre urban campus in St. Louis County, Missouri.

It was founded in 1960 as a junior college named the “Normandy Residence Center under the auspices of the University of Missouri.” Current data on enrollment has the total number of students at about 16,000. More than 13,000 of these are undergrads, with postgrads making up the remaining 3,000.

Their sports teams are called the “Tritons.” They play in the NCAA Division II.

• Online DBA

The UMSL College of Business Administration is accredited by the AASCB.

The University of South Florida, also known as USF, is a state-run educational institution for higher learning that operates a 1,913-acre urban campus in Tampa, Florida. It was established in 1956, but the first class was not held until 1960. It is part of the USF system of universities.

Current enrollment figures have the total number of students at about 50,000. Most of these are undergrads at more than 37,000, and the rest of the 11,000 are postgrads.

Their sports teams are called the “Bulls,” and they play in the NCAA Division I.

• Online DBA

The USF Muma College of Business is accredited by the AASCB.

The University of Phoenix, also known as UOPX, is an educational institution for higher learning that provides online courses. It operates out of its headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. It was established in 1976 with only eight students.

It was 13 years after its launch that the University of Phoenix first offered its online courses. Current enrollment figures have the total number of students at about 100,000. The highest recorded enrollment was back in 2009 with 443,000 students.

• Online DBA

Nine UOPX business programs in the School of Business and School of Advanced Studies are accredited by the  ACBSP.

The University of the Incarnate Word, also known as UIW, is a privately owned and managed academic institution for higher learning. It operates a 154-acre urban campus in San Antonio, Texas. It also has satellite campuses in China, Mexico, and Germany.

It was founded in 1881 by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word originally as the Incarnate Word School. Current census has its total number of students at about 11,000.

Its sports teams are called the “Cardinals.” They play in the NCAA Division I.

• Online DBA

All business programs of the UIW, except the Master of Health Administration, are accredited by the  ACBSP.

The University of Wisconsin – Whitewater is a state-run educational institution for higher learning that has a 440-acre rural campus in Whitewater, Wisconsin. It was founded in 1868 originally as the Whitewater Normal School.

Today, current enrollment figures have their total number of students at more than 12,000. A big majority of these are undergrads, with more than 11,000 students.

Their sports teams are called the “Warhawks.” They play in the NCAA Division III.

• Online DBA

The UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics is accredited by the AASCB.

Walden University is a privately owned and administered educational institution for higher learning that offers courses online.

Walden University operates out of their headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was established in 1970 by two teachers from New York who wanted to offer doctorate degrees to adult learners. Its first online courses were offered in 1995.

A current census of their student enrollment has the figures at a little less than 50,000.

• Online DBA – Accounting
• Online DBA – Energy Management
• Online DBA – Entrepreneurship
• Online DBA – Finance
• Online DBA – Global Supply Chain Management
• Online DBA – Healthcare Management
• Online DBA – Homeland Security
• Online DBA – Human Resource Management
• Online DBA – Information Systems Management
• Online DBA – International Business
• Online DBA – Leadership
• Online DBA – Marketing
• Online DBA – Project Management
• Online DBA – Self-Designed
• Online DBA – Social Impact Management
• Online DBA – Technology Entrepreneurship

Walden’s DBA programs are accredited by the  ACBSP.

Wilmington University is a privately owned and administered educational institution for higher learning that has a strong focus on research. It has a suburban campus along DuPont Highway, New Castle, Delaware.

It was established in 1968 originally as the Wilmington College. It was only in 2007 that it became a university. The current student census has the total number of students at about 20,000. Around 12,000 of these are undergrads, and the rest are postgrads.

Its sports teams are called the “Wildcats.” They play in the NCAA Division II.

• Online DBA

Wilmington’s College of Business is accredited by the IACBE.

List of Universities Offering Online DBA Programs with Regional Accreditation

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Alliant International University is privately owned and managed. It was founded in 2001 through a merger of two existing academic institutions, the California School of Professional Psychology and United States International University.

Current enrollment figures reach more than 3,800 per semester. Most of these are postgrads at about 3,500. There are six Alliant campuses in the States and four at international locations (Hong Kong, Mexico City, Mexico, Nairobi, Kenya and Tokyo, Japan).

• Online DBA – Marketing
• Online DBA – Management
• Online DBA – Information and Data Science

Alliant is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Bellevue University is a privately managed non-profit academic institution that runs a suburban campus in Bellevue, Nebraska. This university was founded in 1966 originally as the Bellevue College. Their primary mission was to provide a means for working adults to get continuing education.

The current student census has the total student population at more than 10,000. Undergrads make up about 7,000 of these, and the rest are postgrads. The Bellevue University sports teams are called the “Bruins.”

• Online PhD in Human Capital Management

Bellevue is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Capella University a privately owned and managed online academic institution that operates out of Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was founded in 1993 as the Graduate School of America.

To date, there are close to 40,000 students enrolled. These students come from all over the US and 61 other countries around the world. Almost a quarter of the enrolled students are taking up doctorate degree programs, about half taking up their master’s and a little over a quarter taking up bachelor degree programs.

• Online DBA – General Management
• Online DBA – Organizational Leadership and Development
• Online DBA – Strategy and Innovation

Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Capitol Technology University is a privately owned and managed educational institution that runs a 52-acre suburban campus in South Laurel, Maryland. It was founded in 1927 originally as the Capitol Radio Engineering Institute, a traditional correspondence learning school.

Seventy years after its founding, it began offering distant learning courses over the internet. Capitol Technology University courses are designed for adult learners who are employed in a full-time capacity. Today, current data has the total student census at about 840 students. About 400 of these are postgrads.

• Online PhD in Business Analytics and Decision Sciences

CapTechU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Baruch College, also known officially as Bernard M. Baruch College, is a publicly administered educational institution that has an urban campus in New York City. It is a member of the City University of New York System.

It was founded in 1919 originally as City College School of Business and Civic Administration. Current figures have the total student population at more than 18,400. More than 3,000 of these are postgrads.

The Baruch College sports teams are called the “Bearcats.” They wear blue and white and play in the NCAA Division III.

• Online Executive DBA

Baruch College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

City University of Seattle, also known as CityU, is a privately owned and administered academic institution with campuses all over the world. They have campuses in Canada, China, Czech Republic, Mexico, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Vietnam.

They also have partnerships with the State colleges of Washington as well as a host of partnerships with colleges around the world, such as in Romania, Cyprus, Greece, and Australia.

CityU was founded in 1973 originally as City College. The current census has the total student population at about 6,700.

• Online DBA

CityU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Opening its doors in 1902, Franklin University has expanded into a large private educational entity that serves students worldwide through online and campus-based curriculums.

Students seeking an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree through Franklin University has a range of academic areas to choose from, including business, administration, and healthcare.

• BS in Public Administration

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Hampton University is a privately owned and managed educational institution that operates a 314-acre suburban campus in Hampton, Virginia.

It was established in 1868 by the American Missionary Association for the benefit of freed slaves. As such, Hampton University is a historically Black college.

Current figures on student population have the total number of students at about 4,600. More than 800 of these are postgrads.

Its sports teams are called the “Pirates.” They play in the NCAA Division I.

• Online PhD in Business Administration

Hampton is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Humboldt International University, also known as Humboldt State or HSU, is a publicly administered educational institution that operates a 144-acre rural campus in Arcata, California.

It was founded in 1913 as the Humboldt Normal School. Current data has the total student population at about 7,700. The majority are undergrads at about 7,200, and the remaining 500 are postgrads.

Its sports teams are called the “Lumberjacks” and play in the NCAA Division II.

• Online DBA

HIU is accredited by the Confederation of International Accreditation Commission.

Indiana Wesleyan University is a privately administered educational institution for higher learning that operates a 320-acre suburban campus in Marion, Indiana. It also has several education centers all over the Midwest.

It was founded in 1920 as Marion College by the Wesleyan Methodist Church. Today, this religious affiliation remains. Current data has the total student population at about 13,800.

Its sports teams are called the “Wildcats,” and they play in the NCCAA Division I.

• Online DBA – Accounting
• Online DBA – Healthcare Administration
• Online DBA – Management

IWU is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Johnson and Wales University is a privately administered education institution for higher learning with a strong focus on careers. Its urban campuses are located in Providence, Rhode Island; Miami, Florida, Charlotte, North Carolina; and Denver, Colorado.

It was founded in 1914 as the Johnson & Wales Business School. In the beginning, there was only one student and also online typewriter. Today, current data has the total student population at just under 13,000.

Its sports teams are called the “Wildcats.” They play in the NCAA Division III.

• Online DBA

JWU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (CIHE).

Kansas State University, also called KSU, or K-State, is a publicly administered educational institution for higher learning with a strong focus on research. It has a 668-acre urban college town in Manhattan, Kansas.

It was founded in 1863 through the Morrill Act, making it a land-grant college. Current enrollment figures have the total students at about 21,000.

Its sports teams are called the “Wildcats,” and they play in the NCAA Division I.

• Online PhD in Personal Financial Planning

K-State has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1916.

Liberty University, also known as LU, is a privately administered university with a 7,000-acre suburban campus in Lynchburg, Virginia.

It was founded in 1971 originally as the Lynchburg Baptist College by a pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church. While not officially affiliated with the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia, they do share some members of the board.

Current enrollment census has the total population at over 100,000. Approximately 95% of these are enrolled in online programs. Their sports teams are called the “Liberty Flames” and the “Lady Flames.” They play in the NCAA Division I.

• Online DBA – Accounting
• Online DBA – Finance
• Online DBA – Healthcare Management
• Online DBA – Human Resources
• Online DBA – Information Systems
• Online DBA – International Business
• Online DBA – Leadership
• Online DBA – Marketing
• Online DBA – Non-Profit Management
• Online DBA – Project Management
• Online DBA – Strategic Management
• Online DBA – Strategic Media and Digital Content
• Online DBA – Supply Chain Management and Logistics

Liberty is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

LIGS University is a privately operated online educational institution that is based in Honolulu, Hawaii. The name is an acronym of the university’s vision of Leadership, Innovation, Growth, and Success.

LIGS touts itself as a modern university that utilizes American and European educational systems. The current iteration of this online university is a merger between American LIGS University and European LIGS University.

It was originally established in 2006 in Prague, Czech Republic and only relocated to Hawaii in 2011. Its mission is to give its students access to affordable yet high-quality education.

• Online DBA – Financial Management
• Online DBA – Global Marketing
• Online DBA – Human Resources Management
• Online DBA – Management
• Online DBA – Marketing Communication
• Online DBA – Planning and Development of Human Resources
• Online DBA – Risk Management
• Online DBA – Strategic Management
• Online DBA – Team Management

LIGS is accredited by Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities.

Opening its doors in 1937, Pepperdine University is a private Christian College That sits in the heart of Malibu, CA. Pepperdine University gives students the opportunity to participate in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in more than 70 academic areas of study.

• Executive Doctor of Business Administration

Pepperdine is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

Regent University is a privately owned and administered educational institution that operates a 70-acre suburban campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It was founded in 1977 originally as the Christian Broadcasting Network University.

It is currently religiously affiliated with the Evangelical Christian ideology. Current data on their student enrollment has the total number of students at about 8,600. This is almost evenly distributed between the undergrads and the postgrads.

The Regent University nickname is the “Royals.”

• Online PhD in Organizational Leadership

Regent is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

South University is a privately owned and administered academic institution for higher learning that manages campuses in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. It was founded in 1899 originally as the Draughan’s Practical Business College.

Seventy-five years later, it was bought by the South family. It started offering online programs in 2004. More than half of the enrollment is entirely online.

• Online DBA

SouthU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, also known as The Chicago School, is a privately owned and managed educational institution for higher learning that operates campuses in Chicago, Illinois; Richardson, Texas; San Diego, California; Washington, D.C.; and Los Angeles, California.

It was originally established in 1979 to serve as a school to train students in professional psychology. Today, The Chicago School has other programs in different fields of study and professions. Current data on enrollment has its total student census at 4,500.

• Online PhD in Business Psychology

The Chicago School is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Trident University is a privately owned and managed academic institution for higher learning that conducts its courses purely online. It operates out of Cypress, California.

It was founded in 1998 originally as the Touro University International, which itself was only a branch campus of a much larger school system at the time, the Touro College and University System.

It was later acquired by Summit Partners in 2007 but is currently an independent, standalone institution. The current student census has total student numbers at about 6,000.

• Online DBA

Trident is the only fully online university regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

The University of Charleston, also known as UC, is a privately owned and administered educational institution for higher learning that operates an urban campus in Charleston, West Virginia. It was founded in 1888 originally as the Barboursville Seminary of the Southern Methodist Church.

Current data on enrollment has its total student numbers at about 1,500. About a thousand of these are undergrads, and the remaining 500 or so students are postgrads.

Its sports teams are called the “Golden Eagles.” They play in NCAA Division II.

• Online Doctor’s in Executive Leadership

UCWV is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

The University of Maryland, College Park, also known as University of Maryland, UMD, or even simply as just Maryland, is a publicly administered educational institution that has a strong focus on research. It runs a 1,340-acre suburban campus in College Park, Maryland.

It was founded in 1856 originally as the Maryland Agricultural College. Current data on enrollment has the total student census at more than 41,000. About three-quarters of these are undergrads, with the remainder comprised of postgrads.

Their sports teams are called the “Terrapins.” They play in the NCAA Division I.

• Online DBA

UMD is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The University of Phoenix, also known as UOPX, is an educational institution for higher learning that provides online courses. It operates out of its headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona. It was established in 1976 with only eight students.

It was 13 years after its launch that the University of Phoenix first offered its online courses. Current enrollment figures have the total number of students at about 100,000. The highest recorded enrollment was back in 2009 with 443,000 students.

• Online DBA

UOPX is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, part of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The University of Cumberlands is a privately administered educational institution for higher learning that manages a rural campus in Williamsburg, Kentucky. It was established in 1888 originally as the Cumberland College. It operated under this name until 2005, when it became a university.

Current enrollment data has the total student census at more than 13,000. The majority of these are postgrads, with more than 10,000 students.

Their sports teams are called the “Patriots,” and they play in the NAIA.

• Online DBA

UCumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of the Southwest is a privately owned and administered educational institution for higher learning that has a campus in Hobbs, New Mexico. It traces its origins to 1956 when the Hobbs Baptist College was founded.

It originally ran as a Baptist college but this was changed into an interdenominational private college in 1961. It was christened its current name in 2008. Current census of students has the total number at about 1,000. Postgrads make up more than 600 of these, and the rest are undergrads.

Their sports teams are called the “Mustangs,” and they play in the NAIA.

• Online DBA in Leadership and Organizational Development
• Online DBA in Self-Design
• Online DBA in Strategy and Innovation

USW was granted accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission in 1980 and has maintained continuous accreditation.

Westcliff University, also known as Westcliff, is a privately owned and administered education institution for higher learning. It has two campuses in California, the Irvine Campus and the Cerritos Campus.

It was founded in 1993 originally as training grounds for students who wanted a career in education or business. Enrollment figures currently have the total number of students at more than 1,300 students. Students from about 60 countries are enrolled at Westcliff University.

Its sports teams are called the “Warriors.”

• Online DBA

Westcliff is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Check each university’s costs and curriculum schedule before applying to make sure that the program meets your budget and timeline for graduation.

Take the Next Step

Getting your Doctor of Business Administration online can help you set yourself apart in the corporate world while still managing your commitments in your workplace and at home.

But first, choosing your area of specialty and the school you’ll attend from the wide variety of online DBA programs will require careful thought and research.

The post 50 Best Online DBA Programs [2024 Doctor of Business Administration Guide] appeared first on MyDegreeGuide.com.

Interested in taking your passion for psychology or counseling to the next level with an accredited online PsyD program?

• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is an applied doctorate with a clinical focus
• PsyD emphasizes therapy and counseling

If you’re considering a career in clinical psychology as a counselor, social worker, psychiatrist, or forensic psychologist, then a PsyD program may be a great option for you.

Related Guide: 40 Psychology Graduate Programs without GRE Requirements

8 Best PsyD Programs Online

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer PsyD programs online or in a hybrid format.

Alaska Pacific University offers students a Doctor of Psychology program, in large part to respond to a need in the state of Alaska for more higher-level training programs. The curriculum culminates in a dissertation on a topic of personal interest and passion.

This online psychology degree program design meets the educational requirements for licensure as a psychologist in Alaska.

At a glance

• Path to Licensure? Yes
• Focus or Specialization? None
• Admission Requirements? Master’s

Benefits & Expected Outcomes

• A program designed to help working professionals pursue doctorate despite restraints of traditional programs.
• Hands-on experience through the required internship lets students apply newly gained knowledge and theory.
• Deep understanding of evidence-based practices and how to use them in clinical settings.

Alliant International University provides students the opportunity to pursue a Doctor of Psychology in Educational Psychology. Course design mixes online and in-person components for an interactive, flexible learning environment. This program also ends with a final project in an area of professional and personal passion.

At a glance

• Path to Licensure? No
• Focus or Specialization? Education Psychology
• Admission Requirements? PPS credential in school psychology

Expected Outcomes

• Advanced skills in education psychology, in areas such as law, ethics and equity, psychopharmacology, multicultural counseling, and consultation.
• Ability to conduct research in applied settings.
• Career paths include: Educational Psychologist, Social Worker, Policy-Maker

Capella University offers students a Doctor of Psychology with a Clinical Psychology Specialization. The program centers on creating a combination of online coursework and in-person experiences to optimize the learning environment. Residencies and internships work to enhance the skills students learn in other coursework. A dissertation concludes the curriculum, but at Capella, dissertation mentors offer support and guidance during this process.

The Doctor of Psychology program at Capella offers numerous opportunities to begin preparing students for licensure. Residencies, practicums, and internships all offer places for students to apply their skills in the real world. In addition, Capella offers a support team to guide current students and alumni through the clinical psychology licensing process.

At a glance

• Path to Licensure? Yes
• Focus or Specialization? Yes
• Admission Requirements? Bachelor’s and Master’s

Benefits & Expected Outcomes

• Ability to provide effective psychological interventions to clients after careful assessment of needs.
• Select, administer, and interpret proper psychological tests.
• Career paths include: Clinical Psychology, Clinical Manager, Clinical Therapist

Meridian University offers students a Doctor of Psychology focused on Clinical Psychology. At some point during the program, students are required to have experience in personal therapy. Core, clinical psychology and research-based courses all lead to a solid foundation for professional practice.

This program also meets the educational requirements for licensure in California. It also meets the requirements for the California Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), following additional fieldwork.

At a glance

• Path to Licensure? Yes
• Focus or Specialization? Clinical Psychology
• Admission Requirements? Bachelor’s or Master’s

Benefits & Expected Outcomes

• Develop professional leadership abilities and engage fully with the profession.
• Use appropriate psychological assessments based on knowledge of clients’ personal and cultural differences.

Touro University offers students a Doctor Psychology in Human and Organizational Psychology. This program is specifically designed to help professionals learn the skills and obtain the tools necessary for their individual fields. The programs culminate in a dissertation designed alongside experienced faculty.

At a glance

• Path to Licensure? No
• Focus or Specialization? Human and Organizational Psychology
• Admission Requirements? Master’s; Cumulative GPA of 3.4

Benefits & Expected Outcomes

• Implement evidence-based solutions in the chosen profession using new skills and tools.
• Technology and learning opportunities to further professional skills.

The University of Arizona Global Campus offers students a Doctor Psychology (PsyD) through online study.

You can choose from one of the following specializations: Criminology and Justice Studies, Educational Leadership, Health and Wellness Psychology, Industrial Organizational Psychology, Mediation and Conflict Resolution, or Sport and Performance Psychology.

At a glance

• Path to Licensure? No
• Focus or Specialization? Six offered
• Admission Requirements? Master’s; Cumulative GPA of 3.0

Benefits

• Offers 6 to 9 week online courses
• Wide-range of specializations available

Walden University offers students a Doctor of Psychology program in Behavioral Health Leadership. The curriculum focuses on the skills and tools necessary to improve the quality of behavioral health and mental health services. Courses integrate case studies as interactive learning tools to help students apply the skills they learn to real-world issues. Two separate residencies also shape this program: an in-person consulting skills retreat and a virtual doctoral project residency, which aids the completion of a capstone course.

At a glance

• Path to Licensure? No
• Focus or Specialization? Choose from specializations in Teaching, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Health Psychology, Public Health, Healthcare Management, or International Practice
• Admission Requirements? Master’s; Cumulative GPA 3.0; 3+ years professional and/or academic experience (preferred)

Benefits & Expected Outcomes

• Gain skills in areas necessary for licensed and practicing behavioral health professionals, including leadership, management, financial management and procurement, instruction and training, and program evaluation.
• Gain skills necessary to seek leadership or management positions in public or private organizations.
• Career paths include: Behavioral Health Leader, Administrator, Project Manager.

William James College offers a Doctor of Psychology in Leadership Psychology. The program is primarily online. Three 4 day intensive on-campus residencies in Newton, MA are required each year. These provide an opportunity to work and engage with classmates and leaders in the field.

The curriculum explores how people function as leaders and followers to gain a better understanding of what makes a great leader. The program also requires 900 hours of supervised field training, which is comprised of 600 hours of practicum experience and a 300 hour internship. Help is given to find a placement that meets career interests and goals. 

At a glance

• Path to Licensure? No
• Focus or Specialization? 4 program-specific and 5 college-wide concentrations offered
• Admission Requirements? Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from accredited institutions

Benefits & Expected Outcomes

• Gain skills needed to take on executive leadership roles
• Learn how to be a leader and improve team performance
• Potential career paths include Leadership Psychologist, Chief Human Resource Officer, Organizational Psychologist, Chief Administrative Officer, Strategic HR Partner, and Organizational Development Strategist.

PsyD vs. PhD in Psychology

Choosing between a PsyD and an online PhD psychology can be a tough choice. Ultimately, you have to decide which option offers you the most flexibility.

Let’s take a closer look at the difference between a PsyD vs PhD in Psychology.

What is the difference between a PsyD vs. PhD in Psychology?

It’s easy to confuse a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology.

Psy.D.

The Psy.D. is practice-oriented.

