Explore, Compare & Choose the Best Online Doctoral Programs
Choosing among the best online doctoral programs is a difficult and time-consuming task. To make your search easy we compared and verified some of the accredited PhD programs, professional doctorates and PhD by publication routes in fields such as business, education, nursing, psychology, information technology and criminal justice, offered by respected universities in the USA and other countries around the world.
Please feel free to use our guides as a starting point, to explore, compare and shortlist the Best Online Doctoral Program that matches your field, career goals, budget and schedule.
Compare research and practice-based routes
Guides by speed, cost and dissertation requirement
Find programs by field and location
Each program is checked against its accreditor
Table of Contents
Not Sure Which Doctoral Degree Is Right for You? Start Here
Are you searching for the best PhD and Doctorate Program online in the USA or around the world? The first thing to understand is that the best online doctoral program is what suits your career, goal, academic background, budget, and time, etc.
For effective search, the first decision is to choose the right type of doctorate. A traditional PhD Online is a research degree built around original research and, in almost every case, requires a dissertation or thesis. However, Professional doctorate programs online, such as an EdD, DBA, DNP, PsyD, DIT or DCJ, designed to applies existing research to practice in respective field.
Many of the professional doctorate programs online replace traditional dissertation with capstone or applied project, but this varies by university and some programs still requires a dissertation, so do not assume that every professional doctorate ends up with capstone or applied project.
The third route, The PhD by Publication (also called PhD by Published Works), one of the fastest PhD models, assesses your already published work, you do not have to write a new thesis, you submit portfolio of your published work with a critical commentary, linking to the papers, explaining their original contribution. You are also required to defend it in a viva (oral examination), same as in traditional PhD. This route is mostly offered by UK universities and some other countries in the world. However, in our research we do not find any universities in the USA offering this model.
Find the Right Doctorate for Your Goals
Fastest Online PhD & Doctorate Programs
How fast can you earn your online PhD or Doctorate Degree? In general, the completion time of the Online Doctoral Programs is around four to seven years, but some especially professional doctorate programs are designed to be completed within the shortest period. Even some accredited universities are offering One Year Doctorate Programs Online. For Fastest PhD Programs, A PhD by Publication can be quicker, still with registration periods of roughly 6 to 18 months at some UK Universities.
Cheapest Online Doctorate & PhD Programs
A doctorate does not have to cost a fortune. Public universities often charge lower in-state tuition in the US, and many public universities in Germany charge little or no tuition for research doctorates. We compare total costs, including tuition, fees, and extras, so you can see the full price.
Online Doctorates Without a Dissertation
Many professional doctorates, such as the EdD, DBA, DNP, DIT, PsyD and DCJ, use an applied capstone or practice project instead of a traditional dissertation. Requirements differ by university, so we compare programs by what they actually ask for.
Scholarships & Fully Funded PhD and Doctoral Programs
To reduce your PhD or Doctorate cost, different funding means like can Scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, grants and employer support can play an important part. Fully funded places usually involve full-time study or research, and fully online options are limited, so we show what each source covers and who can apply. Read our guides to scholarships and funding and to fully funded online PhD and doctoral programs.
Online Doctoral Programs by Subject
The doctoral online programs requirements like admission, length, dissertation or capstone can vary by field. For your convenience, we specifically compare PhDs and Professional Doctorates in our subject guides. With the fastest, cheapest and no dissertation options, as well as we specifically mentioned where PhD by Publication route is available.
Popular Guides
To offer you the quick answer and opportunity to explore, we try to answer most of the important questions experienced professionals searched or asked for regarding best online doctoral programs in the USA and around the world.
| Guide | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Cheapest Online DBA Programs | Compare total tuition for online Doctor of Business Administration programs. |
| Fastest Online DBA Programs | See which online DBA programs are structured to finish sooner. |
| Fully Funded Online PhD & Doctorate Programs | Find programs and funding routes that cover tuition. |
| 1 Year Online PhD Programs | What a one-year timeline can and cannot mean for a doctorate. |
| Online DBA Without Dissertation | Business doctorates that use an applied project instead. |
| Online DNP Programs Without Dissertation | Doctor of Nursing Practice programs with a practice-based final project. |
Quick Comparison Table: Best Online Doctoral Programs
It is very important that you should compare the available options before enrolling in any Online PhD or Doctorate Program. Again, for your review we present a table consisting of examples of some of the popular doctoral programs in the USA and in other countries of the world. Please note, it is a sample, not a ranking. We checked and verified the accreditation status, published tuition, length, and dissertation requirements, and all the information comes from each university official page.