If your end goal is to be a clinical psychologist working directly with patients, this may be the best path for you. Your coursework can help prepare you to apply advanced research in a therapeutic setting.

Ph.D. in Psychology

The Doctor of Philosophy is research-oriented.

If your plan is to enrich the field of psychology through scholarly research and publication, or by becoming an educator, pursuing a Ph.D. may be the best match for you. That being said, Ph.D. holders can also be clinical psychologists. It’s not either/or… it can be both.

PsyD vs. PhD in Psychology

Let’s compare the two programs head-to-head:

It is important to note, though, that PsyD graduates can cross over and pursue careers in research or teaching.

Online PhD in Psychology Programs:

• Online PhD in Psychology (multiple concentrations available)
• Online PhD in Developmental Psychology (multiple concentrations available)
• Online PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology (multiple concentrations available)

There is some academic crossover, but career goals tend to differ.

Top Psychology Careers & Salaries

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for psychologists was $80,370.

• Psychiatrist
• Clinical Neuropsychologist
• Behavioral Health Director
• Clinical Director
• Neuropsychologist
• Child Psychologist
• Executive Director of a Nonprofit
• Professor, Higher Education
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychologist
• Forensic Psychologist
• School Psychologist

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this career field is projected to grow 3% over the next 10 years, as fast as the average rate of all occupations.

The outlook is best for those who have a doctorate in an applied specialty or concentration.

Getting a Doctorate in Psychology

Courses in a doctorate in psychology program focus on assessment and intervention, both through theory and practice.

Doctor of Psychology programs are usually heavily focused on real-world practice. Expect to have a mixture of coursework, clinical practicum, research, and internships.

Some examples of PsyD curriculum you may take include:

• Child and Adolescent Development
• Adult Psychopathology
• Professional Ethics
• Cognitive Assessment
• Systems of Psychology
• Lifespan Development
• Advanced Biological Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Social Psychology
• School Psychology
• Forensic Psychology
• Multicultural Perspectives in Human Behavior
• Engineering Psychology
• Counseling
• Clinical Psychology
• Advanced Research Methods and Statistics

If your college allows you to choose an area of concentration, you will also take unique classes relevant to that subject.

Most PsyD programs help prepare you for the licensure process. Licensure requirements vary by state, so be sure to do your homework if a clinical practice is your goal.

Currently, there are no PsyD online programs that are APA-accredited. However, reputable universities align their curriculum with APA standards to help prepare you for clinical psychologist licensure in a number of states.

What are the admission requirements?

When applying to an online Doctoral of Psychology program, you will likely need the following:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Master’s degree
• Minimum GPA scores (varies by the college)
• GRE scores (not always required)
• College Transcripts
• Letters of recommendations
• Other assessments as determined by the college (interviews, essay, etc.)

The scores and assessments will vary by education program, so be sure to check with the college you are interested in to see their specific admission requirements.

How long does it take to finish a PsyD?

The length of the program will depend on many factors, including your educational background, the exact program you have chosen, how many courses you are able to take at a time, and your career aspirations.

Generally speaking, though, it usually takes about 4 to 5 years to complete a PsyD program, especially a PsyD Clinical Psychology. When it comes to clinical counseling, there are additional criteria that must be met.

Are online programs accredited?

Yes. Online programs from reputable schools have the same accreditation requirements as their campus-based counterparts.

In the U.S., there are six regional accrediting associations, each named after the region in which it operates.

They are as follows:

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• North Central Association of Schools and Colleges (NCA)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSAC)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

It’s very important that you earn your degree from an accredited school, for two reasons. First, earning your doctorate will likely require a lot of time and money. You want to make sure you are investing in a quality program. Second, in order to become licensed to practice, you will need to have completed an accredited program.

What is a PsyD?

Students often ask, What is a PsyD Degree? A PsyD is a Doctor of Psychology program, meaning you will earn a doctorate in the field of psychology. This professional degree covers both Clinical Psychology and Counseling Psychology.

While the PsyD program does include a number of research-based courses, the primary focus is on clinical practice and hands-on experience. You will likely become a consumer of research – applying advanced knowledge to help care for patients – rather than a creator of research.

In contrast, a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, like the one offered by Saybrook University, is more research-focused.

Are There Any APA Accredited PsyD Programs Online?

Accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA) is considered the ultimate “stamp of approval” in the field – the “gold standard.” In fact, in some states, students must have a degree from an APA-accredited program in order to become licensed psychologists.

But the criteria by which the APA evaluates and accredits online (and hybrid) programs are still being fine-tuned. According to the APA website, there is no online-only doctor of psychology programs that are APA-accredited at this time.

Certainly, though, there are APA programs that include online courses and can work around a busy schedule. Be sure to look for the program that is the best fit for your needs. And of course, if your goal is to become licensed, be sure to check with the licensing body in the state in which you plan to practice to see what the specific requirements are.

How much does a Doctor of Psychology cost?

A doctorate can be pricey, but there are affordable options. Especially when you factor in scholarships, grants, and payment plan options.

Tuition costs may vary by tens of thousands of dollars from one school to the next. So, it’s a good idea to compare costs. We’ve also found that there are discounts to be had. For example, a number of universities offer more affordable tuition rates for those who have served in the military.

According to data collected in a recent American Psychological Association (APA) study, the median cost to earn your doctorate in Clinical Psychology from a public institution was just under $11,000 for in-state residents, and about $24,000 for out-of-state residents. At private institutions, tuition was just under $34,000.

Does a PsyD require a dissertation?

Sometimes. While a dissertation is a standard requirement at the end of most doctoral programs, there are some programs that can be completed without dissertations.

Are there any schools offering the PsyD with no GRE requirement?

Many schools do require PsyD applicants to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, but not all.

You can find this information, along with other admission requirements, on each program’s website.

Are there any fully online Doctor of Psychology programs?

There are only a few fully online programs. Due to the nature of the field, it’s imperative that you also get hands-on, in-person experience. This will require clinical hours.

This experience may be referred to as a residency, practicum or internship, and will take place at a hospital, clinic, school, community agency or organization in your local area.

Are there PsyD programs without a master’s requirement?

You will need to earn your master’s, like a master’s in psychology online, before beginning your PsyD program.

Even if a school were to admit you to the PsyD program without your master’s, it would not save you time. You would still need to earn those masters level credits before beginning the PsyD curriculum and you wouldn’t have the benefit of a master’s credential while working on your doctorate.

It may be worth noting that a growing number of universities offer on-campus and online dual masters and PsyD programs, which may allow you to work on both degrees at the same time.

Can I teach with a PsyD?

Yes, you can teach with a PsyD. The PsyD program is specifically designed for students who plan to go into clinical psychology, working directly with patients, but you will be qualified to pursue other career avenues, including teaching. In fact, the PsyD program at Walden offers an optional specialization in teaching.

Can I get a Doctor of Psychology in Forensics?

At the moment, no schools offer a PsyD in Forensics. But if you’re interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice or forensics, Walden offers a Doctorate in Forensic Psychology online.

Studying forensics can help you explore the bridge between the criminal justice system and psychology.

Doctorate in Psychology Program Details

Many PysD programs allow students to choose an area of concentration, which will become their area of expertise and help them transition into their specific career.

Some examples of PsyD concentrations and fields of specialization include:

• Behavioral Psychology
• Behavioral Health Leadership
• Child Psychology
• Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Child, Adolescent and Family Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Behavioral Medicine
• Forensic Psychology
• Counseling Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Educational Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Social psychology
• Couple or Family Therapy
• Mental Illness
• School Psychology
• Social Work

Check with the school you are interested in to see which concentration areas they offer.

What financial aid is available for PsyD students?

There are quite a few resources when it comes to financial aid for your PsyD!

First, most graduate schools, including many PsyD and master’s programs, offer scholarships. They are awarded based on financial need, academic merit, community involvement, minority status and other factors. To find out what scholarships are available at the school(s) you are considering, check the website or contact the financial aid office.

Second, look for grants, scholarships and other awards offered by state psychological associations. To find an association in your state, visit this APA directory. You may need to join the association to apply, but the fees are generally minimal (or free!) and the organization may provide other learning or networking opportunities.

Finally, the APA is an excellent resource for financial aid. They provide a searchable directory of scholarships, fellowships and other aid for students of all levels, including PsyD students.

Taking the next step

If you are able to invest the time and money, a PsyD can open a lot of doors for you!

This program can be an excellent alternative to earning a doctor of philosophy that can help you to focus on hands-on training and move quickly into a career in clinical psychology.

The post 8 Best Online PsyD Programs – Accredited & Affordable [2024 Ultimate Guide] appeared first on MyDegreeGuide.com.

Working in the faith-based field as a minister or pastor is all about applying your knowledge of Scripture and theology to the daily lives and proceedings of both your congregation and the local community-at-large.

From this perspective, it may make perfect sense to take your understanding of these applications and theories to the next level via a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree.

Types of Online Doctor of Ministry Programs

These are the most popular types of doctoral programs in ministry offered online. Click on the one you’re most interested in to jump to that section of the guide.

• Doctor of Ministry – General
• DMin in Biblical Studies
• DMin in Church Leadership
• DMin in Preaching
• DMin in Theology

In addition to your regular courses, some universities will require a dissertation. This can help you prove your expertise and mastery in your field by compiling a large body of research, along with your own original conclusions. If this doesn’t interest you, we’ve compiled a list of universities without a dissertation requirement.

Doctor of Ministry

A general DMin degree is for church and ministry leaders who don’t need or want to specialize in one particular area. Instead, you may either take a set course of study or tailor your degree based on your interests but without concentrating on one topic.

You might take a class on Pastoral Care for the Elderly, one on Expository Preaching, and one on Urban Evangelism to fit the variety of your ministry setting.

Graduating with this generalist’s degree can help you become more qualified to lead your local congregation, serve as a denominational officer, direct a non-profit or missionary organization, or teach others preparing for ministry.

Many DMin graduates discover a love of research and writing and use their degree as credentials to become expert authors, bloggers, podcasters, radio personalities, or speakers in their chosen fields.

DMin in Biblical Studies

If you have a special interest in the Scriptures, you might want to focus your doctoral degree in Biblical Studies. Depending on your university, you may take classes on both the Old and New Testaments and might zero in on certain types of books, such as the Prophets, Gospels, or the writings of Paul.

You may also learn how to interpret and apply the biblical texts in the pastoral or ministry setting. You might take classes on how to build a series of lessons or sermons following themes from various books or topics in the Bible.

Whereas most ministers or ministry professionals can benefit from a more thorough understanding of God’s Word, the most common career path following a DMin in Biblical Studies is author, professor, or head/discipleship pastor.

DMin in Church Leadership

A doctoral degree in Church Leadership is geared for three types of ministers: those who feel called to lead congregations, those who want to focus on growing or revitalizing their church, or those who want to plant new churches.

In your classes, you’ll likely learn about organizing and leading staff and volunteers, conflict resolution, financial planning, and strategies for growth. You may hone your skills for being a leader who receives a casts a vision for the ministry but also a steward who manages the resources God and your congregation entrusts you with.

This degree track is also ideal for those who would like to lead other types of ministries. Common careers after graduation include head pastor, church administration, ministry director, author, and professor.

DMin in Preaching

This degree track is often pursued by the preaching pastor, traveling evangelist, or public speaker. It can help you learn new techniques for crafting your messages in the context of the life of your congregation or the setting in which you speak. This is the degree often pursued by those who want to hear and communicate God’s message more clearly and with plenty of real-life application.

Along with this course of study, you’ll likely have the opportunity to practice preaching and receiving professional feedback from your professor and peers. It can also help you gain a deeper understanding of how the Scriptures speak as a whole so that you can draw themes from each part to inform your listeners about the Lord’s consistent commands and offer of redemption.

Finally, you’ll likely experiment with new methods of writing and speaking sermons or other types of messages.

DMin in Theology

A Doctorate of Ministry in Theology can help you become better prepared to teach your congregation from the perspective of the sound, coherent, logical body of Christian teaching.

This degree may be perfect for any minister or counselor who finds themselves having to answer hard questions. Coursework is designed to educate students on the history of Christian thought and give them the confidence needed to guide parishioners.

This degree may also be ideal for apologists and authors who need a deeper understanding of Christian doctrine to be able to speak about, write about, and answer those who hold differing opinions. Your classes may focus on particular topics, such as miracles, cultural evangelism, or the theology of the Trinity.

Theology DMin students also look at how the themes of each book of the Bible mesh together to form a unified message.

Doctor of Ministry Career Outlook and Salary

Jumping back to the research provided by the BLS shows that while the ministry field isn’t growing as fast as other professional sectors, it’s still projected to have a healthy 4% increase in available jobs over the next ten years.

This means that whether you remain at school as a professor or continue to help foster religious growth and understanding in your area as a pastor or other denominational leader, it shouldn’t be too hard to find the career that fits your faith-based goals and aspirations.

Here are a few career paths you could choose, along with the annual median salary from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for each.

Note that salary is largely dependent on the size and demographics of your congregation or ministry, as well as your location.

Doctor of Ministry Admission Requirements

When it comes to actually earning entry into a DMin program, the admissions requirements for this post-graduate opportunity are a little different than what you’ll see from other similar doctoral application processes.

While transcripts for relevant undergraduate and master’s work still enters the picture, many universities also require an in-depth and autobiographical look at your work in the religious fields, as well as references and recommendations from established leaders within your chosen denomination.

In some cases, professional references and an updated resume also serve as indicators of your capabilities, so be prepared to offer up a complete review of your academic and work-related history during the admissions process.

Accreditation for Online DMin Programs

It’s important to attend a university or college that is accredited by an independent third party to ensure the quality of the program. Your university, seminary, or Bible college could be accredited nationally or regionally.

The Association of Theological Schools verifies and accredits many theological programs, as does the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. Your university as a whole may be accredited by one of these regional boards:

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Accreditation helps to ensure that your degree will be recognized and respected by other high-quality educational institutions and by potential employers.

Is There Financial Aid Available for DMin Students?

Yes, DMin students qualify for the same financial aid opportunities as students in secular fields. You can start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what grants and loans you qualify for.

Your denomination or other private organizations may also be able to assist you with scholarships or tuition reimbursement. Your university may offer you scholarships or fellowships to attend its program.

Questions Related to Earning Your DMin

Here are our answers to a few more questions you might have about earning a Doctor of Ministry degree online.

What Does DMin Mean?

The degree initials D.Min. stand for Doctor of Ministry.

What Is a Doctor of Ministry Degree?

A DMin degree serves as a practice-oriented doctorate for current ministry leaders that represents expertise in theological studies and the ability to communicate these studies to practitioners and community members alike.

Obtaining this kind of post-graduate degree can serve as a capstone for your spiritual learning, as well as the springboard for advancement within religious organizations and the world of academia. In total, you’ll likely have to commit to around 30 credit hours – depending on your chosen institution – if you plan on completing this program.

What Is a Doctor of Ministry Program?

A Doctor of Ministry Program is designed for church leaders to further their expertise in the general field or a specific area of ministry. Much like any other doctorate degree, it requires a set number of credit hours and a standard curriculum and possibly a dissertation.

Can You Teach with a Doctor of Ministry Degree?

Yes, you can teach with Doctor of Ministry Degree. Many universities may hire you teach classes in your area of expertise. Some schools, however, may require you to have a PhD vs. a DMin. If this is the case for your situation, you may want to note that a growing number of universities offer an online PhD in Theology, which may allow you to complete your degree without having to interrupt your work and life responsibilities.

What’s the Difference between a DMin and a PhD in Ministry?

If you’re wondering what the difference between a DMin and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Ministry is, then the answer is in what you plan to do with the degree once you graduate.

PhD students often remain within the collegiate setting as full-time professors and department administrators, while DMin graduates can either follow this route or seek to apply their knowledge to the real-world as chaplains, senior pastors, and via other hands-on positions.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), senior pastors and other church officials earn average salaries of up to $65,320. On the academic side of things, DMin and PhD students that become professors have the potential to earn between $50,000 and $75,000 in annual compensation.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctorate in Ministry?

How long a Doctorate of Ministry will take to earn depends largely on the university program and you choose and whether you will be required to present a dissertation. Some universities offer accelerated programs that take only one year to complete. Others follow the traditional 3-year track.

Programs with no dissertation requirement grant you graduation once you complete the required coursework. Writing a dissertation could take another 1-3 years after you complete your classes.

List of Schools Offering Online DMin Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Established in 1917 as the Anderson Bible Training School, Anderson University is affiliated with the Church of God, and it is a private Christian liberal arts university in Anderson, Indiana. It is one of the independent colleges in the community.

Aside from campus ministries, this school also has a variety of athletic teams and social clubs, similar to fraternities and sororities.

• PhD in Leadership – Christian Ministry

Anderson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Apex School of Theology prides itself on making theology accessible. They offer a $100 registration fee per semester as well as financial aids and disability services.

It is located in Durham, North Carolina, where the institution’s history is grounded in the African-American religious experience, making their education centered around the accessibility of spiritual teachings and diversity.

• DMin in Biblical Studies
• DMin in Christian Counseling
• DMin in Church Leadership
• DMin in Preaching

Apex School of Theology is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.

Bethel University is an evangelical Christian university located primarily in Arden Hills, Minnesota, although it began in Illinois. It was founded in 1871 as a Baptist seminary, and it is currently part of the Council for Christian Colleges.

The Higher Learning Commission accredited this school in 1959. Today, there are 5,600 students enrolled in its various programs, which are composed of 90 majors. Also, the university has multiple student activities, like covenant groups and publications, and its athletic teams are called the “Royals.”

• DMin in Church Leadership
• DMin in Congregational Care
• DMin in Theology

Bethel University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Boston University has been known to be affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It has a total enrollment of nearly 33,00 students, and it is one of Boston’s largest employers.

U.S News & World Report has ranked this university as 40th and 46th among undergraduate programs at national and global universities, respectively.

• DMin in Church Leadership

Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

The Catholic University of America was established in 1887 by Pope Leo XIII, and it began offering undergraduate programs in 1904.

Located in Washington, D.C., this private Catholic university is a pontifical university of the church funded by the U.S. Catholic bishops. The neighborhood where it is located also contains 60 other Catholic institutions.

The university has been ranked as one of the nation’s best colleges and one of the best values of private schools by U.S. News & World Report, and one of the most eco-friendly schools in the country by The Princeton Review.

• DMin in Evangelization
• DMin in Liturgical Catechesis

The Catholic University of America is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Clark Summit University does not only pride itself as a christ-centered institution. This school also prepares its students to be career-ready.

Located in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, this university currently covers 40 states and 21 countries, with nearly 17,000 alumni serving and working around the globe because of the university’s biblical formation.

This university was ranked as the number one faith-based online college, the second safest college in America by Business Insider, and was included in the list for best faith-related schools by U.S. News & World Report.

• DMin in Biblical Studies
• DMin in Ministry
• DMin in Pastoral Ministry

Clarks Summit University is accredited by the Commissions on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Drew University is located in Madison, New Jersey.  Aside from its theological school, this university also offers undergraduate programs through its College of Liberal Arts.

Graduate programs are also available, but they are limited to theology. Currently, it offers 39 disciplines to more than 2,000 students. They also house the center of religion and center for holocaust/genocide study.

The school was established in 1867 as a seminary. Today, it is featured in The Princeton Review for being one of the best colleges, best value colleges, and greenest colleges.

• DMin in Church Leadership
• DMin in Korean Leadership
• DMin in Spirituality
• DMin in Women’s Leadership

Drew University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke University was founded by Methodists and Quakers in the present-day town of Trinity in 1838, and it moved to Durham in 1892.

As of 2019, 15 Nobel laureates have been affiliated with the university. Around 50% of its students also received financial aid, ranging from need-based, athletic, and merit aid. Lastly, it offers 46 arts and sciences majors and 52 minors.

• Doctor of Ministry

Duke University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Emory University is known across the world for its College of Liberal Arts and graduate and professional schools. This university was also internationally recognized as one of the world’s leading healthcare systems.

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, this school has a total of 15,500 graduates, with billions of economic impact on the country as they have generated $689 million for research.

• DMin in Biblical Studies
• DMin in Church Leadership

Emory University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Fordham University is located in New York City, and it is one of the private research universities in the community. It is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit university in the northeastern United States and the third oldest university in New York.

Jesuit presidents have run the school since 1846, and it has been governed independently from the Church since 1969. Today, this university has a total enrollment of approximately 15,300 students.

• Doctor of Ministry
• DMin in Latino Ministry
• DMin in Spirituality

Fordham University is accredited by the Middle States Association of the Commission of Higher Education.

Founded in 1947, Fuller Theological Seminary is a multi-denominational Christian evangelical seminary. It is located in Pasadena, California, and it has regional campuses in the western region of the United States.

The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada has accredited this university. Currently, the school has 2,800 students from 90 different countries belonging to 110 denominations.

• Doctor of Ministry

Fuller Theological Seminary is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

George Fox University was founded in 1891 and was originally called Friends Pacific Academy. It promotes personal, academic, and spiritual growth in each of its students.

Currently, it has a total enrollment of 4,070 students, and it has various campus locations in Newberg, Portland, Salen, and Redmond. Also, it was included in Forbes’ Top 100 America’s Best Colleges, where it ranked 58th.

• DMin in Church Leadership

George Fox University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

The Grace School of Theology, originally known as Houston Theological Seminary, was established in 2001 by Dave Anderson, a former student and professor at Dallas Theological Seminary. This institution’s vision is to develop spiritual leaders in every nation.

There are 36 faculty members working in the school, eight of which were trained at Dallas Theological Seminary, much like their founder.

• Doctor of Ministry
• DMin in Church Leadership
• DMin in Counseling
• DMin in Ministry
• DMin in Theology

Grace School of Theology is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.

Headquartered in Marion, Indiana, Indiana Wesleyan University is the largest private Christian university in the state.

The university is home to 13,000 students, and the school’s athletic program houses 18 varsity teams, participating in Division I and II of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA).

• DMin in Church Leadership
• DMin in Preaching
• DMin in Spirituality

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Knox Theological Seminary was named after the Scottish reformer, John Knox. In 1989, the school was founded in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, by D. James Kennedy, a senior pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church.

As an independent evangelical seminary, the school offers ministry training either in its facility in Fort Lauderdale or through its online campus, the Knox online.

• DMin in Church Leadership
• DMin in Ministry
• DMin in Theology

Knox Theological Seminary is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.

Formerly known as Lancaster School of the Bible and the Lancaster Bible College & Graduate School,  Lancaster Bible College was established in 1933 by Henry J. Heydt in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

This private bible college, seminary, and graduate school is affiliated with the Association for Biblical Higher Education and the Middle States Association, and it has four additional affiliated sites from which they serve.

• DMin in Church Leadership

Lancaster Bible College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Lexington Theological Seminary was technically established in 1865, and it was originally known as the Department of Hebrew Literature at Bacon College, which was established in 1836.

In recent years, this private institution has moved most of its instructions online, and therefore no longer requires as much physical space. The seminary is now located in Lexington, Kentucky.

• Doctor of Ministry

Lexington Theological Seminary is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools.

Liberty University is a private evangelical Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is one of the largest Christian universities in the world and also one of the largest private non-profit universities in the United States, based on student enrollments.

With over 15,000 students studying in its physical campus and over 94,000 students in online courses, the school has about 110,000 students within its system.

• DMin in Biblical Studies
• DMin in Chaplaincy
• DMin in Church Revitalization
• DMin in Discipleship
• DMin in Evangelism and Church Planting
• DMin in Expository Preaching and Teaching
• DMin in Next Generation Ministry
• DMin in Pastoral Counseling
• DMin in Ministry Leadership
• DMin in Spiritual Formation
• DMin in Theology and Apologetics
• DMin in Urban Ministry
• DMin in Worship

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Luther Rice College & Seminary was founded in 1962 by Robert Gee Witty in Jacksonville, Florida. It was named after Luther Rice, an educator, missionary, and clergyman in the 1800s. Although the campus has recently moved to Lithonia, Georgia, the institution remains a private Southern Baptist college and seminary.

• Doctor of Ministry

Luther Rice College and Seminary is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.

Located in Tigerville, South Carolina, North Greenville University is a private Baptist university associated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention. Established in 1891, the institution is home to 2,260 undergraduate students on its rural campus with Gene Fant, Jr. sitting as the current president.

• Doctor of Ministry

North Greenville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Carolina University is a private Christian Bible College located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. It was founded in 1945 by Charles Stevens and a group of North Carolina Baptist leaders who had first called it the Piedmont Bible Schools, Inc. and the Piedmont Bible Institute. Currently, it only has a total enrollment of 1,077 students.

• PhD in Leadership – Ministry Administration

Carolina University is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.

This private school was established in 1925, and it is located approximately 50 kilometers south-east of Winnipeg in Otterburne, Manitoba. Although the school has 100 acres of land to its name, it is home to only 250 undergraduates and 75 postgraduates. Its motto is “Knowledge and Character for Leadership and Service.”

• Doctor of Ministry

Providence Bible College & Theological Seminary is accredited by the Transworld Accrediting Commission.

Regent University is dubbed as one of the nation’s leading academic centers for Christian thought and action. It was founded in 1977 by Pat Robertson. Throughout the years, the institute has rapidly grown, and it now has over 11,000 students that are studying either on its physical 70-acre campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia or around the world.

• DMin in Chaplaincy
• DMin in Church Leadership

Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Southern California Seminary is a small institution with an enrollment of 12 undergraduate students and an application fee of 44 dollars. It is a private, Christian college located in Cajon, California, in the San Diego Area.

With 39 part-time undergraduates, the school only has about 51 undergraduate students all in all, with two-thirds of them being over the age of 25.

• DMin in Biblical Studies
• DMin in Christian Education
• DMin in Church Leadership

Southern California Seminary is accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.

Established in 1927, this private Christian university is the only Assemblies of God University that is located in Texas. It serves 2,012 students in its suburban 70-acre campus located in Waxahachie, Texas, with Kermit Bridges sitting as its president. The school’s motto is “Higher Education for a Higher Purpose.”

• DMin in Church Leadership

Southwestern Assemblies of God University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Is a Doctor of Ministry Worth It?

Yes, a Doctor of Ministry is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 4% job growth in theology occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this sector include senior pastor, church administrator, hospital chaplain, and professor.

While having the opportunity to make a healthy living is definitely important, when faith and religion join the discussion, it’s only natural for the conversation to extend beyond salaries.

Do you feel the need to enhance your understanding of theology and Scripture to better serve your congregation? Perhaps you’re looking to take on a new learning challenge and enhance your own insight into your personal faith?

Regardless of what actually motivates you to enroll in a DMin program, earning your doctoral degree can be both personally fulfilling and professionally successful.

The post 25 Best Online DMin Programs [2024 Guide] appeared first on MyDegreeGuide.com.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the financial world or fresh out of your master’s degree program, you may find plenty of appeal in getting your PhD in Accounting online.

Online accounting degree programs offer the same level of education as their traditional on-campus counterparts but are often more convenient and less expensive.

Online PhD in Accounting Degrees

Some of the most popular doctoral accounting degrees include the following. Click on the one that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide.

• Auditing
• Finance
• Financial Accounting
• Managerial Accounting
• Taxation

Choosing a specialty can help prepare you for an interesting and rewarding career.

Auditing

A PhD in Auditing can help you become an in-depth investigator for many types of businesses. Taking Auditing classes can give you the opportunities to learn economic principles, accounting, taxation, some government system types, and business policies.

Additionally, auditing is commonly used in the insurance field. Graduating with this degree can help you pursue a highly paid job and make yourself a great career.

The most common position for Auditing professionals is working for a large corporation or regulatory agency. If you like accounting, are responsible, and detail-accurate, then you probably already know how much you enjoy auditing.

Finance

Finance is a little broader than Accounting but encompasses the topic. If you enjoy looking at the big picture of a company’s, organization’s, or even a person’s finances, this might be the doctoral program for you.

From accounting to investing to planning and advising on other financial strategies, you may be able to play an important role in managing the funds of a company or for your clients. You might work for an investment company, a large corporation, a non-profit, or even a government entity.

From financial analyst to investment specialist to CFO, you’ll have many career options available to pursue. Many degree holders teach Finance and/or Accounting subjects at the university level.

Financial Accounting

A PhD in Financial Accounting may be a great start for those who are looking for a career in academic or research organizations. Taking classes in Financial Accounting can help you learn about business and economics in general and gain statistical and research skills.

Many students study Financial Accounting for the possibility of personal growth and higher earnings.

After graduation, you may work in government agencies, educational institutes, and non-profit organizations, as well as big business.

Managerial Accounting

Managerial Accounting forms most of the accounting departments in many businesses. Earning a PhD in Managerial Accounting can help students learn economic principles and gain leadership and management skills.

Studies in this degree can help you learn about investment and risk, cash flow valuation, and treasury risk management. After graduation, you may find yourself a career as an investment advisor, lead accountant, senior auditor, or department head.

A Managerial Accountant PhD is often in the top position in their sphere. A person who loves numbers, is accurate, and has a great eye for the details may find a great fit for any type of Managerial Accounting career.

Taxation

A PhD in Taxation can help provide you with the knowledge to assist businesses and individuals to navigate tax law. It can help you gain the skills for addressing current and future issues of taxation.

You should be interested in economics, accounting, and finance if you want to get a PhD in taxation. After graduation, you may find a job as a government researcher, financial analyst, or corporate accountant.

What Is an Online PhD in Accounting?

Often requiring between 72 and 90 credit hours to complete, securing a PhD in Accounting may serve as the perfect platform to display your expertise in the inner workings of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), as well as other facets of the modern accounting industry.

Additionally, focusing on this kind of graduate degree also allows for academic research and theoretical discussion, leading plenty of PhD candidates to remain in academia.

The “online” part simply means that you get a similar education as you would attending class in person, but you get to complete your classes in a more flexible manner and often on a more flexible timeline.

Online PhD in Accounting Curriculum

As far as your actual coursework goes, you will likely touch on a wide array of topics, including:

• Accounting Research Methods
• Econometric Theory
• Math Tools for Accounting
• Small Group Theory
• Teaching Best Practices

Most PhD programs in accounting require a dissertation, but there are a number of online DBA programs with no dissertation required. Concentrations are available in accounting, finance, and related fields.

Learning what to expect now can give you a better idea of how to schedule courses and properly prepare for this learning experience later on down the road.

Career Outlook for a PhD in Accounting vs. PhD in Finance

In reality, these two disciplines are different sides of the same coin. Earning a PhD in Accounting revolves around auditing and recording past fiscal matters, while going the finance route focuses on leveraging this information to generate future projections and support sound business decisions.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), earning a PhD in Accounting and taking on a position as an economist can potentially net you an average annual salary of $105,020. As for professors in the business and finance field, expecting compensation that falls somewhere between $80,300 and $191,760 during the same timeframe is a potentially realistic outlook.

Here are some other career options to consider.

• Economist
• Financial Analyst
• Financial Consultant
• Investment Researcher
• Department Manager

You might work for large corporations, investment firms, non-profit organizations, or the various levels of government. Every entity in every sector deals with finances.

How Do You Get a PhD in Accounting Online?

When it comes to actually working through your coursework and ending up on the big stage with this kind of post-graduate degree in hand, you have two primary paths to success: taking classes on campus or completing your PhD program via a digital classroom setting.

Depending on your current professional and personal situations, splitting your time between flexible online learning and the real-world interaction (dissertation defenses, counselor meetings, fieldwork, etc.) could be the key to avoiding unnecessary burnout and scheduling stress.

The first step to earning your terminal Accounting degree online is to narrow down your selection of schools and apply.

PhD Admission Requirements

To enter into a PhD in Accounting program, you’ll most likely have to jump through a few admissions hoops to beat out the rest of the applicant field. Submitting official transcripts of your bachelor’s and accounting master’s degree, as well as maintaining a GPA of at least 3.0, often serves as the first few steps of the process.

From this point, providing three letters of recommendation – usually via supporting faculty members – comes next. Finally, don’t be surprised if submitting your professional resume or achieving certain scores on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) also enters the picture.

Accreditation

Just like everything needs to line up in the ledger, so everything needs to line up regarding a university’s credentials. It’s best if a regional board periodically audits the school and validates the educational programs it offers with official accreditation.

Make sure the universities you apply to are accredited by one of these boards:

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

If the university you attend isn’t accredited, other schools and potential employers may not respect your degree.

Financial Aid

Speaking of money, earning your next degree will probably be quite an investment. Look for these opportunities to lighten your expenses.

• Grants
• Scholarships
• Fellowships
• Employer Tuition Assistance

You may also qualify for deferred loans to help you get through school and back into the workforce before you need to pay too much out of pocket. Start your search by looking into the federal student aid available for graduate students.

Universities Offering Online PhD in Accounting Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Capella University is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is owned by Strategy Education, INC. This university delivers most of its programs online. It was founded in 1993 as The Graduate School of America.

Approximately 23% of the 38,000 students enrolled in Capella classes are doctoral candidates. Capella University works to make sure that students experience great support as they join a community of professionals. Their programs are designed to help students gain skills and knowledge that are relevant to their career goals.

• PhD in Accounting
• DBA in Accounting

Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

City University of Seattle is a private university located in Seattle, Washington. It offers both campus and online classes, so you can find your preferred learning method. It all started back in 1973 when Dr. Michael A. Pastore founded City University to provide higher education for working adults.

Over the years, the school has increased its locations and student count. You can choose different degrees you want to study starting from certificate to Doctorate. There are different areas of study you can choose: Business and Management, Computer and Info Systems, Teaching and Education.

• DBA in Business Administration (Finance concentration)

CityU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Drexel University, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is a private research university founded by Anthony Drexel in 1891. It offers approximately 70 bachelor degree programs and 100 graduate degrees. Out of the nearly 25,000 students enrolled per year, one-third of them are grad students.

The Drexel Dragons play in the NCAA Division I, and there are many other student organizations to participate in.

• DBA in Accounting

Drexel’s LeBow College of Business is among the elite 20 percent of business schools to be accredited by AACSB International.

Franklin University’s 100% online DBA with optional accounting focus areas that can be finished in as few as 3 years. This 58 credit hours program will prepare students to be problem solvers in their own businesses, can be a consultant to a business organizations, or a business teacher

• DBA (Accounting concentration)

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

This is a Christian university located in Newberg, Oregon and founded as a school for Quakers in 1891. The private university has over 4,000 students and offers classes in psychology, social work, business, counseling, and accounting.

The university was called Friends Pacific Academy for a few years before it became a college in 1891. Also, have you ever heard of the athletic team named the Bruins? George Fox University has over 21 different sports – 11 for women and 10 for men. Attending this university is a great chance to grow professionally, spiritually, and academically.

• DBA in Accounting

George Fox is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Indiana Wesleyan University, located in Marion, Indiana, is a private university affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It is also the largest private college in Indiana.

Most of the school’s 13,000 students are online, enrolled through IWU-National & Global. Through IWU, you can earn your pick of 80 bachelor degrees, 57 master’s, and 9 doctorates.

The Global campus includes a seminary for theologians and pastors.

The Wildcats play in the NCCAA Division I.

• DBA in Accounting

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Kansas State University, or K-State, is a public research university. Its main campus is located in Manhattan, Kansas. It first opened in 1863 and was the first institution of higher education in the state.

Originally, the university was named Kansas State Agricultural College. Nowadays, it is a popular university. Furthermore, it offers a great active student life. Kansas State University has sports teams that play as the Wildcats in the NCAA Division I.

• Hybrid PhD in Personal Financial Planning

Kansas State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Liberty University is one of the largest Christian universities in the world, and it is also one of the largest non-profit universities in the U.S. The school consists of 17 colleges in total, including the medical school and a school of law.

The university has a traditional Christian orientation with three Bible-classes for undergraduate students. Liberty University was founded in 1971 by Jerry Falwell and Elmer L. Towns, and at first, it was a Lynchburg Baptist College.

However, it is not all about education and religion. The university is a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference for 17 of its 20 different sports. If you are looking for a great place to get an education in a Christian setting, Liberty University could be a good fit.

• DBA in Accounting

Liberty is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

If you are looking for an acclaimed non-profit university for your online studies, you may wish to look into National University. NU is a continually growing network of nonprofit educational institutions dedicated to supporting students through career-driven education and services that aim to help them succeed in their educational, work, and personal lives.

National University was founded by US Navy Captain David Chigos in 1971. Since then, it has created a community of over 30,000 students and 220,000 alumni from around the world. It is a top educator of US military students and the largest non-profit in San Diego.

The school offers over 190 degrees at all levels of higher education, including the following:

• PhD in Business Administration – Advanced Accounting
• DBA in Financial Management
• DBA in Advanced Accounting

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Rutgers University is an American public research university located in New Jersey. It is the largest higher education institution in the state.

Originally, the university was created as Queen’s College in 1766. It is the 8th oldest college in the U.S. The institution was renamed as Rutgers College in 1825.

Rutgers is known as the “birthplace of college football,” so you know it places a lot of importance on athletics.

• PhD in Accounting

Rutgers is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Saint Leo University was founded in 1889 and is a private Roman Catholic liberal arts university in St. Leo, Florida. It was the first Roman Catholic college in Florida and is one of the 5 largest Catholic colleges in the U.S.

Saint Leo University was also one of the first universities in the country that provided online education. Students that enroll in Saint Leo University have a great and active student life through a variety of organizations, clubs, and societies.

Saint Leo University athletic teams, named the Lions, participate in baseball, basketball, and golf for men, and swimming, softball, tennis, and volleyball for women.

• DBA in Business Administration (Finance concentration)

Saint Leo is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Trident University is a private online university in California. The university offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Also, you can get certificates in education, business, and information systems.

Trident University was founded in 1988 with headquarters was in Cypress, California. It is a great way to get an education for veterans and the military, as the university is online, though Trident University is a flexible university for everybody.

• PhD in Business Administration – Accounting

Trident is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

The University of Dallas is a private Catholic school founded in 1956 in Irving, Texas. Since then, the university has been ranked as a leading university for both Catholic and traditional academic students, ranked 6th in both best regional universities in the west and best value schools by U.S. News & World Report.

Today, the University of Dallas enrolls 3,000 students from all over the world, 1,000 of which are graduate students. It continues to provide higher education with a Catholic perspective. On-campus students will enjoy the 744-acre property.

• DBA in Business Administration (Finance concentration)

UD is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The University of South Carolina is a public research institution in Columbia, South Carolina. It has been listed as an up-and-coming university by U.S. News & World Report. It was established in 1801 and is one of the oldest universities in South Carolina.

There are approximately 50,000 students enrolled in the university, which makes it one of the largest educational institutions in Carolina.

The school‘s 19 sports teams are competing in the Southeastern Conference and are known as Gamecocks. The university has a rich history of 200+ years of leadership in education.

• Hybrid DBA in Business Administration – Finance

USC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Walden University is an online university headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This university is a part of a global network managed by Laureate Education, Inc. Originally, it was established in 1970 by two teachers from New York City.

Walden University receives more than 75% of its funds from the US government and guarantees you that it can offer you a student loan. It offers plenty of degree programs, starting from bachelor’s to doctoral. It has nearly 50,000 students enrolled, most of who are online.

• PhD in Accounting
• DBA in Accounting

Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Is a PhD in Accounting Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in accounting is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 5% job growth in business and financial occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include financial analyst, economist, investment researcher, and financial consultant.

The salary statistics says that earning the highest degree in your field is may be worth it considering the potential increased pay you’ll likely receive over the life of your career compared to the investment in education.

Of course, not every PhD student takes on this learning experience to move into a new position. This means that determining the worth of your time in the classroom can rest upon intangible considerations.

It will take a heavy commitment of time for the next couple of years. Is becoming an expert in your field something you want to spend the time on?

If so, you can start the process now, conveniently, online.

The post 15 Best PhD in Accounting Online Programs [2024 Guide] appeared first on MyDegreeGuide.com.

When it comes to turning your educational acumen into an actionable response to the needs and concerns of individuals and your greater community, few graduate degrees offer quite the same potential boost as an online PhD in Human Services.

Community and social service occupations have a projected 12% rate in job growth, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the potential to make between $60,000 and $172,000.

Types of Online PhD in Human Services Degrees

Your studies can consist of a generalist Human Services degree, or you can specialize by taking classes in a certain concentration.

Click on one of these areas to jump to that part of the page.

• Human Services
• Counseling
• Gerontology
• Nonprofit Management
• Social and Community Services
• Social Psychology

Each specialization can help prepare you for different job opportunities as you become an expert in a particular field.

Human Services

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Services programs are designed to train students to take leadership roles in organizations that address the needs of people struggling with addiction, illness, poverty, and violence.

Candidates for a PhD in Human Services take classes on the history, theories, systems, and policies concerning the human services field. They can also develop their research skills as they work toward the preparation of their doctoral dissertations.

Upon completion of their doctorate in human services, graduates often assume leadership roles in nonprofit organizations or enter the academe.

Those who also happen to be working professionals may benefit from the flexibility of an online human services doctorate program.

Students who come from the fields of social work, counseling, and non-profit management may find a PhD in human services advantageous to their careers. Students in related areas, such as criminology, public health, psychology, and sociology, may also benefit from this degree.

Counseling

Individuals taking up a PhD in counseling can learn how to assist individuals who are struggling with real-life problems such as addiction, aging, careers, and health issues, among others. They may work in schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, vocational centers, and rehabilitation centers.

The ideal candidates for this program usually have strong empathy and compassion. They must also show the ability to help people of all ages in identifying their strengths and weaknesses.

They are expected to help their clients in improving their coping skills, modifying behavior, addressing mental health concerns, and focusing on personal growth.

Graduates of a PhD in counseling stand to get access to a wider range of career options. They may also use their degree to teach aspiring counselors and psychologists or undertake research on new methods for treatment.

Gerontology

This human services specialization is designed to produce graduates who are dedicated to promoting the welfare of elderly individuals.

Many of the studies in this specialization focus on the physiology of human aging and development. Students may examine social policies that are associated with aging and the factors affecting the quality of life for an older adult, such as chronic disease, independent living, and the physiological changes of aging.

Upon completion of the program, graduates can pursue roles like housing placement advisor, policy advisor, elder assistance administrator, and elder case manager.

Other job opportunities that may await graduates include community care coordinator, financial advisor, and elder program developer. Candidates for this program usually have good analytical and problem-solving skills.

Nonprofit Management

The focus of a PhD in nonprofit management is to train students to advance their skills in independent research, particularly in areas such as volunteer development, strategic planning, and nonprofit organizational management.

This specialization can help them learn how to develop and implement research designs and methods, contribute to theory, and advance knowledge in their field.

This degree may be ideal for students who want to have a fruitful and rewarding career in nonprofit organizations, whether as educators, consultants, researchers, and executive leaders.

Some of the common coursework in a PhD in nonprofit management includes leadership, governance, and ethics, diversity in the workplace, and quantitative research methods in the public service.

Social and Community Services

The focus of a PhD in social and community services is to train students to assume leadership roles in community social services.

Students in this degree program are typically educated on a wide range of behavioral and developmental areas, including formulating policies to promote the well-being of those in communities and organizations.

They are often trained to assist individuals, groups, families, and communities in restoring their capabilities to function well. They may help people in improving their coping mechanisms, problem-solving skills, and developmental capabilities.

Upon completion of the program, graduates can pursue leadership roles in non-profit agencies and organizations, nursing homes, hospitals, schools, and mental health clinics.

Social Psychology

Students of the PhD in social psychology zero in on human behavior and experience in social settings. The focus of this program is to train students to understand how the behavior, feelings, and thoughts of individuals are influenced or impacted by the actual or implied presence of other people.

A PhD in social psychology can help equip students with the managerial and leadership skills needed to assume higher positions in non-profit organizations, schools, and hospitals.

Graduates may also take various careers such as psychology professors at colleges and universities, marriage and family therapists, and community service managers. Other potential opportunities include working for business organizations as marketing managers or in the government as political scientists.

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Services Curriculum

Before signing up for classes, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the standard coursework that comprises this kind of PhD program.