Figures come from each university’s official page and change often. Programs and specializations differ in price and length. Check the official page before you apply.
| University | Degree | Delivery | Length | Published tuition | Dissertation | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capella University | PhD in Psychology (Educational Psychology specialization) | Online | 18-22 quarters in the university’s cost scenarios (about 4.5 to 5.5 years) | Tuition cap of $48,000 (cap conditions apply) | Yes | USA |
| Walden University | PhD in Education (Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment and Evaluation) | Online | Up to 8 years allowed to complete | $51,150 coursework (66 credits at $775) plus $15,500 to $93,000 for doctoral study credits | Yes | USA |
| University of Arkansas | Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership | Online with weekly live sessions, plus three required weekend seminars on campus | 42 credit hours; about 3 years | About $21,500 at fall 2025 rates ($459.68 tuition plus $52.98 fees per credit hour; our calculation). Check current rates | Yes | USA |
| University of Arkansas | Doctor of Education (EdD) in Human Resource Development | 100% online | 54 credit hours; about 4 years; up to 7 years allowed | About $26,800 at fall 2024 rates ($446.29 tuition plus $49.78 fees per credit hour; our calculation). Check current rates | Yes (candidacy exam and dissertation) | USA |
| Athabasca University | Doctor of Business Administration | Online courses plus onsite research workshops | 21 credits; one intake a year; time varies with dissertation | Total program cost CAD $63,589 (varies with dissertation time) | Yes | Canada |
| University of Liverpool | Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) | Hybrid: online learning plus four on-campus residencies (in-person attendance not compulsory but highly recommended) | 4.5 years, extendable to 7.5 years | 2025/26 fees: £13,000 a year for 2 years, then £8,000 a year for 2.5 years (about £46,000 in total); 2026/27 fees to be confirmed | Yes (thesis) | UK |
| University of Essex | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), research degree | Distance learning for applicants living outside the UK; remote supervision, possibly short visits to Essex | PhD stage 3-4 years full-time (Integrated PhD page); part-time takes about twice as long | Varies by subject and student status; see Essex research degree fees | Yes (thesis and viva) | UK |
| University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) | Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | Online location available (also on campus) | About 3 years per UniSQ’s FAQ; listed duration 4 years or part-time equivalent | International full-fee: AUD 36,160 indicative annual fee for 2026 (varies by discipline; reviewed annually). Tuition for eligible Australian and New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents is covered by the government’s RTP Fees Offset | Yes (research thesis) | Australia |
| Charles Sturt University | Doctor of Philosophy (Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences) | Online/off-campus study listed | 3 years full-time (as listed by Study Australia) | Varies by discipline and student type; eligible domestic candidates may receive a Research Fee Offset Scholarship | Research degree (check thesis format) | Australia |
Low-cost research doctorates in Germany (not online programs)
Doctoral Programs offered in Germany, are considered most affordable and cheap but most of the programs are research doctorates, and distance learning option is not very common and most of the programs are offered in hybrid or on-campus format. We list them because, according to DAAD, doctoral study at German public universities is tuition-free for at least the first six semesters, and readers often compare them with online options.
| University | Degree | Delivery | Tuition for doctoral study | Dissertation | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RWTH Aachen University | Doctorate (research degree) | Research-based; confirm on-campus requirements with the university | No tuition; a semester fee applies (about €300; €304.47 in one recent winter semester) | Yes (doctoral thesis) | Germany |
| Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Doctorate (research degree) | Research-based; confirm on-campus requirements with the university | No tuition for doctoral students; a semester fee applies (amount set by TUM) | Yes (doctoral thesis) | Germany |
Online PhD & Doctorate Programs by Country
Another factor that affects doctoral online programs is the country you choose. Accreditation, cost, international recognition, completion time and any on-campus requirements can be affected by country factors. For your review and comparison, we cover some of the accredited and verified universities and programs from USA, and other countries around the world such as UK, Australia, Canada, Germany.