As you hone and refine your expertise in the human services field, you can expect to cover topics including:

• Community and Social Services
• Community Intervention and Leadership
• Conflict Management and Negotiation
• Criminal Justice
• Disaster and Crisis Intervention
• Family Studies and Intervention
• Social Policy Analysis and Planning

Most PhD programs require a dissertation in addition to your regular courses. If you’d prefer not to complete a dissertation, these universities have no dissertation requirement.

Naturally, this list can shift somewhat based on your target institution’s unique program framework. However, having this cross-section in mind can help prepare your as the start of the semester nears.

Career Outlook and Salary Information

In terms of your career outlook, the BLS notes that this portion of the professional and academic worlds is growing at a much faster than average rate when compared to other industries.

Specifically, opportunities to serve as either a professional social worker or a tenured professor that stays on the academic side of things have projected job growth rates that easily reach the 12% mark.

In other words, whether you plan on helping members of your community in real-world scenarios or training the next incoming class of PhD candidates, there are plenty of viable career paths awaiting you after graduation.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some of the most popular positions you might hold after graduation include:

As you may have noticed, having a PhD can help open the door to many more career opportunities that aren’t as easily available for those with a bachelor’s in human services, or even with a master’s in human services.

Apart from your degree, your salary will also depend on your place of employment and region of the country in which you work.

Professional Organizations for Working in Human Services

Graduates of PhD in Human Services may join the following organizations that can help them improve their work in their respective communities:

• American Counseling Association (ACA): gives professional counselors free access to publications, aids in continuing education classes, and provides discounts on conferences. It also offers members free online resources on mental health support.
• American Public Human Services Association (APHSA): connects with policymakers as well as human-serving organizations to advance advocacies such as strong families and better, safer communities. This bipartisan organization offers local and state membership.
• National Organization for Human Services (NOHS): provides professional development opportunities to members. It also promotes certifications and advocates for social change to transform communities and individuals.
• National Human Services Assembly (NHSA): binds together some of the leading nonprofit service providers in America. It advances policies and advocacies in areas such as the youth and the elderly.

Consider joining one of these organizations to be informed of the latest industry news and scholarship and to take advantage of job and networking opportunities.

Certification and Licensure Following a Human Services Degree

Traditional or online human services degree holders should consider applying for Human Services Board-Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) credential. This certifies that they have incorporated 11 core Human Services areas by adhering to the national standards set through their experience and education.

Earning the HS-BCP credential can not only enhance the employability of a human services degree holder but also demonstrate his/her commitment to the practice of the profession. It also helps in professionalizing the human services field.

Continuing education is also required to maintain HS-BCP credential. Human services degree holders with this type of credential must complete 60 hours of continuing education throughout the five-year certification period.

Accreditation for an Online Human Services Degree

Accreditation for an online human services degree program assures the quality of instruction.

Educational institutions offering online human services degree may receive regional accreditation from agencies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the Department of Education.

Another organization, the Council for Standard in Human Service Education, may also provide individual accreditation to a human services degree program.

Check to see whether the program you’re interested is accredited. If it’s not, other universities and employers may not recognize your degree.

Admission Requirements

To earn a spot in an incoming PhD in Human Services cohort, you’ll need to start off by having a master’s degree in an appropriate area of study, or a stellar undergraduate resume – specifically capped off by a final GPA that hovers around the 4.0 mark.

From here, submitting your complete transcripts, as well as letters of recommendation and Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, often rounds out the process.

Financial Aid for a Human Services Degree Online

Students enrolled in an accredited school often qualify for federal financial aid. Yes, even doctoral students can take advantage of grants and loans. See what you qualify for by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

You might also qualify for scholarships and grants from your state’s education agencies. Also, ask about scholarships and fellowship opportunities from your chosen university.

Financial assistance may also come from businesses that offer grants and scholarships. Religious organizations, professional groups, and community groups likewise offer college scholarships.

Questions Related to Earning a PhD in Human Services

Here are our answers to a few more questions you might have.

What Is a PhD in Human Services?

Simply put, a PhD in Human Services is designed to indicate that you have the ability to guide policies, practices, and legislation that relate to public matters and issues within your local area. Those who either want to delve deeper into crucial research areas related to this field or apply their learning to real-world scenarios are often members of incoming PhD cohorts.

Completing this kind of degree normally requires a commitment of 90 credit hours on campus or in the virtual classroom. However, some universities do lower the coursework burden based on already completed post-graduate credit hours – specifically the work you’ve logged via a bachelor’s or master’s degree program.

What Is the Difference between a PhD in Human Services and a PhD in Public Administration?

While both of these doctoral programs focus on offering services and guidance to the public, how these degrees actually reach this point requires subscribing to two different approaches.

A PhD in Human Services usually focuses more on improving the connection between social workers and the community while pursuing a similar degree within the public administration field takes a “big picture” view via political action and policy implementation.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that if you fall on the public administration side of this discussion, you may be able to earn up to $133,200 per year in the professional sector as a political scientist or professor.

The average earnings for a human services professional in the same sector over this same time span clocks in at $74,800.

How Do You Get a Doctorate in Human Services?

Earning a PhD in Human Services requires either committing to the standard on-campus experience – including a rigid class schedule – or working on your degree via an online program.

While there’s no universal right answer to which option is best, it’s hard not to gravitate toward the flexibility and freedom offered by a virtual classroom experience that shapes and molds itself to your daily demands and current professional responsibilities.

List of Universities Offering Online PhD in Human Services Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

This university has physical locations in Missouri, Arizona, and California. A.T Still University, also known as ATSU, offers an online Doctor of Health Sciences Degree.

The degree is offered through the College of Graduate Health Studies. Candidates must complete 70 credit hours to be awarded this Human Services degree.

• Online Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc)

A.T. Still University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Amridge University is located in Montgomery, Alabama, and has affiliations to the Churches of Christ. It offers a 60-semester hour PhD program in Marriage and Family Therapy.

The number of credit hours to be completed will vary based on the number of graduate hours a student has upon entry to the program. Upon completion of the program, students will have an advanced degree with scholarship and therapeutic expertise.

• Online PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy

Amridge is a SACSCOC-accredited institution.

Baylor University is often just called Baylor and can be found in Waco, Texas. It is a Baptist Christian school that was chartered in 1845.

Their PhD in Health Services Research is delivered on campus and is a collaboration with the Center for Clinical Effectiveness at the Baylor Scott & White Healthcare System. Students will see a focus on current issues affecting the US healthcare systems.

• On-campus PhD in Health Services Research

Baylor University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Capella University has its headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with learning sites in Florida and Georgia. The university operates online and is owned by Strategic Education Inc, which is publicly traded.

They have been offering doctoral education online for more than 25 years and have multiple programs that are designed to help the student obtain the critical skills they need to work in a variety of situations.

• Online Doctor of Human Services – Advanced Program Evaluation and Data Analytics
• Online Doctor of Human Services – Leadership and Organizational Management
• Online PhD in Human Services – Multidisciplinary Human Services
• Online PhD in Human Services – Social and Community Services

Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Concordia University, commonly known as CU for short, can be found in River Forest, in Illinois. The online PhD in Health & Human Performance is designed to prepare students for research and leadership roles in exercise science, health promotion, human performance, and more.

It is a 66/67-credit program with coursework in research, statistics, exercise science, leadership, and a requirement for a 9-credit dissertation.

• Online PhD in Health & Human Performance

CU Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Drexel University has its main campus located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The university was established in 1891 by Anthony J. Drexel.

The on-campus PhD in Health Services Research and Policy is suitable for students living in the Philadelphia area. It is designed to train students to work in health services research and health policy and program creation, implementation, and practice.

• On-campus PhD in Health Services Research and Policy

Drexel is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Emory University is a research university that can be found in Atlanta, Georgia. It was founded in 1836 as Emory College by the Methodist Episcopal Church.

It’s PhD in Health Services Research and Health Policy is delivered on campus. The program is very competitive, accepting, on average, 3 students per year out of 15 applications. There is no master’s degree requirement for applying to this program.

• On-campus PhD in Health Services Research and Health Policy

Emory University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Houston Baptist University can be found in Sharpstown in Houston, Texas. It is a Baptist university that was founded in 1960.

It offers a 63-credit-hour EdD program in Executive Leadership in Mental Health and Human Services, which is delivered online. This program aims to prepare students for management roles in mental health services.

• Online EdD in Executive Leadership in Mental Health and Human Services

HBU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Liberty University can be found in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is an evangelical Christian university that was established in 1971 as Lynchburg Baptist College.

The online EdD program in Community Care and Counseling is a 57-credit-hour program with a duration of three years. Students can transfer up to 15 credits, and courses are 8 weeks long.

• Online EdD in Community Care and Counseling – Marriage and Family
• Online EdD in Community Care and Counseling – Pastoral Care and Counseling
• Online EdD in Community Care and Counseling – Traumatology

Liberty is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Loma Linda University is a Seventh Day Adventist institution found in Loma Linda, California, with a focus on health sciences. It was established in 1905 as the Loma Linda Sanitarium.

The Doctor of Marital and Family Therapy is delivered online and is the only COAMFTE-accredited program in the United States. They review applications and approve them on an ongoing basis until all spaces are filled.

• Online Doctor of Marital and Family Therapy

Loma Linda is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Nova Southeastern University was established in 1964 and has its main campus located in Davie, Florida, with three other campuses in Florida.

Their online EdD in Human Services Administration is designed for those who have master’s degrees or higher or those that are currently practicing in universities, hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers as human services professionals.

• Online EdD in Human Services Administration

NSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions can be found in the East Bay Technology Park at Provo, Utah. It was founded in 1998 as the Rocky Mountain University of Physical Therapy. They offered their first doctoral program in 2003.

It’s PhD in Health Sciences is delivered partially online with some face-to-face instruction. It is designed for persons who work full time and want to earn their doctoral degree.

• Online PhD in Health Sciences

RMUoHP is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Rush University can be found in Chicago, Illinois. It was founded in 1972 and offers a 54-credit-hour PhD in Health Sciences, which is delivered via online classes.

The program is designed to provide students with the skills necessary for them to teach, perform research, and to practice in working situations for advancing health care and science practice.

• Online PhD in Health Sciences

Rush University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Saybrook University is a graduate institution that can be found in Pasadena, California, and which is associated with the TCS Education System. Founded in 1971 as the Humanistic Psychology Institute, its PhD in Transformative Social Change is delivered online.

Students completing this degree have potential employers such as Greenpeace Mediterranea, Amnesty International, and other organizations with similar goals.

• Online PhD in Transformative Social Change

Saybrook is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Seton Hall University

Seton Hall University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Texas Tech University can be found in Lubbock, Texas and was established in February of 1923 and was called the Texas Technological College until 1969.

Its online PhD in Family and Consumer Science Education is a 72-credit-hour program that is designed to provide students with the knowledge necessary for working in higher education as well as in leadership roles.

• Online PhD in Family and Consumer Science Education

Texas Tech is accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Trident University is an online University with offices operating out of Cypress, California, that was established in 1998. It was formerly known as Touro University but was established as a stand-alone institution after being purchased by Summit Partners in 2007.

Its PhD in Health Sciences is a very rigorous and research-focused degree program. It is designed to prepare students for working in education, research, and management in the fields of health education, global health, public health, etc.

• Online PhD in Health Sciences – Global Health
• Online PhD in Health Sciences – Health Policy and Administration

Trident is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

The University of Colorado campus located in Denver is part of the University of Colorado system and was founded in 1912 by Johnathan Hill.

The full-time PhD in Education and Human Development with 7 different specializations allows students the opportunity to learn while experiencing research and teaching opportunities.

With this degree, students can build their dossiers while learning to make them more marketable upon completion of the program.

• Online PhD in Education and Human Development – Early Childhood Special Education/Early Childhood Education
• Online PhD in Education and Human Development – Family Science and Human Development
• Online PhD in Education and Human Development – Mathematics Education
• Online PhD in Education and Human Development – Research, Assessment and Evaluation
• Online PhD in Education and Human Development – Science Education
• Online PhD in Education and Human Development – Urban Ecologies
• Online PhD in Education and Human Development – Administrative Leadership and Policy Studies

CU Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of Indianapolis is located in Indiana was established in 1902 and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.

The online Doctor of Health Science degree requires students to have a masters’s degree and two years of experience working in healthcare. The program aims to provide students with skills to become educators, advocates, scholars, and leaders.

• Online Doctor of Health Science

UIndy is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of Louisiana at Monroe is a part of the University of Louisiana System. It was established as the Ouachita Parish Junior College in  1931.

The PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy – Systemic Studies is a non-clinical focused program that is delivered online. The program does not prepare students for licensure.

• Online PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy – Systemic Studies

ULM is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Minnesota has two locations in Saint Paul and in Minneapolis with main campuses around 3 miles apart. The university was established in 1851, and the first set of college classes was held in 1867.

Admissions to its online PhD in Health Services Research, Policy & Administration requires GRE and at least a bachelor’s degree. The program is designed to prepare students for careers as educators and researchers in the field of public health.

• On-campus PhD in Health Services Research, Policy & Administration

All campuses of the University of Minnesota operate with the accreditation of the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of South Dakota was founded in 1862 thanks to the Dakota Territory legislature. This university was established before the state itself.

Its PhD in Health Sciences is a 75-credit-hour program with a curriculum focused on teaching, leadership, advanced practice, and scholarship. It is designed for the working professional and is fully online.

• Online PhD in Health Sciences

USD is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

The University of Washington can be found in Seattle. It is a public research university that was founded in 1861. It offers 5 specializations for the PhD in Health Services, which is a program that is consistently ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Programs are delivered on campus and provide instruction in evaluation, research methods, health care systems, social determinants, and health policy research.

• On-campus PhD in Health Services – Evaluative Sciences and Statistics
• On-campus PhD in Health Services – Health Behavior and Social Determinants of Health
• On-campus PhD in Health Services – Health Economics
• On-campus PhD in Health Services – Health Systems Research
• On-campus PhD in Health Services – Occupational Health

UW is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Located in Richmond, Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University was founded in 1838 as a medical school.

The PhD program at VCU takes two years for full-time students or three years for part-time students. You can customize your degree based on your interests, but admission into the program is limited.

• On-campus PhD in Health Services Organization and Research

VCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Walden is a very popular university with headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The university is managed by Laureate Education, Inc., which manages a global network of Universities. The university has academic offices in Minneapolis and administrative offices in Baltimore, Maryland.

Their PhD programs are designed to equip students with the skills they need to create intervention strategies, assessments, and evaluation methods.

• Online PhD in Health Services
• Online PhD in Human and Social Services – Advanced Research
• Online PhD in Human and Social Services – Community and Social Services
• Online PhD in Human and Social Services – Community Intervention and Leadership
• Online PhD in Human and Social Services – Conflict Management and Negotiation
• Online PhD in Human and Social Services – Criminal Justice
• Online PhD in Human and Social Services – Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention
• Online PhD in Human and Social Services – Family Studies and Intervention
• Online PhD in Human and Social Services – General Program
• Online PhD in Human and Social Services – Gerontology
• Online PhD in Human and Social Services – Global Social Services
• Online PhD in Human and Social Services – Higher Education
• Online PhD in Human and Social Services – Human Services Nonprofit Administration
• Online PhD in Human and Social Services – Mental Health Facilitation
• Online PhD in Human and Social Services – Military Families and Culture
• Online PhD in Human and Social Services – Social Policy Analysis and Planning

Walden has been accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1990.

Is a PhD in Human Services Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Human Services is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 12% job growth in community and social occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include community service director, youth program director, and college professor.

But at the end of the day, answering the question of this PhD program’s “worth” requires a deeper inspection of your personal goals and motivations. Are you interested in higher-paying career opportunities? Perhaps this degree simply serves as a stepping stone to a promotion within your current line of work.

Even if you’re just looking for an academic challenge that pushes you to your limits, that’s okay too. The big key here is that you understand what you want to get out of the PhD in Human Services program and build your future academic and professional plans around these aspirations.

The post 25 Best Online PhD in Human Services Programs [2024 Guide] appeared first on MyDegreeGuide.com.

With a healthy job market and the potential to earn an average salary of between $63,000 and $184,000 (Bureau of Labor Statistics), earning your doctoral business degree can be a smart choice.

You can choose to teach the topics you’re interested in or continue thriving in your business career.

Online Business PhD Program Concentrations

By delving into business degree specializations, you can differentiate yourself from other online degree in business recipients once you’re ready to enter the professional world. Click on the area of study that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide.

• Accounting
• Business Administration – General
• Finance
• Healthcare Management
• Human Resources
• Information Systems
• Management
• Marketing
• Nonprofit Management
• Public Administration
• Supply Chain and Logistics

Each of these specializations is in high demand in the workforce.

Accounting

Although most entry-level positions in accounting require only a bachelor’s degree, a PhD in accounting can help enhance the qualifications of candidates for more advanced positions.

Individuals with a PhD in accounting often qualify for higher-level positions in organizations. such as chief financial officers or financial managers who oversee the design and execution of financial strategies. They may also serve as heads of accounting departments or organizations.

Individuals with a PhD in accounting may end up in academia working as accounting professors as well. They may also work as accounting consultants who advise firms on the most effective ways to boost their profits as well as other matters like investments, taxes, and payroll.

Business Administration

A PhD in business administration can help graduates enter the workforce with the training and qualifications needed to assume senior leadership positions in government agencies, corporations, and non-profit organizations.

Graduates may become high-level executives who oversee the operations of an organization. They may design, manage, and execute policies and strategies to ensure that their firms meet their different business objectives.

They may also work as economists who conduct research, perform data analysis, and monitor economic trends. Other job opportunities for individuals with a PhD in business administration are positions as market analysts, management analysts, and professors.

Finance

A PhD in finance can help students develop advanced knowledge and a deeper understanding of economics and finance and make them qualified to pursue high-level management positions in corporations.

This degree can help students develop the skills, training, and qualifications to become chief financial officers.

Chief financial officers keep track of all the financial dealings of an organization. They oversee critical departments, such as accounting and finance, and compile, analyze, and present financial transactions of a firm to its upper-level executives.

Those with a PhD in finance may also work as financial managers who are tasked to oversee all actions performed by employees assigned to budgeting and financial reporting. They may also end up as budget analysts or compensation and benefits managers, among others.

Healthcare Management

Graduates of PhD in healthcare administration programs are generally rewarded for their years of study with opportunities to pursue financially rewarding careers in clinical settings. Moreover, they can help benefit their communities through the provision and delivery of responsive healthcare services.

Graduates may eventually become hospital administrators who supervise the delivery of healthcare services. Hospital administrators oversee finances, develop budgets, design policies and procedures, and evaluate and manage personnel.

They may also become healthcare administrators, generalists, or health information managers. Other graduates pursue careers as university professors, researchers, or healthcare consultants or take on executive positions at healthcare companies.

Human Resources

Individuals pursuing a PhD in human resources have opportunities to earn the skills and knowledge required to fill leadership roles in businesses and organizations. They may work as human resource managers who plan, direct, and coordinate the administrative functions of a company.

HR managers are tasked with overseeing the recruitment of new staff, work with top-level management on strategic planning, and serve as a link between management and employees.

People with a PhD in human resources may also work as HR consultants who specialize in fields like employee recruitment, employee incentives and rewards, retirement, and mergers and acquisitions.

They may also become human resources professors who not only develop lesson plans and teach students but also spend a lot of time performing research.

Information Systems

Earning a PhD in information systems can help students obtain the qualifications needed to pursue management positions in tech-related organizations.

They may work as information systems managers who oversee the technological activities of companies or organizations. They may also ascend to senior-level positions, such as chief technology officer or chief information officer.

Individuals with a PhD in information systems may work as information research scientists who design and test new approaches to computing technology.

They may start successful careers as computer hardware engineers who build computers and related equipment. They may also work as computer network architects who design the layouts for data communication structures.

Management

A PhD in management can help students qualify to pursue high-level positions in many businesses and organizations. A doctorate in management can give graduates the flexibility to enter a variety of fields and industries.

They may take up C-level positions in business organizations. They may also be tapped to develop and implement the strategic plans of a company or tasked to supervise various departments in an organization.

Others work as management consultants who collaborate with organizations in identifying and developing business solutions. Doctorate degree holders in management may also work as change managers who help organizations in improving their business processes.

It is also typical for individuals with a PhD in management to work in academia, teaching students in their areas of expertise and performing independent research.

Marketing

A doctorate in marketing can help students develop a deeper understanding of consumer behavior, enabling them to design and implement methods to improve the optimal use of marketing resources.

Graduates may work as financial managers who research market trends and formulate and design plans for company expansion. Eventually, they may climb the corporate ladder and occupy top-level positions, such as chief marketing officers in major corporations.

Other graduates work as marketing professors. It is also common for PhD holders in marketing to flourish in research, particularly for government agencies and nonprofit businesses.

Nonprofit Management

Earning a doctoral degree in nonprofit management can help provide individuals with opportunities to advance in their careers in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, foundations, and more.

Individuals with a PhD in nonprofit management may end up in the public sector as government program managers tasked to evaluate and manage programs. They may also work as consultants specializing in various fields and capable of assisting nonprofit organizations in meeting specific goals.

Others work as directors of nonprofit programs. Tasks for this position range from managing budgets and overseeing fundraising efforts to supervising staff and volunteers and managing publicity.

Eventually, individuals with a doctorate degree in nonprofit management often take on leadership positions, such as executive director or CEO, in nonprofits.

Public Administration

PhD holders in public administration enjoy a vast range of career options. They may work in areas such as healthcare policy, social policy, finance, or budgeting. They may also work as professors, consultants, or researchers.

Individuals with a PhD in public administration may work as urban or regional planners. These professionals help build communities by creating and overseeing land use plans and programs.

They may also work as HR managers in government agencies tasked to coordinate and direct the various administrative functions of organizations.

Supply Chain and Logistics

A doctorate in supply chain and logistics can help students fast track their careers in corporations or pursue careers in academia and research.

They may work as logisticians who oversee and coordinate supply chains. This can help prepare them for more senior-level positions, such as chief operating officer. Chief operating officers oversee all aspects of a company’s operations, including the distribution of goods and services.