🇺🇸 United States of America (USA)
The US has the widest range of online doctoral programs, from PhDs to professional doctorates such as the EdD, DBA, DNP and PsyD. Public universities often charge lower in-state tuition. Check that the university holds institutional accreditation, and for professional fields to check field accreditation too, for example APA for clinical psychology or AACSB for business.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom (UK)
After the USA, the UK is another destination offering various distance learning doctoral programs in several fields. However, many UK doctorate degree programs are research degrees built on independent work with a supervisor. A good option if you are looking for part-time options, as well as some universities in the UK offer distance study doctoral programs. Entry rules and on-campus requirements vary in UK, so check out each university. It is recommended that you should confirm the institution is recognized by UK degree awarding body using the UK government guidance on recognized UK degrees
🇦🇺 Australia
Australian doctoral programs are known for research quality and internationally students’ acceptance. Many Australian Universities offer doctoral programs with flexible supervision, and some also allow distance study. It is highly recommended that you check out each university’s rules on on-campus requirements and visa conditions. And ensure that the university you are going to enroll is registered with TEQSA.
🇦🇺 Canada
Canadian Universities offers English and French Doctoral programs with strong North Americal Recognition. Although fully online doctoral programs in Canada are not very common and are limited, and many of the programs are offered in hybrid model with a combination of online study with some on-campus work. For example, Athabasca University’s online DBA includes onsite research workshops. Tuition at Canadian public universities can be lower than at private US universities.
🇩🇪 Germany
If you are in search of most affordable PhD options. Then Germany is one of the popular options.
According to DAAD, doctoral study at public universities is tuition-free for at least the first six semesters, although you pay a semester contribution each semester, and the amount varies by university.
However, Private universities and some online programs can charge high fees. Most German doctorates are research-based and are not fully online, so plan for supervision arrangements and possible time on campus.
🌎 More Countries
The countries mentioned are popular destinations for the professional looking for online or Distance Learning PhD and Doctorate Programs. Our country’s guide brings the destinations we cover into one place, and we add more countries as our research grows. For each country, check accreditation, cost, recognition and on-campus requirements before you apply.
Our Most Popular Side-by-Side Comparisons
To choose the best online PhD or Doctorate program, Comparison is the most essential and important tool. Comparisons help you in shortlisting the best program as per your requirements. Here at Best Online Doctoral Programs, we offer you the opportunity to compare different doctoral programs on the basis of important factors like cost, speed, accreditation and dissertation requirements, so you can make well informed final decision confidently.
1
Compare PhD Programs by Subject
Find the best doctoral program in your field — Business, Education, Psychology, Nursing, Criminal Justice and IT compared side by side.
2
Compare PhD Programs by Country
US, UK, Australia, Canada and Germany — tuition costs, accreditation standards and program formats compared in one place.
3
Dissertation vs No Dissertation
Not ready for a traditional dissertation? Compare programs that replace it with a capstone, applied project or portfolio.
4
Compare Fastest Online PhD & Doctorate Programs
Compare the fastest online doctorate programs, ranked by time to completion and credit-transfer options.
How We Review and Compare Programs
Accreditation comes first. We list institutions with recognized accreditation or equivalent national recognition. In the US that means accreditors recognized by the Department of Education, such as HLC, MSCHE, NECHE, NWCCU, SACSCOC and WSCUC. In the UK we look for recognized degree-awarding powers, and in Canada, Australia and Germany we use the national or provincial bodies for each country.
Next, we take program data, including tuition, credit hours, timelines, residency requirements and dissertation or capstone format, from official university pages. Prices and rules change, so we show the date of each review and link to the official page.