Those with a PhD in supply chain and logistics may also remain in academia and work as postsecondary business teachers tasked to mentor students, design curricula, and even oversee certain administrative functions.

Online PhD in Business Curriculum

Earning a PhD requires covering a wide variety of topics and subjects that span virtually every discipline of the business world.

A curriculum similar to the following is likely:

• Business Analysis
• Econometrics
• Global Strategic Management
• Managerial Computing
• Organizational Development
• Theory of Corporate Finance

Most doctoral programs require a dissertation, but a growing number of accredited universities offer doctoral programs without a dissertation requirement. Instead, you may complete a capstone project.

What Does a Doctor of Business Administration Do?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some career paths a doctoral degree holder might pursue in the business field include:

Your specific salary will depend largely on your industry, location, and company.

Online PhD Business Program Admission Requirements

Copies of your undergraduate and master’s degree transcripts, as well as an up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae (CV), usually get the ball rolling.

From here, earning your university’s minimum required score on either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) may come next.

In some cases, you might also need to present professional references or letters of recommendation from supporting faculty members to successfully join an inbound PhD cohort.

Accreditation for Online PhD Programs in Business

Accreditation for a PhD program can come from a regional accreditor (accredits the university as a whole) or a business-specific accreditor, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Program-specific accreditation is not necessary, though it can add more prestige to your degree.

Regional accreditation is needed for many forms of financial aid, including federal aid, and many schools require transfer credits to come from regionally accredited schools.

Regional accreditation is done by the following boards:

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Many employers look more favorably upon degrees from regionally accredited schools as well.

Financial Aid for Doctoral Business Students

Just like earning one of the various types of business degrees as an undergrad, typically the best place to start is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Feeling out this application will allow you to see which federal grants and loans you qualify for.

Other potential sources of financial aid include:

• State funding
• University scholarships or fellowships
• Private organization scholarships
• Employer tuition-assistance programs

A smart business person looks for investors to help them grow their company. In the same vein, it’s important not to pass by any potential sources of funding as you develop your expertise.

Can You Get a Doctorate Degree in Business?

Yes, you can pursue a doctorate degree in business.

You can also choose from numerous specializations, including the major areas of accounting, business administration, finance, management, and marketing.

What Is the Difference between a PhD and DBA?

When comparing and contrasting PhD and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs, it’s important to understand the end goals of those who pursue these business degrees.

PhD candidates traditionally work within academia as professors and department adjudicators, while DBA graduates usually enter or remain in professional work as administrative executives and managerial supervisors. This also applies to graduates of MBA online programs.

After completing an online DBA program, you may still pursue a professorship.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), business professors earn an average salary of $94,360 annually.

Those with a PhD may have higher than average earnings as business professors. The BLS states that the highest-earning professors can earn up to $198,240 a year.

What Is a PhD in Business Administration?

Becoming a PhD in Business Administration recipient is all about meeting the demands of both the academic and the practical sides of cutting-edge business theory.

Members of this community usually aim to push the boundaries of business- and management-related research.

Generally, demonstrating this kind of expertise requires the completion of 60 credit hours for those who already lay claim to a master’s degree in business.It usually requires the completion of 90 credit hours for students coming straight out of an undergraduate program.

Traditionally, earning a PhD sets up the recipient for a job in academia, with serving as a full-time professor standing as the overarching goal of this process.

How Do You Get a PhD in Business Administration?

Earning a PhD in Business Administration is all about figuring out the path that suits your needs and daily demands. Some students stick to the traditional campus-based route—complete with multiple class meetings a day and standard length semesters.

If that kind of learning experience doesn’t sound too agreeable with your current professional and personal schedule, you can always stick to an online PhD program.

This approach can allow you to work on your DBA coursework and dissertation at your own pace, all while giving you the flexibility needed to balance this experiential learning with all of the other rigors that come with daily life.

How Much Can You Make with a PhD in Business?

According to the BLS, the career outlook for postsecondary teachers is brighter than it has been in a long time. Specifically, this occupational field is expected to have an above-average growth rate of 12% over the next several years.

This means that not only can serving as a business professor potentially provide you with ample compensation—often between $94,360 and $198,240 annually (Bureau of Labor Statistics)—you’ll also be entering one of the more open and accepting job markets available.

List of Schools Offering Online PhD Business Administration Programs (and related)

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

With its main campus in San Diego, Alliant International University is a private, benefit corporation with other campuses in California and Mexico.

It was founded in 2001 by combining two institutions: the United States International University (USIU) and the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP).

• Doctor of Business Administration

Alliant International University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Founded in 1911, Baker College is a not-for-profit, private college headquartered in Michigan with campuses in 8 other locations in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.

The university is a member of the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars & Admissions Officers (MACRAO) Transfer Agreement, which facilitates the transfer of up to 30 credit hours to meet general education requirements.

• Doctor of Business Administration

Baker College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Situated in Bellevue, Nebraska, Bellevue University is a non-profit, private university. It started operation in 1966 and was named Bellevue College. In 1977, Bellevue gained full accreditation and, in 1994, became Bellevue University.

The Bellevue University teams are nicknamed the Bruins and are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

• Online PhD in Business

Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Located in Riverside, California, California Baptist University (Cal Baptist or CBU) is a Christian, private, liberal arts university. It was founded in 1950 and is affiliated with the California Southern Baptist Convention.

It is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division I level and competes in the Western Athletic Conference in almost all sports.

• Doctor of Business Administration

California Baptist University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Located in Costa Mesa, California, California Southern University is a private university that was founded in 1978 as a correspondence school and received its first approval to provide degrees from the California Department of Education.

It is also a part of the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools.

• Doctor of Business Administration

California Southern University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Capella University is an online university based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was originally called the Graduate School of America. In 2007, the university was one of the institutions to receive the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAEIAE). This was valid until 2012.

• DBA in Accounting
• DBA in Information Technology Management
• DBA in Business Intelligence
• DBA in Leadership
• DBA in Global Operations and Supply Chain Management
• DBA in Project Management
• DBA in Human Resource Management
• DBA in Strategy and Innovation

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1927, Capitol Technology University is a private university located in South Laurel, Maryland.

U.S. News & World Report acknowledged Capitol for having one of the top online engineering degree programs and for a top graduate engineering program in “Student Services and Technology.”

• Online PhD in Business

Capital Technology University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology (The Chicago School) is a private college. Its main campus is in Chicago, Illinois. It has other campuses in Richardson, TX, Los Angeles, CA, Irvine, CA, Washington, DC, and San Diego, CA.

It was established in the year 1979 by educators and psychologists.

• PhD in Business Psychology

The Chicago School is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Located in New York City, Baruch College (officially the Bernard M. Baruch College) is a public constituent college of the City University of New York system. Its roots go back to 1847 to the founding of the Free Academy, which was the first institution of free public higher education in the United States.

Baruch College team athletes are nicknamed Bearcats and participate as members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division III.

• Executive Doctorate in Business

Baruch College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Boston, Massachusetts, has been home to the prestigious Cambridge College, a private academy, since 1971. With four other campuses around the country, Cambridge has expounded upon its distance learning programs to award students with undergraduate and graduate degrees, including doctoral programs.

• Doctor of Business Administration

Cambridge College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education

Located in Seattle, Washington, City University of Seattle (formally called City College) is a private university that was established in 1973. It has campuses all around the world in Canada, China, Czech Republic, Mexico, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Vietnam.

U.S. News & World Report ranked City University of Seattle as having one of the best online bachelor’s degree programs for six years in a row.

• Doctor of Business Administration

City University of Seattle is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Founded in 1965, Colorado Technical University (CTU) is a university located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with another campus in Denver.

Military Times ranked the school number 1 in its “Best for Vets” category for online and non-traditional universities.

• Doctor of Management – Criminal Justice
• Doctor of Management – Environmental and Social Sustainability
• Doctor of Management – Global Leadership
• Doctor of Management – Healthcare Management and Leadership
• Doctor of Management – Higher Education Teaching and Learning
• Doctor of Management – Homeland Security
• Doctor of Management – Executive Leadership
• Doctor of Management – Non-Profit Leadership
• Doctor of Management – Organizational Development and Change
• Doctor of Management – Higher Education Leadership
• Doctor of Management – Project Management
• Doctor of Management – Technology Management

Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Located in River Forest, Illinois. Concordia University Chicago is a private liberal arts university that was founded in 1864. It is affiliated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.

Concordia University Chicago’s sports teams are part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division III. Concordia Chicago has also been a member of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) since 2006.

• Doctor of Business Administration

Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

With its headquarters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Drexel University is a private research university founded in 1891.

The university’s athletes, known as the Drexel Dragons, participate in the NCAA’s Division I as members of the Colonial Athletic Association. The university also has 33 club teams, including water polo, lacrosse, triathlon, squash, and cycling.

• Doctor of Business Administration
• Doctor of Management – Organizational Leadership
• Doctor of Management – Information Systems

Drexel University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Felician University is a Roman Catholic, private university located in New Jersey with affiliation to the Catholic Felician Sisters. It was founded in 1942.

Felician athletes participate as members of the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division II. The athletes are nicknamed the Golden Falcons and are members of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC).

• Doctor of Business Administration

Felician University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Franklin University is located in Downtown Columbus Ohio, founded in 1902. The programs are designed to help students to find success while earning their degree and earn the #1 online college in Ohio award and consistently rank as a top Military Friendly school.

• Doctor of Business Administration

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

George Fox University (GFU) is a Christian university located in Newberg, Oregon. It was founded in 1891 as a school for Quakers. It is affiliated with the Northwest Yearly Meeting of Friends.

George Fox University was ranked a first-tier regional university in the West by U.S. News & World Report. George Fox was also rated as one of the four best Christian colleges by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine.

• DBA in Accounting
• DBA in Management
• DBA in Marketing

George Fox University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Grand Canyon University (GCU) is a private, Christian university that was founded in 1949. It is affiliated with the Evangelical Christian Church.

Grand Canyon University athletes are nicknamed the Antelopes and are currently members of the NCAA Division I participating in the Western Athletic Conference.

• Doctor in Business Administration

Grand Canyon University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968.

With its main campus in Hampton, Virginia, Hampton University is a private, historically black university (HBCU) that was founded in 1868.

Hampton’s athletes are nicknamed the Pirates, and its sports teams participate in NCAA Division I (FCS for football). In 2016, Hampton was also the first HBCU to field a Division I men’s lacrosse team.  It is the only HBCU with a competitive sailing team.

• PhD in Business Administration

Hampton University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Humboldt International University is a public university located in Arcata, California, that was established in 1913. The Princeton Review has named HIU as one of the Best Western Colleges.

Humboldt was ranked one of the best public schools and one of the best schools for veterans by U.S. News & World Report.

• Doctor in Business Administration

Humboldt International University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Located in Marion, Indiana, Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) is one of the largest Christian, private universities in Indiana. It was founded in 1920 and has an affiliation with the Wesleyan church.

Its athletes are nicknamed the Wildcats, and the university sponsors 18 varsity teams that participate in NAIA Division II in men’s and women’s basketball and NCAA Division I in all other sports.

• Doctor in Business Administration

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Jacksonville University first opened as a private junior college in 1934 and began offering higher degrees in 1956. Today, Jacksonville University serves students across the US and in 45 other countries. There are over 100 different majors offered at JU, and students are able to earn bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees.

• Doctor of Business Administration

Jacksonville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

With its main campus in Providence, Rhode Island, Johnson & Wales University (JWU) is a career-oriented, private university that was founded in 1914. It also has campuses in Charlotte, NC, Miami, FL, and Denver, CO.

The athletic teams of Johnson & Wales University have been nicknamed the Wildcats, and Willie T. Wildcat is their mascot.

• Doctor of Business Administration

Johnson & Wales University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Headquartered in Manhattan, Kansas, Kansas State University is a public research university with its roots going back to 1863.

The school’s athletic teams are nicknamed the Wildcats, and they participate in the NCAA Division I and the Big 12 Conference.

In 1999, the KSU adopted an honor code: “On my honor, as a student, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this academic work.”

• Doctorate in Financial Planning

Kansas State University has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

As one of Florida’s largest private universities, Keiser University has grown significantly since opening its doors in 1977.

Offering degrees at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, Keiser University offers global educational experiences on any of its 21 Florida campuses and its many off-campus sites around the world.

They also offer most programs via distance learning to help more students succeed. Keiser has a vast array of programs, including those in marketing, business, technology, and more.

• Doctor of Business Administration

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Kennesaw State University is split between two primary campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta. KSU’s annual enrollment passes 35,000, making it one of the 50 largest universities in the United States. The school offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree options. Kennesaw State was founded in 1963.

• PhD in Business Administration

Kennesaw State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Liberty University (LU) is an evangelical Christian, private university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. Consisting of 17 colleges, it is one of the largest non-profit private universities.

Liberty sports teams compete in Division I of the NCAA and are nicknamed the Liberty Flames. The college football team is an NCAA Division I FBS Independent, and most of the other sports teams compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference.

• Doctor of Business Administration
• Doctor of Strategic Leadership

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Founded in 2006, LIGS University opened its first campus in Europe. In 2012, it opened another campus in Honolulu, Hawaii. The school is a non-accredited degree-granting university that follows the laws of the State of Hawaii.

• DBA in Management
• DBA in Strategic Management
• DBA in Project Management
• DBA in Team Management
• DBA in Financial Management
• DBA in Risk Management
• DBA in Global Marketing
• DBA in Marketing Communication
• DBA in HR Management
• DBA in Planning and Development of Human Resources

LIGS University is accredited by the Accreditation Service for International Schools.

Oklahoma State University offers hundreds of options for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across its seven colleges. OSU’s main campus is located in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The university is designated as a school with high research activity by the Carnegie Foundation.

• PhD in Business for Executives

Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1977, Regent University is a private, Christian university located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It was first established as Christian Broadcasting Network University and changed its name in 1990. It is affiliated with the Interdenominational Evangelical Church.

Its athletes are nicknamed the Royals. Regent University was ranked as having one of the best online undergraduate programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

• Doctor of Strategic Leadership
• Doctor of Strategic Leadership – Individualized Studies
• Doctor of Strategic Leadership – Leadership Coaching
• Doctor of Strategic Leadership – Servant Leadership
• Doctor of Strategic Leadership – Strategic Foresight

Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

A Roman Catholic, liberal arts university, Saint Leo University was established in 1889 with its campus in St. Leo, Florida. The school is affiliated with the Holy Name Monastery and Saint Leo Abbey.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Saint Leo as one of the best regional universities in the south and one of the best value universities in the south.

• Doctor of Business Administration

Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Southern New Hampshire University aims to prepare students interested in business or academia for success through its PhD in International Business. Graduates are expected to leave with the skills needed to further their careers in applied business or to pursue teaching professions at colleges or universities.

Since the degree is offered as a cohort program, students can choose either a campus option or an executive, low-residency option that features online and campus components.

• PhD in International Business (Hybrid)

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Temple University is a public research university in Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1884 by Russell Conwell, a Baptist minister. It has six campuses across Pennsylvania, with its main campus in North Philadelphia. It also has foreign campuses in Japan and Rome.

The University’s sports teams are nicknamed the Owls, named after the university’s early days in which it was a night school.

• PhD in Accounting
• PhD in Finance
• PhD in Human Resource Management
• PhD in International Business
• PhD in Management Information Systems
• PhD in Marketing
• PhD in Risk Management and Insurance
• PhD in Strategic Management

Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Founded in 1998, Trident University International (Trident) is a private, online university located in California. The university is research-based, and its students consist mostly of active service members and veterans.

• PhD in Business Administration

Trident University is the first fully online university to be regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

With its main campus in Charleston, West Virginia, the University of Charleston (UC) is a private university with campuses in Beckley, West Virginia, and Martinsburg, West Virginia, as well. The Barboursville Seminary of the Southern Methodist Church founded the school in 1888.

UC’s athletes, nicknamed the Golden Eagles, compete in the Mountain East Conference (MEC) in NCAA Division II.

• PhD in Business

The University of Charleston is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of Dallas, located in Irving, Texas, is a private Catholic university that was established in 1956. The Princeton Review ranked the university as one of the best western colleges. The Washington Monthly ranked the school among the best master’s universities.

The school’s athletes are nicknamed the Crusaders and compete in the NCAA Division III – SCAC.

• Doctor of Business Administration

The University of Dallas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The University of Maryland is located in College Park, Maryland, and is a public research university that was founded in 1856. It is an institution under the University System of Maryland.

U.S. News and World Report ranked the University of Maryland as one of the best public universities. Business Insider ranked the university in its list of the “Smartest Public Colleges in America” for two consecutive years.

• Doctor of Business Administration

The University of Maryland is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The flagship of the University of Missouri System, the University of Missouri is one of Missouri’s largest public research universities. It was founded in 1839.

Its athletic teams, nicknamed the Missouri Tigers, are members of the NCAA Division I and participate in the Southeastern Conference.

• Doctor of Business Administration

The University of Missouri has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1915.

The PhD in Business Administration program from the University of North Carolina—Greensboro is designed to help students gain the skills needed to take on academic careers at institutions of higher learning.

The program focuses on positioning students for success in academic careers through a heightened understanding of different conceptual and empirical research methodologies as well as a strong grasp of scholarly literature in the field.

All courses are delivered in an online format—with students only required to go to campus for orientation, exams, and dissertation defense.

• PhD in Business Administration

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Phoenix (UOPX) was founded in 1976. Its main campus is in Phoenix, Arizona. The school is one of the biggest recipients of GI Bill tuition benefits.

• Doctor of Business Administration

The University of Phoenix is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Located in Tampa, Florida, the University of South Florida (USF) is a public research university that was founded in 1956. It is home to 14 colleges.

Its athletes are nicknamed the Bulls and compete in the NCAA Division I and the American Athletic Conference.

• Doctorate in Business Administration

The University of South Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The University of the Cumberlands is located in Williamsburg, Kentucky. It is a private, Christian university that was founded in 1888 by Baptist ministers.

The school’s athletic teams are nicknamed the Patriots. They’re members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and primarily compete in the Mid-South Conference.

• Doctor of Business Administration

The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The University of the Incarnate Word’s DBA builds on the knowledge and skills of students in business and business-related disciplines. Students may choose to attend in an online-only format.

• Doctorate in Business Administration

The University of the Incarnate Word is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of the Southwest, located in Hobbs, New Mexico, is a private, Christian university that was founded in 1962. It is affiliated with the non-denominational Christian church.

The school’s athletes are nicknamed the Mustangs and compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). They’re also members of the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC).

• DBA in Strategy and Innovation

The University of the Southwest is an accredited member of the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1848, the University of Wisconsin is a public university and the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. It ranked as one of the best universities in the US in the Academic Ranking of World Universities.

Its athletes are nicknamed the Badgers and participate in NCAA’s Division I-A. The university’s athletes also compete in the Big Ten Conference.

• Doctor of Business Administration

The University of Wisconsin has been continuously accredited since 1913 by the Higher Learning Commission.

Walden University is an online university and Public Benefit Corporation located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was established in 1970. Walden University is a member of a global network of universities managed by Laureate Education, Inc.

• DBA in Accounting
• DBA in Energy management
• DBA in Entrepreneurship
• DBA in Finance
• DBA in Global Supply Chain Management
• DBA in Healthcare management
• DBA in Human Resource Management
• DBA in Information System Management
• DBA in International Business
• DBA in Leadership
• DBA in Marketing
• DBA in Project Management
• DBA in Social Impact Management
• DBA in Technology Entrepreneurship

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1867, West Virginia University has a long and rich history as a land-grant university. The school has more than 210,000 alumni from around the world and has been providing distance education for over 50 years. Its online program offers worldwide access to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs.

• Doctorate of Business Administration

West Virginia University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Located in Irvine, California, Westcliff University is a private institution. The school’s athletes are named the Warriors, and the school offers four men’s and women’s sports but is not affiliated with the NCAA or NAIA.

• Doctor of Business Administration

Westcliff University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Located in New Castle, Delaware, Wilmington University is a non-profit, private, doctoral research institution that was founded in 1968. It also has another campus in New Jersey.

The school’s athletic teams are nicknamed the Wildcats and compete in NCAA Division II and the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference.

• Doctor of Business Administration

Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Is a PhD in Business Administration Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Business Administration is worth it for many students.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 8% job growth in business and financial occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include market research analysts, chief operating officers, and investment bankers.

Deciding upon the pursuit of a PhD requires going beyond your projected salary, though. Is this decision part of a greater employee enrichment program offered up by your current employer? Perhaps you simply want to test your skills and reach the highest academic echelons? Is it worth it?

Figuring out what truly motivates you now can help ensure that you make the right call when the time comes to submit your application and get to work on your PhD in Business Administration.

You may also be interested in:

• Online DBA Without Dissertation

The post 50 Best Online PhD Business Administration Programs [2024 Guide] appeared first on MyDegreeGuide.com.

A DNP serves as the gateway between the theoretical world of academic research and the application of evidence-based medical service in the real world.

Earning this degree allows nurses to pursue careers where they can provide cutting edge care to groups of patients and even entire communities, depending on the position.

Types of Online DNP Programs and Related Degrees

If you’re interested in earning a terminal degree in healthcare, you have some options besides becoming a DNP. Click on one of the degrees below to jump to that part of the page.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• Nursing Leadership (DHA)
• Nursing Education (PhD)
• Healthcare Administration (DHA)
• Healthcare Management (DHA)

Each degree prepares for a different career field, so consider carefully which one will be most helpful in attaining your goal.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a program that focuses on developing experts in practice-focused nursing. It is one of the two terminal-level degrees in nursing science, which aims to build a foundation in quality improvement, systems leadership, and evidence-based practice.

With enough level of expertise in your chosen field, you may be able to publish scientific findings that can directly influence healthcare outcomes.

By becoming a DNP, you can arm yourself with the knowledge and expertise needed for innovative healthcare programs, allowing you to be more effective in providing services in clinical settings.

It is taught by professionals who hold doctoral-level degrees, making it comparable to Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Psychology, Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Doctor of Pharmacy.

Nursing Leadership (DHA)

The Nursing Leadership (DHA) is a program that focuses on providing evidence-based healthcare leadership and management. This degree also aims to provide students with a deeper foundation in leadership concepts, techniques, and theories.

Completion of this curriculum can help you acquire skills in contemporary leadership roles, performance management, and strategic vision and planning.

Taking up this degree can help you arm yourself with the right set of skills that to aid you in becoming a viable candidate for positions that tackle nursing management and leadership.

Earning a degree in Nursing Leadership can help you pursue higher leadership roles in healthcare, such as health administration chief, department director, or executive officer.

Nursing Education (PhD)

The Nursing Education (PhD) is a program designed to develop professionals who aspire to solidify their career in teaching the discipline of nursing science.

This program can help you acquire profound skills in knowledge development, which can directly affect the quality of healthcare, together with leadership and research that can create better learning environments for future nurses.

Taking up this degree can help you learn how to develop education strategies and conduct research that can make university programs more efficient, and improve nursing education and overall healthcare services.

Earning your degree in Nursing Education can expose you to different networking opportunities, which can help boost your career in the healthcare sector.

Healthcare Administration (DHA)

Healthcare Administration (DHA) is a program that focuses on helping professionals prepare themselves for long-term positions in healthcare administration.

This curriculum often attracts people who are passionate about healthcare and would like to establish themselves as experts in administration and operation.

Pursuing this career path can help you develop a deeper understanding of nursing administration and make you more competitive in higher-paying opportunities.

Earning a degree in Healthcare Administration can help you obtain an in-depth understanding of organization and management, together with the ability to make critical decisions.

These skills can help you qualify for different opportunities that specifically tackle administrative tasks and organizational leadership in healthcare facilities.

Healthcare Management (DHA)

Healthcare Management (DHA) is a program that is designed to provide students with skills in organization, quality assurance, information technology leadership, and management.

This curriculum covers a wide range of subjects that aims to provide a deeper foundation in clinical and health service duties, finance and business, and information systems.

Acquiring this rare set of skills can help you become a viable candidate for different high-paying positions in healthcare management, both in private and public sectors.

This profound learning program can also give you a head start in building connections and networking with other healthcare providers, which can open up opportunities to work in an environment that suits your skills and personality.

DNP Concentrations

If you do decide to enroll in a DNP program, you might want to specialize by taking classes in a certain concentration.

Nurse Educator

Nursing science is not all about direct patient care and providing healthcare services to different institutions. It also involves teaching and ensuring high-quality healthcare is given to every patient, both of which is the responsibility of a nurse educator.

Nurse educators prepare students and help them become licensed practical nurses and registered nurses.

Nurse educators are teaching at the master’s, and doctoral levels, and aim to improve direct patient care and overall healthcare service. This degree can also give students the option to choose the specialized field that they can teach.

However, taking a concentration as a nurse educator will also require the student to have experience in real-life application, ensuring that lessons are evidence-based and applicable in practice.

Family Nurse Practitioner

Family nurse practitioners are registered nurses with a deeper foundation in providing family-focused healthcare. They must have completed either on-campus or online FNP programs. They often work independently, but can also collaborate with other professionals in the health sector.

The area of specialization for family nurse practitioners is broad, making them viable for different positions in healthcare.

By becoming a family nurse practitioner, you’ll have the option to pick an area of expertise, wherein you’ll have the opportunity to provide better healthcare services.

Completing this field of study can help open up several opportunities, ranging from health promotion, disease prevention, direct care, counseling, adult, geriatric and pediatric health, and even psychiatric or mental health.

Nurse-Midwifery

Nurse-Midwifery is a DNP concentration that focuses on providing healthcare services to women, particularly in prenatal care, family planning, and gynecological exams.

This degree is also designed to provide students with skills for emergencies such as repair lacerations and surgical assistance during cesarean births. 53.3% of all degree holders in Nurse-Midwifery have reproductive care as their primary responsibility and 33.1% for primary care.

Taking up this DNP concentration can help you acquire the skills that are necessary for providing primary health care to newborns and mothers.

Armed with a deeper foundation in prenatal care, you may also conduct seminars that educate new mothers about wellness, nutrition, and disease prevention for their newborns.

Courses for an Online DNP Program

Different universities offer varying online programs for Doctor of Nursing Practice. However, the core courses of this study typically remain the same. Here are some of the classes that you will probably need to complete when taking up DNP:

Health Care Economics is a course that aims to help students understand the basics of health care and health insurance, together with the key components that dictate the principles and pricing strategies employed by health institutions.

Best Practices in Nursing Specialties is a course that aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of different fields of nursing specialization, allowing them to provide top-notch health care.

Transforming the Nation’s Health is a class that aims to educate students on everything that is needed for innovative healthcare services. It typically covers all the skills for organization, administration, and effectiveness in nursing science.

Health Care Information Systems covers all aspects of managing and organizing data that are needed to determine the type of care that a patient needs.

Healthcare Policy and Advocacy is a course that is designed to help students build a deeper foundation in understanding the importance of striving to provide unparalleled health care while protecting the safety and rights of every patient.

Epidemiology and Population Health is a course that focuses on helping students understand the causes of impairments in the human population, together with all the sicknesses that can affect human reproduction.Unlike a PhD in Nursing, an online DNP does not always require a dissertation.

This selection should serve as a fairly accurate barometer of what to expect from your DNP classes. However, it is important to keep in mind that your target institution may deviate from this list considerably based on the decisions of the program administrators and presiding faculty.

Difference between DNP and PhD in Nursing

The difference between a DNP and a Doctor of Nursing (PhD) degree rests solely on your aspirations after you walk across the graduation stage on your big day. DNP recipients work in the field as practicing medical professionals, while the PhD members of the community remain in academia to teach others and participate in research programs.

With a DNP under your belt, you can expect to earn between $73,00 and $174,000 per year– according to the average salaries listed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – working as an advanced practice registered nurse, family nurse practitioner, or via a variety of other hands-on clinical positions.

On the other side of the equation, the BLS notes that PhD students who become professors generally earn about $74,600 in annual compensation.

DNP Career and Salary Outlook

Healthcare can be a rewarding career path, and becoming a DNP can help open up a lot of opportunities to further your growth.

As far as your prospects go once you’re done with school, the BLS reports that this field is experiencing significantly faster than average growth when compared to most other industries and markets.

In total, job opportunities are projected to rise by 45 percent over the next 10 years for DNP degree recipients. This means that not only is there plenty of money to be made as an outpatient care provider, public health administrator, or other DNP specialist, but that a plethora of quality jobs are also available for those who graduate with this doctoral-level degree.

If you decide to pursue DNP as your career, here are some of the possible job positions that will be available for you, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, together with the median salary that you can expect for each career path.

Besides your level of education, your years of experience and location can play a large role in determining the value of your compensation package.

Professional Organizations for those with a DNP Degree

Joining a professional organization can provide you with the opportunity to stay up on industry news and network with peers.

• American Association of Diabetes Educators: an organization that focuses on spreading diabetes awareness through lectures and programs. Since 1973, the AADE aims to equip patients with proper information regarding their condition and teach them how they can self-manage diabetes and minimize the complications without regularly relying on professionals.
• American Association of Nurse Anesthetists: one of the most prominent organizations of DNP, having 90% of nurse anesthetists in the United States. The goal of the AANA is to organize a qualifying exam and establish an accreditation program designed for universities that offer a degree in nurse anesthesia.
• Hospice & Palliative Nurses Association: an organization that has been at the forefront of improving the lives of patients who are under palliative care since 1986. The HPNA aims to create an environment where professionals can exchange information and ideas that will enhance the healthcare services in hospice and palliative nursing.

If you don’t already belong to a professional organization, consider joining one as a student of the field.

Certification and Licensure Following a DNP Degree

Holding a degree may not be enough to validate your professional skills. You may also need to complete one of these certifications.

Family Nurse Practitioner

Family nurse practitioners play a vital role in reducing the strain of shortage in physicians. To ensure that they are capable of providing high-quality healthcare, students need to complete a nurse practitioner program, which can be done through a traditional program or an online family nurse practitioner program no GRE required. In addition, students need to earn the board certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

It is valid for five years, and the process of renewal ensures they meet high standards of practice.

Oncology Nurse Practitioner

Before you can become a certified Oncology Nurse Practitioner and start offering healthcare services to cancer patients, you need at least 500 supervised hours in clinical procedures.

You’ll also need to take the exam for oncology nurses organized by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation.

Once you’ve reached this milestone and passed the test, you can apply for a state certification that allows you to practice oncology nursing, which is valid for four years.

Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

A Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner is an integral part of women’s healthcare. Before you can practice this profession, you need to apply to a WHNP Program.

Once you’ve completed the program, you’ll need to apply for the WHNP Exam of the National Certification Corporation. Upon getting your certification, you can submit your application for a license to practice in your state.

Admission Requirements

Speaking requirements, there are a variety of requirements laid before potential members of an incoming DNP cohort that you need to be aware of before the application deadline arrives.

While some programs require a master’s degree in a relevant field, plenty of others will accept individuals who excelled at the undergraduate level. The big key here is having an undergraduate GPA that sits at – or near – the 4.0 mark.

Additionally, providing letters of reference, as well as a personal statement detailing your academic goals and aspirations, also factor in the admissions process. In some cases, you might also be required to conduct an in-person interview with the professors and administrators who conduct the DNP program.

Accreditation for Online DNP Programs

Employers are more likely to respect applicants who received their DNP from universities that are regionally accredited. This procedure ensures that they employ someone with a foundation of knowledge that meets the regional standards for healthcare service.

Accredited online DNP programs ensure that you’re investing your time in programs that can help solidify your career path and make you a viable candidate for higher positions. The regional boards include:

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

You can also attend a program that is accredited by a field-specific board.

Online DNP programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education can lead to a rewarding career because these are the two major accreditation bodies that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

DNP is a degree that offers different specialization and concentration, so it’s best to check online programs individually. These programs should have a transparent streamlined route that you have to take to become a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Financial Aid for DNP Students

Earning a DNP from online programs can be costly. However, you can apply for different financial aid opportunities that can help you reduce the cost of getting a DNP, such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

This program offers federally backed loans and grants that can help you pursue your studies as a DNP.

And besides the scholarships universities might offer you, you can also apply for the following:

• Nurse Corps Scholarship Program covers the cost of tuition with a monthly allowance for students who are US citizens or permanent residents. Recipients of this scholarship agree to do federal service in communities that lack healthcare.
• Career Mobility Scholarships by the American Nephrology Nurses Association awards scholarships to 10 nurses who chose to specialize in nephrology.
• Grants and Scholarships by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners offer scholarships to students who are earning their doctoral degrees, except for the ones enrolled in bridge programs.
• Scholarships and Funds by Nurses Education Funds pick 13 students with a master’s degree in nursing and are earning their doctoral degrees. Applicants must have at least a 3.6 GPA and is a member of at least one nursing association.
• CVS Together We Care Scholarship Program for Nurse Practitioners offers scholarship to 20 nursing students who possess at least a 3.2 GPA and has shown leadership skills by being involved in community services.
• Doctoral Degree Scholarships in Cancer Nursing is a program for students who are specializing in oncology service. Applicants who maintain good academic standing to receive additional funding.
• Scholarships and Awards by the Nurse Practitioner Healthcare Foundation is a program that provides financial aid to students who are studying immunology or pain management.
• Healthline Scholarship awards financial aid to students who want to serve patients with chronic medical conditions or rare diseases, and possess at least a 3.0 GPA.

If you’re currently working, talk to your employer about tuition assistance to further your education.

Questions Related to Earning Your DNP Online

Here’s some information on a few more items you might be wondering about?

Can You Get Your DNP Online?

Yes, you can get your DNP online. Universities are offering different online programs that can allow you to pursue your DNP off-campus.

Some of these universities even include tests, which can help you determine the best curriculum for you and to ensure that you get the most out of their online programs. These courses may give you access to recorded classes that can provide you with a deeper foundation in healthcare.

How Long Are DNP Programs?

Typical DNP programs last six to seven years, which includes specialization in the career path that you want to take. However, you may be able to complete this course in three to four years by studying full-time.

You may be able to further reduce the time needed to get your DNP by taking online classes and testing credits.

What Is the Difference Between a DNP and an NP?

Nurse Practitioner is a degree that specializes in clinical patient care, such as developing patient care programs, performing medical procedures, and prescribing and administering medications.

A Doctor of Nursing Practice, on the other hand, is one of the two doctoral degrees in nursing and is the highest level of education in nursing practice.

How Much Do DNP Make?

A DNP makes an average of $115,800 (Bureau of Labor Statistics), but it depends on the available opportunities. Some DNP holders earn the position of Chief Nursing Officer that has a median salary of $166,420.

Finishing a DNP on-campus can expose you to different networking opportunities, which can broaden the jobs that are available to you.

List of Schools Offering Online DNP Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Abilene Christian University was founded in 1906 and is located in Abilene, Texas. Its founding was backed by The Churches of Christ in Abilene.

The university’s Doctor of Nursing Practice degree aims to further develop one’s clinical and leadership skills as a medical professional. This is done through a combination of theoretical learning online and practical application in the Field.

The program can be finished in a minimum of 26 months, with 39 credit hours.

• Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

Abilene Christian is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Augusta University is the state of Georgia’s innovation center for education and health care. It is a research university and medical center dedicated to training the future innovators and leaders in health care. It is.

The university first offered the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree in 2005. The program is designed to give nurses the clinical and management expertise to improve healthcare outcomes.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Augusta is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).

Azusa Pacific University is a Christian university in Los Angeles, California. It offers over 150 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.

The university’s Doctor of Nursing Practice is anchored on a strong scientific foundation and evidence-based practice. It is designed to prepare nurses at the top level of practice for the modern and complex field of healthcare.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

APU is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Baylor University, located in Waco, Texas, is a Baptist Christian university that was chartered in 1845.

Baylor offers the Doctor of Nursing Practice 100% online for registered nurses with a BSN or MSN degree. Upon completing the program, graduates are expected to be able to show and master executive knowledge and competencies in leadership and transformative care models.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice online

Baylor is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Capella University has offered online doctoral education for more than 25 years. They have expertly designed their programs to meet the unique needs of their diverse learners.

Capella University offers the Doctor of Nursing Practice online program with two different paths. One is designed for registered nurses who have a master’s degree in nursing, and the other is for those who have a master’s degree in another field.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice Program

Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Chatham University, established in 1869, is located in Pittsburgh, PA. It offers more than 60 programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.

Chatham’s online Doctor of Nursing Practice is offered with 27 credits, which can be completed within three to five terms. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, scientific inquiry, and credible research. It aims to promote quality and safe healthcare provision.

• Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

Chatham is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Clarion University, in the state of Pennsylvania, is home to over 4,700 students from diverse backgrounds. The university offers over 175 academic programs and works to ensure the holistic development of its students through 160 student organizations.

Clarion University offers the online DNP program, 27-credit program, which provides opportunities for professionals to advance their skills through the study of leadership, policy, population health, and clinical practice. Courses can be taken part-time and can be completed within 5 semesters.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Clarion is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Concordia University is a Lutheran university committed to developing students in mind, body, and spirit. It is one of nine colleges and universities in the Concordia University System.

The university’s Doctor of Nursing Practice is a 30-credit program for nurses with an MSN degree and current RN license, who want to excel in leadership at the highest level of nursing practice.

The university also offers post-bachelor’s RN to DNP programs online.

Upon completing the program, graduates are expected to be able to demonstrate advanced level analysis in implementing evidence-based approaches to nursing roles.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Concordia – Wisconsin is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Since 1900, Coppin State University has been inspiring students to achieve greatness in and out of the classroom. The school is a residential liberal arts university situated in the northwest section of the City of Baltimore.

The university’s DNP program is a post-masters option that provides nursing professionals with advanced education in nursing science, leadership, and evidence-based practice.

The curriculum is presented in traditional, hybrid, and online formats. It comes with executive-format course sessions, which are offered on Fridays and Saturdays.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Coppin is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Creighton University is located in Omaha, Nebraska. It is a Catholic Jesuit University, with a commitment to training students to lead through serving others.

Creighton University is the first nursing college in Nebraska to offer the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Courses can be completed online or on campus, full-time or part-time.

This program is designed to provide students with both advanced scientific knowledge and the practical hands-on skills required to take on leadership roles in healthcare.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Creighton is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Delta State University, established in 1924, is located in Cleveland, Mississippi. The university offers degree programs in the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctorate levels.

The university’s Doctor of Nursing Practice online program allows registered nurses at the associate, baccalaureate, and master’s levels to advance their education and career in the field of healthcare. This program can be completed part-time or full-time.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (Online)

Delta State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

DePaul University is a Catholic university in Chicago, Illinois. It was founded in 1898 by the Vincentians. It has ten schools and colleges and operates on a quarter system.

DePaul’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is designed to provide students the leadership, business, and research skills required to work effectively with advanced health care providers, researchers, and administrators.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

DePaul is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

DeSales University is a Catholic, Salesian university located in Center Valley, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1964 by the Oblates of Saint Francis De Sales.

The university’s Doctor of Nursing Practice is a practice-based program that aims to prepare nurses for leadership roles and prepare them for the challenges in the management and delivery of quality healthcare. The program is anchored on the beliefs and tenets of Christian humanism.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Clinical Leadership
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Executive Leadership
• DNP + MBA: Doctor of Nursing Practice – Clinical Leadership with MBA
• DNP + MBA: Doctor of Nursing Practice – Executive Leadership w/MBA

DeSales is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Drexel University is a research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was founded by the philanthropist Anthony J. Drexel in 1891.

Drexel University offers the online Doctor of Nursing Practice program, which is designed for nurses seeking the most advanced degree in nursing practice. Furthermore, this degree offers an alternative to research-focused doctoral programs.

Students will be trained to evaluate patient care, use advanced communication skills, evaluate effective management strategies, and translate research into clinical practice.

• Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

Drexel is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Duke University, in Durham, North Carolina, is a research university founded by Methodists and Quakers in 1838.

Duke University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program is ranked #2 by U.S. News & World Report. DNP program graduates are expected to become nurse leaders in interdisciplinary health care teams, who work to improve the quality of healthcare.

The program can be completed online, providing flexibility for nursing professionals.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Duke is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

East Carolina University ranks Number 1 in producing medical graduates who practice in N.C. It is also among the top 25% in the Best graduate programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.

The courses in the university’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program are taught by highly trained and qualified faculty who have a wide range of nursing leadership experience.

The program offers an innovative use of new technologies, personalized mentoring, standardized patient experience, clinical site placement support, and an interprofessional curriculum.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

East Carolina is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Edinboro University is part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. It was founded in 1857 as a private training school for teachers in Pennsylvania.

Edinboro University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice was developed with Clarion University and aims to train and develop future healthcare leaders. This 27-credit online program is flexible and affordable and can be completed part-time.

It is recognized as America’s Best Nursing Schools in the East, according to Nurse Journal.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Edinboro is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Felician University is a Catholic Franciscan university, founded by the Felician sisters in 1942.

The school offers the Doctor of Nursing Practice in Executive Leadership and Doctor of Nursing Practice in Advanced Practice. These programs are designed to develop students’ complex decision-making and organizational leadership.

The goal of these programs is to give graduates the skills necessary to shape and manage advances in healthcare policy, implement strategies, and evaluate outcomes.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice: Executive Leadership or Advanced Practice (Online)

Felician U is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Florida International University is a space grant research university located in University Park, Florida. It holds the distinction of receiving the “Emerging Preeminence” designation granted by the Florida Legislature.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice at FIU is an online program designed to suit the schedule of the busy professional. It is offered100% online for registered nurses who want to earn the highest clinical nursing degree.

The program highlights convenient online courses, interprofessional collaboration, and no GRE requirements.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Florida International is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Florida State University is one of the country’s elite research universities. Its philosophy of learning is strongly based on the principles of critical thinking and liberal arts.

Florida State University College of Nursing offers the DNP Family Nurse Practitioner and DNP AG Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. The DNP program can be completed online for 8 semesters, with five sessions on the main campus of Florida State University.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Florida State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Georgia College and State University is a liberal arts university where a practical education meets real-world experiences. It was founded in 1889 and has since been striving to instill a lifelong passion for learning.

Georgia College’s Nursing DNP is committed to training Nurse leaders through the mastery of professional nursing and clinical reasoning. The 37-credit program is conveniently offered online and in the executive style format. It can be completed within 5 semesters of full-time study.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

GCSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Illinois State University was founded in 1857 and is the oldest government-funded university in the state. Their campus is located just in the vicinity of Illinois’ geographical center.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Illinois State University works to ensure that graduates have the knowledge and competencies to meet the challenges of today’s healthcare environment. The program can be completed within 7 semesters.

• Online Doctor of Nursing Practice

Illinois State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Indiana University in Bloomington is the flagship university of the Indiana University System.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice at Indiana State University provides quality training for nurse leaders to improve their quality of care. The coursework is delivered online and focuses on clinical decision making, leadership in complex systems, public health policy, population health management, and more.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Indiana State is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Since 1929, Quinnipiac University has been a leader in delivering quality higher education. It offers over 70 programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The university’s Doctor of Nursing Practice aims to lead the way for a positive change in the field of healthcare. It trains professionals in the advanced approach to clinical reasoning and best practices in health care.

It is a minimum 30-credit program, which allows for opportunities to explore specialized nursing leadership coursework.

• Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (Online)

Quinnipiac is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Southeastern Louisiana University, established in 1925, is located in Hammond, Louisiana. It offers 60 degree programs across its 18 academic departments.

Southeastern Louisiana University’s DNP program focuses on advanced nursing practice for holders of Master of Science in Nursing. They will be trained to influence health outcomes for individuals in different areas of healthcare.

Most of this program’s coursework is done online, but students are still required to be on campus for the orientation and the defense of their DNP project.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Southeastern Louisiana is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Southern Illinois University, founded in 1869, is a research university in Carbondale, Illinois. It offers over 200 programs at the associate, bachelor, and graduate levels.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice at SIU is an evidence-based and practice-oriented program designed to prepare professionals in specialized, innovative, and advanced nursing practice. Students are usually expected to complete DNP projects at their places of employment.

Courses are completed online, at the student’s own pace.

• Post Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice

SIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1885, the University of Arizona is the first university in the Arizona territory. Its main campus sits on a 380-acre land in Tucson, Arizona.