We are an independent publisher. We do not accept payment from universities to feature, rank or promote their programs. You can read how this site is funded on our Advertising Disclosure page. We are not an accreditor, admissions office or advisor, so always confirm details with the university.
Editorial note
This page is written and maintained independently. We compare programs using official university pages and accreditation databases, and we do not accept payment from universities to feature or rank them. Details change, so we show the date of each update and link to the official page. See our Advertising Disclosure.
About the Author
Adan Abbasi is the writer behind Best Online Doctoral Programs. Adan researches online doctoral and PhD options and compares them using official university pages and accreditation databases. This is independent online research, not admissions or legal advice. - More about the Author
Frequently Asked Questions About Online PhD & Doctorate Programs
Answers to the most common questions we receive from prospective doctoral students — updated for 2026
Are there online doctoral programs without a dissertation?
Many professional doctorates, such as the EdD, DBA, DNP, PsyD, DIT and DCJ, replace the traditional dissertation with a capstone, applied project or portfolio. A PhD is a research degree and normally ends in a dissertation or thesis. Not every professional doctorate drops it; for example, Athabasca University’s online DBA includes a dissertation. Check each program’s requirements.
What is the shortest online PhD program?
Length depends on the university, the field and how many credits transfer. Most online doctoral programs take about four to seven years, and some professional doctorates are designed to be shorter. Be cautious about any program that promises a very short PhD, and always confirm accreditation.
Do all PhD programs require a dissertation?
Almost always, a PhD requires a substantial piece of original research, usually written up as a dissertation or thesis. A PhD by publication replaces the thesis with a body of previously published work, but eligibility rules apply and some universities limit it to their own graduates or staff.
How much does an online PhD cost?
Costs vary widely. As examples from official pages, Capella lists a $48,000 tuition cap for its PhD in Psychology, Walden lists $51,150 for coursework plus $15,500 to $93,000 in doctoral study credits for one PhD in Education specialization, and Athabasca lists a total of CAD $63,589 for its online DBA. Public universities and some programs abroad can cost less. Check each university’s page for current figures.
Are online doctoral degrees in business credible?
Credibility depends mainly on the university’s institutional accreditation and reputation. For business degrees you can also look for program accreditation such as AACSB, AMBA or EQUIS, and ask how employers in your industry view the degree. No degree guarantees a particular outcome.
What are the most flexible online doctoral programs?
Look for part-time pacing, coursework you can complete on your own schedule and few or no on-campus requirements. Some online doctorates still include on-campus residencies or workshops, so check residency requirements before you apply. This is especially important if you work full time.
Sources:
Programs and fees
- Capella University: PhD in Psychology
- Walden University: PhD in Education
- University of Arkansas: EdD Educational Leadership
- University of Arkansas: EdD Human Resource Development
- Athabasca University: Doctor of Business Administration
- University of Liverpool: Executive DBA
- University of Essex: research study
- University of Essex: research degree fees
- UniSQ: Doctor of Philosophy
- Study Australia: Charles Sturt University PhD
Accreditation and recognition
Length and PhD by publication
- College Transitions: online doctoral programs guide
- Prospects: 5 routes to getting a doctorate
- Queen Mary University of London: PhD by Publication guidance
- University of Essex: PhD by Publication
- St Mary's University, Twickenham: research regulations
- Edinburgh Napier University: academic regulations, Section D
Ready to Find Your Program?
Browse our guides by speed, cost, subject, country and dissertation requirement. Each guide links to official program pages so you can check the details yourself.
Disclaimer
This page is for general information only and is not academic, career, legal, financial or licensing advice. Program details such as credits, length, tuition, start dates, state availability and accreditation status change often and may differ from what is shown here. Verify them with the university and the accrediting body before you apply. Salary and job-market figures describe broad occupational groups and are not a guarantee of any outcome. Best Online Doctoral Programs is not affiliated with or endorsed by any university or accrediting body mentioned, and listing a program is not an endorsement. See our Advertising Disclosure, Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.