The University of Arizona DNP program accepts applicants who have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Master of Science in Nursing. It is a hybrid program that consists of a combination of online didactic coursework, on-campus intensives, and on-field practicum.

The program can be completed part-time or full-time.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

AU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of Massachusetts – Amherst is a leading research university that takes pride in its excellent faculty and top-notch students who come from different parts of the globe. It is located in Amherst, Massachusetts and offers a rich and diverse multicultural environment.

The university’s DNP program is designed to prepare Advanced Practice Nurses to achieve the highest level of the nursing profession and to offer expert care to the clinical setting.

Applicants must comply with the eligibility requirements of a current professional license and an accredited baccalaureate or master’s degree Nursing to be considered for the program.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice Online

UMass – Amherst is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

The University of Texas – Arlington offers accelerated online programs, with 100% online coursework, which can allow adult learners and professionals to gain their degrees at a faster pace. With flexible start dates, students can start their courses whenever they are ready. They don’t need to wait for the start of each semester.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Texas Arlington is an accelerated online program that is geared toward Advanced Practice and MSN-prepared nurses who want to reach the highest qualification in Nursing. This online MSN to DNP program can be completed within 22-27 months, with 36 credit hours.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice Online

UT – Arlington is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Utah takes pride in many regional and national distinctions. University of Utah’s College of Nursing was chosen by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing as the recipient of the New Era for Academic Nursing Award.

It is also ranked 30th by US News & World Report for best master’s in nursing schools and 22nd in doctorate of nursing practice.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Utah integrates nursing science with ethical, biophysical, analytical, and organizational principles for advanced nursing practice. It is evidence-based, and students actively engage in interprofessional collaborations to improve the delivery of healthcare.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

U of U is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

Is a DNP Worth It?

Yes, a DNP is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 15% job growth in healthcare occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners.

Getting your DNP will require you to invest more time to specialize in a field and be an expert in nursing practice. However, more and more employers are looking for DNP when hiring healthcare professionals because they are likely more efficient and knowledgeable in their chosen field.

This preference may make the DNP degree a vital part of your career and a worthy investment to significantly contribute to your growth.

The popularity of online DNP programs and the highly regulated curriculum can help ensure that you receive lessons that meet high standards.

Taking one of these online DNP programs can open up a variety of opportunities for your career and help solidify your position in the fast-paced healthcare industry.

The post 30 Best Online DNP Programs [2024 Guide] appeared first on MyDegreeGuide.com.

With your Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice, your job prospects are positive with a projected faster than average job growth rate of 45%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Types of Online PhD Nursing Programs

These are the three most common degrees for a doctoral degree in nursing. Click on the one that most interests you to jump to that section.

• PhD in Nursing Education
• PhD in Healthcare Leadership
• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Each one can help prepare you for a different career in the medical field.

PhD in Nursing Education

A doctor of philosophy (PhD) in Nursing Education can help prepare you to teach nursing at the university level.

As a practicing nurse yourself, you may have the experience and expertise for delivering high-quality care in a clinical setting. Your doctorate coursework can help you become an expert teacher as well so that you can pass on what you’ve learned to upcoming nurses.

The curriculum for this program typically focuses on learning theories and teaching strategies, curriculum development, how to evaluate nursing students, and the ethics of nursing.

After you graduate, you may become a professor, a professional trainer at a hospital, or a dedicated researcher who presents new findings to the nursing world. In any of these roles, you may be shaping the future of the medical field as you teach or otherwise inform nursing professionals.

PhD in Healthcare Leadership

With a PhD in Healthcare Leadership or Healthcare Management, you might teach at a university or continue working in a clinical setting as an administrator.

Your courses will likely focus on setting a vision for your institution, monitoring and evaluating your organization’s performance, financial management, patient care, and applicable laws and regulations.

You might also take classes that address specific issues or help you to develop certain skills, such as opioid medicines, environmental safety, health management information systems, research methods and statistics, and public speaking.

If you enjoy the business side of the medical world and want to make a real difference in your institution, this may be the track for you.

Doctor of Nursing Practice

The two main options for graduates with this degree is to become a hospital or office administrator or to become a nurse practitioner. You may also serve as a trainer in your organization.

If you choose to go in the direction of administration, you might be a nurse manager or help to set policy for your organization. Your coursework will likely focus on delivering excellent patient care, management, and financial responsibility.

The second popular option is to study to be a nurse practitioner. While this degree doesn’t qualify you to be a doctor per se, you can perform many functions that a doctor does, including seeing and diagnosing patients, administering anesthesia, and delivering babies as a nurse midwife.

You’ll work under a doctor who approves any medicine prescriptions or certain treatment plans.

What Is the Difference between a DNP and a PhD in Nursing?

The main differences between a PhD and DNP include the following:

As you can see, the average salary range is fairly close, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The gap between PhD nursing programs and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs boils down to what you plan on doing once you complete your coursework and how long your program will take.

PhD students focus on research and the development of nursing theory, as well as how to communicate with students and other parties once these graduates take on positions within the educational field. Though the coursework is shorter, PhD students will likely need to write a dissertation to demonstrate their research skills and expertise over the subject matter.

On the other hand, DNP students plan to put this research and exploration of theory to practice in a more hands-on manner. Members of this group specialize in the application of their learning via clinical practice and administration. They might manage other nurses or serve as a family nurse practitioner in a doctor’s office.

DNP students typically spend longer in their programs, but their final projects aren’t usually as time-consuming as writing a dissertation.

Online PhD in Nursing Program Curriculum

Before signing up for classes, it’s a good idea to review the required curriculum for the average PhD in a nursing program. You will likely cover the following topics and subject matter :

• Philosophical Perspectives in Health
• Activities and Responsibilities of the Nurse Scientist
• Quantitative Research Design and Methods
• Scientific Perspectives in Nursing
• Statistical Methods in Public Health

Typically, a PhD in Nursing requires a dissertation. However, some universities offer a Doctor of Nursing Practice with no dissertation.

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Concentrations

Like most other doctoral programs, there’s plenty of opportunities to further refine your learning experience via coursework specializations. Some of the most common concentrations include:

• Nursing Education
• Nursing Leadership
• Nursing Administration
• Health Policy
• Specializations for Nurse Practitioners

A concentration can help enhance your understanding of a unique area in the field, thereby increasing your value and competency when it comes time to apply this learning in a professional setting.

Doctorate in Nursing Career Outlook and Salary Information

Considering the near-constant need for reliable medical professionals and academic luminaries, it’s no surprise that the BLS reports a healthy career outlook for members of the nursing community. Specifically, job opportunities for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nursing practitioners are expected to grow by an average of 45% over the next ten years.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some careers in the nursing field for PhD or DNP holders include:

Accreditation for Doctoral Nursing Programs

When you’re looking for a university to attend, make sure that it is properly accredited. Accreditation by an independent third-party can help ensure that your university and nursing program meets the highest standards. Your university as a whole should be accredited by one of these six regional boards.

• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

The university’s nursing program could also be accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. Note that it is not necessary to have these program-specific accreditations.

Financial Aid for Students in Online Nursing PhD or DNP Programs

Financial aid is not just for undergrads. Doctoral students can take advantage of it as well. And earning your degree online or on campus doesn’t affect the aid that you qualify for.

When you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you’ll see what grants and loans you qualify for. You can then look for scholarship opportunities at your university or through private organizations. Your university may also offer you a fellowship.

Talk to your employer about possible tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement programs. Also, look into any potential accelerated nursing programs to help reduce the time it takes you earn your PhD.

Questions Related to Earning Your PhD in Nursing

Here are our answers to a few more questions you might have about earning your doctorate in nursing.

What Is a PhD in Nursing?

Usually spanning between 60 and 80 credit hours of coursework, most PhD in nursing programs cover the research of nursing best practices in the clinical, academic, and scientific environments. However, the application of managerial theory and administrative concepts also serves as a building block of this graduate-level learning experience.

PhD in nursing programs cater to nursing students and established practitioners alike. While returning to the medical industry is definitely a possibility, most recipients of this degree remain in the academic world, seeking tenure at accepting institutions and teaching others via experiential learning.

How Much Does a Nurse with a PhD Make?

Having a PhD puts you higher than students with a bachelor’s or even master’s degree.  For example, nurse instructors with a master’s in nursing education earn $74,600 on average. The highest earning potential for a nurse PhD as a professor is $133,460 on average (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Salary differences are mainly a result of a person’s experience, medical organizations or universities that a person works for, and the location where they live.

Do DNP Get Paid More than NP?

No, a DNP does not get paid more than an NP because they are essentially the same thing. DNP stands for Doctor of Nursing Practice and is the degree that a Nurse Practitioner (NP) holds.

List of Schools Offering Online PhD Nursing Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Established in 1932 by the Episcopal Church, Boise State University is located in Boise, Idaho.

The 8-semester DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) in Leadership program is a flexible, online course delivered in a cohort model with other Master’s prepared nurses across the country. There are 4 on-campus Orientation/Executive sessions. Students take 5-6 credits per semester.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice in Leadership

Boise State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Founded in 1867, Clarion University is located in Clarion, Pennsylvania.

The DNP course is a consortium program between the Edinboro and Clarion Universities. The online, 27-credit-hour, affordable Clarion and Edinboro Universities program is flexible and can be customized to match the student’s interest.

The courses can be taken over 5 semesters in a part-time format.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Clarion University‘s programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Located in Cleveland, Mississippi, Delta State University was established in 1924.

The online DNP program is offered by the University’s Robert E Smith School of Nursing. There are different options for Registered Nurses, Post-Master’s FNP, and Post-Master’s non-FNP students, each with different credit hour requirements. Part-time options are also available.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Delta State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Duquesne University is a Catholic university established in 1878.

The online DNP program is ranked #83 for Best Nursing Schools for DNP in the country by U.S. News & World Report. It has three start dates in the year, and there is no GRE requirement.

There is an option to study abroad at Duquesne’s Rome and Dublin campuses. Other programs include PhD Nursing and PhD Nursing Ethics.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• PhD in Nursing
• PhD in Nursing Ethics

Duquesne University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Established in 1907, East Carolina University is located in Greenville, North Carolina.

The online/hybrid 36-semester hour DNP program provides two pathways to attain the degree – post-master’s and post-baccalaureate. Students are required to attend 1-5 day on-campus sessions at the beginning of every semester.

There are 5 core courses and 4 DNP project courses apart from the electives.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (Hybrid)
• PhD in Nursing (Hybrid)

East Carolina University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Georgia College & State University is located in Milledgeville, Georgia. It was founded in 1889.

The 95% online DNP program comprises 37 semester hours and 540 clinical hours. The program includes a mentored capstone project that focuses on translational and clinical research. The program can be completed within 7 years.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Georgia College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

With its flagship campus in Statesboro, Georgia, GSU was established in 1906.

The 100% online only DNP program is spread over 6 semesters, with flexible schedules. Students can take 2-3 courses per semester, and the curriculum requirement is 37 credit hours. There are 9 electives offered in the program.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Georgia Southern University is accredited by the Commission on Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

A historically black university that was established in 1868 by black and white leaders, Hampton University is located in Hampton, Virginia.

The post-master’s degree DNP program is delivered 100% online and requires a minimum of 33 hours of coursework (each course: 16 weeks) and 500 clinical hours. There are 3 campus residency sessions. The program can be completed in 2 years.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• PhD in Nursing

Hampton University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Located in Normal, Illinois, Illinois State University was founded in 1857.

The 34-hour online DNP program can be completed across 7 semesters and includes 18 hours core courses, 3 hours applied data analysis and management, 6 hours clinical residency, and 7 hours of a scholarly project.

Post-baccalaureate students must complete 1,000 hours of clinical work. International students must submit a Credentials Evaluation Service Report and English proficiency scores.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• PhD in Nursing (Hybrid)

Illinois State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Located on the White River/Fall Creek, Indiana, this school was established in 1969 with a merger of the two universities.

The online DNP program is offered by the IU School of Nursing. It is a post-master’s degree 37-41 credit hour professional doctorate program. Additional intensive in-person course-related interactions are focused on policy and advocacy.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• PhD in Nursing Science

IUPUI is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Indiana State University is classified as a Doctoral/Research University. It was established in 1865 and is located in Terre Haute, Indiana.

The online DNP program is offered by the University’s College of Health and Human Services and is available across all but 15 states in the US.

The program has a 39-credit-hour requirement post master’s degree program, and students must complete 1,000 hours of supervised clinical preceptorship. There is no dissertation requirement.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins University was established in 1876.

The DNP program is available in Hybrid and Online formats, and students can choose one of two pathways.

Students can pick the DNP option that fits their career goals – the online local program that provides opportunities to work with Johns Hopkins faculty in Baltimore or the online with onsite immersion where students attend campus for 7 immersion sessions.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Established in 1874, the Medical University of South Carolina is located in Charleston, South Carolina. It is one of the oldest continuously operating medical schools in the USA.

The online DNP program is not available in 3 states across the country. It can be completed in 2 years. The university’s online programs were ranked #6 in the nation, #3 among public universities, and #2 for nursing programs for veterans by U.S. News & World Report.

• DNP

The Medical University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Located in Springfield, Missouri, Missouri State University was founded in 1905.

The online DNP program for Anesthesia Practice and Nursing Practice programs are both delivered 100% online and can be undertaken while pursuing a career.

The program comprises 29 hours of doctorate coursework and 528 clinical rotation hours and will take a minimum of 5 semesters to complete.

• Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice
• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Missouri State University‘s regional accreditation is through the Higher Learning Commission.

Murray State University was founded in 1922 and is located in Murray, Kentucky.

The 36-month DNP program curriculum combines distance learning and online learning, with the first year being 100% online. The second and third years are delivered in a hybrid format. Core courses are taught online, while specialty courses are delivered face-to-face.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Murray State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

With its main campus in Flagstaff, Arizona, Northern Arizona University was established in 1899.

The online DNP program is delivered by the University’s College of Health and Human Services. The program comprises 74-79 units of graduate-level course work and 1,000 hours of clinical practice, with a minimum of 240 hours to be completed at the Northern Arizona University.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

NAU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Located in Highland Heights, Kentucky, Northern Kentucky University was founded in 1948.

The100% online DNP program can be completed in 20 months. Students are required to complete 10 core courses of seven weeks length each over for 35 credit hours. The tuition is affordably priced, and multiple start dates are available throughout the year.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Northern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Established in 1856, the Northwestern State University of Louisiana has a colorful and interesting history. Located in Natchitoches, Louisiana, it is one of the oldest educational institutions in the state.

The 100% online DNP program is completed over 42 hours of coursework. Students must complete 1,000 hours of clinical work at an approved institution.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Northwestern State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Located in Columbus, Ohio, Ohio State University was established in 1870.

The online DNP program is delivered by the university’s College of Nursing. Students completing the DNP program are eligible for certification in one of the advanced practice specialties available. The program has limited authorization in some states and is not available in some states.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Ohio State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Established in 1930, the Old Dominion University is located in Norfolk, Virginia.

The online DNP program is offered by the university’s College of Nursing. Students are required to take 10 courses to complete the degree either on a full or part-time basis. Full-time students can complete the 37-credit course in 1.5 years.

• DNP – Advanced
• DNP – Executive

Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Founded in 1910, Radford University is located in Radford, Virginia.

The post-master’s degree, 30-credit-hour, online DNP program can be done full time or part-time but must be completed within 8 years. Four different DNP concentrations are available.

The university offers a range of research resources, including tutoring in writing skills, online library compilation, etc.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Radford University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Located in Edwardsville, Illinois, this branch was established in 1957.

The post-master’s degree, 30-credit, online DNP program is offered by the university’s School of Nursing in combination with the School of Business. The program is structured to be fully online with two on-campus immersion experiences and is conducted over 54 hours of coursework.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Texas Woman’s University is a co-educational institution located in Denton, Texas. It was established in 1902.

The DNP program is available in a Hybrid format, combining both online study and classroom experience. It requires 46 hours, plus 500 hours of clinical work and a capstone project to complete. The program is offered at the university’s Dallas and Houston centers.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• PhD in Nursing Science

Texas Woman’s University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The flagship institution of the State University of New York system, the University at Buffalo, was founded in 1846. It has campuses in Amherst and Buffalo, New York, and was originally founded as a medical college.

The online 5-7-semester post-master’s degree 36-credit-hour 100% online DNP program is offered by the University’s School of Nursing. Students must complete 400 hours of clinical work.

• PhD in Nursing

The University at Buffalo is accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the University of Alabama was established in 1820.

The 30 credit online DNP program usually takes about 1.5 years to complete. Students are provided with a faculty advisor to support them through the program.

The program requires one or two campus-based immersion experiences and 1,000 practice hours, of which 500 are part of a supervised program.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• EdD in Instructional Leadership – Nurse Education (Hybrid)

The University of Alabama is accredited and/or recognized by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Established in 1950 as an extension of the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama – Huntsville is located in Huntsville, Alabama.

The 40-credit-hour fully online DNP program is taken over several semesters as determined by the Graduate Faculty Adviser. It offers two pathways: Post-baccalaureate and Post-Master’s degree. The program has one required Intensive in the Spring Semester.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• PhD in Nursing Science

UAH is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Located in Tucson, Arizona, the University of Arizona was established in 1885.

The 100% online DNP program has 7 concentration options and enables students who have completed the program to be licensed through the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Students must complete at least 500 hours of clinical practice. The program is not offered to students in some states.

• DNP – Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (Hybrid)
• DNP – Executive Health Systems Leadership (Hybrid)
• DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (Hybrid)
• DNP – Nurse Anesthesia (Hybrid)
• DNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (Hybrid)
• DNP – Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Hybrid)
• DNP – Nursing Informatics (Hybrid)

The University of Arizona is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Established in 1907, the University of Central Arkansas is located in Conway, Arkansas and is noted for courses in nursing, psychology, education, business, and performing arts.

The online DNP program is delivered over 6 consecutive semesters. Students are required to take 2 intensive on-campus days each year, take 2 courses each semester, with 15 hours per week for each 3-hour course.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

The University of Central Arkansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Located in Orlando, Florida, the University of Central Florida was established in 1963. UCF College of Nursing was adjudged among the Most Innovative in 2019-20.

The fully online post-master’s DNP program offers flexibility, convenience, and affordability. Students can take advantage of reduced tuition costs through fee waivers and campus amenities.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice – Advanced
• Doctor of Nursing Practice – Executive
• PhD in Nursing

The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Colorado – Colorado Springs was established in 1902.

The fully online 70-credit-hour DNP program can be completed in 3 years of full-time study and 5 years of part-time study. Students must also complete a capstone project and are required to complete 1,170 hours of supervised clinical coursework at a local medical facility.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

UCCS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Located in Iowa City, Iowa, the University of Iowa was founded in 1847. It is the oldest university in the state and the first co-educational institution in the US. The School of Nursing is ranked #14 among the Best Nursing Schools for DNP by U.S. News & World Report.

The top-ranked, online/Hybrid DNP program is offered in a flexible, affordable format tailored to suit individualized schedules and preferences.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

The University of Iowa is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

With its main campus in Lawrence, Kansas, the University of Kansas was established in 1866.

The post-master’s degree online DNP program requires 19 credit hours of DNP core courses. Students must fulfill at least 6 hours of the doctoral research project, 7 credit hours of specialty courses along with the university’s Research Skills and Responsible Scholarship requirement.

• DNP (Hybrid)
• PhD in Nursing (Hybrid)

The University of Kansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette was established in 1898.

The online DNP program is offered in collaboration with the Intercollegiate Consortium for Master of Science Nursing, with concentration as a Family Nurse Practitioner is available with a 42-45-credit-hour requirement.

Students can take the program across five semesters and is best suited for those living in Louisiana.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (Hybrid)

The University of Louisiana Lafayette is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Established in 1844, the University of Mississippi is located in Oxford, Mississippi.

The flexible, online DNP program is offered by the university’s Medical Center School of Nursing. Students who have completed a master’s degree take 2-3 years. Course delivery combines online courses and intensive 1 or 2-day on-campus sessions each semester.

• PhD in Nursing

The University of Mississippi is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Located in Columbia, Missouri and established in 1839, the University of Missouri is the largest university in the state.

The online, 72-74.5 credit hour DNP program is offered by the University’s Sinclair School of Nursing. Students must complete 1,000 hours of supervised clinical hours, based on the emphasis area, and a DNP Scholarly Project.

• DNP – Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (Hybrid)
• DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner (Hybrid)
• DNP – Nursing Leadership and Innovations in Health Care (Hybrid)
• DNP – Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (Hybrid)
• DNP – Pediatric Nurse Practitioner-Primary Care (Hybrid)
• DNP – Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Hybrid)
• DNP – PhD in Nursing (Hybrid)

The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Established in 1959, the University of Nevada – Las Vegas is located in Paradise, Nevada.

The 100% online post-master’s degree DNP program comprises around 31 semester credit hours depending on the track chosen. Several specializations are offered. A loan program is available for qualified, eligible students. No GRE/GMAT is required. The program is not available in some states.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• Doctor of Nursing Practice: BSN – DNP Family Nurse Practitioner
• Doctor of Nursing Practice: BSN – DNP Nurse Executive
• Doctor of Nursing Practice: Post-Master’s Advanced Practice
• Doctor of Nursing Practice: Post-Masters Nurse Executive
• Doctor of Philosophy – Nursing

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Located in Reno, Nevada, this university was established in 1874.

The online DNP program is available either via BSN to DNP or as a post-master’s degree. The 30-credit-hour program can be completed in two years. Students can also take a 3-year study plan that also requires 30 credit hours.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

The University of Nevada, Reno is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

With its main campus in Durham, New Hampshire, the University of New Hampshire was founded in 1866.

The online DNP program requires 8 core courses, 3 doctoral seminars, two on-campus residencies, and 1,000 advanced practice clinical hours, a publishable scholarly paper, a successful oral defense of the DNP project, and its acceptance by your DNP team. Cohorts are admitted bi-annually.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

The University of New Hampshire is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Located across 16 of North Carolina’s campuses, the University of North Carolina was originally founded at Chapel Hill in 1789. It is the first residential school for gifted students to be set up in the US.

The online DNP program takes about two years to complete on a full-time basis. The program length varies between 37 and 41 credit hours for post-master’s degree students on a full or part-time basis.

• DNP – Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Nursing
• DNP – Nursing Education

UNC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

The university offers a Doctorate in Nursing Practice and also a PhD in Nursing. The online DNP program can be taken on a full-time, part-time, or accelerated basis.

Students take 18-24 months to complete the full-time program, 32 months for the part-time program, and 12 months for the accelerated one.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice
• PhD in Nursing

The University of North Dakota as a whole is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Located in Mobile, Alabama, the University of South Alabama was established in 1963.

The online DNP program is offered by the University’s College of Nursing. Students can choose from among 15 different specialty areas. Three pathways are available for students based on their level of education. All requirements for the degree must be completed within 7 years.

• DNP – Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Clinical Nurse Specialist
• DNP – Executive Nurse Administrator
• DNP – Family Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Nursing Informatics
• DNP – Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Psychiatric (Family) Nurse Practitioner
• DNP – Public Health Administration
• DNP – Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

The University of South Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

With its main campus located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the University of Southern Mississippi was established in 1910.

The DNP program is available via three pathways. The BSN to DNP program is 100% online, while the Nursing (FNP) MSN and Nursing (FNP) Graduate Certificate programs are Hattiesburg Hybrid. Students require 34-43 credit hours to complete the program.

• PhD in Nursing Leadership

The University of Southern Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of Texas at Tyler was founded in 1971.

The PhD Nursing program and partly online DNP programs are offered by the University’s Department of Graduate Nursing. The DNP program consists of 45 credit hours and 1,000 clinical hours. Scholarship and financial support are available for eligible students.

• PhD in Nursing

The University of Texas at Tyler is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Located in Toledo, Ohio, the University of Toledo was established in 1872.

The online DNP program is designed to admit BSN prepared nurses. There are four program major options. Some of the courses are available online, while students will have to attend classes at the UT Health Science Campus along with 1060-1150 hours of clinical practice.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

The University of Toledo is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Established in 1842, Villanova University is a Catholic University located in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania.

The University offers a PhD in Nursing and a post-master’s DNP degree. The 32 credit hour DNP program is a blend of distance learning and classroom experiences. Distance learning classes are according to a fixed schedule.

• PhD in Nursing

Villanova University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Located in Richmond, Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University is ranked among the best in the country by U.S. News & World Report, its DNP program ranked #37 among best nursing schools. It was established in 1838.

The online DNP program is available on a full or part-time basis with a 39 minimum credit hour requirement. Students are required to be on campus three times during a year. TOEFL scores are required for non-native-English-speaking students.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (Hybrid)
• PhD in Nursing

VCU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

With its main campus in Morgantown, West Virginia, the West Virginia University was established in 1862.

The online DNP program offered by the University’s School of Nursing has a requirement of 33 credit hours completed over 7-10 semesters. Additional clinical and capstone credits may be required to complete the coursework.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

West Virginia University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

William Carey University was established in 1892 and is located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. It is a Christian college affiliated with the Southern Baptist Church.

The PhD Nursing program can be taken over two or three years through a trimester system. The pace can be tailored to the student’s requirements, but the program must be completed in 6 years.

• PhD in Nursing Education and Administration (Hybrid)

William Carey University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Located in Newcastle, Delaware, Wilmington University was established in 1968.

The online DNP program is flexible and delivered 100% online. It can be completed in 28 months, culminating in a 9-credit, one-year long doctoral project. Core courses are delivered in 7-week-long blocks and DNP project courses over 15-week semesters.

• DNP – Advanced Practice
• DNP – Leadership

Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Located in Rochester, Minnesota, the Winona State University – Rochester was founded in 1917.

The DNP program is designed for the RN prepared student with either a baccalaureate or master’s degree in nursing. The master’s degree student is required to complete 31 credit hours, which include 9 clinical scholarship credits and 540 clinical hours.

• Doctor of Nursing Practice

Winona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Is a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Worth It?

Yes, a doctor of philosophy in nursing is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 15% job growth in healthcare occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include acute care nurse practitioner, chief nursing officer, and nursing instructor.

It may take a lot of hard work completing the classes and writing your dissertation, but you’ve come this far in your education and career, so with determination, you can finish your doctoral degree as well.

You can start by deciding which degree you want – a PhD in Nursing Education, a PhD in Healthcare Leadership, or a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Then, narrow down your choice of schools by degree offering and possible concentrations. Apply to your top 3-5 choices and research financial aid opportunities.

In 3-5 years, you may be finished with your degree and an expert in your field.

The post 50 Best Online PhD Nursing Programs [2024 Guide] appeared first on MyDegreeGuide.com.

After acquiring your traditional or online masters degree in counseling, one of the best options for advancing your future professional goals comes in the form of pursuing a PhD in this field. Those with a doctorate in counseling will likely benefit from a growing job market as projected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Most prospective students embark on the PhD journey with hopes of breaking into the academic field or gaining a similar well-payed stable job. In the field of Counselling, on the other hand, there is an additional reward at the end of the road: the opportunity to help people heal, improve, and transform their own lives.

Types of PhD in Counseling Online Degrees

The expansion of online learning opportunities has opened many avenues for prospective counselors. The following programs are all available now. Click on one you’re interested in to jump to that part of the page.

• PhD in Marriage & Family Therapy – Child & Adolescent Therapy
• PhD in Marriage & Family Therapy – Couple Therapy
• PhD in Marriage & Family Therapy – General Family Therapy
• PhD in Marriage & Family Therapy – Medical Family Therapy
• PhD in Marriage & Family Therapy – Therapy with Military Families
• PhD in Pastoral Care and Counseling
• PhD in Psychology – Counseling Psychology

Though related, each of these degrees and concentrations can help prepare you to work with patients in different life situations.

PhD in Marriage & Family Therapy – Child & Adolescent Therapy

At the PhD level, specialists in Child and Adolescent Therapy primarily work with children between the ages of 6 of 16.

Their day-to-day practice typically consists of conducting intelligence and learning assessments, addressing learning disabilities, and helping young people affected by a mood disorder.

Many child or adolescent specialists often focus on children on the autism spectrum, from at-risk populations, or who need to be safely involved in family therapy.

This specialization focuses heavily on child development, family dynamics, and play-based therapy. Most programs now place a special emphasis on non-traditional family systems to ensure all their graduates can provide inclusive care.

Those who wish to focus on research rather than on a private practice may find new opportunities to test and design therapies that can affect a troublesome child’s outcomes for decades to come.

PhD in Marriage & Family Therapy – Couple Therapy

Counselors with a PhD in Couple Therapy focus on harmonizing the needs and dynamics of two different people. At the same time, they have an opportunity to affect the quality of life of society from its smallest level.

Up until very recently, Couple-focused therapy was largely seen as a private matter or the last resort for failing marriages. However, in a world with changing gender dynamics and a larger number of non-traditional families, this field has rapidly become much more complex and specialized.

This course of studies usually includes specialized coursework in couple therapy practice, the historical and sociological forces shaping families, and emotional management. Special emphasis is typically placed on the interpersonal dynamics within the couple, and on sexual health.

PhD in Marriage & Family Therapy – General Family Therapy

A PhD with a focus on General Family Therapy is not a generalist degree. The main goal of such a program is to provide the clinical and sociological competencies required to tackle family dynamics and to provide group therapy on a daily basis.

Because of the importance of families as a microcosm of general society, the coursework usually places a strong focus on sociology and social justice. In addition to building upon general clinical counseling, the ability to diagnose may be cultivated in a practical setting.

Further theoretical analysis will allow examining the effects of a traditional diagnosis on family systems and dynamics.

A doctorate in General Family Therapy can help counselors collaborate with occupational therapists, domestic violence units, or to open their own private practice. It may be a great value program for anyone who wants to keep their clientele diverse and still provide expert-level help.

PhD in Marriage & Family Therapy – Medical Family Therapy

The goal of Medical Family Therapy is to efficiently combine family counseling theory with more specialized knowledge on the clinical aspects of mental health.

These programs produce counselors who are uniquely qualified to examine the effects of a major mental diagnosis (such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or autism) on the family at large.

Psychiatry and clinical psychology now see community-based mental health care as the goal standard. As part of this trend, a medical family therapist can enlist the family in aiding a patient’s recovery.

They work hand in hand with caretakers and help them identify the signs of an impending episode. They can also analyze and predicts the ways in which a catastrophic diagnosis will affect the rest of the family. In turn, this can be used to provide preventative care.

PhD in Marriage & Family Therapy – Therapy with Military Families

A military environment is often seen as a highly-structured, hierarchical one where weakness is rarely allowed.

However, it is also comprised of people who have been exposed to extreme situations, or who may be temporarily missing an important family member. This poses its own mental health issues and disruptions.

A specialist in Therapy with Military Families will acquire specific experience with the issues that are typical in this population. This includes adaptation disorder and PTSD for those returning from the battlefield.

They also learn how to better navigate the resources available for recently-relocated families, who may be lacking the support of their extended relations. Likewise, they can work with the children of military bases, who often require extra help settling down.

This may be a great specialty for anyone who wants to contribute to the country’s defense while still remaining in the counseling field.

PhD in Pastoral Care and Counseling

A Doctor in Pastoral Care is a fully-qualified counseling professional who specializes in religious communities, or in providing mental health assistance with a spiritual background. A program devoted to educating a pastoral counselor focuses both on mental health theory and on specific ministry-related tasks.

This is a very advanced program meant to help ministers, priests, and divinity majors bridge the abyss between mental or psychological care and spiritual care.

It may be ideal for experienced, practicing ministers who also wish to take an active role in their communities, by intervening in their potential family conflicts or behavioral issues.

It can also provide a scientific background for anyone who wants to start a gospel-based addictions program, rehabilitation, or eating disorder therapy group.

PhD in Psychology – Counseling Psychology

Although they appear synonymous in the general vocabulary, there is a significant difference between a counselor and a psychologist. This encompasses both the certification and the specific curriculum necessary for each one.

Nevertheless, many psychologists and clinicians often choose to pursue a Counseling degree online, especially at the doctorate level.

A doctor in Counseling Psychology is uniquely qualified to provide evidence-based mental health care, including behavioral interventions, rehabilitation, and other types of structured psychological therapy.

On a daily basis, they deal with a variety of mental health diagnoses. They can also provide preventative care for those who are at risk of developing mental health issues, dealing with bereavement, or undergoing major life changes.

They often work hand in hand with psychiatrists and occupational therapists.

PhD in Counseling Curriculum

In programs such as this, the core curriculum typically covers a multitude of areas of study in order to ensure that students develop the skill sets needed for careers in the field. If you sign up for this kind of program, you can likely expect classes related to:

• Advanced Appraisal Techniques
• Qualitative Methodology
• Practice of Counseling Supervision
• Methods of Counseling Research
• Theories of Counselor Supervision
• Advanced Counselor Practicum and Techniques
• Statistical Methods for Counselor Education Research
• Advanced Counselor Theories
• Multivariate Methods for Counselor Education Research
• Applications of Counseling Research

Most doctorate degrees require a dissertation, but more and more colleges are offering PhD programs without a dissertation. Instead, students work on a capstone project.

PhD in Counseling Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, some careers in the counseling field include:

Your salary may be higher or lower based on your years of experience, the type of practice for which you work, and the region of the country in which you live.

Professional Organizations for those with a Counseling PhD

A family or marriage counselor has access to confidential information on a daily basis. Their interventions have the ability to enact deep change in the happiness of people. Handling this amount of power requires a responsible, well-rounded professional.

To ensure a minimum standard of quality of care and to regulate the potential ethical dilemmas that may arise, there are different professional organizations that group counselors. These include:

• The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy: This organization represents more than 50,000 family therapists across the United States and Canada. Their main goals are to facilitate research in their field and to establish clinical standards for ethical practice.
• The American Counseling Association: The ACA is the world’s largest network of counselors. They are based in Alexandria, Virginia, and their nearly 60,000 members encompass almost all practice settings and subtypes. They are well-renowned for their code of ethics.
• The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP): Unlike the other two organizations mentioned above, the CACREP focuses on counseling programs and training seminaries rather than on existing practitioners. Their main role is to set the minimum standards that all counselor training programs must follow.

Consider joining one of these organizations as a student to take advantage of industry publications, conferences, and job and internship opportunities.

Accreditation for an Online PhD Counseling Degree

There is now a wide variety of opportunities were a prospective student can train to become a certified counselor. This has led to the onset of many new names in the industry, which can generate confusion for students and employers alike.

A program’s accreditation can help potential employers or fellow researchers check that the training you have received was thorough and evidence-based.

This can also help you ensure that the education you will receive covers all the basic areas needed to perform as a professional and that the organization is financially stable and will continue running by the time you finish your degree.

Across the United States, most universities are accredited by regional conferences and accreditation bodies. Counseling programs, in particular, should be certified by the above-mentioned CACREP.

PhD in Counseling Admission Requirements

In terms of the admissions requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling program, you’ll typically need to have a master’s degree that is nationally or regionally accredited.

Most schools also request a GRE score report with a total quantitative and verbal score of 4.0 and 300 on the section that pertains to analytic writing. If you’re taking the GMAT, expect to score a 400 or higher to meet the minimum admissions requirements of many schools.

Written commendations from professors, a letter of intent, or a personal interview with the core members of the institute’s PhD faculty can also pop up in the admissions process from time to time, so keep an eye for these more specialized metrics and requirements.

Financial Aid for a PhD in Counseling Online

A PhD is a significant financial investment that is meant to produce higher earnings for years to come. However, funding is a significant barrier for young professionals seeking to enter the counseling profession, especially if they are enrolling in a full-time program.

Some financial aid options to explore include:

• Scholarships: These are merit-based bursaries, grants, and internships meant to assist high-performing students access a specific program. Many target specific populations, such as minorities or people with specific experience in a niche field.
• Federal Grants: The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) offers need-based financial aid for certain underprivileged students. These grants do not need to be repaid but are hard to qualify for.
• Federal Loans: Federal student loans are one of the most widely available forms of financial aid for American graduate students. These loans may be subsidized or unsubsidized, depending on the student’s financial background.
• State and University Financial Aid: Each state, its university system, and many individual private universities have their own financial aid programs, and access to specially-tailored scholarships or bursaries.

The place to start is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Questions Related to Earning an Online Counseling PhD

Here are our answers to a few more questions you might have.

Can You Get a PhD in Counseling?

Yes, you can get a PhD in Counseling. Admission requirements will vary depending on the institution and its focus. In general, they will require a Master’s degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field.

You will most likely need some experience in the field (usually between 1 to 3 years) before presenting an admissions essay.

How Much Does a PhD in Counseling Cost?

The cost of a PhD will depend on the institution and the number of credits that need to be completed. In general, state universities are more affordable than private ones, especially for in-state students.

The total cost of a PhD typically ranges between $27,000 (for an in-state student at a publicly funded university) to $47,000 (at a private university). This is before you deduct financial aid.

How Long Does It Take to Complete a PhD in Counseling?

Most PhD programs encompass between 50 and 72 credit hours, along with the completion of a doctoral thesis. This is usually designed to take between 3 and 5 years of full-time study. If you take a non-thesis program, you might be able to finish in 3 years.

List of Schools Offering an Online PhD Degree in Counseling

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Adler University was established in 1952 and can be found in Chicago, Illinois. They offer a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision which can be completed with 3 years.

Classes are offered online and in the classroom. Physical classes are held evenings and weekends to accommodate the working professional.

• PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision

Adler University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Adams State University was founded as a teacher’s college in 1921. It can be found on a 90-acre campus in the San Luis Valley. Their Counselor Education and Supervision Doctorate of Philosophy is delivered online.

There is the additional in-person requirement of a total of four separate one-week residences, which are completed in the summer.

• PhD in Counselor Education

ASU is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Alliant International University has its main campus in San Diego but also has campuses located in California and Mexico. Founded in 2001, the University came about from the combination of two institutes.

They currently offer a PsyD in Educational Psychology, which is completely delivered online. Created for professionals, you can attain this PsyD degree in 3 years.

• PsyD in Educational Psychology – School Counseling

Alliant International University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Antioch University was established in 1852 as Antioch College. They offer an MFT Doctor of Philosophy. This degree is designed to prepare graduates for working in marriage and family therapy in Social Justice.

These include jobs in research careers, supervision, leadership, and academics. The doctoral degree has a considerable amount of focus on research training.

• PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy

Antioch University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Higher Learning Commission.

California Southern University was established in 1978. The doctoral degree is offered 100% online and is clinically focused. This program is designed to prepare students for clinical psychologist licensure upon successful completion.

The program is a 66-credit program, and students can transfer up to 30 credits to the program. The program can be completed in 4 years, and a practicum must be done at locally approved sites.

• Doctor in Psychology

California Southern University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Capella University was established in 1993 and has headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Their PhD is in Advanced Studies in Human Behavior.

The program aims to equip graduates with the knowledge they need to step up the career ladder in social, behavioral, and higher education settings. With an emphasis on interdisciplinary leadership theory and research, it offers a large theory base.

• PhD in Advanced Studies in Human Behavior
• PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Felician University has two campuses, one in Rutherford and one in Lodi. The university was founded by the Felician Sisters.

The Doctorate in Counselling Psychology from Felician University is a 73-credit program with a length of 4 to 5 years. The program is offered with a mix of classroom and online instruction.

• Doctorate in Counseling Psychology (Hybrid)

Felician University is accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Fielding Graduate University was established in 1974 and is located in Santa Barbara, California. I offer a General PhD in Clinical psychology that can be completed in 5 or 6 years.

The program is designed with a sequential curriculum, making the minimum time to complete the degree is 5 years.

• PhD in Clinical Psychology – Social Justice and Diversity

Fielding Graduate University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Hampton University was established in April of 1868. It is home to the oldest museum in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the oldest of the African diaspora in the US.

This program is geared toward licensed counselors who want to expand their careers into clinical and supervisory roles. The PhD is an accelerated degree in Counselor Education and Supervision, which is delivered online.

• PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision

Hampton University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Grand Canyon University is a non-denominational Christian university that offers a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. It takes a practical and theoretical approach and includes research studies to test new theories and ideas.

The degree is designed to ensure that graduates will be able to support clinical counselors and counseling students.

• PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision

Grand Canyon University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Liberty University is an evangelical Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. It offers a PhD in Counseling that is delivered entirely online.

The program’s emphasis is in Counselor Education and Supervision, and it is a 60-credit hour program that can be completed in 4 years, and students can transfer up to 15 credits.

• PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Mississippi College can be found in Clinton and is a Baptist institution that was established in 1826.

They offer several graduate programs, including the Doctor of Professional Counseling, which is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they will need to be extremely effective in their roles as counselors.

• Doctor of Professional Counseling

Mississippi College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Founded in 1971, National University is a network of nonprofit educational institutions headquartered in San Diego, California. It has scholarships available for more exemplary students.

NU offers a variety of programs that can be beneficial for those interested in counseling, including:

• PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy
• PhD in Psychology – Addictions
• PhD in Psychology – Counseling Psychology

National University is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Oregon State University is a flagship research university. It was established in 1868 and is located in Corvallis, Oregon. It offers a PhD in counseling, which is designed to prepare graduates for becoming counselor educations, clinical supervisors, advanced practitioners, etc.

The degree has a major focus on research and how it can be used to understand and address the societal changes of today.

• PhD in Counseling

Oregon State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Regent University is a Christian university established in 1977 and is located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. They offer international doctorate programs that are affordable and highly applicable.

Their programs and all their faculty and administrators have biblical principles at their foundation. The program is offered as a dual program with classes online and on-campus.

• PhD in Counseling & Psychological Studies
• PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision

Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Saybrook University was established in 1971 and offers a PhD in Clinical Psychology. The degree is designed for those students who are looking for a program that will equip them with the practical skills necessary to start their professional practice.

The program covers multi-cultural psychology, psychotherapy, child and adolescent psychology, and more.

• PhD in Clinical Psychology

Saybrook University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

The University of Louisiana in Monroe offers a PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy. They have been offering this program since June of 1995. The program is delivered entirely online, and students require a Master’s degree.

This degree can help students increase their earning potential as they open up doors for career advancement.

• PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy

The University of Louisiana at Monroe is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of the Cumberlands can be found in Williamsburg, Kentucky. It is a Christian university that was founded in 1888 and later had a name change in 2005. It offers a fully online PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision.

This program is designed to provide students with the necessary skills to work as counselors, teachers, and to build a career in research.

• PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision

The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The University of West Georgia can be found in Carrollton, Georgia. It offers an EdD in Professional Counseling and Supervision. This program aims to provide graduates with the skills needed to effectively practice in advocacy and leadership roles in their communities.

The program features a dissertation to defend a selected professional practice to evaluate and improve programs for a positive impact on clients and their communities.

• EdD in Professional Counseling and Supervision

The University of West Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Walden University offers many doctoral programs in Counselling completely online and is the # 1 conferrer of online doctoral degrees in the United States.

Their programs are geared towards the working professional who needs to tailor their studies to their lifestyle, where full-time studies are simply just not an option. Students entering the program have 4 different specializations to choose from.

• PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision
• PhD in Developmental Psychology
• PhD in Psychology
• PsyD in Behavioral Health Leadership

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Is a Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Worth It?

Yes, a Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting 12% job growth in community and social service occupations over the next 10 years. Common careers in this field include school counselor, marriage therapist, and substance abuse counselor.

As part of planning for your future, you’ll want to compare the various career paths that come with obtaining a PhD or a master’s degree. Typically, a master’s degree can lead to a teaching career educating people on the different aspects of counseling.

Having a PhD, on the other hand, can open up the possibility of providing clinical counseling, as well as the opportunity to reach a supervisor position.

Of course, the type of jobs available to you is only part of the discussion when it comes to determining the worth of this process. Some people may choose to stop their education at a master’s degree because they’re satisfied with completing this challenge. Others are driven to pursue their education to the highest level, and as such, will want to earn their PhD.

When weighing the decision about whether to stay with a master’s degree or go for a doctorate, ultimately the choice will hinge on what you feel will give you the most satisfaction as you take this next major step in your life.

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